The Ten Commandments

There is a lot of confusion about the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God. Many people believe that they must follow the Law so that they can go to Heaven, but the Bible does not say that!!!

1 Tim. 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

The Ten Commandments are good if you use them the right way, but some people use them the wrong way. God never intended for us to keep them in an effort to go to Heaven. So why were the Commandments given???

1. The Commandments show our SIN - Rom. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The Commandments were given to show us that we are sinners. 1 Tim. 1:9a Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, ...... The Commandments do not take away our sin, they show us our sin!!!
2. The Commandments show our SUFFERING - Gal. 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. There is a curse on all people who have not kept the Commandments. What is that curse? Spiritual death is the curse! Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ezek. 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. The fact is, all have sinned and all have broken these Commandments. There is not one person alive that has kept all of the Commandments. All men are under the curse of death in Hell for breaking God's Commandments. Trying to follow the Commandments does not remove the guilt and does not remove the curse. The Commandments give us no hope.
3. The Commandments show our STUMBLING - Many people believe that if they try to keep the Commandments, God might have mercy on them and forgive them. This is never taught in the Bible. The opposite is taught. In fact, there are two things that the Law cannot do. a) The Law cannot forgive sin - Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Justified is another word for forgiveness. God says no person can be forgiven by the Commandments. Gal. 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Rom. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. b) The Law cannot give righteousness. We know that we cannot go to Heaven unless we are righteous. Some hope to be become righteous by trying to keep the Law. God warns us of this error. Gal. 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. If you think that you can become righteous by following the Commandments, you are replacing Christ's work on the cross with your works! Only Jesus can make you righteous, not your works! Maybe you are trusting the wrong thing. You need to change your mind and trust Christ instead of the Ten Commandments. Jesus cannot help you as long as you are trusting the Law. Gal. 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
4. The Commandments show us the SAVIOUR - We just stated that the Law cannot forgive sins and it cannot give righteousness. The good news is that Jesus can! The most important lesson of the Law is that we are sinners and need Jesus to forgive us. Gal. 3:24-25 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. The Law is only a teacher. It shows us our need of Jesus. We cannot earn forgiveness for our sins, but He can give us forgiveness as a free gift. Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. If you receive Jesus today, He will give you eternal life. If you try to earn Heaven by doing the good works of the Commandments, you cannot go. Salvation is a gift, not a debt. Rom. 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; If you receive Jesus, you will have "his righteous for the remission (forgiveness) of sins." Jesus gives forgiveness and righteousness. The Commandments cannot do that. Which do you want to trust for your salvation???

You cannot go to Heaven if you trust the wrong thing. If you have been trusting the Commandments, you are not saved. Will you repent right now and trust only Jesus for your salvation???

My Purpose To Preach

The Bible gives me my purpose in preaching.

The lost give me urgency in my purpose for preaching.

The backslidden give me reasoning in my purpose for preaching.

The spiritual give me encouragement in my purpose for preaching.

The children give me innocence in my purpose for preaching.

The seniors at the end of their life give me wisdom in my purpose for preaching.

The mentally challenged give me appreciation in my purpose for preaching.

The physically handicapped give me “I can” in my purpose for preaching.

The promises of my Heavenly Father give me comfort in my purpose for preaching.

The Holy Ghost gives me unction in my purpose for preaching.

The LORD JESUS my Saviour gives me love in my purpose for preaching.

(Posted by Pastor C. M. Carruthers on a mailing list in 2005.)

The Discerner

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word of God, both the written Word and the living Word, Jesus Christ, is "living and energizing" and is the double-edged sword of the Spirit, piercing into the deepest recesses of body, soul, and spirit, where it "discerns" even the very thoughts and intents of our hearts.

This discernment, however, is more than just understanding or insight. The Greek word for "discerner" in this verse is the underlying derivative of our English word "critic," and is an important dimension of its meaning in this verse. Bible discernment is a critical, judging discernment - one which convicts and corrects as well as one which brings understanding.

