Road Building

CHAPTER 4 ROAD BUILDING
Our Heavenly Father we ask you to be present and speak to the heart. This one who reads is seeking your guidance and loving care. Send the Holy Spirit to heal any hurt and show how much you care and love us. We know Lord that you have given each special gift for a specific purpose. Thank you Lord for caring enough to listen as our hearts seek you and loving enough to send your only son to die for our sins. In Jesus name we ask all things.

To go anywhere we need roads. The ease with which we travel on those roads depends on how well the roads have been constructed. It is clear that every step we take in this life has the potential to become a super highway or a dead end. I like to think that we are all road builders and the roads we leave behind have an influence on someone, whether it is our neighbor or our children. Our roads are made up of our attitudes and actions. It is possible then that our attitudes or actions will become habits, which could help or destroy any who follow on our road. It is safe to say that the smallest track has the potential to lead someone safely home or into the ditch. As I began to look into the road building process I saw there were several types of roads being built. Some were being built with good intentions, some with indifference, some with no regard for safety and many with no pride of ownership. I began to look at how roads were built and I began to see some parallels with our lives. Were the roads smooth and straight? Did they have good foundations? Were there adequate warning signs to point out the hazards?
Did the road have a strong foundation? Anything, which is built, must have a strong foundation or it will not withstand the storms, which are cast against it. Any road we build must have a good roadbed, strong and sure to maintain its load. That roadbed must be built with God directed doctrine not with man-made tradition. It must be built with solid rock not with wood hay and stubble. It must be built with faith in God not with faith in Wall Street. With Jesus not with man made ideals. Our roads must also be straight. They must go directly to the planned destination, not wander aimlessly in all directions. In this age of high-speed travel our roads must be smooth and free of potholes. Other wise those who follow might find it difficult to travel on our roads.
Why should we be so concerned about the roads we leave behind? Because you can be sure someone will follow you down the road you build. That someone might be a child or it might be a friend or some unknown stranger seeking shelter. While we might not have problems traveling down our road some that follow may be lame or weak. They may not have the self-confidence, and be as sure-footed as we. Some may be slow walkers and not be able to travel in the fast lane. Others may be dim of vision and not be able to see the warning signs posted. They might miss the curves and pit falls. A wreck on this interstate could be devastating to someone who cannot see. Some travelers on our roads will be children. Are our roads safe for a child to walk on? Is the road you leave behind a road you are proud of? Are they roads you would want your children or grandchildren to travel down? Are the signs we post on our highway clear to point out the dangers? Is the highway well lit so as to guide a wandering traveler? Or are you just hoping that those who follow will not stumble and fall off the road. Or do you even care if anyone travels down your road? While we can’t go back and correct the problems with the roads we have already built we can begin to construct good sound and safe roadways for future travel. We cannot know how others will travel down our roads or if they will reach their destination, but we can leave a road which will give those that do follow a chance to miss some of the pitfalls and difficulties we have faced. While we cannot know the destination of those who follow we can provide a map, which will at least give them some direction. It is our responsibility to provide a map, which points in the right direction. It is the responsibility of those who follow to use the map.

A State gains a reputation by the quality of the roads, which cross its boundaries. So too a person is known by the road they leave behind. It is also said that a person is known by the road they travel. Does the road you are building lead into darkness without any warning signs or light? Is your road built with a strong foundation? Is it smooth and straight? Is the road you are traveling down one you would want someone else to follow? Remember how you build your road could mean the difference in someone’s life. It could even mean someone’s life.

As I travel along the highways of our country I am reminded of a road in the Bible that has a strange resemblance to the road of life. It is the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. I think we could draw some comparisons not only to our lives but also to the life of the church. In the story of the road from Jerusalem to Jericho one could either travel up or down depending on where you wanted to go. Today people can either go up or down the road it’s their choice. When people leave the lofty place of conviction, high standards, moral purity and Godliness they choose to go down the road. There are examples in the Bible of those who chose to go down the road. David chose to go down the road of lust and the price he had to pay was extreme. Samson chose to go down the road of desire and it cost him dearly. The prodigal son chose to go down the road of materialism and it cost him his material goods. Young people today are throwing aside the standards and principles, which made our country great and are choosing to go down the same road, which brought an end to the cities of Sodom and Gomorra, the Roman Empire and many other prominent World societies. Churches too have chosen to go down a road of indifference and non-involvement. Preachers have chosen the road of popularity and fame. Our nation has chosen to go down a road, which is void of the lofty values, which has sustained us for over two hundred years. Politicians have chosen the road of party rather than the road of conscience. The road all have chosen is a dangerous road. Just like the road from Jerusalem to Jericho it is filled with robbers and bandits who lurk along the roadside to catch the unsuspecting traveler, whether it be child or adult. The devil has been pictured as a thief and as a thief he does not want anyone to know where he is or what he is doing. Like the robbers on the Jericho road the devil is heartless. He will leave you bleeding and hurting. He is deceptive and often times he will appear as just another traveler on the road. As with the traveler on the Jericho road who fell among thieves you too will be stopped, stripped, and left for dead. You will loose your good name; your material goods and you could even loose your life. Because we don’t want to get involved our kids are being stripped of values we once held dear and men fought and died to keep, values that molded this country into a great nation. Why, because we don’t want to get involved. We are a nation of thinkers yet we will let someone else think for us when it comes to morality and what is right and wrong. We don’t want to get involved with our neighbors, the church, or the community unless there is something in it for us. As we look at the traveler on the Jericho road we find he was hurt and left for dead. We too will be hurt? Sin always hurts. Always has always will! Our traveler was helpless. Just like him the world will leave you. Religion will leave you, much like the Levite who passed by on the other side. Politics will leave you. Wall Street will leave you. Jesus is the only one who will not leave you. He will lift you up and bind your wounds and give the innkeeper money to take care of you. He will also come back and look in on you to see if you are all right. Preachers won’t do that, church members won’t do that, politicians sure won’t do that and it’s a sure bet the world won’t do that. With the moral decay running rampant in our country we could soon be fighting a war within our borders. If the United States is to be defeated it will have to be defeated from within. If we continue down the road of indifference, immorality, and non-convection we will one day come to a very sudden and harsh end to our road. So then we are faced with a choice of which way we are to travel up the road to God or down the road to destruction. It’s our choice.

The Excluded Christ

CHAPTER 3 THE EXCLUDED CHRIST
Our Heavenly Father we ask you to be present and speak to the heart. This one who reads is seeking your guidance and loving care. Send the Holy Spirit to heal any hurt and show how much you care and love us. We know Lord that you have given each special gift for a specific purpose. Thank you Lord for caring enough to listen as our hearts seek you and loving enough to send your only son to die for our sins. In Jesus name we ask all things.

As we once again come into the presence of Almighty God let us each think about Jesus and how he has been excluded. How was He treated when he walked the earth? How is he treated today?

Most will quickly exclaim He is not excluded has not been excluded. Many will take offence with such a statement.
Truth is He has been left out of many churches and many Christian’s lives. Oh He is talked about, held in high esteem, but few know Him. We celebrate His birth and His resurrection; we use His name in vane and pray well-rehearsed prayers asking for God to bless us in His name, yet we really don’t know who Jesus truly is. Yes he is God’s only son but he is so much more.
As we begin let me call your attention to three things Jesus has been excluded from.
First he was excluded from his own people. The thirteenth chapter of Matthew tells us a story of how Jesus had been teaching and preaching and was coming to his hometown. What should have been a joyous reunion was turned into something that resembled a riot. . A great welcoming should have been in the offing, but instead He was met with doubt and indifference. Much like He is met with today. You must understand Jesus loved those people and wanted to bless them. His heart was filled with the love He had for the people of his hometown. What did they do to make him feel so dejected? They simply refused to hear Him. In fact they mocked him. They all said, “Isn’t he just the carpenter’s son?” He and his teaching offended them. Jesus has been excluded ever since He came into this world. Lets face it he came into this world through the barn and physically left by a borrowed tomb. I firmly believe this is because He did not teach along the traditional lines accepted as doctrine. I’m sure there were no churches then and there are no churches now that would call Jesus as their pastor. Now wait a minute sure we would want Jesus as our pastor. Really? Think about what that would mean. If you will read what Jesus taught about how we should live and love and conduct our business would you truly want someone like that as your pastor? We might have to make some changes in our lives! You know the love your neighbor as yourself thing. Or do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Yep I bet we would have to make some changes.
Jesus said in Matthew 23:13 that the Pharisees shut up heaven to sinners. Today we don’t call them Pharisees we call them church members, deacons, elders, bishops, cardinals, and pastors. However, the result is the same heaven is shut to sinners. Those who refuse to let God work in His church do this today. All they do is insist on teaching the doctrines of men instead of the doctrines of God. While the man made doctrines are pleasing to men God is not at all pleased with the results. The Bible says men are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. There are those in the church who have such a sour attitude that the spirit is quenched and in some cases driven completely out. It is strange, though, that if Doctor So-in-So proclaimed it from the pulpit then it must be from God. In some cases this is true. God still speaks through those He calls. There are many pastors today who God is using in a mighty way. Yet there are many false prophets who are speaking today. The only way to be sure of what is being said is to be in tune with God. God is not the author of confusion. Whether true or false most will blindly follow never questioning the source or the validity of what is said, especially if the message is emotionally charged. If Jesus were a member of some churches he would have been dropped from the roll long ago for non-attendance. Not by His choice but because He is not welcome in the very church He died for. That is very sad. Just like the people of Nazareth we many times reject the Son of God.

