"Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus..." Phil 2:3-5a
Our society dictates who is in authority, businesses have created positions of authority, and of course, the church has done the same. Writing to the Phillipians, Paul reminds the leaders and the church what our actions should be like. How to serve and give as Jesus did.
Todays leaders are taught to use their authority to bring about the demands of the hierarchy. Being a believer in Christ Jesus our Lord makes the chain of command a bit out of place with society. Church leaders are called to be servants. To serve in a manner that reflects the Father. Love, mercy, and grace abound in the Father, yet, too many times as leaders we tend to use our authority to establish ourselves, our position in our church, in our schools, in our business, etc., instead of leading and teaching by example the ways of God and to establish His kingdom purposes for man.
Love, as always, is the key. The greatest thing that we all need and want...yet the hardest to give and the hardest to receive.
How many times have we heard it said, or we've said, "I love him/her...but I don't have to like him!" Such a sad state of mind! So much the more we need to sacrifice our time and attention for that soul. For his/her sake? No, for our own growth. Our own understanding of knowing how to lay die our lives as Jesus did for that one. Not just that one...but even for us.
Lead as a servant. No, we won't change the world, but, He will.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Come Lord Jesus.
Like many of you, I'm a little overwhelmed at what is going on in America. We truly have come to an age which Scripture describes as a time when people will accept lies over the truth. Certainly, mankind has always been screwed up and has accepted lies over the truth, but since we are living today, and we are living in such screwed up understanding of basic morals...accepting that this is "progressive evolution of man" even the church has decided that the Scriptures are really not from God. Lies and immorality are the norm. If the church really believed what Scripture teaches...things would be much different.
Though most of the time I have voted, I have voted Republican which was once considered the conservative party. This certainly has changed, as well as, the Democratic Party whom now seems to have moved way beyond their foundation.
We are at a time of crisis. And it's not about money, it's not about Wall Street or bank credit. It's about serving God or serving man. This nation has fallen and most don't even realize it yet. It will get worse and one day, by the grace of God, we will wake up to see just how far we've fallen. But the masses have spoken and they want a new saviour. We will get a new saviour(s), as scripture teaches us we will, and then in God's timing, our eyes will be open and we will repent and return to the True Saviour, who is Jesus the Messiah, the One who came and gave His life so that ALL of mankind will be saved.
Whomever wins the next presidency will win because of the heart of the nation, just as it has happened in the past. God will give us what we ask for...it really doesn't matter of the main two who are running because they both lack leadership in spiritual matters. They actually think that man's ways, laws, and leadership can save us.
I can't vote this year for a president. Really...I shouldn't have voted for anyone in the past elections but felt like there was a better evil than the other. Today, I repent of that.
I haven't been very vocal during this election period. I have tried to hold my thoughts in and just let things happen. But now that it seems that Obama will become the next president, I feel that this truly is the beginning of the end...not so much because of him, but because of what the masses have made him to be. Should McCain somehow pull this off, it will be the same in just a little different way. He too...has made the choice to follow a road that leads to nowhere.
We will get change....that's for sure. And it's not because the world is following men who don't believe, it's a reflection on the church for not following the Lord and repenting and giving our hearts and minds to Him. The world doesn't know better....but we should. It's time for the church, the true believers and followers of Jesus, to repent and turn to Him.
Though most of the time I have voted, I have voted Republican which was once considered the conservative party. This certainly has changed, as well as, the Democratic Party whom now seems to have moved way beyond their foundation.
We are at a time of crisis. And it's not about money, it's not about Wall Street or bank credit. It's about serving God or serving man. This nation has fallen and most don't even realize it yet. It will get worse and one day, by the grace of God, we will wake up to see just how far we've fallen. But the masses have spoken and they want a new saviour. We will get a new saviour(s), as scripture teaches us we will, and then in God's timing, our eyes will be open and we will repent and return to the True Saviour, who is Jesus the Messiah, the One who came and gave His life so that ALL of mankind will be saved.
Whomever wins the next presidency will win because of the heart of the nation, just as it has happened in the past. God will give us what we ask for...it really doesn't matter of the main two who are running because they both lack leadership in spiritual matters. They actually think that man's ways, laws, and leadership can save us.
