Decieved By Satan

Satan summons all his forces, and throws his whole power into the combat. Why is it that he meets with no greater resistance? Why are the soldiers of Christ so sleepy and indifferent? Because they have so little real connection with Christ. Because they are so destitute of his Spirit, that Sin is not to them repulsive and abhorrent, as it was to their Master. They do not meet it, as did Christ, with decisive and determined resistance. They do not realize the exceeding evil and magnitude of sin, and they are blinded both to the character and the power of the prince of darkness.

There is little enmity against Satan and his works, because there is so great ignorance concerning his power and malice, and the vast extent of his warfare against Christ and his church. Multitudes are deluded here. They do not know that their enemy is a mighty general, who controls the minds of evil angels, and that with well-matured plans and skillful movements he is warring against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls. Among professed Christians, and even among ministers of the gospel, there is heard scarcely a reference to Satan, except perhaps an incidental mention in the pulpit. They overlook the evidences of his continual activity and success; they neglect the many warnings of his subtlety and they seem to ignore his very existence.

While men are ignorant of his devices, this vigilant foe is upon their track every moment. He is intruding his presence in every department of the household, in every street of our cities, in the churches, in the national councils, in the courts of justice, perplexing, deceiving, seducing, everywhere ruining the souls and bodies of men, women, and children, breaking up families, sowing hatred, emulation, strife, sedition, murder.

The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4.

All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin, and determined resistance against it. When Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving, they expose themselves to temptation. Satan conceals himself from view, and stealthily draws his deceptive covering over their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them harm; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character, words, and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded.

Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan, will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial, we may be sure that God will protect us. But if we place ourselves under temptation, we shall fall sooner or later.

Is Spiritual Deception Upon You?

Satan summons all his forces, and throws his whole power into the combat. Why is it that he meets with no greater resistance? Why are the soldiers of Christ so sleepy and indifferent? Because they have so little real connection with Christ. Because they are so destitute of his Spirit, that Sin is not to them repulsive and abhorrent, as it was to their Master. They do not meet it, as did Christ, with decisive and determined resistance.
They do not realize the exceeding evil and magnitude of sin, and they are blinded both to the character and the power of the prince of darkness.

There is little enmity against Satan and his works, because there is so great ignorance concerning his power and malice, and the vast extent of his warfare against Christ and his church. Multitudes are deluded here. They do not know that their enemy is a mighty general, who controls the minds of evil angels, and that with well-matured plans and skillful movements he is warring against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls. Among professed Christians, and even among ministers of the gospel, there is heard scarcely a reference to Satan, except perhaps an incidental mention in the pulpit. They overlook the evidences of his continual activity and success. They neglect the many warnings of his subtlety. They seem to ignore his very existence.

While men are ignorant of his devices, this vigilant foe is upon their track every moment. He is intruding his presence in every department of the household, in every street of our cities, in the churches, in the national councils, in the courts of justice, perplexing, deceiving, seducing, everywhere ruining the souls and bodies of men, women, and children, breaking up families, sowing hatred, emulation, strife, sedition, murder.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
 
All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin, and determined resistance against it. When Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving, they expose themselves to temptation. Satan conceals himself from view, and stealthily draws his deceptive covering over their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them harm, and while all the time assimilating to the world in character, words, and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded.

Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world, it never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan, will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial, we may be sure that God will protect us. But if we place ourselves under temptation, we shall fall sooner or later.

Trust Him Completely!

No matter how dear your friends are, they can fail.
No matter how much money you have, you can go broke.
No matter how diligently you exercise, you can get sick.
Your most trusted walking stick can break.
Your dearest dream can die.
Life is as uncertain as the clouds that gather and scatter.
It's as fickle as the waves of the ocean.
How sad to be in a senseless world with out a changeless God.
We have a God with whom there is no variation nor shadow of turning.
He doesn't have shifting moods, bad days, "oops" moments, momentary breakdowns, or changes of mind or heart.
He's as consistent as a plumb line, as steady as a rock, and as unchanging as eternity.
He is as He has always been and will always be.
Forever He is enthroned in the highest, and forever His Word is fixed in the heavens.
Our forefathers walked with God and so can we.
So can our children.
He's the same in every generation.
His promises cannot fail,
His presence cannot dim,
His power cannot wane.
We can trust Him completely!
~Unknown~