It is paradoxical that men today presume to become critics of the Bible, when it should really be the other way around. Let's look at several types of Bible critics in today's world;

1. There are textual critics who sort through the various ancient manuscripts of the Bible, trying to arrive at the "original text" or correct the choice of words of the Bible in order to update it into the language of today.
2. There are the "higher critics" who critique vocabularies and writing concepts, trying to show that the traditional authors did not actually write the books attributed to them.
3. There are many, purely destructive critics who criticize the Bible's miracles, morals, and everything else, hoping thereby to justify their rebellion against the Word.

But the Bible still stands!!! It stands in judgment on our lives and our subconscious motives. It will have the final word; Rev. 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

It is far better to heed the constructive criticism of the Word now than to hear its condemnation later.

An Authentic Christian

(This devotional email message which I received today from Pastor Paul Chappell of Lancaster Baptist Church describes the need to be an authentic Christian and contrasts precisely with the counterfeit Christian ending section of yesterday's post on my blog - hmmmm..... you think God had a hand in having this find my inbox today, or it's just a coincidence?!?!?! By the way, you can sign up for Pastor Chappel's daily devotional at www.dailyintheword.org).

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word authentic as “being what is represented or claimed to be.” Sometimes in our day, it’s hard to find products or even relationships that are authentic. We seem to live in an imitation, general brand day and age. Yet, the Word of God calls us to live an authentic Christian life.

An authentic Christian must first be authentically born, by faith, into the family of God. First John 5:1 says, “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” Beyond conversion to Christ there will also be attributes or fruit that reveal a new nature. There are ways to tell whether a person is an authentic Christian or not. Today, we will see that an authentic Christian cares about the things of God.

So many people today have an “I don’t care attitude.” They don’t care about the Word of God, the people of God, and their testimony for God. But an authentic Christian, one who is walking according to God’s Spirit, does care!

An authentic Christian cares about pleasing God. These Christians care about the things of God and they desire to please God. Many Christians today desire to live only for themselves and do not care for the things of God. But an authentic Christian desires to honor and glorify God in all they do. They care about God’s reputation and they care about pleasing Him.

Also, an authentic Christian cares about God’s Word. They desire to read God’s Word and learn more about Him. Even though their day may be hectic, an authentic Christian makes God’s Word and spending time with God important in his life. He knows the importance of God’s Word and he seeks to make God a priority before his other earthly duties. He cares about spending time with God.

Not only does an authentic Christian read God’s Word, he also obeys God’s Word. He understands that God’s Word has the answers he needs in life, and he opens his heart to God as he reads His Word. He does not read it simply as duty, but rather, he heeds God’s commands and obeys His Word. He cares about not only hearing the Word of God, but doing it as well.

Are you an authentic Christian? Do you care about pleasing God, spending time in His Word, and obeying Him? If we are true Christians, we will care enough to obey God. Ask God to help you be an authentic Christian today. Read God’s Word right now and let Him work in your life today.

Don't Trip Over Hypocrites!!!

Most men have made up their minds to keep control of their own lives. They purpose to do just as they please. The only law they recognize is the law of their own desires, and it's a matter of little or no concern to them whether or not these desires are in harmony with the law of God.

A short time ago, I asked a man if he were a Christian; he swelled up a bit around the chest and answered, "Well, I am not the worst man in the world. I pay my honest debts. I'm a respectable citizen. I'm a moral man in every sense of the word. What is more, I don't make a hypocrite out of myself by pretending to be what I am not, as so many of your church members do." (I have run into many people who use the excuse they can't go to church because it is full of hypocrites; however, they have no problem joining other hypocrites at work, at a family gathering, at the ball park, at the race track, in the shopping mall, at the grocery store, at McDonalds, at Wal-Mart, etc.).

I give just a few remarks about these hypocrites who seem to be bothering a good many people outside the church.

