Still grieving for this nation and the lost that live in it, but understanding that I can not blame any politician for the spiritual decline we see progressing, and that all authorities are appointed by God to achieve His purpose. Scripture is being fulfilled and we are witnesses to it. My heart has never been heavier. May God rescue each of you who do not accept His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope you will listen to the podcast from my pastor's sermon last Sunday, after the election.
http://www.steelecreek.org/audiopodcasts/20121111_915PuttingFaithintoAction.mp3
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
PEELING AWAY THE FLESH
Today is a new day. I will let go of yesterday. I must admit, it is difficult, but I will make the choice to do so. I must also admit, it is difficult to pray for this president...but I have, and I will continue to do so, and I do it because that is what is required of a person who wears the title, Christian, and sooner or later (hopefully sooner), I will sink into the peace that the Lord has waiting for me. You see, I am a very stubborn human...like a dog with a bone...hard to let go of things, sometimes. Amazing how much power we allow our flesh to have, even when we don't want it to! Paul said it perfectly in Romans 7:15-24 Romans 7:15-24 (AMP)
15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].
16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it.
17 However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]
19 For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].
21 So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands.
22 For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].
23 But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].
24 O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?
15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].
16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it.
17 However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]
19 For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].
21 So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands.
22 For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].
23 But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].
24 O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Christians & Voting
Borrowed from a friend:
Here are 7 things I think are important, for Christians, to keep in mind as they consider their vote in the Presidential election, or any election.
1. Christians should both vote, and fully engage in the political process, unapologetically.
*We live in a representative republic, which invites the participation of all its citizens. So accept the invitation and participate!
2. Voting decisions sh
Here are 7 things I think are important, for Christians, to keep in mind as they consider their vote in the Presidential election, or any election.
1. Christians should both vote, and fully engage in the political process, unapologetically.
*We live in a representative republic, which invites the participation of all its citizens. So accept the invitation and participate!
2. Voting decisions sh
ould be informed by the Bible.
*God created us and knows best how people can live well, not only in the next life, but this one!
3. Voting decisions should be prioritized according to the Biblical clarity available on the issues.
*Issues with the greatest Biblical clarity should be prioritized higher than those with less Biblical clarity.
4. Christians should stop voting selfishly.
*While it should certainly factor into our decision making process, netting more money in our pockets shouldn’t be the determining factor for how a Christian votes. Vote for the good of the country. Vote for what is in the best interest of a country that is being watched, and will be judged, by a holy God.
5. We should remember that God isn’t indifferent about abortion.
*The current take by many Christians is that abortion is just “one of many issues.” Any objective assessment, from a Christian viewpoint, should cause this issue to rise very high on our list of priorities. It is the moral issue of our time. Consider all the issues you care about, but this one should be very high on your list.
6. Remember, God is in control.
*However the election turns out, whether your candidate wins or loses, God is in control.
7. Engage in politics, but remember that Jesus is the hope of the world.
*American has been and can remain a tremendous force for good in the world, but America in not the hope of the world. Jesus is the hope of the world.
*God created us and knows best how people can live well, not only in the next life, but this one!
3. Voting decisions should be prioritized according to the Biblical clarity available on the issues.
*Issues with the greatest Biblical clarity should be prioritized higher than those with less Biblical clarity.
4. Christians should stop voting selfishly.
*While it should certainly factor into our decision making process, netting more money in our pockets shouldn’t be the determining factor for how a Christian votes. Vote for the good of the country. Vote for what is in the best interest of a country that is being watched, and will be judged, by a holy God.
5. We should remember that God isn’t indifferent about abortion.
*The current take by many Christians is that abortion is just “one of many issues.” Any objective assessment, from a Christian viewpoint, should cause this issue to rise very high on our list of priorities. It is the moral issue of our time. Consider all the issues you care about, but this one should be very high on your list.
6. Remember, God is in control.
*However the election turns out, whether your candidate wins or loses, God is in control.
7. Engage in politics, but remember that Jesus is the hope of the world.
*American has been and can remain a tremendous force for good in the world, but America in not the hope of the world. Jesus is the hope of the world.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
GUARD YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND
Just finished a long walk, just me and Jesus. Listening to my worship music, blocking out all the sounds and negative influences of the world... Romans 13:13-14(AMP)
13 Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy.
14 But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).
With so much outside influences, such as tv, radio, internet, books, even friends, and so on, it's easy to get wrapped up in the things the world has to offer, that may not be beneficial in our relationship with Christ. These things may give us pleasure for a time, but at what cost? From time to time I have to clean house, take a look at the things in my life that are driving a wedge between me and my Savior. I urge you to do the same. Take inventory of the things in your life that might be better thrown out. Is it what you're watching on television? Is it that relationship you're in? Is it drinking? Is it a book you're reading? I often ask myself, "Am I pleasing to God? Do my actions and words reflect who I am in Him?" Why don't you do the same. To be different from most of your peers can be a bit lonely at times, but in the end it's well worth it.
