Enough to make you sick!

http://www.digtriad.com/news/article/178958/1/NC-Boy-With-Cerebral-Palsy-Asked-To-Leave-Easter-Service

I just had the misfortune of reading this article. Really? Throw a kid and his mom out of church for being a "distraction," just because he's handicapped? What would Jesus say? I can only imagine an event similar to his clearing of the temple. How can the Body of Christ possibly be edified when things like this are becoming more and more common place? The God of the Bible would not find this to be a satisfactory form of worship. He IS the Creator of the Universe, and created that little boy, just like created you and I. Jesus died for all of us, and that includes the boy and his mother.

(Mat 25:42-46 ESV)

For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." 

He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30 ESV) - John the baptist. He had it right when he made that statement. It's not about us, it's about Jesus Christ and his work on the cross.

Please, if this kind of behavior is tolerated in your church speak out against it! If the less fortunate are shunned by the leadership, take them to scripture and show them the error of their ways. This has to be stopped here and now. If they will not listen, move on to another congregation, and having nothing to do with them.

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
(Tit 3:10-11 ESV)

Jesus never meant for his Church to be a rock concert with concessions and t-shirt sales. When we allow the Church to be an entertainment venue that is focused on the "show," we are treading on dangerous ground.

Please join me in prayer for every Church around the world. Christianity is under attack from the inside out.

God Bless.

The death of wisdom.

     Although everyone has different backgrounds, with varying degrees of education, almost all of us have had the opportunity to listen to a lecture by someone whom is "over" educated. Unfortunately, I had the opportunity this week to hear a lecture (4 hours worth) given by a Ph.D. in an Old Testament History class. He has obviously educated himself to the point of stupidity. This lecture took place at a very conservative Bible college, and it was anything but conservative.

     I''ll try to avoid going into a full blown diatribe, but I am disappointed, so it may be a struggle. First off, when speaking on the creation of the universe, I stand with the literal interpretation, same as the fine folks at http://www.answersingenesis.org/. As for the integrity of the scriptures, I believe that all scripture in their original languages and entirety is the very word of God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-17 ESV)

Now that we have established where I stand, we will address some of the lunacy that the fine "Dr." was expounding. Below are a few of his supposed "teachings." -Warning- if you are weak in the faith, please do not proceed.

• The Genesis account of creation indicates in no way shape or form that God created the universe in 7 literal days. Creation likely took place over time, (he didn't come right out and say evolution, but he hinted around about it) and in no way does Genesis chapter one indicate the doctrine of creation ex nihilo. 
• The Nephilim of Genesis Ch. 6:4 and Numbers 13:33 were not giants, but the Hebrew for the Nephilim indicates "the falling ones." This is due to the demise of the "Nephilim" to the Great Flood, and then allegedly when Israel invades the promised land. (When read in context, this makes no sense.)
• The book of Deuteronomy may have been written as late as the 6th century B.C. (He uses B.C.E) in order to incite religious reform after the Babylonian Sojourn (He's too good to call it the "captivity"). Therefore making it a forgery.
• Moses did not write the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible). The good "Dr." did not say who wrote it, but it was not Moses. "Who would have schlepped it around the desert?" (Obviously the part of Deuteronomy that was written after Moses death  was not written by him posthumously.)
• In Genesis Chapter 1, the sun and moon was not referred to as the "sun and moon" but the greater and the lesser lights. This was to counter Mesopotamian Sun worship, you wouldn't want to get that started of course...
• The creation account in Genesis was written as a response to other Mesopotamian creation accounts. Not an original document inspired by God so that his people would understand the "beginning." 

Throughout this "lecture," I found myself looking "fool" up in the Bible.

 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.  (Pro 28:26 ESV)

   In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. (Pro 13:16 ESV)

 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. (Pro 17:28 ESV)

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Pro 26:12 ESV)

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (1Co 3:18 ESV)

    The list goes on, but  I will stop here. You get the idea, it was by far the most mind boggling Bible college class I have taken.

 Please leave a comment with any insights that you may have, it would be greatly appreciated!

Have you experienced the saving power of Jesus?

I was reading Church Planter: The Man, The Message, The Mission by Darrin Patrick, and realized that he makes an excellent point on page 21. Paraphrased, it says that no one should attempt to shepherd a church without having experienced the saving power of Jesus. That got me to thinking.. How many "Christians" have not come to terms with their salvation? 

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1Jn 1:9 ESV)

In today's society, forgiveness is somewhat of a mystery to most of us. It has become common place for people to nurse grudges, and to slander and to hate. Not only is it common, but it's encouraged. This occurs almost everywhere we look. Even television shows that are geared towards children/teens encourages them to be mean spirited and hold grudges. It's no wonder that we have difficulty in feeling that the God of the Universe sent his Son on PURPOSE to die for our sins. 

Even though many of us say that we know that we are forgiven, do we feel forgiven? Is this feeling of "almost, but not quite" from God, or man? I believe it is of man. We have difficulty understanding that God has forgiven us, because he loves us. It's a concept that is rather foreign to us; forgiveness. Jesus taught about forgiveness on numerous occasions. Why? He knows that forgiveness is something that we struggle with almost daily. 

Probably the most difficult person to forgive is ourselves. Many of us struggle with guilt about our past lifestyles, mistakes, and the people we may have hurt (in one way or another). We must strive to put this behind us, and allow Jesus to save us, despite ourselves. No, we don't deserve it. The Apostle Paul was inspired to address this:

"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 ESV)

God new that we were sinners, but he sent Jesus ANYWAY! If you still struggle with accepting salvation, or have not yet "felt" the healing of a savior, pray for God to take your doubts, and your feelings of past guilt away from you. Confess that you were a sinner, and ask for forgiveness, if you still have not experienced an encounter with Christ, pray that you will, and that your sin will be put behind you.

What's your testimony?

From time to time I find a deeply insightful article like this one from the Christian Post. I had never thought of the effect ones personal testimony would have on a non-believer or a "young" Christian.

 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1Co 10:13 ESV)

Once we give this some thought, how often does anyone ever accept Jesus and then never again feel tempted by sin? Anyone that is honest about their Spiritual condition will admit that temptation never truly ceases. Sometimes we may even experience a greater degree of temptation as Satan attacks us, tempting us to turn our backs on Christ and do things that we know to be wrong. 

Even though some people are not as susceptible to some of their previous sins/addictions such as alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, theft, lying etc. to state that they NEVER feel tempted by anything may not be accurate. If it is the case that they are no longer tempted by their prior addictions, it may be necessary to add a disclaimer... "Although I still battle with other temptations, I no longer crave alcohol etc." Also, others who have overcome addiction through Christ, but still struggle with the temptation of their previous/habitual sins should share their testimony. If a young Christian, or a non-believer that is on the fence thinks that being a Christian is easy, and care free, they will be extremely disappointed. This could lead to backsliding, and or the feeling of being mislead. When witnessing, always be 110% honest, and upfront. Let them know that just because they may fight with the sinful desires of the flesh, their is always an alternative... Jesus Christ! They are not alone, they have the Lord, and other believers to give them strength and comfort.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Eph 6:13 ESV) (emphasis added by author.)

We are no longer of this World, so we can resist sin through the strength we have in Christ.

Walking with Christ is anything but easy, especially while trying to survive in this depraved world. Often times, we feel as if we are outsiders, that we don't fit in to the "worldly" culture that we are surround by. That's because we don't! As Jesus said:

 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19 ESV)

Censorship on the Web?

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

Have you ever been the victim of internet censorship? With social media, blogs, and content sites there are a plethora of locations to publish your work. Have you ever fallen victim to a site administrator that finds your content offensive? Did they say that your writing was:

• Offensive to a particular race, lifestyle or religious practice.
• Hate speech.
• A personal attack.
• Vulgar/obscene.
• Inappropriate commercial purposes. 
• Copyright infringement.

Was their complaint justified, or was it simply a lack of humor on their part? Grant it, that copyright infringement and other blatantly illegal activities should be squelched, the outcome is generally determined by the Spirit in which it is performed.  The most dangerous part about censorship is, that once it begins, where does it end? In most oppressive cultures it began gradually, then snowballed into a full blown loss of freedom .  Please leave a comment below. 