A Place To Rest

I laid it down in silence,
This work of mine,
And took what had been sent me,
A resting time.
The Master's voice had called me
To rest apart,
"Apart with Jesus only,"
Echoed my heart.
I took the rest and stillness
From His own Hand,
And felt this present illness
Was what He planned.
How often we choose labor,
When He says "Rest,"
Our ways are blind and crooked,
His way is best.
The work Himself has given,
He will complete.
There may be other errands
For tired feet.
There may be other duties
For tired hands,
The present, is obedience
To His commands.
There is a blessed resting
In lying still,
In letting His hand mold us,
Just as He will.
His work must be completed.
His lesson set,
He is the higher Workman,
Do not forget!
It is not only "working."
We must be trained,
And Jesus "learnt" obedience,
Through suffering gained.
For us, His yoke is easy,
His burden light.
His discipline most needful,
And all is right.
We are but under-workmen,
They never choose.
If this tool or if that one,
Their hands shall use.
In working or in waiting,
May we fulfill.
Not ours at all, but only
The Master's Will.
~Unknown~

God provides resting places as well as working places. Rest, then, and use your time in meditation of His Word. He will lead you to the well of fulfilling the plans He has for you when it is time.

The Sinners Prayer

 “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

Sitting on a pew every Sunday does not make you a Born Again Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a Cadillac or holding a light bulb in your hand makes you a lamp. You may fool a lot of people but you CAN’T fool God. Time is running very short so if you haven’t already Confessed your sins, Repented, Asked Christ into your heart and been Born Again spiritually, please, PLEASE do so ASAP.  Spending eternity with Satan and his followers is NOT  what any thinking person really wants.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

Come As You Are

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

I come just as I am to Jesus.
I come happy—He rejoices with me.
I come sorrowful—He comforts me.
I come hurting—He heals me.
I come tired—He offers me rest.
I come fearful—He provides me peace.
I come unsure—He creates hope.
I come insecure—He assures me of His presence.
Poor in spirit—He makes me rich in relationships.
Humble of heart—He fills me with grace.
Soul starved—He feeds me with His limitless love.
I come to Christ—He accepts me.

“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed” Isaiah 50:4.

Therefore, come as you are and receive the grace of God.
Come with your accomplishments and place them at the feet of Jesus as an offering of thanksgiving for His favor.
Come with your anxieties and receive Christ’s peace.
Come with your striving over issues out of your control and trust God with the outcomes. Come with your grieving heart and receive the Holy Spirit’s comfort and concern.
Come as you are and cast your cares in your Savior’s gentle, loving, capable hands.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Heavenly Father, I come to You with my sorrows and success. I leave them in Your care. Amen

Separated

I remember a time while driving through an area where a couple of nightclubs were located, I once again realized the necessity for myself to remain sober in these last days. As I drove through this area looking in through the windows at the people drinking and carrying on, I felt sorrow for those who do not know Christ at this hour. Right here in America, the greatest bastion of Christianity in the entire world, most don't know or trust that God has preserved our nation and our very lives to this hour.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

Unfortunately, we live in a world that does not place much value on Godly wisdom. If you disagree, just turn on your television. It is horrifying what is considered 'normal' today. What passes for 'entertainment' today is indicative of a culture in absolute moral decay. To make matters worse, modern culture and human tendencies have developed a 'herd mentality.' Many choose to go with the flow of society and rarely question the status quo. Like the frog that sits in the boiling pot of water until it is too late, the majority of our culture is willingly submerged in decadence, whether we realize it or not. Try as we may, we cannot escape its grasp. This decadence fills the television and radio airwaves. It lies in wait for us on the internet. It winks at us from advertising billboards. It saturates our nation's marketing tactics and is even seeping into the churches. Some people have even fooled themselves into believing that they can live however they desire without fear of any negative repercussions. It has been called the ultimate fool's game: "I can live my way & win."

As Christians, we have been purchased by the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have been justified and sanctified. We have been 'set apart' for God's plans and purposes. We do not have the luxury of going along with the crowd, even though our 'flesh' may desire it. We have an important job in the Church to spread the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to an unbelieving sea of humanity. In today's homogenized culture, a commitment to Christ should make us stand out. In fact, as Christians, we are supposed to be different from this world. We are to be in this world, but not of it. Of course, I am not advocating that we should stand out solely for the purpose of standing out. Rather, as followers of Christ, this world should not feel like home to us. We are pilgrims, sojourners. Does this world feel like home to you? Have you become comfortable here?

