I am sure you remember these: "MISTER ANDERSON",, or "THAT'S "CAPTAIN" JACK SPARROW", How about :"MR. FRODO, THERE WILL BE NO MIDDLE EARTH UNLESS WE DESTROY THAT RING". ONE LAST ONE: "LUKE I AM YOUR FATHER"
What do all these great movies have in common? The same theme that has made movies, books, comic books, cartoons, even songs famous throughout history: The theme is "Good vs Evil".
Why does this theme continue to draw us to the movies, buy the books .............? easy because it is engraved deeply into our DNA. It is THE question, it is what makes us different then the animals. There is always a choice for us, either you choose the path of "The Good side of the Force," Or the "Dark Side". Your either are a little Hobbit or one of their friends set on destroying the ring of power, or you are a ORK set on world destruction and ultimate power.
But in real life, it isn't that easy. The choice may be as easy as: "Should I help the lady who is trying to carry to many groceries across the street, and to her home?"
Or "Should I give this wallet I found back to the guy I saw drop it, even though it has $200 in it?" You see life as we all know is full of choices. Some small some large, some enormous. Deciding what to have for breakfast may be hard for you on a daily basis, but there is not a bunch riding on it, unless your on a diet, then may I suggest a bagel no cream cheese? But saying yes or no to that marriage proposal , well that is kinda BIG.
What would have happened if Jack Sparrow, (sorry, CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow) had decided to let all his friends down, and just left during one of those sword fight scenes way up on the mast of the ship? All his friends would have been captured, and they could not have made any more movies, leaving Johnny Depp with millions less then he has now.
Decisions matter. If you decide to roll down your window and talk to the guy on the street corner with a sign that he needs money, just to let him know you recognize he is a person and you respect that, that is a decision. You could have pretended like your cell phone rang so you would not have to look at him in the face, like I used to do. You could have just starred straight ahead singing along with the radio and ignored him, you could have rolled down your window and told him how he needs to get a job and stop living off those that he makes feel guilty. But you didn't you treated him with respect. Decisions have consequences. Heard that one before?
When I was in high school I was awful in English Grammar. I knew I was awful so I stopped trying I did not understand what a dangling participle had to do with anything, I did not understand why the same word could be a adverb in one sentence and a verb in another and some even a noun in another. So I made the decision to quit trying, fail and take the class again. I ended up taking 2 English courses my senior year, one regularly and the other through the mail. I did pass both courses and graduate, but with lots of work, studying and late nights with my Mom helping me (She was very good at Grammar, thankfully)
The decision I had made as a Sophomore had a consequence that I did not feel until two years later, my Senior year, I was under pressure then, because I wanted to graduate.
Good and Evil, in all the best movies, but more importantly, it is real life.
Where did this theme come from, who started this "Spy vs Spy" fun we love to watch and read? Of course, it started with God and His second in command Lucifer, who was kicked out of Heaven because of his pride. This makes the best story line, doesn't it? The best friend of the hero turns against him and gets greedy wanting ALL the money that was stolen and tries to kill everyone. Then the rest of the movie is how the good guys get back at the now bad guy. (Like "The Italian Job") The only problem is God does not get even, He does not steal the loot back, He could care less about possessions, He cares for you. You see, Satan, has blown it, he wanted what God had, Power. He turned his back on Jehovah the all knowing, all seeing, all powerful God of the universe. Now he knows that his future is set, he will burn in a hell made just for him for all time. His goal now? To not be lonely in his suffering, he wants as many humans as possible to burn right along side of him. He knows God loves us so much He died to save us, so Satan will have his revenge by persuading as many of us as he can to join him and turn their backs on God.
Isaiah 5:20
What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
This is what Satan tries to do, call evil good, and the good things of God, evil. Can you see this in our society today? Abortion is good, and Christianity is bad. Any religion except Christianity is tolerated, but "Tebowing" is to be made fun of, and is not good for us. Satan is trying to turn the whole world upside down, make us think that the Bible is "just a book written by man".
Good vs Evil, it sells books, movies, music, plays, ................but it is for real. There is a reason this theme is so interesting to us, because it is set into our DNA, it is a part of us. God, when He created us, put within us a sense of right and wrong. We call it a "Conscience". In this world we live, it is rare to see people who have one anymore. They have become so "far from what God made them" that they either don't acknowledge their conscience anymore, or have had it surgically removed.
I love watching those movies with that great theme. I am excited because I heard that the movie "The Hobbit" is being made and is coming sometime down the road. "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy was one of my all time favorites, (Yes, I am a nerd, so what?) This classic of JRR Tolkin is one of the best examples of Good vs Evil ever made.
