Cdfos

Walk the walk, humbly with God

2010-04-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

How is it that when we are doing our thing that we hear the clear small voice, or maybe that clear loud voice speaking to our soul? You know that voice, it's the one that convicts you/me of our wrong actions. It is amazing to think...I heard that voice when I was a small boy; I remember being 4 or 5 years of age and hearing that voice tell me, show me what was good and bad.

Now, years later...being a Christian I truly understand what or better said who that voice belongs to and what it means to do the right thing. The Father calling to us through the Holy Spirit wooing us to walk humbly with Him...our Father.

Today I have heard the Word...I have read the Word and the Word has changed my life.

James 1:22-27
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Remember who you are without Christ...keep your tongue in praise to Him and be useful. He calls us to minister to others...not self...caring for the orphans and widows in their troubles. Keep yourself unspotted or rather keep from the filth of the world. Cling to Him who is perfect and loose self from the flesh.

Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Watch your mouth

2010-03-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here in James we see him addressing the reader as "beloved brethren" a brother in the Lord. We see him exhorting us in a familiar way as in Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

In today's text we are told to be swift to hear and slow to speak...which tends to be the exact opposite in how we live our lives. We tend to be quick to speak, we are only interested in what we think and want to express to others our viewpoint. We likewise are told to be slow to wrath along with our speech, to be kind and listen.

James 1:19–21 NKJV
19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

The Bible is quite clear when it comes to our hearing or listening to others. We therefore need to lay aside all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness. To place or give importance to our actions, to put aside our foul mouth or rotten thoughts towards others which cause us to overflow with sinful disdain.
We can achieve this if and when we walk with God, through our knowledge and relationship in Christ.

Proverbs 17:27–28 NKJV
“He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”

Enticed by the world?

2010-03-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

When we look at what entices a person, we need to only look as far as our checkbook or credit card receipts.

Take a look: what were your last few purchases?

What did you buy? Where did you dine out this weekend? How many beverages did you purchase? What did you purchase on-line? What did you watch on-line? What movie did you watch/rent?

How many purchases were to benefit others?

We tempt ourselves, we are concerned only for self...

Turn to God, Look to Jesus. Every good thing is from Him, He died on the cross, and rose from the grave, gave us the Helper/Holy Spirit and sits at God's side interceding for you and me. We only but have to ask for Him to be the King of our lives, for Him to be our Savior.

The Perfect Gift from Heaven, Jesus Christ...what are you going to do with Him?

James 1:13-18
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

Of His will He brought us forth...by the Word of truth, that we might be one of His. Worthy because we accept His Son and in doing so, we would be able to be a kind of First fruit.

We give Him Praise and Him alone

2010-03-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

I want to pose a few questions to you.

Who do we praise and why?

Who gets the glory?

What is the ultimate outcome?

James 1:9-11
11 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Here in James we see the lowly or poor brother (Christian) and how he is to glory in the cross of Christ, in the knowledge of his salvation, in the hope and promise from God. But the rich...in his humiliation...burnt up by the sun...who will fade away in his pursuits....in his hunger to make history.

We see in Jeremiah that we would glorify Him because we know Him.
(Jeremiah 9:23-24) Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (NKJV)

Likewise: Psalms 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.

Before you read this article...remember that if someone turns away from or is without God, he is a fool: Psalms 14:3 They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.

If the President does his job by serving the people to the best of his ability, then good for him. I expect him to do his job...I expect him to persevere, I expect him to be held to a higher standard.

Luke 17:9-10
9 "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."

Psalm 119:175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me.

All praise and glory to God the Father, The One and only Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! Praise God! Praise God! We Praise God and Him alone!

James 1:2-12

2010-03-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

As we look into the Epistle of James, we see that the writer expressed that we are to stay strong in our faith. He is exhorting us to look to Jesus and not to our situation. It is through trials that we are perfected and completed. We see that if any of us lacks wisdom, (which is Proverbs 2:6, ) all we need to do is ask God for His wisdom and He will give abundantly and without disapproval. If the one who has no knowledge comes to God with no doubts and is honest with God, then God will give all, but if he doubts he cannot expect the blessing.

James 1:2-12
1 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Praise God, Praise God! He has promised the Crown of Life to those who love Him. Endure and Love, Praise and Glorify the Lord. Love Him!

Epistle of James

2010-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

James:
Let us first ask: who is this James? And to whom it is written? Since the name of James is popular because(James is the Greek name for Jacob) here we have 4. We have James the son of Zebedee but he has been put to death by Harod (Acts 12:2) We then have James the son of Alphaeus in (Mark 3:18) We have the Son of Mary, and brother of Christ James (Mark 6:3) and we have James the Less (Mark 15:40)
It is thought that since James the son of Zebedee, John's brother has been put to death by Herod (disqualifies him), that the Son of Mary, James who is referred to as Christ's half brother would be the writer of this book. This James was the The other two James mentioned were not active in the early church. In the text we see that James is a bondservant which is to say that he elected to be the slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. Freely giving Him his life as a living sacrifice in service and love. We also see that this book is directed to the twelve tribes, or the Jewish tribes, scattered as they were.

This book is a call to the tribes and those that have been grafted in to His people. That "a dead faith is worse than no faith at all". Faith is freely given to us. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to god. It give us the ability to resist the Devil and all that he brings to bear. As we read we will see issues of Faith, ethics, suffering, love, mercy, the law, wisdom, sin, being rich, being poor, our human nature and of course...God and Jesus.

No matter what we think in human wisdom, we need to look to God for the truth. No matter what we do, we need to look to God for guidance. We see changes in the acceptance of "lifestyles" and "living styles". We are not to bend the Word of God to these sins. We are to preach God's Word and provide true hope through God's love for the lost. Do Not try to make God's Word fit your situation. DO fit your life to conform with God's Word.

James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Today we have a greeting from James. I want to identify with James in being a Bondservant of Christ. I want to serve Him for His glory.

I Love you!

2010-03-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

We have seen through the book of Hebrews how:
Christ is superior to the Angels,
Christ is superior to Moses,
Christ is superior to Aaron,
We see the superiority of Christ as our High Priest.
We see how we are called to persevere in our faith, enduring and standing strong in our Lord Christ Jesus.
Here we close with the writer blessing us...His Benediction. I pray that each of you would be blessed with the Word of God. In that you would know Him and Love Him. Let us have His peace, being complete in the work of God, through Jesus and let us praise Him forever and ever!

Hebrews 13:20-25
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

The US-Israel enduring partnership

2010-03-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know how to start this but to say...
Oh, how I would have liked to have heard what was said by father Biden to a young Joe Biden as they gathered around the family dinner table when he discussed support for Israel. During VP Binden's 30-minute speech at Tel Aviv University; VP Biden referred to his father as being a righteous Christian, and with that being said; I have to wonder if faith might have been a key part to his discussion of why it was proper for the United States of America to support Israel. This Old nation of people (Jews) being brought back to their promised land. see article here

BUT, VP Joe Biden states: "Israel owes this remarkable and yet improbable success, I believe, to your democratic traditions, to its patriotic and pioneering citizens, and as with my own country, to its willingness to welcome the persecuted and the downtrodden from far-flung corners of the globe. All this gives life to Theodor Herzl’s famous slogan, which I was reminded of this week while visiting his grave on this 150th anniversary of his birth. He said, “If you will it, it is no dream.”

