Of human ignorance I am almost in despair
For racism is around me everywhere
But like they say sheer ignorance is bliss
Just like Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
Some people carry their honor in a flag
And of their Nationality they brag
They feel superior and they differentiate
And against those who are different they discriminate.
So many people still judged by their race
For such there never ought to be a place
'A fair go' those untruthful words I do recall
There is no such a thing as a 'fair go for all'.
Though we live in a so called democracy
Of racism we never will be free
They judge you by where you come from and the color of your skin
For many equality and respect seems impossible to win.
It's been awhile since the days of Martin Luther King
His name to it has a familiar ring
If against racism he did not choose to strive
Today the great man he would be alive.
So many holding the reins of power not spiritually aware
And racism is around me everywhere
And racism only leads to division and war
Just goes to show how ignorant some are.
This beautiful poem was written by a gifted poet from Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia and this gifted poet goes by the name Francis Duggan. I thank you for blessing us all with such a wonderful gift!
Read God's Word
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED
Stress is a word every adult, most teens and some children know and can relate to. It is a negative word. Stress leads to depression, interferes with productivity, takes away joy, slows down reflexes and boggles the thought process. No one enjoys stress, but few find a release from the tentacles it binds one with. However it is not necessary to allow stress to rule and ruin any part of your life. Below is, what I want to call a poem, which gives numerous reasons to not be stressed. I am sure everyone will find themselves in there somewhere. If not, just claim all of them.
Too Blessed to be Stressed
I am a problem solver
I am intelligent
I am loving
I am capable, worthy, and qualified
I am creative
I am an overcomer.
I can do it
I can make IT
I can ENDURE it
I am a child of GOD
I am rich with ideas, FRIENDS AND POSSIBILITIES
I am FOCUSED on my PRIORITIES
I am FORGIVEN
I am valuable and appreciated
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE
People are seeking m service
I am abundant
I am healed
I am always in the right place at the right time
I am a MAGNET for ABUNDANCE, PROSPERITY AND LOVE
I CAN BEGIN AGAIN
My pain can CHANGE
I am enough whether I am in a relationship or not
I have great ideas and follow through
I am IMPROVING EVERY DAY
I am getting stronger in my discipline and desire to let go of anything or anyone that is not for my highest GOOD.
I complete what I start
I am full of PEACE AND LOVE
I am led and fed by the HOLY SPIRIT
I AM TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED
Too Blessed to be Stressed
I am a problem solver
I am intelligent
I am loving
I am capable, worthy, and qualified
I am creative
I am an overcomer.
I can do it
I can make IT
I can ENDURE it
I am a child of GOD
I am rich with ideas, FRIENDS AND POSSIBILITIES
I am FOCUSED on my PRIORITIES
I am FORGIVEN
I am valuable and appreciated
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE
People are seeking m service
I am abundant
I am healed
I am always in the right place at the right time
I am a MAGNET for ABUNDANCE, PROSPERITY AND LOVE
I CAN BEGIN AGAIN
My pain can CHANGE
I am enough whether I am in a relationship or not
I have great ideas and follow through
I am IMPROVING EVERY DAY
I am getting stronger in my discipline and desire to let go of anything or anyone that is not for my highest GOOD.
I complete what I start
I am full of PEACE AND LOVE
I am led and fed by the HOLY SPIRIT
I AM TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
"FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING"
PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
Lettuce be faithful
Lettuce be kind
Lettuce be patient
Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN WITHOUT TURNIPS:
Turnip for meetings
Turnip for service
Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
Thyme for each other
Thyme for family
Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVETHERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
Lettuce be faithful
Lettuce be kind
Lettuce be patient
Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN WITHOUT TURNIPS:
Turnip for meetings
Turnip for service
Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
Thyme for each other
Thyme for family
Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVETHERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
Monday, April 21, 2008
WOMEN AS MINISTERS
"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law" (1 Corinthians 14:34).
"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence" (1 Timothy 2:11-12).
In these verses, Paul cannot be addressing women who were in the ministry, but rather those in the congregation who were out of order. How do we know this? We have many such proofs, many from Paul himself. Here is a partial list of women who were all in influential positions of leadership in the early church.
Pheobe (Romans 16:1-2): This woman was a deaconess of the church in Cenchrea, who was beloved of Paul and many other Christians for the help she gave to them. She filled an important position of leadership. It would be a difficult stretch of the imagination to say that this woman fulfilled her duties without ever speaking in the church!
Priscilla (Acts 18:26): Priscilla and her husband Aquila are often mentioned with great respect by Paul. Together they were pastors of a church in Ephesus, and were responsible for teaching the full gospel to Apollos. We are informed that they both taught Apollos, and pastored the church together. In fact, Priscilla is sometimes listed ahead of Aquila when their names come up. This has led some to speculate that of the two, she was the primary teacher and her husband oversaw the ministry. At any rate, we see here a woman in a very prominent position of teaching and pastoring. (Other references to Priscilla and Aquila are Acts 18:2, 18; Romans 16:3, and I Corinthians 16:19).
Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3): Here we see reference to two women who were "true yokefellow" and who labored with Paul in the advancement of the gospel.
Junia (Romans 16:7): In this verse we see Paul sending greetings to Andronicus and Junia, his "fellow-prisoners" who are of note among the apostles. Junia is a woman's name. In some modern translations, an "s" has been added (Junias) because the translators were so sure a woman could not be an apostle, that they assumed a copyist has accidentally dropped the "s." However the proper male ending would have been "ius," not "ias." No church commentator earlier than the Middle Ages questioned that Junia was both a woman and an apostle.
Though there were other women throughout the Bible in positions of leadership, such as prophetesses, evangelists, judges, leaders, etc., the above references should be enough to establish that women were indeed a vital and normal part of church leadership. Paul expected women to speak in the church, or else why would he have given the following directive? It would have been useless to give directions for women who were speaking in the church, if they were never allowed to do so.
1 Corinthians 11:5, "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven."
Furthermore, if Paul believed that all women should never teach or speak in church, why does he commend many women who did just that?
With all this in mind, what then do we make of the troubling verses that command women to be silent in the churches?
First of all, we must interpret those verses in light of what we have just established--that there were women in leadership positions of the church. Obviously, Paul is not writing to them. He is must be addressing another issue entirely--the women who were loud and unruly during the service, causing disorder and confusion.
When he wrote the Corinthians, he was dealing with a church that was very disorderly in their services. Much of the letter was spent correcting excesses and abuses. Some of these pertained to women in particular and some were to the entire church. Paul is not being prejudiced against women when he instructs the Corinthian women to keep silence. In the early church the seating arrangement was quite different from our modern day churches. Men were seated on one side of the church while the women and children were seated on the opposite side. This is still practiced in many cultures today.
The women of Christ's day were generally uneducated and usually only the men were privileged with an education. Due to this situation, when the church met the women were tempted to shout across the room and ask their husbands the meaning of whatever was being taught. This disturbed the service. Paul was simply saying during the service, "Women, keep your children quiet and you be quiet, and if you have anything to ask your husbands, wait until you get home." Because of the new equality that Christianity brought to women, it could be that some of them were taking their freedom too far, to the point of being obnoxious.
When Paul wrote to Timothy, he gave him a similar directive. Again, it is important to understand the context in which the letter was written. In I Timothy, a careful reader becomes aware that many severe heresies and false teachings that were being dealt with. We can draw a conclusion here that many of the proponents and victims of the false teachings were women. Timothy pastored in Ephesus, and it has been suggested that goddess worship might have played a large part in Paul dealing so severely with the women. Ephesus was a primary center of the worship of Diana or Artemis. The heresies being taught might have suggested that women were authoritative over men and had higher access to spiritual knowledge than men did.
Regardless of the particulars, in both cases we can see that Paul is dealing with specific incidents in specific churches for very particular reasons.
We must understand that many of Paul's epistles dealt with local problems and his commandments are not meant to be taken as "commandments" across the board for all situations. Rather, we are to seek the Lord for the basic principal that needs to be incorporated in our churches. Because of Old Testament precedents that had already been set, apparently it never occurred to Paul to re-establish the case for women in ministry.
Why would he need to?
The early church took it as a matter of course that Jesus would call and ordain anyone He chose--and that settled it! As a matter of fact, the Bible mentions a prophetess who was in the Temple when Jesus was brought there as a baby. Her name was Anna (Luke 2:25-35), and she was one of two people who recognized Jesus as the Messiah because of her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Paul's writings are sometimes misunderstood today because we do not know all the details that led him to write as he did. We must rely on the Holy Spirit, and the rest of the testimony of Scripture to interpret how we are to apply these things to our everyday lives. Scripture should always be compared with other Scripture and the context taken into consideration. Even in Paul's day, there were those who tried to twist the meaning his words.
"...His (Paul's) letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).
It is a fair conclusion that the testimony of the bulk of Scripture, church history and God's anointing upon them, all speak plainly for women being able to fulfill all positions of the five-fold offices of apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist and teacher.
"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence" (1 Timothy 2:11-12).
In these verses, Paul cannot be addressing women who were in the ministry, but rather those in the congregation who were out of order. How do we know this? We have many such proofs, many from Paul himself. Here is a partial list of women who were all in influential positions of leadership in the early church.
Pheobe (Romans 16:1-2): This woman was a deaconess of the church in Cenchrea, who was beloved of Paul and many other Christians for the help she gave to them. She filled an important position of leadership. It would be a difficult stretch of the imagination to say that this woman fulfilled her duties without ever speaking in the church!
Priscilla (Acts 18:26): Priscilla and her husband Aquila are often mentioned with great respect by Paul. Together they were pastors of a church in Ephesus, and were responsible for teaching the full gospel to Apollos. We are informed that they both taught Apollos, and pastored the church together. In fact, Priscilla is sometimes listed ahead of Aquila when their names come up. This has led some to speculate that of the two, she was the primary teacher and her husband oversaw the ministry. At any rate, we see here a woman in a very prominent position of teaching and pastoring. (Other references to Priscilla and Aquila are Acts 18:2, 18; Romans 16:3, and I Corinthians 16:19).
Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3): Here we see reference to two women who were "true yokefellow" and who labored with Paul in the advancement of the gospel.
Junia (Romans 16:7): In this verse we see Paul sending greetings to Andronicus and Junia, his "fellow-prisoners" who are of note among the apostles. Junia is a woman's name. In some modern translations, an "s" has been added (Junias) because the translators were so sure a woman could not be an apostle, that they assumed a copyist has accidentally dropped the "s." However the proper male ending would have been "ius," not "ias." No church commentator earlier than the Middle Ages questioned that Junia was both a woman and an apostle.
Though there were other women throughout the Bible in positions of leadership, such as prophetesses, evangelists, judges, leaders, etc., the above references should be enough to establish that women were indeed a vital and normal part of church leadership. Paul expected women to speak in the church, or else why would he have given the following directive? It would have been useless to give directions for women who were speaking in the church, if they were never allowed to do so.
1 Corinthians 11:5, "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven."
Furthermore, if Paul believed that all women should never teach or speak in church, why does he commend many women who did just that?
With all this in mind, what then do we make of the troubling verses that command women to be silent in the churches?
First of all, we must interpret those verses in light of what we have just established--that there were women in leadership positions of the church. Obviously, Paul is not writing to them. He is must be addressing another issue entirely--the women who were loud and unruly during the service, causing disorder and confusion.
When he wrote the Corinthians, he was dealing with a church that was very disorderly in their services. Much of the letter was spent correcting excesses and abuses. Some of these pertained to women in particular and some were to the entire church. Paul is not being prejudiced against women when he instructs the Corinthian women to keep silence. In the early church the seating arrangement was quite different from our modern day churches. Men were seated on one side of the church while the women and children were seated on the opposite side. This is still practiced in many cultures today.
The women of Christ's day were generally uneducated and usually only the men were privileged with an education. Due to this situation, when the church met the women were tempted to shout across the room and ask their husbands the meaning of whatever was being taught. This disturbed the service. Paul was simply saying during the service, "Women, keep your children quiet and you be quiet, and if you have anything to ask your husbands, wait until you get home." Because of the new equality that Christianity brought to women, it could be that some of them were taking their freedom too far, to the point of being obnoxious.
When Paul wrote to Timothy, he gave him a similar directive. Again, it is important to understand the context in which the letter was written. In I Timothy, a careful reader becomes aware that many severe heresies and false teachings that were being dealt with. We can draw a conclusion here that many of the proponents and victims of the false teachings were women. Timothy pastored in Ephesus, and it has been suggested that goddess worship might have played a large part in Paul dealing so severely with the women. Ephesus was a primary center of the worship of Diana or Artemis. The heresies being taught might have suggested that women were authoritative over men and had higher access to spiritual knowledge than men did.
Regardless of the particulars, in both cases we can see that Paul is dealing with specific incidents in specific churches for very particular reasons.
We must understand that many of Paul's epistles dealt with local problems and his commandments are not meant to be taken as "commandments" across the board for all situations. Rather, we are to seek the Lord for the basic principal that needs to be incorporated in our churches. Because of Old Testament precedents that had already been set, apparently it never occurred to Paul to re-establish the case for women in ministry.
Why would he need to?
The early church took it as a matter of course that Jesus would call and ordain anyone He chose--and that settled it! As a matter of fact, the Bible mentions a prophetess who was in the Temple when Jesus was brought there as a baby. Her name was Anna (Luke 2:25-35), and she was one of two people who recognized Jesus as the Messiah because of her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Paul's writings are sometimes misunderstood today because we do not know all the details that led him to write as he did. We must rely on the Holy Spirit, and the rest of the testimony of Scripture to interpret how we are to apply these things to our everyday lives. Scripture should always be compared with other Scripture and the context taken into consideration. Even in Paul's day, there were those who tried to twist the meaning his words.
"...His (Paul's) letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).
It is a fair conclusion that the testimony of the bulk of Scripture, church history and God's anointing upon them, all speak plainly for women being able to fulfill all positions of the five-fold offices of apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist and teacher.
IF MY PEOPLE
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 I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
America today is in trouble. Our country has shifted to a vile immoral country. America today has lost touch with the God of their forefathers and continues to spiral downwardly as a nation. I am doing this out of love and compassion for God's people and the country we live in. This is not to anybody or any group specifically, but a warning to your heart and mine. This verse is a promise God gave us, that he will keep, but there are conditions we must meet in this promise.
If my people.
You know the trouble with America today is not the unsaved. Its the Christians. The Bible tells us the lost people's jobs are to be wicked, and indeed they are wicked. Its the Christians who've allowed things to be this way.
That's who God's speaking to in this verse, is God's people. We have given up our role and many things in the worlds and sat down and flat out compromised with the world, allowing our testimonies and position on this earth to be watered down.
If my people.
We are the ones who didn't stand up for ourselves and allowed prayer and God to be taken out of the schools. We are the ones who have allowed this theory of evolution to be brought into our schools. This is where they teach the kids to doubt the Bible before they are even taught it. They are being taught that they started out as the slime of the earth, but are getting better. hat man developed his own rules and they have deemed it right in their eye's to do as they wish, and they are doing just that.
We have given over the government. You know all those who signed the Declaration of Independence, all but two people who signed it was active in their churches. Now a days we can't even get any of our government officials to get to church, much less listen to a church leader. This idea of separation of church and state, was indeed so there would be no church states, nor state churches. Not that anyone who's a Christian can't serve in government. We just turned over the government to the world, and watch as they usher in evolution in our schools, and support abortion, the killing of innocent babies.