The second thing Jesus has been excluded from is the world. In Matthew 27:22-36 we find a record of the trial of Jesus. Pilate asks what should be done with Jesus for I find no fault in him. The religious crowd shouted, “Let him be crucified.” They mocked him spit in his face yet only a few hours earlier they wanted to crown him king. Now they want to nail him to a cross.
Many today still crucify Jesus. How you say do we crucify Jesus? By your unbelief, by you’re of lack of faith, by backbiting and griping, by not wanting to forgive a brother or sister. By your unwillingness to follow where God leads. By your disbelief that God can still work miracles in this life. The list could go on and on as to why and how we still crucify Jesus.
The world today still excludes Jesus. Hey, it’s not popular to serve God. Men are lovers of pleasure more that lovers of God. More and more preachers are fond of the fame, glory, money and the adoration of men than they are of the adoration of God. They want to be popular with man rather than be pleasing to God.
Politics in the church kills mission work and church growth. Why? Because for God to get the glory man must take a back seat, and man does not want to be in the shadows.

The saddest and most cruel exclusion is from His church.
This is brought to light in Revelations 3:20 “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” If Jesus is standing knocking on the door he must be on the outside. Sadly today Jesus is locked out of the very church he died for. Let me say that Jesus did not die for buildings or land. He died for people. People then are the church not the buildings, not the buses, not the programs, not the government and certainly not the stage show productions.
Jesus said the Pharisees shut up heaven to sinners in Matthew 23:13. This was the religious crowd the church leaders of Jesus day. Those who were at the temple doing all the church things, performing all the rituals, standing and speaking memorized prayers, singing hymns and reading from the book of the law. These people were so wrapped up in religion they missed the Son of God. Today there are those who will not let God work in the church because of their bitterness, unforgiving spirit and their lack of concern for the lost. They will not let him work in their lives because they are more concerned with popularity than with the things of God. Like the Pharisees of old they are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Heaven help us if anyone should want God to work in the lives of others. In other words the modern Pharisee kills the spirit by their attitude.
As I worked on this God gave me the following poem that gives a picture of what is happening in the church today.



The Cowboy Came to Church© By Mike Holman
The old cowboy came in his soul to feed
He came in from a world cold and in need
His jeans were clean his shirt hardly new
There was mud on his boots hat dusty too
His hands were callused his coat well worn
Looked like he had weathered many a storm
He sat down on a pew far from the back
And he took a worn bible from an old canvas sack
A finely dressed usher from his nose looked down
“Can I help you he ask are you lost you new in town”
“Naw”, the cowboy just shook his head
“I just come to worship and get my soul fed
Been out on the range where it’s lonesome and cold
I just longed to hear about them streets of pure gold
To hear a sweet song about the love on the cross
Telling how Jesus came and died for the lost”
“You can’t set there that is the deacon’s pew
You’ll have to move for we have quite a few”
“Not a problem”, he said “I’ll just move back”
“Oh not there we have that one for Mrs. Black”
“Come on Lord”, the cowboy said
“Let’s get back there’s cows to be fed
We’re not welcome here that’s a sure bet
Don’t have a clue where they want us to set”
Putting his bible back in the sack
Picked up his hat and strolled to the back
As he stopped at the door a voice rang clear
“Shake the dust from your boots We aint welcome here”

It is a sad thing but prayers may even be stopped due to the spirit of some in the church. Look in the book of Exodus and you will find how negative votes almost stopped Israel from crossing Jordan to the land of milk and honey. Today many pray only with their mouth. The Bible says as a man is in his heart so is he. Proverbs 6 states God hates a proud look and a lying tongue. God looks at the heart He does not listen to the mouth. Jesus said about the Pharisees, “ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” Matt 6:5
I feel it is time to reinstate Jesus into his rightful place, into our hearts into our ministries and into our churches. He has been excluded long enough.
Why just once can’t we do things God’s way and stop following the traditions of men? Let us not exclude Christ any longer.

One More Night with the Frogs

CHAPTER 2 ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE FROGS
Our Heavenly Father we ask you to be present and speak to the heart. This one who reads is seeking your guidance and loving care. Send the Holy Spirit to heal any hurt and show how much you care and love us. We know Lord that you have given each special gift for a specific purpose. Thank you Lord for caring enough to listen as our hearts seek you and loving enough to send your only son to die for our sins. In Jesus name we ask all things.

Many times as I read the Bible stories I know God is opening views that are not always brought out in sermons or Sunday school teachings. Just such a story was found in Exodus 8:1-11. This is but one part of a long chain of events in the life of the King of Egypt.
In here we find a picture of a man who could not turn loose of his sin, his pride or his obsessions. He loved them so much he wanted one more night of misery. As King he also wanted to share his misery with his whole country. The Bible tells us the land of Egypt was covered with frogs as a result of Pharaoh’s pride and defiance to God’s request to let His people go. Not a few but thousands upon thousands of frogs. They were everywhere, in everything and were creating a royal mess. All Egyptians were affected by Pharaoh’s desire for one more night with the frogs. After God had plagued Egypt with frogs and Pharaoh’s magicians added to the mess Pharaoh sent for Moses so he could get some sleep and to get rid of the frogs. All he had to do was to agree with God to let God’s people go. Pride got into Pharaoh’s eyes and he went back on his promise for a fourth time. This is what caused the mess in the first place. But now Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Ok I’ll let them go just get rid of all these frogs.” Moses said, “Great when do you want to get rid of the frogs?” With all the royal wisdom that Pharaoh possessed he said,” Tomorrow.” God said, ”You got it.” So all of Egypt was facing one more night with the chirping stinking dying frogs.
Imagine for a minute what this must have looked like. The land was black with crawling hopping frogs. Everywhere your looked, stepped or touched you found a frog. The land was alive with them. When you went into your house there were the frogs, in the cabinet in your bed in your bath in your food storage, everywhere. As you came in your stepped on dozens of them and now there are dead slimy stinking frogs all over your house, in your yard, frogs alive and dead and stinking, as far as you can see frogs. After you got all the frogs out of your bed and tried to rest the volume of the frog song began to rise in the night air. As more and more joined into the chorus sleep became impossible for anyone. Night after night day after day noise stench and death.
“What was the king thinking?” murmured the kingdom. “One more night?” “I can’t take it any more.” Came the screams from across the land of Egypt. You are tired and need sleep just as you sink into your easy chair a frog hops across your lap and on to you head. The Egyptian heat has started to cause the dead frogs to decay and the stench is becoming unbearable. The thought on every Egyptian’s mind, “Do we really need these Hebrews?”
Back at the palace Moses is still shaking his head at Pharaoh’s statement. “You really want one more night with these frogs?” “What ever you say, I’m sure God can accommodate you and your country.” “I’ll see your tomorrow and we can get down to the business of leaving.” Pharaoh knew God and knew what he needed to do. But like many today he wanted to spend just one more day in sin and misery. By the time Moses got back to Pharaoh’s palace the next day there were heaps of dead stinking frogs all over the country. As fast as they died they were swept into piles. The Bibles calls them heaps of frogs. The smell of death was everywhere. This was but a foreshowing of things more sinister to come. Sin always causes death. Always has always will!
This is a picture of America today. We think we can play with sin for a season and things will be ok. The frogs will go away. We want one more night with the frogs. What does this show us? It pictures a Christ less generation that will not listen when God speaks, will not follow His directions and refuses to turn loose of its sin.
Just like Pharaoh we know there is a God. Know what He can and will do but still we run with sin stuffed in our pockets thinking we have plenty of time to get things right. Many know they need to get saved need to trust Christ with their lives but they want one more night with the frogs.
This is also a picture of Christians today. How in the world could this be a picture of a Christian? One way would be by the lack of faith. Many say, “No thank you God I can do this all by my self. You just stay at the church and when I need you I will come and visit.”
Or maybe it could picture a refusal to serve. God made each one of us special and unique. Gave each special talent that no one else on the planet has. We are the only one who can use the talents given to us. God had a plan for the use of our talents to edify and glorify His Church. A born again child of God is a part of the body of Christ and as such is expected to function in the area especially provided for the special talents given to that person. The Apostle Paul is describing in 1Corinthians 12:12-31 what the Church body is to look like. He is detailing how we each are to be a part of the body and are to function with the talents we have been given. As a part of the body of Christ we are expected to enhance that body not rip it apart or let it die from lack of use. Just as one of your body parts cannot function or survive separated from the body, neither can one who is a member of Christ body survive alone in the world.

