why do we gather together on Sunday morning?

Act 2:40-47 (NASB)
"And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"  So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Why do we gather together on Sunday morning?

Heb 10:23-25 (NASB)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near"

• Our hearts and minds are renewed, refreshed, upon hearing messages and teachings from those appointed with spiritual gifts.

• Our hearts are gladdened by joining together in praise and worship, in song and in prayer.

• We are held and seen accountable by our brothers and sisters

• Frequent gathering serves to strengthen and discipline us in our faith, we are designed as a corporate body of believers to share and strengthen each other.  We have different gifts and the "church" works when all gifts are utilized.

• We are reminded of the needs of our bothers and sisters, not only here, but those who are far off

• We are reminded of the needs and sufferings of the world

• We learn new concepts, scriptures and understandings that otherwise might not come to mind so readily and easily.  We are exhorted, as the Body of Christ, to cling to the truth.

• God enjoys the praises of his people and we are able to join in the praises of our fellow believers

• It is a Christian tradition 

• Gathering with like minded believers pleases God.
  

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB)
"Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching."

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NASB)
"I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."

Romans 12:2-8 (NASB)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.   For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.     For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,  so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.   Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

Psalm 150 (NASB)

"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.
Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. 
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!"


I found the the following articles of interest while researching this topic.

Why Go to Church?

5 Reasons to Attend Church Regularly

SUNDAY IS NOT THE SABBATH DAY

Triablogue: "Do Christians still receive spiritual gifts?"

Triablogue: "Do Christians still receive spiritual gifts?": By Dominic Bnonn Tennant:

Paul's letter to the Roman believers, Chapter 13

       Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
     For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.  Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.   For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
     Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.  Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
     For this, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 
     Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.  The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
     Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.


Romans 13:1-14 (NASB)

Am I? Are you?

"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (HCSB)

"Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God's command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have its approval. For government is God's servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God's servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God's public servants, continually attending to these tasks. Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor." Romans 13:1-7 (HCSB)

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

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

"little pitchers (still) have big ears"

Racy Talk: Kids Are Listening (and Learning)


The following was originally posted on 05/02/09; seems to bear repeating today.


I'm sorry for some of the movies I have let my children watch.  I have spent a lifetime becoming anesthetized to violence and profanity in movies; I can't allow that numbness, however, to color my judgement of the movies I allow my minor children to watch.

But I have.

While condemning others for allowing their children to view movies I don't think are appropriate, I have been guilty of the same behavior; different movies, same lapse in judgment.

Girls, I'm sorry for allowing your minds to take on a perverse edge.  I'm sorry that you have witnessed events on the screen that no child, and few adults, should "enjoy".  I'm sorry for the bad dreams that so often accompanied your sleep.  I'm sorry for disturbing your precious minds.

Rom 1:28-32 "And because they did not think it worthwhile to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong. They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, disputes, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. Although they know full well God's just sentence--that those who practice such things deserve to die--they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them."

All of these things I have allowed my children to watch from time to time.  All of these things, I have allowed my children to "applaud others who practice them.".

I ask God to forgive me for my sin of accepting a "worthless mind" that does not belong with a follower of the Lord Jesus.  I ask my children for forgiveness in allowing them to be corrupted at my hand.  I ask my wife for forgiveness in leading her astray and in not standing against evil in my home.

I have just read the review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a movie I was looking forward to watching, a sequel to the X-Men movies I have enjoyed.  I had heard a reviewer on the radio the other day compare this movie to the recent Dark Knight, a movie I rented for my daughter,  and was stunned at his comparison of violence and language.  Upon reading his review, I'm no longer ready to watch this new film and am disgusted that I allowed my baby girl to watch the other.  It was not so long ago that I never allowed my girls to watch anything without my wife or I pre-viewing it for them and making a judgement based upon biblical standards.  I can not lay claim to that standard in the recent past.  I have reviewed in my mind some of the movies and shows I have allowed the girls, myself and my wife to watch, and I am ashamed.

I can't erase the scenes played out before my children's eyes or the words spoken into their ears, but I can ask God for His mercy on them and make sure that I do not engage in such unrighteous stupidity in the future.