Joe (VP Biden) how lost are you? In your own words we see your beliefs. We see that you credit Israel's IMPROBABLE success to: it's democratic traditions, patriotism, pioneering citizens and the ability to be persecuted and downtrodden.

Wow, VP Biden, you see that Israel succeeded only because they were persecuted, downtrodden, patriotic, and pioneers with traditions.

Really? Where has a nation ever been lost and driven from the land as the Jews were and come back, restored to it's land?
Would the answer be Never?

Only by the grace of God did Israel return!

Ezekiel 36:1-37:28

Pray for our leadership, pray for our country, pray for our Military, pray for our loved ones, pray for those who hate us, pray for forgiveness, pray for restoration to Christ Jesus, pray for the saints to be bold in their praise, worship and witness, PRAY!

Offer Praise and Worship to Him!

2010-03-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 13:8-19
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.
12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Live a life of Love

2010-03-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

In this last chapter of Hebrews we find Paul exhorting us to love one another, to remember to entertain strangers, to remember the prisoners and to remember those who rule over us.
He is reminding us of to be a true witness of our Faith in Christ by expressing our love in the way that we entertain strangers. Genesis 19:1-3.
We likewise see how we are to remember the prisoners, Colossians 4:18, as if you were chained with them. Notice this is one who is part of the body of Christ, a believer.
He also exhorts us who are married to honor our covenant with our wives, and to conduct ourselves without coveting, being content in our Faith. We need to live in our faith...not thinking of our current situations, not showing care to our position in today's life, but living in Faith, in the promise that we are finished in Christ Jesus. Live in Him, forsake earthly desires, He will not forsake us or leave us!
Lastly, we see how we are to remember those that rule over us, that would be our pastors that lead us, that teach us the Word of God.
Hebrews 13:1-7
1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them--those who are mistreated--since you yourselves are in the body also.
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

The American dream

2010-03-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

As I look back at the time that I have spent striving to live the American dream I wonder...yes wonder why it took so long for me to realize that to strive for self is not fulfilling.

The widespread aspiration of Americans to live better than their parents did.
See article

Roschelle Nelson wrote that:

The American dream is defined as the faith that through hard work, courage, and determination one can achieve a better life for oneself, usually through financial prosperity. Read more...

I define it as: To get all that You can get at work and play no matter the price. Gain to gain, achieve to achieve, get the most out of whatever, whomever for me.

Yes, I love America and the dreams this great country allows, But the real American dream can be found in the second line of the United States Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

If we look to the news we see how many high profile figures (Governors, Representatives, Congressmen, Teachers, Presidents, & staff) that seems to have the world by the (Tiger) tail. Many of these famous people have had their lives shattered by self indulgence and corruption. If I look to my own life (prior to being saved) I see the same issue of selfish desires driving me. Then when our transgressions are found out, our infidelities and actions look ugly and raw and people say..."how could he/she done that?

My pursuit given me by my Creator is not for money or fame. My pursuit is for life...given to my by God, for freedom given me by His Son Jesus and happiness by living a full life through Christ Jesus as my savior. Therefore:

As it says in Hebrews 12:1-29 Therefore I can lay aside every weight and sin which ensnares me and run the race set before me...my life. Looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith, who joyfully took my sins upon Himself and endured the cross giving me access to God the Father. I can through Christ Jesus obtain happiness through Him and endure all things...even my failures because He is with me, the Holy Spirit is in me and I have a personal relationship with the Father.

If you read Hebrews 12:1-29 you will see that if we accept Jesus, that we still must lay aside our sins. It is our choice to do this, and if we do we still need to walk humbly with our God. So when you have trials we must not be faint of heart, when we sin and we are rebuked; we must not be crushed under our trials, but bear up with faith and perseverance. He will correct and help His sons and daughters, training us in His ways because He like a good Father wants the best for His children.

Let us serve with Grace acceptable to God

2010-03-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Here the writer goes on to engage the professing Jews to perseverance in their Christian course and trials, and not to backslide again into Judaism. He shows how much the Christian church differs from the Jewish synagogue. Both salvation and vengeance are now getting nearer. Therefore let us, receive, willingly and joyful in faith. A kingdom more glorious than we know is at hand. For our God is a consuming fire in the strictness of his justice, and purity of his holiness. Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Hebrews 12:18-29 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,
19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.
20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow."
21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.")
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,
23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,
26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven."
27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Father please train me & teach me.

2010-02-26T13:45:00.000-08:00

We should consider our up bringing when we look at our Christians lives. We all have earthly parents, & we all have been chastened or corrected as a child. Why would we think that God; our perfect Heavenly Father would not want to teach and instruct us? As a Father He chastens and exhorts us for our own good. As our God he desires us to have full inheritance and to be His child, the Child of God.

Hebrews 12:4-17
4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.
9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

Let us run with endurance

2010-02-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

Today we see that since we are surrounded by so great a multitude of witness, those that having the gift and great power of Faith. Exhorting us to lay aside our SIN, our transgressions that snare us.
Psalm 119:37:
Let us run with endurance, not stopping but looking to the author and finisher of our faith:Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

What more shall I say

2010-02-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

I love the way verse 32 starts, in how the author just gets to the point..."What more shall I say?" The writer makes the point that there are many more believers that "By Faith" did many works or accomplished great feats. That there are those that died "By Faith" and those that are mocked. By Faith we live...By Faith we die, but By Faith we Know Truth.
Hebrews 11:32-40
32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:
33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.
36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--
38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,
40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
So what more should have the writer have said? Stay strong in your Faith in Christ Jesus! He is coming for His people.

By this Faith...

2010-02-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

By this Faith all of these believers trusted in Him and His promise, and able to call Him as their God!
Heb 11:4-31
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a re-warder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude--innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called,"
19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.

By Faith we...

2010-02-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

We have been offered/given the gift of faith and like every other gift, we must decide to
receive it or not. What have you done with this gift from God? We see here in Hebrews that faith IS the substance of things hoped for...do you have hope? We see here that faith is evidence of the things not seen...do you see? Faith is how one obtains a good testimony even when every man is not good; the only good One is God. By faith we understand that God created and framed the worlds by His Word, so that we would know that the things that are seen were not created out of themselves.

Hebrews 11:1-3
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Accept this Faith, this gift from God Himself: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

John 20:24-25
24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

John 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

God blesses and loves those that believe, those who have not seen, yet...believe!

The just shall live by faith!

2010-02-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

Here in Hebrews: we see how as brethren that we have the boldness to enter in because of the blood of Jesus. That in Him (the new and living way that HE consecrated for us, through HIS flesh/blood) we now have a high priest who presides over and is the only way to true and eternal life. It reads here that we are to draw near, that we should have true heart in faith, assured and sprinkled from sin and our bodies washed with pure water(the blood of Christ). Hold fast, hold on with all your strength for His promise is faithful.
Let us stir one another up! Let us put aside our differences and love...love Him and our brethren. Do good to each other and forsake division. Exhort one another as the Day of the Lord is coming.
But
If we willfully sin after we received the knowledge of the truth...there is no longer a sacrifice for sins. We willfully have chosen to turn, we have willfully said with our actions that we want judgment instead of Grace. For by these transgressions we trample the Son of God underfoot. Totally insulting the Spirit of God's Grace.
As this chapter ends...it reads that we are to persevere, with endurance, so that after we HAVE DONE the WILL of God, that we may receive the promise. He is coming! Live by Faith! Be a pleasure in Him!