We have turned over our court rooms to the world as well. You know before the civil war, you could not be a lawyer without studying the Bible. The reasoning was who could defend the law, without knowing the law giver? Now look at them. We have allowed them to continue to believe that man makes the laws, and man will defend the laws, and they will determine what is right and what is wrong, not God Almighty.
Psalms 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.
We are part of the problem, but we are also part of the solution, as part of the promise God made to us. We must decide that we are God's people and we will not allow nor tolerate our country's downfall to Satan.
If my people, Which are called by My Name
Many people have forgotten that God called us out. He was searching for us before we was looking for Him. Christians, or so called Christians forget that we are representing Christ and God. When people see us, they are to see ambassadors for Christ. The word Christian means Christ-like.
But as a whole, when the world see's the word Christian, what do they see. Enough for them to scoff at us. You don't know how many times, that I've stated I was a Christian, that people would immediately start questioning me on things that other denominations do.
This comes about because people are not taught correctly in the Bible and properly discipled in it. They don't learn to read the Bible for them selves and hide it in their hearts so they will not go astray. The false teachings come from those who have not read the entire word of God, or have decided to pick and chose what they will or will not believe and this is part of our countries problem today.
Believe the Bible is the totally inspired word of God, and God has preserved it as he promises and that is has remained unchanged, as God has wanted it. But there are so called Christians out their who has declared it was their right to change the word of God, as they see fit. They have changed the meaning and came up with their own empty traditions. And they cling to their traditions and false religion like never before. They refuse to let go of those.
If my people, who are called by my name.
It breaks my heart constantly, that there are so many people who are willing to serve God, but they limit themselves by not reading and learning from the Bible what God wants them to do. There are many people who have the right intentions, but are not prepared, and go out in God's name and bring a bad name to Him, and dishonor them because they don't do it with the Father's help, but instead in their own flesh.
If my people, which are called by my name Shall Humble themselves
America today is a land of self pride, and we have forgotten to praise God. God has given this land, and expected this place we live in to give Him continual praise. We are a land of plenty and abundance, but we never given Him the thanks he so richly deserves. You look beyond our boarders and see the poverty and strive, and listen to us complain because we don't have enough.
We have plenty here, yet we are unsatisfied. Because we have put our treasures in the material things, and not put our treasure in heaven, where they will account to something. The problem with America, is we consider our not a needy people, thus we don't need God. And God hates pride, and until we do away with our pride, God will not heal our land. And that's not the world, who its commanded to humble ourselves in this verse. Its us Christians. We need to humble ourselves, and give God the praise he deserves for this great nation He has provided for us.
Now I know this may come as a surprise to some of you, but yes, Texans do sometimes have a pride problem. One Texas farmer was talking with another farmer from Oklahoma, "How big is your farm?" asked the Texan. "oh its big, "claimed the Sooner, "better then a thousand acres." Not to be outdone, the Texan replied, "Let me tell you what. I can get into my pickup at sunup, head west, and by sundown I'm still on my land." The Oklahoman thought for a moment and smiled. "you know, I had a pickup like that once!" WE all need to be humbled. Boastful pride and a self-sufficient attitude that ignores God will undermine our faith in His Word and thwart His blessing.
Everyone who is a Christian needs to humble themselves and do things God's way, not our way. America as a country, have come to the point of belief that we know more then God, and we can get it done without God. We look at ourselves and out past, and boat, what a good job we did. We didn't need God, we did it ourselves without realizing that God did all of it, and we was just allowed to be present when it did happen.
Reminds me of a story on pride. A frog was wondering how he could get away from the cold winter clime. Some wild geese suggested that he migrate with them. The problem, though, was that the frog couldn't fly. "Just leave it to me, " said the frog, "I've got a splendid brain." He thought about it and then asked two geese to help him by picking up a strong reed, each holding one end. The frog planned to hold on to the reed with his mouth. In due time the geese and the frog started on their journey. Soon they were passing over a small town, and the villagers came out to see the unusual sight. Someone cried out, "who could have come up with such a clever idea?" This made the frog so puffed up with a sense of importance that he exclaimed, "I did it." His pride was his undoing, for the moment he opened his mouth, he lost his hold and fell to his death.
Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Before God will heal our land, we must remember our place in this world, and who's in charge. And it ain't us.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, And pray
Prayer is our biggest tool, God gave us. Its our direct line of communication to God. But we don't us it enough. The Bible says we have not, because we ask not. Pray without a doubt is something everyone can do and it does make a difference. But all of our prayer lives are something to be desired.
But you might be surprised how many people don't know how to pray. What is this prayer. Prayer is talking to God. As Shaun described it, "prayer is us getting our minds and hearts in line with the Will of God, so when it comes to pass, we receive the blessing of it, saying I prayed for that." To often people pray amist, and not for the glory of God.
One morning at the breakfast table a father asked God's blessing on the food as usual. In pious and exalting language he thanked the Lord for all His bountiful provisions. But when he started eating, grumbling about the poor quality of the food and complained about the way it was cooked. His teenager interrupted him. "Dad," she began, "Do you think God heard your prayer?" "Certainly," he replied confidently "And did He also hear you when you complained about the coffee and bacon just now?" she asked. "Why, of course!" he bellowed. "Then which of your statements did God believe?"
When we pray, do we just say some words, or do we actually ask and wait for an answer? In public prayer, are we just trying to impress someone else, or are we trying to talk to God? Do we pray like we believe God can and will answer our request?
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Our country fails around us, but we don't use our biggest tool we have. If we are really concerned for our country, we would be willing to pray for it. I think everyone in here would claim to love America. But As much as we love America, are you concerned to spend one night in prayer for America? Are you saying that you don't love America enough to take that time to humble ourselves and pray to God to heal this land?
When God was going to destroy Sodom Abraham had enough concern for those people to beg God not to.
Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which I am nothing but dust and ashes.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face
Out of all these things God had asked us to do, if we wanted Him to heal our land, this is the one, that Americans are most unwilling to do. Seek God's face? Why? It like a dog chasing a car, what happened when the dog catches the car?
Usually its going to require us doing something for God. My heart is to encourage people to do more for God, but I have learned something. You can not encourage them to do anything, they are not willing to do. Most people are unwilling to do anything for God. And when you seek God, and He answers, its usually go and do something. Because of this, most Americans are unwilling to seek God.
It puzzles me how our country, which boast of its great work ethic, and workaholics reigns supreme, how they are willing to work for themselves and refuse to do anything for God. We'll I would like to and its a noble idea, but I'm too busy. Can't fit God on my schedule. But yet we still want to ask God for things and expect him to do something.
Parents, you might understand this analogy. What would you do and feel like if you told your kids to say, oh, clean up their room. Simple request and not too much to ask. But they soon come up to you and ask for some money. You ask why, and its to go to the mall or the movies. Well is your room clean? I don't have time now, but I'll get to it as soon as I can fit it in my schedule. How do you feel then about giving them money to go out? How far off am I to what we do to God?
This is also the main cause of our country becoming what it is. People not doing what God wants us too. If more people seeked God, when our country was getting rid of prayer in school, would we have gotten rid of it? If more people had sought God how bad would our country be?
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
God said He will heal our land, IF we seek his face. And then he'll let us know what we can do, to help our country. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not asking everyone to become preachers and missionaries. God will call those people out. But God does have something for everyone to do. Everyone can learn how to witness to people. Everyone can find something to do for their church. Everyone can find something to do to life the pastors hands and his burden. Everyone can dive into their Bibles and leaner something. God will direct you in what place He wants you out and He will use you from there. If we love our country, we will seek out God's face, and see what He has for us to do. But that's up to you. If you would rather wait to work, I'm sure persecution will be coming to America soon enough. Would you rather work for God then, under those conditions, or try to prevent that from coming and work now. Seek God's face.
If my people, which are called bu my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways
America as we know it has always been proud of her freedom. And we are discovering a new freedom as of late. And that's the freedom to flaunt ones sins openly. Oh many talk shows do we have now. "What happens when two women love the same man, and that man is ugly, on the Next..." All kinds of filth on our TV and our lives. I know that in my young years, I'm seeing things I thought I would never see. I can't imagine the thoughts of the elder saints here tonight. I'm sure ya'll have definitely seen things in here you never thought we would come to.
And it goes full circle.
People have decided they have the right to determine what is right and what is wrong. So we have people choosing to kill their babies. We have people who are openly coming our with their lifestyles, and flaunting their evil ways. We had a president who was suppose to be the leader in who to run a home in our country, commit adultery and our country didn't do anything about it but make a joke. You think he turned away from his actions...no.
But as I said earlier, the wicked are doing what they are supposed to be doing. And that's being wicked. But also as I stated earlier, its the Christians who are to blame. WE have successful blended in with the world. That's not supposed to be the case. WE are suppose to be the light of the world and stand out. When people stand next to us, they are to see our lives as white as snow, and God should be able to convict them.
But when the world looks at the average professing Christian out there, they only see them going to church, then back in the world immediately as soon as they hit those doors. We have allowed ourselves to be so tolerant of the sin around us, we don't even notice it any more. We even have gone so far, as to harass those who are living a good live and telling them to make it they got to dip closer to the world. Heaven forbid! We are commanded, that God hates sin and we are to hate sin too, and have compassion on the sinner. How is America going to realize its doing something wrong, if God's people aren't saying or living like there is something wrong?
II Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
We need to turn away from our sins. We need to make sure that when people see us, they an image of Christ. I know we are not perfect, but we are to hate sin and try to get away from it. We need to let go of the sins that's holding us as slaves, and let America take notice that there is something different about the Children of God. Especially if we want America healed.
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 I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land
This promise was a simple, if you, then I will, statement. If we love America and truly want it to become better once again, then we must follow these conditions for God's promise to fall. If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and, forgive theirs sins, and heal their land.
That's cut and dry. God said he will here us in Heaven, forgive America and heal our land. But we must meet our end of the bargain. Otherwise the result might be like it was in Jeremiahs day.
Lets look at the possible result: Jeremiah 6: 15-16 (15) "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. (16) Thus saith the Lord, Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."
That looks like a close picture of America today. They have no shame in anything they do today. But the Lord has told us to walk in the old ways, walk the old paths and stay within them, then we shall find rest. But that's up to us, weather we walk according to the Bible, or if we can give up in America and continue the path of distruction America is heading for, and taking us with her.
Preacher's note: This message was delivered in several different places and one of my favorite messages, God has allowed me to preach. Unfortunately this message is not as powerful in written form as preached. This is one to look forward to in real audio or some sort media soon.
America today is in trouble. Our country has shifted to a vile immoral country. America today has lost touch with the God of their forefathers and continues to spiral downwardly as a nation. I am doing this out of love and compassion for God's people and the country we live in. This is not to anybody or any group specifically, but a warning to your heart and mine. This verse is a promise God gave us, that he will keep, but there are conditions we must meet in this promise.
If my people.
You know the trouble with America today is not the unsaved. Its the Christians. The Bible tells us the lost people's jobs are to be wicked, and indeed they are wicked. Its the Christians who've allowed things to be this way.
That's who God's speaking to in this verse, is God's people. We have given up our role and many things in the worlds and sat down and flat out compromised with the world, allowing our testimonies and position on this earth to be watered down.
If my people.
We are the ones who didn't stand up for ourselves and allowed prayer and God to be taken out of the schools. We are the ones who have allowed this theory of evolution to be brought into our schools. This is where they teach the kids to doubt the Bible before they are even taught it. They are being taught that they started out as the slime of the earth, but are getting better. hat man developed his own rules and they have deemed it right in their eye's to do as they wish, and they are doing just that.
We have given over the government. You know all those who signed the Declaration of Independence, all but two people who signed it was active in their churches. Now a days we can't even get any of our government officials to get to church, much less listen to a church leader. This idea of separation of church and state, was indeed so there would be no church states, nor state churches. Not that anyone who's a Christian can't serve in government. We just turned over the government to the world, and watch as they usher in evolution in our schools, and support abortion, the killing of innocent babies.
We have turned over our court rooms to the world as well. You know before the civil war, you could not be a lawyer without studying the Bible. The reasoning was who could defend the law, without knowing the law giver? Now look at them. We have allowed them to continue to believe that man makes the laws, and man will defend the laws, and they will determine what is right and what is wrong, not God Almighty.
Psalms 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.
We are part of the problem, but we are also part of the solution, as part of the promise God made to us. We must decide that we are God's people and we will not allow nor tolerate our country's downfall to Satan.
If my people, Which are called by My Name
Many people have forgotten that God called us out. He was searching for us before we was looking for Him. Christians, or so called Christians forget that we are representing Christ and God. When people see us, they are to see ambassadors for Christ. The word Christian means Christ-like.
But as a whole, when the world see's the word Christian, what do they see. Enough for them to scoff at us. You don't know how many times, that I've stated I was a Christian, that people would immediately start questioning me on things that other denominations do.
This comes about because people are not taught correctly in the Bible and properly discipled in it. They don't learn to read the Bible for them selves and hide it in their hearts so they will not go astray. The false teachings come from those who have not read the entire word of God, or have decided to pick and chose what they will or will not believe and this is part of our countries problem today.
Believe the Bible is the totally inspired word of God, and God has preserved it as he promises and that is has remained unchanged, as God has wanted it. But there are so called Christians out their who has declared it was their right to change the word of God, as they see fit. They have changed the meaning and came up with their own empty traditions. And they cling to their traditions and false religion like never before. They refuse to let go of those.
If my people, who are called by my name.
It breaks my heart constantly, that there are so many people who are willing to serve God, but they limit themselves by not reading and learning from the Bible what God wants them to do. There are many people who have the right intentions, but are not prepared, and go out in God's name and bring a bad name to Him, and dishonor them because they don't do it with the Father's help, but instead in their own flesh.
If my people, which are called by my name Shall Humble themselves
America today is a land of self pride, and we have forgotten to praise God. God has given this land, and expected this place we live in to give Him continual praise. We are a land of plenty and abundance, but we never given Him the thanks he so richly deserves. You look beyond our boarders and see the poverty and strive, and listen to us complain because we don't have enough.
We have plenty here, yet we are unsatisfied. Because we have put our treasures in the material things, and not put our treasure in heaven, where they will account to something. The problem with America, is we consider our not a needy people, thus we don't need God. And God hates pride, and until we do away with our pride, God will not heal our land. And that's not the world, who its commanded to humble ourselves in this verse. Its us Christians. We need to humble ourselves, and give God the praise he deserves for this great nation He has provided for us.
Now I know this may come as a surprise to some of you, but yes, Texans do sometimes have a pride problem. One Texas farmer was talking with another farmer from Oklahoma, "How big is your farm?" asked the Texan. "oh its big, "claimed the Sooner, "better then a thousand acres." Not to be outdone, the Texan replied, "Let me tell you what. I can get into my pickup at sunup, head west, and by sundown I'm still on my land." The Oklahoman thought for a moment and smiled. "you know, I had a pickup like that once!" WE all need to be humbled. Boastful pride and a self-sufficient attitude that ignores God will undermine our faith in His Word and thwart His blessing.
Everyone who is a Christian needs to humble themselves and do things God's way, not our way. America as a country, have come to the point of belief that we know more then God, and we can get it done without God. We look at ourselves and out past, and boat, what a good job we did. We didn't need God, we did it ourselves without realizing that God did all of it, and we was just allowed to be present when it did happen.
Reminds me of a story on pride. A frog was wondering how he could get away from the cold winter clime. Some wild geese suggested that he migrate with them. The problem, though, was that the frog couldn't fly. "Just leave it to me, " said the frog, "I've got a splendid brain." He thought about it and then asked two geese to help him by picking up a strong reed, each holding one end. The frog planned to hold on to the reed with his mouth. In due time the geese and the frog started on their journey. Soon they were passing over a small town, and the villagers came out to see the unusual sight. Someone cried out, "who could have come up with such a clever idea?" This made the frog so puffed up with a sense of importance that he exclaimed, "I did it." His pride was his undoing, for the moment he opened his mouth, he lost his hold and fell to his death.
Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Before God will heal our land, we must remember our place in this world, and who's in charge. And it ain't us.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, And pray
Prayer is our biggest tool, God gave us. Its our direct line of communication to God. But we don't us it enough. The Bible says we have not, because we ask not. Pray without a doubt is something everyone can do and it does make a difference. But all of our prayer lives are something to be desired.
But you might be surprised how many people don't know how to pray. What is this prayer. Prayer is talking to God. As Shaun described it, "prayer is us getting our minds and hearts in line with the Will of God, so when it comes to pass, we receive the blessing of it, saying I prayed for that." To often people pray amist, and not for the glory of God.
One morning at the breakfast table a father asked God's blessing on the food as usual. In pious and exalting language he thanked the Lord for all His bountiful provisions. But when he started eating, grumbling about the poor quality of the food and complained about the way it was cooked. His teenager interrupted him. "Dad," she began, "Do you think God heard your prayer?" "Certainly," he replied confidently "And did He also hear you when you complained about the coffee and bacon just now?" she asked. "Why, of course!" he bellowed. "Then which of your statements did God believe?"
When we pray, do we just say some words, or do we actually ask and wait for an answer? In public prayer, are we just trying to impress someone else, or are we trying to talk to God? Do we pray like we believe God can and will answer our request?
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Our country fails around us, but we don't use our biggest tool we have. If we are really concerned for our country, we would be willing to pray for it. I think everyone in here would claim to love America. But As much as we love America, are you concerned to spend one night in prayer for America? Are you saying that you don't love America enough to take that time to humble ourselves and pray to God to heal this land?
When God was going to destroy Sodom Abraham had enough concern for those people to beg God not to.
Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which I am nothing but dust and ashes.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face
Out of all these things God had asked us to do, if we wanted Him to heal our land, this is the one, that Americans are most unwilling to do. Seek God's face? Why? It like a dog chasing a car, what happened when the dog catches the car?
Usually its going to require us doing something for God. My heart is to encourage people to do more for God, but I have learned something. You can not encourage them to do anything, they are not willing to do. Most people are unwilling to do anything for God. And when you seek God, and He answers, its usually go and do something. Because of this, most Americans are unwilling to seek God.
It puzzles me how our country, which boast of its great work ethic, and workaholics reigns supreme, how they are willing to work for themselves and refuse to do anything for God. We'll I would like to and its a noble idea, but I'm too busy. Can't fit God on my schedule. But yet we still want to ask God for things and expect him to do something.
Parents, you might understand this analogy. What would you do and feel like if you told your kids to say, oh, clean up their room. Simple request and not too much to ask. But they soon come up to you and ask for some money. You ask why, and its to go to the mall or the movies. Well is your room clean? I don't have time now, but I'll get to it as soon as I can fit it in my schedule. How do you feel then about giving them money to go out? How far off am I to what we do to God?
This is also the main cause of our country becoming what it is. People not doing what God wants us too. If more people seeked God, when our country was getting rid of prayer in school, would we have gotten rid of it? If more people had sought God how bad would our country be?
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
God said He will heal our land, IF we seek his face. And then he'll let us know what we can do, to help our country. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not asking everyone to become preachers and missionaries. God will call those people out. But God does have something for everyone to do. Everyone can learn how to witness to people. Everyone can find something to do for their church. Everyone can find something to do to life the pastors hands and his burden. Everyone can dive into their Bibles and leaner something. God will direct you in what place He wants you out and He will use you from there. If we love our country, we will seek out God's face, and see what He has for us to do. But that's up to you. If you would rather wait to work, I'm sure persecution will be coming to America soon enough. Would you rather work for God then, under those conditions, or try to prevent that from coming and work now. Seek God's face.
If my people, which are called bu my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways
America as we know it has always been proud of her freedom. And we are discovering a new freedom as of late. And that's the freedom to flaunt ones sins openly. Oh many talk shows do we have now. "What happens when two women love the same man, and that man is ugly, on the Next..." All kinds of filth on our TV and our lives. I know that in my young years, I'm seeing things I thought I would never see. I can't imagine the thoughts of the elder saints here tonight. I'm sure ya'll have definitely seen things in here you never thought we would come to.
And it goes full circle.
People have decided they have the right to determine what is right and what is wrong. So we have people choosing to kill their babies. We have people who are openly coming our with their lifestyles, and flaunting their evil ways. We had a president who was suppose to be the leader in who to run a home in our country, commit adultery and our country didn't do anything about it but make a joke. You think he turned away from his actions...no.
But as I said earlier, the wicked are doing what they are supposed to be doing. And that's being wicked. But also as I stated earlier, its the Christians who are to blame. WE have successful blended in with the world. That's not supposed to be the case. WE are suppose to be the light of the world and stand out. When people stand next to us, they are to see our lives as white as snow, and God should be able to convict them.
But when the world looks at the average professing Christian out there, they only see them going to church, then back in the world immediately as soon as they hit those doors. We have allowed ourselves to be so tolerant of the sin around us, we don't even notice it any more. We even have gone so far, as to harass those who are living a good live and telling them to make it they got to dip closer to the world. Heaven forbid! We are commanded, that God hates sin and we are to hate sin too, and have compassion on the sinner. How is America going to realize its doing something wrong, if God's people aren't saying or living like there is something wrong?
II Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
We need to turn away from our sins. We need to make sure that when people see us, they an image of Christ. I know we are not perfect, but we are to hate sin and try to get away from it. We need to let go of the sins that's holding us as slaves, and let America take notice that there is something different about the Children of God. Especially if we want America healed.
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 I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land
This promise was a simple, if you, then I will, statement. If we love America and truly want it to become better once again, then we must follow these conditions for God's promise to fall. If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and, forgive theirs sins, and heal their land.
That's cut and dry. God said he will here us in Heaven, forgive America and heal our land. But we must meet our end of the bargain. Otherwise the result might be like it was in Jeremiahs day.
Lets look at the possible result: Jeremiah 6: 15-16 (15) "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. (16) Thus saith the Lord, Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."
That looks like a close picture of America today. They have no shame in anything they do today. But the Lord has told us to walk in the old ways, walk the old paths and stay within them, then we shall find rest. But that's up to us, weather we walk according to the Bible, or if we can give up in America and continue the path of distruction America is heading for, and taking us with her.
Preacher's note: This message was delivered in several different places and one of my favorite messages, God has allowed me to preach. Unfortunately this message is not as powerful in written form as preached. This is one to look forward to in real audio or some sort media soon.
A True Patriot
In 1961, a young African-American man, after hearing President John F. Kennedy's challenge to, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," gave up his student deferment, left college in Virginia and voluntarily joined the Marines.
In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. (They provide medical assistance to the Marines as well as to Navy personnel.)
The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy's premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief's medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated.
While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President Dick Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections.
Who is the real patriot? The young man who interrupted his studies to serve his country for six years or our three political leaders who beat the system? Are the patriots the people who actually sacrifice something or those who merely talk about their love of the country?
After leaving the service of his country, the young African-American finished his final year of college, entered the seminary, was ordained as a minister, and eventually became pastor of a large church in one of America's biggest cities.
This man is Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the retiring pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, who has been in the news for comments he made over the last three decades.
Since these comments became public we have heard criticisms, condemnations, denouncements and rejections of his comments and him. We've seen on television, in a seemingly endless loop, sound bites of a select few of Rev. Wright's many sermons. Some of the Wright's comments are inexcusable and inappropriate and should be condemned, but in calling This him "unpatriotic," let us not forget that this is a man who gave up six of the most productive years of his life to serve his country.
How many of Wright's detractors, Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly to name but a few, volunteered for service, and did so under the often tumultuous circumstances of a newly integrated armed forces and a society in the midst of a civil rights struggle? Not many. While words do count, so do actions. Let us not forget that, for whatever Rev. Wright may have said over the last 30 years, he has demonstrated his patriotism.
Lawrence Korb and Ian Moss are, respectively, Navy and Marine Corps veterans. They work at The Center For American Progress. Korb served as assistant secretary of Defense in the Reagan administration.
This piece ran in the Chicago Tribune on April 3, 2008.
Thank you Brothers Lawrence Korb and Ian Moss for sharing the truth with us all!
In 1963, this man, having completed his two years of service in the Marines, volunteered again to become a Navy corpsman. (They provide medical assistance to the Marines as well as to Navy personnel.)
The man did so well in corpsman school that he was the valedictorian and became a cardiopulmonary technician. Not surprisingly, he was assigned to the Navy's premier medical facility, Bethesda Naval Hospital, as a member of the commander in chief's medical team, and helped care for President Lyndon B. Johnson after his 1966 surgery. For his service on the team, which he left in 1967, the White House awarded him three letters of commendation. What is even more remarkable is that this man entered the Marines and Navy not many years after the two branches began to become integrated.
While this young man was serving six years on active duty, Vice President Dick Cheney, who was born the same year as the Marine/sailor, received five deferments, four for being an undergraduate and graduate student and one for being a prospective father. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both five years younger than the African-American youth, used their student deferments to stay in college until 1968. Both then avoided going on active duty through family connections.
Who is the real patriot? The young man who interrupted his studies to serve his country for six years or our three political leaders who beat the system? Are the patriots the people who actually sacrifice something or those who merely talk about their love of the country?
After leaving the service of his country, the young African-American finished his final year of college, entered the seminary, was ordained as a minister, and eventually became pastor of a large church in one of America's biggest cities.
This man is Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the retiring pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, who has been in the news for comments he made over the last three decades.
Since these comments became public we have heard criticisms, condemnations, denouncements and rejections of his comments and him. We've seen on television, in a seemingly endless loop, sound bites of a select few of Rev. Wright's many sermons. Some of the Wright's comments are inexcusable and inappropriate and should be condemned, but in calling This him "unpatriotic," let us not forget that this is a man who gave up six of the most productive years of his life to serve his country.
How many of Wright's detractors, Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly to name but a few, volunteered for service, and did so under the often tumultuous circumstances of a newly integrated armed forces and a society in the midst of a civil rights struggle? Not many. While words do count, so do actions. Let us not forget that, for whatever Rev. Wright may have said over the last 30 years, he has demonstrated his patriotism.
Lawrence Korb and Ian Moss are, respectively, Navy and Marine Corps veterans. They work at The Center For American Progress. Korb served as assistant secretary of Defense in the Reagan administration.
This piece ran in the Chicago Tribune on April 3, 2008.
Thank you Brothers Lawrence Korb and Ian Moss for sharing the truth with us all!
Friday, January 25, 2008
The KKK Disbands: Leaves Their Job To Black Folk
The KKK leader stepped to the podium, his hood lowered around his shoulders and a look of disgust on his face. He said, "Sorry guys but this will be our last meeting; we're going out of business."
A member stood up in back. "But why sir?"
The leader sighed, "Well, reverend, the Blacks are doing a better job getting rid of themselves than we ever did, so we are no longer needed."
There were rumblings and protest. The leader raised his hand to silence the Klan members, and said, "Their rap music says more vile things about Black women than we ever thought of."
The members grudgingly nodded in approval. The Imperial Dragon continued: "And their women write books and make songs that demean black men better than my two speech writers ever could, looking down at two men seated in front who lowered their heads.
"They shoot each other constantly ", he continued;" And as a group, they spend a huge amounts of money on cars, liquor, that stuff they call bling bling, and the proliferation of rap music -- as they talk about all that in their magazines -- and nobody needs us to talk about how a lot of their sorry butts keep playing the race and victim cards while complaining that other groups are surpassing them in economic development and supposedly getting more attention in schools. Hell, they even support a so-called "Black Hair" DVD that a white man is making money on , in four sequels at $20.00 a pop, talking about how Koreans have taken over the "black hair" industry without acknowledging that Black entrepreneurs had 100 years to get a monopoly or entrenchment in the industry that Madam C.J Walker founded 100 years ago, but got out-hustled and out-strategized while spending investment capital elsewhere. Let's face it, they're being hoisted by their own people."
Some members went looking for dictionaries, while most members nodded as it hit them that their job was finished; that Blacks had become their own worst enemy.
The leader shook his head. "It's time to go back to our regular lives as policemen, judges and congressmen, and leave the business of getting rid of Blacks to Blacks. They are just better at it than us."
He then threw his hood on the ground and walked off the stage. Thus ended the last KKK meeting.
There is a message here. I truly hope you are able fathom it and take something away from it. WE ARE OUR OWN WORST ENEMY!
A member stood up in back. "But why sir?"
The leader sighed, "Well, reverend, the Blacks are doing a better job getting rid of themselves than we ever did, so we are no longer needed."
There were rumblings and protest. The leader raised his hand to silence the Klan members, and said, "Their rap music says more vile things about Black women than we ever thought of."
The members grudgingly nodded in approval. The Imperial Dragon continued: "And their women write books and make songs that demean black men better than my two speech writers ever could, looking down at two men seated in front who lowered their heads.
"They shoot each other constantly ", he continued;" And as a group, they spend a huge amounts of money on cars, liquor, that stuff they call bling bling, and the proliferation of rap music -- as they talk about all that in their magazines -- and nobody needs us to talk about how a lot of their sorry butts keep playing the race and victim cards while complaining that other groups are surpassing them in economic development and supposedly getting more attention in schools. Hell, they even support a so-called "Black Hair" DVD that a white man is making money on , in four sequels at $20.00 a pop, talking about how Koreans have taken over the "black hair" industry without acknowledging that Black entrepreneurs had 100 years to get a monopoly or entrenchment in the industry that Madam C.J Walker founded 100 years ago, but got out-hustled and out-strategized while spending investment capital elsewhere. Let's face it, they're being hoisted by their own people."
Some members went looking for dictionaries, while most members nodded as it hit them that their job was finished; that Blacks had become their own worst enemy.
The leader shook his head. "It's time to go back to our regular lives as policemen, judges and congressmen, and leave the business of getting rid of Blacks to Blacks. They are just better at it than us."
He then threw his hood on the ground and walked off the stage. Thus ended the last KKK meeting.
There is a message here. I truly hope you are able fathom it and take something away from it. WE ARE OUR OWN WORST ENEMY!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Keep The Dream Alive!
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on Tuesday, January 15, 1929 at the family home, 501 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia. King, Jr. was the first son and second child born to the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King. Also born to the Kings were Christine, now Mrs. Isaac Farris, Sr., and the Reverend Alfred Daniel Williams King.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s maternal grandparents were the Reverend Adam Daniel Williams, second pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Jenny Parks Williams. Employed as sharecroppers on a farm in Stockbridge, Georgia his paternal grandparents were James Albert and Delia King.
He married Coretta Scott, on June 18, 1953 on the lawn of the Scott’s (Coretta's parents) home in Marion, Alabama. The Rev. King, Sr. performed the service, with Mrs. Edythe Bagley, the sister of Coretta Scott King as maid of honor, and the Rev. A.D. King, the brother of Martin Luther King, Jr., as best man.
Of the marriage four children were born, Yolanda Denise (November 17, 1955, Montgomery, Alabama), Martin Luther III (October 23, 1957, Montgomery, Alabama), Dexter Scott (January 30, 1961, Atlanta, Georgia), and Bernice Albertine (March 28, 1963, Atlanta, Georgia).
