31 October 2011

Spiritual Warfare

As noted in Ephesians 6:12, we have battles we will face and experience.  With this in mind...when in battle...it is imperative to identify our enemy.  If we are not aware of the point of our attack...we become vulnerable.

When we meet opposition to our faith, our first reaction may be anger toward our antagonist.  By doing so...this can divert our attention from the deeper, spiritual dimensions of our conflict.

We need to be alert to the spiritual warfare around us.  It is real and potentially destructive to us and to those we care about.  Knowing our real foe will protect us from bitterness and unforgiveness.  Our hope lies in the reality that "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

We need to steadfastly trust in the One who has already defeated our enemy.

That is right.  The enemy has been already defeated.

However...in closing...as the Israelites learned as noted in Deuteronomy 28:7.  We need to heed God's voice, obey His commandments and we shall experience continued victory.  Or turn from God as the Israelites...disobey His word and experience repeated and resounding defeat.

Remember...Satan has already been defeated and the victory is ours...but Satan will try to convince us otherwise and cheat us out of our victory and inheritance.

God promised us victory if we remain in His will.

If we are find ourselves continually being defeated by everything we face, our heart has departed from God.  Let's obey Him, be receptive to His will...and trust in Him...and let him into our hearts, mind and soul...we will and can overcome the lies and deception of Satan...and enjoy and celebrate...as the victory is ours...through Jesus Christ.

Next blog...will share encouragement about the "defeated enemy".

22 September 2011

Are we constantly growing....or standing still occasionally?

We need to be much like a seed...similarly as the mentioned the mustard seed in (Luke 13:18-19).  Simply saying...how does a seed grow?  Does it grow in the ground a little bit then stops and then again or does it grow continually with no pause?  Some times the growth is small and sometimes in bigger steps...but always growing.

So if you are going to grow in the kingdom of God, we need to do it just like a seed that's been planted in the ground.  Let me explain.  A seed grows a little all the time, (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year), a little ALL the time until it accomplishes what it was created to do.

Most of us do not operate that way spiritually.  We study and pray very hard for a few days or weeks, and then quit.  Then, when some trial or tribulation or disaster comes our way, we make a mad and sometimes desperate attempt to pray and stand on the Word, all the while realizing that, for some reason, we are just not as strong as we ought to be.

Let's face it...there is no such thing as an overnight success in the kingdom of God!  It is a process...real strength, real growth comes as we consistently and constantly keep the Word before our eyes, in our ears and in the midst of our heart.  Not just when we want to or when we feel like it, but constantly, like the seed, a little all the time.

We need to make up our mind to begin that daily process of constant growth today.  Determine to start putting the Word in our heart consistently.  Every day-- a verse here and a verse there.

Let's begin to act as though that Word is true every hour of the day regardless of what comes or how we feel physically or emotionally.  We must keep adding to our faith, mediating on it, confessing it, every day of the week.

Eventually...our faith will be bigger than we can ever image or dream it to be.  And then when faced with adversity...our strengthened faith and trust in Our Lord helps to persevere and endure and successfully deal with our trials.

Let's grow continually.

26 July 2011

Overcoming Tribulation and Finding Joy in the Journey

John 16:33 provides us with an reminder that we all will endure tribulation, however, we can have good cheer, because Jesus had overcome the world.

Often we will start to feel sorry for ourselves and say..."Why is this happening to me?" or "What did I do to deserve this?"  or we may even be as bold and state or think..."What is wrong with you God?!"

As Billy Graham once stated, such complaining is shortsighted and wrong.  Vision this if you may, many of us have flown or have seen visions or pictures of the Earth and the grown from an high elevation.  One can see so much from high above, but when on the ground, our view and vision is limited.  Our perspective of the earth is far different from what it was when we were on the ground.  This is much like God, he can see all things and know all things.  As for we, our knowledge and vision is limited.  God knows the big picture and knows what is best for us.  No one really knows why we face tribulation, other than, us being told we will face it.  As we look to God, instead of to ourselves and our circumstances, our perspective change. 

Perhaps tribulation for each of us is to prepare us in preparation to help others, or perhaps, to make us stronger and enjoy a closer walk and journey with Our Lord.  

Remember, as God reminded Job, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" (Job 38:4).  Also keep in mind, such complaining can and most likely shows a lack of faith; we are doubting God's wisdom and His love for us.

We, including myself, need to continue trusting in Our Lord throughout our tribulations to know as in (Jer 29:11), He has a plan for each of us and to keep the faith.  

It is also encouraging to be reminded of this wonderful promise of Christ..."Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Aw yea! Do not forget about the joy.  Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

If anyone can state this it is the Apostle Paul.  Few men suffered as Paul did, yet he learned how to live above his circumstances - even when in a prison cell.  The key is to realize, as Paul did, we are here to serve Christ, not ourselves.


As mentioned, God does not promise us an easy life, free of troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations.  He does not call his children to a party or to a playground of fun, but to a battleground.  In the middle of all of this, when we serve Christ, we truly can and most likely discover that "joy of the Lord is our strength."


I pray as we face tribulation we will find Joy along the way to know God has a plan and we need to trust in Him, and find delight knowing...Jesus had overcome the world and the joy of the Lord is our strength.


He sees and knows all, the big picture, and remember...he is with us and goes before us every where we go.


Remember to look to God...Keep you eyes on Him.  Luke 21:28, "Lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

God Bless America...words by Ben Franklin

I found the follow when reading one day.  It is a statement from Benjamin Franklin, I believe still has relevance today for us and our current leaders.
 

