Saturday, May 31, 2008

Horror

I came across a scripture last night while sitting at the piano, that made me think.
Psalm 119:53 says, "Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law." That is a very serious statement. "The word "zilaphah," which we render horror, is thought to signify the pestilential burning wind called by the Arabs "simoom." (ACC) This showed the great terror or intensity of horror the Psalmist was feeling. It is a graphic expression.

This verse gave me pause. I wonder, when was the last time I felt horror at the actions of those who have forsaken God's Law? When was the last time I was broken-hearted for the great doom awaiting all who resist God?

Too often we do one of two things:
1. We rail against wickedness with no compassion; or,
2. We become indifferent or tolerant and fail to identify and resist evil.

The world we live in today becomes darker with every passing hour. War is everywhere. Drug use is at an all time high world-wide whether legal or illegal. Crime is increasing. Sin is more accepted than ever. Gross immorality and blatant wickedness are tolerated and even condoned or encouraged in the public sphere. Technology has rapidly spread the ideals of wrong. Many of the youth of today have no boundaries or moral compass to guide them. In the absence of absolutes anarchy advances its banner forward. Few bastions of courage remain to resist its powerful onslaught. It is little wonder that Christ questioned, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

So what are we to do? Do we resist wickedness or withdraw in complacency to survive? We must do two things:
1. Stand firm for what is right.
2. Have great compassion.

Standing Firm:
What does it mean to stand firm? Does this mean we scream and yell? Does it mean we shoot abortion doctors? Does it mean we go on national television to condemn evildoers? Does it mean we hold signs and march in protest?

Standing firm starts with the heart. One will never have the stamina to stand against evil if his heart is not cleansed from the very proclivity toward sin that drags all his fellow men toward the abyss. One must seek for justification by faith and purifying of the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit. Once cleansed, one is possessed by the Spirit of Christ empowering him to walk holy amid the unholy.

With a heart purified and a conscience cleansed before God, one may seek after truth with his whole soul. Guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, one may know what is evil and what is good. One will be able to discern the right pathway and have the strength to stand in the face of evil.

Knowing what is good and true, we must stand for it at every opportunity:
In conversation with friends and neighbors.
In the work-places.
In the schools.
In the churches.
In the stores.
In the streets.
In the prisons.
In the hospitals.
In the courts.
In the legislature.

With every word of our mouths, every thought of our hearts, every vote of our dollar, we are to espouse what is good and eschew evil. This is how we stand.

However, standing IS NOT ENOUGH.

The second thing we must do is have great compassion. Jesus was the embodiment of this virtue. We never once read where He did not have compassion. Even for his murderers He interceded. Are we not to follow in His steps?

I hear many rant and rave against wickedness. However, I rarely hear those same voices stirring hearts to compassion for the lost. Rarely do I hear solutions of how to firmly yet compassionately stand.

How can we expect that through harsh words we will turn the hearts of wicked men toward God? I am not stating that firmness should not be utilized. It has its time and place. However, firmness without compassion borders on injustice and hate.

The only ones who reaped the wrath of Christ in the Gospels were those who wore the garb of religion and yet practiced lives of empty pride, prejudice, and hypocrisy. Upon all other men and women, boys and girls, Jesus had great compassion. Jesus reached out to the soldiers, the rulers, the beggars, the fishermen, the tax collectors, the harlots, the common folk, the foreigners, the locals, the weak, the strong, the mighty, the lowly, the rich, the poor, the sick, the well: upon ALL men He had great compassion.

He knows more truly than anyone else how great is the darkness in which we walk. He knows most clearly how far we have fallen from the Garden of Eden. He knows most deeply the yearning for all men to come back to Him. Knowing all this we know of Him, can we do less than Him?

So when you hear in the news that a government refuses to allow aid to its stricken people, do you pray and contribute when able? When you hear the news that one child has killed others, do you reach into the lives of children in your community to prevent it? When you hear that pornography is common to more than 50% of all men, do you pray for their purity and encourage their faith? Do you intercede for their deliverance from temptation in our present sensual world? When you hear a brother or sister has fallen in their walk, do you stoop to help them up again or do you gossip and kick them about until they have no hope to go on?

When someone hates you or does you wrong, do you forgive or do you carry a grudge? When crime increases do you visit the jails to share the path of righteousness? When marriage and family are attacked in society, do you voice your position to your legislators? Do you contribute your finances to the causes of good even if it requires sacrifice? When communities suffer from difficulty and darkness, do you volunteer your hands and heart to be a light? This is compassion.