Education:
King began school at the age of 6 at Yonge Street Elementary School in Atlanta. Following Yonge School, he was enrolled in David T. Howard Elementary School, Atlanta University Laboratory School, and then attended Booker T. Washington High School. King had such high scores on the college entrance examinations in his junior year of high school that he was advanced to Morehouse College without a formal graduation from Booker T. Washington. Having skipped both the ninth and twelfth grades, Dr. King entered Morehouse at the age of fifteen.
In 1948, he graduated from Morehouse College with a B.A. degree in Sociology. That fall he enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania. While attending Crozer, he also studied at the University of Pennsylvania. He was elected President of the Senior Class and delivered the valedictory address. He won the Peral Plafkner Award as the most outstanding student, and he received the J. Lewis Crozer Fellowship for graduate study at a university of his choice. He was awarded a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer in 1951.
In September of 1951, Martin Luther King, Jr. began doctoral studies in Systematic Theology at Boston University. He also studied at Harvard University. His dissertation, “A Comparison of the Conceptions of God in the Thinking of Paul Tillich and Henry Nelson Wieman,” was completed in 1955, and the Ph.D. degree was awarded on June 5, 1955.
Honorary Degrees
Dr. King was awarded honorary degrees from various colleges and universities in the United States and several foreign countries. They include:
Doctor of Humane Letters, Morehouse College
Doctor of Laws, Howard University
Doctor of Divinity, Chicago Theological Seminary
Doctor of Laws, Morgan State University
Doctor of Humanities, Central State University
Doctor of Divinity, Boston University
Doctor of Laws, Lincoln University
Doctor of Laws, University of Bridgeport
Doctor of Civil Laws, Bard College
Doctor of Letters, Keuka College
Doctor of Divinity, Wesleyan College
Doctor of Laws, Jewish Theological Seminary
Doctor of Laws, Yale University
Doctor of Divinity, Springfield College
Doctor of Laws, Hofstra University
Doctor of Humane Letters, Oberlin College
Doctor of Social Science, Amsterdam Free University
Doctor of Divinity, St. Peter’s College
Doctor of Civil Law, University of New Castle, Upon Tyne
Doctor of Laws, Grinnell College
Career:
Martin Luther King, Jr. entered the Christian ministry and was ordained in February 1948 at the age of nineteen at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia. Following his ordination, he became Assistant Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. After completing his studies at Boston University, he accepted the call of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He was the pastor of Dexter Avenue from September 1954 - November 1959, when he resigned to move to Atlanta to direct the activities of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. From 1960 until his death in 1968, he was co-pastor with his father at Ebenezer Baptist Church and went on to being a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
His Death:
On the evening of April 4, 1968, Dr. King was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King was in Memphis to help lead sanitation workers in a protest against low wages and intolerable working conditions. James Earl Ray was arrested in London, England on June 8, 1968, and on March 9, 1969, before coming to trial, he entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to ninety-nine years in the Tennessee State Penitentiary.
His Speeches:
Dr. King’s speech at the March on Washington in 1963, his acceptance speech of the Nobel Peace Prize, and his final sermon in Memphis are among his most famous Speeches:
(From the speech “March on Washington”)
“I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed; ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day, even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.”
“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today I have a dream that one day down in Alabama with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with the little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today.”
“This hope is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the south with. And with this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”
“...And so let freedom ring, from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that. Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and mole hill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring¼And when we allow freedom to ring – when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last.”
(From the Acceptance Speech, The Nobel Peace Prize, 1964)
“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept the idea that the ‘isness’ of man’s present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal ‘oughtness’ that forever confronts him. I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life unable to influence the unfolding of events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.”
“I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of a thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final world in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger that evil triumphant.”
(From the sermon “I’ve Been To the Mountaintop,” April 3, 1968)
“...That’s the question before you tonight. Not, ‘If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to my job?’ ‘Not, if I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office everyday and every week as a pastor?’ The question is not, ‘If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?’ The question is, ‘If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?’ That’s the question.”
“Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation. And I want to thank God once more for allowing me to be here with you.”
“...And they were telling me, now it doesn’t matter now. It really doesn’t matter what happens now. I left Atlanta this morning, and as we got started on the plane, there were six of us, the pilot said over the public address system. ‘We are sorry for the delay, but we have Dr. Martin Luther King on the plane. And to be sure that all of the bags were checked, and to be sure that nothing would be wrong on the plane, we had to check out everything carefully. And we’ve had the plane protected and guarded all night.”
“And then I got into Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers?”
“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop and I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will, and He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Women of God
Stand up!
Stand up and speak!
Speak out!
Tell the world of My love.
Tell them of My salvation.
Daughters of the Lord
Give words of encouragement.
Give them to your children.
Give them to your parents.
Give them to your spouses.
Give them to your friends.
Give them to strangers.
Give from deep down in your heart
Study, My daughters,
Study and learn.
Immerse yourselves in My Word.
Imprint My word on your heart.
Then speak, speak My Word.
Speak it to those you love
And speak it to your enemy.
Tell them of My forgiveness.
Tell them of my promises.
Tell them of life eternal.
Tell them! Tell them!
Then receive from My hand
Rewards for your righteousness,
And rewards for your obedience.
You are My precious daughters.
You are My arms reaching out.
You are loved beyond measure.
You are the vessels through which
My Word is to be birthed.
So stand up women of God
And speak out!
Thank you sister Ann Martin, for such lovely words of encouragement for my sisters in Christ.
Stand up and speak!
Speak out!
Tell the world of My love.
Tell them of My salvation.
Daughters of the Lord
Give words of encouragement.
Give them to your children.
Give them to your parents.
Give them to your spouses.
Give them to your friends.
Give them to strangers.
Give from deep down in your heart
Study, My daughters,
Study and learn.
Immerse yourselves in My Word.
Imprint My word on your heart.
Then speak, speak My Word.
Speak it to those you love
And speak it to your enemy.
Tell them of My forgiveness.
Tell them of my promises.
Tell them of life eternal.
Tell them! Tell them!
Then receive from My hand
Rewards for your righteousness,
And rewards for your obedience.
You are My precious daughters.
You are My arms reaching out.
You are loved beyond measure.
You are the vessels through which
My Word is to be birthed.
So stand up women of God
And speak out!
Thank you sister Ann Martin, for such lovely words of encouragement for my sisters in Christ.
Blessing a Child
One of the most important, but yet the most neglected way to influence positive change in the life of a child is to speak blessings over the child.
To bless means to speak good rather than evil, to encourage rather than discourage, to project success rather than failure, to give faith rather than doubt, to instill boldness rather than fear, to impart hope rather than distress, and to share love rather than neglect.
Here is a brief outline for blessing a child.
1. prayerfully discern the natural and spiritual gifts of the child.
2. prayerfully look at the child's potential by the grace of God and though faith.
3. formulate the blessing in a written form.
4. place your hands upon the head of the child.
5. speak the blessing over the child and repeat it periodically for reinforcement.
Blessing a child both encourages and gives a child a strong sense of direction. Since God works through the established authority of parents, God will also work in the life of the child toward fulfilling the blessings that the parents speak over the child.
Speaking blessings over a child is like prophesying over the child ( Ezekiel 37:4 for an example of speaking a prophesy). Let us look at how Isaac blesses Jacob (Genesis 27:28-29). Isaac blessed Jacob by saying that God would give him the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine. Jacob was to let people serve him and nations honor him. Even his brothers were to honor him. Isaac also placed a curse upon those who would curse Jacob and a blessing on those who would bless him.
In Genesis 27:38-40 we see that from Esau's reaction just how significant a father's blessing is. We should understand that the custom was that the elder son was to receive the greater blessing; however, Jacob had deceived his father into blessing him as the elder son. In Genesis 48:14-20 we get a picture of how Jacob (Israel) blessed the sons of Joseph by placing his hands upon their heads. Then in Genesis 49:22-28 we see Jacob also blessing Joseph.
In the New Testament in Luke 2:34, we see Simeon, an aged saint, blessing both Mary and Jesus. "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against" (Luke 2:34).
To bless means to speak good rather than evil, to encourage rather than discourage, to project success rather than failure, to give faith rather than doubt, to instill boldness rather than fear, to impart hope rather than distress, and to share love rather than neglect.
Here is a brief outline for blessing a child.
1. prayerfully discern the natural and spiritual gifts of the child.
2. prayerfully look at the child's potential by the grace of God and though faith.
3. formulate the blessing in a written form.
4. place your hands upon the head of the child.
5. speak the blessing over the child and repeat it periodically for reinforcement.
Blessing a child both encourages and gives a child a strong sense of direction. Since God works through the established authority of parents, God will also work in the life of the child toward fulfilling the blessings that the parents speak over the child.
Speaking blessings over a child is like prophesying over the child ( Ezekiel 37:4 for an example of speaking a prophesy). Let us look at how Isaac blesses Jacob (Genesis 27:28-29). Isaac blessed Jacob by saying that God would give him the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine. Jacob was to let people serve him and nations honor him. Even his brothers were to honor him. Isaac also placed a curse upon those who would curse Jacob and a blessing on those who would bless him.
In Genesis 27:38-40 we see that from Esau's reaction just how significant a father's blessing is. We should understand that the custom was that the elder son was to receive the greater blessing; however, Jacob had deceived his father into blessing him as the elder son. In Genesis 48:14-20 we get a picture of how Jacob (Israel) blessed the sons of Joseph by placing his hands upon their heads. Then in Genesis 49:22-28 we see Jacob also blessing Joseph.
In the New Testament in Luke 2:34, we see Simeon, an aged saint, blessing both Mary and Jesus. "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against" (Luke 2:34).
Christmas Then and Now
And the angel said unto them, fear not: For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! Luke 2:10-11
For a child growing up in New York City, Christmas was like a dream land. What a time it was! It was beautiful - the lights, the snow, the cold weather, the people, the festivities and let's not forget the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, the Macy's Parade, and of course all the food you can eat! But the memory that sticks in my mind most was that great big train track built around a city on display in Macy's on the 7th floor! I can see it now. Somehow it seemed like people knew more about the meaning of Christmas back then.
So much has changed since then, mostly in how we celebrate Christmas, not necessarily that we do celebrate Christmas. Getting toys was never my main focus even then, it was friends and family, and they made sure I knew the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Today our kids do not know the true meaning of Christmas. Keep quiet, someone may hear you say the word 'Christmas'.
People are compromising more now than ever about Christmas for fear of offending someone. What happened? I cannot understand why we are not on the same page with this. Through the years Christmas has become more and more commercial, a religious debate, a corporate business decision. It has become just another day.
Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, period. Yes, all of the other things are great— family, friends, lights, trees, toys, etc, but in my heart it is all about Jesus Christ.
Will you compromise or will you share with your children the true meaning of Christmas? Put in your heart that no matter what is around you or who you may offend, we must realize that on that day, the Savior, Jesus Christ was born.
A belated Merry Christmas to you all from my family to yours!
For a child growing up in New York City, Christmas was like a dream land. What a time it was! It was beautiful - the lights, the snow, the cold weather, the people, the festivities and let's not forget the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, the Macy's Parade, and of course all the food you can eat! But the memory that sticks in my mind most was that great big train track built around a city on display in Macy's on the 7th floor! I can see it now. Somehow it seemed like people knew more about the meaning of Christmas back then.
So much has changed since then, mostly in how we celebrate Christmas, not necessarily that we do celebrate Christmas. Getting toys was never my main focus even then, it was friends and family, and they made sure I knew the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Today our kids do not know the true meaning of Christmas. Keep quiet, someone may hear you say the word 'Christmas'.
People are compromising more now than ever about Christmas for fear of offending someone. What happened? I cannot understand why we are not on the same page with this. Through the years Christmas has become more and more commercial, a religious debate, a corporate business decision. It has become just another day.
Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, period. Yes, all of the other things are great— family, friends, lights, trees, toys, etc, but in my heart it is all about Jesus Christ.
Will you compromise or will you share with your children the true meaning of Christmas? Put in your heart that no matter what is around you or who you may offend, we must realize that on that day, the Savior, Jesus Christ was born.
A belated Merry Christmas to you all from my family to yours!
CHRISTMAS IS ETERNAL FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY
Luke 2:11 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)
Christmas is the day that marks your deliverance from eternal slavery. After reading many translations of Luke 2:10-11, I wasn’t satisfied. So I wrote my own (smile) based on the literal Greek meaning of the words, and in a today language that I could understand.
If you would, allow me to share with you Luke 2:10-11 from the "The Elder Dre Living Letters" edition: The angel said, in Butler speech: Don’t be scured (southern alteration of the word scared). I was told to bring you news that is the bomb (Something or someone that is really cool).
Today in the city of David, the Deliverer, the Preserver, the Messiah is born to release you from your shackles of slavery. And guess who He is. It’s our Master, Owner, Creator, and the One who has supreme authority, who is the anointed One. His name is Jesus. I know I’m not a theologian, but I just had to see it in a today language.
Jesus is the one that is empowered enough, and the one who loves us so much, He’s willing to deliver us from the bondage of slavery. See, the word redeem means to buy back out of slavery. You’ve seen the affects of slavery in Africa. People were kidnapped from their homes, chained, beaten, put on ships to cross the ocean. Many died, and many were murdered as they were thrown overboard to the sharks to lighten the weight of the ship. It did not only happen to the Africans, but there has been slavery in every race of mankind. But I’m here to tell you that all of the suffering that those people went through does not compare to eternal suffering in Hell. At least their suffering on earth would end when they died. But suffering does not end in Hell. There is no refuge, no comfort, no place of rest and peace. This is the slavery state for which God had to send a deliverer to release us. It is slavery that is eternal.
But Jesus came that Christmas morning to set you free. If you receive Him then you can walk through the open door of salvation. Jesus, the only one who was qualified to do it, kicked open the slave door of sin, and said to you, "Come on, walk out with me." And I’m glad He did. We ought to thank God on Christmas morning, for it marks the day that we were freed from eternal slavery.
Scripture reference: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 4:9-10; Matthew 28:18
A belated Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Christmas is the day that marks your deliverance from eternal slavery. After reading many translations of Luke 2:10-11, I wasn’t satisfied. So I wrote my own (smile) based on the literal Greek meaning of the words, and in a today language that I could understand.
If you would, allow me to share with you Luke 2:10-11 from the "The Elder Dre Living Letters" edition: The angel said, in Butler speech: Don’t be scured (southern alteration of the word scared). I was told to bring you news that is the bomb (Something or someone that is really cool).
Today in the city of David, the Deliverer, the Preserver, the Messiah is born to release you from your shackles of slavery. And guess who He is. It’s our Master, Owner, Creator, and the One who has supreme authority, who is the anointed One. His name is Jesus. I know I’m not a theologian, but I just had to see it in a today language.
Jesus is the one that is empowered enough, and the one who loves us so much, He’s willing to deliver us from the bondage of slavery. See, the word redeem means to buy back out of slavery. You’ve seen the affects of slavery in Africa. People were kidnapped from their homes, chained, beaten, put on ships to cross the ocean. Many died, and many were murdered as they were thrown overboard to the sharks to lighten the weight of the ship. It did not only happen to the Africans, but there has been slavery in every race of mankind. But I’m here to tell you that all of the suffering that those people went through does not compare to eternal suffering in Hell. At least their suffering on earth would end when they died. But suffering does not end in Hell. There is no refuge, no comfort, no place of rest and peace. This is the slavery state for which God had to send a deliverer to release us. It is slavery that is eternal.
But Jesus came that Christmas morning to set you free. If you receive Him then you can walk through the open door of salvation. Jesus, the only one who was qualified to do it, kicked open the slave door of sin, and said to you, "Come on, walk out with me." And I’m glad He did. We ought to thank God on Christmas morning, for it marks the day that we were freed from eternal slavery.