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
(2Co 3:17 KJV)

Have you ever wanted to give up?

     Everyone hits rough spots in life. You begin to feel beat down, bummed out and down right bad. Nothing is going right, and not only is it not going right, but it continues to deteriorate. I've been there. It's not pretty, and it's anything but easy. Most of the time it is a case of everything "ganging up" on you. It's not one or two unfortunate situations, but a whole conflagration of trouble from multiple directions.
     Then it hits you, your tired, wore out, and exhausted. You don't have to stay down. Each and everyone of us goes through this from time to time (if your honest with yourself), but we have hope. We have Jesus Christ!
      Now if you ever think that you have it bad, think about the Apostle Paul. He was under stress from being a leader in the church, as well as having suffered numerous persecutions:

  Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one--I am talking like a madman--with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
(2Co 11:23-30 ESV)

Yet, Paul did not allow this to discourage him. He repeatedly turned to Christ for focus and comfort. At the end of his life, while awaiting execution in a Roman prison, Paul composed his final epistle. Writing to Timothy, Paul briefly reflected on his hardships, and the fact that he was able to pull through them in order to serve God till the end.  We also have that strength available to us, all we must do is ask in genuine prayer. God has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell inside of us, but we must listen, and humble ourselves to the Lord. Often times I find that I thrash around like an animal with my head in a trap, not allowing the God of creation the opportunity to set me free from my agony.

Do you struggle with frustration, fatigue, exhaustion or a feeling of failure? Please leave a comment below, or a prayer request.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
(Rom 8:28 ESV)

Red Skeleton the American Patriot.

In this Red Skeleton monologue, he not only explains the Pledge of Allegiance in full, but makes an interesting comment about the statement "under God." The man was apparently wise beyond his years when he speculated that someday using "God" in the pledge could make the liberals feel that it is a prayer, and prohibit it's recitation in public schools.
As most of us know, their are school systems here in the United States that have done exactly that-banned the daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance. It's a shame that this wonderful nation which was founded on Biblical principles by strong Christian men has sunk to the level of censoring our own "pledge of allegiance."
What's next? Patriotic songs such as "America the Beautiful, God Bless the U.S.A, America (my country, 'tis of thee), The Star Spangled Banner (A.K.A U.S. National Anthem), Eternal Father-The Navy Hymn," will probably be banned from public performance as well. Each and every one of the songs listed contains a reference to God. If this is the case, then the Battle Hymn of the Republic will surely be a "gone-er" as well..
Please pray for our nation, as we are in an unprecedented time of spiritual turmoil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
(Eph 6:12 ESV)

Photo Courtesy of www.publicdomainpictures.net

Not allowed to talk about Religion at a Military Funeral?

I generally try not to get to hung up on current events/news, but this week has been a rough one for Jesus here in the U.S. of A. The Houston National Cemetery's VA Director is now part of a law suite that has been filed on the behalf of the VFW, American Legion, and The National Memorial Ladies concerning the censorship of prayer and other religious recitations. Here's the release from the VFW .
Pray, pray fervently, fast, and pray. Our nation is in serious trouble. At every turn Christianity is being attacked. As a country that was founded on the principles of the Bible, and faith in the Lord, it is disgusting that we should fall into apostasy so quickly. Are you concerned about what is going to happen if we continue to turn our backs on God? Leave a comment and share your concerns and prayer needs.

 

Is 80% of your Church Inactive?