Finally, when you walk past the thousands in your life, what do you see? Do you notice their clothes, their tattoos, their piercings, their multicolored hair, their imperfections, their flaws, their beauty, their race, their position, their status? Or do you see each one as a child of God desperately loved by Him Who longs for their return? Do you recognize them as souls of infinite value facing an unspeakable end? If this is how you see people - as Jesus does - then you can identify with the Psalmist when he penned those words, "Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law." Lord, let me be more horrified and do more to compassionately stand for righteousness that I may reach others beyond myself to rescue them from eternal despair!


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Prosperity Gospel

Below is a message I shared in my brother-in-law's church. I trust you all will find truth and encouragement in it. I do believe in a "prosperity gospel,"...hang on! let me qualify that. :-) I believe that any man or woman who abandons themselves wholeheartedly to God will prosper. This does not mean there is no such thing as a poor Christian.

While I believe that God does desire to bless us materially, as an earthly father wishes to give good gifts to his children, God also knows our frame that we are just "dust." He also gives to each man what he is able to carry or what He desires each man to have. This is different for everyone.

This also does not mean that Christians will not face great privation or persecution. History alone shows that is not true. Jesus also guaranteed we would face hardship and persecution in this world.

Thus I believe that spiritual prosperity is God's preeminent goal and material prosperity is a limited side effect experienced by some as God so chooses. Wherever He places us on the scale, we should be content while always seeking to maximize the "talents" he has given us. This is the duty of a "good and faithful servant."

Abounding Through Abandoned Abiding


Introduction:

Did you know the Lord loves us? I mean really loves us! Too often we become accustomed to hearing those words and we forget how truly powerful they are. “But God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” That is powerful, but it doesn’t stop there. Calvary enables us to become His children. His love goes beyond Calvary. He wants to share with us the love of a Father and Child (we are joint heirs with Christ).

Matthew 7:11 – God is better than earthly fathers

Hebrews 12:6 – He chastens

Romans 8:28 – He has our best interests at heart.

This love of the Father is intense and powerful but many of us never take advantage of the intimacy abundantly available to us. Tonight I want to talk to you about abounding through abandoned abiding.

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1

“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”

Story: Job 1:1-3, 8-12 (& tell 13-22) {See story Appendix}

I. Abandonment (Job 1:21)

A. Foundational: This utter surrender to is the foundation upon which intimacy is built. (Job 2:10)

B. Essential: Know how to be abased and how to abound (Philippians 4:12)

C. Three Dimensional: The great Commandment (Matthew 22:37)

1. Heart – Life/Circumstances

2. Soul – Will/Core of you/Eternal part of your being

3. Mind – Desires/Dreams/Plans/Wishes

II. Abiding (John 15:4/1 John 2:28) Psalm 25:4,5

A. This is the key to remaining abandoned and to be in a position to abound.

B. The Old Saints Lived It. – Rees Howells

C. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him….”

D. “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:21-2


III. Abounding – Greek: “perisseuo” – superabound, exceed, over above
A. In Love – 1 Thess 3:12
B.
In Hope – Romans 15:13

C. In Faith – Colossians 2: 6,7
D.
In Every Good Work – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Conclusion:

3 John 1:2 – “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” - Not a magic solution, but is a simple way to help your soul prosper.

Job 42:10, 12-17

Job’s end was better than his beginning. God may allow trials in our lives. When gold goes through the fire it only becomes purer. But if you are abandoned to His will and abiding in His love, then you will prosper.


Monday, May 26, 2008

GAS PAIN!


Just click the link below. Here is a great perspective on high gas prices...what do you think? I would love to hear your comments.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveonaCar/Why4DollarAGallonGasIsABargain.aspx?page=1

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Update!

For those of you who visit regularly, Thanks! I greatly appreciate your readership. Sorry the posts have been so sporadic in the past few weeks. I have been very busy with my three jobs and school as well as a military test which I just completed. However, this week is finals week for another term. I'm almost done again and the fun will start again on June 2nd. All my classes will be after 1700 during summer term. That will be grueling (grimace). Oh well. Have to stay focused and keep working toward the goal. I'll try and post some worthwhile stuff later this week. In the meantime, please offer prayers for my sister Jessica who has been having trouble with a seriously debilitating physical challenge. She is about to graduate from high school and needs much strength and grace. Thank you for caring.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

F-22 Raptor Airshow Demo at Langley Air Force Base

There is no finer jet in the current inventory of the world! There is no other aircraft that can maneuver as agilely, as diversely, or as powerfully. And this is only what they show you in public!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Sukhoi Su-47 (Su-37) Berkut Supersonic Jet Fighter

Really neat footage of a Russian Jet. I'll post a response video in a few days of the much more superior F-22!

Just a little too much fun!


Have any desire to play a prank on your fellow office workers? Go for Broke!