I can't vote this year for a president. Really...I shouldn't have voted for anyone in the past elections but felt like there was a better evil than the other. Today, I repent of that.
I haven't been very vocal during this election period. I have tried to hold my thoughts in and just let things happen. But now that it seems that Obama will become the next president, I feel that this truly is the beginning of the end...not so much because of him, but because of what the masses have made him to be. Should McCain somehow pull this off, it will be the same in just a little different way. He too...has made the choice to follow a road that leads to nowhere.
We will get change....that's for sure. And it's not because the world is following men who don't believe, it's a reflection on the church for not following the Lord and repenting and giving our hearts and minds to Him. The world doesn't know better....but we should. It's time for the church, the true believers and followers of Jesus, to repent and turn to Him.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Fasting
"This is the kind of fasting I have chosen:
Loosen the chains of the wickedness,
untie the straps of the yoke,
let the oppressed go free,
and break every yoke.
Share your food with the hungry,
take the poor and homeless into your house,
and cover them with clothes when you see them naked.
Don't refuse to help your relatives.
Then your light will break through like the dawn,
and you will heal quickly.
Your righteousness will go ahead of you,
and the glory of the Lord will guard you from behind.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer.
You will cry for help, and he will say, "Here I am!"
Get rid of that yoke.
Don't point your finger and say wicked things.
If you give some of your own food to feed those who are hungry
and to satisfy the needs of those who are humble,
then your light will rise in the dark,
and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.
The Lord will continually guide you
and satisfy you even in sun-baked places.
He will strengthen your bones.
You will become like a watered garden
and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing."
Isaiah 58:6-12
Loosen the chains of the wickedness,
untie the straps of the yoke,
let the oppressed go free,
and break every yoke.
Share your food with the hungry,
take the poor and homeless into your house,
and cover them with clothes when you see them naked.
Don't refuse to help your relatives.
Then your light will break through like the dawn,
and you will heal quickly.
Your righteousness will go ahead of you,
and the glory of the Lord will guard you from behind.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer.
You will cry for help, and he will say, "Here I am!"
Get rid of that yoke.
Don't point your finger and say wicked things.
If you give some of your own food to feed those who are hungry
and to satisfy the needs of those who are humble,
then your light will rise in the dark,
and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.
The Lord will continually guide you
and satisfy you even in sun-baked places.
He will strengthen your bones.
You will become like a watered garden
and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing."
Isaiah 58:6-12
Monday, August 11, 2008
Credit Card Ministry
Due to the job I once held, I had to attend a Benny Hinn meeting quite a few years ago. I sat through it and figured out quickly that this was not what Jesus had in mind. The link below is an article that made my stomach turn...Hinn, in my opinion, is a good reason why so many find Christianity is not an option for them.
Lord, come quickly.
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2360893,00.html
Lord, come quickly.
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2360893,00.html
Thursday, July 31, 2008
He is not silent.
"The LORD spoke his word to Jeremiah. He said, "Go to the potter's house. There I will give you my message." I went to the potter's house, and he was working there at his wheel. Whenever a clay pot he was working on was ruined, he would rework it into a new clay pot the way he wanted to make it. The LORD spoke his word to me. The LORD asked, "Nation of Israel, can't I do with you as this potter does with clay? Nation of Israel, you are like the clay in the potter's hands. "At one time I may threaten to tear up, break down, and destroy a nation or a kingdom. But suppose the nation that I threatened turns away from doing wrong. Then I will change my plans about the disaster I planned to do to it. "At another time I may promise to build and plant a nation or a kingdom. But suppose that nation does what I consider evil and doesn't obey me. Then I will change my plans about the good that I promised to do to it. "Now say to the people of Judah and to those who live in Jerusalem, 'This is what the LORD says: I'm going to prepare a disaster and make plans against you. Turn from your evil ways, change your lives, and do good.' "But they will answer, 'It's useless! We'll live the way we want to. We'll go our own stubborn, evil ways." Jeremiah 18:1-12
Here in America, we see our leaders are drifting farther and farther away from God. History shows that God's Word is true. He is not silent in making us aware of the consequences of our desire to turn away from Him. When will we learn? We talk about repenting...but, that seems to be all it is. Talk.
