knighted with a mission

My daughter recently completed an essay for a class assignment that touched my heart and sparked a reminder of who we are, as believers, as followers of our Lord Jesus.  I asked her if I could share it with you.

They Will Know Us

Modern Christians possess the same responsibilities as they did centuries ago. Amazingly, Paul and Timothy, first century Christians, frequently and wholeheartedly took the time to encourage others, humble themselves, use their gifts, and they were cautious not to judge other people. Doing those kind and inspiring actions while faced with persecution and under the threat of death requires a person who has a strong relationship with God. It takes someone who cares. In today’s world, Christians often forget what others have suffered in the past to make it so they could worship and serve the Lord freely in the present.

 Why would Christians all those years ago do that? Along with wanting to be strong in God, was there another reason?  As many responsibilities as there are they all point back to loving others.  Paul and Timothy had a mission to save people, which allowed them to know about what kind of life they could have with God after their Earthly life was over. Shouldn't all Christians have that same mission? In order to do this, they don’t have to leave their cities or the countries they live in. Leaving their house and just helping someone is already taking the steps to begin that mission. If Christians don’t at least try, how will others know them?

Because of new perspectives and life experiences, it becomes increasingly difficult to love others as you grow older yet it is a momentous and crucial duty of a Christian. Genuine love is explained plainly and unapologetically in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 by Paul, who wanted it to be clear to the church in Corinth:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

In the New Testament is definitely not the only place to find verses that discuss love. Proverbs 25:21-22, two of the most well known verses speak of loving your neighbors can be found in the Old Testament.

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you."

Actually, the first time a person reads this, they may think that they’re not exceptionally nice verses. On the contrary, it means that if you are kind and loving to someone that does not think well of you, they will realize you know something they don’t. Should we take heed? For Christians, this can mean leading someone to becoming a believer, but love should not be used for that sole purpose. Ministering to others is important, of course, but loving people and never hating others will also help a Christian’s relationship with God, and ultimately, make them a better and more compassionate person.

In addition to loving others, a significant responsibility for a Christian is using your spiritual gifts. At the time of your salvation, when the Holy Spirit enters you, you receive a gift that is meant to be used as a way to minister and witness to others. In Romans, Paul writes to the people of Rome about it, penning:

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (Romans 12:6-8)


Naturally and purposefully, God gave people their gifts to expand His kingdom. It is definitely your most important purpose. As J. Hampton Keathley III, who authored ABCs for Christian Growth, points out, “In addition to these, however, there are many natural and developed talents that people have and can use in exercise of these spiritual gifts.” If someone has a love for politics or public speaking; they could use their spiritual gift of speaking, teaching, serving, or even words of wisdom.

There are numerous talents and spiritual gifts that go hand in hand and are valuable when used together. Expanding on the subject, Keathley has yet another point, “A spiritual gift is not a particular specialty or method of ministry. The gifts of teaching may be used through radio or through writing or through the classroom.” No one should be discouraged if they do not know yet what their gift is. It is something that will be discovered as they grow in the Word and form a deeper and meaningful relationship with God. Once you understand and appreciate what you can do with the Holy Spirit, you should not just be happy about the fact you know what it is. A responsibility of a Christian is to exercise their talents and not let them go to waste! As Paul wrote Timothy, his ‘true son in faith’, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (1 Timothy 4:14)  Now, while it may not be extremely relatable, maybe you do not have the gift of prophesying or you did not receive your gift in that specific way, the first part of the message is clear and should be held in the hearts of Christians. Do not neglect your gift. Clearly, using your spiritual gift once you have begun to learn about it is a vital responsibility of a Christian.

Judgemental. Unforgiving. Close-minded. This perception of modern day Christianity stems from our lack of humility and love toward “the world”. Sadly, when humility is brought up or discussed in a sermon or Bible study, it seems to be quickly dismissed. Many forget how essential being humble is to being a “good” Christian and to furthering your relationship with God and with others. After King Solomon finished constructing and dedicating the temple, as written in 2 Chronicles, the Lord appeared to him once again. In Chapter Seven, verse fourteen (7:14), God clearly states, “… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” People forget that they are no better than anyone else. There are three definitions of the adjective ‘humble’ in the Encarta Dictionary, the first being modest; modest and unassuming in attitude and behavior; the second - respectful; feeling or showing respect and deference toward other people, and the last -lowly; relatively low in rank and without pretensions.

 It should be known, without having to point it out, that people called by God should act respectful, modest, and even lowly, “valuing others above yourself” (Philippians 2:3). Along with humbleness, Christians should remember not to judge those around them. While it is not much of a secret that average secular people think Christians are judgmental and only want others to change their ways, not all Christians act that way. Judging, however, is not ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ no matter how much someone thinks that they are graciously and positively helping. Paul writes to the Rome in Romans 2:1-4, lettering,

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who have pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?"

Undoubtedly, a large responsibility of a Christian is being humble, but judging people should be left up to God.