God knows what He's doing.

I don't like Mr. Obama, but he is the President of my country. I disagree with pretty much everything he publicly states, but he is the authority over us.

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for {rulers} are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax {is due;} custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." ~ Romans 13:1-7

I look forward to his absence, but in the meantime, I need to remember him in my prayers.

"First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God. This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior." ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-3

little sin? big sin? greater sin?

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 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.

Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things." ~ Romans 1:20 - 2:2

According to the passage above, who is more wicked; the homosexual or the liar? Who is more deserving of God's wrath; the glutton or the murderer? Who is more shameful; the gossip or the prideful? Are they not held in the same regard of failing HIM WHO IS?

Shall the disobedient child escape God's just reward any quicker than he who shows no mercy to others? Will God let the troublemaker walk while caging the closed minded? Are not each of these worthy of the same punishment?

Will she who berates her children be held in esteem instead of him who does not keep his word. Will the lesbian be punished more sternly than the greedy woman who fails to help her fellow man in need? Does not each of these warrant God's promise of judgment in equal portions?

Each of us has a struggle and none of us is any "better" in the eyes of God for the type of sin we are given to. Lest any of us attempt to hold a prideful or scornful demeanor against another, let each of us remember that ALL sin is sin and there are NO greater or lesser sins before God.

I ask you, the next time you encounter an adulterer, confront a liar, discover a disobedient child, catch a thief or see my fat, gluttonous body waddling toward you, that you show each of them (us) mercy and that you show that same mercy to the rest of the sinners who surround us and return our gaze in the mirror.

"Godly" people railing against the sin of "ungodly" people; like that pot and the kettle, are avoiding the fact that we are all in the same boat, the human condition.

"For God so loved (all) the world, that He Gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him (anyone, anywhere, any time)shall not perish, but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16

Those of us who have found forgiveness in Jesus should be about the Father's business, sharing that treasure with others.

"and He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." ~ Luke 10:27 KJV

sometimes i need a 2x4 to the head

My family loves to joke about my propensity for cracking my skull on car doors, shelves, walls and basically anything I approach from below or besides, suggesting even the permanent wearing of protective head gear.   In the searing pain of the moment immediately following one of these skull crackers I don't find the comments amusing, but I do understand their merriment is stimulated by their concern for my well being and by the scary site of me clutching my head and groaning, crying, cursing in agony.

This time it seems, I have cracked my head one time too many.

For several weeks I have been suffering an intermittent tenderness of my scalp on the left side of my skull, sometimes relatively mild, sometimes throbbing, often not at all.  The last week or so, however, the pain has been unrelenting, throbbing and frequently blinding in its intensity. Stubborn person that I am, I finally gave in to the reality that the pain was stronger than my will and set off to see my doctor.

He says that I have  damaged the C20 nerve from just one of these skull crackers, that the damage is permanent and that my two choices are to live with it, or have a shot that will kill the nerve, leaving me with an uncertain level of "buzzing" or "tingling" on that side of my head.

I am sitting here now, with an ice pack on my head, held in place by a  colorfull knit tobogan hat, attempting to dull the pain which has kept me up most of the night.

I have one of two roads to take, medical care or God's touch.

I have reflected tonight on how at earlier times in my life my faith was strong enough that I called on God to heal me, expecting Him to act, and He frequently did just that.  I have seen God  heal me, heal my family and heal many others.  It works today as it did in "Bible Times", no difference.

I have prayed about this but I sense that the strength of my faith is in need of a workout, a toning up, a renewal so to speak.

Brothers and Sisters, I covet your prayers.  Not only prayers for a release from the pain of this injury, yea, even the injury itself, but for the continuing prayers that God's will pervades and prevails in my life, His will be done and mine diminished.

Pray for my lovely wife and my beautiful daughters.

I'll do the same for you.

May God keep you well.

Mark 9:20-24  They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he {began} rolling around and foaming {at the mouth.}  And He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.  "It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!"  And Jesus said to him, " 'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes."  Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief."

