Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Go Dogs, and Eat The Garbage

Here is an excerpt from Charles Spurgeon's book "The Soul Winner."

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

I believe that one reason why the church at this present moment has so little influence over the world, is because the world has so much influence over the church! Nowadays, we hear professors pleading that they may do this, and do that--that they may live like worldlings. My sad answer to them, when they crave this liberty is, "Do it if you dare. It may not cost you much hurt, for you are so bad already. Your cravings show how rotten your hearts are. If you are hungering after such dogs food--go dogs, and eat the garbage!

Worldly amusements are fit food for pretenders and hypocrites. If you were God's children, you would loathe the thought of the world's evil joys. Your question would not be, "How far may we be like the world?" but your cry would be, "How can we get away from the world? How can we come out of it?"

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Personal Life: Choices

(Missionary Linton Smith sent this on his mailing list yesterday evening which I thought I would share with my faithful blog readers. Our choices do reveal much about our character..... as well as where the desires of our heart are focused.)

Psalm 119:30-31 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

The important thing about a man is not where he goes when he is compelled to go, but where he goes when he is free to go where he will....

A man is absent from church Sunday morning. Where is he? If he is in a hospital having his appendix removed his absence tells us nothing about him except that he is ill; but if he is out on the golf course, that tells us a lot. To go to the hospital is compulsory; to go to the golf course, voluntary. The man is free to choose and he chooses to play instead of to pray. His choice reveals what kind of man he is. Choices always do....

I think it might be well for us to check our spiritual condition occasionally by the simple test of compatibility. When we are free to go, where do we go? In what company do we feel most at home? Where do our thoughts turn when they are free to turn where they will? When the pressure of work or business or school has temporarily lifted and we are able to think of what we will instead of what we must, what do we think of then?

The answer to these questions may tell us more about ourselves than we can comfortably accept. But we had better face up to things. We haven't too much time at the most.

From A.W. Tozer’s: Man: The Dwelling Place of God, pp. 158-161

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Notes From This Weekend's Couple's Conference

My wife and I attended a Couple's Conference this weekend conducted by our church in a local near-by town. We met for dinner Friday evening prior to checking in to our motel. There was one session Friday evening, followed by two sessions Saturday morning. We had about 30 couples in attendence. My wife and I enjoyed the time together as well as the teaching from the word of God regarding the home and husband-wife relationships. Here are a couple outlines from the conference that I thought I would share with my faithful blog readers which may be a help to your own marriage.

Keeping the Honey in the Honeymoon

Characteristics of the Honeymoon
  1. Love and not hate.
  2. Consideration and not selfishness.
  3. Generosity and not stinginess.
  4. Affection and not coldness.
  5. Pride and not contempt.
  6. Relaxation and not tension.
  7. Cheerfulness and not complaint.
  8. Hope and not pesssimism.
  9. Excitement and not boredom.
  10. Faithfulness and not infidelity.

Dealing with Temptation (this is from the Men's Session)

  1. When faced with temptation, realize that this is an opportunity to obey God.
  2. When temptation occurs in some area, seek scripture that deals with the same area and meditate and obey God's word.
  3. Temptation is never promoted by God - it is from Satan - James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
  4. Temptation comes from our own lust - James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
  5. Tempation always follows the same process - Enticement -> Attraction -> Yielding
  6. When temptation occurs, God will make a way to escape - I Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Establishing a Spiritual Foundation in the Home

  1. Speak to one another about your testimony (how you came to the Lord).
  2. Pray together and share answered prayer.
  3. Read God's word together and share with spouse - Amos3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
  4. Give prayer requests to one another - Gal. 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Psalm 119 - The Word of God - Part 3

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It deals completely with the Word of God. There are three things the Psalmist stresses in this chapter: 1) what we are to do with the Word of God, 2) what the Word of God will do for us, and 3) what the Word of God is to the Christian. This is the final post of the series. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did during my Bible study. I pray that you love the Word of God and read it daily to find counsel from the God who created us and the entire universe!

What the Bible is to the Christian
  1. The Bible is more valuable than gold - vs. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
  2. The Bible is faithful - vs. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
  3. The Bible is forever settled in Heaven - vs. 89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
  4. The Bible is sweet - vs. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
  5. The Bible is a lamp and a light - vs. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
  6. The Bible is wonderful - vs. 129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
  7. The Bible is truth - vs. 151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
  8. The Bible is true - vs. 160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Psalm 119 - The Word of God - Part 2

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It deals completely with the Word of God. There are three things the Psalmist stresses in this chapter: 1) what we are to do with the Word of God, 2) what the Word of God will do for us, and 3) what the Word of God is to the Christian. I'll share the second point in today's post, while the next point will be the topic in my subsequent post. I pray that you love the Word of God and read it daily to find counsel from the God who created us and the entire universe!