Hebrews 10:18-39
18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people."
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;
34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Teach the Word

2009-10-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

We see that this chapter opens with God setting the church (His Church) in order. You might even say that He is separating the wheat from the tares. We see the call for the truth, and the price for our lies. God is putting the new foundation, built with Christ as The cornerstone. He gave great power (The Holy Spirit) to the apostles for ministry:
Acts 5:12-16
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Salomon's Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
(NKJV)
There are always some oppose that which is good, but God knows all things. His plan...He purpose. Paul exhorted Timothy:
1 Timothy 1:3-7
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
(NKJV)
God has saved us for His/our mission. There are still going to be bumps in the road, problems and trials, but our part is to be faithful to Him. As we act as His arms and legs we need to show His Love with all good conscience, and sincere Faith.
1 Corinthians 2:5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
AMEN

The Power Of Prayer

2009-08-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

THE ASSURANCE OF PRAYER
The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit after prayer and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:32-37 We see how the people were moved in heart and mind in that they now believe and their hearts were changed. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit opened their hearts and minds toward each other;
Acts 4:32-33
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
(NKJV)
God's Word moves with power and grace, also working through those that had looked out for others in need. This is how the Holy Spirit built the Church and how God moved among His people. These people were being moved by the His filling of them with the Spirit.
Acts 4:34-37
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
(NKJV)

Michael Vick

2009-08-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

It has been widely publicized that Michael Vick has been signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles land Vick Here is a link to the NFL.com dealing with the Eagles signing Mr. Vick. Here also is a LINK where Mr. Vick says he will try to make the most of this second chance.

But does he deserve a second chance. I have read many articles and posts on how terrible this man is and how he should be drummed out of the NFL. What are your thoughts? What should we really do with him?

The story is one of a professional athlete that broke the law, who was inhumane to animals.

Or:

Is this a story of compassion or hatred...compassion to forgive a person that made mistakes or not?

John 8:7
The more I read about Mr. Vick the more I see hardened hearts void of mercy and grace.
Matthew 18:35 Matthew 18:1-34
We as a people condemn and HATE our fellow man all the while hiding what we do wrong. Is it right to judge others and not judge oneself? I have to admit...I am a sinner and I have done my share of wrong in my life. I see the spec in your eye but do nothing with the plank that is in mine. Matthew 7:3-5. Who among you have not lied, stolen, cheated, lusted, envied or hated as just a few examples of the plank that is in our eye?

Here is the point. God sent His Son to the cross to take our sins. Jesus died, rose and sits next to the Father interceding for you and me...and Mr. Vick. The only judgment that there is… when God asks you; “what did you do with my Son?” You either accepted Him as your Lord and Savior or you did not.

My prayer for Mr. Vick as well as you is this; that you soften your heart and accept Jesus as your Lord, that you ask Him into your heart and that you would follow Him the rest of your life.

I have great children!

2009-08-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

How often do you tell your kids, how great they are?

I just got off the phone with my son and it amazes me how hard he tries to be a great kid. My daughter who is 13 also works very hard to please. I have great kids! Their big brother is an adult now but he too has been a great kid. He is searching but knows the Word, so I trust in the Lord he will not stray too far.

Each day of the week they phone me at work, my son at 3pm and my daughter at 4pm to do their bible study. They first read their verses and then call me to re-read and discuss what the verses say. We use the inductive style of study to do our bible studies. It is so awesome to listen and hear what they see in scripture. Then it is so awesome to see the Holy Spirit work in them…seeing when they discover the Way, the Truth and the Light. John 14:6

I wanted to write this to publicly praise the Lord for where I, my wife and my children are at in our walks with God. We all have our trying times but when we look at our relationship with Christ it’s all so trivial. I commend my children for their love of God and respect of family. They have grown exponentially this summer; I hope and pray that the Lord stays strong in their lives.

1 John 4:4
Luke 18:16

Prison Ministry

2009-08-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

USP6 Victorville:

We had a team of 22 men work this last KAIROS weekend and 40 candidates with 20 KAIROS graduate/inside team members. The countenance of the candidates was hard and suspect of what they had signed up for but the team made them feel at ease and all came back on Friday morning. Each day brought a new trial and each day brought better fruit. We saw the room change by Friday night and by Sunday we were hugging and laughing…sharing in the Spirit of the Lord!

Sunday at the cross ceremony I was able to call 38 men forward and each said that they were now counting on Christ in their lives. We then went to closing where 15 outside guests came to welcome and show these new KAIROS graduates the love that comes from the body of Christ. The Head Chaplin was present for the closing and was invited to speak. His message was encouraging and direct. He called for the new KAIROS graduates to stand strong in Christ and to stay connected to the body. We actually had two 4th day speakers. These two jointly spoke on how a person can’t be a faker and play church. They spoke of denying self to have a strong walk with the Lord.

The hard parts were the normal issues: time was constantly being adjusted, counts dealing with the two drops and the constant attack from the enemy with attitudes.

The best part of this weekend was seeing hard eyes and faces turn to smiles and hugs. I know that God used this weekend to reach into a very dark place and His light was received. Please keep all involved… the Chaplains, Warden, staff, candidates, Prayer warriors, families and the volunteers in prayer.

Remember; we have just begun a work here and we need to be diligent in going back to continue God’s mission with these men and the institution. As the Head Chaplain said as we were leaving. “I am a government employee and bureaucrat, real positive change comes from the outside.” We are that outside and God wants to get into the inside…of all our hearts.

Revelation 2:11

Prayer, And Praise, With Thanksgiving

2009-07-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

After Peter and John's day at the temple with the lame man, the priests and the elders threats did not stop the work of the Holy Spirit. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to give us that steadfast direction in our lives and the vision to see the opportunities for God's glory in our lives. Look at how the apostles reacted after meeting with the priests and elders;

Acts 4:23-31

23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
25 "who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.'
27 "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
28 "to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
29 "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
30 "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (NKJV)

The apostles were joined in prayer by their companions in praise for what God had done and in praise of the things that will be done in the future, They requested the boldness to speak the word and to be witnessed by healings, signs, and wonders by the hand of God, in the name of Jesus. They all were filled with the Holy Ghost and the place was shaken... and with boldness they spoke the word of God. AMEN

Rose colored lenses

2009-07-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Have you read or heard the rhetoric being passed off as leadership in America? As we look through the eyes of this leadership, America is seen as "a nation of cowards". We see that smoking and it's second hand affect is dangerous to the people, but not the president. This vision of America is that we might try to cut back on abortions but we should fund new and "scientific" ways to kill our babies. We hear about health reform, what are the detail Mr. President? Here is what you sent in an email earlier today: misinformation will be flying fast and furious over the next month, so it is important to put this stake in the ground telling people what reform is really about. So what are the details?

Worst of all: Our own president is apologizing for America.

Psalms 50:18 When you saw a thief, you consented with him, And have been a partaker with adulterers. (NKJV)

Change we can believe in. Change we need. Slogans of President Obama

Proverbs 29:24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. (NKJV)

Read and view the link below:

"You and I are told increasingly we have to choose between a left or right. Well I'd like to suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There's only an up or down—[up] man's old—old-aged dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. And regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would trade our freedom for security have embarked on this downward course."- President Ronald Reagan October 27, 1964

Full speach

YouTube

We are at a time of choosing, we either get down on our knees and take government as our master or we stand for what is moral and right by having them govern as we direct them to.