May we all come to a place that we desire to repent. Desire to seek God. Desire His will over our own. I need help in that area. I assume we all do. Pray the Lord has mercy and gives us a new heart and mind that desires to love Him, honor Him, and give Him our all.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Creation
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
It seems there is a huge push within the Christian world to accept that evolution as being taught by the scientists is a fact. I guess it's kind of like how global warming as Al Gore is pushing is a fact even though there is evidence to the contrary.
I realize there is an evolutionary process in our world. But it still comes back to who created that one thing that set the process in motion. I find the idea that God create a little atom and then boom we, the planets, the stars, the universe...simply evolved. To even think we could take a monkey in this day and age and evolve it into a human being seems comical. We know we can't do that. Or better yet, a fish evolves into a man.
What is it about Christians wanting to disregard the creation account? Why does it seem that evolution makes more sense than the creation account? Both "theories" take faith to believe. My problem is that it takes so much more faith to believe in evolution and yet, so many wise theologians have fallen into the camp of evolution and are trying hard to change the mindset of believers.
What a world.
It seems there is a huge push within the Christian world to accept that evolution as being taught by the scientists is a fact. I guess it's kind of like how global warming as Al Gore is pushing is a fact even though there is evidence to the contrary.
I realize there is an evolutionary process in our world. But it still comes back to who created that one thing that set the process in motion. I find the idea that God create a little atom and then boom we, the planets, the stars, the universe...simply evolved. To even think we could take a monkey in this day and age and evolve it into a human being seems comical. We know we can't do that. Or better yet, a fish evolves into a man.
What is it about Christians wanting to disregard the creation account? Why does it seem that evolution makes more sense than the creation account? Both "theories" take faith to believe. My problem is that it takes so much more faith to believe in evolution and yet, so many wise theologians have fallen into the camp of evolution and are trying hard to change the mindset of believers.
What a world.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Pope in Yankee Stadium
AP Photo - Frank Franklin III am not Catholic but I have been watching the mass on TV today and really have been moved by the commentary as well as the service. Even though I have a lot of issues with the doctrines of the Catholic church, I am very aware that Jesus' name is being proclaimed around the world! That in itself is a blessing to the nations. May today be more than a service. May it be a beginning of hearts wanting to change and know Jesus the Lord.
This coming Saturday, April 26th please join the nation again for a day of repentance and prayer.
This coming Saturday, April 26th please join the nation again for a day of repentance and prayer.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Timeless treasures
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11-12
"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." Proverbs 4:18
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10-12
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." Proverbs 10:12
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1
"The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." Proverbs 13:3
"He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but happy is he who is kind to the poor." Proverbs 14:21
"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that one may avoid the snares of death." Proverbs 14:27
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." Proverbs 16: 3-4
"To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
"A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established." Proverbs 19:21
"A man's steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can man understand His way?" Proverbs 20:24
"The spirit if man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
"He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor." Proverbs 21:21
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11-12
"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." Proverbs 4:18
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10-12
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." Proverbs 10:12
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1
"The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." Proverbs 13:3
"He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but happy is he who is kind to the poor." Proverbs 14:21
"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that one may avoid the snares of death." Proverbs 14:27
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." Proverbs 16: 3-4
"To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
"A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established." Proverbs 19:21
"A man's steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can man understand His way?" Proverbs 20:24
"The spirit if man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
"He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor." Proverbs 21:21
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Peace on earth, goodwill to men.
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written; "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21
We have heard it said that we are at war with evil. I have heard from many believers in Jesus that we need to fight and destroy those who are trying to destroy others and need to protect the innocent. It's a hard thing to grasp when coming from Christian believers that we need to attack "evil" before they attack us. How do we justify this? What does scripture say? What does your heart say?
We reap what we sow. That goes for individuals as well as nations.
We have heard it said that we are at war with evil. I have heard from many believers in Jesus that we need to fight and destroy those who are trying to destroy others and need to protect the innocent. It's a hard thing to grasp when coming from Christian believers that we need to attack "evil" before they attack us. How do we justify this? What does scripture say? What does your heart say?
We reap what we sow. That goes for individuals as well as nations.
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