Scripture reference: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 4:9-10; Matthew 28:18
A belated Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Friday, December 14, 2007
The 12 Steps For Christians
Step 1. ADMISSION
We admitted that we are powerless over sin2 - that our lives had become unmanageable.
Step 2. BELIEF
We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to wholeness.
Step 3. SUBMISSION
We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God, as we understood Him.
Step 4. MORAL INVENTORY
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 5. CONFESSION
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Step 6. We became entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7. PRAYER
We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
Step 8. PERSONAL INVENTORY
We made a list of all the people we had hurt, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Step 9. AMENDS.
We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.
Step 10. PERSONAL GROWTH
We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted our mistakes when we were wrong.
Step 11. SPIRITUAL GROWTH
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will and the strength to carry it out.
Step 12. SERVICE TO OTHERS
Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Thanks Dr. Gerald May
We admitted that we are powerless over sin2 - that our lives had become unmanageable.
Step 2. BELIEF
We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to wholeness.
Step 3. SUBMISSION
We made a decision to turn our life and will over to the care of God, as we understood Him.
Step 4. MORAL INVENTORY
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 5. CONFESSION
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Step 6. We became entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7. PRAYER
We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
Step 8. PERSONAL INVENTORY
We made a list of all the people we had hurt, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Step 9. AMENDS.
We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when doing so would injure them or others.
Step 10. PERSONAL GROWTH
We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted our mistakes when we were wrong.
Step 11. SPIRITUAL GROWTH
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will and the strength to carry it out.
Step 12. SERVICE TO OTHERS
Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Thanks Dr. Gerald May
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
50 Reasons Why Christ Suffered and Died:
1 To Absorb the Wrath of God
2 To Please His Heavenly Father
3 To Learn Obedience and Be Perfected
4 To Achieve His Own Resurrection from the Dead
5 To Show the Wealth of God’s Love and Grace for Sinners
6 To Show His Own Love for U
7 To Cancel the Legal Demands of the Law Against Us
8 To Become a Ransom for Many
9 For the Forgiveness of Our Sins
10 To Provide the Basis for Our Justification
11 To Complete the Obedience That Becomes Our Righteousness
12 To Take Away Our Condemnation
13 To Abolish Circumcision and All Rituals as the Basis of Salvation
14 To Bring Us to Faith and Keep Us Faithful
15 To Make Us Holy, Blameless, and Perfect
16 To Give Us a Clear Conscience
17 To Obtain for Us All Things That Are Good for Us
18 To Heal Us from Moral and Physical Sickness
19 To Give Eternal Life to All Who Believe on Him
20 To Deliver Us from the Present Evil Age
21 To Reconcile Us to God
22 To Bring Us to God
23 So That We Might Belong to Him
24 To Give Us Confident Access to the Holiest Place
25 To Become for Us the Place Where We Meet God
26 To Bring the Old Testament Priesthood to an End and Become the Eternal High Priest
27 To Become a Sympathetic and Helpful Priest
28 To Free Us from the Futility of Our Ancestry
29 To Free Us from the Slavery of Sin
30 That We Might Die to Sin and Live to Righteousness
31 So That We Would Die to the Law and Bear Fruit for God
32 To Enable Us to Live for Christ and Not Ourselves
33 To Make His Cross the Ground of All Our Boasting
34 To Enable Us to Live by Faith in Him
35 To Give Marriage Its Deepest Meaning
36 To Create a People Passionate for Good Works
37 To Call Us to Follow His Example of Lowliness and Costly Love
38 To Create a Band of Crucified Followers
39 To Free Us from Bondage to the Fear of Death
40 So That We Would Be with Him Immediately After Death
41 To Secure Our Resurrection from the Dead
42 To Disarm the Rulers and Authorities
43 To Unleash the Power of God in the Gospel
44 To Destroy the Hostility Between Races
45 To Ransom People from Every Tribe and Language and People and Nation
46 To Gather All His Sheep from Around the World
47 To Rescue Us from Final Judgment
48 To Gain His Joy and Ours
49 So That He Would Be Crowned with Glory and Honor
50 To Show That the Worst Evil Is Meant by God for Good
2 To Please His Heavenly Father
3 To Learn Obedience and Be Perfected
4 To Achieve His Own Resurrection from the Dead
5 To Show the Wealth of God’s Love and Grace for Sinners
6 To Show His Own Love for U
7 To Cancel the Legal Demands of the Law Against Us
8 To Become a Ransom for Many
9 For the Forgiveness of Our Sins
10 To Provide the Basis for Our Justification
11 To Complete the Obedience That Becomes Our Righteousness
12 To Take Away Our Condemnation
13 To Abolish Circumcision and All Rituals as the Basis of Salvation
14 To Bring Us to Faith and Keep Us Faithful
15 To Make Us Holy, Blameless, and Perfect
16 To Give Us a Clear Conscience
17 To Obtain for Us All Things That Are Good for Us
18 To Heal Us from Moral and Physical Sickness
19 To Give Eternal Life to All Who Believe on Him
20 To Deliver Us from the Present Evil Age
21 To Reconcile Us to God
22 To Bring Us to God
23 So That We Might Belong to Him
24 To Give Us Confident Access to the Holiest Place
25 To Become for Us the Place Where We Meet God
26 To Bring the Old Testament Priesthood to an End and Become the Eternal High Priest
27 To Become a Sympathetic and Helpful Priest
28 To Free Us from the Futility of Our Ancestry
29 To Free Us from the Slavery of Sin
30 That We Might Die to Sin and Live to Righteousness
31 So That We Would Die to the Law and Bear Fruit for God
32 To Enable Us to Live for Christ and Not Ourselves
33 To Make His Cross the Ground of All Our Boasting
34 To Enable Us to Live by Faith in Him
35 To Give Marriage Its Deepest Meaning
36 To Create a People Passionate for Good Works
37 To Call Us to Follow His Example of Lowliness and Costly Love
38 To Create a Band of Crucified Followers
39 To Free Us from Bondage to the Fear of Death
40 So That We Would Be with Him Immediately After Death
41 To Secure Our Resurrection from the Dead
42 To Disarm the Rulers and Authorities
43 To Unleash the Power of God in the Gospel
44 To Destroy the Hostility Between Races
45 To Ransom People from Every Tribe and Language and People and Nation
46 To Gather All His Sheep from Around the World
47 To Rescue Us from Final Judgment
48 To Gain His Joy and Ours
49 So That He Would Be Crowned with Glory and Honor
50 To Show That the Worst Evil Is Meant by God for Good
You can choose…
To accept Christ as the true Son of God who died for you on the Cross.
To accept Christ into your heart and life rather than just thinking about Him.
To ask questions and seek answers.
To ask questions rather than keep silent.
To be honest rather than dishonest.
To believe rather than doubt.
To bring cheer into the gloom rather than letting the gloom take away the cheer.
To care for others rather than cold and insolent.
To carry a light carrier in the darkness rather than groping and hurting with others.
To carry others burdens rather than pile your burdens on to them.
To confess your sins before God rather than carrying guilt.
To free your conscience through confession rather than letting your conscience burn and imprison you.
To console others in times of grief.
To choose contentment over turmoil.
To be contrite rather than shrugging your shoulders because you do not care.
To control your life rather than letting "whatever" operate in chaos over you.
To live a life of self-control rather than letting life control you.
To live in conviction rather than letting everything slide.
To have courage by acting in spite of your fear rather than letting fear control you.
To dedicate your life to something rather than hoping something will draft you into an activity you like.
To deliver as much of the goods as you can for others instead of staying at home waiting for someone to deliver the goods to you.
To develop your character and do the right thing rather than ignoring your character and doing the wrong thing.
To give beauty rather than ugliness.
To give blessings and be a blessing rather than give curses and be a curse.
To give compassion when someone is hurting rather than doing nothing.
To visit the widow for a few minutes.
To hear and comfort the weeping.
To help rather than hurt.
To honor and cherish the important persons in your life.
To hunger for the things of God rather than the things of darkness.
To invite the Holy Spirit to become real in your life or ignore this love.
To live a holy life rather than a secular life.
To live as a child of God rather than as an orphan who has been abandoned.
To live in humility rather than living with ego and pride
To live with hope by seeing over the horizons.
To meditate upon the things of God rather than thinking about the things of darkness.
To live in meekness rather than living so others will notice you.
To bestow mercy and forgiveness on those who hurt you rather than trying to get even.
To develop your mind rather than letting your mind waste away.
To minister to others who are in pain rather than believing someone else will help them.
To pray for miracles and be present to assist in their delivery.
To live a moral life rather than living an immoral life.
To see each morning as an opportunity to produce for God rather than a burden to bear for God.
To lay your sorrows of mourning at the foot of the Cross.
To be mystified by the mysteries of God and life.
To mold your character to be decisive for God rather than indecisive.
To put your energy to use rather than letting it evaporate.
To rise up in controlled anger at injustice rather than looking the other way.
To seek answers instead of avoiding them.
To take action when you face anxiety rather than shrink back.
To ask questions rather than keep silent.
To give beauty rather than ugliness.
To give blessings and be a blessing rather than give curses and be a curse.
To share the Bread of Life rather than trying to hoard it and keep it all to yourself.
To care about others rather than caring about only yourself.
To read His word rather than watch TV.
To search for wisdom rather than living in ignorance.
To see how all things are continually made new even when it appears all things grow old and are about to die.
To live in obedience to God's commandments rather than disregarding them.
To live as a child of God rather than as an orphan who has been abandoned.
To live as a person who has been truly rescued from the depths.
To see that pain is a weapon of Satan and the darkness.
To live in peace with your brothers and sisters rather than wanting to make war against them.
To understand that persecution comes to all who love the Lord.
To reach out to the poor.
To understand that poverty of the spirit is a choice for all persons.
To seize the real power that is the love of God rather than letting that power slip through your fingers.
To share the Bread of Life rather than trying to hoard it and keep it all to yourself.
To turn dependence into an opportunity to warn others.
To turn dependence into a victory against more dependence.
To turn dependence into a war for independence.
To turn a time of depression into a time of counting your blessings.
To turn a time of depression into a time of reaching out to others and producing goofiness.
To turn a time of depression into a time of creative outlet rather than a time of disabled hell.
To devote your time rather than letting your time slip away.
To disobey the conventional wisdom that keeps you down and obey the Love of God which propels you upward.
To be devout in your beliefs rather than throwing them in the trash.
To be as difficult with the difficulties as the difficulties are difficult with you.
To use the Holy Bible as a source of God’s truth and wisdom.
To accept Christ into your heart and life rather than just thinking about Him.
To ask questions and seek answers.
To ask questions rather than keep silent.
To be honest rather than dishonest.
To believe rather than doubt.
To bring cheer into the gloom rather than letting the gloom take away the cheer.
To care for others rather than cold and insolent.
To carry a light carrier in the darkness rather than groping and hurting with others.
To carry others burdens rather than pile your burdens on to them.
To confess your sins before God rather than carrying guilt.
To free your conscience through confession rather than letting your conscience burn and imprison you.
To console others in times of grief.
To choose contentment over turmoil.
To be contrite rather than shrugging your shoulders because you do not care.
To control your life rather than letting "whatever" operate in chaos over you.
To live a life of self-control rather than letting life control you.
To live in conviction rather than letting everything slide.
To have courage by acting in spite of your fear rather than letting fear control you.
To dedicate your life to something rather than hoping something will draft you into an activity you like.
To deliver as much of the goods as you can for others instead of staying at home waiting for someone to deliver the goods to you.
To develop your character and do the right thing rather than ignoring your character and doing the wrong thing.
To give beauty rather than ugliness.
To give blessings and be a blessing rather than give curses and be a curse.
To give compassion when someone is hurting rather than doing nothing.
To visit the widow for a few minutes.
To hear and comfort the weeping.
To help rather than hurt.
To honor and cherish the important persons in your life.
To hunger for the things of God rather than the things of darkness.
To invite the Holy Spirit to become real in your life or ignore this love.
To live a holy life rather than a secular life.
To live as a child of God rather than as an orphan who has been abandoned.
To live in humility rather than living with ego and pride
To live with hope by seeing over the horizons.
To meditate upon the things of God rather than thinking about the things of darkness.
To live in meekness rather than living so others will notice you.
To bestow mercy and forgiveness on those who hurt you rather than trying to get even.
To develop your mind rather than letting your mind waste away.
To minister to others who are in pain rather than believing someone else will help them.
To pray for miracles and be present to assist in their delivery.
To live a moral life rather than living an immoral life.
To see each morning as an opportunity to produce for God rather than a burden to bear for God.
To lay your sorrows of mourning at the foot of the Cross.
To be mystified by the mysteries of God and life.
To mold your character to be decisive for God rather than indecisive.
To put your energy to use rather than letting it evaporate.
To rise up in controlled anger at injustice rather than looking the other way.
To seek answers instead of avoiding them.
To take action when you face anxiety rather than shrink back.
To ask questions rather than keep silent.
To give beauty rather than ugliness.
To give blessings and be a blessing rather than give curses and be a curse.
To share the Bread of Life rather than trying to hoard it and keep it all to yourself.
To care about others rather than caring about only yourself.
To read His word rather than watch TV.
To search for wisdom rather than living in ignorance.
To see how all things are continually made new even when it appears all things grow old and are about to die.
To live in obedience to God's commandments rather than disregarding them.
To live as a child of God rather than as an orphan who has been abandoned.
To live as a person who has been truly rescued from the depths.
To see that pain is a weapon of Satan and the darkness.
To live in peace with your brothers and sisters rather than wanting to make war against them.
To understand that persecution comes to all who love the Lord.
To reach out to the poor.
To understand that poverty of the spirit is a choice for all persons.
To seize the real power that is the love of God rather than letting that power slip through your fingers.
To share the Bread of Life rather than trying to hoard it and keep it all to yourself.
To turn dependence into an opportunity to warn others.
To turn dependence into a victory against more dependence.
To turn dependence into a war for independence.
To turn a time of depression into a time of counting your blessings.
To turn a time of depression into a time of reaching out to others and producing goofiness.
To turn a time of depression into a time of creative outlet rather than a time of disabled hell.
To devote your time rather than letting your time slip away.
To disobey the conventional wisdom that keeps you down and obey the Love of God which propels you upward.
To be devout in your beliefs rather than throwing them in the trash.
To be as difficult with the difficulties as the difficulties are difficult with you.
To use the Holy Bible as a source of God’s truth and wisdom.
DIARY OF A BIBLE -- COULD THIS BE YOURS?
JANUARY: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year.
They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now.
FEBRUARY: Cleanup time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place.
My owner did use me for a few minutes last week.
He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right.
MARCH: Had a busy day first of the month.
My owner was elected president of the PTA and used me to prepare a speech.
APRIL: Grandpa visited us this month.
He kept me on his lap for an hour reading 1st Corinthians 13:13.
He seems to think more of me than do some people in my own household.
MAY: I have a few green stains on my pages.
Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages.
JUNE: I look like a scrapbook.
They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings -- one of the girls got married.
JULY: They put me in a suitcase today.
I guess we are off on vacation.
I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks.
AUGUST: Still in the suitcase.
SEPTEMBER: Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company.
Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me.
I wish I could be read as much as they are.
OCTOBER: They read me a little bit today.
One of them is very sick.
Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table.
I think the Pastor is coming by for a visit.
NOVEMBER: Back in my old place.
Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook.
DECEMBER: The family is busy getting ready for the holidays.
I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper & packages again ... just as I am every Christmas.