We live in truly remarkable times. What a day and an hour to be living in! The lateness of the prophetic hour is staggering to the imagination. Each and every day, this present world is growing ever darker. We must do all we can to avoid strong attachments to the things of this world. Instead, we should seek to root ourselves in the Word of God and lose ourselves in His plans and purposes for our lives.

The time to dive into the things of God is now. You must make up your mind that you are going to follow Christ, no matter what happens in the natural. Financial disaster may strike, persecution may come, war may loom, but in all of those things we must CHOOSE to follow Christ and seek after His wisdom. With an attitude like that, you will be prepared for whatever may come. Readers, you are in my prayers continually. May the Lord richly bless you and may your faith be evidenced by your wisdom in these last days. Come, Lord Jesus!

His Love Is Greater Than Fear!

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:5

Before I met my husband, I was preparing to make an important decision that would deeply impact my future. Someone in my life cautioned me about taking a path I was considering. They warned me that this particular choice could harm me. They listed a bunch of bad things that could happen to me as a result.

This person had some pretty strong opinions about the choice I should make, but I felt God was leading me in another direction. The problem was that the more I listened to their predictions of disaster, the more fear I felt—and the more I doubted my ability to make a good decision. That’s when I sought counsel from a very godly friend who told me not to make any decision out of fear. Then she said something that has stuck with me ever since: “Wherever there is fear, there is control.”

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

A light bulb went on. That’s when it struck me that the desire of fear isn’t just to cause us to feel some uncomfortable emotion. The desire of fear is to control our very lives. The desire of fear is to put us in emotional bondage. The desire of fear us to keep us from doing God’s will.

I also realized that because fear wants to control, fear is pushy. I don’t mean that fear is always obvious and in your face. Sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s subtle and it creeps up on you. But it’s pushy because it pushes people to go when they should stay. It pushes people to stay when they should go. It pushes people to avoid rather than confront, or to run rather than remain. Fear is pushy. Wherever there is fear, there is control.

One of the ways fear tries to control us is through imagination, because fear thrives on what is imagined. Fear wants you to dwell on the horrible, awful things that could happen to you if you do this or that, or if another person does this or that to you, or if this or that happens in your future. Through imaginations fear attempts to control, because imaginations manipulate emotions. Maybe that’s why you’ve heard the acronym for fear. False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear is nothing but a lion without teeth.

This doesn’t mean that some fear isn’t healthy. Healthy fear keeps you from walking down a dark alley or driving faster than you should. Unhealthy fear is when you are worried, scared, or shaken by what you face, rather than trusting God.  Thankfully, the Lord has an answer for fear,  love. Remember, there is no imagination that is greater than God’s good will toward you. His love is greater than anything you could possibly fear or that could possibly happen to you.

1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. . .” Believing God’s love gives us courage. It doesn’t just give us courage when we stand before Him after we die (v. 17) but every day of our lives as we face uncertainties and questions, changes and challenges on the road of life and making decisions about the future. God’s love gives us courage because we know He has our back. There is nowhere we can go, there is no decision we can make, there is no failure we can experience, or any problem we will encounter that God won’t be there to help.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Sit Still, My Daughter

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days--these waiting days--as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And, if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corrodingly within, because of His delay
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then--He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.
--J. D. Smith

Euphrates Dries Up

7 Seals 7 Trumpets 7 Vials

Turkey Dries Up The Euphrates

Revelation  16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Christian Playground vs Battleground

Without question the greatest life to live is the Christian life, because God takes a life that was empty, aimless, and, worst of all, headed for a certain judgment and then turns it around and transforms it. He forgives all our sin, removes our guilt, and literally takes residence inside of us through the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, He changes our eternal address from a place called Hell to a place called Heaven. This all comes about as a result of the power of the gospel proclaimed and believed.

Yet some have believed what I would describe as a watered-down version of the gospel.
A gospel that promises forgiveness but rarely mentions the need to repent of your sin.
A gospel that promises peace but never warns of persecution.
A gospel that says God wants you to be healthy and wealthy and never have any problems to speak of.
A  gospel that says you will so find the favor of God that a parking space always will be available for you.
But that is not the gospel of the New Testament.

The Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. Not only is there a God who loves you and has a plan for your life, but there is also a devil who hates you and opposes God's plan.