     After reading this article by the Christian Post, it dawned on me that the Church is under attack from all directions. Many people whom claim to be Christians and may be a member of a Church are either Sunday morning pew warmers, or part of the C and E crowd (Christmas,Easter).
     This is perhaps Satan's most ruthless attack against believers. Satan doesn't have to tempt us in to denouncing your faith, or to commit a grievous sin. All Satan must do is make you comfortable, slowly you will  become luke warm. Before your know it, not only have you become inactive at Church, but are no longer acting as salt and light in the community. Then it begins to creep into your personal life. You think of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross less and less. You forget to pray, and you depend on your own resources instead of the God of the universe. It's a slow creeping cancer. Just like a boiling cup of water gradually becomes room temperature, your faith cools off. While still claiming Jesus, there is no sign of the regenerative power of the Holy Spirit in your life. This is when Satan has you right where he wants you, and you don't even know it.
      Associating with other believers keeps us Spiritually fed. Few of us have the self-discipline to stay focused on God, and his purpose for our life without flesh and blood guidance and encouragement. Whether we like it or not, we are part of the greater body of believers.

So the body is not one part but many. If the foot should say, "Because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I'm not an eye, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? Now there are many parts, yet one body.
(1Co 12:14-20 HCSB)

     In knowing this, each of us has a responsibility, to ourselves, and Christ to be actively involved in a ministry. There are circumstances that can make this difficult, and you may even be one of those individuals that have "slipped out the back door." This happens to many of us. We are going through this very thing as I type..

     Becoming inactive at Church is perhaps one of the most discouraging experiences that a Christian can suffer through. 

     Have you ever gone through a "luke" warm stage in your walk with Jesus? If you have, please tell us about it in the comment section. By sharing our heartache and experiences, we may grow and heal.

-Prayers!

    

Will Iran be next?

Regularly we hear in the news about the Iranian nuclear program and the threat that Iran poses to Israel and U.S. interests in the middle east. Currently they are holding war games, this includes firing ballistic missiles that have the capability of reaching Israel as well as U.S. assets in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As we read the news each day, we continue to learn of the growing threats to our nation, and our faith.  Don't be discouraged, we are told that this is to be expected.


                                                                                                             

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. (Mat 24:6 ESV)

Keep in mind, this is not the first time that their  has been rhetoric involving missiles and nuclear weapons. Many people thought that the Cuban Missile Crisis was going to bring about the end, but it was resolved without nuclear war. This will not be the last that we hear about this, I'll try to keep you appraised of any further developments. 

      Pray for our Nation, our Church, and all Christians around the World. Please pray for the lost, especially the Muslims, they know not what they do.     

                       



           

Predestination? Well, what do you think?

This may prove that I am a simpleton, with a limited concept of this theological principle. Predestination/Calvinism. If predestination is true, then why fulfill the Great Commission?


The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 
(2Pe 3:9 ESV)

If God wishes that no one should perish, then why did he create some just to go to hell (in the case of predestination)?  I understand the drawing power of the Holy Spirit, but the Calvinist that believe in predestination feel that you were either created to go to hell or heaven Defeating the purpose of the plan of salvation.. I don't get it! Doesn't this concept infringe on the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross? This article from the Christian Post is what got me started. Please read it, and let me know what you think. 

Could it be possible that no one REALLY understands how our free-will and God's omnipotence works? Is it at least in the realm of possibility that we are arrogant to assume that we have it all figured out. I am not saying that we are saved by our "works," faith in Christ is what saves us. We must CHOOSE to put our faith in Christ. Perhaps God has foreknowledge of what we are going to do before we do it, knowing us better then we know ourselves. 

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

(Isa 55:9 ESV)

If anyone has a good way to explain this, please feel free to comment!

A bit ironic..

After writing an article on New York legalizing gay marriage, something struck me as being a bit ironic. The symbol of gay pride is a rainbow. God gave us the rainbow, as a reminder of his covenant with the Earth, that never again will he destroy the Earth by sending a great flood.

Now, here is the part that strikes me as being so ironic that it's virtual insanity.. Why did God send the flood on the Earth in the first place? Man had become so evil, sinful, and was a plague on creation (sounds familiar doesn't it?) God decided that since man had gotten so far away from what he had intended, that he was going to wipe the slate clean, and start all over.

Now, that certain elements of our society are rebelling against God, what have they chosen as their "in His face" symbol? A rainbow. The reminder (rainbow) of the covenant (he will not flood the Earth again) that God made with us, after he  destroyed the Earth due to the sinfulness of mankind, is now their "calling card." Wow!