They kept me busy for the first two weeks, but they have forgotten me now.
FEBRUARY: Cleanup time. I was dusted yesterday and put in my place.
My owner did use me for a few minutes last week.
He had been in an argument and was looking up some references to prove he was right.
MARCH: Had a busy day first of the month.
My owner was elected president of the PTA and used me to prepare a speech.
APRIL: Grandpa visited us this month.
He kept me on his lap for an hour reading 1st Corinthians 13:13.
He seems to think more of me than do some people in my own household.
MAY: I have a few green stains on my pages.
Some spring flowers were pressed in my pages.
JUNE: I look like a scrapbook.
They have stuffed me full of newspaper clippings -- one of the girls got married.
JULY: They put me in a suitcase today.
I guess we are off on vacation.
I wish I could stay home; I know I'll be closed up in this thing for at least two weeks.
AUGUST: Still in the suitcase.
SEPTEMBER: Back home at last and in my old familiar place. I have a lot of company.
Two women's magazines and four comic books are stacked on top of me.
I wish I could be read as much as they are.
OCTOBER: They read me a little bit today.
One of them is very sick.
Right now I am sitting in the center of the coffee table.
I think the Pastor is coming by for a visit.
NOVEMBER: Back in my old place.
Somebody asked today if I were a scrapbook.
DECEMBER: The family is busy getting ready for the holidays.
I guess I'll be covered up under wrapping paper & packages again ... just as I am every Christmas.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
My dear brothers and sisters, there are many barriers that can divide us from other Christians: age, appearance, intelligence, political persuasion, economic status, race, theological perspective and respect. One of the best ways to stifle Christ’s love is to be friendly with only those people that we like or to just one gender. Fortunately, Christ has knocked down the barriers and has unified all believers in one family. His cross should be the focus of our unity. The Holy Spirit helps us look beyond the barriers to the unity we are called to enjoy. God forms and equips men and women for various tasks, but all these tasks lead to the same goal—honoring God. Man gives life to woman; woman gives life to the world. Each role carries exclusive privileges; there is no room for thinking that one sex is superior to the other. Let's (bloggers) be mindful of our cyberlistic actions, as man and women of God we must show all people of all genders appropriate respect and I believe we may at time have gone overboard with the affections in word. How then can we do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Someone may see it and be misled; therefore all who are guilty, simply apologize to those offended. My dear brothers and sisters, just as Potiphar’s wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted this temptation by saying it would be a sin against God, we must do likewise. Joseph didn’t say, “I’d be hurting you,” or “I’d be sinning against Potiphar,” or “I’d be sinning against myself.” Under pressure, such excuses are easily rationalized away. Remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God. I give you all, my love but most of all, I give you all respect.
There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Genesis 39:9 (KJV)
There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Genesis 39:9 (KJV)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
NOW THAT I AM SAVED...
1. My salvation is fully accomplished (John 19:30).
2. I have eternal life as a present possession (John 5:24; 6:47; 1 John 5:11-13).
3. I have Jesus Christ as my present possession (1 John 5:12).
4. I know the one, true God (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3; 5:20).
5. I have been saved by His grace (Eph. 2:1-10).
6. I have been justified by His grace (Tit. 3:7).
7. I have passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14).
8. I have been quickened (made alive) by God (Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13).
9. I have been made fit for heaven (Col. 1:12).
10. I have the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
11. My sins have been taken away (John 1:29; Heb. 9:26; 1 John 3:5).
12. My sins have been completely purged (Heb. 1:3).
13. My sins will never be remembered by God (Heb. 8:12; 10:17).
14. I have been washed (1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:5; Rev. 1:5).
15. I will walk with Christ in white (Rev. 3:4-5).
16. I have been healed by His stripes (1 Pet. 2:24).
17. I have been forgiven all trespasses (Col. 2:13; 1 John 2:12).
18. I have been fully justified (Rom. 4:5; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:7).
19. I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19; Col. 1:20).
20. I am made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
21. I am redeemed through His blood (1 Pet. 1:18,19; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
22. I am redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).
23. I am redeemed from all iniquity or lawlessness (Titus 2:14).
24. I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).
25. I am delivered from so great a death (2 Cor. 1:10).
26. I have been delivered from this present evil world or age (Gal. 1:4).
27. I have been delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13).
28. I have been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).
29. I will not come into condemnation or judgment (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1).
30. I am a child of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 3:1,2).
31. I am a son of God (Gal. 4:5-7).
32. I belong to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:29; 5:24).
33. I have been adopted (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 8:15,23).
34. I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7).
35. I am an heir of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).
36. All things are mine (1 Cor. 3:21-23).
37. I possess all things (2 Cor. 6:10).
38. I will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).
39. I am enriched by Christ in everything (1 Cor. 1:5; 2 Cor. 9:11).
40. I am a fellow heir (Eph. 3:6).
41. I am rich because of Christ (2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 2:9).
42. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).
43. I have obtained an inheritance (Eph. 1:11,14; Heb. 1:14; 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4).
44. I have been appointed to obtain salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; Heb. 1:14).
45. I am His inheritance (Eph. 1:18).
46. I am a partaker of His promise in Christ by the gospel (Eph. 3:6).
47. I am a new creature (creation) in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10).
48. I have been renewed by the Holy Spirit (Tit. 3:5).
49. I am accepted and highly favored in the Beloved One (Eph. 1:6; cf. Matt. 3:17).
50. I have been seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph. 2:6).
51. I am to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:6,12).
52. I am light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8).
53. I am a child of light (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5).
54. I am a "peculiar person," even God's special, purchased possession (Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet.2:9).
55. I am a priest who can offer spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10;20:6).
56. I am a king who will reign (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
57. I am privileged to have fellowship with the Father and with the Son (1 John 1:3).
58. I dwell in Christ (John 6:56; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15,16).
59. Christ dwells in me (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
60. I am in Christ (John 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:17).
61. Christ is in me (John 14:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 1 John 4:4).62. The Spirit of God dwells in me (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21-22).
62. The Spirit of God dwells (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
63. I am not in the flesh but in the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).
64. My "earthen vessel" houses a great Treasure (2 Cor. 4:7).
65. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
66. I have been blest with the gift and pledge of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:8; Tit. 3:6; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).
67. I have an anointing (unction) from the Holy One (1 John 2:20,27).
68. I am one of the "called" of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6; 8:28-30; Jude 1; Rev. 17:14).
69. I have been called unto the fellowship of God's Son (1 Cor. 1:9).
70. I have been called unto eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10).
71. I have been called with a holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9).
72. I am a partaker of the high, heavenly calling (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1).
73. I have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).
74. God foreknew me (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).
75. God predestined me to be conformed to Christ's image (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5,11).
76. I have already been glorified according to God's mind and purpose (Rom. 8:30).
77. I am eternally secure in God's love (Rom. 8:38-39).
78. I am chosen in Christ (Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14).
79. I have been chosen to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13).
80. I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
81. I am beloved of God (Col. 3:12; 2 Thess. 2:13).
82. I am chastened and disciplined by my Heavenly Father (Heb. 12:6-7).
83. I am part of that group that Christ is not ashamed to call His "brethren" and "friends" (Heb. 2:11; John 15:14-15).
84. I am a child of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).
85. I am Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29).
86. I enjoy the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:9).
87. I am a child of promise (Gal. 4:28,31).
88. I am faithful (Rev. 17:14).
89. I am a sheep in His flock (Luke 12:32; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25).
90. I am a member of His body (1 Cor. 10:17; 12:27; Eph. 3:6; 4:25; 5:30).
91. I am a stone in His building (Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5).
92. I am a branch in the Vine (John 15:1-7).
93. I am a child of the kingdom (Matt. 13:38; compare Mark 10:14-15).
94. I am born again into His family (John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3,23; 2:2; 1 John 5:1).
95. I am one of God's people because He graciously claims me as His own (1 Pet. 2:10; Rev. 21:7).
96. I am a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19).
97. I was baptized into Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).
98. I was identified with Christ in His death (Rom. 6:3-6,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:12,20; 3:3).
99. I was identified with Christ in His resurrection (Rom. 6:5,8,11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:12; 3:1).
100. I died to sin (Rom. 6:2).
101. My "old man" was crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6).
102. I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).
103. I have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).
104. I am alive unto God (Rom. 6:11,13; Gal. 2:19,20).
105. Christ is my life (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).
106. I can walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).
107. I can serve in newness of spirit (Rom. 7:6).
108. I can live unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).
109. I died to the law (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:19).
110. I am delivered from the law (Rom. 7:6).
111. I am not under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14).
112. I have God's laws written in my heart (Heb. 10:16).
113. I am married to Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:4).
114. I am a partaker of Christ (Heb. 3:14).
115. I am identified with Christ in His suffering (2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12-13; 1 Thess. 3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24).
116. The knowledge of God is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:14).
117. The savor (aroma) of Christ is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:15-16).
118. I am an epistle of Christ (2 Cor. 3:3).
119. I am being changed into Christ's glorious image (2 Cor. 3:18).
120. I am being perfected (Phil. 1:6).
121. My inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).
122. I have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).
123. I am not of the world (John 17:14,16).
124. The world is crucified unto me (Gal. 6:14).
125. I am crucified unto the world (Gal. 6:14).
126. I am separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).
127. I am set apart and sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10; Jude 1).
128. I am holy (Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:6).
129. I am clothed in His righteousness (Rev. 19:8).
130. I am a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2; Rom. 1:7).
131. I am faultless in Christ (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24).
132. I am perfected forever (Heb. 10:14).
133. I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19).
134. I am called unto holiness (1 Thess. 4:7).
135. I am a citizen of heaven (Phil. 3:20).
136. I am a stranger and pilgrim who is not at home in this world (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11).
137. I have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13).
138. I am circumcised in my heart (Col. 2:11; Phil 3:3; compare Deut. 10:16).
139. My faithful God will sanctify me wholly (1 Thess. 5:23-24).
140. My faithful God will keep me from evil (2 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 4:18).
141. Christ has made me free, free indeed (John 8:32-36; Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 7:22).
142. Jesus Christ is my Deliverer (Rom. 7:24-25).
143. I am free from sin (Rom. 6:7,18,22).
144. The law of the Spirit of Life has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
145. I am God's servant or slave (Rom. 6:22).
146. I am Christ's servant or slave (1 Cor. 7:22).
147. I am a servant or slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
148. I have been called unto liberty (Gal. 5:13).
149. I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
150. I have a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
151. Christ has given me an understanding (1 John 5:20).
152. I have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
153. I have all sufficiency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8).
154. I have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).
155. I can ever be content for I have Christ (Heb. 13:5).
156. I have all the armor and weapons I need (2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17).
157. I have God's all-sufficient grace (2 Cor. 12:9).
158. I have grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
159. I have God's power (Eph. 1:19; 3:20).
160. I have access to the Father (Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:16).
161. I have a great High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 8:1; 10:21).
162. I have an unfailing Intercessor (Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34).
163. I have a righteous Advocate with the Father for times when I sin (1 John 2:1).
164. I have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
165. Christ is my peace (Eph. 2:14).
166. I have rest for my soul (Matt. 11:28-29; Heb. 4:9).
167. I am led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).
168. I am enabled during trials and temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).
169. I am given assurance by the Spirit (Rom. 8:16; Heb. 6:18).
170. I am given comfort by God (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
171. I am tranquilized by His peace (Phil. 4:7).
172. I am freely given truth and knowledge by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12).
173. I am not distressed (2 Cor. 4:8).
174. I am not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8).
175. I am not forsaken (2 Cor. 4:9).
176. I am not in darkness (1 Thess. 5:4).
177. God is my Sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).
178. God is my Strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13).
179. God is my Helper (Heb. 13:6).
180. I belong to a Sovereign God who works all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28).
181. All things are for my sake (2 Cor. 4:15).
182. My God is for me (Rom. 8:31).
183. My every need is supplied (Phil. 4:19).
184. I am a laborer together with Christ (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).
185. I am His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
186. God works in me (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21).
187. God's Word works in me (1 Thess. 2:13).
188. I am sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13).
189. I am on the Rock, Christ Jesus (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11).
190. I am established securely in Christ (2 Cor. 1:21; 2 Thess. 3:3).
191. I am kept by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:5).
192. I am preserved in Jesus Christ (Jude 1).
193. I am kept from falling (Jude 24).
194. I have a building of God eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1).
195. My name is forever written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
196. I am more than a conqueror, even a super-conqueror (Rom. 8:37).
197. I have victory through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
198. I have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5).
199. I always triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).
200. I am indwelt by the victorious Christ who is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).
201. Satan cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
202. I have a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3).
203. I have a glorious future (Rom. 8:18; 2 Thess. 2:14).
204. I have been given eternal encouragement and good hope through grace (2 Thess. 2:16).
205. I will be preserved unto His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).
206. I am receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb. 12:28).
207. I have a place reserved in heaven for me (John 14:2,3; 1 Pet. 1:4).
208. I will eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).
209. I will not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).
210. I will have a new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12).
211. I will have power over the nations (Rev. 2:26; 5:10).
212. I will not have my name blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5).
213. I will be a pillar in God's temple (Rev. 3:12).
214. I will sit with Christ in His throne (Rev. 3:21).
215. I will be with my God forever (Rev. 21:3-4).
2. I have eternal life as a present possession (John 5:24; 6:47; 1 John 5:11-13).
3. I have Jesus Christ as my present possession (1 John 5:12).
4. I know the one, true God (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3; 5:20).
5. I have been saved by His grace (Eph. 2:1-10).
6. I have been justified by His grace (Tit. 3:7).
7. I have passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14).
8. I have been quickened (made alive) by God (Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13).
9. I have been made fit for heaven (Col. 1:12).
10. I have the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
11. My sins have been taken away (John 1:29; Heb. 9:26; 1 John 3:5).
12. My sins have been completely purged (Heb. 1:3).
13. My sins will never be remembered by God (Heb. 8:12; 10:17).
14. I have been washed (1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:5; Rev. 1:5).
15. I will walk with Christ in white (Rev. 3:4-5).
16. I have been healed by His stripes (1 Pet. 2:24).
17. I have been forgiven all trespasses (Col. 2:13; 1 John 2:12).
18. I have been fully justified (Rom. 4:5; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:16; Tit. 3:7).
19. I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19; Col. 1:20).
20. I am made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).
21. I am redeemed through His blood (1 Pet. 1:18,19; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
22. I am redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).
23. I am redeemed from all iniquity or lawlessness (Titus 2:14).
24. I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).
25. I am delivered from so great a death (2 Cor. 1:10).
26. I have been delivered from this present evil world or age (Gal. 1:4).
27. I have been delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13).
28. I have been delivered from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).
29. I will not come into condemnation or judgment (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1).
30. I am a child of God (John 1:12; Rom. 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 3:1,2).
31. I am a son of God (Gal. 4:5-7).
32. I belong to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:29; 5:24).
33. I have been adopted (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 8:15,23).
34. I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17; Tit. 3:7).
35. I am an heir of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).
36. All things are mine (1 Cor. 3:21-23).
37. I possess all things (2 Cor. 6:10).
38. I will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).
39. I am enriched by Christ in everything (1 Cor. 1:5; 2 Cor. 9:11).
40. I am a fellow heir (Eph. 3:6).
41. I am rich because of Christ (2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 2:9).
42. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).
