Give Thanks To The Lord!

Psalm 106:1
Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

It Is Time To Open Your Eyes

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 

¹ As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. ² For he says,“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”  I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. ³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶ in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷ in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; ⁹ known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

My holy people; there are a few things that you need to understand. Namely, how I use My gifts throughout the earth to do My bidding. Do you desire to do My bidding or do you wish to establish your own kingdom instead of Mine? If you desire to establish My Kingdom, then listen and pay attention. Otherwise, it would be good for you to find repentance and return to the highest place in Me.

If you desire to establish My Kingdom, then you have to die. Everything about you must die. Yes even your fine vision of what you would like to do. I desire that you establish My Kingdom wherever you go, not your own, and as such everything that motivates you beside Me must die. Yes even your motivations must die.

If you have prayed saying you want to make a difference, then you may find yourself in a crazy set of circumstances. If you find people loving you and hating you. If you find yourself in a position where people make all kind of unreasonable accusations against you. If you find yourself disappointed with yourself but unashamedly excited about Me. If these things and more are in play, then realize it is exactly where I want you to be. This is the place where you have laid down your own life and you are allowing Me to be seen clearly through what you are doing.

The world is at enmity against Me. That means they have a pure hatred of Me. When people get a clear glimpse of Me, they either love Me or they hate Me. There is no middle ground. I desire to be seen clearly through your life. So expect this outcome, My holy people. Do not become confused or confounded. I am working in you and through you to display My life to those around you. Yield to this work.

I have not chosen the folks the world would choose. I have not used conventional wisdom to choose who My gifts will be. Instead I use unique and often confounding wisdom to choose who I choose. The broken. The passionate. The downtrodden. The obviously incomplete. These are just a few of the characteristics of those who I choose to be My gifts to the Church, to My Church.

It is time you understand who are Mine and who are there by way of self-promotion. It is time you understand who really love you in My Name and who are merely hirelings. Most likely you know some of what goes on in people's lives, but I am the only one who truly sees it all. All of life is open to Me, every detail. Those who really love you in My Name have endured much hardship to get to where they are in their life. I have used these things to bring about a heart that can relate to Me and be truly broken for others, rather than focus on self and its deceptions. My holy people; many of the gifts I have chosen for My Church remain unrecognized and untapped because to many these people could never be "somebody". I don't look for "somebody". I look for those that will be real and will openly display their lives before others. I choose those who will remain true to Me, to My Kingdom and have a genuinely broken heart for those I send them to.

So don't be praying for "somebody". Pray that I will open your eyes to see as I see and to recognize what I am doing. Ask that your blind eyes be opened to those around you that I have sent. It is time to open your eyes.

Hearts On Fire

Reading from the Book of Romans 12:9-11

⁹ Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; ¹¹ not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

Romans 12:11 instructs us to be aglow and burn with the Spirit as we serve the Lord. In order to do this, we have to have our "hearts on fire." How do we keep our "hearts on fire?" I have discovered that the Word of God coming out of my own mouth in the form of prayer, praise or confession is the best way. I can fan the fire. It stirs up the gift within me, keeps the fire aflame, and prevents my spirit from sinking within me. Staying thankful also keeps me enthusiastic.

Also, stay active. There is no point in putting off doing things until later. This is an expression of passivity, and it is one of the greatest tools Satan uses against God's people. The more passive we are, the more our flames diminish. Procrastination and laziness are the cousins of passivity, and they usually all attack in a group. Passive people wait to be moved by an outside force before they take action. But we are to be motivated and led by the Holy Spirit within us, not by outside forces. The best way to be on guard against the spirit of passivity is to do what we need to do now, and do it with all our might.

Remember, everything we do is to be done unto the Lord and for His glory. We should do it through Him, to Him, for Him and with Him. And we should do it willingly, stirred up, and our "hearts on fire".

Living By Faith and God's Sovereignty

I use this organization's (Church of the Great God) resources sometimes for reference or perspective. It is a fact, that religion, particularly Western Judeo Christianity, played a crucial role in the establishment and construction of our Republic and her Constitution. The Founders were clear.

So this article is fair game I think, as our problems, and our situations, and our circumstances all are commingled with our social condition - always has been, always will be, in every nation, in every time.

The article in a broader sense conveys an attitude lost in America, and I well remember it. Life was beautiful. Compared to today, much of the ugly stuff was beautiful (actually, proportionately more 'innocent') then.

I suggest reading the article for anyone who wishes to see the real motivations and mindsets behind Christians (forget the details of views on this or that issue for a bit), when trying to understand their positions, no matter what you might believe, this general outlook of God is behind it. All true Christians - or any true believer in a Creator - like the Founders, eg - have a sense that God is watching (or may be) much like a parent. So whatever perception atheists, or homos, or pagans, et al have of Christianity/Christians, politically, morally, or otherwise, if you don't grasp this, you missed the boat completely, and have no idea what you are talking about.

Yes, there are Christian addicts, Christian homos, Christian adulterers, thieves, ad infinitum. Sin is not confined to Unbelievers in their Creator.

The big difference is attitude.

A true Christian - or a Creator believer - will [try to] hide their sin. They sense guilt, remorse, sadness, and other emotions as are appropriate in any given circumstance. Where a heathen will flaunt their immoral actions, foul deeds, or lewd conduct, and flout the idea of the supremacy and authority of their Maker.