 I just felt the need to share that revelation with you, it really struck me as being quite asinine that anyone would do something that obviously spiteful, directed at the God of the universe. 

  This is a call to everyone to share the Gospel with the lost. They are not to be deplored or avoided. We are all sinners in need of a Savior, just as God has extended us grace, we are to extend them grace. How will they ever know of God and His Word if we do not share it with them?
   Also, keep in mind that as we live our lives from a Biblical Worldview, God does not give us permission to hate those who are in rebellion. We must teach them, communicating the truth in love.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
(Joh 13:34-35 ESV)

 Photo courtesy of www.publicdomainpictures.net

Beware: Hot Topic!

As most of you have probably heard by now, New York has just announced that it will be passing legislature legalizing same-sex marriages. Read about it here Christian Post Article. I am not going to pass judgement or say anything cruel, it's not up to me to do that, neither is it in my character. However, I will post this link to a couple passages of scripture concerning homosexuality. It is not my responsibility to be the judge, and for that I am truly grateful. You should prayerfully allow your "conscious" to be your guide on how you stand on this issue.

Everyone of us should keep one thing in mind, we should make it a point to always be prepared to truthfully and honestly share the full counsel of God. We should not necessarily sugar coat certain subjects (unfortunately I did this time, due to censorship concerns), and always share the truth in love. If you are not loving in what you say and do, you will undoubtedly become a "clanging symbol."

You can't catch any fish if you don't have a net!

 The Great Commission.
Recently I feel that I have lost focus on evangelizing the lost. Seeking and saving the lost is what the great commission is all about, but more often then not, I feel as if I am not keeping up my end of it. Does this ever happen to you? Opportunities are constantly presenting themselves where you can share the gospel, but don't. Often times I don't even realize that I am leaving the Lord and the good news out of my interactions. So, how can I be expected to be a "fisher of men"?
This is a call to everyone whom has become complacent, and has failed to share Jesus lately. Someone shared Jesus with you, so don't you owe it to them (not to mention Christ)to tell them about Christ and his gift of salvation? If you haven't heard the Gospel, please click this link. Got Jesus?

Quantity, or Quality?

Psalm 34:12 ESV: What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

Should we pray to God to give us a long fruitful life for our benefit, or for his glory? Think about that for a second.. If we make everyday count, living for the Lord and his purpose each and every day as if he is going to call us "home" tomorrow, wouldn't we see some good each day?
I've often caught myself plodding along. Trying to get through "every day" life, just waiting for the next big thing, or to get something else over with. If I'm fortunate enough to take a deep breath, and a good look around, I realize that I can see some good everyday. Now this doesn't go to say that life is always going to be volleyball and ice cream, but there is always something to be thankful of.

• Your vision, you can read this right now can't you?
• Apparently you live somewhere with a computer that has internet access..
• Being alive.

Not a long list, but enough to bring us to a thought; can we get the most out of every day? Do we have to wait for a future date, or the accumulation of time for our life to be "good" and of service to the Lord? Our identities are not defined by the sum of our successes and failures, but rather we are defined by our love for Christ, and the attitudes we convey. Be positive, and allow every day to be a good day. Pray for health and long life, not for your benefit, but so that you can continue to serve the Lord, and care for those that he has placed in your life.

Serving God?

Do you ever worry that you are becoming luke warm? I worry about this all the time.. The Lord has done so much for me, how can I possibly prove myself to be a "good and faithful servant"? I believe that this is a struggle that we all face. I am an advocate of prayerful focus. If we stay focused on our unworthiness, and God's Holiness, EVERYDAY, and we pray for him to give us a servant's heart, He will  give us opportunities to serve.
There are a number of ways that the Lord may ask us to serve. It may be something spectacular such as evangelism, or speaking in public on his behalf. Perhaps it will be something small, but still important, for example:

• Helping your neighbor, with anything..                  
• Being friendly to a sales clerk...
• Visiting someone in a nursing home or a hospital...
• Calling someone you haven't talked to in a while..
• Sharing your faith..
• Encouraging a young person, a family member, friend, or even your minister..
 

