At the Crossroads

I've been reading "The Road to Reality" by K.P. Yohannan! I wanted to share a portion of chapter 13. I love this book and how K.P. is calling all Christians to live a life of personal holiness. My prayer is that every Christian grows in their hunger for obedience to the Word of God. That we would start to live a life of obedience, holiness, purity and separation out of a true commitment and genuine love for the Lord. Enjoy and keep pressing on 4 the Lord!

At the Crossroads

Today we all stand at the crossroads on the question of personal holiness. Each of us must make the choice about which way we are going to go. This isn't a choice only preachers or Christian leaders must make, although I pray that it will start there. No, every believing man, woman, boy and girl must decide personally.

"Will I surrender to the spirit of our age, or resist and join the company of overcomers?" is the question to ask. Do we want to continue to live in defeat, failure and unrighteousness? Or will we decide to follow the path of excellence that leads to quality of life, inward purity and separation unto God? Of course, we also can continue in a life of hypocrisy and legalism and be content to put on an external show of righteousness.

Even if we are able to fool others for a time with religious sham, we cannot lie to God for even an instant. If, after seeing clearly God's desire for us to live a life of purity and holiness, we still do not obey and commit our lives, the Bible tells us in Revelation 22:11,12 that God will not always strive with us but come with judgment. "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let be holy still. And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:13 and 4:5 that "every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is....Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

We must realize that while God really wants us to be shining lights in this world, winning the lost and making an impact upon our generation or religious activism can never substitute for a separated life.

But let us remember that it is equally important that we are not offering service to God in the power of the flesh, with an impure heart. All the work and sacrifice we accomplish - even in the cause of world evangelism - can never be pleasing to the Lord unless it is done from a pure and holy heart.

No wonder the writer of Hebrews warns us to "serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29)

Here is a link to K.P.'s books!

Guard Your Words With Integrity

Taken from the book "Above all else - Directions for life" Pg. 32-35. Enjoy and keep pressing!

Guard your words with integrity

The integrity of the upright will guide them. Proverbs 11:3

Charles Swindoll correctly observed, "Nothing speaks louder or more powerfully than a life of integrity." Godly men and women agree.

Integrity is built slowly over a lifetime. It is the sum of every right decision and every honest word. It is forged on the anvil of honorable work and polished by the twin virtues of honesty and fairness. Integrity is a precious thing - difficult to build but easy to tear down.

Living a life of integrity isn't always the easiest way, but it is always the right way. God clearly intends that it should be our way, too.

Oswald Chambers advised, "Never support an experience which does not have God as its source, and faith in God as its result." These words serve as a powerful reminder that, as Christians, we are called to walk with God and obey His commandments. But, we live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to stray far from God's path. We Christians, when confronted with sins of any kind, have clear instructions: Walk - or better yet run - in the opposite direction.

It has been said that character is what we are when nobody is watching. How true. When we do things that we know aren't right, we try to hide them from our families and friends. But even if we successfully conceal our sins from the world, we can never conceal our sins from God.

If you sincerely wish to walk with our Creator, follow His commandments. When you do, your character will take care of itself...and you won't need to look over your shoulder to see who, besides God, is watching.

A tip for guarding your heart. Remember: Character is more important than popularity.

God's Words of Wisdom

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 10:9

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.
Proverbs 27:19

Not only so, be we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4

Summing it up!

When your words are honest and your intentions are pure, you have nothing to fear. Thus, you should guard your integrity even more carefully than you guard your wallet.

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep your integrity strong!

Walk in Wisdom

Nine principles for making wise decisions.

Spiritual Considerations : How will this decision affect my relationship with God?

1. Will this bring glory to God? 1 Corinthians 10:31

2. Is this a decision Jesus would make? 1 Peter 2:21

3. Will I be proud of this decision at the judgment seat of Christ? Romans 14:10

Relational Considerations : How will this decision affect my relationship with other people?

4. Would I want this done to me? Romans 13:8-10

5. Could this appear wrong even when it is really OK? 1 Thessalonians 5:22

6. Will this cause a brother or sister in Christ to struggle spiritually? Romans 14:13-21

Internal Considerations : How will this decision affect who I am and what I am becoming?

7. Will this bring me under the power of anything that might enslave me? 1 Corinthians 6:12

8. Can I do this with confidence that this is right? Romans 14:22-23

9. Am I breaking any previous commitments? James 5:12

Good stuff for the growing Christian! Enjoy and keep pressing!

Check out www.walkintheword.com 1.888.581.WORD for other cool tools to help you grow!

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

Not sure of the author of these words, but they are indeed true to what my life stands for! Enjoy & keep pressing, keep praying!

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ!

I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)

My Journal of Gratefulness

I'm grateful for the road God has allowed me to journey down over the past five years. Because of it my heart is forever changed. In the past my heart was only conditionally committed to the Lord, but today I stand to profess my hearts only allegiance is Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for what God supplies me, may I always find contentment in that. In the past It's been easy for me to find contentment in the world, thinking my job would give me what I needed (more money). It became easy for me to find joy in my paycheck and the stuff it gave me.

But at the same time I was being disobedient toward God. God was not holding first place in my heart, my money was. Even though I loved God, my love for money was deeper. So God took it away and left me with just enough to get by. I wouldn't change this year for anything, I'm just thankful that God got a hold of me before it was to late. My lifestyle of consuming stuff wasn't pleasing to God, but allowing myself to make the choice to be consumed with God and His Word has brought me to where I can meet God face to face.

God knows what I need and in His sovereign plan He will provide what He seems is fitting for my life. I've learned not to be anxious, but to trust the Lord to provide for my family!

"You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you...For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God...I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."
Psalm 86:5,10,12

Here are just a few things I've learned to be grateful for!

Spiritual Blessings:

• God's Faithfulness
• God's Forgiveness
• God's Grace
• God's Mercy
• God's Unconditional Love
• God's Word
• Jesus' Example
• The Holy Spirit
• Faith
• Personal Convictions from the Word

Relational Blessings:

• Wife
• Children
• Extended Family
• Body of Christ
• Friends

Material Blessings:

• Car
• Clothes
• Food
• Home
• Job
• Running Water
• Worship Music

Answers To Prayer:

• Family Surgeries being Successful
• God providing our every need
• New Church Home

What are you grateful for? Keep pressing, Keep praying!