13 Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy.
14 But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).
With so much outside influences, such as tv, radio, internet, books, even friends, and so on, it's easy to get wrapped up in the things the world has to offer, that may not be beneficial in our relationship with Christ. These things may give us pleasure for a time, but at what cost? From time to time I have to clean house, take a look at the things in my life that are driving a wedge between me and my Savior. I urge you to do the same. Take inventory of the things in your life that might be better thrown out. Is it what you're watching on television? Is it that relationship you're in? Is it drinking? Is it a book you're reading? I often ask myself, "Am I pleasing to God? Do my actions and words reflect who I am in Him?" Why don't you do the same. To be different from most of your peers can be a bit lonely at times, but in the end it's well worth it.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Oh my goodness... I'm still encountering people with their heads in the proverbial sand. For crying out loud...Afghanistan is NOT an ally...the Muslim religion (according to the Koran) is NOT a peaceful religion. Yes, there are some people who claim to be Muslim, but do not adhere to the entire Koran. That is no different than people who claim to be Christian, but do not adhere to the entire Holy Scripture. If you do not adhere to the entire word of your religion, i.e. faith, you are not a true follower. True followers are willing to die for their faith. The difference between Islam and Christianity is that Muslims are willing to blow themselves up, along with innocent people in the hopes of going to heaven, and Christians are willing to suffer themselves and sacrifice only their own lives in the name of Christ Jesus with the knowledge that they WILL go to heaven.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
REMEMBERING 9/11
I remember how this nation literally became, once again, One Nation Under God. We rallied together in prayer. We found a renewed sense of community. We were determined to fight back, together. A lot has happened since then. Why are we so divided? A nation divided can not stand. A nation that boos God can not survive. We are in another civil war...brother against brother...neighbor against neighbor.
We need a president that truly desires to bring us together and lead, putting God at the helm. We need an administration that is not divisive and that honestly loves this great nation that we are honored to live in. We do not have that kind of leadership. What we have is an empty chair.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
John 15:17-21
Amplified Bible (AMP)
17This is what I command you: that you love one another.
18If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.
20Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.
21But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me.
18If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.
20Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.
21But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
SUPPORT CHIC-FIL-A
Support Chic-fil-a today!
What I don't understand is how one group of people can scream hate and intolerance when said group of people are exhibiting just that... Matthew 7:3-5 says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
To believe that marriage is a holy covenant between a man and a woman does not qualify as hate. Intolerance? Yes. As Christians, we should never tolerate sin. That does not mean we have hatred or intolerance for the sinner...we have all sinned...that is why we need a Savior.
What I don't understand is how one group of people can scream hate and intolerance when said group of people are exhibiting just that... Matthew 7:3-5 says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
To believe that marriage is a holy covenant between a man and a woman does not qualify as hate. Intolerance? Yes. As Christians, we should never tolerate sin. That does not mean we have hatred or intolerance for the sinner...we have all sinned...that is why we need a Savior.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
IN OBEDIENCE THERE IS FULLNESS
First I want to share this link. http://lifetoday.org/video/filled-to-the-measure. After hearing Beth Moore's story, I was inspired to share mine.
Sometimes Jesus asks us to do things that are outside of our comfort zone, and we argue with Him, and struggle with Him...just like Moses did. I want to share something with you that happened to me a few weeks ago. I'm not sharing this to be recognized or praised, because it isn't about me, it's about obedience to the Lord, and the blessings that overflow as a result.
I live in a very small mill town just on the other side of the river from Charlotte. It is extremely rare to see homeless people in this little community, especially on this particular road. I had just pulled out onto Catawba Street, just a couple blocks from my house, when I saw a woman walking in the cold rain. Her nose was the first thing I noticed. It was beet red, her head humg low, and she was bundled up in baggy sweats and an oversized jacket, carrying what looked like a sleeping bag rolled up in a garbage bag. My heart immediately began to pound, and I cried out, "Oh God, help her! Have mercy on her!" Do you know what the Holy Spirit said to me? "Turn around and buy her some breakfast and a cup of coffee." I said, "Oh please don't ask me to do that! I'm scared!" So as I'm driving and arguing with God, with all kinds of things running through my head, I've already crossed the bridge into Charlotte, and the Holy Spirit says, "OBEY ME and TURN AROUND!" SO I DID, shaking and panting all the way. I see her and cut her off at a side street, roll down my window and called out to her, "Excuse me! Can I take you for some breakfast and a cup of coffee?" She looks up at me with these big brown eyes and says with a German accent, "Are you serious?" I said, "Yes I'm serious. Get in!" Well, she got in, and she smelled really bad, with dirt streaked on her plain face. She was the most meek and precious woman I have ever met. I asked her where she slept last night, and she told me she slept outside. It had rained all night, and the temps were down in the low 40's.