But don't get these great stories confused with real life. In these stories, if we don't like them, we can walk out of the theater. But in life we must choose:
Joshua 24:15
"But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve......" The choice is ours, to serve the one true living God, or the one who is headed for the lake of fire. The choice should be easy, but , it seems, many choose wrong. Your choice. Good, or Evil?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Hole
Ever been in a hole? I remember as a kid, digging a hole in the sand, wither at the beach, or in a sandbox or just in your back yard (I lived in West Texas, most back yards had sand, weeds, dirt, and Spiders, lots of spiders.) It was fun, especially if you could make that hole big enough to climb into. Digging a hole in the clay and climbing in , that felt good, the clay was cool the further down you dug, the cooler it got.
How about now? Now that we are "all grown up"? Are you in a hole? Maybe your "upside down" in your car payment, or owe more on credit cards then you make. These are all financial holes. But what about YOU, what about depression, addiction, feeling low all the time................You actually feel like your in a hole all by yourself and there is no way out. You look up the air is way up there, I mean WAY UP THERE> The sides of the hole are slick, no rocks, no roots nothing to grab onto and try and climb out. Believe me YOU have tried to climb out of that hole many MANY times, but just couldn't do it. Just have slipped, fallen right back down, each time it seemed the hole got deeper and deeper. Maybe you saw someone up there now and then, you yelled at them and the few that heard tried to help, they ran, got a rope and lowered it down, but couldn't lift you up, or the rope was to short, or they would shout encouraging things to you to try and help like" "You'll be alright, I am sure the Lord will help you get out of there, don't worry" and then they went on their way. But you were still in the hole.
Guess what? There is someone who will not only lower a rope to you, but He will climb down in that hole with you to help you up. He has been down in all kinds of holes and knows how to climb out of them and help you. He will carry you up if He needs to, one hand on you , one grabbing the rope. He of course is Jesus, and He want even ask you that embarrassing question you have been dreading "How did you get down there? Why can't you just stay out of that hole ?", or "I leave you alone for 5 minutes and look were you end up" No, He will dust you off, care for you , give you a drink of water, take you to get something to eat, ask you about your self, get to know you, love you, and do whatever you need. In a few days or so He may ask you something like: "You know, if you stopped going down that street, then it would be allot easier to avoid that hole" you know some good advice like that.
You see God doesn't just throw us a rope, He climbs down there with us and helps us. He has been where we are, and doesn't mind being there again to help us get out.
Have you ever seen how a Coast Guard rescue swimmer helps people who are drowning in a storm ? The Helo hoovers over the people needing rescuing, and the rescue swimmer jumps into the ragging waters with the people. He lowers a rope, but he jumps into these dangerous waters with those he is rescuing. He doesn't lower a rope and yell: "OK, hang onto that rope and we will pull you up." He puts his life in jeopardy to help you. I have never been in that situation, but can only imagine how much safer you would feel with someone in the water with me, and telling me what to do, instead of someone in the helo over my head shouting orders down to me from 40 or so feet.
Get it? God does not let us go through ANYTHING that He is not standing right next to us. My Nephew is going through some real issues right now. My Sister my family and I have really been praying for this situation and my nephew. My sister asked the Lord to send More Angels to help her son, and God told her he had. I can see God, saying to Himself, "I had it covered, but if you want more angels, then so be it," You see God cares so much for us He answeres our prayers regardless of the need.
If you find yourself in that same ole' hole, that you have been in over and over, there is only one thing to do, call on Jesus, It doesn't matter if it is the 2000 time or the 1st time you have been trapped in that hole, He will not leave you or forsake you. BUT if you don't call, He cannot show up, that is His nature, He don't go where He is not welcomed.
How about now? Now that we are "all grown up"? Are you in a hole? Maybe your "upside down" in your car payment, or owe more on credit cards then you make. These are all financial holes. But what about YOU, what about depression, addiction, feeling low all the time................You actually feel like your in a hole all by yourself and there is no way out. You look up the air is way up there, I mean WAY UP THERE> The sides of the hole are slick, no rocks, no roots nothing to grab onto and try and climb out. Believe me YOU have tried to climb out of that hole many MANY times, but just couldn't do it. Just have slipped, fallen right back down, each time it seemed the hole got deeper and deeper. Maybe you saw someone up there now and then, you yelled at them and the few that heard tried to help, they ran, got a rope and lowered it down, but couldn't lift you up, or the rope was to short, or they would shout encouraging things to you to try and help like" "You'll be alright, I am sure the Lord will help you get out of there, don't worry" and then they went on their way. But you were still in the hole.
