Seems like darkness is the choice in the USA and for many all around the world. This darkness is far worse than any virus or even poverty. People have chosen to walk in darkness for so long that their senses have grown so weak even to the point verging on complete nonsense. Light continues to shine but in these dark times too many refuse to believe that the light aimed in their direction is intended to show them the path of life. They would rather deny that the light even exist. When they think about the light it hurts their egos making them uncomfortable and even angry. Acceptance of the light requires change on their part so many would rather allow their dim senses to fail rather than think about the light and the need to change. There is always a way that seems right to people but the end of it always leads to destruction. It is written ..that light came into the world and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. Light reproves those whose deeds are to serve their own interest and selfish lust. Those who look for the light of God will find a desire to come to the light to insure their deeds are honoring to God. Their is a way out of the darkness into the light, find the book that contains the formula to receive light for life. That book is the Bible. Read carefully, and I suggest you start with the 21 chapters of John and expand from there. May you have faith to receive light not only for this life but for eternity.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
What about 2012
As 2011 ends and 2012 starts, take time to reflect on the past year from where you started 2011 and where you are now. Do you like the progress made and are you a better person today? The answer to these 2 questions will let you know what you need to address if you want a better answer when 2012 ends(assuming you are still living come 12-31-12). To have a blessed year with good progress and be a better person add the following and you will be pleased with the results when 2012 closes and 2013 is starting.
Compare everything to the Word of God not to popular culture thought otherwise it is like building a home in quicksand. Avoid taking personal offense when scripture is the bases for a position that is contrary to what you have been taught by society. Any thought or position we have that is not based on the Bible is about as useful as a hole in the bottom of a boat.
Remember it is not all about you but about God who loves us so much He sent His son to die for our sins. His purpose for our life is for us to honor Him and be a channel of True Blessing to those we come into contact. Few will accept those who live by biblical truth but God does not require us to be popular but to be salt & light to those who walk in spiritual darkness. Remember darkness is an absence of Light and salt when applied is not always welcome. Don't look for an easy path but choose the straight one luminated by God Himself and 2012 will be your most Blessed year yet.
May God grant you wisdom and boldness as you seek His purpose for your life throughout 2012.
Compare everything to the Word of God not to popular culture thought otherwise it is like building a home in quicksand. Avoid taking personal offense when scripture is the bases for a position that is contrary to what you have been taught by society. Any thought or position we have that is not based on the Bible is about as useful as a hole in the bottom of a boat.
Remember it is not all about you but about God who loves us so much He sent His son to die for our sins. His purpose for our life is for us to honor Him and be a channel of True Blessing to those we come into contact. Few will accept those who live by biblical truth but God does not require us to be popular but to be salt & light to those who walk in spiritual darkness. Remember darkness is an absence of Light and salt when applied is not always welcome. Don't look for an easy path but choose the straight one luminated by God Himself and 2012 will be your most Blessed year yet.
May God grant you wisdom and boldness as you seek His purpose for your life throughout 2012.
Friday, December 16, 2011
The reason for the season.
Recently I have watched spot interviews where children were asked what they knew about Christmas. It was sad to see that only 1 in 10 knew the real reason. This would indicate that their parents also do not know the reason. Therefore I am providing the account of the birth of the Christ child which is the reason for the Christmas season.
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 Judea, 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 Savior, 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.
If you do not have a personal relationship with God through His son Jesus the Christ, I pray that you will do so in 2012 accepting his forgiveness for your sin.
May you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and blessed new year!
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 Judea, 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 Savior, 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.
If you do not have a personal relationship with God through His son Jesus the Christ, I pray that you will do so in 2012 accepting his forgiveness for your sin.
May you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and blessed new year!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Need some help... check out the Bible
Need some peace and rest....Check out Matthew 11: 25-30
Dealing with worry....Check out Matthew 6: 19-34
Kind of fearful or lonely....Check out Psalm 23: 1-6
Want peace of mind....Check out Philippians 4: 6-8
People letting you down....Check out Psalm 27: 1-14
Avoid being critical or bitter....Check out 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
Feeling discouraged....Check out Psalm 34: 1-22
Think God does not know you....Check out Psalm 139: 1-24
Need increased courage....Check out Joshua 1:1-9
Forgotten some blessings....Check out Psalm 103: 1-22
Want some more joy....Check out Colossians 3: 12-17
Find real contentment....Check out Romans 12: 1-21
Know purpose of life....Check out Ecclesiastes 12: 12-14
Dealing with worry....Check out Matthew 6: 19-34
Kind of fearful or lonely....Check out Psalm 23: 1-6
Want peace of mind....Check out Philippians 4: 6-8
People letting you down....Check out Psalm 27: 1-14
Avoid being critical or bitter....Check out 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
Feeling discouraged....Check out Psalm 34: 1-22
Think God does not know you....Check out Psalm 139: 1-24
Need increased courage....Check out Joshua 1:1-9
Forgotten some blessings....Check out Psalm 103: 1-22
Want some more joy....Check out Colossians 3: 12-17
Find real contentment....Check out Romans 12: 1-21
Know purpose of life....Check out Ecclesiastes 12: 12-14
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Woe
Woe to the nations whose people are rebellious and morally polluted and oppresses those who seek to know God. Woe to the places that will not obey the word of God, whose people do not want to receive correction nor put their trust in the LORD God and will not try to get close to God. Woe to the nation whose leaders are as devouring lions and judges as hungry wolves, they rule for personal gain and pervert justice. Woe to the nation whose spiritual leaders and priest are insolent, treacherous people who profane the places of worship and twist the truth of God. The just Lord God is in the midst of the nations every day He sees the iniquity and that the unjust have no shame. God is removing His protection from those nations and their streets are full of violence, their financial structures have become desolate and the people spoiled and devoid of understanding. The nations continue to follow the same destructive path and will not acknowledge that it is God who provides true blessings for a nations people. God has removed His protection and allowed the natural course of events to unfold. Even so the people will not receive instruction and turn to God with repentance for rejecting His truth and living self-centered conceited lives. Great nations have risen and fallen based on the moral character of her people and still even with history filled with examples their is no repentance just the false hope that maybe this time will be different and judgement will pass. There are none so blind as those who will not learn from that which has already occurred. How blind is your nation? The answer will guide you in preparing for the hard times to come and reveal the urgency of your personal need to surrender to the will of God in your life. God loves you and His son Jesus the Christ died that you could have forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with God. Take action before the light has been withdrawn and darkness allowed to engulf your nation.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Preparing for Worship
I received an email containing the following regarding worship, may it challenge your thoughts.
Preparing for Worship!
Whether it is private or corporate worship, one’s heart needs to be prepared. Worship is the communication, or the response, of our spirit with the Spirit of God. It is when, for our heart of hearts, we rejoice in who He is.
The preparation of our heart is to open ourselves to Him, so that we are in position to receive a spiritual examination. The Psalmist spoke for all who truly wish to worship, when he said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me…and see if there is any wicked way in me.” We position ourselves to receive this examination by praying for God to show us our heart. We don’t always know our heart, as well as we would like to think. It is easy to be self-deceived. As we honestly pray for this, we will soon see what things need to be dealt with in our life. There may be things for which we need to repent, and there may be other areas where we need to make a commitment to action.
For public worship preparation, we must determine to aggressively seek after the Lord through all the aspects of the worship service, from the prayers, to the singing, to the offering, to the sermon, and whatever else that transpires. Worship is connecting with God. We must plan to give Him our best, which includes our best attention, our best surrender, and our best commitment.
Preparing for Worship!
Whether it is private or corporate worship, one’s heart needs to be prepared. Worship is the communication, or the response, of our spirit with the Spirit of God. It is when, for our heart of hearts, we rejoice in who He is.
The preparation of our heart is to open ourselves to Him, so that we are in position to receive a spiritual examination. The Psalmist spoke for all who truly wish to worship, when he said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me…and see if there is any wicked way in me.” We position ourselves to receive this examination by praying for God to show us our heart. We don’t always know our heart, as well as we would like to think. It is easy to be self-deceived. As we honestly pray for this, we will soon see what things need to be dealt with in our life. There may be things for which we need to repent, and there may be other areas where we need to make a commitment to action.
For public worship preparation, we must determine to aggressively seek after the Lord through all the aspects of the worship service, from the prayers, to the singing, to the offering, to the sermon, and whatever else that transpires. Worship is connecting with God. We must plan to give Him our best, which includes our best attention, our best surrender, and our best commitment.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Looking for shared poverty
The news is full as of late with groups of people in several USA cities as well as other nations where they are demonstrating for various things. The interesting thing is that about the only thing they have in common is a failure to prepare themselves for success. They appear envious of those who have worked to prepare for the future rather than sit around feeling sorry for themselves waiting for government handouts. They are now upset that the government is not taking from those who have worked to get ahead and giving it to them fast enough. They crave violence,drugs and depravity while creating what could pass for a pig plantation wherever they gather.
The sad thing is that society has created so many lazy degenerates and continues to tolerate those who would destroy the economic structure that has permitted so many to succeed. It seems to be the goal of the protesters to kill the structure that allows success and hope so we can all decline into mutually shared poverty. It is written that those who will not work should not be assisted. Not following that wisdom will bring any culture down. Failure to acknowledge God will always reveal the foolishness of a society just before its collapse. There is a way of escape but it will take large scale repentance and people willing to confront the darkness of our day. Are you willing!
The sad thing is that society has created so many lazy degenerates and continues to tolerate those who would destroy the economic structure that has permitted so many to succeed. It seems to be the goal of the protesters to kill the structure that allows success and hope so we can all decline into mutually shared poverty. It is written that those who will not work should not be assisted. Not following that wisdom will bring any culture down. Failure to acknowledge God will always reveal the foolishness of a society just before its collapse. There is a way of escape but it will take large scale repentance and people willing to confront the darkness of our day. Are you willing!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Do you?
Do you have a song of praise to God for his love, kindness and mercy?
Do you desire to live a blameless life before God at home and in public?
Do you refuse to be a part of low and vulgar things?
Do you abhor that which is dishonest and avoid those that desire to cheat or lie to get ahead?
Do you reject selfishness in yourself and in others?
Do you tolerate those who would gossip about others and slander them?
Do you permit yourself or those around you to put down others because they hold a different opinion?
Do you allow conceit or pride to engulf you?
Do you hold those who desire to serve God in high regard.
Do your close friends truly seek to please God with their life?
Do you work to protect yourself and home from the influence of those who want to do what is right in their own eyes?
Do you seek to be light even in dark times?
The answer to these questions will reflect whether you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus His son.
Do you desire to live a blameless life before God at home and in public?
Do you refuse to be a part of low and vulgar things?
Do you abhor that which is dishonest and avoid those that desire to cheat or lie to get ahead?
Do you reject selfishness in yourself and in others?
Do you tolerate those who would gossip about others and slander them?
Do you permit yourself or those around you to put down others because they hold a different opinion?
Do you allow conceit or pride to engulf you?
Do you hold those who desire to serve God in high regard.
Do your close friends truly seek to please God with their life?
Do you work to protect yourself and home from the influence of those who want to do what is right in their own eyes?
Do you seek to be light even in dark times?
The answer to these questions will reflect whether you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus His son.
Friday, September 30, 2011
We have been warned
The Bible warns us that there is a way that seems right to mankind but the end of that way is death. The Bible states that everyone of us will give an account of themselves to God and it is appointed unto men once to die but after that is judgment because the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. You may say I do not believe the Bible and therefore this is no issue for you, however it is written those that believe on Jesus are not condemned but those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God. Jesus told us that He was the way the truth the life and no one could come unto the Father but by Him.
Some wonder about the God who gave us the Bible and whether to acknowledge Him as God because of the Old Testament accounts of Judgment for sin including saving only Noah and his family from the flood and the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God shows Himself to be Holy and therefore sin must be judged and God demonstrated His Love for us in that while we are sinners He gave His son to die for our sins so that whosoever will could be saved form the penalty of sin. Some will still say what a harsh God but I say what a loving God who was willing to pay our sin debt so we could be free from the bondage and penalty of sin. God does not force Himself on us but has made a way for us to escape the punishment for our sin but allows us the choice. Now I say what kind of God would He be if He did not give us the facts and cover for us the ramifications of our choice. He warns us that we are condemned already if we do not accept Jesus as our Savior and tells us that we will spend eternity separated from Him in lake of fire with total darkness in weeping and gnashing of teeth where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. He also tells us of a place called Heaven that we will be allowed to enter for all eternity if we believe Him and accept His redemption plan of forgiveness of sin through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus. Now we can believe or not the choice is truly ours as we get to decide. However if we reject God and His plan for our redemption for whatever reason/excuse we may find convenient we will have no one to blame but ourselves for where we spend eternity. Remember faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen and through faith we understand that everything that is was created by God so that things which are seen were not made of things that are visible. As for whether you have sinned or not remember even unbelief is sin as we are told to love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul and mind. This is the greatest commandment & the second is like it - we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Let those who are wise consider well the warning given and the necessary personal response needed that the warning given not have been in vain.