1. What other men are has nothing to do with what you ought to be.
2. It is true that we do have some hypocrites in the church (hypocrites are people, and people make up the church); but if you will promise not to get angry at a bit of humor that has a lot of real truth in it, it might not be amiss for me to say that we got them all from your side and you ought not be too hard on us for having them.
3. You know this is true; if you will gather the church crowd on one side and the world crowd on the other, then shut your eyes and reach out and gather five hundred at random, the church crowd will - when it comes to law-abiding citizenship, decency, honesty, and honor in general and all finer points that go to make up a character that God approves and man respects - outshine the world crowd as the blazing noonday sun outshines the palefaced moon.
4. A hypocrite is the best recommendation genuine Christianity can possibly have. Did you ever see a counterfeit penny? No! Why? Because it isn't worth counterfeiting. Did you ever see a counterfeit dollar? Yes! Why? Because its value makes it worth counterfeiting. Did you ever see a counterfeit infidel? No! Why? Because infidelity is not worth counterfeiting. Did you ever see a counterfeit Christian? Yes! Why? Because there's a value in genuine Christianity that makes it worthwhile, for selfish reasons, to imitate. It is the genuine Christian that God wants you to be.

Excerpt from sermon "Why Morality Cannot Save Anyone" by William Edward Biederwolf (1867-1939)

Repent or Perish

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

There are many ideas today about God, but apart from God's word, you have no true understanding of who God is or how to have a relationship with Him. There are many ideas, but only one Bible way - the way of repentance and faith.

The different forms of the word "repentance" is mentioned just over one hundred times in the Bible. The basic definition is "to change one's mind," "to think differently," "to reconsider." When Jesus tells us in Luke 13:5 to "repent" or "perish," He is saying to change your way of thinking or reconsider the course you are on.

God gives you an example of true repentance in Luke 23:39-43; And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. This passage tells of two thieves that hung on either side of Jesus to be crucified with Him for the deeds they had done.

The unrepentant thief said to Jesus, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." But the repentant thief replied, "Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss." Mark 15:32 and Matthew 27:44 reveals that both thieves mocked Jesus in the beginning, but the one changed his mind about this Man on the middle cross. In Luke 23:42, the repentant thief asks Jesus to "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." He looked at Jesus differently because he REPENTED, not to get off the cross but to have his sin forgiven. What had brought about this change? It was a heart attitude of FAITH AND REPENTANCE.

Friend, repentance is not just sorrow for sin or "turning over a new leaf." It is not turning from sin only. True REPENTENCE is seeing your sin as God sees your sin and trusting Him in confidence to do what He says He will do in His word. To desire God for purely selfish reasons is not to desire God at all. 2 Cor. 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

As you receive wages (or payment) for your work, the wages of your sin is death - eternal separation from God in Hell. Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Through repentance you change your mind about sin, salvation, and God.

Trust and believe the Bible is true and that Jesus is the only way for a person to receive forgiveness of sin and eternal life. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Belief affects behavior. You respond to what you believe. If you believe that Jesus will do what He said, you will call on His name in faith and repentance. 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.

The repentant thief saw himself needing a Saviour. How do you see yourself..... good enough, not as bad as others, pretty good??? You must change your mind about your sin and disobedience toward God. A change of heart will result in a changed life. John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Jesus is ready and able to save. You must be like the repentant thief when he said, "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Dear friend, do not take a chance with your eternal future. If you cannot give an honest Bible reason why God should let you into Heaven, then you are not saved. God's word is final and all are judged by it.

First, you must realize that you are a sinner, guilty and doomed before a holy God. Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Second, agree with God that you cannot save yourself from an eternal Hell. You need a Saviour. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. This verse removes any confidence you may put in church attendance, church membership, or being baptized. It is all Christ and the shedding of His blood for your sin.

Third, call on Jesus now. Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Heb. 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. John 1:12 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:

The Holy Spirit will give you the faith and power to believe His word as He convicts your heart about the truth of the Gospel and draws you to the Saviour.

The outcome of those who believe is found in John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The outcome of those who DO NOT is found in Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

REPENT OR PERISH, IT'S YOUR CHOICE!!!!!