I am not suggesting that once you become a Christian, you will be sick, poor, and miserable. But the essence of the Christian life is knowing and walking with God. It is about sticking with Him when the sky is blue and also when it is filled with clouds. It is about pressing on. Jesus made it clear that storms will enter every life. But as we seek to know and follow Christ, we will find happiness as a fringe benefitYou therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
~2 Timothy 2:3~

The Distraction Of Contempt

"What we must beware of is not damage to our belief in God but damage to our Christian disposition or state of mind. “...Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously” Malachi 2:16. 

Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives.

Beware of “the cares of this world…” Mark 4:19. They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God. Refuse to be swamped by “the cares of this world.”

Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, “O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.” Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. Don’t say, “I must explain myself,” or, “I must get people to understand.” Our Lord never explained anything— He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves.

When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block our fellowship with God. God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.

By Oswald Chambers 
(Oswald Chambers (24 July 1874 – 15 November 1917) was an early twentieth-century Scottish Baptist and Holiness Movement evangelist and teacher, best known for the devotional My Utmost for His Highest).

He Lives!

^{Isaiah 50:6} I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

The sufferings of Jesus cannot be totally comprehended. One thing is clear: Jesus experienced voluntary suffering. He offered himself as a sacrifice on behalf of the human race, and it was a volitional act on His part. He willfully submitted to the will of His heavenly Father, which meant suffering. His heartache and mistreatment were the will of His heavenly Father (Mark 8:31-33).

 

This principle is hard to process for those who want to enjoy problem-free living. The way of the cross is not always a smooth road, for it is marked with its own bumps along the way.

 

Jesus suffered for the sake of others, and He calls His followers to be willing to do the same. The Bible says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him…”(Philippians 1:29). Suffering leads you to your Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus offered Himself to His tormentors as His adversaries plotted and schemed to bring Him down. They wanted to put Jesus on display as a mad man. If He were truly God, they reasoned, He would not allow this injustice to occur. However, the Creator allowed His creation to beat and bludgeon His only Son. Christ’s back was bruised and beaten for your sake. His ribs were whipped with sharp bits of rock that dug into His flesh indiscriminately. These mob-motivated men inflicted inhumane lashes across His body; facial hair was torn from His flesh. He did not hide his face or scowl back.

 

Rather, with a gaze up to heaven, as if to say, “Father this is for your glory,” He displayed a grim face of grace. This face of forgiveness was baptized in the spit of sinful man. They desecrated His friendly face with determined drool. The frenzy of the crowd took over with verbal lashes. These ungrateful sinners beat Him down emotionally and mentally, as well as physically. It was a horrific sight, similar to a one man concentration camp. But Jesus submitted to this suffering only because He first submitted to God. Ironically, those committing these hideous crimes were the very ones who could benefit from its results. They could have embraced His atonement for sin and received His resurrected life.

 

Jesus carried this burden on your behalf and that of all mankind. It was not an exercise in how much pain could be endured by one person. It was pure love, as Jesus loved you all the way to the cross. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Without the love of God, the events at the cross would not have happened. The dreadful day’s activities would have culminated in the death of just another good man. Death would have been the end.

 

But Jesus conquered death, sin, and Satan so that you could do the same. His pain was your gain. He bore the cross so you could bear your cross. The way of the cross is the path to redemption. He bought you from the servitude of sin. No longer are you bound up in yourself and others, for He has set you free. You are exonerated by faith because He endured the cross, despised its shame, and is now interceding on your behalf at the right hand of His heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:2).

 

This is cause for celebration. God really does use all things for His good on behalf of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Therefore, allow gratitude to well up and burst forth from your heart. You can because of the great love of God exhibited in the sufferings of Christ Jesus. He suffered for you. Can you do any less? You serve a suffering Savior. You worship a suffering Savior who rose from the dead so He could save you from the uttermost punishment. He lives!