Rom 4:19-22 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.   Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

underscoring parental censorship

I'm sorry for some of the movies I have let my children watch.  I have spent a lifetime becoming anesthetized to violence and profanity in movies; I can't allow that numbness, however, to color my judgement of the movies I allow my minor children to watch.

But I have.

While condemning others for allowing their children to view movies I don't think are appropriate, I have been guilty of the same behavior; different movies, same lapse in judgment.

Girls, I'm sorry for allowing your minds to take on a perverse edge.  I'm sorry that you have witnessed events on the screen that no child, and few adults, should "enjoy".  I'm sorry for the bad dreams that so often accompanied your sleep.  I'm sorry for disturbing your precious minds.

Rom 1:28-32 "And because they did not think it worthwhile to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong. They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, disputes, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. Although they know full well God's just sentence--that those who practice such things deserve to die--they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them."

All of these things I have allowed my children to watch from time to time.  All of these things, I have allowed my children to "applaud others who practice them.".

I ask God to forgive me for my sin of accepting a "worthless mind" that does not belong with a follower of the Lord Jesus.  I ask my children for forgiveness in allowing them to be corrupted at my hand.  I ask my wife for forgiveness in leading her astray and in not standing against evil in my home.

I have just read the review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a movie I was looking forward to watching, a sequel to the X-Men movies I have enjoyed.  I had heard a reviewer on the radio the other day compare this movie to the recent Dark Knight, a movie I rented for my daughter,  and was stunned at his comparison of violence and language.  Upon reading his review, I'm no longer ready to watch this new film and am disgusted that I allowed my baby girl to watch the other.  It was not so long ago that I never allowed my girls to watch anything without my wife or I pre-viewing it for them and making a judgement based upon biblical standards.  I can not lay claim to that standard in the recent past.  I have reviewed in my mind some of the movies and shows I have allowed the girls, myself and my wife to watch, and I am ashamed.

I can't erase the scenes played out before my children's eyes or the words spoken into their ears, but I can ask God for His mercy on them and make sure that I do not engage in such unrighteous stupidity in the future.

fellowship of the saints

1 Corinthians 1:1-10 (HCSB) Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and our brother Sosthenes: To God's church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord--theirs and ours.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God for you because of God's grace given to you in Christ Jesus,  that by Him you were made rich in everything--in all speaking and all knowledge-- as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.

We miss quite abit when we lack the fellowship of the saints.  God ordained that, as the body of Christ, we  "do not lack any spiritual gift ".   As the body united, we are able to achieve, by the uniting of the gifts of the spirit, much more than we can alone.

Rom 12:4-8 (HCSB) "Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness."

more to come (gotta go to work)

Joseph Farrah writes:

"Many American Christians believe, as an article of faith, that we are to pray for the success of our leaders.

It has become a sort of conventional wisdom among soft-minded believers. The biblical proof-text for this misguided way of thinking is Romans 13:1-4:

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

What could be more clear-cut? At face value, it would seem the Bible is telling us government is a God-ordained good and that we are not to resist its terrors.

Many a coward has been bolstered in his conviction against challenging tyranny by not reading too deeply into the Scriptures. Yet, nowhere does the Bible ever suggest evil rulers are to be obeyed. When the rule of men conflicts with the commands of God, the Bible leaves no doubt about where we should stand.

That's why I do not hesitate today in calling on godly Americans to pray that Barack Hussein Obama fail in his efforts to change our country from one anchored on self-governance and constitutional republicanism to one based on the raw and unlimited power of the central state. "

Read the entire article here

Rom 13:1-7  Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.  Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for {rulers} are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax {is due;} custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

 1 Tim 2:1-4  First of all, then, I urge that entreaties {and} prayers, petitions {and} thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Titus 2:6-15, 3:1-2  Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, {with} purity in doctrine, dignified, sound {in} speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.  {Urge} bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.  These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.  Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Either Barack Obama or John McCain will be the next President of The United States.

The time to pray for them is now.

"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (HCSB)

"Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God's command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have its approval. For government is God's servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God's servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God's public servants, continually attending to these tasks. Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor." Romans 13:1-7 (HCSB)

Then He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up snakes; if they should drink anything deadly, it will never harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well." (Mark 16:15-18)

"… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."