Tract written by Cecil Helms

Give to Others What You Want for Yourself

I've often said that a person can have whatever he wants and as much of it as he wants, basing that statement on Luke 6:38,

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

The verse does not say what to give; it just says "Give, and it shall be given unto you." In other words, if you want love, give love, and love shall be given you. If you want smiles, give smiles, and smiles will be given you. If you want forgiveness, give forgiveness, and forgiveness will be given to you. Whatever you give is given to you again.

But it's important to notice that you get more than you give. When it comes back, it comes back "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over."

John Bunyan once said;

There was a man in our town - some folks did think him mad.

The more he gave away, the more he had.

If you want folks to speak to you, be the first to say hello. If no one is showing love to you, maybe it's because you're not showing love to others.

Give what you want, and it shall be given to you again, "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over."

By Dr. Curtis Hutson

The Hidden Glory

If we knew of our dependence on the God who gave us life;

If we knew of His compassion as He sees us in the strife;

If we only saw the glory that is shining over there;

We would read His Word more faithfully and study it with care.

If our minds were not so crowded with the cares and things of time;

If our thoughts could soar to Heaven and explore that blissful clime;

If our eyes could see the vision of that land so far away;

We would read His Word more carefully and sense it as we pray.

If we'd contemplate the future looking thence for sure rewards;

If we'd tune our ears to listen to those sweet and heavenly chords;

We'd go pressing towards the mark of that glorious aftermath

With His Word a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path.

Author Unknown

Help Wanted: MEN

Ezek. 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

What if God was looking for you to stand in the gap today??? Would He find you were able to be one of His men??? What type of men is God looking for???

1. Holy Men - a) God uses "holy men" - 2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. b) The apostles in the early church as they appointed the first deacons in the church looked for the following; Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 1. Holy men are honest men - honest with God, others, and themselves. 2. Holy men are Holy Spirit filled men - these are men who have given their life to Christ and are controlled by Him; they are led by the Spirit and surrendered to the will of God. 3. Holy men are men with "horse sense" - they both actively seek and find Godly wisdom - James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2. Helpful Men - a) God is looking for men who have a servant's heart; a servant of God, of the church, and others - 1 Cor. 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. b) To be a servant is to be like Christ -Php. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: c) A real servant needs no title, reward, or recognition; he has no will of his own. d) Great men of the Bible were servants; Paul, Peter, Moses, James, Jude, etc.
3. Honorable Men - 1 Sam. 9:6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. a) Honorable men are trustworthy men, faithful men, dependable men, and loyal men; they finish what they start. b) Honorable men are men who keep their word; they remember their wedding vows; they keep their promises to their children and the church. c) Honorable men are men who accept responsibility for their own actions; men who step up to the plate and do what is right and what is necessary; they are not afraid to walk down an aisle to bow a knee, to ask forgiveness, to be accountable, and to do what is right.
4. Healthy Men - a) Physically - Healthy men are those who have realized their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and have brought it into subjection mortifying the deeds of the flesh - 1 Cor. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? Rom. 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 1 Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. b) Spiritually - Healthy men are those who have put on the whole armor of God - Eph. 6:11-18 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
5. Happy Men - a) Happy men are those who know the joy that comes from serving Christ. b) Happy men find joy in the Lord's work - Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. c) Happy men are those who tell others about their Saviour - Psalm 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

The Word of God is.......

(I was out of time earlier this week for a business trip, so please forgive me for not posting....)