Tomorrow I will serve God, just as soon as I get my schedule adjusted to fit God in. I have meetings to attend, a job to do and I must spend some quality time with the family. I’m still young I need to enjoy life, when I get old I will serve God. When we get old we say I too old to work or serve. I need to just set and rest and watch. I’ll pray for you, I’ll read my Bible and support the things the preacher wants to do. Just make sure my pew is saved for me to set on. From that vantage point I will consider how best to serve God or to direct how others are to serve Him. Tomorrow I will feel better. So just give me one more night with the frogs.
Like Pharaoh many are looking to tomorrow. The lost say tomorrow I will get saved. I have plenty of time. The Bible tells us we know not the day or the hour when the Lord will come or when God will require our soul of us. The rich man was told,” …this night you soul will be required of thee.” (Luke 12:20) Oh I know I need to change need to get things right with God. I will get things settled before I die. Besides I’m not sure I can live that Christian stuff now. I have too many things to do, too many places to go, too much fun yet to have. Give me just one more night with the frogs.
Tomorrow means a Christ less life. The Bible says every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess. Every living soul will stand before God and give account for their lives. Will give account of how they used or didn’t use the talents God gave them. This accounting will not be to man but to God. At that time all your cunning craftiness will be gone you will have to tell the truth. God has already seen your video. He knows what you have been up to. Knows everything your have ever said and done, and why you acted so.
If you are lost you are without Christ and have no one to speak for you. If you turn Christ away today you could be in Hell tomorrow. It is appointed unto man once to die after that the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27) To die without God is a bad deal.
Tomorrow to a Christian means a lot more. By putting God on the back burner you will live a defeated life. You will miss all God has prepared for you. You will wander aimlessly always seeking where you left your joy, your purpose, and your life.
Hey I have time God will understand how busy I am. I go to church when I can. Besides look at all those at the church surely they can get along without me. They are always looking down on me anyway.
Yes the body will still function without you it just won’t operate at peak efficiency. Your talent is a key part. Remember God made you for a reason gave you skills no one else has or can use. Can He make things work without you sure just not as well as if you were there doing what you were designed to do.

“So you want one more night with the frogs?” “ Don’t bother me now I know what I’m doing when I have time I will get right with God. I will listen then I will serve God.Tomorrow!”
Tomorrow may never come. All we have certainty of is today. Christian today labors are needed. The fields are white unto harvest. It does not depend on age gender or education. God has a place for each of His creations. All have been given talents and gifts to make the body of Christ great.
Should you die today what rewards await you? If you are a servant of the King and have kept His commandments…”Well done thou good and faithful servant” will ring through the portals of heaven. Every angel will hear and know who you are and what you have done.
Without Christ the most dreaded words ever spoken will also ring out. “Depart from me for I never knew you.”
The question is this, “When do you want the frogs to go away?”
Today or do you want one more night with the frogs?

Chapter 1 A Question God Can't Answer

CHAPER 1 A QUESTION GOD CANNOT ANSWER

Our Heavenly Father we ask you to be present and speak to the heart. This one who reads is seeking your guidance and loving care. Send the Holy Spirit to heal any hurt and show how much you care and love us. We know Lord that you have given each special gift for a specific purpose. Thank you Lord for caring enough to listen as our hearts seek you and loving enough to send your only son to die for our sins. In Jesus name we ask all things.

In the course of history many have asked why did this or that happen. In times of great grief some have challenged God or blamed Him. Some have even tried to put words into God’s mouth trying to justify a difficult situation. Many have even accused God of not listening or caring. Some try to explain what God really meant using carnal knowledge. There are also the times when everything is going great and we forget God is even there. There may have been times in your life when you’ve asked the same questions. As I looked into God’s word I found that there are some questions God can not answer.

In the book of Hebrews chapter 2 verses 1 through 3 we find these words.
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things, which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
For if the word spoken by angles was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward:
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.”
In these verses the Apostle Paul is making it clear we are to listen to what God has to say. He is giving us instructions and warnings.
The fact that Jehovah is God makes it impossible for Him to do some things. Although God is capable of impossibilities He still can’t answer the question, “How shall we escape is we neglect so great a salvation.”

Just to keep things in perspective let me share some things God cannot do.
God cannot sin. God cannot change. He is the same yesterday, today and will be the same tomorrow. God cannot lie. Satan on the other had is a liar and the father of it. God cannot save a man against his will. Even though He desires that none should perish but that all should be saved. He will give you all the tools and talent you need to get to heaven where He is but you have to use the talent and the tools, He will not force His will on you, you have a free choice.
In God’s infinite mercy He has provided a “Great Salvation”. He planned it from the very beginning. When Adam and Eve fell from grace in the garden God made a decision that something had to be done to get man back into fellowship with Him. It is the first promise of a redeemer. God set in motion a chain of genealogical events that stretched from the first garden through several millennia until it reached a small city in Nazareth. This chain wove its way through common men, Kings, leaders and followers alike until it fell on a carpenter and his soon to be wife.
Once that promise was fulfilled God knew that there would have to be a great price paid to redeem fallen man. In first Peter chapter 1 verses 18, 19, and 20 the apostle lets us in on just how high a price God had to pay for our salvation.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from you vain conversations received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”
What a price God paid so that you and I might live. He gave his only son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for you. I cannot imagine a love so great that someone would give his only child to die in my place. God will be quick to tell you He had you in mind at the very beginning as if you were the only one who would ever need His help. But then He had another thought and added this, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1Timothy 2:3-6.

Picture if you will God standing at the gate to the garden. Through tear dimmed eyes He watches His two children walk away. They had not listened to His commands about the tree of good and evil. They broke the law if you will. They now were forced to leave paradise. He had no choice but to put them on their own. As he watched them go God made a decision how mankind was to come back to Him. He devised a plan and put it in motion as the first family walked out of the garden. He said this is a Great Salvation.
If God went to all the trouble to plan and execute His Great Salvation plan for you and me how on earth could we ever neglect it?

There could be volumes written on that subject but let me share just a few examples of that neglect.
If you know Jesus as your Saviour and you simply don’t want to share that great salvation you have then you have neglected you salvation. Maybe you have not prayed in so long you prayer skills are rusty and stiff. Let me let you in on a corporate secret. God has been setting waiting ever since you put him on hold for you to get back from what ever you thought was so important. Well you say I bowed my head last Sunday in Church and when the invocation was given at the race, what do you mean I forgot how to pray. Well just because you bowed your head does not mean you prayed. You heard someone else say a prayer. When was the last time you knelt and truly spoke to God from your heart? That is what God is waiting to hear.

Another way we neglect our salvation is by not being faithful to His house. Ouch that one hurts! Hey I am there when ever I get the chance. My I inquire did you make it to the bass tournament? How about the race you bowed your head at? Weren’t they on a Sunday? Yeah but I had been waiting all winter to go. Yes and God has been waiting most of your life just to hear your voice. You know one day He will hang up and you will loose your connection.
Okay I know you are busy but let me share one more secret with you. You will make at least one more trip to the Church. You will be the guest of honor. Many will speak about you. Six good men, friends or family members will escort you to the front and the whole congregation will stand to pay their respects pass by and tell you goodbye. Oh wait you won’t even know this is going on. Your shell will be in the box at the front. Your spirit the part that is you will be somewhere else. One other note if you have never accepted Jesus as your Saviour your next stop will not have air conditioning.


Just so there is no mistake here let me stress that there is no substitute, there is nothing just as good. Acts 4:12 states, “Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”
This is not a denominational position this is a biblical position. This is God’s position.
As in other facets of life neglect must be punished. You neglect to pay you bills you will loose your possessions. Your lights will be turned off, your water will cease to flow, you neglect to eat long enough your heart will stop beating.

How shall we escape? God cannot answer, as there is no answer to that question. He has provided all the ways and means. Given all the opportunity sent all the preachers it is now up to you. Should you continue your neglect God will shake his head and wipe the tears from his eyes as he watches you walk into destruction; as great as he is he will be helpless to prevent that.