THE BOW IN THE CLOUD

"I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth." Genesis 9:13

It is the Will of God that human beings should get into moral relationship with Him, and His covenants are for this purpose. Why does not God save me? He has saved me, but I have not entered into relationship with Him. Why does not God do this and that? He has done it, the point is - Will I step into covenant relationship? All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into relationship with Him on the basis of His covenant.

Waiting for God is incarnate unbelief, it means that I have no faith in Him; I wait for Him to do something in me that I may trust in that. God will not do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man has to go out of himself in his covenant with God as God goes out of Himself in His covenant with man. It is a question of faith in God - the rarest thing; we have faith only in our feelings. I do not believe God unless He will give me something in my hand whereby I may know I have it, then I say - "Now I believe." There is no faith there. "Look unto Me, and be ye saved."

When I have really transacted business with God on His covenant and have let go entirely, there is no sense of merit, no human ingredient in it at all, but a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and the whole thing is transfigured with peace and joy.

HT: My upmost for His Highest

Giving Thanks In Uncertain Times

Alderwood Community Church
November 23, 2008

Giving Thanks in Uncertain Times
Ephesians 5:1-4, 20

1. As Children of God our lives are to be characterized by giving thanks. Ephesians 5:1-4

A. Giving thanks is one of our distinguishing traits, setting us apart from the rest of the world.

"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk of coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." Ephesians 5:4

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:21

B. Thanksgiving is to be offered at all times.

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

This would mean in all circumstances!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

(see also: James 1:2-4, Job 1:21)

C. Thanksgiving is to be offered for everything.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." James 1:17

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:2

2. We need to understand the things that can rob our attitudes of thanksgiving.

A. Our self-centered attitude of entitlement.

B. The culture that we live in.

C. Comparing ourselves with others.

D. Circumstances

3. We will become more content and increase our thankfulness by developing the following daily habits.

A. Rehearse the Scriptures and build your trust in God and remind you of His goodness.

(Isaiah 40:28-31; Jer. 32:17; Prov. 3:5-6; Matt. 6:26; 7:11; James 1:17)

B. Practice seeing God's hand in everything. Psalm 92:4

C. Practice giving thanks everyday! Psalm 100

THE FORGIVENESS OF GOD

"In whom we have . . . the forgiveness of sins." Ephesians 1:7

Beware of the pleasant view of the Fatherhood of God - God is so kind and loving that of course He will forgive us. That sentiment has no place whatever in the New Testament. The only ground on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy of the Cross of Christ; to put forgiveness on any other ground is unconscious blasphemy. The only ground on which God can forgive sin and reinstate us in His favour is through the Cross of Christ, and in no other way. Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony of Calvary. It is possible to take the forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and our sanctification with the simplicity of faith, and to forget at what enormous cost to God it was all made ours.

Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace; it cost God the Cross of Jesus Christ before He could forgive sin and remain a holy God. Never accept a view of the Fatherhood of God if it blots out the Atonement. The revelation of God is that He cannot forgive; He would contradict His nature if He did. The only way we can be forgiven is by being brought back to God by the Atonement. God's forgiveness is only natural in the supernatural domain.

Compared with the miracle of the forgiveness of sin, the experience of sanctification is slight. Sanctification is simply the marvellous expression of the forgiveness of sins in a human life, but the thing that awakens the deepest well of gratitude in a human being is that God has forgiven sin. Paul never got away from this. When once you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vice, constrained by the love of God.

HT: My Upmost of His Highest

Submission to the Authorities

Regardless who was elected into office this is what God's Word says about submission to that position. Keep pressing for the Lord, Keep praying for Obama!

Romans 13:1-2

1Let every person(A) be subject to the governing authorities. For(B) there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Cross references:

A. Romans 13:1 : Titus 3:1; 1 Pet 2:13
B. Romans 13:1 : John 19:11; Dan 2:21

Obama in office by prayer? Not so!

People, even some Christians claim God has answered their prayer. They prayed to God that Obama would become the next president, and from a glance it looks as God has delivered. Just turn the news on and you will see all types of human race screaming from the streets...Hallelujah, Hallelujah God is so good, He has answered "my prayer!" But is that really the case?

As a Christian I understand God's sovereignty, royal power, and His dominion over all government powers. As His Word says He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them. So God fully ordained Barack Obama to be the 44th President even before you casted your vote. I would proclaim that it was God's sovereignty that placed Barack Obama in the Presidency seat, not your prayer.

Preceding the election we had our choice who we wanted to cast our vote for. See God did not make you vote for Obama or McCain, we as citizens of America had a choice. This would be part of our freewill. I'm sure God would have preferred for us to vote with the intent of advancing His will and His agenda. But when people act off of their emotions and feelings, and not based off of what God's Word says then it's easy to be deceived as many Christians where who casted votes for Obama on election day. I'm not sure about you, but how can a Christian vote for Obama when he is pro-abortion & pro-gay marriage, things that are clearly not of God.

This morning I found myself in Romans 1-3. What I find in the text is God giving the people the desires and lusts of their hearts. And Paul makes it clear the desires and lusts where not of righteousness and pure things, but things that where devoted to the flesh and destruction. And then we end up in our present day with this same picture being played out. We have become a nation that desires the things of the flash and destruction, not the things of God. We have not only turned our backs on God, but shut Him out completely. And now He has giving our nation what it has desired, a leader that loves to rally with man.

When we claim to be Christian our identity is found in Christ. We find it nowhere else. We find truth in God's Word. We find God's love and forgiveness in Christ!

Please continue to pray for Barack Obama and his new leadership team. Pray that he will make good wise choices, one that would glorify God and not man. Pray his heart would embrace the truth that is in God's Word. Also pray for our nation as a whole. That people would walk out of the darkness that so keeps us captive, but walk into the light of Jesus Christ. That we would be a nation of repentance. Keep pressing, Keep praying, stay strong in the Lord!

Proper Position of Hope

Where is it that you place your hope? What is it that you hope for?

The Vine's concise dictionary of the Bible defines hope as:

elpis (1680), in the NT, "favorable and confident expectation." It has to do with the unseen and the future, Rom. 8:24,25.

1 Peter 1:3-9 says:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Our only hope is found in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior of our life.

Our hope does not belong to:

• Our Government
• Barack Obama
• The World System
• The Stock Market
• Scientology
• The Koran
• The Book of Mormon
• Roman Catholicism
• The Watchtower Society
• Your Job
• Your Paycheck
• Your Church
• Your Pastor
• Your Title

Hope in those things, will only bring destruction. In the end all these things will fail you. You hope in those things and your headed straight for Hell. Jeremiah 17:5 says: Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD.