Jesus said that I will get well; that's a promise.

Several weeks ago, as I prepared to begin a new set of treatments for swollen lymph nodes brought on by leukemia, four believers laid hands on me and prayed for my healing. During their prayers I recalled this verse and grabbed on to the peace that came with the remembrance.

I have received a variety of interpretations on this verse. Some say, "It is not for today" but I can't find anything in the Bible that supports their view.

Others say, "Only the 12 apostles had that power" but Jesus said "these signs will accompany those who believe" and I count many more than 12 believers in the world; at least five were in my dining room that day.

Some would argue that I am taking the verse out of context. In the preceding verses Jesus is rebuking the eleven apostles because of their unbelief.

Then after this, He appeared in a different form to two of them walking on their way into the country. And they went and reported it to the rest, who did not believe them either. Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw Him after He had been resurrected. (Mark 16:12-14)

Hardness of heart affects our level of belief.

Strong's Concordance tells us that the Greek word used for believe is pisteuo, "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one's spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.".

A believer is one who has placed their faith, their trust, in Jesus; in what He said and in what He did; one who believes and trusts that Jesus is true. A believer trusts that Jesus has paid the price for their sins. His shed blood covers them from the cross. A believer trusts that Jesus's promise to give them an eternal life is true. A believer commits himself to Jesus as Lord of his or her life.

I know the four who prayed for me that day would fit into this category. I know they believe that Jesus is true.

Earlier in Jesus' story, He gave specific authority to the 12 disciples to heal (Matt 10, Luke 9)

Summoning His 12 disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness. (Matt 10:1)

As you go, announce this: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons. You have received free of charge; give free of charge. (Matt 10:7-8)

Later He expanded the authority to include 70 others.

After this, the Lord appointed 70 others, and He sent them ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place where He Himself was about to go. (Luke 10:1)

Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, 'The kingdom of God has come near you.' (Luke 10:9)

He gives it to us.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: (Mark 16:17a)

He gave a commission to the eleven to be passed on.

Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20)

The authority was passed on to others and signs and wonders followed.

Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8)

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and preached the Messiah to them. The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:5-8)

I can't find any times limits on this authority, nor can I find any cause to believe that it was a short term assignment. Jesus told us that those who believe will manifest signs, among them the laying on of hands and of healing.

I have seen it, it has been done through me and it has been done to me. Why will I doubt it now?

Why do we struggle with sickness? Why do we tolerate illness among us? Why is the church not a vibrant, healthy testimony to an unbelieving, unhealthy world?

"Repent," Peter said to them, "and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, "Be saved from this corrupt generation!" So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.

Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. So they sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. And every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. (Act 2:38-47)

The key to our receiving the promises of God lies in, I believe, the "simplicity of heart". We struggle to lay hold of God's promises because our world, our culture, our minds rebel at the very notion that Jesus is speaking to us across the sands of time and that it is, should be, can be, will be, just that simple.

Jesus said "these signs will accompany those who believe".

Why is it so hard for us to believe that line?

When they reached the crowd, a man approached and knelt down before Him. "Lord," he said, "have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers severely. He often falls into the fire and often into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they couldn't heal him."

Jesus replied, "You unbelieving and rebellious generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me."

Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and from that moment the boy was healed. Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

"Because of your little faith," He told them. "For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (Matt 17:14-20)

Faith, the size of a mustard seed, is required. We must grab on to the promise of God and not let it go! This miniscule portion of faith required to see God work is sometimes overwhelmingly huge in our eyes and in our minds!

I have seen sick bodies healed and restored. I have received this same healing in my own body and have seen others healed as God worked through the touch of my hand. In moments of uncompromising faith, I have seen God work, Jesus' promise fulfilled.

The norm, however, is that I think too much and doubt God's Word. I don't believe it every time. My faith is weak, unstructured and lazy.

Then He asked them, "What are you arguing with them about?"

Out of the crowd, one man answered Him, "Teacher, I brought my son to You. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn't."