I took her to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast and coffee. We talked a little. Her name is Bridget, and she confirmed that she is from Germany. She's been here for 6 or 8 years...I don't remember which, now. I asked her if I could take her to my church in Charlotte to get her some help, but she declined and asked me if I could take her to the corner of Woodlawn and Old Pineville Rd., so I did. She asked me to drop her off at a gas station, so I did. I asked her if she needed some cash, and she said all she needed was the food and coffee I gave her. I didn't want to let her go, but she assured me she would be fine. I gave her a card with the name and phone number of my church, and wrote my name and phone number on the back, and told her to please call me if she needed ANYTHING. She thanked me and told me, as she was getting out, "You will be blessed." She has no idea how blessed and humbled I already was at that moment. I don't know what the result of that obedience to God was or is, and I may never know.
I was told that she could have been an angel. When I heard that I got goosebumps, because that exact thing had actually come to my mind when I was struggling with God over going back for her. Maybe she WAS an angel. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 13:2 (NIV), "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." But maybe she was just a woman in need of food and warmth for a little while. Maybe she was just a woman who had been beat down by life's circumstances and needed a stranger to show her some kindness, to help her make it one more day. I DO know that in that experience God taught me humility. He also proved to me that when I choose to be obedient, to step out of my comfort zone, He will provide EVERYTHING I need to accomplish His will and purpose.
Sometimes Jesus asks us to do things that are outside of our comfort zone, and we argue with Him, and struggle with Him...just like Moses did. I want to share something with you that happened to me a few weeks ago. I'm not sharing this to be recognized or praised, because it isn't about me, it's about obedience to the Lord, and the blessings that overflow as a result.
I live in a very small mill town just on the other side of the river from Charlotte. It is extremely rare to see homeless people in this little community, especially on this particular road. I had just pulled out onto Catawba Street, just a couple blocks from my house, when I saw a woman walking in the cold rain. Her nose was the first thing I noticed. It was beet red, her head humg low, and she was bundled up in baggy sweats and an oversized jacket, carrying what looked like a sleeping bag rolled up in a garbage bag. My heart immediately began to pound, and I cried out, "Oh God, help her! Have mercy on her!" Do you know what the Holy Spirit said to me? "Turn around and buy her some breakfast and a cup of coffee." I said, "Oh please don't ask me to do that! I'm scared!" So as I'm driving and arguing with God, with all kinds of things running through my head, I've already crossed the bridge into Charlotte, and the Holy Spirit says, "OBEY ME and TURN AROUND!" SO I DID, shaking and panting all the way. I see her and cut her off at a side street, roll down my window and called out to her, "Excuse me! Can I take you for some breakfast and a cup of coffee?" She looks up at me with these big brown eyes and says with a German accent, "Are you serious?" I said, "Yes I'm serious. Get in!" Well, she got in, and she smelled really bad, with dirt streaked on her plain face. She was the most meek and precious woman I have ever met. I asked her where she slept last night, and she told me she slept outside. It had rained all night, and the temps were down in the low 40's.
I took her to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast and coffee. We talked a little. Her name is Bridget, and she confirmed that she is from Germany. She's been here for 6 or 8 years...I don't remember which, now. I asked her if I could take her to my church in Charlotte to get her some help, but she declined and asked me if I could take her to the corner of Woodlawn and Old Pineville Rd., so I did. She asked me to drop her off at a gas station, so I did. I asked her if she needed some cash, and she said all she needed was the food and coffee I gave her. I didn't want to let her go, but she assured me she would be fine. I gave her a card with the name and phone number of my church, and wrote my name and phone number on the back, and told her to please call me if she needed ANYTHING. She thanked me and told me, as she was getting out, "You will be blessed." She has no idea how blessed and humbled I already was at that moment. I don't know what the result of that obedience to God was or is, and I may never know.
I was told that she could have been an angel. When I heard that I got goosebumps, because that exact thing had actually come to my mind when I was struggling with God over going back for her. Maybe she WAS an angel. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 13:2 (NIV), "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." But maybe she was just a woman in need of food and warmth for a little while. Maybe she was just a woman who had been beat down by life's circumstances and needed a stranger to show her some kindness, to help her make it one more day. I DO know that in that experience God taught me humility. He also proved to me that when I choose to be obedient, to step out of my comfort zone, He will provide EVERYTHING I need to accomplish His will and purpose.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)