Satan Is Cast Down

Evil is all around us.  Deception, misunderstandings, and gross error is ever present.  Many are buying the bill of goods the media is drumming out to them and many have bought into the Christian Humanism that has so easily infiltrated our churches.  Spiritual warefare is rarely talked about anymore, only programs, building funds, and new methods.  The church has forgotton how to pray, I mean really pray!  Not a five or ten minute prayer, but how about spending a half hour, an hour, a couple hours, maybe even a day or night alone with God?  

We are on the winning side, even though the devil may throw everything against us he can.  Jesus said in Luke 10:18 after the seventy came back rejoicing because the devils were subject unto them, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”  The devil has been thrown down as we read in Isaiah 14: 12 “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” We also read in Ezekiel 28:18 where God not only addresses the King of Tyre, but the devil who was working through him, “Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.”

The devil has lost his former place as an angel with God has taken the earth.  But only for a short time because the time will come when he will be thrown into the bottomless pit according to Revelation 20:1-2, ¶  And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.”  That’s not the end though because he will be let lose at the end of the thousand years millennium and will make war with the saints, only to be cast into the lake of fire forever!  Read all of Revelation 20 verses 1 through 10 and see for yourself.  

We may be in a battle now but take courage.  Pray, stand, believe, and keep looking for His appearing.  Satan knows the end of the story and has little time left, but if you’ve read the scriptures and believe, you know it too.  

The De Vinci Code

The De Vinci Code

When the De Vinci Code came out a couple of years ago, I didn’t pay much attention to it.  I ran across it several time on Audible.com and read the first couple lines of the summary but went no further.  From what I gathered, it was just another way of man trying to tell us how to interpret the Word of God through something else that was discovered which may, or may not, have any value.  My attention was then caught again by it when an email came my way advertising a video refuting its claims.  Since this was a reputable source, I decided I need to learn a little more about this book that has seemed to captured the attention of millions, to where it will be released as a movie come May 19 of this year.  

To sum it all up and put it simply, the message in this book, which is a novel, is that Jesus Christ was a fabrication of Constantine and the fourth century church.  There are other claims such as the Bible not being real, there being a gospel of Judas and other outlandish things.  To put it quite bluntly, this book is trash!  You may ask if I’ve read it or will I.  The answer is no!  I can smell garbage without getting to close.  

Christ and the Gospel, the Word of God, and God himself have been here before Dan Brown and he’ll be here after he’s gone.  While this is disgusting to say the least, his is not the first attempt to undermine the Bible and it won’t be the last.  The problem is that America is swallowing it in like candy.  The church doesn’t seem to have enough power to stop the tide of deception, but is standing by while Hollywood takes it’s hand of deception and sacrilege.  

If you think I’m being hard, I am.  Not maybe at Dan Brown and the rest of those who will continue to wander down the path of destruction, as well as those teetering on deception and thus falling over the edge: but at our whole social fiber in America which used to be built on the basic teachings of the Bible.  It’s no more, and I’m convinced that America is no longer a Christian nation.  Does that mean we quit praying for her?  No!  I am grieved for all of this and I hope you are too.  If you are one of those being taken in by Dan Brown’s deception, remember what the great Apostle Paul said: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16, KJV  

There are those who have been slain and being persecuted for even owning this great Book.  In America, we can own all the Bibles we want without interference. Satan has other ways of taking our eyes off Christ.  Watch your step!  The Lord is at hand!  

Resurrection Sunday

Resurrection Sunday

It’s Easter or Resurrection Sunday and what a joy it is to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, although we can really celebrate this each day because he rose over two thousand years ago and will live forever.  I had spent this past week in Kerrville for a statewide training but with God’s help, I was able to get some spiritual refreshment through a couple of sermons that I had previously downloaded onto my personal laptop as wel as the spirit that I felt in the early morning hours of prayer before the events of the day started.  

But now that is past and we move on to another week, but with it the realization that we serve a living God who promises eternal life for all those who trust Him as Savior and follow Him.  John 10:27-28 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”  We first must trust in Him as our Savior and Lord then follow Him which means do what He says.  We know what He is telling us by reading and living His Word, or the Bible.  That is His Word and the Word we will be judged by in heaven for  David said in Psalm 94:12, “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law.”  The law that David had was only the first five books of the Bible known as the Pentateuch but less someone say that is only law, we read in the New Testament in Romans 2:16, “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”  The gospel is of course the gospel given to Paul written in the New Testament.  

When we realize that we have a book such as the Bible that will allow us to hear from God himself and that doesn’t change, we know that we have a God and therefore a promise that cannot change for Malachi 3:6  says, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”  We continue to receive God’s mercy.  If you do not know the risen Savior and your life is only full of empty dreams, hopelessness, and depression, trust in the living Savior, Jesus Christ and be made brand new.  