Watch the clip again and think about what is happening today. We are not fighting the a cold war from afar...no, this time we are fighting from within.

New Song: Living In A Fallen World

2009-07-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

By living in a fallen world
I pleasured when I could
And I did the things I shouldn't do
But not the things I should

I did the things acceptable
Conforming to this world
But was led astray and walked away
From Jesus Christ our Lord

I knew that He could break me
From this world and set me free
But I turned my life away from Him
To live my life for me

My life was just a game to me
I played it hard and fast
And I got in way too deep sometimes
To cover up my past

I used to do a lot of things
I used to smoke and drink
And I did so many foolish things
I never stopped to think

I did the things I knew were wrong
Yet all of them seemed right
But when I read John 3:17
I finally saw the light

And then I saw the writing
That was written on the wall
And it said to lie for Jesus
And to listen for His call

So I listened and I answered
By submitting unto Him
For my mind had been renewed to live
For Christ and not for sin

John 3:17
For God did not send His Son to condemn the wold, but that the world through Him might be saved. (NKJV)
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)

Living in a Fallen World #07
Inspired by God and written by Brian
04.30.09-07.15.09

The power of the Holy Spirit

2009-07-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

THE HOLY SPIRIT POWER

Acts 4:13-14

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
(NKJV)

Seeing , perceiving, marveling, and realizing that these men had been in the company of Christ, uneducated, untrained but doing the things Jesus had done. Now witnessing the healing of the lame man left them with nothing to say. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit and given the opportunity to speak, it is great but remember it’s for God's glory. Let’s take a look at the reaction of some;

Acts 4:15-18

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name."
18 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
(NKJV)

There will be those times that some will oppose you, because of the message and your stand, but just like Peter and John your actions will not be denied. You may get threats, singled out, and spoken against, but this has no weight compared to the glory of being found worthy of being found in Christ. Let’s look at the end of this encounter;

Acts 4:19-21

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
(NKJV)

Settle in your heart and mind where you will take your stand. AMEN

Today is the day.

2009-07-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

Where is the place where the United States flag is never lowered? Where it is not lowered no matter day or night. Do you know where this flag is?

The Moon. 40 years ago today is the day it was put up on the Moon. 40 years ago today we landed on the moon and we, the United States place the Stars and Stripes on the lunar surface. Appolo 11 facts

Do you remember this?
Where were you when this happened?
How old were you?

There are many theories that state that the Lunar landing was a Hollywood type production. That politics prevailed in making the US public feel good and confident with it's leadership and itself.

Do you believe that we landed on the moon?
Most American's are very opinionated of this happening. We as a people stand strong in our beliefs of this great event. This is the day that Neil Armstrong did step on the Moon and said those famous words:“That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

But,have you ever seen the actual flag up on the Moon? Did you see the Lunar Module land? Do you know for sure that it really happened?

My questions are not to say I think this was a Hoax, but to ask this question...

Do you believe in Jesus?

You most likely can see in your minds eye, even in your heart you KNOW that we landed on the Moon!

But do you have that same conviction that Jesus Christ walked this Earth? Do you know in your mind and heart that this is true? Do you believe that it is possible for man to develop a rocket...sit on the tip of it and be shot to the Moon and not that God was able to make Himself of a human form to walk the Earth with His most prized creations?

Here is the account of Jesus by the Historian of the day of Christ, this would be the same as if we watched the news with Walter Cronkite.

Josephus: book 18 chapter 3 Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.

I ask this of you...search you mind and heart to see if you have a real knowledge of Him. (John 6:29)The One that He sent, Jesus the Christ sent from the Father. Do you know with all certainty that He was here, that He was raised from death and He is with the Father? He is interceding for you and I, yes that is right, you and I. That is as long as we accept His gift and follow Him.

If you don't have a personal relationship with Christ, where you absolutely know that He is real...let me pray for you. If you are seeking for the truth but are still struggling with what this world has to offer, let me offer you my email address. You can contact me and I will send you some resources that helped me gain the knowledge of Him. mcspry@Cdfos.com

I suggest that you start by praying to God. To ask for Him to come into your heart, that you believe that Jesus came to restore you to God, that He died for your sins and was raised from the dead. That He is sitting at God's right hand interceding for you and that you want Him, Christ Jesus to be your Lord, to follow Him the rest of your days.

As the flag stands on the Moon, Jesus hung for you and me. May you look to the cross today as the flag that stood and stands between you and God, not in separation but as restoration to Him. John 3:16-18 May you have the Love of Christ in you. Amen.

Opportunities of the Gospel

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

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE GOSPEL
Now after the miracle at the temple of the lame man, Peter was given the opening to share the good news of God's plan for the world. He spoke to all that witnessed God's glory, beginning with the things that they had seen. He spoke of the prophets, the reason of the miracle, a time for repentance and times of refreshing spoken by God through the prophets. Told them of Moses and Abraham and of the risen Christ, all to turn them from their/our sins.
Chapter 4 of Acts continues with the reaction of some of those that heard.
Acts 4:1-4
1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
This is what the word of God will do to those that are called and then believe its message. But there are some that will not believe for many different reasons. Jesus told them they would be hated for His sake and not to worry about what to say, for the Holy Spirit would give them what to say when time comes to speak, look at Peter here;
Acts 4:8-12
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 "If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 "let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 "This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.'
12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
(NKJV)
Remember this when you get the opportunity to defend your faith or to explain the reason for your hope. AMEN

Obama to try to have less abortions

2009-07-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

President Obama affirmed his personal commitment to try to reduce the number of abortions in the United States...

Is it his intention to personally have less sex where there might be unintended pregnancies?

VATICAN CITY (AFP)
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said earlier that on subjects such as abortion, "even if we don't see eye to eye on everything, there are steps that can be taken on a number of issues that will show progress, whether it's on something like unintended pregnancy or adoption". By Gina Doggett

Unintended? Does he not really mean...accidental, aimless, casual, chance, erratic, extemporaneous, fortuitous, haphazard, inadvertent, involuntary, purposeless, random, unconscious, unexpected, unforeseen, unplanned, unpremeditated, unthinking, unwitting, undesigned, undevised, unintended, unthought?

He really means the unwanted... by product of intercourse. Promoting that as US citizens, we have zero responsibilities for our actions. By design: intercourse can, will and is how one gets pregnant. But I am released of my responsibilities by the U.S. government and condoned by the President to just abort this...unwanted, unintended human that was conceived.

Unintended, unwanted babies...Oh God, how can it be that we are so evil that we murder your children?

My prayers oh Lord: is for You to soften the heart of President Obama and this country. For the President to take the time to meditate on the life and soul of all those Unintended babies that he allows to be Intentionally and Casually sentenced to death. I pray for him to stop allowing the killing of our children! I pray for our country to repent and turn back to God. To ask for forgiveness for this genocide.

Proverbs 7:1-27

We as Christian parents need to teach our children the wisdom of truth and righteousness. We need to guide them and show our children the importance of walking with God and not with this world. Each child that we train up in the Word of God can be an example to the lost of this world. Let this not be our children being the ones that murder God's gifts, God's children.

It is not reasonable for me to think that the world will understand. Without the Holy Spirit in their hearts they do not see that they are sinning or even care. I pray for the softening of the hearts of the lost and that they would come to know the true and living God. That Christ would dwell in them.