1. Inspired - a) It is God-breathed in its being given to man, b) It retains the designation of being inspired when God superintends its preservation, i.e. copies from the originals, copies from copies of the original, or translations into other languages from the originals or copies superintended by God, and c) God is sovereign in all that He does - One cannot deny preservation by God and still believe that God is sovereign; private interpretation at any given point is a usurping of God's sovereign preservation of His Holy Word.
2. Inerrant - It is preserved accurately in its copying and translation.
3. Infallible - It is completely truthful in all of its teachings.
4. Immutable - It is unchanging because God is unchanging.
5. Immaculate - It is beautifully sublime down to its minutest detail.
6. Incorruptible - It is and will remain free from all impurities - corrupted copies and translations are the works of fallen men; men's privately interpreted "bibles" may contain portions of the Word of God but are never equal to the one and only "Holy Bible."
7. Indispensible - It is absolutely essential to salvation and holy living after salvation.

I pray that this list above fully and accurately describes the book which you hold in your hand and which you call the Bible - God's written word to man. If not, friend, just exactly what are you reading and hiding in your heart as truth from God if your faith in that book which you hold in your hand can't match the list above???

Happy Father's Day!!!

"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong. " -Charles Wadsworth

"Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance." - Ruth E. Renkel

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." - Anonymous

"A Man's children and his garden both reflect the amount of weeding done during the growing season." - Anonymous

"The greatest gift I ever had came from God, and I call him Dad!" - Anonymous

"A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be." – Anonymous

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." - Clarence Budington Kelland

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys." - Harmon Killebrew

"One father is more than a hundred Schoolmasters." - George Herbert

"Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys." - Anonymous

THE FATHERHOOD CYCLE

4 years: "My Daddy can do anything."

7 years: "My Dad knows a lot, a whole lot."

12 years: "Oh, well - naturally - Father doesn't know that either."

14 years: "Father? Hopelessly old-fashioned."

21 years: "Oh, that man is so out-of-date. What did you expect?"

25 years: "He knows a little bit about it - but not much."

30 years: "Maybe we ought to find out what Dad thinks."

35 years: "Let's ask Dad what he would do before we make a decision."

40 years: "I wonder what Dad would have thought about that? He was pretty smart."

50 years: "My Dad knew absolutely everything."

60 years: "I'd give anything if Dad were here so I could talk this over with him. I really miss him."

Preparing Your Children For Marriage

Prov. 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Many parents unwisely encourage their children to experiment with various philosophies of life, such as the dating culture of today. We should spend more time teaching our children the truth instead.

Here are some guidelines to prepare your children for marriage:

1. Ask God daily for wisdom and strength - James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2. Pray consistently for their future spouse - more specifically, their salvation, moral purity, protection, maturity, work ethic, and respect for authority - 1 Thess. 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 1 Th 4:11-12 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
3. Teach them early on God's plan for their lives - responsibility for their own identity - "God wants you to get married and raise a Godly family of your own some day." Mal. 2:15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. God's blueprint for successful family living is found in His word - Eph. 5:18-6:4
4. Develop in them a servant's heart - marry for what you can give, not get - marriage brings many responsibilities, so you will have to be mature - instill to them that marriage is a life-long commitment - Matt. 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
5. Uphold the standard of purity in the home - the parent's job is to guard the hearts and minds of their children until they are old enough to do it for themselves - make sure they are "simple concerning evil" - Rom. 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Teach "The greatest gift you can give your spouse is YOURSELF" - pure in heart, mind, and body - do not play the dating game and give your heart and body to many, but rather save it all for that SPECIAL ONE God has given to you.
6. Show them how to walk with God - as parents, we must remember, "you cannot impart what you do not possess" - this is true for both us and our children - must have a consecrated life yielded to God's will - Rom. 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. They must have a heart and mind of discernment - 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. - they must be a good steward of time, talent, and treasure
7. Remind them often to wait on God's timing - the right one, the right way, the right time - "if in doubt, DON'T" - no unequal yokes - 2 Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? - approval of parents with insight and counsel of your pastor.
8. Help them plan a truly Christian marriage - pre-marital counseling - Christ-honoring ceremony - establishment of a Christian home that pleases God in all areas, such as Christian service, finances, and child-rearing.