Encouraging others goes hand in hand with being humble, using your gifts, and loving your neighbor. When you love, doesn’t that include supporting people and cheering them on? When you’re humble, won’t it bring you closer to understanding someone else and being capable of heartening them? When you use your gifts to encourage someone, isn’t that what a Christian, exercising compassion should do? Yes. In 1st Thessalonians Chapter five, Verse eleven (5:11), Paul once again writes to people, trying to encourage them, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Constantly, the people of Thessalonica, which is now known as Thessaloniki and is the second-largest city in Greece, had been true to God despite substantial , unspeakable suffering and despair but were worried for other Christians. Paul wrote them a letter, beginning the heartfelt correspondence with an earnest greeting, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father you work produced by faith, you labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” With these words, we immediately and sensitively begin to understand that the Christians of Thessalonica were strong in their faith. It is also apparent that they still needed encouragement since they were anxious. The sturdiest believer requires support and prayer, even if they don’t seem to. Several times in the New Testament Paul and a companion travel somewhere with the sole purpose of offering prayer and assistance; if a Christian so close to God travels great distances to encourage others, doesn’t that mean it is something that modern day Christians should focus on more? Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It becomes clear that encouragement is just as important as any other responsibility, and is truthfully needed to continue being a strong Christian.

Every person who calls themselves a Christian should understand or at least having a basic idea of the responsibilities of being a Christian. Christians should think about why the responsibilities are their responsibilities? Why would God appoint us with these duties without a purpose? There is a purpose. The people of the world that follow Christ, which means following God as well, are knighted with the mission of spreading the Word of God. Expecting a person to devote and spend their lives ministering to non-Christians as foreign missionaries is not realistic, although there are those that do. Even the average Christian is capable of witnessing though, especially in their own community. In loving others, Christians can find an emotional and amazing way to minister and serve their neighbors. Truthfully, that is why love is the most important responsibility, not much of a duty once a person thinks about it, but a privilege instead; a perfect, personal privilege that should not be taken lightly nor carelessly. While love is the most significant, no one should forget about humility, their spiritual gifts, or encouragement, as each responsibility balances each other and is helpful in this world we live and love in. Hence, it is easy to see how others will know Christians. They will know us by our love.

Bibliography
Forster, Pam. For Instructions In Righteousness, A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training; Gaston, OR. ; Doorposts Publishing; 1993.
Keathley, J. Hampton III. ABCs for Christian Growth; Biblical Studies Press; 1996
The Holy Bible; New International Version Bible; Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; 2011

This young man, Troy Ard, absolutely gets it; what is important, what is right and what is wrong in our overly politicized America.

In The First Person

"As long as we have two parties who would rather stop each other than serve the national interest, there is no hope for our future. Until our politicians can climb from the mud and work for the hope of a better day yet to come, today will be as good as it gets. Until liberals, both classic and neoliberals, can put aside popularity for pragmatism, there is no political gain. Unless conservatives can realize that it is better to be honest and to admit that there is no option but shared sacrifice—the real kind, not Joe Biden’s kind—where all classes, races, and citizens must work as one nation to serve one singular purpose as one American people, then there are no conservatives–no federalists–at all."

Choice; God gives it, we make it.

Help me, Lord, to know You, before and instead of myself.

fast and furious response by Senator Cornyn

I received this email today from Senator John Cornyn regarding the criminal activities of the Justice Department relating to the Fast and Furious debacle.  This is the complete transcript of the email.

Dear Mr. Larson:

 

Thank you for contacting me about the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) Fast and Furious operation.  I share your concern and appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important matter.

 

As you are aware, recent congressional investigations have revealed the existence of a controversial "gun-walking" program operated by the ATF in Phoenix, Arizona.  The ATF, despite its mandate to curtail gun trafficking activities, was actively funneling firearms to drug cartel gun buyers.  The ATF has stated that the Fast and Furious operation was an attempt to target and track drug cartel leaders; however, the agency admits that they lost track of thousands of firearms in the process.  Many of these firearms turned up at crimes scenes on both sides of the border, including at the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in Arizona and during a January and April 2010 seizure of 60 guns in El Paso, Texas.

 

I wrote to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder following press reports of an alleged Texas-based "gun-walking" program similar to the Fast and Furious operation.  In this letter, I demanded answers regarding additional media reports that revealed that ATF managers who directed the Fast and Furious operation were offered new positions in the ATF’s Washington headquarters.  Attorney General Holder and Justice Department officials must be held accountable, and until they provide answers regarding all alleged gun-walking operations, it is inconceivable to reward those who spearheaded this disastrous operation with new assignments in Washington.

 

Furthermore, I introduced an amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (H.R. 2112) that will bar taxpayer funds from being used by the Justice Department to conduct gun-walking programs similar to the Fast and Furious operation, and I am pleased that this amendment passed with unanimous, bipartisan support in the Senate.  This bipartisan effort is just the first step towards ensuring that such a foolish operation can never be repeated.

 

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent Texans in the United States Senate, and you may be certain that I will continue working to provide strict oversight of the Obama Administration.  Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

 

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN

United States Senator

 

 

517 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Tel: (202) 224-2934

Fax: (202) 228-2856

http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

Candidates Thanksgiving Forum

Focus on The Family hosted a special forum for the GOP candidates on November 19, 2011.

The complete forum can be viewed here: Thanksgiving Family Forum – Complete Video

Obama decries religious theme of "Christmas"

Here just one more example of the anti-Christian, anti-God philosophy of President Obama and his administration.  A friend posted this on his Facebook page:

"Thought you might be interested in this information from the White House. This isn't a rumor; this is a fact."


"We have a friend at church who is a very talented artist. For several years she, among many others, has painted ornaments to be hung on the various White House Christmas trees. The WH sends out an invitation to send an ornament and informs the artists of the theme for the year."

"She got her letter from the WH recently. It said that they would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees. And, to please not send any ornaments painted with a religious theme."

"She was very upset at this development and sent back a reply telling them that she painted the ornaments for Christmas trees and would not be sending any for display that left Christ out of Christmas."
"Just thought you should know what the new residents in the WH plan for the future of America. If you missed his statement that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation" this should confirm that he plans to take us away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible."


Those of you who call yourselves "Christian" and voted for Obama, and plan to vote for Obama  again, please bear in mind that his intention remains to put and keep Christianity "under a bushel" in this nation.


"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  ~ Matthew 5:14-16

"set apart and observe the last Thursday of November ... as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise"

October 3, 1863

By the President of the United States
A Proclamation

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

Abraham Lincoln

180 The Movie

Heartchanger.com

BookSneeze

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"Join BookSneeze and we'll send you free books in exchange for an honest review on your blog."

Some things God gives you to share with others and some things, are just for yourself.

The Trial of Faith

The Trial of Faith

"faith brings us into the right relationship with God and gives Him His opportunity to work"

Oswald Chambers shares a few thoughts on the trials of faith in his daily devotion for October 31st.

My Utmost For His Highest

“’Fathom the odd hypocrisy that Obama wants every citizen to prove that they are insured, but people don’t have to prove they are citizens."  ~ unknown

The sleeping giant that is apathetic America must awaken now if we are to survive as a democratic republic, a free, self governing people.

60% of eligible voters in this country typically will stay home and allow their fates to be decided by the minority who chose to use that which so many have fought and died for; the right to vote.

I challenge you to be among the few and encourage you to encourage others to get up and take action to continue the great American experiment that is this democratic republic, The United States of America.

Occupy Wall Street vs. Tea Party

This is possibly the most clearly described difference between the political left and right I have seen lately.

"So, it goes without saying that the political left and political right are as far apart as any two philosophies could possibly be. Whether realizing it or not, one stands for socialism, a system where all power rests in the hands of government. The other sees power resting with the people, that which is spelled out in the Constitution.

One believes government must control all production and commerce. The other believes production and commerce can only reach its potential through unbridled entrepreneurship.

One believes only government, not the individual, has the ability to fulfill man’s never-ending needs. The other believes only the individual can overcome the challenges of society."

Read the remainder of the essay at Politically Incorrect Club

apologist william lane craig

"As I read the teachings of Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God was bearing testimony with my spirit. You either yield to the drawing of the witness of the Spirit, or you close your heart on him."  ~  William Craig

From the Christianity Magazine article: Profile: William Lane Craig

"He’s been dubbed the Christian apologist who puts the fear of God into leading atheists. So what’s so scary about William Lane Craig?

“Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty”  ~ Samuel Adams

liberal wireless

I love this!

CREDO sent me a proposal for their wireless phone service with the following comment included.

", we are countering the anti-immigrant, gun-obsessed, climate change denying Tea Party members every day of the year."

They refer to themselves as "America's only progressive phone company".

"I'd like you to take a close look at your phone company, and ask yourself this: Did my phone company help send the Tea Party to Washington?" (grammar errors theirs, not mine)

I was not aware there are any members of the "Tea Party" in office.  Are there?

At one time CREDO, while far left of my personal views, provided a variety of liberal left ideology, something I found informative and useful.  For the past several months, however, they have been been flooding my mail box, both "e" and "snail", focusing on their wireless service, and its getting tiresome.

True capitalism in every sense of the word, gotta love it!

How funny would it be to copy about 25000 of these ads, stamp "Capitalist" in bold red letters across the front and distribute them to the OWS folks?

I wonder how many anti-"Tea Party" folks have bothered to read the diverse Tea Party ideologies (there is no ONE Tea Party, you know) to see if it lines up with their own ideology or how many just assume that it is something its not.  When you get right down to it, the "Tea Party" philosophy crosses traditional Democrat and Republican party lines; it is a focus on traditional democracy according to the Constitution of these United States of America.

families and freedom

There is an organization "committed to fighting for pro-family, pro-life and pro-freedom values through the courts, legislature, grassroots and media", the Liberty Institute.

"Liberty Institute was founded as Free Market Foundation in 1972 as a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization dedicated to protecting freedoms and strengthening families."

"What began in a garage apartment in Plano, Texas, nearly 40 years ago, has grown into an influential public policy and non-profit legal organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of traditional family values and Constitutional freedoms."

Please visit their organization and consider supporting them with your prayers and a financial donation.

"the egg, final answer"

"As the geneticist J. B. S. Haldane remarked, "The most frequently asked question is: 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?' The fact that it is still asked proves either that many people have never been taught the theory of evolution or that they don't believe it." With that in mind, the answer becomes obvious. Bird evolved from reptiles, so the first bird must have come out of an egg--laid by a reptile."

I don't make this stuff up, folks. There are people, "respectable" people, who actually believe this bunk and they teach it in the government indoctrination centers, aka public schools.