Our hope has only one proper position and that is in our Lord Jesus Christ. The King of kings and the Lord of lords. Every knee will bow and every tougue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

May today be the day you humble yourself before God, repent and turn to Him in faith through Christ. Stop putting your hope in useless things. Your hope in Christ is your one and only shot!

Acts 4:12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Acts 3:19 - Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

The turn of a new page....

HT:Growing in Faith-My brother posted this on his blog, I couldn't agree more.

We have a new President, and for the first time in USA history it is an African-American. I am excited to be apart of such history.

This was the first time I took upon myself the civic duty to vote, and I really had a good time with it. While I did vote for McCain, I am still thankful for the new President that God has put into office for us.

The Bible makes it very clear that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings are to be made on behalf of all men (1 Tim. 2:1-2), and that includes new President Barack Obama. The Bible also says, "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (Romans 13:1)

Regardless of who you wanted for President or didn't want we must pray for our new President Barack Obama. We must thank God for him (1 Tim. 2:1-2), because all government authority comes from God and God is the ultimate authority, not Obama. We must also respect and honor Barack Obama (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17)

Only when the government tries to force a Christian to do what is against the law of God explicitly stated in Scripture, should he refuse to submit (cf. Acts 4:18–20; 5:28,29; Titus 1:6; 3:1,2). (John F. MacArthur, Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible, (Dallas: Word Publishing) 1997.)

What is Truth?

Most people remain ignorant of what God says about the most important subject in life: Where am I going to spend eternity?

God wrote the Bible - His very own Word - so all of us would have a source of truth and answers to questions we might have pertaining to Him. God expects us to read and know what He tells us in the Bible. In it, He warns of a curse we bring on ourselves by trusting in "man" (Jeremiah 17:5) - as opposed to trusting in Him, which brings blessing (Jeremiah 17:7).

God's Bible talks a lot about truth. Many people claim to have the truth, only to find out later - sometimes too late - that what they had was, in fact, error. During the time of Christopher Columbus, man's "truth" asserted that the world was flat. God's truth, written over 2,000 years before, stated that the earth is round (Isaiah 40:22). John the apostle that the opposite of truth is error (1 John 4:6).

The Bible tells us that "every word of God proves true" (Proverbs 30:5). David asked God to lead him in His truth (Psalm 25:5) as he knew that God's Words are truth (2 Samuel 7:28). Jesus said that the words of God are not only true, but are, in fact, truth (john 17:17). John says that truth is realized only through Jesus Christ (John 1:17), who enlightens every man (John 1:9). Jesus also said that the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

John tells us that the true worshippers of God must worship in truth (John 4:23). Jesus said that He was the truth (John 14:6), and everyone who is of the truth listens to His voice (John 18:37). Pontius Pilate (John 18:38) did not recognize the truth and asked, "what is truth?"

The apostle Paul said that one must know (1 Timothy 2:4) and receive the love of the truth to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Paul even describes teaching that departs from the truth as doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). He also tells how some will oppose the truth (2 Timothy 3:8), and exchange the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:25). Peter the apostle warned how false teachers will lead people in heresy, causing the way of truth to be maligned (2 Peter 2:2).

Do you know the truth? Trust in God through Jesus Christ for salvation! Jesus is the only way to God, everything else leads to hell!

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep growing in the truth of God's Word!

Dick & Rick Hoyt

This dad's love for his son is the best Illustration of how Christ loves the Church. Be encouraged...I sure was. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. May we all find our strength in Christ.

Keep pressing, Keep praying!

The Danger and Tragedy of Unbelief

John 12:37-50

1. Beware of the tragic consequences of not believing in Jesus Christ! (vrs. 37-43)

A. The O.T. prophet Isaiah predicted this judicial hardening. (vrs. 37-41) (Isaiah 53:1, 6:10)

(This is also found in: Matt. 13:14-15, Mark 4:12, Luke 8:10, Acts 28:25-28, Romans 1:24,26,28; 11:8)

This "judicial blindness" does not dismiss human responsibility rather it is the consequence of the human choice of unbelief. God then "gives them over" to their sinful instincts. (Romans 1)

This is exactly what Jesus was warning about in John 12:35-36.

B. Some people secretly believe yet refuse to confess their faith in Christ because of the fear of social consequences. (vrs. 42-43) (See also: John 5:44-46, Luke 12:8-9)

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." Matt 23:37

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

It is a serious thing to treat God's truth lightly.

2. Weigh Jesus' words carefully! (vrs.44-50)

Why is Jesus worthy of your belief?

A. Because Jesus is God. (vrs. 41, 44, 45)

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." Hebrews 1:3a (Read Hebrews 1:1-3)

B. Because Jesus' words are the very words pf God. (vrs. 49-50)

C. Because Jesus' words with either condemn you or liberate you based on your belief in them. (vrs. 47-48/ 46, 50)

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:36

"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Hell)" Revelation 21:8

We only have one chance to believe upon our Lord Jesus Christ! Once death comes it is too late.

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:27-28

Application:
1. Believe in Jesus Christ while you still have a chance!
2. Share the words of Jesus Christ with a sense of urgency!
3. Live as children of light! Ephesians 5:8-11, Matt. 5:16

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

The Danger of a Super-majority

Oct 20

The Danger of a Super-majority

There has been a great deal of concern over the possibility of Barack Obama winning the White House in the November 4th election. In the past few weeks, I’ve received dozens of emails from people frustrated over how one of the most liberal senators is getting a free ride to the White House.
There has been very little media coverage of what could prove to be a far more dangerous political development. Polls indicate that the Democrats have a good chance of expanding their congressional majorities past the point of having a filibuster-proof Senate.

“This would be one of the most profound political and ideological shifts in U.S. history. Liberals would dominate the entire government in a way they haven't since 1965, or 1933. In other words, the election would mark the restoration of the activist government that fell out of public favor in the 1970s. If the U.S. really is entering a period of unchecked left-wing ascendancy, Americans at least ought to understand what they will be getting, especially with the media cheering it all on” (Wall Street Journal, 17 Oct. 2008).

The founding fathers created a system of checks and balances to block an aspiring dictator from seizing total control of the government. No U.S. president has the power to reshape the laws of our nation. If someone like Adolf Hitler were elected to office, he couldn’t implement a fourth Reich alone. The president can propose a budget and legislation, but he cannot force Congress to accept them.