43. I have obtained an inheritance (Eph. 1:11,14; Heb. 1:14; 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4).
44. I have been appointed to obtain salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; Heb. 1:14).
45. I am His inheritance (Eph. 1:18).
46. I am a partaker of His promise in Christ by the gospel (Eph. 3:6).
47. I am a new creature (creation) in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10).
48. I have been renewed by the Holy Spirit (Tit. 3:5).
49. I am accepted and highly favored in the Beloved One (Eph. 1:6; cf. Matt. 3:17).
50. I have been seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph. 2:6).
51. I am to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:6,12).
52. I am light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8).
53. I am a child of light (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5).
54. I am a "peculiar person," even God's special, purchased possession (Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet.2:9).
55. I am a priest who can offer spiritual sacrifices (Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10;20:6).
56. I am a king who will reign (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
57. I am privileged to have fellowship with the Father and with the Son (1 John 1:3).
58. I dwell in Christ (John 6:56; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15,16).
59. Christ dwells in me (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
60. I am in Christ (John 14:20; 2 Cor. 5:17).
61. Christ is in me (John 14:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 1 John 4:4).62. The Spirit of God dwells in me (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21-22).
62. The Spirit of God dwells (John 6:56; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:24; 4:12-16).
63. I am not in the flesh but in the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).
64. My "earthen vessel" houses a great Treasure (2 Cor. 4:7).
65. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
66. I have been blest with the gift and pledge of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:8; Tit. 3:6; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).
67. I have an anointing (unction) from the Holy One (1 John 2:20,27).
68. I am one of the "called" of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6; 8:28-30; Jude 1; Rev. 17:14).
69. I have been called unto the fellowship of God's Son (1 Cor. 1:9).
70. I have been called unto eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10).
71. I have been called with a holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9).
72. I am a partaker of the high, heavenly calling (Phil. 3:14; Heb. 3:1).
73. I have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).
74. God foreknew me (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).
75. God predestined me to be conformed to Christ's image (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5,11).
76. I have already been glorified according to God's mind and purpose (Rom. 8:30).
77. I am eternally secure in God's love (Rom. 8:38-39).
78. I am chosen in Christ (Eph. 1:4; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14).
79. I have been chosen to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13).
80. I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
81. I am beloved of God (Col. 3:12; 2 Thess. 2:13).
82. I am chastened and disciplined by my Heavenly Father (Heb. 12:6-7).
83. I am part of that group that Christ is not ashamed to call His "brethren" and "friends" (Heb. 2:11; John 15:14-15).
84. I am a child of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).
85. I am Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29).
86. I enjoy the blessing of Abraham (Gal. 3:9).
87. I am a child of promise (Gal. 4:28,31).
88. I am faithful (Rev. 17:14).
89. I am a sheep in His flock (Luke 12:32; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25).
90. I am a member of His body (1 Cor. 10:17; 12:27; Eph. 3:6; 4:25; 5:30).
91. I am a stone in His building (Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5).
92. I am a branch in the Vine (John 15:1-7).
93. I am a child of the kingdom (Matt. 13:38; compare Mark 10:14-15).
94. I am born again into His family (John 1:12-13; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3,23; 2:2; 1 John 5:1).
95. I am one of God's people because He graciously claims me as His own (1 Pet. 2:10; Rev. 21:7).
96. I am a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19).
97. I was baptized into Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).
98. I was identified with Christ in His death (Rom. 6:3-6,8-11; 2 Cor. 5:14; Col. 2:12,20; 3:3).
99. I was identified with Christ in His resurrection (Rom. 6:5,8,11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:12; 3:1).
100. I died to sin (Rom. 6:2).
101. My "old man" was crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6).
102. I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20).
103. I have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).
104. I am alive unto God (Rom. 6:11,13; Gal. 2:19,20).
105. Christ is my life (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).
106. I can walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).
107. I can serve in newness of spirit (Rom. 7:6).
108. I can live unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).
109. I died to the law (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:19).
110. I am delivered from the law (Rom. 7:6).
111. I am not under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14).
112. I have God's laws written in my heart (Heb. 10:16).
113. I am married to Jesus Christ (Rom. 7:4).
114. I am a partaker of Christ (Heb. 3:14).
115. I am identified with Christ in His suffering (2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12-13; 1 Thess. 3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24).
116. The knowledge of God is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:14).
117. The savor (aroma) of Christ is made known by me (2 Cor. 2:15-16).
118. I am an epistle of Christ (2 Cor. 3:3).
119. I am being changed into Christ's glorious image (2 Cor. 3:18).
120. I am being perfected (Phil. 1:6).
121. My inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16).
122. I have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27).
123. I am not of the world (John 17:14,16).
124. The world is crucified unto me (Gal. 6:14).
125. I am crucified unto the world (Gal. 6:14).
126. I am separated unto the gospel of God (Rom. 1:1).
127. I am set apart and sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10; Jude 1).
128. I am holy (Col. 3:12; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 20:6).
129. I am clothed in His righteousness (Rev. 19:8).
130. I am a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2; Rom. 1:7).
131. I am faultless in Christ (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Jude 24).
132. I am perfected forever (Heb. 10:14).
133. I am not my own (1 Cor. 6:19).
134. I am called unto holiness (1 Thess. 4:7).
135. I am a citizen of heaven (Phil. 3:20).
136. I am a stranger and pilgrim who is not at home in this world (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11).
137. I have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13).
138. I am circumcised in my heart (Col. 2:11; Phil 3:3; compare Deut. 10:16).
139. My faithful God will sanctify me wholly (1 Thess. 5:23-24).
140. My faithful God will keep me from evil (2 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 4:18).
141. Christ has made me free, free indeed (John 8:32-36; Gal. 5:1; 1 Cor. 7:22).
142. Jesus Christ is my Deliverer (Rom. 7:24-25).
143. I am free from sin (Rom. 6:7,18,22).
144. The law of the Spirit of Life has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
145. I am God's servant or slave (Rom. 6:22).
146. I am Christ's servant or slave (1 Cor. 7:22).
147. I am a servant or slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
148. I have been called unto liberty (Gal. 5:13).
149. I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
150. I have a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
151. Christ has given me an understanding (1 John 5:20).
152. I have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
153. I have all sufficiency in all things (2 Cor. 9:8).
154. I have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).
155. I can ever be content for I have Christ (Heb. 13:5).
156. I have all the armor and weapons I need (2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-17).
157. I have God's all-sufficient grace (2 Cor. 12:9).
158. I have grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
159. I have God's power (Eph. 1:19; 3:20).
160. I have access to the Father (Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:16).
161. I have a great High Priest (Heb. 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 8:1; 10:21).
162. I have an unfailing Intercessor (Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34).
163. I have a righteous Advocate with the Father for times when I sin (1 John 2:1).
164. I have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
165. Christ is my peace (Eph. 2:14).
166. I have rest for my soul (Matt. 11:28-29; Heb. 4:9).
167. I am led by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14).
168. I am enabled during trials and temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).
169. I am given assurance by the Spirit (Rom. 8:16; Heb. 6:18).
170. I am given comfort by God (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
171. I am tranquilized by His peace (Phil. 4:7).
172. I am freely given truth and knowledge by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:12).
173. I am not distressed (2 Cor. 4:8).
174. I am not in despair (2 Cor. 4:8).
175. I am not forsaken (2 Cor. 4:9).
176. I am not in darkness (1 Thess. 5:4).
177. God is my Sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).
178. God is my Strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:13).
179. God is my Helper (Heb. 13:6).
180. I belong to a Sovereign God who works all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28).
181. All things are for my sake (2 Cor. 4:15).
182. My God is for me (Rom. 8:31).
183. My every need is supplied (Phil. 4:19).
184. I am a laborer together with Christ (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).
185. I am His workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
186. God works in me (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21).
187. God's Word works in me (1 Thess. 2:13).
188. I am sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13).
189. I am on the Rock, Christ Jesus (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11).
190. I am established securely in Christ (2 Cor. 1:21; 2 Thess. 3:3).
191. I am kept by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:5).
192. I am preserved in Jesus Christ (Jude 1).
193. I am kept from falling (Jude 24).
194. I have a building of God eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1).
195. My name is forever written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
196. I am more than a conqueror, even a super-conqueror (Rom. 8:37).
197. I have victory through Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
198. I have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5).
199. I always triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).
200. I am indwelt by the victorious Christ who is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).
201. Satan cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
202. I have a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3).
203. I have a glorious future (Rom. 8:18; 2 Thess. 2:14).
204. I have been given eternal encouragement and good hope through grace (2 Thess. 2:16).
205. I will be preserved unto His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).
206. I am receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (Heb. 12:28).
207. I have a place reserved in heaven for me (John 14:2,3; 1 Pet. 1:4).
208. I will eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).
209. I will not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).
210. I will have a new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12).
211. I will have power over the nations (Rev. 2:26; 5:10).
212. I will not have my name blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5).
213. I will be a pillar in God's temple (Rev. 3:12).
214. I will sit with Christ in His throne (Rev. 3:21).
215. I will be with my God forever (Rev. 21:3-4).
BEFORE I WAS SAVED...
1. I was on the broad way (road) leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13).
2. I was lost (Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 4:3).
3. I was condemned already because of my unbelief (John 3:18; compare 1 Corinthians 11:32).
4. I was a lover of darkness (John 3:19).
5. I was under God's abiding wrath (John 3:36) awaiting God's coming wrath (Luke 3:7; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6).
6. I was an ignorant worshipper (John 4:22).
7. I was an evildoer deserving judgment (John 5:29; compare 3 John 11).
8. I was of the world and from below or beneath (John 8:23).
9. I was yet in my sins (John 8:21,24; compare John 20:23).
10. I was a child of the devil (John 8:44).
11. I was a Christ-rejecter (John 12:48).
12. I was a Christ-hater (John 15:18) and a hater of those belonging to Christ (John 17:14).
13. I was under the power of Satan (Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19).
14. I was unthankful, not giving honor to God (Romans 1:21).
15. I was unrighteous (Romans 1:29-31; 3:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
16. I was under sin (Romans 3:9) and sin-sick (Luke 5:31-32).
17. I was unprofitable (Romans 3:12; compare Philemon 11).
18. I was without the fear of God (Romans 3:18).
19. I was guilty before God (Romans 3:19).
20. I was a sinner (Romans 3:23; 5:8).
21. I was without strength (Romans 5:6).
22. I was ungodly (Romans 5:6; 4:5).
23. I was God's enemy (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21).
24. I was a servant (slave) of sin (Romans 6:17,20; John 8:34).
25. I was deserving of death (Romans 6:23; compare 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
26. I was in the flesh (Romans 7:5; 8:8).
27. I was in danger of perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Luke 13:3,5).
28. I was a natural man who considered the things of God as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14).
29. I was under God's curse (1 Corinthians 16:22).
30. I was blinded by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4).
31. I was part of this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).
32. I was dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1,5; Colossians 2:13).
33. I was walking according to the course of Satan's world (Ephesians 2:2).
34. I was a child of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).
35. I was a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3).
36. I was without Christ (Ephesians 2:12).
37. I was an alien from the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12).
38. I was a stranger from the covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:12,19).
39. I was one who had no hope (Ephesians 2:12) and no foundation (Luke 6:48).
40. I was without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).
41. I was far off (Ephesians 2:13).
42. I was walking in the vanity of my mind (Ephesians 4:17).
43. I was one whose understanding was darkened (Ephesians 4:18; Romans 1:21).
44. I was alienated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18; Colossians 1:21).
45. I was ignorant (Ephesians 4:18).
46. I was blind and hardened (Ephesians 4:18).
47. I was given over to unbridled lust (Ephesians 4:19).
48. I was corrupt according to deceitful lusts (Ephesians 4:22).
49. I was once of the darkness and of the night (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 John 2:11).
50. I was in the realm and under the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13; Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18).
51. I was one who did not know God (1 Thessalonians 4:5).
52. I was foolish (Titus 3:3; Romans 1:22).
53. I was disobedient (Titus 3:3).
54. I was deceived (Titus 3:3).
55. I was one who served various lusts and pleasures (Titus 3:3).
56. I was one who lived in malice and envy (Titus 3:3).
57. I was one who was hateful and was hating one another (Titus 3:3).
58. I was a sheep who had gone astray (1 Peter 2:25).
59. I was one who lived in the flesh to the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:2).
60. I was one who walked in lasciviousness, lusts, abominable idolatries, etc. (1 Peter 4:3).
61. I was sensual, having not the Spirit (Jude 19).
2. I was lost (Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 4:3).
3. I was condemned already because of my unbelief (John 3:18; compare 1 Corinthians 11:32).
4. I was a lover of darkness (John 3:19).
5. I was under God's abiding wrath (John 3:36) awaiting God's coming wrath (Luke 3:7; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6).
6. I was an ignorant worshipper (John 4:22).
7. I was an evildoer deserving judgment (John 5:29; compare 3 John 11).
8. I was of the world and from below or beneath (John 8:23).
9. I was yet in my sins (John 8:21,24; compare John 20:23).
10. I was a child of the devil (John 8:44).
11. I was a Christ-rejecter (John 12:48).
12. I was a Christ-hater (John 15:18) and a hater of those belonging to Christ (John 17:14).
13. I was under the power of Satan (Acts 26:18; 1 John 5:19).
14. I was unthankful, not giving honor to God (Romans 1:21).
15. I was unrighteous (Romans 1:29-31; 3:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
16. I was under sin (Romans 3:9) and sin-sick (Luke 5:31-32).
17. I was unprofitable (Romans 3:12; compare Philemon 11).
18. I was without the fear of God (Romans 3:18).
19. I was guilty before God (Romans 3:19).
20. I was a sinner (Romans 3:23; 5:8).
21. I was without strength (Romans 5:6).
22. I was ungodly (Romans 5:6; 4:5).
23. I was God's enemy (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21).
24. I was a servant (slave) of sin (Romans 6:17,20; John 8:34).
25. I was deserving of death (Romans 6:23; compare 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
26. I was in the flesh (Romans 7:5; 8:8).
27. I was in danger of perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Luke 13:3,5).
28. I was a natural man who considered the things of God as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14).
29. I was under God's curse (1 Corinthians 16:22).
30. I was blinded by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4).
31. I was part of this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).
32. I was dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1,5; Colossians 2:13).
33. I was walking according to the course of Satan's world (Ephesians 2:2).
34. I was a child of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).
35. I was a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3).
36. I was without Christ (Ephesians 2:12).
37. I was an alien from the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12).
38. I was a stranger from the covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:12,19).
39. I was one who had no hope (Ephesians 2:12) and no foundation (Luke 6:48).
40. I was without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).
41. I was far off (Ephesians 2:13).
42. I was walking in the vanity of my mind (Ephesians 4:17).
43. I was one whose understanding was darkened (Ephesians 4:18; Romans 1:21).
44. I was alienated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18; Colossians 1:21).
45. I was ignorant (Ephesians 4:18).
46. I was blind and hardened (Ephesians 4:18).
47. I was given over to unbridled lust (Ephesians 4:19).
48. I was corrupt according to deceitful lusts (Ephesians 4:22).
49. I was once of the darkness and of the night (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 John 2:11).
50. I was in the realm and under the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13; Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18).
51. I was one who did not know God (1 Thessalonians 4:5).
52. I was foolish (Titus 3:3; Romans 1:22).
53. I was disobedient (Titus 3:3).
54. I was deceived (Titus 3:3).
55. I was one who served various lusts and pleasures (Titus 3:3).
56. I was one who lived in malice and envy (Titus 3:3).
57. I was one who was hateful and was hating one another (Titus 3:3).
58. I was a sheep who had gone astray (1 Peter 2:25).
59. I was one who lived in the flesh to the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:2).
60. I was one who walked in lasciviousness, lusts, abominable idolatries, etc. (1 Peter 4:3).
61. I was sensual, having not the Spirit (Jude 19).
Saturday, November 10, 2007
12 Ways to Love Your Wayward Child
Many parents are brokenhearted and completely baffled by their unbelieving son or daughter. They have no clue why the child they raised well is making such awful, destructive decisions. I’ve never been one of these parents, but I have been one of these sons. Reflecting back on that experience, I offer these suggestions to help you reach out to your wayward child.