"John Lloyd and John Mitchinson have compiled "The Second Book of General Ignorance," a comprehensive collection of refuted general knowledge."

11 Common Myths You Thought Were True

"Many of us are familiar with the idea that the world's continents once fit snuggly together into one huge single supercontinent called Pangea.   What most of us don't know is that Pangea was only the seventh and last of a series of supercontinents that coagulated and split apart at regular intervals after the Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago. Pangea existed between 550 and 200 million years ago--which is relatively recent in geological time. In fact, if the entire history of the world were expressed as a week starting on a Monday, Pangea would only have appeared early on Sunday morning.    The very first supercontinent was called Vaalbara and it started forming more than 3.6 billion years ago."

I want to talk to someone who was there to witness this event.  Oh, wait, I do!

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."  ~ Genesis 1:1-2

BibleGateway.com

The Huffington Post

"stupid human tricks"

Ga. Pastor Preaches to Help Christians Avoid Wasting Their Lives

A simple and eloquent message.

""What a sad thing for anyone to be created by God ... to have so much potential and yet miss out and waste a life because of one foolish choice after the next," Bloye preached, using the biblical character Samson as a case study."

This is a message I needed to hear today, after spending the last 2 hours on Twitter and Facebook, and I am anxious to hear all of the message.

Stupid Human Tricks

life at 40 hours

I work hard for my money, and, if I was fortunate enough to earn enough to buy a yacht, my yacht would probably have two wheels, but I would be satisfied that I had earned it and it would be mine by the sweat of my brows and the work of my hands and no free loader's gonna take that away.

Many "millionaires" started as small business owners and were successful to the 'nth degree (ben and jerry, HEB, Kroger, etc....) They worked hard, put in their time and hired thousands of folks and today, due to their successes, they employ thousands more and more and more and more every day. Sam Walton started as a small business owner and the list can be strung out for days and days of "small business owners" who made it to millionaire/biliionaire status.


That's the American way.  Work hard, enjoy your success.

As far as I'm concerned, they earned it and they should be entitled to reap what they sowed. Should they pay a fair share of taxes? They already do, and then some.  The richest "1%" of Americans pay the lion's share of taxes and have for generations.

I've been told I should stop watching Fox news and get the real story.  I don't spend much time watching Fox, (I don't have cable/sattelite and only get to watch Fox on my break at my JOB) but, o.k., I'll stop watching Fox news completely. I never did care much for Sean Hannity and, to be honest, the talking heads at Fox are not much more balanced than the talking heads at MSNBC, CNN, NBC, CBS and ABC.  Maybe I should join the rest of the "puddin heads" and just believe everything Behar and Winfrey have to say!


I read and follow a lot of news and opininon on Twitter, both conservative and liberal.  Should I also stop following all these? Where am I going to get my information, Calvin and Hobbes?

OWS is a sad joke, a pitiful commentary of the State of the Union, a Union run by generations of "Fat Cat" politicians, Democrats and Republicans, but lets not look at the facts, that would take all the fun out of the discussion. Let's just keep blaming George Bush, both of 'em, for all of the ills our country faces.

Six years from now, the Republicans will be blaming Obama, 10 years later the new Democrat President will be blaming the last Republican Presidents and so on and so on and nothing will ever change, except we'll look like England again, with insane taxation and millions of folks on a willingly self imposed slavery to the government.


Then the hordes will come and we'll see the end of this great experiment called America!


Gotta go to work now, I have a long twelve hours ahead of me to support my family and my "extravagant lifestyle".

7 minutes ago · 

 I am proud to be an American who believes in God, trusts in Jesus for my eternal salvation, tries to follow His teachings in my life, and will support and defend the Constitution of these United States of America.

get your own dirt

author unknown

One day a group of scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one scientist to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.

The scientist walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost."

God listened very patiently and kindly to the man and after the scientist was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this, let's say we have a man making contest."

To which the scientist replied, "OK, great!"

But God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam."

The scientist said, "Sure, no problem" and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt.

God just looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!"

StandOnTheRock.org

been there done that; failed

"Europeans today prefer leisure to performance, security to risk-taking, paternalism to free markets, collectivism and group entitlements to individualism. They have always been more risk-averse than Americans, but the difference continues to grow. Economic freedom has a very low priority here. It seems that Europeans are not interested in capitalism and free markets and do not understand that their current behavior undermines the very institutions that made their past success possible. They are eager to defend their non-economic freedoms—the easiness, looseness, laxity and permissiveness of modern or post-modern European society—but when it comes to their economic freedoms, they are quite indifferent.


The critical situation in Europe today is visible to everybody. It is not possible to hide it. I had believed that this spectacle would be a help to the cause of political and economic freedom in Europe, but this is not proving to be the case. Of course, with the way your American government has been going, you might be able to catch up with us—in terms of our problems—very soon. But you are not as far along yet. So maybe seeing Europe’s crisis today will at least help you in America turn back toward freedom."  ~  Václav Klaus, President, Czech Republic  


The Crisis of the European Union: Causes and Significance

Imprimis

I just don't understand why multi-millionaire contract sports players have, or need, a union.

"competent christian vs competent non-christian"

In an interview with CNN, mega church pastor Robert Jeffress said Republicans shouldn't vote for White House hopeful Mitt Romney because he's a Mormon and described the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a "cult".