During both previous times when there was a super-majority, it was possible to rewrite the rules at will. Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave us the New Deal and Lyndon Johnson created the Great Society--just fancy words for socialism.

The Democratic party of today is far more liberal than it was during any previous super-majority. I can’t imagine FDR addressing the virtues of gay marriage in one of his radio chats. Mr. Obama has long supported gay unions. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is the representative of America ’s Sodom and Gomorrah: San Francisco. I doubt the gay lobby will have any trouble getting her support.

You can be certain that the Democrats have a very long list of liberal proposals that they would love to see become part of the law of the land. Here are just five of them:

- The fairness doctrine – Backers of the fairness doctrine argue that because the airwaves are a scarce resource, they should be policed by federal bureaucrats to ensure that all viewpoints are heard. Liberals point to conservatives' dominance of talk radio as the reason radio stations should be forced to give time to left-wing commentators. Liberals have already monopolized TV, newspapers, and Hollywood. A domination of media is a hallmark of any despot seeking dictatorial rule.

- Union supremacy – Unions have been in decline for several decades. One of the key reasons is that they have a negative impact on business productivity. In a highly competitive world, unionized firms tend to fall behind. Democrats love unions because they are a good way to control large blocks of people with promises of government incentives.

- Medicare for all – The U.S. is already facing a calamity from the future entitlements promised to the baby boom generation. That bill will amount to $44 trillion. The idea of expanding the scope of Medicare makes me wonder if the Democrats are part of a secret plan to bankrupt this nation.
- Homosexual rights – Gays already have equal rights. The next step in this moral slide would be to make this sin protected from rebuke. In many European nations, it is a hate crime to quote the Bible’s view of homosexuality.

- The green agenda – Any plan to protect the earth seems like a noble cause, but “you don’t have to dig very deep to discover the true beliefs of the influential leaders who are using genuine concerns about the environment to promote an agenda of fear and control” (http://green-agenda.com). A few years back, Al Gore narrowly missed getting a BTU tax on everything that used energy. If his democratic buddies gain control of the government, you can bet the Environmental Pope is going to be back.

One of the disadvantages of being close to the time of the rapture is that we may witness some rather shocking changes in our form of government. If liberals are swept into super-majority power, there will be nothing to bar them from enacting these proposals. We can take comfort in knowing we will soon be rescued by a special Someone who will stand solidly for liberty and righteousness.

-- Todd

Link to article is http://www.raptureready.com/rap16.html

Leaders Cannot Show The Way Until They Know The Way

OCTOBER 22

LEADERS CANNOT SHOW THE WAY
UNTIL THEY KNOW THE WAY

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the
law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They
also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.
Psalm 119:1-3

The longest chapter in the Bible is a song about the priority of the Word of God. For 176 verses, Psalm 119 holds high the words and wisdom of God and convinces us to treasure it more than anything else in life. Why is this so crucial for us? Leaders in our world face two realities:

1. Change happens faster then ever, so leaders must remain adaptable.
2. We need timeless values more than ever, so leaders must remain principle-driven.

Consider what Psalm 119 teaches about God's Word as our source for leadership principles. Our leadership will...

• be blessed
• be strengthened and revitalized
• enjoy liberty
• remain steady even when afflicted
• be enlightened, intuitive
• remain pure and ethical
• insightfully answer criticism
• gain wise counsel when needed
• display more insight than our teachers
• have a reliable guide

Keep pressing, keep praying!

Growth in godliness & freedom of sin

Christians should always be aware of the growth they are experiencing in Jesus Christ. The more you walk with the Lord, the more your growth in godliness should be noticeable to those around you, including yourself. A genuine disciple of Jesus Christ will abide in His Word's!

Jesus said: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

You say, "free from what? What kind of freedom do genuine disciples experience?" First, true believers have freedom from the power of sin. If Jesus is setting you free because you are abiding in Him, then you are being freed from the power of sin. Sin is a powerful thing.Our inclination to do wrong is very strong. In and of yourself, you cannot overcome your tendency to do wrong. You can't. Some of you reading this booklet are not genuine disciples, and you are trying by the power of your own will to do what's right. You can't. I can't either. You can only do tight because of the power of Christ in your life. If He is setting you free, then He is setting you free from the power of sin. You can now do what is right.

Friend, the truth shall make you free. Certainly, genuine Christians do sin. They do struggle. But they persevere, and they see as the pattern of their lives an increasing growth in godliness. It's an ongoing precess. Here's a little tip:

IF...

...your heart fro God is the same as it was two years ago, five years ago, ten years ago;
...you're not more in love with Him;
...you're not a better husband or a better wife;
...you're not a more honest business person;
...you're not growing;
...you're not changing;

THEN you may not be a Christian, because He's not in the process of setting you free.

Jesus said it. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This is no game. The subject that we're discussing is your eternal destiny. Will you go to a real place called heaven, or will you go to a real place called hell? Are you a genuine follower of Christ?

Biblical Answers to Catholic Questions

I took this class at the SU Conference and it was awesome! Great tool for those that are wanting to witness to the Catholics. Here is a link if you would like to purchase the set. www.consideryourways.net/answers.htm

Biblical Answers to Catholic Questions examines what the Bible says about the most important questions you will face when comparing Christianity to Catholicism. The questions addressed in this life-changing study include:

• What about tradition versus the Bible?
• What about infant baptism?
• What about grace?
• What about salvation?
• Justification by works or by faith?
• What about assurance of salvation?
• What about Peter and the rock?
• What about Mary?
• What about purgatory?
• What about saints?
• What about priests?
• What about the pope?
• What about confession?
• What about the mass?
• What about communion?
• What about the sacraments?

William (Bill) Ciofani loves God's Word. Since he turned from his sin and embraced Christ by faith in 1990, he has passionately shared the good news of Jesus Christ with others. He serves as an Elder at Harvest Bible Chapel, leads a small group, and teaches Biblical Answers to Catholic Questions.

God has used this class to bring Catholics to a saving faith in Jesus, to equip new believers in how to share their faith with their Catholic friends, and to lead people from the error of religious doctrines to the simplicity of following the person of Jesus Christ.

Bill and his wife Susan make their home in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Keep pressing, keep praying, and keep sharing your faith that is in Jesus Christ!

How to handle worldliness in your life...

If you want to begin immediately to weaken the influence of worldliness in your life, take the sound advice from the great physician of the soul, John Owen:

When someone sets his affections upon the cross and the love of Christ, he crucifies the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin.