What the Word of God will do for us
  1. The Bible will cleanse us - vs. 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
  2. The Bible will give us counsel and advice - vs. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
  3. The Bible will make us happy and delighted - vs. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
  4. The Bible will quicken us or give us life - vs. 25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
  5. The Bible will enlarge our hearts - vs. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
  6. The Bible will make us wiser than our enemies - vs. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
  7. The Bible will make us understand more than our teachers - vs. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
  8. The Bible will make us understand more than people older than we - vs. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
  9. The Bible will give us light - vs. 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
  10. The Bible will give us peace - vs. 165a Great peace have they which love thy law:
  11. The Bible will keep us from being offended - vs. 165b and nothing shall offend them.
  12. The Bible will give us deliverance - vs. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Psalm 119 - The Word of God - Part 1

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It deals completely with the Word of God. There are three things the Psalmist stresses in this chapter: 1) what we are to do with the Word of God, 2) what the Word of God will do for us, and 3) what the Word of God is to the Christian. I'll share the first point in today's post, while the next two points will be the topics in my subsequent two posts. I pray that you love the Word of God and read it daily to find counsel from the God who created us and the entire universe!

What we are to do with the Word of God
  1. We are to walk in the Word - vs. 1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
  2. We are not to be ashamed of the Bible - vs. 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  3. We are to learn the Bible - vs. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
  4. We are to keep the statutes of the Bible - vs. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
  5. We are not to wander from the Bible - vs. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
  6. We are to declare with our lips the Bible - vs. 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
  7. We are to rejoice in the Bible - vs. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
  8. We are to meditate in the Bible - vs. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
  9. We are to delight ourselves in the Bible - vs. 16a I will delight myself in thy statutes:
  10. We are not to forget the Bible - vs. 16b I will not forget thy word.
  11. We are to behold the Bible - vs. 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
  12. We are to understand the Bible - vs. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
  13. We are to keep the Bible before us at all times - vs. 30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
  14. We are to speak of the Bible - vs. 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
  15. We are to sing of the Bible - vs. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
  16. We are to give thanks for the Bible - vs. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
  17. We are to run with the crowd that believes and keeps the Bible - vs. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
  18. We are to believe the Bible - vs. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
  19. We are to hope in the Bible - vs. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
  20. We are to love the Bible - vs. 97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
  21. We are to respect the Bible - vs. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
  22. We are to esteem the Bible - vs. 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
  23. We are to stand in awe of the Bible - vs. 161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

Monday, January 22, 2007

A Dozen Ways to Hinder Revival

(Pastor Mike Walls of Smithfield, NC posted this earlier today on another mailing list which I thought I would share with my regular blog readers.)

1. Make no preparation ahead of time.
2. Take no responsibility upon yourself.
3. Find fault with the dates of the meetings.
4. Put all other interests first.
5. Spend little or no time in prayer.
6. Talk much about all the obstacles in the way.
7. Complain loudly about the visiting evangelist.
8. Do not invite anyone to the services.
9. Remember that people in this area are very difficult to reach.
10. Refuse to acknowledge a need for revival in your own heart.
11. Confess no sins of which you may be guilty.
12. If anyone should be saved, say that they probably will soon backslide anyhow.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Wrong Church, Right Pew!

A woman who "enjoyed her salvation" visited a very staid and formal church. "Amen!" she said as the preacher brought out a point with which she agreed.

"Madam," said the usher standing nearby, "please try to restrain yourself. We don't allow that in this church."

In a few minutes she was so carried away by the sermon that she shouted, "Amen! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!"

The usher rushed to her side: "Madam! You must quiet down immediately or leave!"

"I didn't mean to disturb the service, but I am just so happy since I found the Lord," she explained.

" You may have found the Lord," retorted the usher severely, "but I am quite sure you didn't find Him here!"