Are Mormons a "cult"?  Based upon the Biblical standard of one true God, they are not a "Christian" denomination as defined by the protestant faith.  Their "Jesus" is not  Jesus, the Biblical Son of the One True God, but another man altogether.  Their religion is based upon the premise that man may become "god", by following the precepts of their faith.  They may well follow  " a Christ", but he is not The Christ as defined in the Holy Bible.

Mormonism Research Ministry

Stepping back to the central question of whether or not  a Bible believer should vote for a Mormon, or for any non-Christian, I think we need to separate our intentions.  Are we electing a civil leader or a religious leader?  The Constitution is quite clear that our government shall establish no religion" and "no religious test shall ever be required" for public office; I think we need to set the issue aside unless and until we can make a clear determination of "who follows what".  At least, in Romney, we know what we're getting, as opposed to so many "Christians on the surface" who vote and represent us in a manner clearly contradictory to the teachings of the Bible.

Amendment 1 - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.


Article Six (part three) - The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

That being said, I would not cast a ballot for an avowed atheist because this candidate clearly would be an immoral person and that would be reflected in every decision he or she made.  "Immoral" in this context is  defined by me as subscribing to no definable standard of conduct.

If the choices are a "hypothetical christian" (as in Obama) vs a "cult christian", (as in Romney), I think we have to let the issue of religion drop and look to their platform on the issues alone.  Clearly, from the perspective of a protestant Bible believer, neither candidate will reflect the God of Abraham and Isaac, God the Father, "I Am".

"And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants."  ~ Genesis 28:13

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."  Exodus 3:14

growing up; its never too late ...

Honor Thy Father and Mother

Whew!  AS "NOT the world's greatest dad", this article was both sobering and painful,  looking at the journey to adulthood from both sides of the walk.   I remember my tumultuous late teens and I was certainly not the best of sons, or much of a brother either, and too much of my youthful pride and arrogance continues today.  I struggle to be a "good dad" and am painfully aware of how much I am often off the mark.

This was an especially interesting moment to catch this article as it twitted across my view; I had some hard words with my big girl today and I regret many of the cross words that were spoken between us and the unspoken thoughts that always linger afterward; "I wish I had said..."; "I wish I had not said ...".

Dads and moms, look at yourself as you were, or maybe wanted to be.  Am I reflecting "Honorable"?

"How does a person navigate him or herself into adulthood and maintain a healthy respect for their parents? That was the difficulty Jamaal was experiencing when he entered my office."

Young'uns, let God speak to your heart and mind.

Honor Thy Father and Mother

Tea Party

I am curious why some of my friends are opposed to the "Tea Parties" that have spread across the American political landscape in recent years.  I have not visited a Tea Party gathering but I have read of them and their philosophies and am, in general, in line with their thinking.

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The TeaParty.net site stated this:

Our mission is to recruit like-minded Americans to the Tea Party movement in order to advance the principles of limited government, fiscal restraint, and individual liberty at all levels of government through promotion and education.

The Tea Party movement is a grassroots movement of millions of like-minded Americans from all backgrounds and political parties. Tea Party members share similar core principles supporting the United States Constitution as the Founders intended, such as

Limited federal government
Individual freedoms
Personal responsibility
Free markets
Returning political power to the states and the people

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The San Antonio Tea Party had this to say:

Mission of the San Antonio Tea Party

“ to restore government by and for the people”

We the People …

     RECOGNIZE …

          that God grants to all people certain unalienable rights,…
          that people in turn grant to governments their consent to be governed, and…
          that government’s role is defined by the people to preserve those rights.

We the People …

     ACKNOWLEDGE …

          the concept of American Exceptionalism, that the United States of America is a “city upon a hill,” a beacon of good at home  and abroad.

We the People …

     DEFINE…

          the mission of the San Antonio TEA Party, Inc., is to educate and advocate for…
          maintenance of a strong national defense to retain our National sovereignty,…
          protection of individual rights and liberties while promoting personal responsibility, morality, and religious expression,…
          strict adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law, and …
          exercise of limited government, sound fiscal policies, and free enterprise.

We the People …

     COMMIT to…

          remain non-partisan in our efforts, …
          ensure government policies and actions are in keeping with our mission objectives, and …
          hold our government officials accountable to …

We the People!

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I am in favor of these Constitutionally minded tenants and hope to attend a local meeting sometime in the near future in order to see if the fuss I'm hearing in the news media is real, or just another distraction from the vastly liberal minded media.

meeting my expectations

So, here's the thing; I will never find a politician who meets all of my expectations and agrees with all of my personal philosophies, and neither will you.  I haven't even discovered a "Founding Father" who meets all of my points!

The best we can hope for is to find candidates who agree with most of our key issues.  The best we can do, in voting with a logical, emotionless participation, is to make a list of issues that are important to us and seek out those who agree by the largest percentage.  The alternative is to not vote at all.

I admit I tend to vote predominately Republican and that's because the party platform, both locally and nationally supports most of my hot issues.  I have voted for Democrats on occasion, primarily for local Judges and county law enforcement, and a Libertarian here and there.

I believe in God, the God of Abraham, Issac and Joseph and I believe in His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus.  I will not support any candidate who is not ready to fight to protect my 1st Amendment right to worship freely and to exercise my beliefs in peace.  The argument about the "separation of church and state" is not supported by the Constitution of the United States.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  ~ The First Amendment to The Constitution of The United States

I am wholeheartedly against abortion and I will not cast a vote for any candidate who has shown a history, inclination or vocalized support for abortion.  If all the candidates for a particular office support the legalized sanction of fetal murder, I don't vote for any candidate.

I favor candidates who take a tough, no nonsense stand on crime and punishment.  When the laws of our land are not enforced by pacifist judges, weak prosecutors and ineffective local law enforcement, i look for someone who is not afraid to speak up and stand for public and personal safety.

I support the Second Amendment right of citizens to freely own, possess and carry guns. I believe every moral minded, law abiding, mentally sound American should be carrying a weapon at all times.

If you study the early periods in our history and culture (pre-1900)  you will find a minimal presence  of violent crime against individuals and society.  Justice was swift and hard and folks felt, and were, for the most part safe in their homes and communities.   Crimes were few and criminals were swiftly caught and punished.

"The society of late twentieth century America is perhaps the first in human history where most grown men do not routinely bear arms on their persons and boys are not regularly raised from childhood to learn skill in the use of some kind of weapon, either for community or personal defense − club or spear, broadsword or long bow, rifle or Bowie knife. It also happens to be one of the rudest and crudest societies in history, having jubilantly swept most of the etiquette of speech, table, dress, hospitality, fairness, deference to authority and the relations of male and female and child and elder under the fraying and filthy carpet of politically convenient illusions. With little fear of physical reprisal Americans can be as loud, gross, disrespectful, pushy, and negligent as they please. If more people carried rapiers at their belts, or revolvers on their hips, It is a fair bet you would be able to go to a movie and enjoy he dialogue from the screen without having to endure the small talk, family gossip and assorted bodily noises that many theater audiences these days regularly emit. Today, discourtesy is commonplace precisely because there is no price to pay for it." ~ Samuel Francis via Jeff Cooper's Commentaries Vol. 1, No. 1 2/53

It was an armed populace that freed us from the tyranny of an oppressive King and it is an armed populace that helps to keep the wolves of foreign aggression from these shores.

 I believe that parents were designed by God to make decisions for their children and that this is not up for discussion.  Any candidate who supports the abdication of parental rights and forced indoctrination of immorality in the public school systems will not get my vote.

I believe that the idea for this nation was sound, that the Constitution is a workable ethic and that those who would desire to live here, in peace, should subscribe to the same.  Those who would enjoy the freedoms of living in America and who are ready, willing and able to abide by the laws of the land are welcome. Immigration is not a hot issue with me, but I understand the strain of financially supporting the non-tax paying residents of our nation and I look for candidates who offer sound, compassionate, workable solutions to the problem of illegal immigration.  I believe, at a minimum, that candidates for citizenship in the United States should be able to read and speak English to the degree necessary to comprehend and follow the laws and customs of our country, to complete legal forms (drivers license applications, etc.) and to vote using the same ballot I use.

the end of reason

British MP: 'Force Churches to Perform Same-Sex Unions or Close Them Down'

This is why I oppose the normalization and legalization of homosexual unions and this is why we, who call ourselves by the name of Jesus, must continue to oppose this in America.   It begins with "union" and ends in legally sanctioned, forced intolerance against those who are deemed "intolerant".

It is all about the continued effort to force God out of society.  It is all about the plan of Satan to destroy the faith in God that we, in this country, once taught our children as a normal, ingrained, facet of our family life, our society and our culture.

This is why we must continue to stand against those who oppose God and stand up for freedom of religion in America.

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."   Mark 8:38 NASB

It is truly all about God.  Are you for Him or are you against Him?

United States Constitution Wiki

Amendment One:  "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Daily Devotional from Derek Prince

Daily Devotional from Derek Prince Ministries UK

Truth to Power

"The corruption of sin comes to light in a wide variety of ways: business practices that take advantage of trusting customers or investors; laws and regulations that license sinful behavior and constrain the progress of righteousness; entertainment that exploits prurience and vaunts having fun as the chief end of life; cheating and lying in the marketplace and schools; false teaching in churches and universities; violence against innocent people; relationships that are fouled by sinful self-interest; and whole industries committed to the degradation of women, children, and weak-willed men. We all encounter evidence of the effects of sin every day in a world that keeps God at arm’s length from the public square and holds up His Law to contempt and scorn. How can Christians keep silent in the face of such widespread offensiveness to the holiness, justice, and beauty of God?"

Truth to Power, a new study from the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview

Wonder of Creation

"WonderOfCreation.org (WOC) is a website that seeks to explore the majesty of God’s creation and celebrate its beauty and wonder. Through creation, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—are clearly seen and serve as a motivation for our worship and for acknowledging our responsibility to be good stewards (caretakers) of His good creation (Romans 1:20).  Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours (1Chronicles 29:11)."

in simplest terms

author unknown

In Simplest Terms: Why The U.S. Was Downgraded

• U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
• Fed budget: $3,820,000,000,000
• New debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000
• National debt: $14,271,000,000,000
• Recent budget cut: $ 38,500,000,000

Let's remove 8 zeros and pretend it's a household budget:

• Annual family income: $21,700
• Money the family spent: $38,200
• New debt on the credit card: $16,500
• Outstanding balance on the credit card: $142,710
• Total budget cuts: $385

author unknown

taking sexual sin lightly is a trap

Pastor Rocks Church With Sexual Sins Sermon

I've never heard it put like this, and he draws a great comparison.