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17

Changing Times

Once again we have changed our time. We have “sprung forward” our clocks to the daylight savings time so we can have an hour more sunlight at night. In the fall, we’ll turn the clocks back and “fall back” an hour, re-capturing the hour we lost this spring. This isn’t new. We’ve done it for years. I remember when it first started. I was a boy in Iowa and only certain towns would have it. One town, named Washington, would have it but the rest of us wouldn’t so when I visited my grandma who lived near Washington and went their somewhat often, it always seemed strange to have to figure everything an hour ahead. You may not be aware of this, but there is one place that the time splits within the half hour. Strange, but true and who knows why, or at least I don’t.

Time is important to us, sometimes too important. We have time pieces everywhere. They’re on our microwaves, stoves, cell phones, radios, computers, cars, and anything else that man can figure out a way to attach a clock. And of course, we MUST have our watch and don’t forget the clocks on the wall and the big one over the fireplace. All these timepieces are not an accident. We demand it. We have to get it down by the hour. Even on our days off, we have to know what time it is. Why, who knows but we’ve got to know.

Time to God is not the same as for us. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8 What may seem like an “eternity” to us, is no very little time to God. Even in prophesy, we can find a gap of thousands of years between phrases. “6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: {several thousand years} and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

But, one day, time will be no more. “But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.” Zechariah 14:7 In eternity, time will have no meaning. The question is, where will you spend it?

Fellowship

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

This means that if we walk in accordance to God's Word, we can have fellowship with Him, and also with one another. God is a "friend that sticketh closer than a brother," Proverbs 18:24.

It's a wonderful thing to have friends, people you can talk to and enjoy each others company with. Friends laugh together, play together, work together, and sometimes cry together. But you may be going through a time when you don't think you have any good friends. You may feel like you're alone. The feeling of loneliness sometimes overwhelms you.

Last night, we had a wonderful fellowship meeting. We seemed to all be in one accord and the spirit in the service and fellowship afterwards was wonderful. We all had the same common denominator, Christ and his love. But there are times when I feel all alone, maybe not physically so as I'm happily married and have four wonderful children and 5 grandchildren. But there are times when I, like everyone else, go through valleys that no one else can understand. Sometimes my wife goes through valleys that I don't quite understand and all I can do is encourage and pray. You may be in that condition now.

You're not the first, nor will you be the last. David felt this way and remember what Jesus said on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" He was so alone that he felt even his Father had forsaken him. But I got good news for you. Maybe even the closest family member seems to have forsaken you, the Lord will take you up if you come to him. Psalms 27:10 says, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up." The Lord will never forsake you if you don't forsake him. If you've not come to him, pray and ask him into your heart and life now. You'll never be forsaken by him if you let him guide you and if you trust in him

David Encouraged Himself

“….but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30: 6

I realize I haven’t written much these past couple of weeks.  Seems like I just couldn’t get with it but I feel I need to try to be more diligent at it.  Also, we’ve been taking care of our grandbaby while my daughter, Tiffany, recovers from eye surgery.  The baby is back with the mama and Papa misses her some but glad things are a little more in normal sequence now.  I don’t know if anyone even sees these as I’ve not seen any response but maybe one day someone might be encouraged and helped by these blogs.

I preached on the above text Wednesday evening.  I went to a revival meeting in another near by city, the evangelist preached along these lines too.  I sense that many in the church boy are going through times of spiritual deadness or a desert if you will.  I know the feeling.  You try to pray but the heavens are brass.  You read your Bible but nothing comes to life.  You even try to miss a few meals but the blessing is only short lived, if there is any.  

David was in a place where he really shouldn’t have been.  In a strange city, although Ziklag originally belonged to the Jews, but now it belonged to the Jews’ enemy, the Philistines.   He had gotten there because he was weary of running from Saul and felt that refuge in a foreign land was better than continuing to live in caves.  I don’t blame him.  King Achish, king of the Philistines assigned Ziklag to him so there he settled.  Then the Philistines mobilized so they could go to battle against Israel.  David tried to go with the Philistines but fortunately for him the Lords of the Philistines would not allow it.  When he returned to Ziklag he and his men found it burn and their wives and children taken captive.  They wept for their wives and children then turned their attention on the possibility of stoning David since they felt he was responsible.  David could get no help.  He only could encourage himself in the Lord.  Read the story in 1 Samuel chapter 30.  