Psalm 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Psalm 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Psalm 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Rev. 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Rev. 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Rev. 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Saturday, January 20, 2007

The Foolishness of Preaching

1 Cor. 1:21-25 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
  1. Preaching was commanded by our Lord - Mark 16:14-16 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
  2. Preaching was exhorted by the Apostle Paul - 2 Tim. 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
  3. Five things preaching brings:
  • Preaching brings contrition - Jonah 3:4-9 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
  • Preaching brings conviction - Acts 16:29-32 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
  • Preaching brings conversion - Eph 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
  • Preaching brings commitment - 1 Thes. 1:5-10 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
  • Preaching brings consecration - Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

4. Preaching must be preceeded with much prayer - Eph. 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Giving Answers to Doubters

(Here is a question and answer article from Pastor David Reagan's website Learn the Bible which I thought would be of interest to most of my regular blog readers. Click the link above to go directly to the Learn the Bible website. Please continue to pray for Pastor Reagan as he battles cancer..... you can read updates regarding his condition at http://www.learnthebible.org/pastor-reagans-battle-with-cancer.htm)

Q: When non-christians ask us how we know that what we believe in is the truth, and how do we prove it, how do we answer that question?

A: First of all, I want to assure you that we are commanded to answer the questions of those who ask us why we believe what we believe. 1Peter 3:15 states, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." We are to be ready to answer the questions we receive about our faith. In fact, there is an entire field of Bible studies meant to answer these questions. It is called the field of apologetics and it deals with answering the objections to Christian faith and doctrine.

However, that does not mean that we have to have all knowledge and be quick to answer any objection to Christianity. No one automatically has the answers to every question. One of the best ways to learn to answer these questions is to seek an answer when someone challenges you with a question you had not considered before. Tell them that you do not have a good answer right now but that you will seek to find one for them. And then do just that. You can seek the advice and counsel of others, search the scriptures, and pray for God to show you how to answer their question. The entire process is a way that you can grow in the things of the Lord.

The question you have been asked is a complex one and could be drawn out easily to book length. However, I am sure you want something simpler than that. You may find another approach that is helpful to you, but I will give you an approach I might take if asked this question.

I might initially respond to their question with this question: "What is your authority for truth?" If they did not understand my meaning (as is likely the case), I would explain to them that the world is full of conflicting authorities that all claim to be telling the truth. In order to determine what is true in any given case, each person has to decide who or what he will believe. When two authorities conflict, the one that I accept over the other is my authority for truth. The authority I take above all others is my final authority for truth. Here are some of the authorities people have for truth with scriptures that describe them:
  1. Tradition: the authority of man’s long-time practice (Matthew 15:1-9, esp.v.3,6,9; Colossians 2:8)
  2. Philosophy: the authority of man’s greatest wisdom (Colossians 2:8; Acts 17:18, with v.16,22,23)
  3. Science: the authority of observable facts and repeatable physical laws (1Timothy 6:20)
  4. Scholarship: the authority of academic learning and agreed upon knowledge (2Timothy 3:7; Isaiah 29:9-12)
  5. Pragmatism: the authority of what brings the desired results (1Corinthians 1:18-25)
  6. Experience: the authority of personal experience (Romans 10:2-3)

I would challenge the person asking the question to figure out what their authority for truth is. Then, I would tell them that my authority for truth is the teaching of the word of God--the Bible. I would declare the word of God as the only God-given authority for truth (John 8:31-32; 17:17). I would explain that there are many evidences supporting the authority of God's word. These evidences include fulfilled prophecy, influence of the Bible in individuals and in world history, scientifically accurate statements in scripture, the endurance of the Bible through the ages, and others. If the person wanted to go further, it would open the door to have Bible studies with them and see what God would do in their heart. If they reject it outright, then I have still given them an answer.

Also, I would push them to define their final authority for truth. Then, I would point out that their authority for truth has flaws as well. Science and philosophy are continually changing. Experience differs from one person to another. The others have their flaws too. This way, we answer their questions by both defending what we believe and challenging their beliefs. Learning to answer objections to the faith is a lifelong process, but perhaps this will be a good start.

Till He comes,
David F. Reagan

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Forgiveness

Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Matt. 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Eph. 4:3 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

1 Cor. 5:1-2 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 2 Cor. 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

How does God forgive???

Isa. 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Heb. 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Heb. 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Jer. 31:34b ...for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Wisdom

What is wisdom?
  • Having knowledge and being able to use that knowledge properly
  • How to act and what to say in any situation
  • The ability to see life as God sees it

Sometimes the best way to define something is to look at a person who personifies that particular trait. For example, it is easier to watch a patriot and understand patriotism than it is to describe patriotism.