Don't you want the world to lose its appeal? Then crowd out worldliness by filling your affections with the cross of Christ. Crucify the world as a dead and undesirable thing by meditating on the love of the Savior.

Where there is No future

Where There Is NO Future

After highlighting the godlessness of the things of the world, John then exposes their futility: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17 NIV). The verse is clear: these things don't last. They pass away.

My friend, I don't want you to waste your life pursuing things that won't last. I don't want you to have what John Owens describes as "living affections to dying things."12

There's no future in worldliness. None. This world is temporary and superficial, and it doesn't satisfy. Oh, I know, the world sparkles, the world dazzles. I know because I've been there. I immersed myself in the world. I passionately pursued everything it had to offer. And what did I discover? It didn't deliver as advertised. It deceived me. What it did deliver were unadvertised consequences I wasn't informed of and didn't anticipate. For sin carries with it the seeds of dissatisfaction and destruction.

The things of this world - when compared to pleasing God and eternal life, when informed by an eternal perspective - will be exposed as being worthless. But there is a future in godliness, and for all who do the will of God. They, by contrast, will live forever.

What Matters Most

How about you? Which will you choose? Will you pursue the deceptive, temporary pleasures of worldliness? Or do the will of God, which contains the promise of eternal life?

Are you at war with God?

Worldliness is departing from God. It is a man-centred way of thinking; it proposes objectives which demand no radical breach with man's fallen nature; it judges the importance of things by the present and material results; it weighs success by numbers; it covets-human esteem and wants no unpopularity; it knows no truth for which it is worth suffering; it declines to be "a fool for Christ's sake". Worldliness is the mind-set of the unregenerate. It adopts idols and is at war with God.

The goal of worldly people

The goal of worldly people is to move forward rather than upward, to live horizontally rather than vertically. They seek after outward prosperity rather than holiness. They burst with selfish desires rather than heartfelt supplications. If they do not deny God, they ignore and forget Him, or else they use Him only for their selfish ends. Worldliness...is human nature without God.

23 Minutes in Hell

• One man's story about what he saw, heard, and felt in that place of torment.
  
  Written on the back of the book it states "My sincere hope is that This book is the closest you will ever come to experiencing hell for yourself."
  
  Bill Wiese saw the searing flames of hell, felt total isolation, and experienced the putrid and totting stench, deafening screams of agony, terrorizing demons, and finally, the strong hand of God lifting him out of the pit.
  
  "TELL THEM I AM COMING VERY, VERY SOON!"
  
  Wiese's visit to the devil's lair lasted just twenty-three minutes, but he returned with vivid details etched in his memory. Since this life-changing ordeal, he spent the last seven years studying the Scriptures to find answers and has listed more than 150 Bible verses referencing hell.
  
  Everyone is curious about the afterlife, and now Wiese shares his insights to commonly asked questions such as:
• Is hell a literal burning place?
• Where is hell?
• Do you have a body in hell?
• Are there degrees of punishment in hell?
• Are there children in hell?
• Can demons torment people in hell?
• Can "GOOD" people go to hell?

"Even if you don't believe my story, I hope you will believe the Scriptures and avoid hell just the same."

You can click this link to order the book - 23 Minutes in Hell

Don't be deceived!

Here are some sermon notes from the message James MacDonald preached on the 5th.

He preached from 1 John 2:18-27. The title of the message was "Don't be deceived!"

1A) Don't be deceived: we are in the last hour. v. 18-19
last hour: meaning the final period of time in human history. The time from when Christ finished the work on the cross, until the earth will pass away. We as Christians should be living as this was my last moment, my last breath.

v. 18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming,
Here are 4 things about the anitchrist.

1. The antichrist was predicted by Christ. Matthew 24:24 - a person who will rise up to deceive the nations.


2. Called by other names. (antichrist, man of lawlessness, the beast)


3. He will be promoted by a false prophet


4. This person will rule the world

Here is a list of 5 books that have messages that will deceive you. The end of these books is empty promises. If you own them I recommend you have a bonfire right now!

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The assertion is made that Christ's deity was an invention of Constantine in the 4th century. Quoted in the book "Jesus establishment as the Son of God was officially proposed and voted on by the counsel of Nicaea, until that moment in history Jesus was viewed by His followers as a mortal man." Basically a great and powerful man but a man non the less. By endorsing Jesus as the Son of God Constantine turned Jesus into a deity or a God.

This message is basically telling us Jesus is not God. The Bible tells us in 1 John 5:20 that Jesus is the true God and eternal life.

The Third Jesus by Deepak Chopra

This message argues that we need to move beyond the historical Jesus of the Bible and we need to move beyond the Divine Jesus invented by Christian Theologians. Deepak says we need to get onto the third Jesus, the cosmic jesus who is for all humanity.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Quoted from pg. 164 "You are god in physical body, you are eternal life expressing itself as you, you are all power, you are all wisdom, you are all perfection.

Later Rhonda adds the earth turns in its orbits for you, the oceans Eben flow for you, the birds sing for you, the sun rises and sets for you. None of it can exist without you, no matter who you thought you were know the truth who you really are. You are the master of the universe.

That is straight up blasphemy against God.

The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Quoted from this book, Tolle says there is only one absolute truth and all others truths emanate from it. You are the truth. If you look for it elsewhere you'll be deceived every time. The very being that you are, is truth. Then horrifically, blasphemy Tolle tries to pull Jesus into his message. Saying Jesus tried to convey this when He said I am the truth. Jesus speaks of the inner most I am the essentials of identity of every man and woman and every life form when each person obtains this state of godhead. Tolle says the world will be transformed.

So this message is not denying the Deity of Christ, but His uniqueness.

The Shack by William P. Young

Quoted from pg. 110 Young writes all three members of the Godhead become incarnate not just the Son. In another place Young's Jesus says I am not the way, the truth, and the life. He quotes Jesus, he puts these words in our saviors mouth. In the book Jesus says I'm not the way, the truth, and the life, I'm just the best way.

Then he goes on to say..Those who love me from every system that exist weather Buddhist, Mormons, or baptists, Muslims, Democrats or Republicans, Americans or Iraqis, Jews or Palestine's, I have no desire to make them Christian. I just want them to join in the transformation into sons and daughters of my pappa.