Benjamin Franklin states, "In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth...How has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings?  In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine protection.  Our prayers, sir, were heard; they were graciously answered...Have we now forgotten that powerful Friend?

I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."  I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial, local interests, our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword to future ages."

Thank you Mr. Franklin, for those words to remind us we need not forget God and need to return to God as we continue to build this country. 

Steven

20 June 2011

Pledge of Allegiance, by Red Skelton

With Flag Day in recent past and 4th of July soon  forthcoming I had found this 5 years ago in the NC Farm Bureau June 2006 periodical.  I think each of you will appreciate it too.

The late Red Skelton (1913-1997) wrote the following commentary about the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mr. Skelton was a gifted artist, writer, composer, actor and comedian.

"As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton's teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class.  Mr. Sketon later wrote down and eventually recorded his recollection of this lecture.  It is followed by his unique observation.

I - Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance - My love and my devotion.

To the Flag - Our standard; Old Glory, symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

United - That means that we have all come together.

States - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states.  Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose.  All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic - Republic - a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern.  And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation -
One Nation - meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible - Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty - Which is Freedom, the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice - The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All - For all - that means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

     I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: UNDER GOD.
Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said this was a prayer and so it would be eliminated from schools, too?"

Red Skelton.


Please pass this on to everyone you know.  This is a special gift from Mr. Skelton and from this schoolboy teacher.  It is my desire to continue passing the torch from Red Skelton to everyone I know adults and children alike.

18 June 2011

Happy Father's Day!

As God the father through Jesus Christ and so many others in the OT and NT, in example after example...showing and teaching us what it is to be a "Father", the one thing that hits home with me daily...is when I look myself in the mirror. Remember fathers...it begins with you and no one else.  Only we as men can become the fathers that God desires us to be.

A song, whom I do not remember sings it, but makes me stop and think and wonder...as I am being watched by my son and others...am I reflecting that image, like in the stillness of water...the image that Christ desires?  The song goes along the lines as..."...Want to be like you, because he wants to be just like me.  Want him to see Jesus in me.  To be holy example for his innocence eyes to see..."

As I wish my father and so many out there...Happy Father's Day!...Are our children seeing Jesus in us?

Let's make a difference guys.  Every father out there...are and will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Seeking, Finding and a Promise to count on

So many of us, our neighbors, friends, and family members have been affected by the U.S. economic down turn.  Some having pay cuts, reduced hours, or even lost income.  So many times when faced in the valley as most of us are at this time, we are not sure who or what to turn to.  It was so easy when we were on the mountain top, but now...the valley...it is not so fun.  But nonetheless, we are instructed and encouraged to praise Our Lord always.

Often times, the only time we pray is in time of need.  Example...when life is on the line, when a loved one is in the hospital, or when one is hurt or suffering...we pray.  Without preaching...we are not to be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)

This leads me to a devotion I had read lately.  Are we seeking and finding? (Matt 7:7-8) "Ask, and God will give to you.  Search, and you will find.  Knock, and the door will open for you.  Yes, everyone who asks will receive.  Everyone who searches will find.  And everyone who knocks will have the door opened."

Did you catch some of those promises?  I know...perhaps some of us are asking....Where is God?  To answer this question...you must understand and believe He is everywhere you have ever been and everywhere you will ever go.  He is with us day and night; He knows our every thought; He hears our every heartbeat. 


Sometimes we think and believe in the crush of our daily lives and duties, God seems so far away.  Or sometimes, when the disappointments and sorrows of life leave us brokenhearted, God may seem distant, but He is not.  


When we earnestly seek God, we will find Him because He is here, waiting patiently for us to reach out to Him....right here...right now.


Billy Graham was once quoted saying..."Don't take anyone else's word for God.  Find him for yourself, and they you, too, will know, by the wonderful, warm tug on your heartstrings, that he is there for sure."


Now after seeking and finding Him.  We are given many promises, but here I invite you to read and consider this promise we can count on.  (James 1:12) "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."


Throughout the seasons of life, we must all endure life altering personal losses and sacrifices that leave us breathless and into uncertainty.  When we do, we are normally overwhelmed by fear, by doubt, or by both.  Thankfully, God has promised that He will never desert us.  And God keeps his promises.


Life is often, and especially now, during this economic down turn, are challenging, but as Christians, we must trust the promises of our Heavenly Father.  God loves us, and He will protect us.  In times of hardship, He will comfort us; in times of sorrow, He will dry our tears.  When we are troubled or weak or sorrowful, God is with us.  His love endures, not only for a season, or for today, but also for all of eternity.


I pray we set our hopes on heaven, to hold firmly onto the promises and the promise of eternal life, so that we can withstand each struggle and storms we face in this world.


In closing this entry...let's remember...(James 14:13) "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do."


Prayer links us with God's true purposes not just for us, but also for the world.  It not only brings the blessings of God's Will to our own lives, it also brings us the added blessing of being in sync with God's plan.


Lastly, when we have our prayers answered, we must be willing to give God the glory when he acts----no matter what the result.  


Remember...Our Lord stated to the disciples, "Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son". (John 14:13)


Let's seek...find...and in prayer...count on his promises....


Pray without ceasing....God does have a plan for everyone of  us...and most of all....remember...God is and always will be 'In Control'.


God Bless my brother and sisters.

28 March 2011

LAWN CARE FLYER

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