The Characteristics of a Wise Man:

  1. He knows how to handle rebuke and reproof. He will love you for it. Reproof is to expose the wrong; "Hey, that is not right." Rebuke is to discourage someone from doing wrong; "Hey, don't do that." Prov. 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Prov. 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
  2. He knows how to "smooth things over." He does not over react to life. Prov. 16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
  3. A wise man is not a weak man. He is strong and growing stronger. Prov. 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
  4. A wise woman is a builder, not a destroyer. Prov. 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
  5. A wise man's heart affects everything that he does. It is a part of his decision-making, treatment of people, etc. Eccl. 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
  6. A wise man is a gracious man. Eccl. 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
  7. A wise man does something about what he hears. Matt. 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  8. A wise man knows how to approach people. Eccl. 8:1, 4-5 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

Monday, January 15, 2007

The Church

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Eph. 5:22-32 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.22. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

When we speak of the church, we speak of that which is dearest to the heart of God. The church is a called-out assembly, local and visible, of baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The church has a place in the economy of God that no other organism or organization has. The church is the only organism on earth that is empowered by a heavenly power. The church is the only institution on earth that is entrusted with the gospel message. It is the only body on earth that is engaged in a divine business.

The church reflects the heart of God, the hand of God, the power of God, the love of God, the Spirit of God, the glory of God, the Word of God, the work of God, the wisdom of God, the might of God, the knowledge of God, and the Son of God.

The church is a reservoir of truth. It is a repository of wisdom. It is a refuge of safety.

The church can never be separated from Christ. The church was created by His breath. The church is redeemed by His blood, and the church is energized by His Spirit.

The church is constituted by Christ, committed to Christ, empowered through Christ, and united in Christ.

If there was no church, there would be no New Testament for the New Testament is a product of the church.

If there were no church, there would be no missions, for the worldwide missionary endeavor is a thrust and an outreach of the church.

If there were no church, there would be no discipline of the believer, for it is the responsibility and the duty of the church to discipline the believer.

If there were no church, there would be no body of Christ, for the church is the body of Christ. This would make void the promise of Christ and render powerless the blood of Christ which we read above in Acts and Ephesians.

Therefore, I am of this persuasion: A man cannot love Christ without loving the church. How can a man love the Head when he doesn’t love the body? A man cannot honor Christ without honoring the church. How can a man honor the Head, when he doesn’t honor the body? A man cannot obey Christ when he does not abide by the teachings and doctrines and the precepts of the church. How can a man obey the Head when he disregards the rules and regulations of the body? I have met people who claim that they love Christ, but have no stock in and no part with the church. That is hard for me to reconcile.

If anyone confronts you with the question: “What is right about the church?” tell him its foundation is right because it is built upon Christ. Tell him its inflammation is right because it is inflamed by the Holy Spirit. Tell him its inspiration is right because it is inspired by the word of God. Tell him that its declaration is right because it declares the whole counsel of God. Tell him its destination is right because it is bound for the glory world. The church is right!

Sunday, January 14, 2007

A Christian and His Business Dealings

Prov. 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

What do you think of when you hear the name: Capone, Madonna, Michael Jackson, John Wayne Gacy, Kennedy, etc.?

What is your name like in the workplace.... office.... bank.... among friends..... among family.... in our community..... with our creditors?


In this area of business dealings, how do we hurt our good name?

1. By a lack of wisdom when it comes to taking on financial obligations.

  • Prov. 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
  • In other words, we should make decisions based on principle and not expediency.
  • Be honest with yourself. "What is my actual income? Can I really afford this?"
  • Prov. 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
  • In other words, know exactly what you are worth. Know your income. Know your outgo (your financial obligations). Compare the two. Know where you stand finacially. Only then can you know if something is affordable to you.
  • We should live within our means. We should not stretch ourselves so tightly that we cause undo stress on ourselves and our relationships.
  • Even when we can afford something we should get sound advice and know that it is a good value.

2. By not meeting our present financial obigations.

  • Rom. 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
  • Pay your bills.
  • Don't hide from the bill collector. Make arrangements to pay back what you owe.

3. A poor testimony concerning our work.

  • By not standing behind our work.
  • By not fulfilling a contract.
  • By not arriving on time or excessive absences.
  • By not working consistently when unsupervised.

4. By not caring for others' property.

  • We borrow things and then don't return them or don't take care of them.
  • It is a good rule of thumb not to loan something you cannot afford to give.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Jesus Is God by Dr. Raymond Barber

He has always been God.
He always shall be God.
God never changes.
God never diminishes.
He will always be the same.
Jesus Christ was God in the world above.
He was God on the plains of Mamre as He spoke to Abraham.
He was God on Mount Sinai when He gave the commandments and the law to Moses.
He was God in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
He was God in the manger at Bethlehem.
He was God in the carpenter's shop at Nazareth.
He was God in the boat at the Sea of Galilee.
He was God in the Temple at Jerusalem.
He was God on the Mount of Transfiguration.
He was God in the Garden of Gethsemane as He prayed, "Let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will, but as thou wilt."
He was God on the cross as He cried out, "It is finished."
He was God in the tomb of Joseph as He lay still in death.
He was God on the morning of the resurrection as He broke asunder the bands of death and came out triumphantly over death, the grave and Hell.
He was God on the Mount of Olives as His feet left that sacred spot.
He was God in the cloud of ascension as He went away.
He is God at the right hand of the throne now in Heaven.
He will be God coming again as He comes in flaming fire to take vengeance upon all who know not Him and who have never trusted Him as Saviour.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Religion Vs. Salvation

What is the difference between religion and salvation?