We are His hands and feet, we are the body of Christ and we are called to be the light in this world. Shine His light by doing what God commanded us to do. To love the One that He sent, to confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God has raised Him form the dead. That we will be saved. Romans 10:9

Witness His power and be saved

2009-07-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

ALL FOR GOD'S GLORY
In the text of Acts 3, Peter saw that the people in the temple still did not understand the power and glory of God. In verses 12-16 Peter makes it clear who is to get the glory for what was seen of the healing of the lame man at the temple;
Acts 3:12-16
12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
13 "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
14 "But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15 "and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
16 "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
(NKJV)
Jesus was exalted by God and given a name higher than any other name. Through faith and by faith in His name is the power to heal, for all to see and witness. Just as Jesus being raised from the dead had been witnessed by His disciples. Peter calls Him the Prince of Life, the Holy One, and the Just, only He can be spoken of in these regards. Peter then gives an altar call, reminding the people that there was a time they did know Him but now they do so repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out and the restoration of all thing, which had spoken of by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. AMEN

Free!

2009-07-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Absolutely Free!

What I refer to is Free! Totally and absolutely Free! An offer that you cannot or should not pass by, and it's Free! Yet wait, it gets even better. It's offered to anyone! Any who asks for it! It is Free today and tomorrow and has no limit on it.

But you ask, what is it? This Free thing, why do I want something Free? What kind of quality is something Free? Can I use it? Do I care?

This Free is the one and only thing you truly need. Free it is and it is made to last forever. You can use this Free everyday of your life. You should care because without Free you will be lost and I mean lost forever.

So what is this Free?

Free is: Eternal life with God. You having a true relationship with Him. Free of religious trappings, Free of man's design. True Freedom from God Himself.

God paid the price Himself so your salvation could be Free. Jesus died, rose and sits next to God the Father interceding for you and me. It is He, Jesus who is Free for all to have. It is He who give freely to all who hear His Word. It is He who gives life and freely delivers all of us. You see I once was blind but now I see, Free from death and full of life given to me by Him/Jesus. Free!

It is only for the asking, it is Free.

Romans 10:9-11
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
(NKJV)

Don't be confused by cheap imitations. Don't fall for knock offs.

Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (NKJV)

Get the real deal, Jesus, and remember it's Free.

Unspoken Words

2009-07-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

Thought without words
Should never be read
And words without thought
Should never be said

Thoughts without passion
And meaningless words
They add up to nothing
So nothing is heard

Words could bring twosomes
Together at last
Or bring back the memories
Of thoughts in the past

Today and tomorrow
I'd wonder each day
Of things that could happen
By words I could say

Like thoughts of me asking
What took us so long
To get back together
And what went so wrong?

But You made it certain
We wouldn't be late
To find that the two of us
Were destined to fate

So I won't pretend
That my thoughts You just read
Were thoughts without words
And never were said

For when it happens
That I get in a bind
And need someone with me
You'll be first on my mind

And when You find out
That I've stared to fall
Lord lift me back up
And respond to my call

P.S.
I said I'd never leave You......
but I did.

Please forgive me.

"Unspoken Words"
Written by Brian

Fear

2009-07-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

I had a rather rough day yesterday. I woke from a restless & sleepless night quite grumpy. I slid out of bed and I fought myself to praise God as I walked to the shower; still dreading the day all the same. Each step took me closer to my main despair...a job that I fear I will soon lose. Praise be to God. As I ate my cereal each flake seemed to stick in my throat and I was looking in my minds eye at what would happen today. Thinking or more to the point visualizing a day of dread. But what is the basis of my concern? Is it that I am uncertain of my job or is it that I am not fully following God?

We all have to pass the tests of this life. Each one of us is born, no matter what status or position in life we come from. We are born and we all will die. We all have our issues to deal with, it might be a birth defect or being the richest person in the world. As I look at my own thoughts and fears I see where my head is full of self and comfort...I just need to stop and tell God that I am thankful to be His.

Proverbs 16:19-23
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. (NKJV)

Why do I doubt? More importantly...why do I doubt when I know that God is in control? I see God move and the Holy Spirit guiding me when I die to self: Praise God! Yet even with the knowledge of God's sovereignty and seeing Him move, I keep looking at my state of things and my countenance wavers.

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
(NKJV)

I write this to say that I do count on Christ every day of my life. I fight this old flesh of mine and pray for His will in my life. Each day I truly pray that He would bring me into that place where I would know Him more. I pray for forgiveness from all my sin. I love the way Paul wrote it in Galatians.

Galatians 5:16-26
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
(NKJV)

WALKING ACCORDING TO YOUR CALLINGS

2009-06-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

In our daily walk, God placed a path for each of us to accomplish. He has made this good work for you and me. In Acts 3 we see the apostles as they carried out the commission that Jesus gave to His disciples.

Acts 3:1-11

1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;

3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.

We see Peter and John after the coming of the Holy Spirit. They began to step out more boldly. They once were hiding behind closed doors, but now we see them keeping the prayer time in the temple. Here at the temple they are given the opportunity for God to work through them, by using this one man to be a witness to all the people in the temple at that hour.

Acts 3:4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us."

5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Sometimes when we look at something, all we see is the surface. Not these men, Peter knew what the man was expecting and he did not have, but what he did have he gave much. The next time we see someone in need, let's give this text some thought because we too serve the same Lord and Savior and we too have much to give.

Acts 3:8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.

(NKJV)

We may never know the good works God has created for us if we are not bold in Christ. We might not have a miracle like this one in Acts, but He has something for each and everyone of us to do for the glory of His kingdom. AMEN

A young man's memories

2009-06-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

As I read the news today I see that Farah Fawcett died. She was 62 years old and it was noted that "Hollywood Lost an Angel in Farrah Fawcett."

I was just a young man when her poster came out in 1976 and she was the star of Charlies Angles for just one year. WOW did she have an impact on my life. My whole attention went out to her and all that she represented at that time in my life. Girls, girls, girls. That poster depicted what my attention would be focused on for the years to come.

As I pray for comfort by the knowing of Christ Jesus and salvation for those that knew her; her family, her loved ones. I also want to pray for all the boys...young men that owned or even saw the posters of her. She was the beauty of the day, and it made its mark.

This makes me think of David and to the lengths he went after seeing Bathsheba because she was very beautiful to behold.

2 Samuel 11:2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. (NKJV)

By just that look, David inquired about her, sent messengers to her, took her, had sex with her. All this when David knew this was another man's wife. All this even when he knew God. Bathsheba conceived, David tries to cover this up by calling her husband home from battle. David then tries to trick the man into lying with his wife but Uriah only wants to serve his king. Yes that King is David. The reward from David to Uriah was for Uriah to carry his own death letter back to battle, to his commander...where he was sent into the hottest battle. He is killed.

By just one look...(we don't need two) we lust and do the wicked most things. David cast his eyes upon the woman to only bring lust, murder and sorrow. David took his eyes off God.

1 John 2:16-17

16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (NKJV)

I pray (those who cast their eyes upon her then and the flesh now)that we remove our attentions and desires from the lust of flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life and turn to God. Looking, gazing and praising God. For He who abides in God will live forever.

Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (NKJV)

We all have out lusts, some flesh, some pride, some longing for what is forbidden, concupiscence, strong sexual desires. We need to turn to Him and look to Him. Confess that Jesus in the Son of God, Repent and receive Him and the Holy Spirit.