Some wonder about the God who gave us the Bible and whether to acknowledge Him as God because of the Old Testament accounts of Judgment for sin including saving only Noah and his family from the flood and the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God shows Himself to be Holy and therefore sin must be judged and God demonstrated His Love for us in that while we are sinners He gave His son to die for our sins so that whosoever will could be saved form the penalty of sin. Some will still say what a harsh God but I say what a loving God who was willing to pay our sin debt so we could be free from the bondage and penalty of sin. God does not force Himself on us but has made a way for us to escape the punishment for our sin but allows us the choice. Now I say what kind of God would He be if He did not give us the facts and cover for us the ramifications of our choice. He warns us that we are condemned already if we do not accept Jesus as our Savior and tells us that we will spend eternity separated from Him in lake of fire with total darkness in weeping and gnashing of teeth where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. He also tells us of a place called Heaven that we will be allowed to enter for all eternity if we believe Him and accept His redemption plan of forgiveness of sin through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus. Now we can believe or not the choice is truly ours as we get to decide. However if we reject God and His plan for our redemption for whatever reason/excuse we may find convenient we will have no one to blame but ourselves for where we spend eternity. Remember faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen and through faith we understand that everything that is was created by God so that things which are seen were not made of things that are visible. As for whether you have sinned or not remember even unbelief is sin as we are told to love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul and mind. This is the greatest commandment & the second is like it - we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Let those who are wise consider well the warning given and the necessary personal response needed that the warning given not have been in vain.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Law of the Harvest
When you plant corn do you expect to harvest potatoes or if you plant squash do you harvest watermelons. When you have planted apple tress you do not expect to get peaches. Of course you expect to harvest not only what you have planted but to harvest an amount far exceeding the seed that was planted. It is the law of the harvest. Other things work on this same principle. If you walk off a roof you expect to fall and be hurt. If you drive your car into a wall you expect the result to damage your car. If you do not go to classes and prepare for a test you should expect a poor grade. If you do not know how to swim and jump into deep water without a flotation device you should expect a big problem.
Likewise if you smoke you should not be surprised if you develop lung problems. If you consume intoxicating beverages you should not be surprised to become intoxicated and have to deal with a hangover. If you take drugs you should expect to increase your problems in life not reduce them. If you sleep with someone other than your spouse you should not be surprised when you end up with HIV or an STD.
It is the law of the harvest. that which you sow you will reap and the ratio will be many fold that which was sown. If you live a life committed to doing your own thing and that which seems right in your eyes you should not be surprised at the end result.
There is another consideration, those who chose to ignore the Word of God as He has given in the Bible should not be surprised at where they spend eternity. As in all things in this life for each action there is a consequence. As you live each day be mindful of the law of the harvest and you will not be surprised at harvest time.
Likewise if you smoke you should not be surprised if you develop lung problems. If you consume intoxicating beverages you should not be surprised to become intoxicated and have to deal with a hangover. If you take drugs you should expect to increase your problems in life not reduce them. If you sleep with someone other than your spouse you should not be surprised when you end up with HIV or an STD.
It is the law of the harvest. that which you sow you will reap and the ratio will be many fold that which was sown. If you live a life committed to doing your own thing and that which seems right in your eyes you should not be surprised at the end result.
There is another consideration, those who chose to ignore the Word of God as He has given in the Bible should not be surprised at where they spend eternity. As in all things in this life for each action there is a consequence. As you live each day be mindful of the law of the harvest and you will not be surprised at harvest time.
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