If you are a Christian and have stopped reading you Bible or studying His Word you have neglected you Great Salvation.
If you are a Christian neglect can cost you your joy. David in humble prayer asks please restore to me the joy of my salvation. It can also cost you God’s blessings. One day we will all have to stand before God and give Him an account of our lives and how we used the talents, and gifts He so loving gave to us. Keep this in mind as you ponder how you will respond God already knows what we have done or have not done. So He will not accept any excuse. The Bible says our works will be tried by fire as to what sort they are. Only the precious metal will be left as our reward. Our good intentions, our good thoughts our selfish deeds will all go up in flames leaving only ashes. We then get what is left.
How will you answer the only two questions God will ask? The first is, “ What have you done with my son? The second, “What did you do with what I gave you?
As you read this if God has spoken to your heart and you do not know how to answer the first question the second will be of no consequence. For without Jesus as your saviour and guide you leave God no choice but to cast you into a place created for the devil and his angles. Just as God had no choice but to drive Adam and Eve from the garden after they broke the rules you will leave Him no choice as to your final destination. You ask how can a loving merciful God do that to me? He did not do that to you, you did that to yourself by rejecting His Son Jesus Christ. You don’t have to believe there is a place called hell, but that does not mean it does not exist. Look in Luke 16:23, “And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments…”
There is a great salvation provided by Christ Jesus. He went to a cruel cross and paid your sin debt. Neglect of so great a salvation must be punished either by banishment or by loss of reward. The choice is yours.
If we neglect this great salvation, planned by so great a God, bought with so great a price we then leave God no choice. He must destroy your works if they are made of wood hay and stubble or you will be separated from God for all eternity.
The choice is ours to make. Make it wisely.

Messages From God

Over the past several years I have worked on how to listen to God. I began to write about my lessons and wanted to share them here in this forum. Over the next weeks and months I will be posting pages and/or chapters from what I have written. I pray this will be of interest and benefit and many will follow.

Introduction
There have been many books written pertaining to the things God had to say. This book is nothing new. The Bible says there is nothing new under heaven. The question may rise in your mind then why was this book written? The best answer I can give is because God said to write it. He wants us to hear what He has to say. Over the past thirty years I have been learning how to talk to and listen to God. There were times I was close to God and there were times I wandered out on my own. One thing I have learned when I open my mind and I am close to God I have no problem hearing what He has to say. As I open my mind His message is clear. When I was a child and mom or dad gave direction and I failed to comply there were stern consequences for disobedience. The same thing applies when it comes to hearing what God has to say and following His directions.
Several years ago as I was studying my Bible, asking God to open my mind and heart a very wonderful thing happened. God did just that, open my mind and showed me things in a new light. I knew from my studies that I had matured to the point God could open His book to me in ways I had never seen before. He touched my heart and opened my eyes. I really stopped and listened to what God had to say and I was ashamed I had not listened closer when I was young.
As my eyes were opened I realized there was so much I had missed.
One thing God has laid on my heart is that there is someone who needs to hear what He has to say. Someone He has not been able to reach by any other means. In this modern age of high tech gadgets and gizmos man feels he is so much smarter than God and does not have to listen to instructions.
Today mankind either has lost contact with God or forgot to put Him in his contact list. In my conversations with God He impressed upon me this book might be a good way to get in touch with you. What follows is a journey into the mind and the heart. A journey that is not only enlightening but could be life changing.

My prayer for you as you open your heart and mind to God is He will speak to you as only He can. That He will open His Holy Truth in ways you may not have ever seen before. There is a passage in the Book of Romans chapter 12 verse 2 and I quote, “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.”

I begin each chapter with a prayer asking God to speak with you like you and He are having a private conversation. Each and every one of us is special to God and He wants you to know that He really cares for each of us individually.

This journey you are about to embark upon will take you into a wondrous world. Keep your Bible close by and I encourage you to have questions, look up the scriptures that are quoted, you will see that it is God’s word, not mans. Now, if you are ready, set back, grab your Bible and enjoy the ride.

Tune in next week to find out about a Question God Can't Answer

Pure Legalism

In the book of John chapter 3 there is a story that mirrors the attitude of many today; a legalist description of the religious crowd then and now. It is the story of a Jewish leader, a Pharisee, a religious man and devout; a teacher and respected in the Jewish community. This man’s name was Nicodemus. Like many of his day he was very concerned about the letter of the law, the appearance in public, titles, rules, ceremonies and eloquence when praying. In other words he wanted to make sure everyone around him knew he was a religious man. Even with all his education and learning about the law he had an empty space inside. Something was missing. He must have searched every area of the law to find out what it was but to no avail. Then a very strange thing happened. There came news of this itinerant carpenter who was traveling around the country healing people and speaking with authority. At the synagogue the buzz was that there was a heretic loose and was trying to teach things that were not right according to the religious leaders. All the Pharisees had taken the position that something had to be done to put a stop to this man. After all who was he? What gave him the authority to say and do the things he was saying and doing. But there was something that pricked old Nicodemus’ curiosity. He wasn’t sure what it was but he had to find out. To be seen talking to this carpenter in the day light would have been political suicide. So he made a plan to find this man under the cover of darkness. So one night he crept out and found Jesus and asks to speak to him. Being a good Pharisee he offered what he believed to be the proper greeting and complement. “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” Jesus knowing his mind and better still his heart ignored the complement and spoke bluntly to Nicodemus, “Verily ,verily , I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Oh my; this flew against everything Nicodemus had ever learned, taught or thought. Jesus wasn’t done for he knew what Nicodemus really needed. It was not to study harder. Live better. Be a pillar in the community. Attend the biggest church twice a week. Sing in the choir. Stand and pray eloquent prayers on the street corner. He did not need to be the most successful or charismatic teacher or speaker. He needed to be saved by the grace of God not by the law of man.
Not to belabor the point Jesus went on to tell Nicodemus what he must do and how he must do it.
Read the story in John 3.
I will close this blog with this one thing Jesus told Nicodemus, “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.”

Choices

Each day we make choices that affect how we act, live, love and be. Those choices cause us to look up or down.
Look up the Psalmist said “I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my strength.” Psalms 121:1
As we travel through life we are given options which roads to travel. We make the choice where we travel, who we travel with and how fast we want to travel. A good traveling companion is the Lord. Quoting the psalm again, “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
One thing I have learned over the years is that the Lord always has our best interest at heart. We sometimes are reluctant to listen to what He has to say. It’s not socially acceptable to be seen in public with the Lord. There again that is a choice we make.
Those who are recovering form an addiction I find are all seeking an answer. None know where to find it. They are too busy looking down to see all that is around them.
Have you ever felt as though you were down on hands and knees with no power to get up? Daily loads seem to get bigger and larger forcing your down even lower. I am reminded of a quote from the AA book, “Let go and let God.” Picture if you will yourself on hands and knees under a very heavy load. Standing right beside you is the Lord. He places His hand on your shoulder and gently says, “Let me take some of that load off you.” Then He says, “Give me your hand and I will help you up.” If you take His hand He will raise you to your feet. After you are standing once again you think you can handle things again and you say, “Thanks I can take it from here.” The Lord looks straight ahead and says, “ I don’t think you are ready to walk just yet. Hold my hand and let’s just take one step. See how you feel about that.” “Oh, that works well now can I run.” “Not yet there are still loads that you are not ready and should not be carrying.” “But”, you insist,” I can handle things now.” Gently the Lord says, “ Let us take one step at a time, it would be much easier if you would drop all those burdens you are carrying.” “What burdens?” “ The grudges, the hatred, the unforgiving spirit, all the things that weigh you down and get in the way. Many are trying to run while still on crutches.
If you are down look up and take the hand that is ready to lift you and support you.

Decisions and Choices

Decisions and Choices (September 30, 2007)
Proverbs 1:5-9
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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.
Proverbs 2:10-11
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:


Through out our lives we make decisions and choices that affect nor only our life but the lives of others. Many times we make choices based on the conditions and situations of the moment. Sometimes those choices are good sound choices with positive affects. Other times our choices are based on emotion and lack sound judgment. Either way we have to live and die with the choices we make.
There are many factors that affect how we make decisions. No decision should be made purely on emotion. In reality that is not the way we do things. We make a lot of decisions on our emotions. How we feel at the moment. How we react to a situation or to decisions of others. Once we make and act on our decision it cannot be withdrawn. We are responsible for that action and the decision we make. If it is a good sound decision we will prosper. If our decision is made out of deceit, anger or lack of data the outcome is usually one we regret.
Just like words when spoken decisions made and acted upon cannot be returned for us to edit. Whether we admit it or not or like it or not we and we alone are responsible for the decisions and choices we make.
God gave each or us free will to make our own decisions. To control our lives as we feel is correct. He also gave us rules we are to base our choices and decisions upon. If we choose to ignore those rules we make decisions we regret and have to live with the consequences. Each decision and choice has a consequence. No one forces us to make the decisions we make. We make our decisions to do or to say what we want but we will have to live with the choices we make. Good or bad right or wrong we still will be held accountable for the decisions and choices we make. If not in this life then when we stand before God we will answer for all we do and say in this life.
Our decisions have long reaching fingers and will always touch the life of another. It may be the life of someone we love. It may be a stranger or a friend. Our choices may cause someone to cry or laugh feel joy or pain. No matter which we are still responsible for what we do.
If we decide we do not need to follow the rules of society we will have to pay for that decision with the loss of our freedom or some of the material things we have gathered and hold dear. If we choose to disregard God’s rules the payment is far greater and has longer lasting results. Should we decide to ignore the need to follow the rules that does not free us form the responsibility of the results.
We can make believe we are immune to the results of our choices. That we really don’t have to answer for what we do or say. We can color our lives with deceit or fanaticize a world that is far from reality. In truth deep down in our being we know the truth. It has been said you cannot lie to yourself or to God, all others you can deceive.
How we make decisions is a copulation of trial and error. We will not always make the right choice or decision. When we do make a wrong decision we must live with the results of that decision. The same way we must live with the results of a good sound decision. Our decisions will help or hurt those around us. The more we make decisions that go against the rules of society and those of God the worse our lives will become. This is not a complicated matter. It is not rooted in deep emotional or physical thinking. It is simply a matter of what is right and wrong. You can accept it or reject it but that will not change it. You can ignore it or pretend it does not apply to you. But in the end you are still responsible for your decisions and for those helped or hurt by the decisions and choices you make. The choice is yours to make. Make it wisely.