"Noble said he has been studying homosexuality for a year and emphasized that it is never endorsed in the Scriptures. "Anytime it's mentioned ... it's always condemned." He also pointed out that he doesn't disagree with homosexuals who say they were born this way.  "I believe it," he said. "Because the Bible says that we were all born sinners." Heterosexuals were born into heterosexual sin, the pastor added.

"I was born with a desire to have sex with every pretty girl that would let me have sex with her and so was every man," he said. "Just because you were born that way doesn't make it right for you to act on the way you were born."
  
The temptations we are born into, the sinful acts are a choice, and it doesn't matter which side of the fence you're leaning on.  Homosexual sin and Heterosexual sin fall into the exact same bucket, according to the God who loves us.

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."  ~ 1 Cornthians 10:13

It always has been and always will be about choice.  Our "pro-choice" God makes it clears to us.


"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.   "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."   Joshua 24:14-15


It is time for the "Christian" community to stop throwing rocks at the homosexual community.  Should we tolerate and make allowances for them?  No.  Should we stop speaking the Truth of God, in love?  No.  Should we stand our ground against the wave of "tolerant" legislation penned to make intolerance of sin a "hate crime"?  Absolutely.  If the homosexual community chooses to wage a battle of for "gay rights" in the public arena then we must also stand for our rights in this same arena, but only in the same manner that we would in the battle against the legalization of all sin, be it abortion or the promotion of sexual freedom to our children in the school system; in truth and in love. Not one of us shall carry the "first stone" of aggression but we all must stand in defense of righteousness.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.   Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.   Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.   Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.   And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  ~ Ephesians 6:10-17

I take exception with a point Pastor Noble makes, "For those who take sexual sins lightly, he made it clear to them: "You're not saved.".

Its not up to one man to make a declaration to another of the state of one's salvation.  That's up to God.  God gives us a way to become righteous in His eyes; through Jesus and Jesus alone.  The style of sin we choose to struggle with is between us and Him alone.

When I stand in church on Sunday morning and seek to worship God in corporate fellowship my mind should be on him and on my own sinful state, not on the state of the man, woman or child standing next to me.  We all seek Him for restoration and we will all need to continue to seek restoration on a daily basis until the day of our home going.

food is essential

There was a reminder on Facebook today that there are 24000 people daily who die from hunger.  I don't know, or care, where this number came from.  It works as a catalyst.

For those who might want to do something, might I suggest Heifer International, Feed The Children, Samaritan's Purse, American Red Cross, ANY local food bank, ANY local homeless shelter, if you attend a church ask your pastor/priest/rabbi/monk/sectarian leader, etc. about your church's outreach program. There are literally hundreds of opportunities here and abroad waiting for your helping hand or checks. GIVE!

Your local utility probably also accepts donations of any amount to be added to your monthly payment that will go to local shelters and assistance with utility payments for those in dire need. Also Meals On Wheels can hook you up with local opportiunities to assist elderly shut-ins.

Please don't hate me

I am rattled by those who are so religious in their hatred of all thing "religious".

I read and examine web sites, blogs, etc. of folks who are "liberal" in their thinking and philosophy; I enjoy the discovery and am curious to the thought processes of "liberal minded" people and programs.

Far too often I come across folks who seem to be, by their own definition, "haters".  They espouse a certain hatred and bigotry toward "religion", God, conservatism and, anyone who disagrees with their personal philosophy of life on this planet; an intolerance toward those who they deem intolerant.

There are also those "religious" folks who are just as intolerant and spout the same hatred and bigotry toward others. The stories of church congregations and their leaders spouting putrid filth and hatred toward fellow creations of God are legendary. I am quick to point out that these folks do not speak of our God, the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, the God of the Holy Bible.  These folks have twisted "God" to suit their personal bias, may have "Christian" on their door and wall, but certainly do not fit my definition of a "follower of Jesus".

Madness falls in all categories and walks of life on this planet we call our temporary home.  Anyone who believes that our God "hates" any one person on this planet just simply doesn't understand the message of the Bible.  God hates the sin, not the man. Every person on this planet is a personal creation of God, and God loves His creations.

I'm willing to bet that, just like me, on any given day, each one of us falls into one or more of these categories of the sin that God detests.

     "Professing to be wise, they became fools,  and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
     Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.  For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
     For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,  and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
      And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,  being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."  ~ Romans 1:22-32

I wish I could find a way, in loving patience, to better express myself and to better express God's love and mercy toward all mankind.  Along that way, I'll just have to work harder at walking the walk, before I talk the talk.  In the meantime, don't hate me for believing the Bible is true, attending a "Christian" congregation, for believing that life is sacred, or for believing you can enjoy God's Gift of Grace.  I don't hate those who believe the opposite.

     "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.   For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."  ~ John 3:16-17

One disease, one cure.