1. Point them to Christ. Your rebellious child’s real problem is not drugs or sex or cigarettes or pornography or laziness or crime or cussing or slovenliness or homosexuality or being in a punk rock band. The real problem is that they don’t see Jesus clearly. The best thing you can do for them—and the only reason to do any of the following suggestions—is to show them Christ. It is not a simple or immediate process, but the sins in their life that distress you and destroy them will only begin to fade away when they see Jesus more like he actually is.
2. Pray. Only God can save your son or daughter, so keep on asking that he will display himself to them in a way they can’t resist worshiping him for.
3. Acknowledge that something is wrong. If your daughter rejects Jesus, don’t pretend everything is fine.
For every unbelieving child, the details will be different. Each one will require parents to reach out in unique ways. Never acceptable, however, is not reaching out at all. If your child is an unbeliever, don’t ignore it. Holidays might be easier, but eternity won’t be.
4. Don’t expect them to be Christ-like. If your son is not a Christian, he’s not going to act like one.
You know that he has forsaken the faith, so don’t expect him to live by the standards you raised him with. For example, you might be tempted to say, “I know you’re struggling with believing in Jesus, but can’t you at least admit that getting wasted every day is sin?”
If he’s struggling to believe in Jesus, then there is very little significance in admitting that drunkenness is wrong. You want to protect him, yes. But his unbelief is the most dangerous problem—not partying. No matter how your child’s unbelief exemplifies itself in his behavior, always be sure to focus more on the heart’s sickness than its symptoms.
5. Welcome them home. Because the deepest concern is not your child’s actions, but his heart, don’t create too many requirements for coming home. If he has any inkling to be with you, it is God giving you a chance to love him back to Jesus. Obviously there are some instances in which parents must give ultimatums: “Don’t come to this house if you are...” But these will be rare. Don’t lessen the likelihood of an opportunity to be with your child by too many rules.
If your daughter smells like weed or an ashtray, spray her jacket with Febreze and change the sheets when she leaves, but let her come home. If you find out she’s pregnant, then buy her folic acid, take her to her twenty-week ultrasound, protect her from Planned Parenthood, and by all means let her come home. If your son is broke because he spent all the money you lent him on loose women and ritzy liquor, then forgive his debt as you’ve been forgiven, don’t give him any more money, and let him come home. If he hasn’t been around for a week and a half because he’s been staying at his girlfriend’s—or boyfriend’s—apartment, plead with him not to go back, and let him come home.
6. Plead with them more than you rebuke them. Be gentle in your disappointment.
What really concerns you is that your child is destroying herself, not that she’s breaking rules. Treat her in a way that makes this clear. She probably knows—especially if she was raised as a Christian—that what she’s doing is wrong. And she definitely knows you think it is. So she doesn’t need this pointed out. She needs to see how you are going to react to her evil. Your gentle forbearance and sorrowful hope will show her that you really do trust Jesus.
Her conscience can condemn her by itself. Parents ought to stand kindly and firmly, always living in the hope that they want their child to return to.
7. Connect them to believers who have better access to them. There are two kinds of access that you may not have to your child: geographical and relational. If your wayward son lives far away, try to find a solid believer in his area and ask him to contact your son. This may seem nosy or stupid or embarrassing to him, but it’s worth it—especially if the believer you find can also relate to your son emotionally in a way you can’t.
Relational distance will also be a side effect of your child leaving the faith, so your relationship will be tenuous and should be protected if at all possible. But hard rebuke is still necessary.
This is where another believer who has emotional access to your son may be very helpful. If there is a believer who your son trusts and perhaps even enjoys being around, then that believer has a platform to tell your son—in a way he may actually pay attention to—that he’s being an idiot. This may sound harsh, but it’s a news flash we all need from time to time, and people we trust are usually the only ones who can package a painful rebuke so that it is a gift to us.
A lot of rebellious kids would do well to hear that they’re being fools—and it is rare that this can helpfully be pointed out by their parents—so try to keep other Christians in your kids lives.
8. Respect their friends. Honor your wayward child in the same way you’d honor any other unbeliever. They may run with crowds you’d never consider talking to or even looking at, but they are your child’s friends. Respect that—even if the relationship is founded on sin. They’re bad for your son, yes. But he’s bad for them, too. Nothing will be solved by making it perfectly evident that you don’t like who he’s hanging around with.
When your son shows up for a family birthday celebration with another girlfriend—one you’ve never seen before and probably won’t see again—be hospitable. She’s also someone’s wayward child, and she needs Jesus, too.
9. Email them. Praise God for technology that lets you stay in your kids’ lives so easily!
When you read something in the Bible that encourages you and helps you love Jesus more, write it up in a couple lines and send it to your child. The best exhortation for them is positive examples of Christ’s joy in your own life.
Don’t stress out when you’re composing these as if each one needs to be singularly powerful. Just whip them out one after another, and let the cumulative effect of your satisfaction in God gather up in your child’s inbox. God’s word is never proclaimed in vain.
10. Take them to lunch. If possible, don’t let your only interaction with your child be electronic. Get together with him face to face if you can. You may think this is stressful and uncomfortable, but trust me that it’s far worse to be in the child’s shoes—he is experiencing all the same discomfort, but compounded by guilt. So if he is willing to get together with you for lunch, praise God, and use the opportunity.
It will feel almost hypocritical to talk about his daily life, since what you really care about is his eternal life, but try to anyway. He needs to know you care about all of him. Then, before lunch is over, pray that the Lord will give you the gumption to ask about his soul. You don’t know how he’ll respond. Will he roll his eyes like you’re an idiot? Will he get mad and leave? Or has God been working in him since you talked last? You don’t know until you risk asking.
(Here’s a note to parents of younger children: Set up regular times to go out to eat with your kids. Not only will this be valuable for its own sake, but also, if they ever enter a season of rebellion, the tradition of meeting with them will already be in place and it won’t feel weird to ask them out to lunch. If a son has been eating out on Saturdays with his dad since he was a tot, it will be much harder for him later in life to say no to his father’s invitation—even as a surly nineteen-year-old.)
11. Take an interest in their pursuits. Odds are that if your daughter is purposefully rejecting Christ, then the way she spends her time will probably disappoint you. Nevertheless, find the value in her interests, if possible, and encourage her. You went to her school plays and soccer games when she was ten; what can you do now that she’s twenty to show that you still really care about her interests?
Jesus spent time with tax collectors and prostitutes, and he wasn’t even related to them. Imitate Christ by being the kind of parent who will put some earplugs in your pocket and head downtown to that dank little nightclub where your daughter’s CD release show is. Encourage her and never stop praying that she will begin to use her gifts for Jesus’ glory instead her own.
12. Point them to Christ. This can’t be over-stressed. It is the whole point. No strategy for reaching your son or daughter will have any lasting effect if the underlying goal isn’t to help them know Jesus.
Jesus.
It’s not so that they will be good kids again; it’s not so that they’ll get their hair cut and start taking showers; it’s not so that they’ll like classical music instead of deathcore; it’s not so that you can stop being embarrassed at your weekly Bible study; it’s not so that they’ll vote conservative again by the next election; it’s not even so that you can sleep at night, knowing they’re not going to hell.
The only ultimate reason to pray for them, welcome them, plead with them, email them, eat with them, or take an interest in their interests is so that their eyes will be opened to Christ.
And not only is he the only point—he’s the only hope. When they see the wonder of Jesus, satisfaction will be redefined. He will replace the pathetic vanity of the money, or the praise of man, or the high, or the orgasm that they are staking their eternities on right now. Only his grace can draw them from their perilous pursuits and bind them safely to himself—captive, but satisfied.
He will do this for many. Be faithful and don’t give up.
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
1. Point them to Christ. Your rebellious child’s real problem is not drugs or sex or cigarettes or pornography or laziness or crime or cussing or slovenliness or homosexuality or being in a punk rock band. The real problem is that they don’t see Jesus clearly. The best thing you can do for them—and the only reason to do any of the following suggestions—is to show them Christ. It is not a simple or immediate process, but the sins in their life that distress you and destroy them will only begin to fade away when they see Jesus more like he actually is.
2. Pray. Only God can save your son or daughter, so keep on asking that he will display himself to them in a way they can’t resist worshiping him for.
3. Acknowledge that something is wrong. If your daughter rejects Jesus, don’t pretend everything is fine.
For every unbelieving child, the details will be different. Each one will require parents to reach out in unique ways. Never acceptable, however, is not reaching out at all. If your child is an unbeliever, don’t ignore it. Holidays might be easier, but eternity won’t be.
4. Don’t expect them to be Christ-like. If your son is not a Christian, he’s not going to act like one.
You know that he has forsaken the faith, so don’t expect him to live by the standards you raised him with. For example, you might be tempted to say, “I know you’re struggling with believing in Jesus, but can’t you at least admit that getting wasted every day is sin?”
If he’s struggling to believe in Jesus, then there is very little significance in admitting that drunkenness is wrong. You want to protect him, yes. But his unbelief is the most dangerous problem—not partying. No matter how your child’s unbelief exemplifies itself in his behavior, always be sure to focus more on the heart’s sickness than its symptoms.
5. Welcome them home. Because the deepest concern is not your child’s actions, but his heart, don’t create too many requirements for coming home. If he has any inkling to be with you, it is God giving you a chance to love him back to Jesus. Obviously there are some instances in which parents must give ultimatums: “Don’t come to this house if you are...” But these will be rare. Don’t lessen the likelihood of an opportunity to be with your child by too many rules.
If your daughter smells like weed or an ashtray, spray her jacket with Febreze and change the sheets when she leaves, but let her come home. If you find out she’s pregnant, then buy her folic acid, take her to her twenty-week ultrasound, protect her from Planned Parenthood, and by all means let her come home. If your son is broke because he spent all the money you lent him on loose women and ritzy liquor, then forgive his debt as you’ve been forgiven, don’t give him any more money, and let him come home. If he hasn’t been around for a week and a half because he’s been staying at his girlfriend’s—or boyfriend’s—apartment, plead with him not to go back, and let him come home.
6. Plead with them more than you rebuke them. Be gentle in your disappointment.
What really concerns you is that your child is destroying herself, not that she’s breaking rules. Treat her in a way that makes this clear. She probably knows—especially if she was raised as a Christian—that what she’s doing is wrong. And she definitely knows you think it is. So she doesn’t need this pointed out. She needs to see how you are going to react to her evil. Your gentle forbearance and sorrowful hope will show her that you really do trust Jesus.
Her conscience can condemn her by itself. Parents ought to stand kindly and firmly, always living in the hope that they want their child to return to.
7. Connect them to believers who have better access to them. There are two kinds of access that you may not have to your child: geographical and relational. If your wayward son lives far away, try to find a solid believer in his area and ask him to contact your son. This may seem nosy or stupid or embarrassing to him, but it’s worth it—especially if the believer you find can also relate to your son emotionally in a way you can’t.
Relational distance will also be a side effect of your child leaving the faith, so your relationship will be tenuous and should be protected if at all possible. But hard rebuke is still necessary.
This is where another believer who has emotional access to your son may be very helpful. If there is a believer who your son trusts and perhaps even enjoys being around, then that believer has a platform to tell your son—in a way he may actually pay attention to—that he’s being an idiot. This may sound harsh, but it’s a news flash we all need from time to time, and people we trust are usually the only ones who can package a painful rebuke so that it is a gift to us.
A lot of rebellious kids would do well to hear that they’re being fools—and it is rare that this can helpfully be pointed out by their parents—so try to keep other Christians in your kids lives.
8. Respect their friends. Honor your wayward child in the same way you’d honor any other unbeliever. They may run with crowds you’d never consider talking to or even looking at, but they are your child’s friends. Respect that—even if the relationship is founded on sin. They’re bad for your son, yes. But he’s bad for them, too. Nothing will be solved by making it perfectly evident that you don’t like who he’s hanging around with.
When your son shows up for a family birthday celebration with another girlfriend—one you’ve never seen before and probably won’t see again—be hospitable. She’s also someone’s wayward child, and she needs Jesus, too.
9. Email them. Praise God for technology that lets you stay in your kids’ lives so easily!
When you read something in the Bible that encourages you and helps you love Jesus more, write it up in a couple lines and send it to your child. The best exhortation for them is positive examples of Christ’s joy in your own life.
Don’t stress out when you’re composing these as if each one needs to be singularly powerful. Just whip them out one after another, and let the cumulative effect of your satisfaction in God gather up in your child’s inbox. God’s word is never proclaimed in vain.
10. Take them to lunch. If possible, don’t let your only interaction with your child be electronic. Get together with him face to face if you can. You may think this is stressful and uncomfortable, but trust me that it’s far worse to be in the child’s shoes—he is experiencing all the same discomfort, but compounded by guilt. So if he is willing to get together with you for lunch, praise God, and use the opportunity.
It will feel almost hypocritical to talk about his daily life, since what you really care about is his eternal life, but try to anyway. He needs to know you care about all of him. Then, before lunch is over, pray that the Lord will give you the gumption to ask about his soul. You don’t know how he’ll respond. Will he roll his eyes like you’re an idiot? Will he get mad and leave? Or has God been working in him since you talked last? You don’t know until you risk asking.
(Here’s a note to parents of younger children: Set up regular times to go out to eat with your kids. Not only will this be valuable for its own sake, but also, if they ever enter a season of rebellion, the tradition of meeting with them will already be in place and it won’t feel weird to ask them out to lunch. If a son has been eating out on Saturdays with his dad since he was a tot, it will be much harder for him later in life to say no to his father’s invitation—even as a surly nineteen-year-old.)
11. Take an interest in their pursuits. Odds are that if your daughter is purposefully rejecting Christ, then the way she spends her time will probably disappoint you. Nevertheless, find the value in her interests, if possible, and encourage her. You went to her school plays and soccer games when she was ten; what can you do now that she’s twenty to show that you still really care about her interests?
Jesus spent time with tax collectors and prostitutes, and he wasn’t even related to them. Imitate Christ by being the kind of parent who will put some earplugs in your pocket and head downtown to that dank little nightclub where your daughter’s CD release show is. Encourage her and never stop praying that she will begin to use her gifts for Jesus’ glory instead her own.
12. Point them to Christ. This can’t be over-stressed. It is the whole point. No strategy for reaching your son or daughter will have any lasting effect if the underlying goal isn’t to help them know Jesus.
Jesus.
It’s not so that they will be good kids again; it’s not so that they’ll get their hair cut and start taking showers; it’s not so that they’ll like classical music instead of deathcore; it’s not so that you can stop being embarrassed at your weekly Bible study; it’s not so that they’ll vote conservative again by the next election; it’s not even so that you can sleep at night, knowing they’re not going to hell.
The only ultimate reason to pray for them, welcome them, plead with them, email them, eat with them, or take an interest in their interests is so that their eyes will be opened to Christ.
And not only is he the only point—he’s the only hope. When they see the wonder of Jesus, satisfaction will be redefined. He will replace the pathetic vanity of the money, or the praise of man, or the high, or the orgasm that they are staking their eternities on right now. Only his grace can draw them from their perilous pursuits and bind them safely to himself—captive, but satisfied.
He will do this for many. Be faithful and don’t give up.
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
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About Me
- Elder Vazquez
- I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.