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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)