This message is universalism. What it says is Jesus is a good way, Jesus is even the best way, but not that He is the only way. But Acts 4:12 says: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

2A) Don't be deceived: You can know the Gospel. v. 20-23. The truth is in God's Word. You can know the truth yourself. The message of the Bible is in the Bible. We all have insight into God's Word.

v. 22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.

People we are in the last hour. Maybe more like 10 minutes to the hour. Don't be deceived by false messages that lead you astray. It not a good time to be far from the cross of Christ!

Repent! Turn to Jesus! That is the only way for salvation!

Acts 3:19 says Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Heading off to Straight Up Conference

I'm very excited about this years trip! It's going to be a grand time in the Word! Our flight leaves at 9am, going to hang in downtown Chicago for the evening and have some Chicago pizza! I'm looking most forward to a HBC service that we are going to attend Sunday at 11am. Th conference kicks off Sunday night at 5pm. I've been reflecting the last couple of days since last years conference. I can really see how the Lord has been working on and in my heart. I have truly grown so much. It's going to be awesome to hang with my mentor. I'm expecting some great things this weekend. Just a few to list....

• a deeper hunger for God's Word
• a heart that longs to communicate with God more often, more deeper in prayer
• being a stronger spiritual leader for my family
• more boldness in sharing the Gospel
• just getting more fired up about Jesus Christ!

Keep pressing, keep praying & keep growing in the Lord!

I look forward to bringing back a good report!

Temporal Vs. Eternal

Meaning of Temporal: 1)pertaining to or concerned with the present life or this world; worldly: temporal joys. 2)enduring for a time only; temporary; transitory (opposed to eternal).

Temporal in greek is proskairos, which means "for a season" (pros, "for," kairos, "a season"), is rendered "temporal" in 2 Cor. 4:18.

Meaning of eternal: without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing (opposed to temporal): eternal life.

Eternal in greek is aionios. The predominant meaning of aionios, that with which it is used everywhere in the NT, save the places noted above, may be seen in 2 Cor. 4:18, where it is set in contrast with proskairos, lit., "for a season," and in Philem. 15, where only in the NT it is used without a noun. Moreover it is used of persons and things which are in their nature endless, as e.g., of God, Rom. 16:26; of His power, 1 Tim. 6:16, and of His glory, 1 Pet. 5:10; of the Holy Spirit, Heb 9:14; of the redemption effected by Christ, Heb. 9:12, and of the consequent salvation of men, 5:9, as well as of His future rule, 2 Pet. 1:11, which is elsewhere declared to be without end, Luke 1:3; of the life received by those who believe in Christ, John 3:16, concerning whom of the resurrection body, 2 Cor. 5:1, elsewhere said to be "immortal," 1 Cor. 15:53, in which that life will be finally realized, Matt. 25:6; Titus 1:2.

Let me type out that last verse in Titus for you...Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,(emphases mine)...do you understand that God cannot and will not lie, that would be outside of His Holy character! The Bible says the cross is foolishness to those who is perishing.

What the Bible says about Temporal things:

• 2 Cor. 4:18 ...For the things which are seen are temporary...
• Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away,...
• Psalm 39:5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. (NLT)
• Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
• 1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it;

What the Bible says about Eternal things:

• 1 John 2:17 ...but he who does the will of God abides forever.
• Luke 21:33 ...but My words will by no means pass away.
• Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
• Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
• Hebrews 9:27-28 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

I could go on and on about what the Bible says about Temporal and Eternal things. But here is my point...You have to decide what is best for you. The Bible says work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Salvation is found only in the Lord, everything else will lead you to hell.

As for me and my house we will choose to serve the Lord! Joshua 24:15 says; But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand!

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Keep pressing, Keep praying, Keep planting seeds that God can grow!

The Fruit of Obedience

You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes and My judgments, which is a man does, he shall live by them. I am the Lord.
Leviticus 18:4-5

God calls His people to live at a standard higher then the unbelievers who surround them. In Leviticus chapters 18, 19 and 20, God reviews His higher standards regarding relationships, religion, and the rights and responsibilities of community members.

Why these higher standards? God intended Israel to be a light and a standard for the rest of the world, and Israel's leaders to be a light and a standard for the Jewish nation. God expects the same of leaders today. Why must we be faithful in keeping a higher standard the the rest of the world? To be like God. To make us qualified for ministry. To guarantee God's blessing on our life. And to receive God's reward for faithfulness.

And what characterizes those who choose to pursue life at God's higher standard?

• They adopt godly values.
• They care for the interests of others.
• They live with integrity.
• They keep their word.
• They develop their gifts and potential.
• They manage time and money well.
• They pass on to others what they have received.

What this world needs...

With all the things in this world getting crazier by the day, the song "What this world needs by casting crowns" comes to mind. This world is only meant to satisfy our flesh. But there is a problem with the world...In the end you have nothing but heartache and pain. There is only one thing that will satisfy your soul, and that is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The world system is only going to get worst, and there is nothing that will fix it. But you can fix your eyes on Jesus Christ! You can trust in Jesus Christ for salvation! God has always had a way for us to be right with Him! Get on it, for this might be your last shot. God only gives you so many opportunities! Don't waste your life! For a life without Jesus is just that, A WASTE!

What This World Needs by Casting Crowns

What this world needs is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind
Another two bit politician peddling lies
Another three ring circus society
What this world needs is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you
Another ear pleasing candy man afraid of the truth
Another prophet in an Armani suit

What this world needs is a Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love them in their time of need
A Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love
That's what this world needs

What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside
Have we become so blind that we can't see
God's gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt
What this world needs is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free

Jesus is our Savior, that's what this world needs
Father's arms around you, that's what this world needs
That's what this world needs

A Joyful Noise

God is good! Let us make a joyful noise 2 God! Jesus Christ rule this thing! Keep pressing!

Obama slips up

Ouch! Obama slips up and talks about his "Muslim Faith" instead of Christian faith in an interview on ABC.



HT:Kingdom People

Principle - Centered Leadership

Principle - Centered Leadership

My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:20-27

Leaders who last do not merely react to their culture; they base their leadership on timeless and universal principles. They remain relevant because they marry cultural context to timeless truth. Proverbs 4 encourages leaders to become principle centered. Verses 20-27 teach us that God's principles give us three crucial tools:

1. They are a guide; they help us stay on the right path.

2. They are a guard; they keep our hearts and bodies protected.

3. They are a gauge; the enable us to evaluate where we are.

Every leader ought to consume God's Word, then put the truths he or she discovers in the form of principles that can guide, guard, and gauge his or her life.