1 John 4:13-15
13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
(NKJV)

Trust in the Lord

2009-06-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Letting the Words of God speak for me...

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (NKJV)

Proverbs 14:8-12
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.(NKJV)

Hebrews 10:35-39
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (NKJV)

We need to trust in the Lord and lean not to our own understanding; keeping confident with endurance, doing the will of God. To live in faith by faith and draw close to Him.

KAIROS Prayer Chain

2009-06-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

USP VICTORVILLE, CA
KAIROS #6
AUGUST 6th through 9th, 2009

We want to cover our Kairos in prayer from the beginning on Thursday to the ending on Sunday afternoon.

We need your help to solicit Christian friends around the world to participate by committing to pray for one half hour (or more) during the event.

Our access to the Internet today allows a simple way to commit to a prayer time. Send your friends the link shown below and ask them to go on-line to the link and follow these simple instructions.

1. Copy and paste the link below.
2. Go to the bottom left of page
3. Click edit this page
4. Pick at time and day
5. Fill in your name and country and state (e-mail address is optional).

Here is the link:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=r-svd4x1Z_nlnKFwLclArMA&output=html

If your friends don’t have internet access, you can ask them for the time they prefer and fill in the sheet for them.

Obama to sign Tobacco bill

2009-06-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

Obama to Sign Landmark Tobacco Bill
22 June 2009

The president will sign the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act into law Monday (1800 UTC). When we read the reasons for Obama signing this bill you will see that this bill is intended to lower our health care exposures as well as save lives. I don't see that as a bad reason. I worry about the U.S. government taking on business instead of running a country, but this is a good cause.

The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an estimated 443,000 people in the United States die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke every year...

I have a few questions.

What about the unborn? The aborted? How many lives will this Family bill save?

A total of 839,226 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC for 2004 from 49 reporting areas, representing a 1.1% decline from the 848,163 legal induced abortions reported by 49 reporting areas for 2003. The abortion ratio, defined as the number of abortions per 1,000 live births, was 238 in 2004, a decrease from the 241 in 2003. The abortion rate was 16 per 1,000 women aged 15--44 years for 2004, the same since 2000. For the same 47 reporting areas, the abortion rate remained relatively constant during 1998--2004.

I know, we need to stop second hand smoke, like the cigarette smoke by one's lover because it might kill me, but the child, planned or not is in for certain death because, well because you can't tax it and you can't say it's bad in front of your liberal friends.

Exodus 21:22-23
If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman;s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any ham follows, then you shall give life for life. (NKJV).

We will give up smoking but not save the lives that need caring for. Thank you Mr. President for regulating the tobacco business, but next time get real and take care of our future by saving the live of our unborn children!

Culture of irresponsibility

2009-06-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Today,
President Obama blamed the turmoil of a culture of irresponsibility as the downfall of the economy. Mr. Obama confirmed that he wants to give more power to the Federal Reserve to become the Economy Police. The Fed would oversee all important institutions, enabling the Fed/President the power to break firms/companies apart.

The President summarized with: "There's always been a tension between those who place their faith in the invisible hand of the marketplace and those who place more trust in the guiding hand of the government -- and that tension isn't a bad thing. It gives rise to healthy debates and creates a dynamism that makes it possible for us to adapt and grow. For we know that markets are not an unalloyed force for either good or for ill. In many ways, our financial system reflects us. In the aggregate of countless independent decisions, we see the potential for creativity -- and the potential for abuse. We see the capacity for innovations that make our economy stronger -- and for innovations that exploit our economy's weaknesses.

Freedom of choice given by the Government...When I read of putting faith in the invisible hand of the marketplace or the guiding hand of government, I think of where true faith should be put. Whose invisible hand should guide me and my country.

Faith is from God...To chose to love Him, to follow Him or to forsake Him.

Psalms 31:14-19
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."
15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies' sake.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon You; Let the wicked be ashamed; Let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence, Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19 ¶ Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! (NKJV)

We fall pray to men. We have been complicit to the world through it's greed and fear. Call upon God and trust in Him, to deliver you from those who persecute you. Call upon Him to save you and do not be ashamed. Let the lying lips be silenced and let stand in the great goodness of God!

You can know Him

2009-06-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Why is it so important for you to know God?

John 17: 1-3
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said; "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (NKJV)

This is so powerful for us who believe. You are the flesh that can receive eternal life. God gave this authority to Jesus Christ and He has the authority to give eternal life to you...so that you may know Him, the One and true God.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (NKJV)

It is so easy for me...a believer in The Christ Jesus. To know that He gives to me by the authority of God to have a personal relationship with God. I know and trust in Him. I have Hope and Peace through Him.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (NKJV)

You...where are you? Are you guarded from evil? Do you have Hope and Peace in your life? If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus...why not?

Jesus saves...

Vulnerability

2009-06-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Luke 6:32-25 reads:
32 But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? for even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. (NKJV)

As you see here in scriptures, We are told to love, do good and lend. To hope for nothing in return. In doing this we will be the sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the thankless and evil....Evil?

In the Greek, evil or poneros means: calamitous; also ill, diseased; but especially morally culpable, derelict, vicious, fanciorous, neuter, mischief, malice, or guilt; masculine the devil, or sinners. bad evil grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked.

Okay, now I can see why the word evil is used, because without Christ I resemble most of those wonderful definitions. The unthankful...well that's easy. Do you thank God for all the blessings of the day let alone your daily meals? We take most everything for granted, especially in America.

But what is this truth that the bible tells us about?

We are to love the sinister, scurvy, foul, gross, vile, grave, facinorous, felonious, nefarious, shameful, scandalous, infamous, villainous, heinous; flagrant, flagitious i.e. shamefully wicked; atrocious, incarnate, accursed, ill, those caught in calamitous situations i.e. a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss, sterile, liable, morally reprehensible, malice i.e. to act with the desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness....

I guess this would be those that are un-thankful and evil.

BUT...we are to love them...our enemies and to do good and lend hoping for no return.

Vulnerable...Humble...in Christ we can and are commanded to do this.

Now I ask for you to lend me your ear, Hear God's voice in the calling of ministry to the lost. For the ministry of reconsilation of the world, and I do not mean the easy ones. No I ask for your prayers and help in reaching the un-thankful and evil. For I used to be in that crowd and someone prayed for me...reached out for me.

Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (NKJV)

By the grace of God....we are saved.

Today you can receive His Holy Spirit

2009-06-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

And Fifty Days Later
John 15:26-27
26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
27 "And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
(NKJV)
Looking back at the history of the Church, this is the week that the Church was given the power to be the witness of Christ to the world. To tell and preach of all that Jesus came to do and teach. Even the disciples who had been so near and even took part in the ministry of Jesus Christ were now given something new and powerful, unlike anything that had come before.

Acts 2:1-4
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(NKJV)
When these witnesses took their stand, that is when the Church was born. That is when the message Of Jesus Christ went out loud and clear. The message being that Jesus is the Christ and He has build His church and nothing can stop it. He gave them the keys to heaven. Everyone heard them speak of the wonderful works of God. Some doubted, while others just did not understand; but all were amazed.

Today, all these years later, we can still be those witnesses of God's wonderful works. That is if you have received the Holy Spirit of God. If you don't have the Holy Spirit, you have no power over the sin in your life nor are you Saved. You can ask the Lord for this power. Ask that He send His Holy Spirit into your heart right now. Believe in Him, be saved and you will have the power to say no to sin. AMEN

I am counting on Christ!