Biblical Traits of a Father

1. Your instruction is not to be despised, but to be regarded - Prov. 15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
2. To be a glad father, you must discipline your children - Prov. 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
3. You must provide the instruction - Prov. 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
4. Don't let the tears of your kids stop you from discipline - Prov. 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
5. You will be your kids' glory - "That's my dad!" - Prov. 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
6. Provoke not your kids to wrath by improper discipline - Eph. 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
7. Teach your kids what you have learned from the Lord - Ex. 10:2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.
8. Don't give your kids to the people of the land - Neh. 10:28-30 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:
9. Show them you have learned wisdom and understanding - Job 12:12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
10. They need a good balanced pattern to follow as a father - Psalm 89:30-34 If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
11. Destroy those "nations" against your family - Psalm 106:34, 37, 42 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
12. Prepare your kids for war and an understanding of the times - 1 Chron. 12:32, 38 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
13. Prepare your kids for marriage (please read the following post on this subject)

What Will Make A Good Father???

1. Knowing you are saved with a wholehearted love for the Lord - Deut. 6:4-5 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
2. Having God's Word dwelling in your heart - Deut. 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
3. Being a diligent teacher of the Scriptures - Deut. 6:6-9 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
4. Being a good example at home, church, work, and in the community - Prov. 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
5. Providing for your children's physical needs - 1 Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
6. Desiring to train your children in the nuture and admonition of the Lord - Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
7. Maintaining an active service and cheerful participation in a local Bible-believing church - Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Truths From Proverbs - Training Your Children

With Father's Day coming up this weekend, I thought I would share a few posts regarding parenting, especially for us Fathers!!! God has given my wife and I six wonderful children, but even after 23 years of parenting, there is still much more I need to learn. Listed below are some important truths which I have taken the responsibility to teach our children:

1. I must teach my children to put God first - Prov. 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
2. I must teach my children to submit to my authority plus others who are in authority - Prov. 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
3. I must teach my children to separate from evil companions - Prov. 1:15-16 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
4. I must teach my children to put God's Word first - Prov. 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
5. I must teach my children to receive God's free salvation - Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
6. I must teach my children to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ - Prov. 8:32-36 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
7. I must teach my children to flee immorality - Prov. 5:1-5 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

These truths from Proverbs involves the following activities:

1. Staying away from every source of temptation - Prov. 5:7-8 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
2. Remembering that sin will ruin your life - Prov. 5:11-14 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
3. Waiting for the right husband or wife - Prov. 5:15-18 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
4. Staying away from the flirty, worldly female - her seductive speech, her immodest dress and the suggestive way she carries herself, and her flirting eyes - Prov. 6:24-26 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
5. Staying away from promiscuous males - Prov. 30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
6. Remembering that God hates and judges sin - Prov. 9:17-18 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Building a Godly Home

Psalm 127:1-5 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

David wrote this psalm for his son David, recording the words directly given to him by God. Builders of houses, as well as builders of churches, cities, and empires, and especially homes, all labor in vain without God's direct blessings. If there ever was a time when men and women needed to go back to school to learn how to build Godly homes it is today. Satan is busily at work attacking homes, and the evidence of his success can be easily found by looking around today at all the broken, dysfunctional families here in our country as well as across the world.

What does it take to build a good house (home)???

1. Approved blueprint - Bible - Deut. 6:6-9 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
2. Good, solid foundation - Christ/Salvation - Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Matt. 7:24-27 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: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
3. Faithful laborers - Both Parents - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
4. Right materials - A godly home is one where a) Love abounds, b) Prayer surrounds, and c) Order is found. Godly homes pray together, play together, plan together, and pay together.
5. Location, location, location - Godly homes are ones that make the church the central focus - Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hold The Fort!!!

Nahum 2:1 He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The fact is, the devil is out to mess you up!!! Therefore, we need to hold the fort!!! How??? Well, we need to:

1. Sharpen Yourself - "...keep the munition" - Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

• Settle the word - Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
• Store the word - Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
• Study the word - 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
• Shout the word - Isa. 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

2. Safeguard Yourself - "....watch the way" - 1 Thess. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

• Stablish your priorities - Psalm 119:35-38 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
• Subdue your passions - Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
• Survey your progress - 2 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

3. Strengthen Yourself - ".... make thy loins strong, fortify they power mightily." - Matt. 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

• Shape up - 1 Tim. 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
• Shore up - Rev. 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
• Stand up - Jer. 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Do You Have Character???