                                                                                   

God gives us opportunities everyday. All we have to do is take a deep breath, look around and then jump on them!                                                                                                                                          


http://www.publicdomainpictures.net

Struggling?

I struggle all the time.. I think that if we are honest with ourselves, search deep inside, that the struggle is not the issue. It's when we stop struggling! It's when we either give up the fight, or choose to ignore our sin is when the real trouble starts..

 It doesn't have to be this way though, we have a cure for sin, Jesus Christ on the Cross! The author of Hebrews states in Chapter 12 verses 1&2 ESV: 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
 Still struggling? Of course, your alive, so you will continue to fight temptation. But don't give up! Look to Jesus, and he will give you the strength to endure your trials and temptations. Try these simple steps to help insulate yourself from temptation:

1. Find an accountability partner. (And I mean a real accountability partner, pets don't count)
2. Read Scripture daily. (Really engross yourself in the Word)
3. Pray. Pray anytime and anyplace. (It doesn't necessarily have to be aloud with your head bowed and eyes closed.)
4. Call on Jesus, and he will make Satan and his temptations flee from you.
5. Look for positive people, gravitate toward them.
6. Use devotionals,blogs and other reading materials to keep you focused and uplifted.

We all struggle with temptation at various times, to varying degrees.. God is faithful, do not be discouraged!

Is this another sign of the times?

I have always had a deep respect for the Amish; their beliefs, and their lifestyle. That's why I was shocked when I read this.. A few questions though:

1.  The way the article reads, the police didn't seem surprised that it was an Amish man involved. They said "We thought, 'Well, this is obviously going to be it.'" Did he disclose in the text messages that he was Amish?
2. Even the Amish are compromising their core beliefs. First Cell Phones, then what?
3. Will the offender be allowed back in the community?

 1 John 2:15-16 ESV: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.



Please, share your take on this.. Just another sign of the times, or a strangely isolated incident?

Do you ever just stop, and be still?

Psalm 46:10 ESV  "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

 We work, we worry, we stress.. We constantly scurry around like the sky is falling. Why? Why are we constantly on the defensive? Why are we constantly sweating bullets, like the next thing is the finale?
It's hard to just stop, be still, and allow God to be God isn't it?
Try it. Just stop for a minute, pray for peace, thank him for being the all powerful and loving God that he is. Just be quite.. God is in control, relish the fact that the universe is his responsibility and not yours!
Now, continue on with your life, but remember to give credit where credit is due, and "exalt" the Lord your God!

5 things I realized while taking a walk..

Have you ever been walking along and have an epiphany (light bulb moment) ? I took a walk a while ago, and then realized how quiet it was. Suddenly it struck me, another reason I know there is a God.. Do you realize all the factors involved just to survive a walk down the street?

1. No stray dogs bounding out of no where (usually) to attack me.
2. I did not have a stroke, heart attack, nor did I throw a massive blood clot and die.
3. I was not struck dead by a texting while driving teenager (a miracle unto itself).
4. I did not fall and break anything (this time).
5. Enjoyed perfect weather, clean air, and the sunshine.

Now, how can anyone say "it's just good luck?" Is anyone REALLY that lucky? Or do we just take God and his grace for granted?

Psalm 8:3-4 ESV
(3)  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
(4)  what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

Do it without complaining or arguing!!!

Philippians 2:14 NIV "Do everything without complaining or arguing"

   I could not get the verse Phillipians 2:14 out of my head, so I looked it up and found that it had a lot to say.

• Everything that we do should be done without complaining or arguing. 
• We should find joy in everything that we do; whether it’s a job that we go to, studying for school, cleaning the house, visiting with friends and family, etc. 
• We should do everything for the Lord! 
• There are many things in life that I don’t want to do, but do it anyway. I don’t complain or argue about doing it.

I believe that there are opportunities to learn when we don’t complain or argue about doing something. When we do things without complaining or arguing we will begin to "shine like stars in the universe (Philippians 2:15 NIV)." And as we shine, people will see Christ in us more and more..

               -Mrs. BWAB

Happy Fathers Day!