2009-06-08T14:26:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was a fun one. I was blessed to be on the team for the most resent Walk to Emmaus hosted by the Southern California Walk to Emmaus community. As weekends go this was like every other one...God Showed up!
Yes that is right, God showed up.

Sometimes He looked like a short, tall, slim, fat, old, young guy.

This weekend consists of about 75 men joining together for a Christian leader workshop that is designed to restore and build leadership in our local churches. These men gather to show the love of Christ to our weekend candidates.

It is wonderful to see the work of our Lord in lives. It is amazing to see Christian leaders being born right in front of your eyes.

It is beautiful to witness the birth of the soul of Jesus in human hearts, and it is humbling to know that God was able to use common men to do His will. We saw God's love poured out on each of the first time attendees and experienced it ourselves too. The time was spent praying, praising, studying and eating. At the end...each man stood and announced that they were counting on Christ.

Each word spoken, each song sung is to His glory! Praise God, Praise God!

Cafeteria Faith

2009-06-04T14:36:00.003-07:00

1. True or False: All religions lead you to God.
True - In Isaiah 2:2 God's word reads: Now is shall come to pass in the latter days that the Lord's house shall be established and exalted and ALL nations shall flow to Him. Every one will flow to Him.

2. True or False: God will let all into the after life.
True - In Matthew 25:32-44 God's word says again that ALL nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate them one from another and one will have everlasting punishment and the righteous into eternal life. Both are the life after.

3. True or False: You are safe and going to heaven because of you relationship with a denominational or non denominational church.
False - John 14:6 reads: Jesus said to him, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

4. True or False: Taking part of the Bible and the Koran and any other book religious or not like "the better you" and picking the parts that make sense to you and lead you to be a "good" person is America's new religion.
True - As we read the polls on what America believes and what it's leader believes. You will notice that most believe that there are many ways to heaven. Most of America believes that it is all good, and my bad if I tell the truth.

5. True or False: Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father and Life with God in Heaven.
True - He said it Himself. What are you going to do about that? Either you believe Him or you don't. He is the truth, the light and the way...what do you have?

WWJD What Would Jesus Do? Should be: Give You Salvation, Die for your sins! Love You!

Allies...who needs them?

2009-06-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

It is reported that President Obama is making the most important trip of his Presidency this week, a face-to-face encounter with the Muslim world, culminating with a long-promised speech on U.S. relations with the Muslims. There is some speculation that in his effort to reach Muslims he will start distancing USA from Israel.

This current message the President is sending is more of an example of how the United States of America will reciprocate or what recompense will be give to those countries, cultures and neighborhoods that shake their fists at us. Think about it, by clenching one's fist at the U.S. you can now get formal acknowledgment conveying approval or sanction from the President himself. We now bend to terror; and as we yield in our resolve, we are now complicit in the actions taken against those that we are at peace with.

Allies...who needs them?

What is our message?
Are we:
standing for truth?
standing for Christ in our daily walk?
edifying our brothers and sisters in the Lord ?
conveying to the world, God's plan of restoration?
teaching His written Word? Are we witnesses of the Gospels?
praising God in our personal situation and trials because we love Him?

Are WE committed to witness to the lost, black and white, brown or yellow, small and large, poor and wealthy, friend or enemy, religious or secular, Muslim and Jew alike?
God sent His Son to save ALL.
Our message should be in the living of our lives, holy, and acceptable to Him. Not conformed to this world but in alliance with Him and His people.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(NKJV)
Our message should be the Good news of Christ Jesus! Taken to all the world.

And he ate of the fruit

2009-06-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

Genesis 3:6
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that is was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of it's fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he at.(NKJV)

Eve saw nothing wrong with the tree that the serpent tempted her with. She saw nothing wrong with all that she already had either. It was not that she did not have enough, it was the greed of life, wanting more. Why not? She was in the garden with God, walking with her husband that no one could deny was given to her for she came out of him for him. A match made by God. She had all but that one tree...

It has been said that sin is like an opinion, we all have some and think that we are right. I think that the best analogy is...Bad breath; we all have it. But can you smell it? When you are around someone who just drank a coffee or had a smoke, boy do they not smell so nice. The funny thing is, they do not know how bad it is, but we see it or smell it.

As in Genesis we see the lust & greed, lust of the eyes, the lust of knowledge and greed for MORE. Why do we act as if we will not be tempted. Why do we say that we prayed about the junk that we elect to do...when it is our lustful yearnings that are being satisfied?

Repent from all sin, even the sins that you have justified, the sins of circumstance.

As we live our lives here in this world we are not to be complicit with it. When we see our and other crimes against God we are to report it, confront it and repent form it. We must not compromise and indulge...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the lust of money, the lust of self.

I exhort you to stand for righteousness, for holiness because He calls us to be Holy.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (NKJV)

I wage a war daily with my flesh in the battle of sin. By the grace of God do I have victory.

Praise, Praise

2009-05-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

God's plan: Salvation

From the beginning of time to the blood of Christ to the end of time. God's plan has been for the restoration of man to Himself. To not only give us choice but to give us the ability to obey from the heart that we have a Maker and He alone can save us, love us and seal us in His Salvation.

Romans 6:17
But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.(NKJV)

We are chosen. We know this to be true because He sent His Son for ALL, not just one. We know we were purchased, this was by this same Son's Blood. And we know that we are sealed, for if you believe the first two statements then you are trusting in this purchase of the One that died for you and me. In knowing the truth, the gospel of your salvation and believing, you were or are sealed with the Holy spirit of promise.
Read Ephesians 1:1-13.

Today we had several ask for prayer, to ask for Jesus to come into their lives. Two came forward to openly accept the Lord. May God be praised for these children of God hearing His call.

Thursday Night Bible Study

2009-05-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

We just finished up after having our weekly inductive Bible study.

It started out full of all the noise of the world. It started out dry and hard...but as we started to praise our Lord and sing His praises we all began to have a lift in our voices. Each and every heart started to soften and cry out to our Lord and Savor Jesus.

What a great night!

We studied Isaiah 10:20-26 tonight. How awesome it is to be able to freely gather, to sing praises and to study the Word of God. The grouping was a blessing to this home and when the men started leaving after, they spoke of God! He defeated the noise of the world in each of our lives, He restored each of us again.

I pray that you have a home study, a place to go where you can get into God's word, a place to have accountability and share His grace. I pray that you Practice your faith. To practice sharing His love.

We pray for the salvation of all the lost, Our families, Our friends, Our enemies for God sent His Son for all to have eternal life. Remember...

Isaiah 10:27 It shall come to pass in that day [That] his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. (NKJV)

Capitolism

2009-05-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Investopedia Says:
In such a system, individuals and firms have the right to own and use wealth to earn income and to sell and purchase labor for wages with little or no government control. The function of regulating the economy is then achieved mainly through the operation of market forces where prices and profit dictate where and how resources are used and allocated. The U.S. is a capitalistic system.

How about those old fashion thoughts?...next they will say that the U.S. was founded on the fundamental rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in mind.