STR Place: Jesus Is the Only Cure for Our Disease

Feeling Down?

Mart De Haan asks, "What can we do when we’re out of sorts, not ourselves, and lost in emotions of inexpressible heaviness? What if, on top of it all, we’re feeling guilty for not being able to think or pray ourselves out of whatever is consuming our focus and energy?"

Read the Article Feeling Down

the world conflicting

Sticking one's head in the sand results in clogged ears, blindness and suffocation.

Atlas Shrugs

F L A M E

Trust. (knock myself in the head)

Trust. (knock myself in the head) Trust. (knock myself in the head) Trust. (knock myself in the head) Trust. (knock myself in the head) Trust. (knock myself in the head) Trust.

 Nothing Wasted: Trust and Love

"I am realizing more and more how trust and love go hand in hand.  If I say I love someone or that I am a loving person, there needs to be freedom in my relationships.  Freedom to allow them speak the truth.  Freedom to let them be who they are.  Freedom to let them go and do, always believing the best. Freedom to take them at their word.   Now, all this to say, when someone has breached trust in a relationship , there are new boundaries and expectations that need to be put in place. It's never ok to become a doormat to someones inability to be trustworthy.  However, forgiveness and a second & third chance is consistent with the kingdom of God, and this response brings the freedom to my, and others lives that God intended. " ~ Rachel Scott

The ignorant fear that which they do not understand and that which their parents and society taught them to fear.

Reverend Fun

I loved these cartoons years ago and am happy to have discovered them again.  Sometimes a tad irreverent, but always a laugh as we look at our religious selves!

Reverend Fun

This is the Stuff

Francesca Battistelli reminds us not to let the little stuff get us down!

Lyrics to "This is the Stuff"

I lost my keys in the great unknown

And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world

Oh Oh Oh

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff You use

I'm on My Way

Nate Fowler's "I'm On My Way"

Listen here

It's been so long since we've talked
It's been so long since I've seen your face
I try to cover my scars and hide my guilt and shame
But I'm turning my back on my only friend

And my heart is drifting further away
And I can't keep pretending that I'm okay

I'm on my way
To wherever I need to be to see your face
Cause I need your strength
I need your grace
I'm on my way

I need to believe in what you're saying
Even though it's so hard to admit that you are right
It's from myself that I've been hiding
My worth in your eyes is what I'm denying

And my heart is drifting further away
And I can't keep pretending that I'm okay

I'm on my way
To wherever I need to be to see your face
Cause I need your strength
I need your grace
I'm on my way

All these faces constantly changing
All these places are never the same
But you remain
You always hold on
You're grip is so strong even when
Even when I think you're gone

And my heart is drifting further away
And I can't keep pretending that I'm okay

Lyrics courtesy of NewRelease Tuesday

Nate Fowler

more to come ...

home for the holiday

Yep, it's that time again; for some it's pretty new clothes for the ladies, egg hunts, bunnies, chicks and  peeps, ham dinners and the semi-annual trip to church.

For Christendom, the day marks a special observance.  No, it's not the actual anniversary of Jesus' resurrection, and it's not a biblical holy day, but it is a day of gathering, a unique day of  observance for those who are called by His name.

We observe and reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us and His triumphal return, the vanquishing of physical death and His glorious return to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O  DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"  ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55

We are reminded, if need be, that this physical life is temporary, temporal, short term.  We are reminded that Jesus waits for us, that He paved the way on that cross to our return to God as well.  We are reminded that we who are called by His name are aliens, strangers in a strange land, once destined for a second death but now born again and  looking forward to a new life with Him who is our Lord.


Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.

We raise our hands in church and sing "Hallelujah" but i'ts more than that; i'ts the quiet reflection of our position in His family, of His glorious love for us and, through His love, our ability to love one another.

I confess, my church attendance has been poor lately and I am sore in need of renewed fellowship, but it's not about church and i'ts not about pomp and ceremony.   It's about the power of concerted, purposeful prayer and the gathering of sincere hearts to praise, to worship, to cry out His name and, in doing, to partake of restoration, of peaceful gathering, of the deafening serenity of His presence among us.

Yes, where ever and whenever we are in mindful communication with Him, there He is, but, oh, what a time when we are joined together in synchronous praise!  Hallelujah indeed!

"Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.   Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.  Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre.   Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.   Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals."  ~ Psalm 150

delusional?

It's not uncommon to hear lost folks refer to saved folks as "delusional"; the irony does not escape us.

1Co 1:18  For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

So often I wish that I could easily explain the concepts of God, the reality of our world, the inescapable truths to those who can not begin to understand, as I also could not before, in a manner that would be quickly understood, believed and accepted.

Each time I watch "The Matrix" I ponder the similarities between this fictional "reality" and the same unreality that exists here for those who are not lined up with God's Holy Spirit.

How do you explain to the "Neo's" of this world, that there is another existence, more real than can be imagined, but not attainable until one lets go of "reality" and steps out in faith to receive the unimaginable existence that is God's grace unfolding?

How do we get them to "take the blue pill"?

We don't.  We just tell them what we know to be true, prayerfully and with tenderness, and allow the Holy Spirit do His job, warming the heart and mind of those who are called.  We know He will, because He did the same for each of us in His family.

Awakened, reborn, alive.

1Co 13:12  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.