Humility

I wanted to revisit a topic I posted some time back but I think it is worth a new look.
HUMILITY
Egos and negative attitudes are very dangerous tools for a person to possess. Used incorrectly they can and will leave a person lonely and confused. This is a hard lesson to learn.
One very important lesson that needs to be learned is to lead one must first learn to follow. No matter how egos, feelings or attitudes dictate to the contrary.
So then one should strive to have a servant’s heart. To follow where directed by the least to the greatest. To assist no matter the task. To provide suggestions and not give orders. A goal should be to polish each contact so that they shine. This in turn will reflect back on the one who polishes. Seek not vainglory or superficial rewards. Steady go about every task with the thought to make others shine more than ones self. Humility is a hard pill to swallow but one with the greatest benefits.
One should consider it their job to serve each from the youngest to the most elder. No matter the task it should be undertaken with zeal to make others productive. If done without thought to glorify ones self but to bring greater importance to others then will a job be successful.
It stands to reason then that each team member has the responsibility to serve each member of the team as though they were the most important. For truly each one is special and deserves the greatest respect. Each has been given skills and talents that are to be developed and imported to others. A team then is a total of all talents and skills not only those of a selected few.
Self-importance is a dangerous pedestal on which to reside. The fall from that great height can be devastating.
A goal should be to humbly be a servant to all. Make each more important and thus more productive. No thought should be given who is credited but only that the task is carried to perfect completion.
Angry and negative words have no place in a servant’s vocabulary. Speak as a servant not an adversary.
The job is not to mold moral fiber or character. While the actions of others can affect each of those attributes the molding responsibility belongs to a greater power.

To one who serves falls the task of assisting and helping others. This task is far more important for the larger goal than fleeting glory or short lived recognition. The goal should be to ensure the larger picture reaches completion and accolades are directed to others. Quietly and efficiently a good servant will seek only to ensure the success for those whom he serves.
Humility is not a trait man seeks, for it goes against his very nature. By nature man wants to walk in front, stand above all and bask in the acclaim of his peers.
If one seeks humility and servitude he will be most happy as those he serves receive the rewards and applause. A true servant will cheer loudly as those he serves reach great heights.
A true servant heart will give up personal goals and dreams so that others may achieve higher status. While others play or shirk responsibility the servant will uncomplaining provide the menial details required. He will work behind the scenes. Many would call this ridiculous. Others say this one needs to get a life. Yet in the end when all acclaim is given those who are content to play the servant rejoices as the awards are presented. The servant rejoices the more as those whom he serves stand as the volume of the applause rises.
He then seeks another whom he can serve. This is what humility is all about. Dieing to ones self so that others may stand in the light.

Those who seek worldly fame or glory may not understand this. It may also be considered foolish for one to so think. As mentioned previously for one to lead he must first learn how to follow.

Children

Children are wondrous mysterious beings. They come from a perfect peaceful world into an imperfect world filled with chaos and confusion.
The child gets here cold wet and naked with no instruction book and a whole lot of needs. Is it any wonder they are crying? Parents as well as children begin a learning process on birthday.
Parents must learn how to care for this perfect gift from God. They must learn through trial and error how to teach the child, care for the child and provide and protect the child, all this without an instruction manual.
Yet by the time the child is grown volumes will have been written in the heart and mind of the parents.
It is only then that a great and wonderful thing happens as the child becomes a parent and turns to their parents and ask,” what do I do now?” Opening the vast book written on the heart simple guidance is given from the manual –the one their parents took a lifetime to write—and the teaching starts once more.
As the book is opened memories flood back every detail is clear and golden. Every page written covers all that was taught, every pain and joy every scrape and scratch. Each child has its own chapter, as no two children are the same. There are no generic rules that cover all children. Some will require a stern voice others a gentle hand. Still others will need their space while others are out in space.
On birthday when that bundle of joy is laid in the arms of mom and dad everyone’s world is instantly changed. That cute cuddly bundle has needs has to be fed clothed and carried. Interestingly the new person comes with a personality all their own. Comes with a set of talents that are locked inside that personality. The creator gave each child special talents to be used all their lives. No one can even begin to guess what these talents are or how they are to be used. There is no way to open the book and take a peak. It now becomes the parent’s responsibility to train the child how to unlock each talent and learn how to use it. Cradled in their mothers arms they have total and complete trust momma and dad know what and how to get them trained. Trust all their need will be met. Looking into the sleeping face of this brand new person a new adventure begins to unfold. Each new parent knows exactly what must be done; each new grandparent remembers when he or she stood on this spot. Everyone ask how the answer is still a mystery. God not only gives the child special talents He also gives the parents new eyes to see the hidden talents of the child. He gives them insight on how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.
Not only is a new life brought into this world but a new world is brought into the lives of the new parents. Though no classes have been taken no instructions to guide there is a knowing that was born the same instant the first cry is heard. God gives the gift of life to the child and at the same time He gives knowledge to the parents. Some call it instinct some call it love but what ever you call it there is no denying its existence. Like the newborn wrapped in warm blankets learning how to grow so also the instinct begins to grow in the hearts of loving parents.
As mentioned before no operating and maintenance manual was issued you have to write it as you go. This spark this instinct is but the first page of that book. Parenting is not an exact science you can’t go to the Internet and get all the guidance you need. It is a learn as you go hands on opportunity to teach mold and learn. Many have tried to write books on how to raise children all have come up short. God created the life should we not seek guidance from the creator for He knows exactly how it works. God is our guide and strength. He will give us the insight and strength we need to know and to do.
There is also no gage for us to tell how we are doing. No measuring stick to tell us when we have finished our work or how well we have done. That is until we watch a bride walk down an aisle or shake the hand of a new husband. Or stand at a window with new parents and watch a new person wrapped in small blankets wearing an armband that says, “Hi I’m a boy or a girl and I belong to you.”
As pride wells up in your eyes you then know a new chapter is about to be written. Your children now have children of their own and life is new. These new parents now begin to write a book of their own.

This Generation

In the book of Acts chapter 2 verses 36-41 we find Peters sermon on Pentecost. This was a great sermon as it contained all the necessary ingredients. The preacher was filled with the Holy Spirit. It foretold of the coming of Christ. It warned against willful sin. And last it exhorted the hearer to repent. As Peter closed his message that day he exhorted all repent and be saved from an unwilling or crooked generation.
We live in a time of unwillingness: Unwillingness to listen to Gods Word; to be separate; to serve God; and most damaging the unwillingness to change.
This is a Think less age. As a whole people don’t think about God. He is not part of their thought process. To many He doesn’t even exist. People today are living only in the material realm. Earthly things like gold, silver, houses and land, and only things that give them pleasure fill their worldly thoughts. But then the bible teaches that men the last days, “shall be lovers of pleasures more that lovers of God.” Most people today set their affections on perishable things. Like buying ice cream on a very hot day.
In a Christian nation it is sad when a blood bought believer grows cold, indifferent and unconcerned. They are unconcerned about their church, about their fellow man and the fate of their nation. Many Christians today give no thought to bible study, prayer, church attendance, and the use of their God given talents for His service. Please don’t ask them to take a stand for the Christ who died for them on the cross.
Along with the ungodly crowd the Christians today give no thought to the second coming of Christ. Jesus said, “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
Ours is a think less nation all tied up in NOTS: See not—our need for Christ; Hear not---God’s plan and warning; Know not---God’s love; Awareth not---of the judgment to come; Prepared not---for eternity; Believing not---what God said is true. Ours is an age of preconceived ideas what other people should do or think to conform to our ideas, wills or desires.
This is also a THANKLESS generation. Paul has this to say about this age.” This know that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” Paul went on to say in Romans 1:21 why we are this way, “Because when they knew God they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
We are not thankful today for anything. Not for Gods blessings; Not for His Son who died for our sins; Not for Gods church. We are the richest nation on the face of the earth and we owe it all to God and yet we can’t even take time to thank Him.
Are you thankful you live in a free country blessed by God? If so have you thanked Him lately? Have you even thought about Him? Why haven’t you stood up and told someone about Him?