So, for men of intellectual honesty, this fairly long article reveals a lot as to why the slim majority of Americans still see certain things as destroying the country - which, by the way, they are.

God's Sovereignty - American Sovereignty - Individual Sovereignty. YOU can have it all, today, if you really want it!

Read the article here...
Living By Faith and God's Sovereignty
by John W. Ritenbaugh
Forerunner, "Personal," July-August 2011

In Memory of John T. Grabowski

"Flounder King" 11/27/57-11/4/11

Mr. John Thomas Grabowski, age 53, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Friday, November 4, 2011, at Beebe Medical Center. A native Delawarean, Mr. Grabowski was born in Wilmington on November 27, 1957. He made his career as a professional welder and was a longtime member of Holy Spirit parish. In his leisure hours, Mr. Grabowski greatly enjoyed fishing, hunting, and crabbing. Most of all, he delighted in spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren, whom he adored. He is survived by his daughters, Crystal Ann Roderick and Josie Lee Roderick; parents, Stephen Grabowski, Sr. and Martha Giacchi Grabowski; brothers and sister, Stephen Grabowski, Jr. (Connie), Rose Roderick (Joe), Christopher Grabowski, and Walter Grabowski; grandchildren, Christopher, Julianna, Jenna, Adriana (“Peaches”), Kailyn, and Ava; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his longtime friend, Gertrude Roderick. He was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Lee Grabowski. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, 19720, where visitation will begin at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The John T. Grabowski Memorial Education Fund (to benefit his grandchildren), c/o Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, Dupont Parkway, New Castle, DE. 19720

Come Up To The Mountain Of The Lord!

^{Isaiah 2:1-3
1}The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
 ²And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
 ³And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

My holy people; you are indeed living in the end times, for these are the times I have spoken of for many generations and this is a time when many things will change. Those who desire My Kingdom will be looking. I will draw you to Myself and I will empower you to do what you have been unable to do before.

I will open the eyes of My chosen people...all of Israel. This is not just the jewish people, but all of My elect, for I am making My Church strong, I am causing you to learn of My ways, I am causing you to turn your heart fully toward Me and I am causing you to turn your heart away from the trappings of religion. I am causing you to walk in My paths.

My holy people, My Great Heart breaks as I see My prayerless and powerless church constantly complain that the enemy is too great for them and that their only hope is for when I come to take My Church away with Me. How sad, that they would believe I am unfaithful in this way. Haven't I promised that I have overcome the world and that as My holy people trust in Me, I cause My triumph to become their's? Haven't I promised that I would never leave nor forsake My own? Haven't I promised that no weapon formed against My holy people would prosper against them? Then why is the church in such a state? Particularly, why is the church in America in such a state?

Prayerless and powerless. That is the current state of the church in America. Behold, I am sending My apostles across the land with the good news of the Kingdom. Telling the church to repent, to return to the highest place in Me. To demonstrate My Kingdom in ways that many believe to be an impossibility. I will prove that religion is wrong. I will demonstrate once again that I am mighty to save, mighty to heal, mighty to perform miracles and mighty to deliver.

There is a remnant that I have been cultivating, showing them, proving Myself to them, that I am all that I say I am. To these I will reveal My faithfulness in a new way and these will become witnesses of Me throughout the land. The unfaithful ones must repent, must return to Me. In My Great Faithfulness, I am sending My messengers of mercy to them.

To many at this time, I say; beware your flattering words and your dependence upon the arm of flesh, rather than the moving of My Spirit. For many who were thought to be something will be revealed as wolves in sheeps clothing. These will prove to be unfaithful to Me by their unbelieving actions. Much like the jews in the wilderness, they were unwilling to go up and possess the land, My promised land for them. Many of the leaders in the church believe their only hope is in programs and methods, looking to what can be done through effort, rather than what can be done in Me. Beware these, for they will indeed fall to their greatest fears. Do not be counted among them, but warn them. Prayerlessness must be turned into much prayer. Powerlessness must be turned into much power. For My Kingdom is not in words, but is in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.

I am warning these to become faithful again. There is time to repent. There is time to return to Me, forsaking the trappings of religion and embracing Me fully again. There is time. Today is the day. Today is the day of salvation. Do not resist the wooing of My Spirit, for some will indeed lose their standing in Me through continued unfaithfulness, through prostitution with other gods, with other lovers. My call is for My holy people to repent, for the Kingdom of God is indeed near.

For those that will heed My call to return, I will indeed teach them My ways, leading them to ascend with Me, occupying the promised land of their inheritance. The enemies will be driven out of their personal lives and then the mountains will be scaled to My glory. Not in your own strength, but in the fullness of Mine. These that return to Me will become stronger than ever in the workings of My Kingdom. They will produce much fruit for Father. They will reproduce My Kingdom in many. They will subdue the earth and cause entire nations to turn wholeheartedly toward Me.

This is not time to cower and hide, fearing the world and anxiously waiting for My return. Now is the time to arise in Me, possess the land, and look forward with joy toward My return; for I am Mighty to save. To My glory, you are well able to possess the land.

To Honor Our Veteran's

Franklin D. Roosevelt's D-Day Prayer June 6, 1944

My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. 

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer: 

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. 

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. 

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest-until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violence's of war. 

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. 

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. 

And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas -- whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice. 

Many people have urged that I call the Nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts. 

Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces. And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be. 

And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose. 

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace, a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.