Are you content

What or who do you allow to control whether you are happy when things get rough or just seemingly out of control circumstances come your way. Most believe they are unhappy because of the actions or attitudes of those around them. The failure to be happy may be seen by some due to hard financial times, the failure to find good steady employment. For others not being popular and having a lot of friends or party invites is the result of their hard or tough breaks in life. To others it is the failure of their spouse, boy or girl friend to meet their expectations that is cause of unhappiness. Not making enough money or having the right job title is source of unhappiness for many. For a lot of people they could be happy if ... they had the right job, larger  bank account, different spouse, connected friends, perfect boyfriend or girlfriend, larger home in better neighborhood, expensive new automobile, and rich parents. Some would choose to have no problems, no debt, being able to afford any thing they wanted, vacations around the world, or just a vacation home at the beach. Now you might find something listed that you think would ensure your happiness now and over time, however if you look around or read the news you will find that those who are super rich, famous, hold positions of prestige or power have lots of problems and are usually unhappy insecure people. So lets consider the basics.  Being happy long term is not the result of ones circumstances, it has to be something else. When you find someone who is truly a happy person you have found someone who has decided to be content with what they have regardless of their circumstances. It is when we learn to be content with what we have rather than dwelling on what we do not have, that we can obtain happiness regardless of our circumstances. The path to true happiness lies in a personal relationship with God through His son Jesus the Christ who paid the price for our sins. Those who accept by faith His plan for our life will be blessed now and forever. Make study of the Bible and time of prayer the 1st part of your day and you will find the path to real happiness.  

Before the end

When your time on this earth is done and you have breathed your last breath how will you be remembered? Will the people you have met along the way have fond memories of their interactions with you?  Maybe they will not even remember you at all or even worst just think another self-centered person has died.  How about your family will they be able to reflect on your life and feel blessed that you were a part of their family. What about your friends will they be saddened that someone who cared so much for others would no longer be a part of their lives. Or would they hardly remember you at all because you were just another leech who was always looking out for yourself. Co-workers and neighbors from over the years would they stop to reflect on a life well lived or have trouble coming up with any kind thoughts or memories of you. As you go through this life have you given any thought to the end or better yet does your words and actions reflect that you have.
If you have not prepared for the end you have an even bigger problem looming when you take that final breath on this earth. God who created you and provided you many opportunities to be a blessing to others and serve Him will be your final judge. God has made a way for all to receive forgiveness of sin and be given a new heart mindset that we might be found faithful to our true purpose. Have you accepted or rejected the forgiveness of sin through His son Jesus the Christ?  The answer to this question will determine how you are remember and where you will spend eternity. The time to prepare for the end is now, are you prepared?

Spin or simple lies

Ever wonder how people can respond to a question or issue without answering the question or actually addressing the issue. When someone points out that the response was not on point or spin they simply say that the questioner did not understand the complexity or something similar thereto. It should be an insult when someone tries to evade answering and attempts to cover their deliberate evasion. However we now have a lazy weak minded society that is unable to analysis information, therefore they do not even realize they are being deceived. When someone does not have the ability or intelligence to figure out they are being lied to then it can not be expected that they can make informed decisions. They therefore are not able to counter the distortions and smoke being proffered by liberals or those in the progressive movement. The reason for the lies and distortion is those whose ideas can not stand up to the test of truth or history must resort to deception knowing that those in the media agree and will not expose them. Their cohorts in the government school systems have taught the lies and distorted the facts to a whole generation, so they are now unable to think critically. When a lie is repeated over and over all too often it becomes excepted as fact although it is still a lie. Those who do not find the truth and stand up for that truth will fall for anything. Take a hard look at your society and you will see the basis for this adage.  No examples have been listed to reflect what is being referred to because the truth is actually pretty simple. Those who need the examples are not yet ready to  understand and those who are ready do not need the examples because they have already sensed that the truth is being distorted. This is to encourage the latter group to find the truth and then stand up for the truth no matter what, the former group must first decide they want to see and put in the work required to discover the  truth. Once you see then stand up and make a difference!

Darkness or Light

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!