Here are some thoughts I have compiled and collected regarding character!!!!!

Sow a thought and you reap an act;
Sow an act and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit and you reap a character;
Sow a character and you reap a destiny.

Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.

If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.

Character is what God and the angels know of us; reputation is what men and women think of us.

Character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things a man chooses or avoids.

A man's reputation is what other people think of him; his character is what he really is.

Men of genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared; but only men of character are trusted.

God alters our disposition, but he does not make our character. When God alters my disposition, the first thing the new disposition will do is to stir up my brain to think along God’s line. As I begin to think, begin to work out what God has worked in, it will become character. Character is consolidated thought. God makes me pure in heart; I must make myself pure in conduct.

God does not supply us with character; he gives us the life of his Son, and we can either ignore him and refuse to obey him, or we can so obey him, so bring every thought and imagination into captivity, that the life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal flesh. It is not a question of being saved from hell, but of being saved in order to manifest the Son of God in our mortal flesh. Our responsibility is to keep ourselves fit to manifest him.

God has a program of character development for each one of us. He wants others to look at our lives and say, “He walks with God, for he lives like Christ.”

God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. His goal is not to pamper us physically but to perfect us spiritually.

The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.

A Job or A Ministry???

(I thought this brief devotional challenge would give us all some time to think about our motives for serving the Lord as we head to church this morning.)

Do you have a JOB or a MINISTRY???

Check this perspective. Some people have a JOB in the church; others involve themselves in a MINISTRY. What's the difference???

If you are doing it just because no one else will, it's a JOB.

If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it's a MINISTRY.

If you quit because someone criticizes you, it's a JOB.

If you keep on serving, it's a MINISTRY.

If you'll do it only so long as it does not interfere with other activities, it's a JOB.

If you're committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it's a MINISTRY.

If you quit because no one praises you, or thanks you, it's a JOB.

If you stay with it even though no one recognizes your efforts, it's a MINSTRY.

If your concern is success, it's a JOB.

If your concern is faithfulness, it's a MINISTRY.

The average church is filled with people doing JOBS.

A great and growing church is filled with people involved in MINISTRY.

Where do you fit in??? Where does your church fit in???

If God calls you to a MINISTRY, don't treat it like a JOB.

If you have a JOB in the church, give it up and find a MINISTRY.

God doesn't want us feeling stuck with a JOB,

but excited and faithful to Him in MINISTRY.

Author Unknown

Amoral Leadership for Amoral America

(Here is an excerpt from Dave Daubenmire's article posted on the News With Views website which sadly speaks the truth about the lack of leadership of today's political "statesmen" as well as the spiritual climate of the American people, especially "Christians." Click on the title link above to read the entire article if you are interested.)

Amoral - having no moral standards, restraints, or principles; unaware of or indifferent to questions of right or wrong:

Shallow. That is the best way to describe those who are being paraded before us as legitimate contenders for election to the highest office in the land. Has that ever been more apparent than what the two major parties present to us today? Oh, how I long for a man who will “call them as he sees them.”

But, unfortunately, the modern political philosophy of the day is that the safest position to take in politics is “no position,” or as we have seen in the latest “debates,” both positions! Today’s candidates have become masters of fence riding and double-speak. Sadly, most of the electorate, dumbed-down by government education and indoctrinated with moral relativism, is unable to fight through the fog.

As I listened to Rudy Guilani waffle-on about how he is “personally” against abortion but for a woman’s “right” to make the “difficult” choice it became obvious to me that Truth has fallen in the streets. Murder is now called choice. A-merica is becoming a-moral.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Psalm 94:16-17 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

No wonder America is wavering. Our leaders no longer believe in right and wrong.