Leadership Promises for Everyday (Pg.291)

Have a great day! Keep pressing, keep praying, keep seeking to always glorify God with your life! 1 Cor 10:31

My Captain by Dorothea Day

Out of the night that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.

Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with joy is humbly bowed.

Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.
I have no fear, though strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul.

Amen, keep pressing!

Ten Characteristics of a Growing, Maturing Christian

Ten Characteristics of a Growing, Maturing Christian

• You have a growing hunger for God in your heart.
• You have an increasing desire to know the Truth of God's Word.
• You have a greater sensitivity to sin in your life.
• You have a decreasing desire for the things of the world.
• You have a sphere of love that is continually increasing.
• You find it easier to forgive others.
• You have an increasing desire to obey God.
• You have an increasing faith.
• You have an increasing concern for the spiritual condition of others.
• You want to be constantly growing, changing, and maturing.

Submitted by Roger Wine

HT: What is the Good News

10 Choices

10 Choices - A proven plan to change your life forever!

Choice #1: I Choose God's Love
Choice #2: I Choose God's Forgiveness
Choice #3: I Choose Jesus Christ as Lord
Choice #4: I Choose the Bible as God's Word
Choice #5: I Choose to Forgive
Choice #6: I Choose to Trust
Choice #7: I Choose to Love my Family First
Choice #8: I Choose to Be Authentic
Choice #9: I Choose to Serve
Choice #10: I Choose to Stand

The ten most important choices will also help you:
*Know your limits
*Set your priorities
*Reveal your character
*Establish a legacy
*Change your life forever

Get this book today!

You can use this link to order your copy today:
10 Choices - A proven plan to change your life forever. By James MacDonald

These are choices I have made in my life! I pray you consider them for yourself as well!

Keep pressing, Keep praying, Choose to draw closer to God and He will draw closer to you!

Deuteronomy 30:19
I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life.

Kirk Careron and John MacArthur on salvation

11 min - Worth your time to watch! Enjoy & keep pressing!

Leadership in the Home

I wanted to share today's daily devotion in my leadership promises for every day. So here we go! Keep pressing, keep praying, keep being the spiritual leader of your home!

Leadership in the Home
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 5:22&25, 6:1

Contrary to what many teach, leadership in the home is not about power or control. Paul asks for mutual submission and calls husbands to be Christ-figures. And how did Christ lead the church? He provided, taught, wept, healed, and died on a cross. Spiritual leadership means giving up yourself for someone else. It means assuming responsibility for health and development for your relationships. Evaluate your home leadership in each of the following categories:

Initiative - Do I give direction and take responsibility for my primary relationships?

Intimacy - Di I experience intimacy with God and others through open conversations?

Influence - Do I exercise biblical influence by encouraging and developing others?

Integrity - Do I lead an honest life, unashamed of who I am when no one is looking?

Identity - Am I secure in who I am in Christ? Or am I defensive?

Inner circle - Do I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in my life, including self-discipline?

Violence against Christians rages in India

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ over in India. Crazy stuff is going on over in Asia. It's time to lift some prayers up for them. Keep pressing, keep praying!

Violence against Christians rages in India

Pray for those in Texas!

Please pray for Texas! This storm is huge! I've heard not everyone is making out in time. I have some friends that live in Beaumont.



A statue of Jesus calming the sea is seen at sunrise in Corpus Christi Bay the in Corpus Chrisit, Texas. Hurricane Ike is expected to strike the Texas coast Friday.

Are you Saved?

This might just be one of the biggest questions you face this side of eternity.

You might hear some refer to it as Assurance of Salvation. But honestly would God really leave us in the dark about what is to come after our earthly death? Is there more to this life than just work, eat, and sleep?

The Bible in 1 John 5:13 says: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

Is believing in Jesus the same as following Jesus? A lot of people think they are Christians, but many of them are deceived! Let's not be fooled, not all who claim to be part of God's family are, in fact, genuine members. I would think most reading this post believe in Jesus. James 2:19 tells us "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!"

Did you know that statistics show that over 90% of the people who live in the United States believe in God. I would follow that statistic with how many of those that believe really follow Jesus?

Is your pattern of living lining up with the pattern of Jesus Christ? Do you desire holiness? For those that claim to be SAVED, are you noticing a pattern of change in your life? 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Honestly ask yourself, has your pattern of living changed since you have been SAVED? If not, then maybe your not saved and are just one of the deceived ones!

How often do you read God's Word? Genuine disciples of Christ abide in Jesus' Words. John 8:31-32 says: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Christians that want Jesus as their Savior, but not as their Lord, would be ones that don't feed off the Word of God. Why? Because the Bible says that "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

I'll end by saying this....

If you don't desire a life of holiness then you probably don't desire to spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

We Christians need to learn to control our earthly bodies. We should strive to train ourselves to be godly! We don't become like Christ because we go to Church or pray a prayer one time. It's not the people around us that will make us more like Christ, it starting with the basics, read your Bible daily, pray daily, reflect on the change in your life.

Work out your salvation with trembling and fear! Don't trust in your own efforts, just trust in God's. It saddens me everyday to see people, including Christians that waste away their freedom and salvation. We should all learn to live life in view of the judgment seat of Christ. Maybe then Christians would act in a rightful manner!

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep pursuing holiness cause without it you won't see the Lord!!!

Fireproof - Opens 09/26/08

This is a must see movie! Weather your single, getting married, or been married for 25 years, everyone can take something away from this movie! Go see it! In theaters September 26th...SAVE THE DATE & MAKE IT A DATE NIGHT!

Man is God's enemy by nature.

Wanted to share a portion of the book I've been reading! This book is a highly recommended book for those that are either married or getting married. God has only one intention for husbands that He CREATED and that is to lead families to the house of the Lord! Keep pressing, Keep praying, Keep reflecting the change of your heart!

As much as God desires to receive our worship and have an abiding relationship with us, He cannot and will not unjustly ignore the great barrier that our sin has created between Himself and us.

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,
And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. Isaiah 59:2

We may not ever feel like God's enemy, but by the simple fact that we inherit the sinful nature of Adam, we are His enemies from birth. Our sinful condition is seen in both our failure to worship God as He deserves and in our bent toward sin and selfishness (Romans 1:18-25; 5:10). But God did not leave us in this hopeless situation. We need not remain the enemies of God!