Rejoice! Oh, Weary People

This season always brings with it a message. Songs that remind our hearts to hope. A story that puts us in awe of what has been, and what is yet to be—a story still unfolding.
We remember the lowly birth of the highest King. We remember the night when choirs of angels sounded in the sky, but only shepherds witnessed the song. We remember a Babe whose cries revealed to the world what everlasting love sounds like.
The birth of this One urges a weary world, and weary hearts, to rejoice.
Here we are two thousand years after that miraculous night in Bethlehem ...
And a weary world and some throbbing hearts that feel a little (or a lot) removed from that Silent Night that unfolded millennia ago, groan for a King.
These days, we stare at the news, watching smoke rise, hearing death tolls calculated, looking in despair as another law is passed that defies our God, listening to national leaders thrust out their arguments, witnessing refugees fleeing for safety— but here and now, we must remember that Babe.
This month, I'm going to sit around the Christmas tree with my family, pierced by the grieving absence of the one's we love who are not with us...and yet, I must remember that Babe.
When the world is shaken, when our hearts are breaking, the truth is—our hope is—we need to draw near to the manger again.
For that Baby is the Hope of the nations, the hope of every weary heart. He's the God who is faithful to fulfill every promise, the One who will return to us, the righteous Judge who will bring justice to the earth, the Bridegroom who will marry His church, the King who will rule the nations, the Lord before whom every knee will one day bow.
That Baby is the Resurrection and the Life. He lived, He died, and He lived again. And if He has been raised, all who die in Christ will be raised also.
That Baby is the living declaration of the Father's love, who came to bring orphans into a holy and eternal family, and to bind up our pained brokenness.
This Christmas, we remember our God who took on infant flesh, the Man who embraced the cross, the Savior who broke open the grave.
We set our hearts on the One, the only One, who can bring hope to a failing world and to a fainting heart.The One who revealed to us what Everlasting Love sounds like ...
It sounds like a helpless, holy infant, crying in a manger.
It sounds like a voice, beckoning undignified fishermen (and others, like us) to be His best friends.
It sounds like a tear, dropping to the ground, grieving with a friend over the death of her brother. And it sounds like a loud cry, calling the dead man out of his tomb.
It sounds like a groan, a prayer, a final breath.
It sounds like an earthquake, breaking open the grave.
It sounds like a promise to come back again.
And a day will come when it will sound like a loud shout, like a trumpet, ringing through all of heaven and earth, announcing our King's coming.
He was, and He is, and He is to come.
And so we say, with longing hearts—Come, thou long expected Jesus. Weary hearts and a weary world are desperate for Your return

Why Are You Marching, Son - John Wayne

 

^{Psalm 18:31} For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?³² It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.³³ He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.³⁴ He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.³⁵ Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.³⁶ Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

I praise God that I live in a nation that is protected by soldiers, both men and women, who wake up every morning with just one goal in mind: to fight for freedom. Because of what they do the United States of America remains free. Soldiers spend many days, weeks, months and even years away from their loved ones to meet this goal.  The love that they have is unfailing, and it is displayed by their bravery and dedication.

I thank them from the bottom of my heart^.

Happy 240th Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps

 

^{1Samuel 14:52} There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.

I attach myself and stand with our Military. 

SEMPER FI

Meet Me In The Stairwell

Remembering those lives lost and their loved ones in our prayers.

Where were you, God? And the Lord says...

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001.

Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.' I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them. I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan.

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you . But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.' I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

The 56 Men Of The Declaration Of Independence

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Their story. . .
 
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
 
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
 
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
 
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
 
What kind of men were they?
 
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

Eleven were merchants.

Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated.

But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if  they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
 
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
 
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton , Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
 
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis   had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
 
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
 
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday andsilently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
 
Remember: freedom is never free! It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July means more than beer, picnics, and baseball games. True "reflection" is a part of this country's greatness. Please be a participant.

Independence Day

1 Peter 2:13-17 

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Galatians 5:1 

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:13 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Romans 8:21 

That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Romans 8:2 

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Ephesians 3:20 

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Hebrews 9:16 

For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established.

Ephesians 6:10-18 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ...

7 Pillars Of Wisdom

Proverbs 9:1  Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. 
This passage speaks volumes. The number seven indicates completeness and perfection.
What are the 7 pillars of wisdom? Here's my list:

1. Submission to the Creator of Heaven and Earth:
Psalm 111:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."

2. Faith in God's ability to make things work out for good:
Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Hebrews 11:6  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

3. Having the knowledge and discernment between good and evil:.
Genesis 3:22  And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever."
Psalm 119:125  I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

4. A commitment to righteousness:
Genesis 6:9  This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.
Proverbs 10:23  A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

5. A commitment to diligence:
Hebrews 6:11  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
Hebrews 6:12  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

6. Proper use of patience and love:
Proverbs 19:11  A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
1 John 4:20  If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1 John 4:21  And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

7. Recognizing the importance of discipline, justice:
Proverbs 3:11  My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, Prov 3:12  because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Leviticus 19:15  "'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor [and your children] fairly.

~Larry Wilson~