Everyone has an Earthly Father, and a Heavenly Father. Some of us may be fortunate enough to have additional "Father figures" in our lives..  Have you told your "Father" today:

• How much he means to you.
• How thankful you are for his influence.
• The sacrifices that he has made for you

Fathers, have you..

•  Encouraged your Child recently?
• Set a good example?
• Challenged those around you to live Godly lives?

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12  (Idea for post and scripture reference courtesy of Aaron Levering)

Southern Baptist Reject 2011 NIV!

Read the article from the Christian Post about the Southern Baptist Convention and the 2011 NIV. What do you think? Did Zondervan and Biblica fix it when it wasn't broke? Share with us what you think, and which Bible translation you prefer!

Are you a genius?

Philippians 2:3 ESV: " Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

When sharing the gospel with others, do you find yourself at times using big words and "intimidation" tactics? Is your message lost? Do you purposefully use big words, or "aggressively" attempt to prove others wrong? Always share God's truth in love, and always remember Philippians 2:3.

Please don't be like the guy in this video... The idea is to explain the truth, not prove how smart you are!

Please share your faith today!

Nothing Biblical, but this is a Gee Whiz story..

Deer with "wings" found on a Montana power line.. You don't see that everyday!

Harold Camping's Stroke, Old Age, or Divine Retribution?

     Everyone has probably heard something about Harold Camping and his May 21, 2011 Rapture, Doomsday, Etc. prediction. If not, you can read about him here (wikipedia article) . On June 9, 2011 he suffered a stroke that appeared to ONLY affect his speech. Here is an interesting article about his stroke from the Christian Post.

     As aggravating and dangerous as false teachers may be, we must continue to pray for them, and the people whom fall victim to their false message. Please keep in mind....

Romans 12:17-19 ESV "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 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."

So the question I pose is, was it old age, or Divine Retribution?

Prayer request!!!

Dr. Bill Bravard has fallen and is currently recovering in rehab. Please pray for a speedy and complete recovery.

Harold Hiser has had heart surgery and is currently in the Cardiac ICU. Please pray for him and his wife.
 
If you ever have a prayer request, please feel free to post it in the comments. If you do not wish it to be published, just state it in the request, and I will pray privately, but not publish it.

James 5:16

A thought for today..

2Corinthians 4:2 ESV: " But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."

     As Christians we are called to "take the high road." This may be difficult , "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We must though, we have no choice. Often times we fight temptation, struggle with it, grappling with what sometimes seems like a constant onslaught of spiritual attack. We must constantly keep in mind that the Lord is faithful, he is there for us, and he will not allow us to be overwhelmed, but we must be willing to humble ourselves before the Lord. Humble ourselves? "How" you may be asking yourself.. Call on the name of Jesus, and he WILL drive Satan away, and remember..

1Corinthians 10:13 ESV "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Movie Review: Second Hand Lions

Movie Type: Secular

Grade: A

Comments: Second Hand Lions is great! Although it does not contain a Christian theme, it is pretty good natured. Their is some violence, but it is in a context of humor, that does not promote hurting people (exactly). No nudity, had good moral lessons (although not tied in Biblically), and was funny, cute, with just the right amount of "sad".

 "There was this one traveling salesman..." - Quote from movie.

Just getting started...

Please be patient as we begin setting up this blog. If you have any recommendations, please let us know.

- "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:25 ESV)"
A little out of context, but you get the idea..

Spread the News!

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

This verse is one of the reasons that I chose to start this blog. Do you realize, as a Christian, we should be bubbling over (at least most of the time) with joy and enthusiasm? As people whom have placed our faith in Christ, we have the promise of eternal life! How often though do we share this great news with anyone else? Often times we keep it to ourselves, almost as if we are afraid that when our time comes, if we evangelize to many people, that there will be a "NO VACANCY" sign when we arrive at the gates of Heaven.
Share your faith TODAY! You do not have to be pushy or obnoxious, you may be surprised how many people are genuinely interested in the Gospel.

John 6:47 "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (ESV)

Don't know Jesus? Click here to learn about His promise of Salvation.