Consider where this moral double-mindedness has taken us.

* Pornography is protected speech, but prayer is not.
* A 16 year can have an abortion but she can’t smoke a cigarette.
* Seat belts are mandatory, citizenship is not.
* Homosexuality is love, opposition to it is hate.
* We worship Mother Earth and deny Father God.
* Hip-hop vulgarity floods the school’s hallway while Gospel expression is censored.
* Public school students told to have sex and to do drugs, but Bible preaching is forbidden.

The pre-selected 1st tier of candidates were the only ones to be taken seriously. Congressman Paul and his ilk were not welcome in the “big tent” Republican debates. Make your choice, Rudy, McCain, or Romney. Any other candidate is a distraction because no one else is capable of winning. And Christians are eating it up. We have been told to ignore the Republican Party’s amoral positions in an attempt to be more “inclusive.” Eeny, Meeny, and Miny, are your choices. Forget Mo, because he just can’t win.

So, I listened closely to what Eeny, Meeny, and Miney said last week. They’re great at double-speak. No matter which position you hold, they share it. What a deal! Finally a candidate that thinks like me!

But Rudy is the master. As I said before, he is “personally” against abortion, but for a woman’s right to “choose.” He would like to see all abortions “end” but doesn’t think the government should intervene in a woman’s right to “reproductive choice.” He likes Judges Scalia and Alito, but agrees with Judge Ginsburg.

So the candidates are able to get away with a position that supports the killing of innocent children in the safety of a mother’s womb, even though he/she is “personally” against abortion. What a crock. Allow me to extrapolate how vacuous this position is.

Since a candidate “supports” a position that he/she is “personally” opposed to, wouldn’t it be safe to assume that he/she applies the same rationale to other issues? Would you seriously consider a candidate who took the following positions?

• I am personally opposed to slavery, but I am for a slave-owners right to choose.
• I personally oppose rape, but I am for a rapist’s right to personal choice.
• I personally oppose murder, but I am for a murderer’s right to do it.
• I personally oppose lynching, but I am for a white man’s justice.
• I am personally opposed to incest, but I am for father’s rights.
• I personally oppose suicide bombings, but who am I to tell another how he can express his faith?
• I personally oppose border jumping, but I am for a man’s right to choose what is best for his family.

I am personally opposed to…………you fill in the blank. Both positions is no position.

Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

We have reached a water-shed moment in American history. Double-mindedness will be our undoing. Compartmentalized morality will no longer work. Amorality is no morality.

How have we reached the point where amoral men are chosen as leaders? Where personal morality can be separated from public morality? Where sin has become a government-protected right? And those who speak the truth are called radicals or negative.

Our Christian leadership encourages their flock to support the “lesser of two evils?” What Scripture verse is that, the supporting of any evil?

Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

"If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the public press lacks moral discernment, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the world loses its interest in Christianity, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it." --Charles Finney

The salt has lost his savor and A-moral A-merica is rotting at the core.

Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Would Jesus tell us to vote for Eeny, Meeny, or Miney? Go ahead. Follow their lead. A vote for them is a vote for WOE!

If Jesus Came To Your Home...

If Jesus came to your home to spend a day or two;

If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do.

Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest,

And all the food you'd serve Him would be the very best,

And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there-

That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door

With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in,

Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they had been?

Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard,

And wish you hadn't uttered that last loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?

Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder, if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,

Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say?

Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep its usual pace,

And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?

Would you sing the songs you always sing and read the books you read?

And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go,

Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends?

Or would you hope they would stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,

Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do

If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.

Author Unknown

Friend, who are we fooling since in reality God sees our every action and knows our every thought, whether or not as the above poem suggests, Jesus physically visits us in our home??? If we are truly born again, we have the Holy Spirit living within us..... there is nothing God doesn't already know about our life.

So, what are we hiding??? Does our lives show we are living as a servant of God, or does Satan smile as he watches us live double-minded lives here on earth???