John 8:32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.(NKJV)

Know the truth! Watch for His return1

GM Bankruptcy

2009-05-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

I sit here tonight trying to come up with the right words to explain my thoughts on how big this moment in time is for me. I have been following GM for years. My first cool car was a 1968 Camaro. My friends and I used to argue over the finer points in life: Ford Vs Chevy. And now they are not only in bankruptcy but 70% of the company is now to be owned by the United States of America. Did you know that Capitalism is dead and that we are a Socialistic state? How far has America come in just the last few days.

Do these changing times make you look to the Bible?

He knows our works, our labor, our patience, our lies, our false witness and He cannot bear those who are evil. We have left our first love. Revelation 2:2-4

We cannot save GM nor can we save ourselves. But my God alMighty has already given us a way to be saved. To be redeemed and to not be bankrupt.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)

I read the book, God wins!

California Proposition 8 (2008)

2009-05-26T21:26:00.001-07:00

I have to agree with the Newsweek quote:
"Whether you like it or not".

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

We all have to make the choice, to acknowledge Him or not.

The only answer to this proposition is for Christians to pray for all who fall short. This would be for every man women and child that lives on this earth. Definition or not, Men and Women everywhere need to be in prayer for all the lost. The sins of this world separate all from Him.

We all need to confess our sins...

Romans 10:9
for if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him form the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 13:13-14
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill it's lusts. (NKJV)

President Obama and fair minded debates.

2009-05-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

Your life is on the line, you have no protection and the one person whom you should be able to rely on is the one threatening you with death.

Have you ever wanted a just and impartial; not prejudiced, fair minded debate?

It is an awesome idea to be fair minded and debate, but what happens when the person who is most affected cannot speak out. When the one facing death is an infant. Who can speak for them?

Please pray for all those infants that are killed because they had no Choice and could not have a fair minded debate prior to birth. Keep our President in prayer so his eyes may be opened.

Faith and President Barack Obama

2009-05-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Faith and President Barack Obama,

The journey has just begun for the President, and in only the first few months we have seen change. President Obama has made choices in leading this country, good or bad he has made the choice. In his spiritual life he has made choices too. We can look at his political choices to see what his Christianity or faith is like. When we look at these months of change we might see a man of faith, or do we? We might see a man of conviction, or do we? We might see a man of strengths, or do we? We might see a man of love, or do we?

What I see is a man, acting much like King Ahaz as in Isaiah 7.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%207;&version=50; (copy and paste)

He was fearful and led a people that shook like leaves in the wind. Making choices that led the people away from God. What I see is that this is the time for change in President Barack Obama’s life. As in Isaiah 7…we are the voice being sent to the ruler, by God to tell him to: Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted. And to trust in God because: Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Let us not condemn a man, let alone the President of the United States in his time of trial/authority? It is time that we stop complaining and honor God for placing President Obama in power for this time. This could be and more likely will be the defining hours of how President Obama is brought to a true and full commitment to Jesus Christ.

Now…how about you?

Are you placing God first and looking to Him to see how we help our new President Make Godly choices. Are we the ones that are unfaithful by complaining about a President that does not understand our choices? I ask that each and every man, women and child to pray for our President. First and foremost to pray that He has a true and real encounter with Jesus Christ. In that the President would come to our Lord and Savior and repent of his sins. Please pray for the Salvation of him and his family. And that President Obama would lead by following Jesus and the calling that Christ would put on his heart.

Let us give all praise and glory to our God and King. May Jesus Christ rule and reign in our hearts. Let us seek His will in our lives and let us show His love to all mankind by telling everyone we meet how great and awesome our God is. Amen.

His mercy endures forever

2009-05-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
2 Chronicles 5:13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,
2 Chronicles 7:3 When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever."
2 Chronicles 7:6 And the priests attended to their services; the Levites also with instruments of the music of the LORD, which King David had made to praise the LORD, saying, "For His mercy endures forever," whenever David offered praise by their ministry. The priests sounded trumpets opposite them, while all Israel stood.
2 Chronicles 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever."
Ezra 3:11 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever toward Israel." Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Psalms 106:1 Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 107:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 118:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 118:29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever:
Psalms 136:4 To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:7 To Him who made great lights, For His mercy endures forever-
Psalms 136:8 The sun to rule by day, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night, For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:11 And brought out Israel from among them, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:17 To Him who struck down great kings, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:18 And slew famous kings, For His mercy endures forever-
Psalms 136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:20 And Og king of Bashan, For His mercy endures forever-
Psalms 136:21 And gave their land as a heritage, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:22 A heritage to Israel His servant, For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:23 Who remembered us in our lowly state, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:24 And rescued us from our enemies, For His mercy endures forever;
Psalms 136:25 Who gives food to all flesh, For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.
Jeremiah 33:11 'the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who will say: "Praise the LORD of hosts, For the LORD is good, For His mercy endures forever" -and of those who will bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause the captives of the land to return as at the first,' says the LORD.
(NKJV)

He walked with them..

2009-05-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

ASCENSION DAY! Go to http://www.cdfos.com/Devotion.html and read of how Jesus revealed Himself after His resurrection.

My son's home work.

2009-05-01T06:56:00.001-07:00

The way to follow God:
Have you ever had the worst day and thinking tomorrow will be dreadful? Well now here is your chance to join together and build your house on the rock (rock=God). God is among us all. Check the bible and see how He can change your life like other people in the bible. They're positive written answers. The answer to all of your questions. Just ask OK. There is a plan for you from God. God's face is even brighter than the sun up close! There at church is a bible wanting to be read by you. At church there will be people to help. Read the bible and pray every day.
P.S. everyone isn't perfect.

I share this with you because I love that my son trusts in and loves God.

To Him we give all glory

2009-04-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (NKJV)

We should give Him all glory as we toil and labor in our daily lives. Each day we have to put off the old man, as to say...our pride. We develop pride in our service to God, we develop a pride in how it should be done. Today is the day that we need to start praising our God in His efforts and not ours.

We actually might witness to the lost if we were to just do what God calls us to:

1 John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (NKJV)

Time to Pray

2009-04-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have received many emails concerned about how the world is portraying Christ.
The latest concerns; the book/play of: Corpus Christi. According to 108 Productions, Corpus Christi, is a "retelling of the Jesus story, with Jesus as a gay man living in 1950s Corpus Christi, Texas."
In this day and age one would think that the world would be enlightened...but no...we are in darkness. Each email brings me to a point of prayer for the lost. to pray for the lost to come to the Real Christ. We need to band together in prayer. To praise the true and living God! The world is in darkness & controlled by the evil one. Each of us were/are in sin. We were not worthy of His forgiveness, pray for softened hearts so the lost would repent of their sins and turn to Him, our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

As Christ hung on the cross He said in: Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. (NKJV)

I Corinthians 15:3

2009-04-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

It is so simple.

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. (NKJV)

I just want to proclaim the truth...that Christ did this for you...everyone of you...and me.

Truth

2009-04-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked into Josephus? I was studying for my Saturday morning message and I kept going back to book 18 chapter 3 and reading how this Jewish historian hired and employed by the Romans wrote of "The Christ" and how the prophets had written of Him and how He fulfilled the writings. But the best part is that he accounts...not just the disciples but the Roman historian accounts of Jesus Christ's rising!

I love you God!

Time to stand for Jesus

2009-04-15T23:38:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired as of late to become more active in my outreach. This is the first tests on using this medium and others to get the word out on Jesus. The message is simple. Get as many friends and family to get involved in this and other digital communities so we can close the gap with technology and get the word out. His word, His Love, Hope, Peace and Love.
God bless you.