Religion is an experience with a mystical idea, while salvation is an experience with a mighty Person.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Religion is an experience which requires only a new thought. Salvation is an experience which requires a new birth.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Religion is an experience which takes place in the head. Salvation is an experience that takes place in the heart.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Religion is an experience that is brought about by good works. Salvation is an experience that is brought about by God's grace.

Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Religion is an experience that involves receiving a creed. Salvation is an experience that involves receiving Christ.

John 1:11-12 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Religion is external. Salvation is internal.

Religion is transferable. Salvation is nontransferable.

Religion is temporary. Salvation is permanent.

Religion is earthly. Salvation is heavenly.

Religion is cheap and a counterfeit. Salvation is the real thing.

Religion is endured. Salvation is enjoyed.

Friend, which do you have in your life today? Religion, or Salvation? There is a big, big difference. Don't be confused about the two!!!

Thursday, January 11, 2007

What Saves? The Power of God or The Sensitive Way?

(Here is News With Views article written by Paul Proctor which I thought I would share with my blog readers. News With Views is a good conservative site, although I do not agree 100% with their thoughts or ideas or theology, but as always, enjoy the meat and spit out the bones.)

Christian Post reporter, Lillian Kwon, poses a dialectic question for our consideration in her January 4th article, "Is Christianity Insensitive to Other Religions?"
Now I ask you - Does the question sound like something that advances a biblical principle or a U.N initiative? Unfortunately, this is the direction of the dialectic church and many of its missionaries today - steering Christians and their proselytes toward that one-world religion of tolerance, diversity and unity you've read so much about in this column.
A dialectic question, usually offered by change agents and facilitators in a group setting, is designed to present a false and distracting premise in order to encourage dialog between opposing positions with a predetermined outcome in mind - which, more often than not, involves the compromise of absolutes and the advancing of an alternative agenda. Whether or not Christianity is insensitive to other religions is beside the point - and frankly, it is an absurd and dangerously deceitful question that puts the bold and courageous presentation of the Gospel under a dark cloud of doubt - suggesting Christians should be more broadminded and less critical of that which contradicts the Word of God.
The Post article begins this way: Christian missionaries travel across the world to preach Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life. Indigenous people of foreign lands, however, question the bold Christian approach with some calling it "insensitive."
Let's just stop right here. Where does scripture say that the preaching the Gospel should be carried out in a "sensitive" manner? The word "sensitive" doesn't even appear in the Bible - at least not in any version I searched. The words "bold" and "boldly" do appear though, numerous times in the New Testament and almost always refer to the preaching of God's Word. The Gospel only becomes sensitive when it is leavened with liberal tolerance and global values.
"People asked 'Are you really going all the way across the world to ask people to change from their Buddhist way and become Christian?'" Steve Bailey, associate professor at Alliance Theological Seminary in metro New York, recalled during a seminar last week at Urbana 2006.
That's precisely what preaching repentance does! It calls on idolaters to, among other things, forsake their false gods! Real evangelism doesn't encourage the mere adding of Jesus Christ to one's Buddhist beliefs; it literally turns people from rebellious religions and foolish philosophies to the only begotten Son of God! I'm sure there would be a lot fewer martyrs if the Gospel of Christ was not exclusive and idolatry was tolerated by missionaries as just another acceptable lifestyle or cultural preference. How many do you think have suffered persecution, imprisonment and death for simply saying, "Jesus loves you" to a Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim? Very few, I'm sure. But, how about those who have dared to call for their repentance, proclaiming Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal life? And, which of these two vastly different approaches did Jesus, John the Baptist and the leaders of the early church practice?
Bailey, who served as a missionary in Southeast Asia for 17 years, had asked a native what they thought about Christians. The Southeast Asian responded, "They're very nice people who never stop talking. Christians know too much."
Whoa! Hold it right there! That's another dialectic diversion. It doesn't matter what Southeast Asians think about Christians - it's irrelevant! We're not called to be loved but rather to love; and as I've written many times before, telling someone the truth is the most loving thing you can do for them. Jesus already warned us that we would be hated by the world because of Him. If we concern ourselves with what the world thinks of us, we'll never preach the Gospel, will we?
Such questions only redirect everyone's attention away from the uncompromising Word of God and Jesus' demand for obedience, toward the cordial and cooperative establishing and maintaining of harmony and better human relationships among diverse beliefs and cultures from around the world. In other words, it shifts the emphasis away from the vertical, Heavenly and eternal to the horizontal, earthly and temporal, implying the latter is more important than the former - and to the new world order crowd, it is.
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." - James 4:4
Missionaries are typically told to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth, but many times, that Christian mandate impedes on the other people group's culture and religion.
Duh!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to impede on the world's sinful cultures and rebellious religions. In fact, I'd call such intrusions a victory, wouldn't you?
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." - Matthew 10:34
You see, the false premise being subtly suggested here by Mr. Bailey is that the "Christian mandate" may not be proper for missionaries. But those who accept this satanic counsel are, for all practical purposes, being silenced into submission and rendered useless to the cause of Christ, becoming pleasers of men rather than pleasers of God.
"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." - 1st Thessalonians 2:4
Hussam Fakhoury of International Fellowship of Evangelical Students is an Arab Christian from Jordan. When Christians preach that Jesus died on the cross or about the triune God to the Muslim world, he says that's being "insensitive."
No, Hussam, that's being obedient...
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine." - 2nd Timothy 4:2
"Many times we don't model Christ," Fakhoury told a room full of mainly North American students aspiring to serve as missionaries.
True - but that doesn't mean we are to set aside the Word of God and just act like Christians, hoping the lost will somehow get the message and heed the call to repentance and faith in Christ. Furthermore, I'd love to know what Fakhoury thinks the "model" of Christ looks like - a quiet, submissive, compliant and effeminate Jesus maybe? Something tells me, his Jesus is vastly different from the Bible's - something of a new age savior who loves and accepts everyone and everything unconditionally. Suffice it to say, stifling the presentation of the Gospel in the interest of global unity is certainly not the model of Christ.
"Being tolerant and sensitive doesn't mean to compromise the truth," Fakhoury clarified.
In light of his other remarks, I'd also love to hear what his definition of "truth" is. Even if it is consistent with that of scripture, there is no Divine call to withhold it in order to spare someone's feelings or traditions. What would be the eternal value of that? I would much rather offend someone with the truth to help clarify the way to Heaven than coddle and comfort them with the corrupt quietness of conciliation and compromise on their way to Hell.
"The power of a Christian life," said Bailey, "is always a sensitive way to communicate the gospel."
Wrong!
It is not the "sensitive way" of a Christian's life that saves the lost, but rather the Power of God through the foolishness of preaching - the very thing Hussam Fakhoury, in all his worldly wisdom, is suggesting should be avoided.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God…For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." - 1st Corinthians 1:18,21
Shame on you Christian Post for publishing such perilous poppycock!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Three Notable Funerals

(Missionary Linton Smith posted this on his mailing list yesterday which I thought I would share with my regular blog readers. I love to hear men thinking with a Biblical worldview when looking at the current events going on in today's world. How about you; as you read the current news headlines, are you thinking from a Biblical perspective, or is news just news???)

Did anybody happen to notice yesterday the picture God painted for us as we watched the events of the day unfold on every news station around the world. The portrait of three men's lives shown clearly through the events of their deaths. One a wise man, one a foolish man and one a wicked man.

Three men captured the world's attention by their lives and their deaths. Their funerals spoke volumes about the course of life they had chosen to pursue with the few short years God had granted to them. Yesterday, God opened the Book of Proverbs and showed the world the truths contained in His sacred Word.

All three men, President Ford, James Brown and Saddam Hussein had choices in their destiny. Today they have all three stood in front of the God of this universe with those choices unveiled and judged.

God allowed us to see three men yesterday.

President Gerald Ford, a man whose faith in God and service to his country was eulogized by many speakers during the solemn and dignified ceremonies which marked his passing. A man of character and integrity, not perfect but made righteous by his faith in Jesus Christ. It was in this righteousness he lived out his life as a servant to his fellowman and his country. Great men and dignitaries attended his funeral. All coming to pay respect and honor to a man most deserving.

James Brown also was eulogized in a funeral ceremony befitting his life choices. There was blaring rock music, gyrating bodies, costumes, and great sensual displays of revelry to portray the contribution this man had given through his life to his fellowman. He lived a life of drugs, alcohol, immorality and rock music. He was heralded the father of Rap music and the inspiration of Michael Jackson's greatness. His funeral with all of it's theatrics was befitting the excess of waste his life portrayed.