Friday, May 9, 2008

True Heroes

Marine Sergeant German died this week from wounds sustained in Iraq. His amazing courage and strength in the face of adversity demonstrated the true character of a hero. Read his story by clicking on the link above.

This should serve as a reminder to us about several things:



1. Don't forget the men and women who serve in harm's way.
2. Pray for the troops every day by name when possible.
3. Remember true heroes usually aren't tossing a "pig-skin" or driving fast.
4. Character, determination, and courage - just plain "guts" - are attributes for which to strive and they should be taught to our children.
5. Let us maintain the memory and of Sergeant German and all those like them and may their legacy not be in vain!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

"TAKE HER DOWN!"

It was February, 1943. It was during a terrible time in the world's history called World War II. Nations were at war and soldiers and sailors were being killed.

An American submarine, the USS Growler was on patrol in the Pacific Ocean. Its skipper was Howard W. Gilmore, a 40 year-old Navy man.

On February 7th, the submarine was up on the surface and was tracking an enemy ship. It was closing in on a merchant ship which usually was not heavily armed. But in this case, the ship was heavily armed and turned on the sub. Gilmore and four crewmen were in the conning tower. He was able to skillfully maneuver his ship and ram the enemy vessel.

But then machine gun fire began coming from the merchant ship. Two crewmen dropped, killed by fire from the enemy. The other two crewmen and Gilmore were all wounded. The crewmen were able to get to the hatch and to safety, but Gilmore couldn't make it.

The submarine could not fight on the surface of the water. It had to get beneath the water. But Gilmore was trapped. The ship came near again to blast the sub. The lives of all the men in the submarine were in danger.

It was then that Gilmore gave the order. "Take her down!" It meant that he was left outside. It meant that he would either drown or be killed by the enemy.

In that short time, the commander of the submarine had to make a tremendous decision. What was more important: His life or the lives of all his men inside? He chose to die so that others could live.

The men who survived can look back and remember a man who cared about them and did what was best for them, even though it meant he died.

The story of the gospel is even more wonderful. It tells of a Savior who loved sinners. The Lord Jesus came into the world to save those who did not love Him (1 Timothy 1:15). He gave His life at the Cross and endured God's wrath to save us (1 Peter 3:18).

The Lord Jesus spoke of Himself as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10). In our Bible story, Rehoboam showed that he did not care greatly for the welfare of his people. He was going to be even harder than his father was with them. But the Lord Jesus thought so much of those who were like lost sheep that He willingly died to save us.

"All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6).

- by A.J.H.

www.GospeHall.org

This page was authored by editors at "Life for Young Paths".

Original Image Context: www.valoratsea.com/photos1.htm

Friday, May 2, 2008

Internet Prophecy

Someone sent this to me in 2000. It's so old that everyone has probably seen it...but you never know. Whether it's nostalgic or not, enjoy.

And lo, it came to pass that the trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of dot. And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she had been called Amazon Dot Com. And she said unto Abraham, her husband, "Why doest thou travel far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?

And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, "How, Dear?" And Dot replied, "I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale and they will reply telling you which hath the best price. And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery will be made by Uriah's Pony Stable."

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And Dot said, "There will be a lot of hoop-la and booming in the land."

And Abraham replied, "It is my most fervent wish that this be so." So the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had, at the top price, without ever moving from his tent.

But his success did arouse envy. A man named Maccabia did secret himself inside Abraham's drum and was accused of insider trading. And the young did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dubai Siterites.

And lo the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed the real riches going to the drum maker, one Brother William of Gates who bought up every drum company in the land. And indeed did insist on making drums that would work only if you bought Brother William's drumsticks.

And Dot did say, "O Abraham! What we have begun is being taken by others." And as Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel or "Ebay" he said, "We need a name for our service that reflects what we are."

And Dot replied, "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators"

"Whoopee!" cried Abraham.
"No. YAHOO!" exclaimed Dot Com.

Corny? Yes. Amusing? Yes. Have a great day!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

On Laying Down One's Life

St. Augustine

"That as Christ laid down His life for us, even so we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren;" loving one another in truth, as He hath loved us, who laid down His life for us. Such also is doubtless the meaning of what we read in the Proverbs of Solomon: "If thou sittest down to supper at the table of a ruler, consider wisely what is set before thee; and so put to thy hand, knowing that thou art bound to make similar preparations." For what is the table of the ruler, but that from which we take the body and blood of Him who laid down His life for us? And what is it to sit thereat, but to approach in humility? And what is it to consider intelligently what is set before thee, but worthily to reflect on the magnitude of the favor? And what is it, so to put to thy hand, as knowing that thou art bound to make similar preparations, but as I have already said, that, as Christ laid down His life for us, so we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren?