Pursuit of Holiness

Obedient Faith

2010-10-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Saving faith is carefully defined in Scripture and needs to be understood because there is a dead, nonsaving faith that provides false security (James 2:14-26). True saving faith contains repentance and obedience as its elements. Repentance is an initial element of saving faith, and it involves three elements: a turning to God, a turning from evil, and intent to serve God. No change of mind can be called true repentance without all three. Repentance is not merely being ashamed or sorry over sin, although genuine repentance always involves an element of remorse. It is a redirection of the human will, a purposeful decision to forsake all unrighteousness and pursue goodness instead. The faith that saves involves more than mere intellectual assent and emotional conviction. It also includes the resolution of the will to obey God's commands and laws. Obedience is the hallmark of the true believer.

Reflecting on the text: Why is obedience a mark of true faith?

The above statement comes from my study guide of Colossians 1:1-8. The statement comes from the thought of the Greek word pistis for "faith," which means to be persuaded that something is true and to trust in it. But far more than mere intellectual assent, it also involves obedience. As we read in James 2:14-26 we understand that to just believe without works is a dead faith. So since we know that a dead faith is really in an end of its self no faith, this should cause us to examine our faith, our salvation as talked about in Philippians 2:12.

I think before we can dig into the word “Obedience” we need to define the word believes. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. This has to be one of the most misunderstood verses in the whole Bible. People say I believe and point to this verse. I think when we jump to James 2:19 we see that the demons themselves believe in one God and they shudder. Let me ask you; are demons going to heaven? The answer is no, never! So if demons believe and are not going to heaven would that be the same case for us as humans that just believe? We find the answer in John 3:36, which says: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. We find in John 3:36 that the way we believe in God is communicated by the way we live our lives before a fallen world. I love how Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines the word obedience:

“Faith is of the heart, invisible to men; obedience is of the conduct and may be observed. When a man obeys God he gives the only possible evidence that in his heart he believes God. Of course it is persuasion of the truth that results in faith (we believe because we are persuaded that the thing is true, a thing does not become true because it is believed), but peitho, in N.T. suggests as actual and outward result of the inward persuasion and consequent faith.” –Vine’s Expository Dictionary Pg.796

I always love how Scripture is the best way to define what a word means. I believe for obedience we see it clearly in Luke 9:23-24 and Jesus said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Jesus Himself said in John 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 1 John 2:6 says whoever says he abides in Him (Jesus Christ) ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.

My friend Jimmy recently preached a message titled: Jesus died to save the world. In the message he gave 5 observations of the growing Christian. They were: believe – look – change – live – tell. First we believe in our hearts of what Jesus has done (dying on the cross) for the sinner to bring him into a right relationship with God (John 3:16-18). Second we look to the cross of Christ, and understand that is how God saves the world, is through the death of Christ and not of anything that we have done. God’s gift of salvation is a free gift, nothing we can earn, but just receive (Ephesians 2:8-9). Third, we start to see the change that God is doing within. If God saves you, He will also give you a new heart, a heart that longs for God’s holiness, righteousness and not our old nature (2 Cor. 5:17). Titus 3:5 says He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Are you seeing the Holy Spirit’s work within you? Forth we live it out in our lives, in the way we handle our duties as husband/wife, father/mother, child, work, communities, church..etc. As well as forgiving, loving and serving each other, weather Christian or non-Christian (Col. 3:1-17). Fifth, we will tell others of the good news that is only found in Jesus Christ alone. We will find ways to make disciples that make disciples (Matt. 28:16-20). In Jesus’ day when He healed people He would tell them to not tell anyone and they would go tell everyone, but when He was ascended into heaven He told us to go tell everyone the good news and we tell no one.

My friend Susan said it best about the word obedience. In the middle of the word obedience is the word "die". I have found that in order to be obdienant to Christ we MUST "die" to ourself and our wills!

Keep pressing, keep praying and keep being obedient to God and His Word! Let’s be a church that reps the king of Kings well, not just believe, but live it in our daily lives.

Father's Build Your House on the Rock!!

2010-06-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Build Your House on the Rock

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:24-27

Being Father's Day, I have so much thankfulness and gratitude for the family that God has blessed me with! God is good, Always! When I ponder my life I can't help but be thankful for the influence that Christ has on my life. I find my hope in things not of this world, but in things above!

What makes a family successful? If you said a big house, great paying jobs, a boat, yellow hummer, $20,000+ in saving, I might think you just watched an episode of "cribs". But the truth is none of these things make a family successful! Success is not found in the abundance of your possessions (Luke 12:15).

The success of a family is only found upon the foundation of Christ! As we read the Passage in Matthew 7:24-27 we find that when the storms of life come our way we are able to withstand them with the help of God himself! When we dig into the Bible we find God's will for our lives. We are not to just be hearers of the Word but doers of the Word! When we place our hope in anything other than Christ and that hope is swept away in the storms of life, we will drown ourselves in the worries of this world.

I would encourage all dad's to lead your family in away that honors God. Build your family on the foundation of God's Word, let that be your standard for living. God wants our lives and our families to be focused on His kingdom and His righteousness and not to be anxious about the things of this world. Remember God cares about us, so why be like the world and chase after empty dreams? Christ saves from the American Dream!

Don't waste your life! A life without Christ has no hope!!

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! Joshua 24:15

God bless & Keep pressing

Big Summer Plans...

2010-06-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

This summer is gearing up to be a great one indeed, with weekend getaways, camping and even California how could you think otherwise. But when you overlook all the summer plans I have you might think that the road trip is the biggest plans this summer season. Disneyland, SeaWorld, In & Out, family and friends will indeed be a blast.

The funny thing is these are not even my big summer plans. I’m sure you would have a hard time convincing my 3 year old of that; he is very determined to get that photo with Mickey. For me, being the spiritual leader of my family flock, my big summer plans are the spiritual plans that I have for my family. My wife and I are kicking off a study through the book of John and I am also leading a men’s study through the book of Colossians. My son Peyton and I are still working on Psalm 1 and plan to have it completely memorized come September. I also have a big stack of books that I plan to read through, including The Practices of Godliness, Desiring God, Trusting God, Knowing God, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, The Lost Commandment – Have we missed what Jesus really wants?, and Improving your serve.

I desire to lead my family in the spiritual things in a way that pleases God. I want to be that example to my family of what it looks like for someone to follow Christ and live the narrow path, instead of believe in Christ and live life on the broad road. Believing in Christ makes you no more a Christian then standing in a garage and believing that you will become a car. God doesn’t save us and leave us unchanged (2 Cor. 5:17). The truth is that if my only desire is to do my best to help my family be successful in everything other than God, then I not only waste my life as a father/husband, but I help them get a jumpstart to waste their lives as well. I believe this is something the world needs more of; good godly men who desire to lead their families in the spiritual things. To have your family just focused on earthly things is to miss the whole point of God’s design for your family.

So when making your summer plans don’t just focus on the worldly things, but make God the first priority. Put Him first above everything else. You won’t regret it, and some day your children will thank you for teaching them the truth about what this life is really about. Below are some of my favorite Scriptures that speak about making plans and who is the center of my life as well as my family. Keep pressing, keep praying, and keep seeking God’s help when leading your family!! God’s wisdom and discernment are an endless supply to those who ask. God bless!!!

But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD Joshua 24:15b

But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands. Isaiah 32:8

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Proverbs 4:26

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs 21:5

Nets of Life

2010-01-26T00:42:00.000-08:00

And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." And IMMEDIATELY they left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:17-18

As I reflect back on 2009 I see where I grew in trusting God more completely. I have a new measurement of faith like never before. It's not that I have never trusted Him before. Last year was just a year of learning to keep my eyes on Him. My life has a new focus.

I have always allowed distractions of my life to keep me from moving forward. As we read in 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline", I've always followed my fears rather then Christ. As you will see, last year was a year I would drop my nets and completely follow Christ.

God has taught me that it's more important to trust Him, instead of trusting my circumstances that are around me. I will always have difficult circumstances in my life. That is never going to change. So last year I decided to pursue higher education. I enrolled last October and started classes at Liberty University Online just this month.

So I understand that school will be a hard, but short road. Raising a family, working full-time as well as school seems like a lot. I will be successful for only one reason. I will lean on God for His strength, and pray for His wisdom as I learn. I'm thankful for a wife that supports me and has encouraged me so far. She gave me a plaque that sits next to my desk that reads:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward THE GOAL to win the prize for which GOD has called me heavenward in CHRIST JESUS. Philippians 3:13-14

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep moving forward!

In Search of a Christian

2009-09-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

I've been reading The Irresistible Revolution living as an ordinary radical by Shane Claiborne. I'm only into it 5 chapters and it has really stirred my heart. I'm ready to be an ordinary radical. I wanted to share a portion of chapter 3. So here we go! Enjoy!

In Search of a Christian

I remember when one of my colleagues said, "Shane, I am not a Christian anymore." I was puzzled, for we had gone to theology classes together, studied Scripture, prayed, and worshiped together. But I could see the intensity and sincerity in his eyes as he continued, "I gave up Christianity in order to follow Jesus." Somehow, I knew what he meant.

I wondered what it would look like if we decided to really follow Jesus. In fact, I wasn't exactly sure what a fully devoted Christian looked like, or if the world had even seen one in the last few centuries. From my desk at college, it looked like some time back we had stopped living Christianity and just started studying it. The hilarious words of nineteenth-century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkeegaard resonated in my thirsty soul:

The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church's prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament. (Soren Kierkegaard, Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard, ed. Charles E. Moore (Farmington, PA: Plough, 2002), 201.

I knew we were not going to win the masses to Christianity until we began to live it. So I went on a quest. I went looking for a Christian. I looked around hoping to find someone else who might be asking, What if Jesus meant the stuff he said? And I kept coming across dead people. (pages 71-72)

After reading this I connected with it. I see how lots of dead people can talk Christianity, but living it seems to be a dead end. Just the other day I was talking to a stranger, and listening to his words he spoke. Within the first 5 minutes he used the Lord's name in vain and a couple of other choice words that Christians should not speak. In our conversation he claimed to be Christian. How does foul language represent Christ? Are we not called to bear good fruit?

Over time I've become discontent living in "Disneyland America", sad but true is some Christians seem to have forgotten that this is not our home. Are we just passing through or are we planning to stay forever? Instead of seeking Christ we seem to have decided to seek our own desires. Did we forget that the Bible says "this world is passing away"?

Church, let me encourage you. Our lives should reflect Christ. Our walk should match the Word. Let's live in away that shows we are rich in God and poor in the things of this world. Many unbeliever's are looking into the church and seeing no difference between their life and a believer's life, causing them to think why do I need this Jesus Christ? They don't understand that we are born separate from God. They don't understand that Christ brings us home to God. They don't understand that you can't serve God and money, nor love the world and Christ. They don't understand and neither does the church.

Let's take the words of Jesus seriously. Let's be living sacrifices in this fallen world. Christ must become greater; we must become less. Let's get it and live it!

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

Necessity of Systematic Theology

2009-07-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

I've been reading and studying systematic theology. I've been coming across some good stuff. Wanted to share with you why systematic theology is and should be important in your daily walk with God. In the book, "The Moody Handbook of Theology" they discuss 3 points of the necessity of systematic theology. Enjoy and keep pressing, keep praying, keep building up the Kingdom of God!

NECESSITY OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

AS AN EXPLANATION OF CHRISTIANITY - Systematic theology is necessary as a researched and studied explanation as well as a systematic organization of the doctrines that are foundational and necessary to Christianity. As a result of systematic theology, Christians are able to have a clear understanding about the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. The Bible was not written in a doctrinal outline; hence, it is important to systematize the parts of the Bible to understand the doctrinal emphasis of the entire Bible.
AS AN APOLOGETIC FOR CHRISTIANITY - Systematic theology enables Christians to defend their beliefs rationally against opponents and antagonists to the faith. Early in the Christian church believers used their systematized beliefs to address opponents and unbelievers. This is perhaps even more important today with the emergence of humanism, Communism, cults, and Eastern religions. The systemized doctrines of the Christian faith must be researched, delineated, and presented as a defense of historic Christianity.
AS A MEANS OF MATURITY FOR CHRISTIANS - Systematic theology is an assertions of Christian truth; these same truths are essential to the maturity of believers (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Paul's writings make it clear that doctrine (theology) is foundational to Christian maturity, inasmuch as Paul normally builds a doctrinal foundation in his epistles (e.g., Eph. 1-3) before he exhorts believers to live correctly (e.g. Eph. 4-6). Also many Christians have faithfully attended church services for decades and yet have little understanding of the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Yet a knowledge of correct doctrine is important in Christian maturity; moreover, it protects the believer from error (cf. 1 John 4:1, 6; Jude 4).

REQUIREMENTS OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

INSPIRATION AND INERRANCY OF SCRIPTURE

No adequate theology is possible without a belief in the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. If this doctrine is abandoned, reason becomes the source of authority and reason sits in judgment upon the text of Scripture.

How You Walk?

2009-05-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects a face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.

The Bible is clear that the way you walk will be a true reflection of your heart. It's easy these days to talk a big talk, but in the end your reflection will be shown through your actions. Words can be deceptive, misleading, rationalizing...But our actions are the very words that the heart will speak.

How are you as a Christian living your life out before the eyes of the world? Are you living with the reflection of Christ or with the reflection of the world? Do you have a hunger for God's Word, God's holiness, a desire that all you do, you do it for the glory of God? How long have you been a Christian? Over time have you changed? Are you becoming a Romans 12 Christian?

You see, when God saved you He doesn't just leave you alone. Imagine a child going to kindergarten for the first time, do you just pull up and drop them off and say, have a great day and I'll see you after school gets out. If you get lost just ask a stranger for directions. Does this seem correct? NO WAY that would be a major disaster, quite possibly that child would never want to go back. My point is this, if God is going to save you from His wrath through the blood of Christ, wouldn't He change you to be more like Christ? Wouldn't God give you a new heart with new desires, new joys, a new attitude, a new song in your heart?

God gives us everything we need, His Son, His Word, His Holy Spirit as tools that will help us along the path of life when we choose to live for Him. Over time we as Christians should be seeing some change come into our lives. We start to do things differently, talk differently, handles problems differently. We see the world through new eyes. Our heart starts to beat for the lost. Our greatest desire is to be sold out for the greater cause of Christ. Our love for the things of this world fade, and our love for the Lord increases.

We can only be two types of Christians.

"FC" - fake Christian
"LC" - Legit Christian

We as Christians should be living in a way that reflects the image, the love, the mercy, the grace of Christ. We should be growing up into mature Christians, Christians that would look and act that they belong to God's church. Let’s be 2 Timothy 2:15. Let’s be pure and holy, set apart to do God's work.

God elects (chosen), then justifies (declared guiltless), then sanctifies (make holy), then glorifies (reign with Christ) us in the life to come.

Bottom line is if your faith has not changed you, it has not saved you. Meaning if your a "LC" on Sundays, but Monday through Saturday your an "FC" there is a real problem. Let's abide in Jesus' Words. We are only fooling ourselves if we think that the impure things, impure people of this life are fit for God's Kingdom! So ask yourself, are you fit for God's Kingdom?

An American Tragedy : How Not To Finish Your One Life

2009-05-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

I will tell you what a tragedy is. I will show you how to waste your life. Consider a story from the February 1998 edition of Reader's Digest, which tells about a couple who "took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30 foot trawler, play softball and collect shells." At first, when I read it I thought it might be a joke. A spoof on the American Dream. But it wasn't. Tragically, this was the dream: Come to the end of your life--your one and only precious, God-given life--and let the last great work of your life, before you give an account to your Creator, be this: playing softball and collecting shells. Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment: "Look, Lord. See my shells." That is a tragedy. And people today are spending billions of dollars to persuade you to embrace that tragic dream. Over against that, I put my protest: Don't buy it. Don't waste your life. (John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life, pg.46)

Mark 8:36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

People, truth be told, we will all stand before Christ for the life we live here on earth. And a life lived apart from God will be spent in eternity hell apart from God. You might ask, what does hell looks like?

Matthew 22:13 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Don't Waste Your Life! Jesus Christ saves us from the American Dream!

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

A Tragedy In The Making

2009-05-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

You may not be sure that you want your life to make a difference. Maybe you don't care very much whether you make a lasting difference for the sake of something great. You just want people to like you. If people would just like being around you, you'd be satisfied. Or if you could just have a good job with a good wife, or husband, and a couple of good kids and a nice car and long weekends and a few good friends, a fun retirement, and a quick and easy death, and no hell -- if you could have all that (even without God)--you would be satisfied. That is a tragedy in the making. A wasted life. (John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life, pg. 45)

Is your life making eternal differences? Are you taking your love for the world and transferring it into your love for the Lord? Are you saved?

1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Mason David

2009-04-09T00:44:00.000-07:00

On March 30th @ 1:27pm the Lord brought Mason David into this world. What a joy it was. The birth of a child is a true miracle and mystery of God. He weighed 7lb. 13oz. and was 20 1/4" long. I was able to have 2 weeks off to enjoy some of the early process. I praise God for a safe delivery and fast recovery for my wife. Children are a blessing from the Lord!

Guard Your Eyes Against the World's Many Temptations

2009-03-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

Another great devotion that I had to share. Taken from Above all Else - Directions for life - Pg. 78-81. Enjoy and keep pressing into Jesus!

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Proverbs 4:25 NLT

It's inevitable: today you will be tempted by somebody or something - in fact, you will probably be tempted on countless occasions. Why? Because you live in a world that's filled to the brim with temptations and addictions that are intended to lead you far away from God.

Here in the 21st century, temptations are now completely and thoroughly woven into the fabric of everyday life. Seductive images are everywhere; subtle messages tell you that it's okay to sin "just a little"; and to make matters even worse, society doesn't just seem to endorse godlessness, it actually seems to reward it. Society spews forth a wide range of messages, all of which imply that it's OK to rebel against God. These messages, of course, are extremely dangerous and completely untrue.

How can you guard your heart against society's tidal wave of temptations? Be learning to direct your thoughts and your eyes in ways that are pleasing to God...and by relying upon Him to deliver you from the evils that threaten you. And here's the good news: the Creator has promised (not implied, not suggested, not insinuated - He has promised!) that with His help, you can resist every single temptation that confronts you.

When it comes to fighting Satan, you are never alone. God is always with you, and if you do your part He will do His part. But what, precisely, is your part? A good starting point is simply learning how to recognize the subtle temptations that surround you. The images of immorality are ubiquitous, and they're intended to hijack your mind, your heart, your pocketbook, your life, and your soul. Don't let them do it.

Satan is both industrious and creative; he's working 24/7, and he's causing pain, heartache, trauma, and tragedy in more ways than ever before. You, as a Christian man of God, must remain watchful and strong - starting today and ending never.

A tip for guarding your heart
You live in a society where temptations are everywhere. Your task is to avoid places where you might be tempted to disobey God.

God's Words of Wisdom

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. 2 Peter 2:9

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

Summing it up
Because you live in a temptation-filled world, you must guard your eyes, your thoughts, and your heart - ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!

Leading your family in the important things!

2009-03-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have a huge heart for leading my family. I want to lead in a way that will help us be successful and to fulfill our purpose that the Lord has giving each of us. I believe leading starts with the husband/father. It starts by taking spiritual and eternal things very seriously!

I think John Piper nails it on the head in his book Desiring God Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Piper states on page 218 "You should feel the greater responsibility to take the lead in the things of the Spirit; you should lead the family in a life of prayer, in the study of God's Word, and in worship; you should lead in giving the family a vision of its meaning and mission; you should take the lead in shaping the moral fabric of the home and in governing its happy peace. I have never met a woman who chafes under such Christlike leadership. But I know of too many wives who are unhappy because their husbands have abdicated their God-ordained leadership and have no moral vision, no spiritual conception of what a family is for, and therefore no desire to lead anyone anywhere.

A famous cigarette billboard pictures a curly-headed, bronzed-faced, muscular macho with a cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth. The sign says, "Where a man belongs." That is a lie. Where a man belongs is at the bedside of his children, leading in devotion and prayer. Where a man belongs is leading his family to the house of God. Where a man belongs is up early and alone with God seeking vision and direction for his family." Amen!

God has given me a heart to lead & serve my wife and children. For me it did not come easy, but over time and by the reading of God's Word and some good male Christians in my life I have been seeing some good fruits from it. I think what has helped me most is the praying for my family on a daily basis. I still struggle with putting my needs last at times, but God is faithful to continue to work on me in that area. Every new day I see lots of opportunity to succeed!

At the start of 2009 my wife and I made some spiritual goals. In June we plan to see how we have made progress in our Christian walk. My #1 goal in leading my family is to lead in a way that when the day comes for us to meet Jesus Christ face to face we are ready! I don't want there to be any doubt on my responsibility in leading my family to the house of God. I understand that one day I will be judged on the way I did things in my household and so will every husband/father!

As leader of my household I also make it a point to put God's Kingdom first! Before any bills, mortgage, or food is purchased we give God our first fruits of our income through tithes and offerings. This is one way to give thanks to God for provided the things we need to survive. Matthew 6:25-34 says it best!

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

And last I make every effort to take the family to church every Sunday. Excluding sickness, we make no plans that would interfere with church. My family needs that weekly spiritual growth that comes from the gathering of the body of Christ and worshipping God together. The devil is happy to see people make themselves busy on the Lord's day. We can not allow the busyness of life to keep us from growing in the Lord. Our families need church every week! Satan knows if he can keep us lazy and distract us from leading your family in the spiritual things then he has us where he wants us, on a bus ride to hell.

So if your just starting, or need some encouragement in leading your family don't give up! Make an effort to get with God alone everyday, reading His Word, praying for your family and yourself to lead with a heart of compassion and love. Memorize Scripture by putting them on 3x5 cards and caring them with you and reading them throughout the day. Find some other men to be accountable and encouragement too. Give God the first fruits of your income through tithes and offering.

Joshua 24:15 - 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."

2 Chronicles 16:9 - For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

Important Truths

2009-02-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

Notes taken from a sermon giving on 02/08/09 at Canyon Hills Community Church. Here are some of the important truths listed in the book of Hebrews. I pray your heart will find joy in them. Repent and live! Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Keep pressing, keep praying!

1. Religion has no power to change us

2. Jesus is our only hope
Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 5:9

3. Jesus had to die for us
Hebrews 9:11-15; Hebrews 9:26-28

4. We must accept Jesus
Hebrews 11:1,6

5. To ignore Jesus means to face God's wrath
Hebrews 10:26-31

6. Faith in Jesus requires perseverance
Hebrews 12:1-3

7. Faith in Jesus produces acceptable worship
Hebrews 12:28-29; Hebrews 13:15-16

8. Faith in Jesus is all the confidence we need
Hebrews 13:6,8

Wise words from George Whitefield

2009-02-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

If a soul is truly converted, there will be
a battle, and an awful chasm that will never
be filled up but with the love of God; and
therefore when we say, Repent and be
converted, it is no more than saying, Repent
and be happy. Indeed we shall never be
completely happy till we get to heaven.
O that every man could see the good of every
thing of a sublunary [this world] nature
drop off like leaves in autumn: God grant
this may be known be every one of you.
~George Whitefield

Keep pressing, keep praying!

God's Glory displayed for all to see!!!

2009-02-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

What truth! Came to me via email...I had to share!

Stay strong! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!

Guard Your Steps by Leading a Disciplined Lifestyle

2009-01-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7 NASB

God doesn't reward laziness, misbehavior, of apathy. To the contrary, He expects believers to behave with dignity and discipline. God's Word reminds us again and again that our Creator expects us to lead disciplined lives - and we must take God at His Word, despite temptations to do otherwise.

We live in a world in which leisure is glorified and indifference is often glamorized. But God has other plans. He did not create us for lives of mediocrity; He created us for far greater things.

Life's greatest rewards seldom fall into our laps; to the contrary, our greatest accomplishments usually require lots of work, which is perfectly fine with God. After all, He knows that we're up to the task, and He has big plans for us; may we, as disciplined believers, always be worthy of those plans.

He who heeds discipline show the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs 10:17 NIV

A tip for guarding your heart
Be disciplined in your own approach to life. You can't teach it if you won't live it.

God's Words of Wisdom

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NASB

I discipline my body and make it my slave. 1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB

God hasn't invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful - as beautiful on the inside as the outside. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 MSG

Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. Proverbs 9:13 NIV

SUMMING IT UP - If you choose to lead a disciplined lifestyle, your steps will be protected. If you choose to lead an undisciplined lifestyle, your steps will be misdirected.

God is speaking to America today

2009-01-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

HT: The Road to Reality by K.P. Yohannan (Pg.115)

This present generation of Americans, in particular, is receiving the most unearned and undeserved favor of all time. God has made this people the richest nation on earth, yet Americans carry on as if this wealth were a natural right - as if they have no obligation to a lost world, dying ion darkness without Christ.

God has been so patient with us. Why this awesome grace continues must be a question all heaven asks! Surely the United States today deserves His judgment and punishment. Yet the Lord has continued to show mercy to these wayward descendants of the Mayflower and Jamestown believers. The living God has been keeping the covenants those first settlers made with Him, mercifully keeping His promises to a prodigal people.

In my last meeting with Leonard Ravenhill, we discussed the mystery and wonder of God's long-suffering love for the American people - and the fact that it cannot go on much longer. I'll never forget his chilling words: "It's coming. If God does not judge this nation, He'll have to apologize a thousand times over to Sodom and Gomorrah."

May God teach us that all these blessings are only temporary and conditional. May He help us to see how late the hour is and how urgent it is we respond with obedience to His grace and mercy.

Jesus said the fields are white unto harvest now. Anyone who has worked on a farm knows what that means. When you've got a ripe crop in the field, everything else stops. You harvest it or it rots in the ground.

God has prospered us for a purpose. He is the king of Matthew 25:14-30 who entrusts wealth to his servants and goes on a long journey. When he returns, the king demands as accounting and a profit from what he has given to invest. What will we present to our Lord when He returns for an accounting? What kind of stewards are we being with the blessings He has shed on this nation?

WOW - what truth! Take time to thank God for all that He has blessed us with! May we use the things He has entrusted us to build His kingdom and His power to reach the lost at all cost!

At the Crossroads

2008-12-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-06T08:45:00.001-08:00

"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

2008-11-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

"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

2008-11-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-08T01:34:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

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....

2008-11-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-10-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

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:

Change happens faster then ever, so leaders must remain adaptable.
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

2008-10-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

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.

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

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

He will be promoted by a false prophet

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

2008-10-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

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

Obama slips up

2008-09-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

Leadership in the Home

2008-09-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-09-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

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!

Job 9:2-22

2008-08-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-13T00:25:00.001-07:00

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.

Demand #6

2008-08-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

So I'm really taking my time on the book What Jesus Demands from the World. I'm only through demand #6. Really is a great way for me to end my day, by meditating on what Jesus wants from me as a Christian! I thought this one was SO GOOD that over the next few days I will post a different part of Demand #6. So here we go.

Demand #6

LISTEN TO ME

He called the people to him again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand." Mark 7:14

As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 8:8

Take care them how you hear. Luke 8:18

And a woman named Martha welcomes him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said. :Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her." Luke 10:38-42

The entire life and work of Jesus is one great argument why we should listen to his word. Page after page of the New Testament Gospels pile up reasons to turn off the television and listen to Jesus. Here are some of those reasons - and why so many don't listen.

NO ONE EVER SPOKE LIKE THIS MAN
Jess' ministry was so astonishing and so threatening that his adversaries wanted him out of the way. So the Pharisees "sent officers to arrest him" (John 7:32). But to their dismay the officers came back empty-handed, not because Jesus had good bodyguards, but because his teaching was so stunning. "The officers...came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, 'Why did you not bring him?' The officers answered, 'No one ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:45-46). When they listened to Jesus, they could not follow through with their mission to arrest him.

Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong

2008-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

I must say the book "The pursuit of holiness" is a must read for all Christians! Without a doubt, once cracking this book your life will start to process of pursuing holiness. Reading this and wanting anything else would be like drinking raw egg and loving the taste!?! Today I read chapter 9 and wanted to share a portion of it which talks about how to know right from wrong. I loved it so much I HAD to share! Drum roll please!

Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong. The formula asks four questions based on three verses in 1 Corinthians:

"'Everything is permissible for me' - but not everything is beneficial"(1 Corinthians 6:12).
Question 1: Is it helpful - physically, spiritually, and mentally?

"'Everything is permissible for me' - but I will not be mastered by anything"(1 Corinthians 6:12)
Question 2: Does it bring me under its power?

"Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall"(1 Corinthians 8:13)
Question 3: Does it hurt others?

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"(1 Corinthians 10:31)
Question 4: Does it glorify God?

As simple as this formula may appear, it is powerful in developing conviction - if we are willing to use it. These questions can get rather searching. But they must be asked if we are to pursue holiness as a total way of life.**

**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (Pg.88)

Keep pursuing holiness Church! We can do it with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us!

Jonathan Edward Quote, can I get an AMEN!

2008-08-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

"Resolved, never to do anything which I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life."

Dare we modern-day Christians make such a resolution? Are we willing to commit ourselves to the practice of holiness without exceptions? There is no point in praying for victory over temptation if we are not willing to make a commitment to say no to it.**

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep pursuing holiness!

**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (Pg.93)

Pressing forward in a different direction!

2008-08-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

It seems to my wife & I that everything in our life is changing. God is certainly working in our lives. After 8 good fruitful years, we as a family have decided to move on from our current Church home (The Creek). We will walk away with not only wonderful memories but also some great relationships as well. Just a few things to note, we had our marriage ceremony there as well as Rashelle and I getting baptized and having our first child dedicated to the Lord by our good friends the Coles! We are not sure where the Lord is going to plant us next, we have a few places in mind but will let the Lord decide that. We will always continue to pray for our past Church as well as the leaders within! The Creek will always have a special place in the hearts of the Halls! We plan to just keep pressing, keep praying, keep doing life as a family!

It Doesn't Hurt to Ask

2008-08-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?...How long? Will You not look away from me, And let me alone till I swallow my salive? Job 3:11 & 7:19

God doesn't mind questions; it's doubt that He hates.

For many wearying hours, the three friends of Job - Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar - accused Job of all kinds of evil. They spoke the kind of foolish words that the healthy and ill-informed often speak to those in pain. But Job wanted to take his case to the Lord Himself! Only at the end of the book does God at last break His silence, and although He answers not one of Job's questions, neither does He chastise Job for asking them. God rebukes Job for only onthing: doubting His righteous character.

Leaders must never be afraid to ask the hard questions of God, but neither must they demand that He answer. No matter how dark our circumstances may grow, we must resist the temptation to doubt God's holy nature. When we. like Job, through trembling lips confess the awesome majesty of God, we may as last be ready for the awesome blessing of God.** (The Maxwell Leadership Bible)

**Leadership Promises For Everyday (Pg.247)

1 Corinthians 2:2

2008-08-11T23:32:00.001-07:00

I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Keep pressing!

Just a few dumb dumb awards...

2008-08-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

I find it sad how often we find Christians in the news lately, doing things that seem to not glorify God, but their flesh. It reminds me of the scripture of Proverbs 10:9 when it says; The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. I have to wonder, do these Christians have good accountability partners in their lives, strong mentors who imitate Christ much more then them? We should always be praying for the leaders within God's church. Strength to press into Christ and not this world. I guess everyone is entitled to a bad day, wouldn't you say?

Either way here are your dumb dumb awards....

Story #1
A Christian biker gang hanging out in a bar with no intentions of sharing the gospel with the hells angels

Story #2
71-Year-Old Ohio Preacher Convicted in Road Rage Case

Story #3
I'll bet the congregation in south Alabama was surprised when officer's arrested their evangelist preacher on a murder charge as he delivered a sermon about forgiveness that had congregants saying "amens" from their seats.

Story #4
Joel Osteen's Wife on Trial over alleged air-rage incident because of some split water on her first class seat

The way of life is down....not up!

2008-08-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

We as Christians need to take Christ on His terms, not our own.

The proud sinner wants Christ in his pleasure,
The proud sinner wants Christ in his covetousness,
The proud sinner wants Christ in his immortality,

but the broken sinner is so desperate he will give up anything just to have Christ, just to have forgiveness and eternal life and hope and deliverance.

Grow in grace is growth downward.

As you grow in grace you have a continually lower opinion of yourself.

Self denial becomes a life pattern.***

***Hard to believe (audio series - CD2)

To truly follow Christ we must learn to kill self. As Christ said, he came to serve not be served! Christ did not come to save the righteous, but the sinner!

May you know Him. May our hearts truly know Him. May we not just think of Jesus, but that our lives would live for Jesus!

Art Monk HOF Speech

2008-08-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

I knew this years HOF was going to be grand. I was bummed that I had forgot to record them, but tonight I find them on www.nfl.com. It's worth the watch! It's a wonderful thing to see strong Christians among the NFL. Glory to God!

Art Monks HOF Speech

Saved without holiness?? Can it be?

2008-08-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

This is a sort of a part II post to my last blog entry titled "As a Christian can I "Opt" out of that?". I must say this book I've been reading has so much meat, I can see why its been around for 20 years. Ever tried to tackle a 24oz steak in one meal...I'd imagine you would feel like a little blue oompa after you where done. That's kinda like how this book is, not one that you would blow through in one day, you might miss the point.

Today I want to post a portion of chapter 3 which is titled "Holiness is not an option".

The whole purpose of our salvation is that we be "holy and blameless in his sight" (Ephesians 1:4). To continue to live in sin as a Christian is to go contrary to God's very purpose for our salvation. Holiness, then, is not necessary as a condition of salvation - that would be salvation by works - but as a part of salvation that is received by faith in Christ.

Therefore, we may say that no one can trust in Jesus Christ for true salvation unless he trusts in Him for holiness. This does not mean the desire for holiness must be a conscious desire at the time a person comes to Christ, but rather it means that the Holy Spirit who creates within us saving faith also creates within us the desire for holiness.He simply does not create one without the other.

Holiness also is necessary for our assurance of salvation - not at the moment of salvation, but over the course of our lives. True faith will always show itself by its fruits. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The only safe evidence that we are in Christ is a holy life. John said everyone who has within him the hope of eternal life purifies himself just as Christ is pure (1 John 3:3). Paul said, "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). If we know nothing of holiness, we may flatter ourselves that we are Christians but we do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

Everyone, then, who professes to be a Christian should ask himself, "Is there evidence of practical holiness in my life? Do I desire and strive after holiness? Do I grieve over my lack of it and earnestly seek the help of God to be holy?

It is not those who profess to know Christ will will enter heaven, but those whose lives are holy. Even those who do "great Christian works" will not enter heaven unless they also do the will of God.** Jesus said,

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23)

No need for me to add to that, the book itself is very clear for us to understand a little more why holiness is not an option for us Christians!

Hebrews 12:14 says:
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep looking for holiness in your walk!

**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (pg. 33,34,37,38)

As a Christian can I "Opt" out of that???

2008-08-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

What I'm referring to is the holiness that God demands from His children. Are we not suppose to be set apart, different then this world? If our faith has not changed us, can it really save us?

I've started a new book titled "The pursuit of holiness" by Jerry Bridges. It's kind of a follow up from the last book that I read "So, You want to be like Christ?", this book going a little deeper. I'm only in chapter 2, but it's making me think. I wanted to share a part of the book with you. This gave me understanding if I'm able to opt out of this demand called holiness.

(Page 21)

God has called every Christian to a holy life. There are no exceptions to this call. It is not a call only to pastors, missionaries, and a few dedicated Sunday school teachers. Every Christian of every nation, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, influential or totally unknown, is called to be holy. The Christian plumber and the Christian banker, the unsung homemaker and the powerful head of state are all alike called to be holy.

This call to a holy life is based on the fact that God Himself is holy. Because God is holy, He requires that we be holy. Many Christians have what we might call a "cultural holiness." They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.*

*The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (pg 21)

So, may today be a new day as we Christians pursue holiness. The holiness that God demands of us. As I posted awhile ago, are you seeing a different pattern of living as you become more like Christ? Reflection of change, do you see it?

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

Keep pressing, keep praying, keep pursuing holiness!!

Pictures from Leavenworth

2008-08-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

Being a family having FUN!

Funny face contest

Hanging in the Loft

Hanging in cabin

Rashelle & Seann

Peyton hanging out

View of river

Cooking dinner

Rashelle & Peyton

View of Leavenworth

Hanging at a Park

Family Revival 101 - UPDATE

2008-08-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

I would start by saying these last 4 days have been some of the best family time that I have had all year! It was really good to get away from normal life and just spend time with the wife and child. I never knew my child could say so many words together at once. I really enjoyed spending some quite time with just Rashelle & I. I also enjoyed serving her this weekend, cooking her dinner, and just plain loving her. She really works hard running the house and child throughout her normal week, so for her it really was a nice break.

As I had posted before the scripture that was on my mind was Isaiah 40:31. This scripture was popping up everywhere, my facebook Bible verse of the day for Saturday, it was also the scripture that the church we visited this weekend opened up worship with! It was very crazy! I was constantly reminded that we as a family need to wait upon the Lord for our strength!

While away, we as a family had really focused on the passage in Matthew 6:25-34.

Matthew 6:25-34

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

So this will be the scripture that we as a family will focus on for sometime. It fits us well for the season that we are in right now. God wants us to be dependant on Him for all, not just when we can't seem to figure it out on our own. Why worry! As God's word says we are more important than the birds in the sky! While we are living this life we might as well enjoy the process!

I'm thankful for the time away. I have a stronger love for 1) the Lord 2) God's Word 3) my family! May this be the start of a crazy adventure in life for my family. God's in control. God's grace is sufficient for the problems we will face each day and with His help we will pull through. Keep pressing, keep praying, keep growing as a family!

Family Revival 101

2008-07-31T01:03:00.000-07:00

So in the morning we are heading off to Leavenworth for the weekend! We are staying at "The River Spot." We look forward to getting away from all the craziness of this world. No computers, no cellphones, just the wife, child, and myself. Families that pray & grow together, stay together. Sometimes when I find myself weak, I look to the Lord to refresh me and my family. One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 40:31 (NASB).

Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

I find comfort in my God. I so thankful for Jesus going to the cross and dying for the sins of those who believe! Salvation is only possible in Jesus! For those that are for God, who can be against them? That gives me the drive to keep pressing in! Not to back down!

So, please pray for our safety while away! Pray for us as a family that we would truly connect with God in a deeper way. That we will trust God more each day we live. That we as a family would become dependant upon His strength, His wisdom, His understanding! That we would lay down the desires of our flesh, and pursue the desires of His Kingdom! I'm ready for a family revival!

Always remember, you are loved!

Demand #3

2008-07-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Started reading "What Jesus Demands from the World" by John Piper before I go to bed. He writes 50 demands in the book. So for the next 50 nights the wife and I are reading it together to learn what Jesus demands from us. I'm looking forward to see how this book helps us grow together with the Lord! Tonight I want to share part of demand #3. Throughout the book I will touch on some from time to time. Keep pressing Church!

You refuse to come to me that you may have life. - John 5:40

"You Refuse To Come To Me That You May Have Life"
Why don't people come to Jesus? At one level the answer is because they "refuse to come." In other words, people do not want to come. Some call this the choice of free will. Jesus would probably say it is the choice of a will enslaved to sin. "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). Jesus would say that people do not come to him because they are enslaved to their supreme preference for other things. "The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light...everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light" (John 3:19-20).

How then has anyone ever come, since we are all enslaved to sin and spiritually dead (see Demand #1)? Jesus' answer was that God, in his great mercy, overcomes are resistance and draws us: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). "No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father" (John 6:65). God grants the gift of new birth and repentance, which opens the eyes of the spiritually blind to the truth and beauty of Jesus. When this happens, all suicidal objections fall. We are finally free. And, finally free from slavery, we come.*

*What Jesus Demands from the World, by John Piper (pg.46,47)

The 9 Marks Overview

2008-07-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

Taken from the website www.9marks.org. As I grow in the Lord, my convictions of Church weigh heavy on my heart. My hope is one day to serve God's Church as an elder. Love this website, and thought I would share. Keep pressing, keep praying!

The Mission of 9Marks
We believe the local church is the focal point of God's plan for displaying his glory to the nations. Our vision is simple: Churches that reflect the character of God. Our mission is to cultivate and encourage churches characterized by these nine marks:

1. Expositional Preaching
This is preaching which expounds what Scripture says in a particular passage, carefully explaining its meaning and applying it to the congregation. It is a commitment to hearing God’s Word and to recovering the centrality of it in our worship.

2. Biblical Theology
Paul charges Titus to "teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Our concern should be not only with how we are taught, but with what we are taught. Biblical theology is a commitment to know the God of the Bible as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

3. Biblical Understanding of the Good News
The gospel is the heart of Christianity. But the good news is not that God wants to meet people's felt needs or help them develop a healthier self-image. We have sinfully rebelled against our Creator and Judge. Yet He has graciously sent His Son to die the death we deserved for our sin, and He has credited Christ's acquittal to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus' death and resurrection. That is the good news.

4. Biblical Understanding of Conversion
The spiritual change each person needs is so radical, so near the root of us, that only God can do it. We need God to convert us. Conversion need not be an emotionally heated experience, but it must evidence itself in godly fruit if it is to be what the Bible regards as a true conversion.

5. Biblical Understanding of Evangelism
How someone shares the gospel is closely related to how he understands the gospel. To present it as an additive that gives non-Christians something they naturally want (i.e. joy or peace) is to present a half-truth, which elicits false conversions. The whole truth is that our deepest need is spiritual life, and that new life only comes by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus. We present the gospel openly, and leave the converting to God.

6. Biblical Understanding of Membership
Membership should reflect a living commitment to a local church in attendance, giving, prayer and service; otherwise it is meaningless, worthless, and even dangerous. We should not allow people to keep their membership in our churches for sentimental reasons or lack of attention. To be a member is knowingly to be traveling together as aliens and strangers in this world as we head to our heavenly home.

7. Biblical Church Discipline
Church discipline gives parameters to church membership. The idea seems negative to people today – “didn’t our Lord forbid judging?” But if we cannot say how a Christian should not live, how can we say how he or she should live? Each local church actually has a biblical responsibility to judge the life and teaching of its leaders, and even of its members, particularly insofar as either could compromise the church’s witness to the gospel.

8. Promotion of Christian Discipleship and Growth
A pervasive concern with church growth exists today – not simply with growing numbers, but with growing members. Though many Christians measure other things, the only certain observable sign of growth is a life of increasing holiness, rooted in Christian self-denial. These concepts are nearly extinct in the modern church. Recovering true discipleship for today would build the church and promote a clearer witness to the world.

9. Biblical Understanding of Leadership
What eighteenth-century Baptists and Presbyterians often agreed upon was that there should be a plurality of elders in each local church. This plurality of elders is not only biblical, but practical — it has the immense benefit of rounding out the pastor’s gifts to ensure the proper shepherding of God’s church.

In identifying and promoting these nine marks, we are not intending to lay down an exhaustive or authoritative list. There are other significant marks of healthy churches, like prayer and fellowship. We want to pursue those ourselves as well, and we want you to pursue them with us. But these nine are the ones we think are most neglected in most local churches today, with the most damaging ramifications. Join us in cultivating churches that reflect the character of God.

Hard to Believe

2008-07-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with making unbelievers feel comfortable in Church?

On the surface, it makes sense. The Christian's mandate is to make disciples, so why not make church more attractive to unbelievers? Spice up the presentation. Tone down the preaching. Tell everyone that Jesus will meet their felt needs.

But is making unbelievers comfortable truly the way to make disciples? Does promising the lost that Jesus can fix their lives bring them any closer to salvation or are we selling them a synthetic gospel that cannot save? For the sake of bigger congregations, are churches today diluting or even neglecting the gospel?

John MacArthur answers those questions and more in Hard to Believe. In this series you'll learn:
- Why is making unbelievers feel comfortable in church so dangerous?
- What gives the gospel its power and why are so many of today's churches failing to tap into it?
- What did God truly promise to those who embrace the gospel?
- What did Jesus mean when He said "follow Me?"

Jesus "did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped."

2008-07-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

-Philippians 2:5-11 (NASB)

Jesus "did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped." Through Jesus deserved all the respect, all the worship, all the adoration, all the fear due Him as God, He let it all go. He released His grip on all of it.

Further, "He emptied Himself." While retaining every aspect of His deity, Jesus relinquished the independent use of His divine attributes during His earthly sojourn. Before the Son became a flesh-and-blood man, He had absolute autonomy as God, being coequal, coeternal, and coexistent with the Father. When He became a man, He voluntarily gave up the independent use of His divine attributes; and while on earth, He submitted to the Father. He waited on the Father for His will, for His timing. He followed the Father's guidance as to where He would go and what He would do and what He would say and when He would do those things. He relinquished the voluntary use of His divine prerogatives. He gave up what was rightfully His for the sake of others -- including you and me.*

*So, You want to be like Christ? By Charles R. Swindoll (Pg.89)

Puritan Prayer - "Man a Nothing"

2008-07-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

When thou wouldst guide me I control myself, When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself. When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself. When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself, When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will,
When I should study, love, honour, trust thee, I serve myself;
I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself, Instead of thee I look to man's approbation, and am by nature an idolater.

Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee. Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy,
nor my own Christ to restore my joy, nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me. Help me to see that grace does this by providential affliction, for when my credit is god thou dost wing them away,
when pleasure is my all thou dost turn it into bitterness. Take away my roving eye, curious ear, greedy appetite, lustful heart;
Show me that none of these things can heal a wounded conscience,
or support a tottering frame, or uphold a departing spirit.
Then take me to the cross and leave me there.*

*Arthur Bennett, ed., The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions (Carlisle, Penn.:The Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), 91.

Proverbs 2:1-5

2008-07-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! The Lord has been good today, even when the news of the world seems to be the opposite. I've been reading the book "So, you want to be like Christ?" and I must say this has been a book that is filled with jems. I'm always amazed how God puts things in my life, at the right time when they are needed. This book could not have come at a better time. The book today took me to the 2nd chapter of Proverbs, verses 1-5.

Proverbs 2

The Value of Wisdom

My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

I learned today that a lot of my growth in the Lord comes from a response of myself. As I seek more of the Lord, He in returns blesses me with more of Him! Just look at it....

"My son, if..."(v.1)

"For if..."(v.3)

"If..."(v.4)

All the "If's" point to our responsibility. Just as the book says "If we do our part in obedience to the command, God will be faithful to respond."

When we dig into God's word, when we store God's word into our hearts, God gives us His understanding, His discernment to distinguish between what is good and evil. Then and only when we give that of ourselves to God, we discover the knowledge of God. Wow. That is some deep truth! Church let's press into Christ with all our hearts!

What kind of Christian are we?

2008-07-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

My brother posted this on his blog and I thought I would share it. Just click the link and enjoy! Keep Pressing! Let's be radical 4 Christ!

What kind of Christian are we?

Reflection of Change, do you see it?

2008-07-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

As I look back over that last 8 years I see areas where I experienced more change then in others. I don't think I changed at all when I first got back into Church. I still drank the same, said the same off colored jokes, all the things that would seem normal to this life, I did it.

Real Christlikeness change started happening when I took my relationship with Him much more seriously. When I realized how important Christ was, and how His precious words did not match up to my lifestyle, I knew the only thing I had been doing was running His name through the mud. At the same time looking like a fool.

This morning I find myself reflecting on 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Everything about me is different. My thinking, my responses, even my walk with the Lord is different. I find my delight in the law of the Lord, and on His law I meditate day and night. God is my fortress. In Him is where I find my strength, my wisdom, the courage to stand firm in His ways. My old way of living was only leading me to death.

We can also read in Ephesians 4:17-32 about what this new life looks like.

So is your life becoming more and more like Christ?

Could you write down 3 things that the Lord is working in you right now?

Would your friends notice a change in you since you came to know the Lord?

Are you one that only looks to Christ for your "free ticket" to heaven? Is sanctification a process that is evident in your life?

Has anyone arrived yet? I haven't!

Are you enjoying the process of life? Are you preparing for that day when Christ will be revealed?

Are you ready to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of the life you lived or wasted?

Romans 12:1-2 says: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Are we really worshipping Christ with our hearts, or just our lips?

Would you act differently in a situation if your pastor showed up? If you answered yes, then brothers and sisters in Christ, It's time to change your lives, your thinking, your purpose. Live your life in a way that glorifies God.

Meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:31. Is this evident in your life?
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Is Christ enough?

2008-07-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Another clip from Simply Singular: Is Christ Prominent or Preeminent? Keep pressing in!

De we worship, love, and serve God for nothing? Do we worship God simply for Who He is or for what we will get from Him that we cannot obtain through our own efforts? Do we love God because He is God or for that which He gives me and does for me that no one else can or will? I did not marry my wife because of what I thought she could do for me or give me, but who she is! If we love the Lord only for what He has done for me, it is initiated by man and motivated my the flesh. Periodically, the statement heard, "Jesus did that for you [gave you salvation], now you need to do this for Him." Christ never said or even implied that! The Savior did not save us for what He could get out of us; He saved us for what He could give us - Himself!

Do we serve God expecting something in return - special blessings, particular fringe benefits, specific rewards, or certain compensation? Do we bargain with God: "Lord if you answer this then, Lord, I will do this for You!" Is the Christian life a "contract" with God - if He treats me well, then I will worship and serve Him? But, if God disrupts my life, precludes my plans, thwarts my ambitions, hinders my success, or prevents my happiness then He can forget about my love and devotion to Him! The common attitude toward a relationship with God is, "What's in it for ME!"

There is comfort when there are no answers, reasons, or explanations as to why God let it happen. For the greatest comfort a person will ever experience is not attached to answers, explanations, or reasons, but to the Person of God Himself - the One Who is the Comforter.

How do you find comfort in God through your hard times?

Do you draw closer or further away when times get tough?

The Shack

2008-07-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Thinking about reading this book?

Over the last year I have come to love reading, just not fiction. If you did see me reading fiction it would probably be a C.S. Lewis book, but outside of that it's not for me. I love books that either challenge me, make me think, or grow in my walk with Christ.

I have not read this book, but after buying it for my wife, the following day I received an email in my inbox about the book. It was not a pleasant email. After reading the email I continued to research the book and came across a broadcast of "The Albert Mohler Radio Program" which he goes in depth about the book and where it is misleading. Just click the link and listen in. It's about 10 minutes into the program.

You can also read the email that was sent to me. The email was titled - The Seductive and Subversive ''Shack''.

So if your planning on reading this, or giving it to someone to read you might want to rethink that. My Grandma tells me, just because you see it in the Christian bookstore does not always mean it is a good book.

Keep pressing, keep praying Church.

Pictures from Mexico

2008-07-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Taking a bus into town to preach the gospel

A standard view in Mexico (The real thing)

Team Hall getting R done 4 Jesus

Giving my testimony

Where did all the faith necklaces go?

Hanging at la roca

Rashelle & I hanging with Katie

Team Fire (fuego del equipo)

Rashelle & I above Tijuana

Taking a break for a cold Coke

Mexico was good, God was GREAT!

2008-07-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

So we made it down into Mexico by Monday afternoon on the 7th of July. The weather was hot, but not humid. Got a glance of the bathrooms, by the end of the trip, most of the females would have those listed as the low of the trip.

That first night we did the evangelism trailer. We headed into a near by town and started going door to door, to hand out invites to the trailer. We met lots of people. That night I was able to share my testimony along with a few other people. It didn't take long to notice God was moving and moving BIG. After everyone had shared a word they had invited people up to be prayed for. I'll be honest, up until this night I had never felt the presence of God this powerful, it was almost to overwhelming. Many of us had tears in our eyes.

People where giving testimonies of how God had healed them. From what I could observe, people in Mexico have nothing in worldly things. Except, that is a good thing, because faith is was connects you to God. Here in America we are so consumed with all the things that demand our time, weather that be our homes, ipods, TVs, computers, magazines, families, lets just say everything. I would think having no distractions would make it easier to draw into the presence of God. It's very easy for me to be in Church during prayer and my mind start to wonder. Not here though. The richest people in the world live in Mexico! They have the faith to move mountains, literally.

Over all the trip was good, but God was GREAT! Part of my heart is still in Mexico. Hopefully soon I will be back. I learned a lot about myself on this trip. When you have left most of your luxuries back home, you pretty much will have a good amount of time to reflect. I came home with 6 things I need to work on through those reflections with God.

1. My alone time with God
2. Loving & serving my family
3. Patience
4. Gentleness
5. Self-Control
6. Building each other up, not down

If you have never been on a missions trip, you need to Go! Don't worry about your age, weight, circumstances, give those over to God. Allow God to use you, just trust in Him. Rashelle had prayed and prayed for peace with leaving our son at home. God did not deliver on that prayer until we where heading down to the airport to fly out. Just a day or two before that she had said "I don't thing I can do this", I had just encouraged her to press into God and He will come through. Praise the Lord that He did. With us everything at times seems impossible, but with God there is no limits to Him, for all things through Him are possible.

On our way back to the border our van shared our lows and highs for the trip. My low was not handing out more gospel tracks. My high was the food at the orphanage. I'm thankful for the experience, and also that I could share it with my lovely wife and sister-in-law!

I'll post some pictures as well. Keep pressing, keep praying, keep enjoying this ride we call sanctification.

Who is Jesus Christ to you?

2008-07-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

A clip taken from the little nugget series "Is Christ Prominent or Preeminent?"

Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He only your savior from sin - the One Who is providing a "free ticket" to heaven so that you can escape the Lake of Fire? Is He merely the One Who is preparing a mansion for you in His Father's house? Is Jesus Christ nothing more than the One Who provides for all your needs? We enjoy His provisions, but do we love the Provider? We desire the gifts that He bestows, but do we adore the Giver of the gifts? We beseech the hand of Christ - what He will do for us, but do we seek His very face - Who He is?

So ask yourself is Christ Prominent or Preeminent in your life?

Keep Pressing, Keep Praying!

My Testimony for Mexico

2008-07-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Seann.

It's been about 4 years since Jesus Christ came into my heart. The life I was living until that day was not pleasing to God; His grace and patience continued to call to my heart in spite of my lifestyle. I had failed God in many ways. I was lost in a world of my own pain, hurt, and anger. I found my comforts in joys of the flesh, not in my patient, loving, God. It was my normal response to lie, cheat, and steal in the life I was living. I did not see my sin; a worldly lifestyle was the only thing I knew. I was blinded to the truth by Satin.

After I started participating in Church, I soon figured out Church and occasionally reading my Bible was not what it meant to be a Christian. I learned that being a Christian was a personal relationship with one person and that is our Lord Jesus Christ. My eyes were opened to the truth that is in Jesus Christ. My life started showing the fruit of a growing Christian. I started having a love for God's Word, not being a hearer of the Word, but a doer as well. I started communicating more with God through prayer; I began to share my faith with others, telling them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The foul language I spoke was turning into words of truth. I started to understand I could not serve God and my flesh.

My life is a testimony to God and I'm thankful for the saving grace of His Son Jesus Christ; if not for Jesus, I would never have had victory over my addictions, victory over broken relationships, and washed clean of my sins, restored in relationship to my God. That is the power from the cross; Jesus went willfully to the cross; there, he died, paying the penalty for our sins. On the third day He rose, defeating death and the penalty for sin, revealing He was God.

At some point this life of mine on earth will end, either by death or the return of Jesus Christ, when that day comes I want to embrace eternity with Jesus forever.

So I ask everyone here, are you ready for Jesus' return? If you where to die tonight would you be in heaven, or would hell be your final destination? Where would you rest for eternity? Those are only questions you can answer. Maybe you feel you don't deserve God's love, but the truth is we find God's love in Christ. Romans 5:8 says "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Mankind has a problem with God, it's our sin. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Church, brothers and sisters, are you hurting tonight? Do you feel lost, separated, and lonely? Does your heart ache for companionship, does your spirit long to return in relationship to its maker? Our Lord is but a decision away, waiting with open arms for you…

It's never too late to turn from your sin and start embracing Christ. It's only too late once you die. Hebrews 9:27-28 says: 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.

Turning to Christ starts by asking for forgiveness of your sins. God's forgiveness for us is found in Christ and Christ alone. Forgiveness through Jesus Christ has value for one reason; it brings us home to God. And with forgiveness comes the gift of salvation, you are saved by grace through faith.

Remember brothers and a sister, Jesus is the only way. John 14:6 Jesus says I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me the son. Some people believe you can work your way into heaven, but the truth is nothing we do can make us right in the sight of God, not our good works, not even our Church affiliation. Our salvation is God's gift to us: Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Salvation is by faith and faith alone through grace in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is preceded by repentance. A turning away from sin or, going in the opposite direction of your previous behavior. This is an act of your will empowered by the Holy Spirit... A growing in holiness so your life will reflect Jesus Christ and not this world.

Today is your day of salvation. Remember eternity is forever, make a good decision.

Keep Pressing, Keep Praying

I look forward to bringing back a good report, Lord willing!

John Piper - What does it mean to get saved?

2008-07-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Packing for Mexico

2008-07-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Wow. July is already here. I've been looking forward to this trip for sometime. This is my first missions trip, and I believe God is going to move through a lot of people on this trip. I serve a BIG God, so the results will also be BIG. I look forward to sharing the Gospel of Jesus, and loving people as the body of Christ! I look forward to sharing a good report once I get back.

Please continue to pray for the team of 35 that will be going down. Pray for our safety, strong health, and just the strength of the Lord to pull us through as we aim to glorify God. Keep pressing, keep praying, keep living life as a missions field!

Love,
Seann

Is Mormonism Christian?

2008-07-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Please also refer to my side link titled "Please read if you are a Mormon".

Is Mormonism Christian?

Let's get fired UP 4 Christ!

2008-07-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

What in life fires you up!

Are you a vessel for Christ or a vessel for destruction? You can't be both!

What does the cross of Christ mean to you?