Forcing God's Hand

Many times we try to force a decision from God. Each time we are faced with frustration. The churches have indoctrinated us to believe God is just standing by to give us our every wish. This is far from reality. God does want what is best for us, and He does look ahead. Sometimes what is best for us is not what we want to hear. Doors are closed or doors are opened. Just because we want something does not mean it is in our best interest. So when we see a door closed we immediately assume God doesn't care or we must have some great sin that prevented our request from being granted. This comes from pulpits of every demoniation. While in reality God may have seen a pot hole that was going to cause far worse distress than the closed door. Just remember this--- In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called accordin to His purpose. --Romans 8:28

In God's Presence

After twenty years of wandering in the wilderness of religion and tradition I came to the Holy mount of God. As I stood at the foot of Sinai I felt as though I had at last reached my destination. The ground began to shake and lighting flashed and God said come on up I have something to show you. Fear of the mountain caused me to stand back and say, “Lord if I come up there I might die.” Yet something drew me to the top to meet God. Many today say they have had a mountain top experience. If that is true that was a terrifying eye opening experience. For in God’s presence everything is exposed whether it be true or false. All the things we thought we believed may not hold water in light of God’s Holy presence.
So far I have not made it to the top of the mountain. I have made steps toward the top but I know I must get everything in order before I make the climb. I have had to ask myself do I want to set and visit with God. Can I stand where Moses stood and have a conversation with God?
I just don’t know the cost. That fear has held me back. I must truthfully answer I am not ready in my current state. As the priest had to sanctify himself before he entered into the presence of God at the Ark of the Covenant. We each must be cleansed and made ready to meet God. You don’t just go into the presence of God without sanctifying yourself first. You must remove your shoes as you are on Holy ground. In other words you must get rid of all your sin in repentance. As in days of old something must die and blood must be shed so that we can come into the presence of God. Jesus took our sins to the cross and shed His blood so that we might live.
To meet God you must do it on His terms. If you try to do it any other way it will meet with failure. When the high priest entered behind the vale he had to have purified himself of all sin. If he failed to do this when he came into the presence of God he would die. Tradition would not save him. Religion would not save him. Church membership and social standing would not save him. Only by sanctifying and purifying himself the way God directed would keep him safe.
Today if we want a mountain top experience we must take off our shoes. Humble ourselves, be covered with the blood of Jesus and have a repentant heart. Only then can we set down and talk to God.
II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Need for Prayer

The issues that now face our nation are not political economical or social, they are spiritual. Just as Israel once turned their back on God and faced near ruin, so then has the USA. This country has lost all touch with God. Christians have too long been silent and allowed the godless crowd to dominate. History should teach us that when God is taken out of the picture evil will reign.
We have had warning upon warning and still we won't listen.
It is now time for all true born again children of God to pray as never before. Pray for this country, and then stand up for what made this country great. This past election should give all Christians a strong wake up call.
There are no political parties now serving the interest of the people or willing to defend the principles this country was founded upon. This is a CHRISTIAN Nation and as such should be dominated by God loving and God serving people. Not run by Satan and the anti-Christian God hating minority.
It wasn't a single political party that caused the chaos that is prevalent today. It is the loss of our contact with God.
Our churches are empting and Christians are cowering in corners afraid of offending someone. So afraid we will offend that we say nothing when our own existence is threatened.
Each person has the God given right to choose. If religion offends you change the channel. If our Christian beliefs and principles offend you leave this country and find one that suites your political vision. Christians need to stand up and say enough. Don't remain silent while the God we love and serve is bashed and not allowed public air.
This nation will continue to decline until we return and once again embrace the fundamental Christian principles upon which this nation was founded. Principles men and women died to protect.

No one understands like Jesus

Below is a reproduction of a letter from a pastor friend in Carlsbad, NM. I wanted to share this with you. This was sent to the residents of Carlsbad, NM. in 1988. I felt it was worth sending out again in 2010.

NO ONE UNDERSTANDS!
At least it seems that way sometimes. You have hurts, needs, longings, and no one seems to know or cares.
How could they? People may be all around you, but they can't look inside to see what you really are, how you feel, or why you do what you do.
You suffer loneliness, worry, fear,financial strain, family trouble, or some other problem. And you feel no one understands. Sickness drains you or you grieve over personal losses. You're uneasy about God and where you stand with Him.
Throughout history other men and women have felt that way. They have been reaching out for something or someone to understand, to help them face the basic issues of life. And many have discovered that while they were searching, someone was reaching out to them.
No one understands? That's not really true. Someone---God---knows all about you, and He cares. He cares so much that He sent His only son Jesus to become one of us, to live among us, to face life as we have to face it.
"No one understands" is an honest but hopeless cry. The happy truth is "No one understands like Jesus!!!"
For your sake, He faced life and death and overcame, and He's alive to hear and help you now.
Jesus said, "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28)
I want to encourge you. If you are desirous to know Jesus as your Savior, God will accept a simple, sincere prayer like this: "God, I believe you understand and care about me. I believe Jesus is your Son who died for me, and that He rose again to help me live life at its best. Please forgive me for my wrongs and failures, and help me with my problems. With your help, I will live according to your teachings. Thank you."

Wind

Wind
The wind. You don’t know where it comes from and you don’t know where it is going. When the wind blows the leaves that have fallen or are not securely attached to the tree are blown about. People that do not have a strong faith in God are like leaves in the wind. Just like the wind that carries leaves away from the tree, a life that is not rooted in faith and sound spiritual truths will be blown around like leaves in the wind. Jesus tells us in John 3:8, “The wind bloweth where it listh, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of spirit.”
The wind blows and we see the leaves on the wind. We cannot see the wind but we know it is there. The wind can cool us with a gentle breeze or can destroy our lives in an instant. Sin is like a strong evil wind.
In Eph 4:14 we find, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”
We need a strong faith in God and His Word to be able to stand against those who would deceive us with the strong wind of false doctrine. Even if we have a sound attachment we still are vulnerable to false teaching and the harsh wind of misleading doctrine. Only when we keep our eyes on Jesus and listen to what He has to say can we stand against the falsehoods Satan would have us believe. For he knows if he can get us detached from our roots we will be blown away by his evil wind.
So keep your eyes on Jesus and you heart in His hands and you will be secure even in the worst of storms. For He is our rock and shelter and He will protect us and keep us safe.

The Greatest Commandment

When Jesus was asked , Which is the greatest commandment in the law?” He answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
From the words Jesus spoke we see that we must first love God with our whole being, body soul and spirit. Then we are to love ourselves. We need to love ourselves for what we are: children of God, made in God’s image, with all the attractive and unattractive human qualities we possess. The degree to which we are able to love ourselves determines how much we can love our neighbor.
When we start looking for spiritual enlightenment our humanity seems to get in the way. This hinders our commitment not only to ourselves but also to God. What will people think if I am spiritual? What will God think if your are not?
However spiritual we are, and however dedicated we are to serving God most of us will still encounter trying, human situations. Many times we seek guidance in the places we feel are closest to God. That may be a church, for God surely is in church, or it may be on a mountaintop nothing could be closer to God than that. While both of these locations can serve as a vehicle to help us reach out to God there is still a better way to commune with God. If we will but open our hearts and minds and spirits to God and His will He will dwell with us. If we don’t love our neighbor as we love ourselves how then can we truly love God? Or maybe we do love our neighbor as we love ourselves. If we go to church on Sunday and sing Oh How I Love Jesus then use his name in vane on Monday who do we love?
The bible says, “ What so ever a man thinketh in his heart so is he.”
Man is a three part being. We are body soul and spirit. We choose to live in any one of these areas. The body is carnal and only wants material things; the soul and spirit want to be in Gods presence. Most of us only live in the carnal state. God wants us to live and abide with Him in all three states.
Learn to love yourself, love God then you can love your neighbor.

Watching The New Day

Setting on the edge of the world in predawn darkness I watch the vast black sky filled with small points of light. We call these stars. The absence of any man made illumination magnifies this wonder. As I watch each star striving to out shine its neighbor, trying to penetrate the inky darkness. I am filled with the vastness of creation and awe struck by the majesty of it all. Somehow each star knows it will soon be veiled by the light of day. This knowledge does not in any way diminish the brilliance of the light projected from each star. In the day light the star is still there just its light will not be visible. Man is much like that. Men are everywhere and some shine above the rest. Many though still there do not shine at all. Pondering this dilemma in the darkness just before dawn I am at a loss as to why this should be so. Knowing that each creation was given special talents and skills to make it shine. I again pose this question to the creator of the universe. The answer again came that in the book you will find the answer.

The earth’s star begins to rise over the eastern horizon and light invades and banishes the darkness. The starlight gives way to the rays of the sun. The cloak of darkness is pulled away and a new day begins.
Slowly the light of day marches over hill and valley. As a virtuoso would draw his bow across magic strings the day breaks bright and clear. The explosion of color is breath taking an experience like none other. No two days break the same. None have the same volume of color or hue. This is like many other things God makes that are similar yet different. Consider the snowflake millions of them will cover large sections of this country and no two are the same. Each snowflake is intricate in design and form. If man should undertake the task to design and build a snowflake his number would be minimal. God on the other hand makes billions upon billions with a blink of his eye and all are perfect and none the same. In the mountain forest many different species of trees each tree with an abundance of leaves again no two are exactly alike. Mankind is no different. God made all of us and none are the same. Each has a specific purpose and special talents to fulfill that purpose. Like all of nature God created a balance. Man for some strange reason has devised ways to defeat that balances for personal gain and by that his own destruction.

As I watch the earth comes alive. Gentle breezes stir the leaves awake. This awakens the songbird that welcomes this new day with its song. Here too is another analogy there is not a single song to awaken the day there are unnumbered notes raising into the morning air. Though different all are in perfect harmony tone and pitch. Nature stretches and yawns and all creation come to life.
This day is like none other, yes-familiar tasks are preformed and familiar paths are walked, but this day is unique. It holds adventures yet to be explored. Loves to find and loose, jobs to start and jobs to finish, decisions and choices to make. Like the light that pierces the night sky time and day march forward. This is the most valuable day ever as it cannot be replaced. Once it is gone it is gone forever. The time we spend in this day is all the time we have. The time of yesterday is gone and the time of tomorrow may never come.
We can spend this day wisely or as a fool and squander its value. A lesson from nature can be learned this day. Each of God’s creatures gathers food, builds shelters raise young and never strives to be something they are not.
Watching I see life begin and end. Leaves bud grow and fall. Birds feed their young and watch as the young grow strong and take to the air never to return. From high upon this mountaintop I see eagle deer elk bear and lion each going about their daily task living as they are made to live. Life is all around changing and giving, moving and growing. Nothing is still nothing is quite in this new day.

I set in awe of the wonder and splendor that is displayed before me. There is no flaw everything is perfect, everything in perfect harmony. Only God can create a day such as this that will only last till the sun sets. Then at night He creates a new day grander than the day before. That in itself is an awe inspiring concept that God would even consider to make us another day grander than the day we may have wasted, a day full of wonder and amazement more than any days past. Opportunities presented greater than any we may have seen in our lives to this point. Unfortunately man likes to walk with his head down and eyes closed not wanting to see the world God has placed around him. This is due in part to man’s shame that he alone is destroying all that God has made almost as fast as God creates it. I feel man is jealous of God because man cannot do the one thing he has longed for since the beginning of time, that being the ability to create. God alone has that ability and has given man charge of the creation not the ability to create anything on his own. Man cannot keep what he has been given charge of why should he be able to create anything? Ashamed man walks with head and eyes down not wanting to look God in the eye for fear of what he truly will see. When man does raise his eyes and opens his mind God lovingly shows man how and what he must do. Gently caring to give detailed instructions how to maintain God’s creation. While some truly listen most quickly drop their eyes and instantly close their minds and continue to walk into obscurity.

Watching transfixed by the wonder and grandeur of it all I can’t help but feel saddened that at dusks this day will be gone forever, only a memory will remain. At the same time I am overjoyed at the prospect on the morrow another new day will replace this one, a day the same yet different in every way a true paradox.
In awesome wonder I watch as day turns into night. The days end is filled with another color show that is never to be seen again. A light show that stories are written about and lovers set and marvel at its beauty. The sun dropping over the western horizon taking light and warmth closes this breathtaking splendor. The cloak of darkness is once again drawn over the landscape. Nature yawns a sleepy sigh and all is quite and at peace.

On my lofty perch I too close my eyes as the stars once again sparkle and pierce the darkness. Try as I might I can no longer keep a watchful vigil.
Though it was a dream or a vision I cannot say. From whence it came I can only
guess but this I know my eyes though closed did see many wonderful things and my ears heard the voices of nature.

The Little Tongue

Man has learned to harness or control many things down through the ages. He discovered fire and learned to control it to keep him warm and cook his food. Rushing rivers are harnessed to water our crops and light our homes. The awesome force in the atom has been taught to be of benefit to man and we have tamed wild horses. The one thing man has not yet tamed is his tongue. James 3:5 says, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil full of deadly poison.”
I heard a story about a woman who had no good word to say about another in her neighborhood. As the story goes she was always complaining about the bad girl who lived down the block. How this girl drank and ran around and should be run out of the neighborhood. This bad girl was a real bad influence for the only child of the gossip. She was certain the bad girl knew not to speak to her or her child. One day the screaming of brakes from a speeding car, the sound that could only turn your blood cold was heard. As the sound of the impact of a body with metal we all looked as this only child of the gossip was seen running into the street. All the neighbors rushed to the scene to find the child was shaken but safe. But under the wheels of the car was a lifeless form. As the woman held her child she screamed who could have done such an unselfish thing. As the broken lifeless body was covered she was told it was the bad girl who lived down the block.
The tongue can accuse. It can spread bad news and sow the seed of destruction. Unless you have made no mistakes in your life be careful the stones you throw.
The most destructive evidence of a wagging tongue is in the church.
Do you know that your pastor is defenseless against gossip? He’s often the last person to hear a rumor, especially if it involves him.
For instance, someone gossips that the pastor does not visit enough in the community. That is one of the hardest rumors to disprove, because nobody’s sure how much pastoral visiting is “enough”. And usually the guy who says the pastor does not do enough is not doing any himself.
Even if the pastor makes all the visits his schedule will allow, it only takes one disgruntled mouth to start a rumor by whispering that, “the pastor is lazy and does not visit”. Then if the pastor takes his family on a picnic or to a ball game, some member sees him, assumes, and the gossip gets new life.
Another insidious bit of gossip implies that the pastor does not study like he should. While it is true that some pastors coast from sermon to sermon, that is not the case with most ministers. However, no matter how well a minister prepares, there is always somebody who thinks he did not.
Proverbs advises, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from trouble”. (Prov 21:23)
The tongue can accuse. It can spread bad news and sow the seed of destruction. Unless you have made no mistakes in your life be careful the stones you throw.

Grandma's Hands

This is a story sent to me by a friend of mine. it is so good I had to share it with others. I hope all who read will feel the same.

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear strong voice.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.
"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
"They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Who is a Child of God?

A lot of people today claim to be Christians, but not as many are as claim to be. Jesus said, “ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matt 7:21
Just because someone calls themselves a Christian does not mean they are one. Many will miss heaven by 18 inches, the distance from the head to the heart. If you have not received Jesus into your heart and only have head knowledge you may be in trouble. Religion will not get you to heaven. “I am the way the truth and the light. No man cometh to the Father but through me.” Jesus is the way.
God has given us a test to measure if you are a child of God. It is found in I Tim 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith in purity.”
To be a child of God one must believe Jesus in the Christ; God’s Son. Those who don’t believe , God called liars. “Who is a liar but he denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that deineth the Father and the Son.” I John 2:22
A child of god is one who loves God. “We love Him because He first loved us.”
A child of God has real affection for God and is concerned about god’s work. The bible says in Matt 7:20, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” We don’t serve God to get something we want. We serve Him because we love Him and want to please Him.
We know we love god because we keep His commandments. The bible tells us plainly, “ He that saith I know Him and keep not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.” In I John2:5 we find these words, “ We know we are saved because we keep His commandments.”
Here are some of God’s commandments: see if you are keeping them.
1. Witnessing or telling others about the Lord
2. Living a clean Christian live
3. Tithing so as not to rob God
4. Praying—do you pray only when you want something.
5. Studying—Studying to show thy self approved unto god, a workman that needth not be ashamed rightly diving the word of truth.

Are you a Child of God? If not you can be. Seek and ye shall find. Ask and it shall be opened unto you.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

In view of the multitude of religious sects, teachings, and denominations of today, we do well to consider the importance of sound doctrine. Does it make any difference what you believe, so long as you are sincere? In the book of Titus chapter 2 verses 1 and 2 Paul answers that question when he says, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” There is a trend today to consolidate all churches into one universal church. To do this would mean we would forfeit the fundamentals of the New Testament. It would be saying that it makes no difference what you believe, just so you are sincere. Our nation is governed by a sound constitution. We get very upset when anyone tries to destroys that--- why then don’t we get upset when someone tries to destroy a sound constitution God has set down to govern our lives—the New Testament.

The condition of the world we live in today is shown in II Timothy 4:1-3, “ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

People are turning away from the Bible because it rebukes and condemns their lives. A small boy once told his preacher he could no longer read the Bible. Concerned the preacher asked why he felt that way. The lad said, “ cause this book kicks.” As a result of this turning away people are fleeing from the truth.
What is the result if we continue to turn away from and fail to preach the truth? If we compromise on God’s plan for salvation, we frustrate grace and lead men into eternity LOST and WITHOUT CHRIST. At the judgment I wonder who will be most ashamed, those who rejected Christ or those who refused to tell anyone about Christ? Galatians 2:21 states, “ I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” If there were something we had to do by work to get saved we frustrate grace. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works least any man should boast.”
I pose this question today if Christ does not have the power to keep, where is the power to save? If the observance of ordinances would save, why did not Jesus use them? If membership in a church could save, why did Jesus not organize the church first?