Guess what? There is someone who will not only lower a rope to you, but He will climb down in that hole with you to help you up. He has been down in all kinds of holes and knows how to climb out of them and help you. He will carry you up if He needs to, one hand on you , one grabbing the rope. He of course is Jesus, and He want even ask you that embarrassing question you have been dreading "How did you get down there? Why can't you just stay out of that hole ?", or "I leave you alone for 5 minutes and look were you end up" No, He will dust you off, care for you , give you a drink of water, take you to get something to eat, ask you about your self, get to know you, love you, and do whatever you need. In a few days or so He may ask you something like: "You know, if you stopped going down that street, then it would be allot easier to avoid that hole" you know some good advice like that.
You see God doesn't just throw us a rope, He climbs down there with us and helps us. He has been where we are, and doesn't mind being there again to help us get out.
Have you ever seen how a Coast Guard rescue swimmer helps people who are drowning in a storm ? The Helo hoovers over the people needing rescuing, and the rescue swimmer jumps into the ragging waters with the people. He lowers a rope, but he jumps into these dangerous waters with those he is rescuing. He doesn't lower a rope and yell: "OK, hang onto that rope and we will pull you up." He puts his life in jeopardy to help you. I have never been in that situation, but can only imagine how much safer you would feel with someone in the water with me, and telling me what to do, instead of someone in the helo over my head shouting orders down to me from 40 or so feet.
Get it? God does not let us go through ANYTHING that He is not standing right next to us. My Nephew is going through some real issues right now. My Sister my family and I have really been praying for this situation and my nephew. My sister asked the Lord to send More Angels to help her son, and God told her he had. I can see God, saying to Himself, "I had it covered, but if you want more angels, then so be it," You see God cares so much for us He answeres our prayers regardless of the need.
If you find yourself in that same ole' hole, that you have been in over and over, there is only one thing to do, call on Jesus, It doesn't matter if it is the 2000 time or the 1st time you have been trapped in that hole, He will not leave you or forsake you. BUT if you don't call, He cannot show up, that is His nature, He don't go where He is not welcomed.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Is it Really Magic?
I have just taken a "break" from cleaning my kitchen,. Because I thought of something pretty neat, I think. You see as I was sweeping the kitchen floor, I moved the trash can over to sweep behind it, guess what I found? Filth, dirt, stains, drips of who knows what, yucky yuck (I am patenting that phrase , so don't even try and use it, or I will find you :) I know how this happened, you know you do it too, "He shoots, with 1 second left on the clock, the ball has a high arch it goes in slow motion it seems, and there is the buzzer IT"S GOOD!!!!!!! The San Antonio Spurs are the champions of the world. (Please put your favorite team in place of San Antonio if you dare) And I don't miss to often, (OK< confession time part 1, I miss more then I make, ) and guess what that means? That's right, drips, stains, yucky yuck on the wall behind the trash can.
I saw this mess, and figured it was time to try and do something about it, I mean if I was going to clean my apartment, then I wanted it clean. I looked under the sink, I know, not a good place to be, all those cleaning materials that I haven't used since buying them, were getting pretty yucky especially since the sink over flowed last month. But I found something I had forgotten all about. There it was a little box of "Magic Erasers" I had bought at Sam's a few months ago. Why not? So I followed the direction (this is important) wetted down one of these magic little sponges and got to cleaning. WOW, you should see my wall now, a few easy swipes and you could see such a big difference. I did not have to put much pressure on the sponge, it just did, well, "Magic".
Did you know that God has a Magic Eraser, too? It is HUGE It can clean ANYTHING. But you got to follow the instructions. But don't worry, they aren't hard. You see when we mess up, you know sin? It stains our hearts with grease, grime, drips, and yes yucky yuck. God really wants to clean it up for us, but He can't until we follow the directions, which are: "Confess" that is it: Confess to God, and who we hurt or sinned against, tell Him and them we are sorry for what we did (be specific, as a kid I used to tell God every night before going to bed: "Forgive All the sins I have done since birth and bless you lord", I figured I had IT covered with that one. But God knows our heart, and he rewards those that really are sincere. So what happens next? God gets that HUGE Magic Eraser out of the box, reaches down into our heart and starts scrubbing the walls of our heart with it. It doesn't take much pressure, just a little "elbow grease" and WHAMO everything is white again, just like brand new.
How can God do this, I mean it was OUR wrong, OUR SIN, OUR mistake, OUR mistrust, OUR defiance, OUR turning our back on Him, not HIS bad, but OURS?
Let's go back to the Cross, shall we? Jesus died with the weight of ALL sin on him/ EVERY sin I have committed or will commit, every sin You have committed or will commit, and EVERY sin ANYONE who has ever lived or will live on his shoulders. Guess what this means? That ALL those sins are paid for, He now owns them, and can do whatever He wants to with them. But there is one catch, He can do nothing with them, if we don't "follow the directions" and simply ASK Him to.