Then we had the gruesome hanging of Saddam Hussein. His death as gory as his life. A brutal murderer and dictator, hung by his neck and secreted away in the middle of the night to an unmarked grave. Thousands of Iraqis celebrated his death for through his life he had brought untold misery and death to many. A man so wicked that it seemed the world breathed a collective sigh of relief at the pronouncement of his death.

Three men, three men who left their mark on the entire world, three famous men. All three have now stood before their Creator to answer for the choices they made in their life as you and I will someday.

There is only one choice and Gerald Ford's life exemplifies the nobility of choosing to walk in harmony with The Creator through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Redeemer. James Brown chose to walk in the flesh. His life's work glorified the flesh and his death magnified the flesh. Saddam Hussein chose evil. He was a narcissistic megalomaniac. His life glorified evil and his death was gruesome.

This all played out in one day. God painted a great picture for mankind to see. I pray people got His message.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Don't Just be Interested-Make a Commitment

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

When missionary Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa, a group of friends wrote him: "We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area yet?" Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."

There’s a big difference between just being interested in doing something and actually making a commitment to doing it! Just being interested allows us the freedom do a thing only when our circumstances permit. But making a commitment to do that thing means accepting no excuses and no reservations -- it means putting aside our fears and reservations moving forward till we see the end result! Dr. Livingstone was looking for results, and this required men of commitment!

Friend, with 2007 under way, let’s make some commitments! Our Lord, our families, our jobs and our congregations are awaiting us!

Measuring the Worth of A Year by Henry Blackaby

Life is very short, at best. It passes quickly, and it is uncertain at all times. James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. David understood this all too well and pleaded unto the Lord: Psalm 39:4-5 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

Like the years before, 2006 passed very quickly. Did you take time to take a careful and thorough inventory of not only the events of the year, but how you lived your life through those events? If not, take the time to meditate on each of the following questions:
-- Did I gain a heart of wisdom as I passed through the year 2006?
-- Am I a better person?
-- Am I a wiser person?
-- What consequences have resulted in my life, and the lives of others, from the decisions I made?
-- Did I learn through tragedy?
-- Did I invest in the lives of others?
-- Was I a good steward of what came to me in 2006?
-- What happened in my family in 2006?
-- Have I gained a maturity toward Christlikeness?
-- Did I gain a greater knowledge of God through the Scriptures?
-- Did my prayer life grow deeper with God?
-- Did I clearly help my church?
-- Did I become more effective as a Christian in my workplace?
-- Am I walking more confidently in God's will for my life?
-- Have I positioned myself to even greater heights in 2007?

If you answered "No" or "I'm not sure" to any of these then you need to ask yourself, "Why?" Why did 2006 not measure up to God's desired will for my life? Why did I not seek God with all my heart? Why did I not grow as a Christian? Was I self-centered instead of God-centered?

Do you need to remove sinful habits from your life? If so, ask God to remove those. Or perhaps you have broken relationships. Ask Him to forgive your transgressions against others and to remove any sin that is causing you and those around you harm. Or, if necessary, ask Him to place within you a heart of forgiveness towards those who have sinned against you. Do not let your heart be filled with anger. Regardless of the circumstances, you must go and mend any broken relationships with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. These relationships need to be redemptively resolved in order to honor God in the year ahead.

In 2007 be inspired to be God's best! Be determined that all of the questions posed here will be answered this time next year with an emphatic and resounding "Yes!" Allow God to move you from where you are now to where He wants you to be. Make the right choices for your life and grow closer to Him. Ask God to fill your life, and the lives of those you touch, with joy and gladness. And finally, surrender your life fully to Him so that He can create in you "a clean heart" and a greater spiritual maturity with each passing day.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Home From the Hospital - God Can Get Your Attention!!!

Thanks to all my friends and family who prayed for me while I was in the hospital for most of last week. Our entire family has been sick off and on since the Dec. 16-17th weekend. We all had the flu, but could not get rid of our cough entirely. I had to be at work (this is Jim's pride talking right now) during this time period as we were completing a year long project implimenting a new corporate wide business process enterprise computer system which was going to completely change the way we do things at work; therefore, I made it to work each day even with my sickness. The new system was to be started on Tuesday, January 2. I played an important role in training our hourly personnel and being the key player in scheduling all packaging operations, approving the quality control results to release the individual shipments, and setting up the actual deliveries so that carriers could come to our operation to pick up the loads for our customers. There was a plant shutdown the last week of the year while the system was getting ready for the complete switchover. We had hoped to get a headstart on January 2 by putting in some data prior to that, but the information technology people did not want us working in 2006 for a system planned to start in 2007.