He replied to them, "You unbelieving generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to Me."

So they brought him to Him. When the spirit saw Him, it immediately convulsed the boy. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

"How long has this been happening to him?" Jesus asked his father. "From childhood," he said. "And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."

Then Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' Everything is possible to the one who believes."

Immediately the father of the boy cried out, "I do believe! Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:16-24)

Oh Lord, help my unbelief!

Herein lays the difficulty most of us face; we do not believe God's Word all the time, or we do not believe all of it all the time! We struggle with unbelief.

Jesus said ""these signs will accompany those who believe"".

Why do I have a problem believing that 24/7?

Unbelief. A weak heart.

"On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.

Now the Scripture says, No one who believes on Him will be put to shame, for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!

But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message?

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ." Romans 10:8-17 (HCSB)

Faith comes through hearing and hearing through the Word of God.

Ten years ago, shortly after I came to know our Lord, I was continuing to struggle with sinful thoughts and desires, impurities that I thought should have been "washed away". I cried out to God and asked Him when these thoughts and desires would leave me.

He let me know that it had taken 44 years to fill my mind and my body with the knowledge of and desire for sinful things and that it would need to be gradually washed out, flushed out, by the filling of His Word.

I received a picture of my body, filled to the brim with sin. The lid, my mind, was now off and ready to receive new information, God's Holy Word. His Word would gradually flush out the filth within me until I was full of Him instead of sin. His promise to me that day, was that a new mind would accompany a new body, the new creation, but that I needed to do the work and allow Him to do His work in me.

I have not been faithful over these ten years, to allow this work to proceed as planned, to allow myself to be consistently and continually "flushed out and filled up".

"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one." Rom 12:1-3 (HCSB)

My faith level has not grown according to what God has designed for me to have. My "measure of faith" is weak because I have not allowed my mind to be "transformed" according to the plan God gave me. I have not been faithful in daily study, prayer and fellowship with God.

A weak will performs weakly.

In understanding the weakness of my faith, however, I am jubilant in that understanding.

Ten years ago, God gave me a message of renewal. That formula is good for today.

I can still be "transformed by the renewing of (my) mind" and my faith will become stronger by the hearing of the Word. In that strengthened faith I have the hope of seeing God's promises lived out in my life and in the lives of others.

Can we "move mountains" today? Can the sick be healed with regular consistency through the hands of believers?

Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to Him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed is withered."

Jesus replied to them, "Have faith in God. I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for--believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:20-24 (HCSB)

I believe, based upon my understanding of God's Word, that healing is available to us today through prayer and the laying on of hands of faith filled believers.

Lord, help me to not doubt!

I believe that God's Word is true, from cover to cover.

Lord, help my unbelief!

I believe that I have been healed of my leukemia through the laying on of hands of faith filled believers.

Lord, help me to see that which is!

My wife asked me why I was continuing treatment if I believed that I had been healed.
Why indeed?

Lord, help me to walk in my belief!

My white cell counts have returned to normal and the pain I have been experiencing is almost gone.

I thank God and I praise Him for his mercy to me.

Funny how things churn .....

When I was in the Police Academy in '89, our instructer told us on the first day that as folks became aware that we carried a badge, 50% of our "friends" would stop being our friends. That mostly came true.

I found it interesting that when I became a follower of Jesus, a born again believer, the number of disappointed friends and family was a similar, if not greater percentage.

Mat 10:32-36 "Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.

Don't assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be the members of his household.

Jesus told us that would happen, but that knowledge doesn't always immediately lessen the pain of separation.

Pro 18:24 A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

The interesting thing is that I now have more friends and a MUCH larger family than I ever dreamed possible, and these friends and family, for the most part, can be counted on to BE THERE when life gets tough!

Rom 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Funny how things churn .......

We Must "hate the sin but love the sinner".

I am overwhelmed with story after story headlining the many tales of insanity and persecution against Christians and Christian thought in this nation. We were told that this would happen so it should come as no surprise, but I must admit that the magnitude, the frequency and the consistency of the tide has got me reeling to a point.