Sometimes that’s all one can do is remember how big God is.  Remember he is the Creator, the Author and the Finisher of all things.  Without Christ, what is there?  Encourage yourself in the past blessings and read the Psalms and apply them to yourself.  

The important thing is that David didn’t give up.  After encouraging himself, he received God’s guidance and they were able to recover all.  You may be going through something that no one, even your closest friend, or your spouse can quite understand.  But pour your heart out to God, even if you don’t feel anything because you know that God hears all.  The race may seem tough at times but in this race, the only way you can lose is quit.  Don’t give up!

The Word of God Part VII

“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.”  Acts 8:30-31  

Phillip the Evangelist was told by the angel of God to “go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.” (Verse 26)  As he was traveling, he saw the treasurer of Ethiopia riding in a chariot reading aloud from the book of Isaiah.  When Phillip asked him if he understood it, he expressed his hunger and yet his inability to grasp what he was reading.  As we continue to read the story, we find Phillip expounding on the scripture and eventually the eunuch gave his heart to Christ and was immediately baptized.  The Bible says he “went on his way rejoicing.”  He then understood the message that he was trying to read which was in Isaiah 53:7-8 which caused him to rejoice.  

While the eunuch could understand some of the scripture he was reading, he could not grasp the full meaning until he became a child of God.  This is because the Bible is not like any other book in that it not only is read from a literal sense, but things contained in it also must be spiritually discerned.  “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14    There are many truths in the Word of God and they can only be discovered through God’s spirit.  One can read this book over and over and still not receive all that is in it.  I’ve read it through many times but still fail to grasp all of the truths and teachings hidden inside the pages of this great book.  

That is why Jesus said of those who talk of the Kingdom of Heaven, “Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:52   There are old truths that have been the foundation of our faith, yet we constantly discover new insights and teachings as well, like the scribe that Jesus was talking about.  

There is no piece of literature that compares to the Bible.  There is no one book that has as much merit as God’s Word.  It’s from this book that we’ll be judged.  The reason for the churches in the United States for drifting afar is because most have abandoned the Bible as the fundamental axiom for truth and doctrine.  We have been walking on the slippery slope of men’s opinions, the vote of the people, the swa of the world and have forgotten the very thing that can help us stand against the storms of the world.  

The Word of God Part VII

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11  

There are many incidents and events recorded in the Bible.  These are historical accounts that are written for our admonition and to illustrate how man reacts in various situations as well as God’s attitude toward man’s behavior.  When we read of stories such as Saul’s conferring with a witch, David’s sin with Bathsheba, Samson’s laying with a harlot, and other accounts such as these, we must realize that these are only recorded to show the consequences of sin and the actions are not always condoned by God.  Read the Bible as fact and take the whole word of God as truth so you can fully understand why an event is recorded.  That’s why Paul told Timothy that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16  Read the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelations in order.  You can do it in a year by only reading three or four chapters a day.  There are treasures in that book that you will find that can be found no where else.  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46

The Word of God Part VI

PERSONAL NOTE: It’s been a couple of weeks since the last post due to my having some of my family here for some time as well as making a trip to the border last week.  

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Psalms 119:160  

It has been said by many throughout the ages that the miracles recorded in the bible, such as the departure of the Red Sea, never happened.  It’s very simple.  If you don’t believe that God parted the Red Sea, sent manna to the children of Israel, sent the plagues in Egypt, and performed many other miracles recorded in his Word, then you can’t believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again.  You either take it all or none.  That includes the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, the nine gifts of the spirit, and holiness.  God’s Word is real and true and man may doubt it but we will be judged by this Book called the Bible.  The more men try to disprove the Bible, the more they have found it to be correct.  Even when giving historical accounts, it matches history and the recorded miracles in the Old and New Testament are real.  Don’t let some one who may have a degree from the local seminary, beter known as “cemetery” talk you out of it.  

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  1 Corinthians 2:14    The preceding scripture gives the reason why many have so much trouble understanding and believing the Bible.  In order to read it and receive from it you must have the Holy Spirit to guide you and that can only be obtained by first excepting Christ as Savior and then continuing to walk and live for him.  …for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

The Word of God Part IV

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8  
It has been said many times, “The Bible is not relevant for today as it is only a history book dealing with the Jews in ancient times.”   However, the Bible is as real today as when it was written.  Many prophesies have been fulfilled but many have to be fulfilled thus making it a book of the past, present, and future.  It is a most interesting book.  I challenge you to read it through.  There are stories of heroism, battle, romance, and interesting historical accounts.  There are also practical suggestions as to how one should live and conduct a business, treat his fellow man, as well as what to expect in the future.  This is not a book of the past, but a book that lives on and on.  