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach. Colossians 1:21-22 [emphasis mine]

So far we have learned that man is sinful to the core, dead in his trespasses and sins, an enemy of God, fully responsible, and unable to meet God's standard or to help himself (Ephesians 2:1-7). Man was born with a debt of worship to his Creator, but instead has worshiped and served himself, even in his "good deeds." He is bound to the lustful, selfish and sinful desires of his flesh and is deceived by his sinstained mind and foolish heart.Even though man is restrained from full expression of his sinfulness, he is doomed (apart from God's direct intervention on his behalf) to suffer the consequences of his own sin and rebellion by spending an eternity in hell, paying for his sins against a holy God (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:11-15). What an ugly picture of ourselves! But God in His mercy is willing to make you into a different picture - a different man.**

**The Exemplary Husband (pg.36-37)

God's Sovereignty

Over the last few days I seem to have found myself reflecting most of this year. As I stand back I'm excited to see how God is not only moving in my life, but how it is His faithfulness to me that draws me into a more intimate relationship with my heavenly Father. I wouldn't change the path I'm on for nothing.

As I've come to understand more of God and His sovereignty I understand that it is God that determines the steps of man.

God is perfectly sovereign, perfectly good, perfectly loving, and perfectly wise. Through scripture I believe in a God that is sovereign over the earth, the heavens, people, events, and even Satan and evil** (Isaiah 40:12-31).

A scripture that I find comfort in is Romans 5:3-5 which says: Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Amen to that.

I watched the movie facing the giants last night! A great movie, a movie I can watch over and over again always walking away refreshed. Today I wake up thankful for life, thankful that God is moving in my life! I'm enjoying the process of sanctification!

Keep pressing, Keep praying, Know that God is sovereign!

**The Exemplary Husband (pg. 17&18)

Life is crazy...at times!

Sorry for the lack of blog posts. Last week had a good friends wedding and also my sons 2nd year Bday party! The highlight of the week was seeing Peyton get a huskies jersey from some good friends of ours. Inside I was crying, but in the end we all know the huskies are going down November 22nd.

Please continue to pray for us, we are going through some changes in life. The church that we have been visiting has been great, solid rock teachings. The music is not what we prefer, but not sure of the perfect church out there, maybe HBC.

I'm gearing up for the Straight Up Conference in October. Very excited to see how God will show up that week. Planning to fly in the day before the conference starts to check out a live HBC church service. James MacDonald is one of my favorite pastors, so getting under his teachings is always a good thing. The conference has a solid line up including James MacDonald, John MacArthur, C.J. Mahaney as well as Joe Stowell. I'm excited to travel down there with my mentor! I'm also planning a huge surprise for the wife the day after I get back. She is taking on alot with letting me go away for 4 nights, so it will be nice to take her out on the town for the night! Even have a family member taking little P for the night.

Keep praying, Keep pressing & Keep fixing our eyes on Jesus!

Recommended Read - The Pursuit of Holiness - Jerry Bridges

Let me start by saying "WOW", what a GREAT book this was. A wonderful follow up from my last read "So, you want to be like Christ?", both which God has used to bring some good change into my life. Not a book I would read through in a day, this is more of a take your time and allow things to process book. It has some very helpful suggestions on how to understand and deal with our sinful nature. Every Christian should take seriously the pursuit of holiness. The Bible tells us that without holiness we will never see the Lord on the other side of this life! We don't become stronger Christians of the faith because we attend a Church, or say a little prayer and once in awhile read a Scripture or two. We become stronger Christians when we pursue holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit. The word pursue suggests two thoughts: first, that diligence and effort are required; and second, that it is a lifelong task (pg.11). We can't do it on our own, but God has granted us everything needed to attain a holy life this side of heaven, praise God for that! So go buy this book! You will love it! Keep pressing, keep praying, and keep pursuing holiness!

From page 81:
We need to brace ourselves up and to realize that we are responsible for our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We need to reckon on the fact that we died to sin's reign, that it no longer has any dominion over us, that God has united us with the risen Christ in all His power, and has given us the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only as we accept our responsibility and appropriate God's provisions will we make any progress in our pursuit of holiness.

He also notes, and I agree that no one can pursue holiness who is not prepared to obey God in every area of his life (pg.136).

And lastly the author notes because we do not have a firm conviction that "without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14), we do not seriously pursue holiness as a priority in our lives (pg.142).

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16

Job 9:2-22

Very powerful, very much what my heart needs to hear! God is good, even when things around us seem out of control. Today I know and understand that my God is in control of all circumstances, I just need to trust Him. I need to understand His responsibilities, but also know mine as well. I think it would be wrong of me to think God has to mold himself to my circumstances, but really its me that needs to change my life to fit into the circumstances that He has allowed into my life. Keep pressing, keep praying and keep trusting God!


2"Indeed, I know that this is true.
But how can a mortal be righteous before God?

3 Though one wished to dispute with him,
he could not answer him one time out of a thousand.

4 His wisdom is profound, his power is vast.
Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?

5 He moves mountains without their knowing it
and overturns them in his anger.

6 He shakes the earth from its place
and makes its pillars tremble.

7 He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
he seals off the light of the stars.

8 He alone stretches out the heavens
and treads on the waves of the sea.

9 He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.

10 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted.

11 When he passes me, I cannot see him;
when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.

12 If he snatches away, who can stop him?
Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?'

13 God does not restrain his anger;
even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet.

14 "How then can I dispute with him?
How can I find words to argue with him?

15 Though I were innocent, I could not answer him;
I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.

16 Even if I summoned him and he responded,
I do not believe he would give me a hearing.

17 He would crush me with a storm
and multiply my wounds for no reason.

18 He would not let me regain my breath
but would overwhelm me with misery.

19 If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty!
And if it is a matter of justice, who will summon him [a] ?

20 Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me;
if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.

21 "Although I am blameless,
I have no concern for myself;
I despise my own life.

22 It is all the same; that is why I say,
'He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.'

Demand #6.1

If you have not read the post "Demand #6" please read before reading Demand #6.1

JESUS SPEAKS THE VERY WORDS OF GOD
When Jesus finished his famous Sermon on the Mount, "the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" (Matt. 7:28-29). This authority was not because of a personality trait or a pedagogical technique. The reason is much deeper. His words have authority and power, Jesus says, because they are the words of God. "I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment - what to say and what to speak" (John 12:49). "What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me" (John 12:50; cf. 8:28). "The word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me" (John 14:24). Jesus' words have authority because when he speaks, God speaks, Jesus speaks from God the Father and as God the Son.