The anti-moralist, anti-biblical indoctrination in the public school system continues to grow with no apparent cessation in sight. Entire cities (Philadelphia, Boston, etc.), once bedrocks of fundamental thought in this emerging nation, have become sanctuaries of decadence and anti-God philosophy (Rom 1:22-32). The entertainment media springing from once simple entertainment has become the reflection of America at its worst. Many "churched" children in our communities lean towards relativism because they do not see a reflection of Jesus in their homes and churches and they discount the Truth as desire.

How did we get here? I think mostly by looking the other way and failing to be watchful, and by so "partaking of the fruit" ourselves that we are timid to raise our voice. I think many who call themselves Christians are apathetic in their faith and have become ineffective in the spiritual war that is upon us. Many of us are simply not engaged, are "walking wounded".

I have spent a great amount of time over the past few years getting worked up about the events at hand, sending out emails, waving placards, pontificating from a variety of soap boxes and generally blowing in the wind. I have seen myself recently throwing stones at an increasing number of God's creations, waving my Bible but failing to use it as He intended it to be used. I am not saying that we should not be at hand in the battle, but we must be wise in our engagements and must filter our actions through God's Word.

What I need to be focused upon is prayer and doing the best I can at being the best that Jesus designed me to be.

I believe we need to see clearly what is happening in our communities around us and we need to join together in prayer and living testimony so that God may use our open hearts to open others. I believe we need to strive to be watchful and engage the enemy as God directs us. We need to focus on being useful to Him.

We need to be prayerful warriors and "suited up" at all times (Eph 6:10-11). We must be walking forward, eyes and ears fully open and our hands must be filled with the Sword of the Spirit. We must "hate the sin but love the sinner".

Before I rail next, I might look in the mirror and honestly consider whether I see Jesus looking back.

Pray. Witness. Engage. Teach. Re-present Jesus.

May God be watchful over you and your family,

Steve

We are made to be a blessing and to be blessed.

I have a friend in need; in crisis need of financial assistance and, even more importantly, in need of knowing how much God loves her and her family, how very much He cares for them and watches over them.

She told me that she "was not worthy" of God's intervention. I agreed with her that she was indeed not worthy, as none of us are, but that she is deserving. She is a child of the Most High God, a princess to the Throne of Mercy and a partaker of The Promise! She is a member of a HUGE family of believers and that a primary purpose of this family is to lift each other up in times of need, in times of distress, in times of want. It is this Family of God, that is close by to rejoice with us in times of gladness and holds us steady in times of seeming despair. Father made us for each other and we are not ever alone in Christ.

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14

"Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God."   Galatians 4:6-7

She told me that "God helps those who help themselves". I assured her that this was not a Biblical teaching, but instead that God helps those who turn to Him in times of need. God helps those who have come to the end of themselves and who turn it all over to Him; God helps those who are His. God wants us to depend on Him, not to depend on ourselves; in ourselves we find idolatry, in Him we find Comfort.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."   Hebrews 4:16

We called on the Family to assist our friend in this time of need and what a joy it was to watch our family of believers respond in cheerful giving and service! What a joy it was to see His heart, to be His heart and to be His hands and feet!

God gives to us so that we may give to others. We are blessed by blessing.

I remember a time of personal need when some unknown gave and my wife and I were sent on a well needed time to ourselves. I remember a time of personal need and upon opening my mailbox finding a $100 bill, quietly tucked into a Christmas card from an unknown giver. I remember a time of late night shopping for two families in greater need, and coming home to find two large boxes of food on our own doorstep.

I remember a time when I was not in God's Family, when I depended on myself, and I rejoice that I am now His! Oh, how wonderful it is to let Him care for me and for my family!

Let's take some time and reflect on that Hope we have in Jesus. That Hope that binds us together and enables us, through His Spirit, to step outside of ourselves and into the lives of others. Let's give to each other, not just money, but self. Let's give and then look for ways to give some more. Let's find someone to bless and then bless their socks off!

Father God, help me to lay myself down that I may be better able to help pick someone else up.

"Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God"

Be a blessing and be blessed, in Jesus' Name,