There is comfort when reading the Psalms, advice when reading Proverbs, good practical teaching when reading the gospels, and most of all, it shows us the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ.  If you want to know the future, look at the prophesies as it is written, “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.” 2 Peter 1:20-21  You may say you don’t understand everything in the Bible.  Welcome to the club.  I don’t think the greatest Bible scholar ever understood everything written.  That’s what is so wonderful about the Word of God.  You can read it over and over again and it comes to life, bringing a deeper message each time.  This book is alive and will continue to live!  Read it daily.  

The Word of God Part III

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”  Proverbs 30:5-6

I have heard many say various slanderous things about God’s Word.  Some of these include the following: “The Bible is not relevant for today as it is only a history book dealing with the Jews in ancient times.”  There are many mistakes in the Bible therefore it cannot be trusted.”  The miracles recorded in the Bible, such as the Red Sea departing for the children of Israel, really didn’t happen.”  “If it is recorded in the Bible, then God is for it.”  “The Bible is too hard to understand.”

I would like to take these statements one by one and deal with them in a separate post so as to keep these posts short.  But it is certain, that every word of God is pure as quoted above and that we are not to add or take away from his Word.  

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19  

We are forbidden to add to, or take away from His Word.  This Book stands like a solid rock that will not change.  Christ is the center character and God the author.  His Word will always prevail.  Yes, people change, churches may appear to change, and nations change, but God doesn’t, nor does his Word.  You can rest assured that, when you read his Bible, you’re reading something as up to date as the morning newspaper and yet something that will not change and hasn’t changed.  

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6    

The Word of God Part II

“ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16

Yesterday we delt with the Word of God, or Bible, being an everlasting word from God and that it hasn’t changed nor will ever.  Man may try to alter it but God will still have his say.  You may say, “OK, but the Bible is a big book and some of it isn’t relevant for today.”   Well, it’s true that there are portions of the old testament that no longer apply directly to us today but they are still relevant for study and reference.  More on that below.

The above scripture sums it all up though as ALL scripture is profitable for (1) doctrine or establishing articles of faith and manner of living, (2) reproof or pointing out what is wrong and admonishing for change, (3) correction or pointing out what has gone wrong in any given situation and how to make it right or restore it to its former state, (4) instruction in righteousness or how we ought to live rightly in this world regarding our relationship with our fellow man and God.  

If you are familiar with the Holy Book, you’ll say something of the sort, “But why all the begots and all the things about the law in the Old Testament?”  Well, these are important as well.  The law is broken down to at least four parts: ceremonial, government, cleanliness, and moral.  While we are not bound under these necessarily, it is good to take notice of these, especially the moral and cleanliness portions.  The ceremonial point us to Christ while the government give us an example of leadership and shows us God’s thinking on various issues.  The begots verify who lived when and further validates the book.  

One may say, “Well, the Bible conterdicts itself.”  We’ll deal with that tomorrow.  

The Word of God Part I

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89  

We live in an ever changing time.  Changes are constantly seen in the workplace, in technology, and in fads and styles.  In the world of technology, things change so quickly that it’s been said if one went out and purchased the PC with the latest specs, it would be out of date by the time it was installed.  Rules and laws constantly change.  If you work for a state or federal government, you probably can identify that.  What is politically correct today will be looked upon as obscene tomorrow, and a procedure that is mandated today will only change just after it has been fully implemented.  

Change has always been a part of our world as people and places have always changed but it is more apparent now as it seems to all happen so quickly.  But there is one thing that will never change, that’s the Word of God or the Bible.  The very thing men throw out in their logic and intellect is the very thing that will give stability.  This is a book that will not change.  If it said that God so loved the who world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life 1900 years ago, it’s still true today and it will be true as long as that particular scripture is relevant.  If it said that sin separates us from God and his Son, it’s still true today.  If it said that men can be healed through the power of God then, it still can happen today.  Just because we don’t see it happen doesn’t mean it can’t.  

Writing about the Word of God is both enjoyable and yet requires much space.  Since I like to keep my blogs fairly short, I’ll continue on tomorrow.  

A Real Event

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  Luke 2:6-7 KJV

It really did happen!  Yes, He was a baby born in a manger.  One who knew the glories of heaven and the splendor of God’s throne because He was always with God as He said in Revelation 22:13  “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”  But He humbled himself to take the form of man and knew the limitations of the flesh while yet being God’s Son.  

Yes, it really did happen!  Probably not in December as shepherds didn’t keep their flocks out at night at that time of year but nevertheless it did happen.  He wasn’t born in Herod’s palace nor was he in the palace of the high priest, but in a manger as this world was and is not his home nor should it be for the Christian today.  Abraham looked for a city that was made not with hands and Jacob confessed to Pharaoh that he was in a pilgrimage, not to Mecca or anywhere else, but to heaven.  