During the New Year's weekend, several of the kids had relapses from their previous illnesses, and I still had a very bad cough. Of course, the kids went to the doctor for treatment, but I didn't have time for that...... that statement sure did come back to haunt me!!! Monday, January 1, I began to have a fever again, and as the day progressed, my right side became very tender and hurt as I tried to breathe. Rachel insisted on me going to the emergency room, but I told her I would see a doctor tomorrow after going on in to work. The pain continued to get worse and worse, and I was truly in discomfort. Not one to give in easily, I had hoped that Rachel would bring up the emergency room again.... this time I was a candidate for any help that I could get!!! We arrived at the emergency room just after midnight, where I was bombarded with a series of tests; blood work, X-Rays, EKG, and CT scan. I was given an IV to put liquid into my system immediately. Of course, all of these procedures are relatively new to me, since I never go to the doctor because I just can't find the time!!! Well, I believe God can get your attention and quickly teach you just the opposite. One needs to take care of their pysical body in order to serve Him, and now it was His turn to show me just how powerless I am in controlling sickness and circumstances in my life. At 4:00 am the emergency room doctor finally made his diagnosis; I had a severe case of pneumonia, but there was also strong evidence of blood clots found in my lungs (pulmonary embolism), a very serious condition if an artery in turn is blocked. He announced that I was going nowhere and needed to be put into the hospital immediately. Of course my pride got to me again as I told him I had to be at work in few hours to run the new computer system; I simply had to be there for there was no one else available to take care of that important work. Both Rachel and the doctor quickly convinced me they would need to quickly find a permanent replacement for me at work if I foolishly returned to work, since my life here on earth could be over quite shortly!!!!! Hmmmmm..... maybe I should rethink this a little bit more!!!

I was immediately given blood thinner to help shrink the blood clots and minimize the formation of new clots while also given antibiotics for treatment of the pneumonia. I had many breathing treatments while there in the hospital. X-Rays taken on Thursday morning looked worse than those that I had taken during the emergency room visit. The doctor was very concerned about this and told me if the next X-Ray was similar, then my stay would be extended and a different mode of attack would be put in place. I know God answers prayer, and I had many friends and family members praying for me during this specific period. Friday morning at 7:30 am I had another X-Ray, and this time the results looked 100% better. I also felt much better..... but I had to stay in the hospital another full 24 hours while they continued to feed antibiotics through my IV. Finally, at about 2:30pm on Saturday, I arrived home, thankful to God for His healing touch as well as the things he taught me while I laid flat on my back in the hospital for five days.

God does have a way of getting your attention. He does it in many different ways, but He is in control and will place things in your life to turn your complete attention upon Him. On New Year's Eve during our family devotions prior to praying in our new year, we were discussing whether or not we had done all we could for the Lord in 2006, while at the same time, have we begun to catch a vision of what God wants us to do in 2007 for Him. I had shared that I had allowed work to have primary control in my life especially during the last quarter of 2006, and after things quieted down some after the initial change-over with the new computer system in 2007, I planned to return to serving the Lord with my whole heart. Well, apparently, God knew how I was putting work in front of Him and was glad that I confessed that to Him; but, I should have given it all to Him right then, not after things had quieted down. He decided to quiet things down for me in a different way!!!!! God sure did get my attention!!!

Men, let's make sure we don't put work ahead of God or our family or church. Yes, we need to work to provide for our families, but we should balance our priorities. Work can survive without you as I found out while sitting in the hospital. To get through that first week, we had people from NY and CT assisting our people via the telephone to assist them working through the system. It was a long week, but somehow they mangaged to get things done even without me!!! Don't miss out on your family and your service to God by using work as a crutch....... God can quickly give you a real crutch in your life; I don't think you would like that kind of crutch. Thank you Lord for all that You taught me during the past week, and thanks again for my friends and family who prayed for me..... Prayer does work!!!!!!!!!

Monday, January 01, 2007

Age-Old Wisdom for a Brand New Year

Thirteen Resolutions to Live By by Jonathan Edwards

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him, by His grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake.

I will remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
  • Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.
  • Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
  • Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
  • Resolved, Never to do anything, which I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
  • Resolved, Never to do anything out of revenge.
  • Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
  • Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
  • Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.
  • Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect have done better.
  • Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
  • Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them; and, what I might have got by them.
  • Resolved, Always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.
  • Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.