Let's Change Places

How would you like to change places with those you do not understand, and try sitting where they sit? Not many would like to try it. It is much easier to stand back and condemn than to put yourself in the place of the one you condemn. In Ezekiel 3:15, the prophet said, “ I sat where they sat.” Being a prophet, God picked Ezekiel for a special task, a difficult task. But before he was able to carry out the mission given him, it was necessary for him to know first-hand what the people were going through. Not only did he sit where they sat, but “he remained there astonished among them seven days.”
How would the rich like to sit among the extremely poor for seven days? Would the man with good health want to take his place among the diseased for a period of time? Would the complaining wife be astonished if she followed her husband around for a week and sat where he sat, heard what he heard, did what he did, worked as he worked? Would a husband who lacked complete understanding of home problems be more helpful if he changed seats with his wife for a week?
There is a story about an employer who sent for a young man who had been stealing money from the firm. When the young man fully confessed his guilt, saying, “I did steal. I am guilty. Better send for the police and have it over with.” The boss replied, “ I am not even going to fire you, let alone call the police. You see, I did this very thing many years ago and my boss gave me another chance.” This caused a great change in the young bookkeeper and he became the most trusted man in the entire firm. His boss sat where he sat, and felt what he felt.
If we could only exchange jobs, duties, incomes, responsibilities, how much more understanding we would be! We certainly would have more sympathy and tolerance with those we deal with from day to day.
There are many times when the Pastor must seek to “Sit where they sit.” as far as the membership of the church is concerned. We may sit where others sit, God helping us, for a purpose. We must seek to see what others see and feel sorry enough to help them do something about their plight in life. We must seek to implant in hearts hope and cheer, and the only way to do this is to introduce the unhappy ones to Jesus. No other way is worth even a slight consideration. If we can implant in the lives of others, sincere love for God, a sincere desire to do His will, a total dependence on Him, they will soon be able to wipe out all criticism and rise out of the miserable depths of degradation.
Have you ever tried to sit near the throne of God and watch the world go by? Has it occurred to you that God is very patient with you, very kind, longsuffering, merciful, tenderhearted, always eager and anxious to help humanity out of their distress and despair? If not, possibly you need a new vision of Him.
Ezekiel was willing to suffer. We must do the same. He was not too proud to work, to tell the truth. He had no fear of what man might do. He defied the royal prince and according to tradition, lost his life, but above all, he never lost his desire to help those he came in contact with. How about changing seats with someone today?

Just Checkin In

This story was sent to me and I felt it needed to be sent out to others.
A minister passing through his church
in the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.
Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn't shaved in a while.
His shirt was kind a shabby and his coat was worn and frayed,
the man knelt, he bowed his head,
Then rose and walked away. In the days that followed,
each noon time came this chap, each time he knelt just for a moment,
A lunch pail in his lap.
Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him,
"What are you doing here?" The old man said, he worked down the road.
Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time,
For finding strength and power. "I stay only moments, see,
because the factory is so far away; as I kneel here talking to the Lord,
This is kind a what I say:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM
CHECKING IN TODAY."

The minister feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome To come and pray just anytime.
Time to go, Jim smiled, said "Thanks."
He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the altar,
he'd never done it before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love, and met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY"

Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some.
At the factory, he asked about him , learning he was ill.

The hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward.

The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad,
when no flowers, calls or cards came,
Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed,
He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile;
"the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
that in here all the while everyday at noon He's here,
a dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand,
Leans over and says to me:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP,
AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.
ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY,
I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY,
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS
CHECKING IN TODAY."
If this blesses you, pass it on Many people will walk in and out of your life,
but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
and Angels watch over you.

But for those of us who are already His, He not
only holds us in the palm of His hand, but has
engraved our names there, and we are continually
in His sight (Isaiah 49:16)

Please pass this page on to your friends & loved ones.
If you aren't ashamed.
Jesus said, " If you are ashamed of me," I will be ashamed of you before my Father."
If you are not ashamed, pass this on. But only if you mean it.

Yes, I do love God. He is my source of existence and Savior.

He keeps me functioning each and everyday. Without Him, I will be nothing. Without him, I am nothing but with Him "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." Phil 4:13

This is too good not to share -
So this is me ... Just Checking

A Decision From God

Many times we try to force a decision from God. Each time we are faced with frustration. The churches have indoctrinated us to believe God is just standing by to give us our every wish. This is far from reality. god does want what is best for us, and he does look ahead. Sometimes what is best is not what we want to hear. Doors are closed or doors are open. Just because we want something does not mean it is in our best interest. So when we see a door closed we immediately assume God doesn't care or we must have great sin that prevented our request from being granted. This comes from pulpits on most every Sunday and from every denomination. While in reality God may have seen a pot hole that was going to cause far worse distress that the door that was closed.
In that light then we must understand all our efforts to force a closed door open or try to negotiate with God to reconsider is fruitless.
God is a great God and wants only what is best for His children. As the saying goes No is an answer too.

Pilate and Jesus

Pilate had more to do with Jesus than he wanted. In fact, he had rather someone else had all the responsibility that finally fell upon him. Of the things he said about Jesus, there are two statements, almost alike, that stand out above all others. They are both found in the gospel according to John. First in John 18:38, he said, “I find in him no fault at all.” In John 19:4, he said, “Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.”
When Pilate gave these two statements, he spoke a great truth. It would seem that he never fully embraced this fact in such a way as to receive this One as his personal Savior. This reminds us it is possible to know the truth, but still fail to act upon it. This governor was saying things about Jesus that cannot truthfully be said about any other. All of us have known some good people, good compared to others we know, but we could not truthfully say they were without fault.
Some things must be without fault to be valuable, or at least to have their full value. We are told that only a small percent of diamonds are perfect. In them, the slightest imperfection reduces their value greatly. A painting, to be a masterpiece, must be without flaw, or fault. Jesus to really be what He claimed to be and to do had to be without fault. If even one sin was found in Him, then He was not the Son of God. After Pilate had closely examined Him, he could only come to one conclusion: He was without fault.
There are several standards by which a man’s character may be judged. We measure him by what he is. Character is something you make or break yourself. Other men may, at least for a time, destroy your reputation, but if your character is destroyed, you do that yourself. If your character is not good you have no one to blame save yourself.
We measure men by their conversation. Our words either commend us or condemn us. This should cause us to be careful about what we say and how we say it. It is still a good policy to mediate on words before you use them. Words are like mirrors. They reflect on the speaker. So be very careful what you say.
Also we measure men by their conduct, their contribution, and their creed. When you measure Jesus by all these standards, still you have to say with Pilate, “I find no fault in him.” If He is all He claimed to be, just where does that leave us when we refuse to accept Him? Pilate thought literal water would wash His blood from his hands, but there will come a time when he will see the folly of his reasoning.

Finding God

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called FAILURE, a loop called CONFUSION, speed bumps called FRIENDS, red lights called ENEMIES, caution lights called FAMILY. You will have flats called JOBS. But, if you have a spare called DETERMINATION, an engine called PERSERVERENCE, insurance called FAITH, a driver called JESUS, you will make it to a place called SUCCESS.
The above quote was floating around the Internet so I thought it fit well with our devotion on finding God.
God has never left us we leave Him. He is right by our side. As a loving father he will pick us up when we fall off what ever we climb upon. He will guide us through stormy seas so that we may learn life lessons. God knows what is ahead and will guide us through the maize if we will but allow Him.
One thing must be made clear. Before we can follow His direction we must first know who He is. Contrary to popular belief not everyone knows the Lord. Oh many use his name, swear by him and try to persuade the world he is only necessary when someone dies or gets into trouble. Some even try to ease their conscience by going to church on Easter and Christmas. But they don’t know Him. They have only heard of him. In our world today few there be who want to know Jesus.
Jesus is a friend in the truest sense of the word.
So if you have not met my friend let me introduce you to one of the greatest friend I have ever known. One who has stood by me in good times and bad.
The bible says in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” That is exactly what Jesus did. He laid down his life for you and me. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in His should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John3:16 Is Jesus your friend?
In my life I have wandered away from Jesus at times. During those times I have found I have wandered into places and situations that were not desirable. Even at the lowest time all I had to do was look up and reach for His hand and He helped me up, dusted me off and put my feet back on solid ground. Those who don’t have a friend like that are in a sad state.
I will tell you this that God’s love is so great that no matter how dirty we get or how far away from him we wander He still loves us. Though you sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow so the bible says.
If you don’t know Jesus seek Him in your heart, confess Him with your mouth and He will come and dwell with you.