He didn’t stay in the manger but grew into manhood, preached, healed the sick, died on the cross, rise the third day, and ascended into heaven.  The question is, what will do with Him this Christmas?  Will you put him aside like one does a baby who is sleeping, or look for re-appearing which is another certain event in history that will surely come.  He will come for those who are looking and waiting for Him.  “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  ¶  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”  Revelation 22:14,20 KJV

The Battle for Christmas

As our culture slowly slides downhill away from Biblical values, we now find ourselves battling Christmas, or the right to say it.  I realize that most of the customs that we keep during this time of year had some heathen origin and that Christ was probably not born on December 25 as shepherds didn’t keep their flocks out at night in the winter.  I also know that there is nothing in God’s word that says we should celebrate such a day and I’m not a big fan of Santa Clause.  However, barring that all aside, there is still some good that comes from the Christmas holiday as it seems it’s that time of year that many, who find it hard to be kind otherwise, put forth their best.  And when Christ was more of the center of Christmas, it seemed that that day was just “special” or holy, almost like a blanket of peace settling down from about Christmas eve through Christmas day.  It also is a time when Christians and churches can witness to the lost easier and have a greater chance to do so than any other time of the year, except of course Easter which is also after the Easter goddess.  But what a great time to remember the birth of our Savior!

  However, Satan would like to drive the Christ out of Christmas and just have it called a holiday.  Why all the fuss?  It’s simple.  They are enemies of Christ and the cross because sooner or later, when Christ is mentioned, he can only stay in the crib for so long but will eventually go to the cross.  The world hates that and would like to drive it completely out of our culture.  In North Carolina, there is a Merry Christmas greeting in one of the McDonalds.  Everything went well until one day a lady got peeved and threatened to sue.  The manager said he wasn’t going to remove it as it helped business.  Now, if this follows the scenario that most things like this do, she’ll go before some lefty judge and he’ll order it to be removed.  One person shoots down what the majority wants!  That’s totally unfair.  It’s time to fight back and I’m glad that many are!  When you email anyone and wish them a merry Christmas, say it in caps.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Where Does Your Confidence Lie?

1Jo 5:14 ¶  “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Where does your confidence lie?  What do you most depend on?  Your own skill, past achievements, scholastic ability, talents, or physical appearance and personality?  If you confidence lies on any of the above, you will one day be sadly disappointed as there is only one whom we can put complete confidence in, and that is Christ.  You may say that you tried in the past and things didn’t work out like you planned or wanted.  Maybe you had a broken relationship, failing health, a unexpected death of a loved one, or financial loss.  While it is impossible to address each need accordingly and why each happened, it is possible to realize that we must ask “according to his will.”  

So what is God’s will?  First, we know that his will is for all to be saved, including you, for it is written, “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.”  2 Peter 3:9  God’s will is for all to be saved.  Will they be?  No.  Man has been given the chance and will choose his destination.  

He would also like you to “prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2  That means that, while God is nit particularly interested in making you rich, he does want you to have the basics of life and more besides to enjoy and share with others as “God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” 1 Timothy 6:17b  This also includes health for our bodies.  So why don’t we see more healings?  Because of our lack of faith!  Matthew 17:19  says, “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Then we must know that he hears us.  A life that is sanctified and dedicated to Him will draw God’s attention.  James 4:8  “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”  

A Pit

A Pit

Ecclesiastes 10:8  He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

We must take care that we keep from laying snares for others to fall.  This is referred to as a “pit” in the above verse.  It is important that we do all things to edify and build up, not to see if someone else will transgress by our tempting them.  That is digging a pit.  

If we do, we will surely reap what we have sown as the iniquity will come back to haunt us.  We may see this in our children, other family members, friends and even co-workers in whom we only have little acquaintance.  If we confess to be believers in Christ, we are to separate ourselves from the passions of this world and exhort and help others to do likewise, either by word, deed, or just example.  Yet, it seems that the church in our time and nation do almost the opposite.  Instead of moving away from the world, they try to model their programs after the world’s model and even give them names modeled after those in the world so as to catch the attendees ear.  These is no little or no separation from the church and the world so when one is truly converted, he/she is simply sucked back up into the worldy church system that does anything to duplicate the world as possible.  

We are seeking a “country not built with hands” and are only on a pilgrimage, as Jacob put it.  Psa. 93:3 …holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

Now Blogging

Since blogging is becoming such a choice of communication, I have decided to enter into it as well. I feel it will prove to be very helpful in the future for the ministry as well as communicating various points.