If your like me that wall I cleaned this morning will be dirty again in a few weeks (OK confession time #2, Tomorrow night) and I will have to get the "Magic Eraser" out again and do a little rubbing, before it gets like it was today again. This leads me to what "Hit" me as I was cleaning, We are human, we are going to mess up, again and again, BUT just as I now know how to keep my wall behind the trash can clean, I also know how to keep my heart clean. It takes humility to get down on your knees and scrub the yucky yuck from the wall and floor behind the trash can, or the toilet, or other places, but if you want a clean house, sometimes this has to be done. It also takes humility to say to God" "God, I goofed again, I am sorry, with Your help I will try and not do this again. " And then (This is VERY important for christian growth} IF you have hurt another person, done harm to them done something to lesson their trust for you................talk to them, apologize to them, tell them you blew it, and are very sorry. This will help you, but also them. Because as I said before, we are Human and will goof.
I am not saying "Do whatever you want, then just confess, God has to forgive you, if you ask. It doesn't work like that, God knows our hearts and He know our sincerity. He will forgive us, IF we come to Him with sincerity, humility, and love. So, basically, don't try to play games with God, it ain't worth it, (I know, I have tried.)
Thanks for listening to my Ramblings, till next time Chris
I saw this mess, and figured it was time to try and do something about it, I mean if I was going to clean my apartment, then I wanted it clean. I looked under the sink, I know, not a good place to be, all those cleaning materials that I haven't used since buying them, were getting pretty yucky especially since the sink over flowed last month. But I found something I had forgotten all about. There it was a little box of "Magic Erasers" I had bought at Sam's a few months ago. Why not? So I followed the direction (this is important) wetted down one of these magic little sponges and got to cleaning. WOW, you should see my wall now, a few easy swipes and you could see such a big difference. I did not have to put much pressure on the sponge, it just did, well, "Magic".
Did you know that God has a Magic Eraser, too? It is HUGE It can clean ANYTHING. But you got to follow the instructions. But don't worry, they aren't hard. You see when we mess up, you know sin? It stains our hearts with grease, grime, drips, and yes yucky yuck. God really wants to clean it up for us, but He can't until we follow the directions, which are: "Confess" that is it: Confess to God, and who we hurt or sinned against, tell Him and them we are sorry for what we did (be specific, as a kid I used to tell God every night before going to bed: "Forgive All the sins I have done since birth and bless you lord", I figured I had IT covered with that one. But God knows our heart, and he rewards those that really are sincere. So what happens next? God gets that HUGE Magic Eraser out of the box, reaches down into our heart and starts scrubbing the walls of our heart with it. It doesn't take much pressure, just a little "elbow grease" and WHAMO everything is white again, just like brand new.
How can God do this, I mean it was OUR wrong, OUR SIN, OUR mistake, OUR mistrust, OUR defiance, OUR turning our back on Him, not HIS bad, but OURS?
Let's go back to the Cross, shall we? Jesus died with the weight of ALL sin on him/ EVERY sin I have committed or will commit, every sin You have committed or will commit, and EVERY sin ANYONE who has ever lived or will live on his shoulders. Guess what this means? That ALL those sins are paid for, He now owns them, and can do whatever He wants to with them. But there is one catch, He can do nothing with them, if we don't "follow the directions" and simply ASK Him to.
If your like me that wall I cleaned this morning will be dirty again in a few weeks (OK confession time #2, Tomorrow night) and I will have to get the "Magic Eraser" out again and do a little rubbing, before it gets like it was today again. This leads me to what "Hit" me as I was cleaning, We are human, we are going to mess up, again and again, BUT just as I now know how to keep my wall behind the trash can clean, I also know how to keep my heart clean. It takes humility to get down on your knees and scrub the yucky yuck from the wall and floor behind the trash can, or the toilet, or other places, but if you want a clean house, sometimes this has to be done. It also takes humility to say to God" "God, I goofed again, I am sorry, with Your help I will try and not do this again. " And then (This is VERY important for christian growth} IF you have hurt another person, done harm to them done something to lesson their trust for you................talk to them, apologize to them, tell them you blew it, and are very sorry. This will help you, but also them. Because as I said before, we are Human and will goof.
I am not saying "Do whatever you want, then just confess, God has to forgive you, if you ask. It doesn't work like that, God knows our hearts and He know our sincerity. He will forgive us, IF we come to Him with sincerity, humility, and love. So, basically, don't try to play games with God, it ain't worth it, (I know, I have tried.)
Thanks for listening to my Ramblings, till next time Chris
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Relationships
How many relationships do you have? The neighbor you greet about 2-3 times a week. The mailman you greet once in a while, the UPS man that delivers a package occasionally. The man that always sits behind you at church? You say "Hi, nice to see you" or something like that every time you see them.. But what about real relationships? How about the guy in the next cubicle at work? Maybe you go out to lunch on Fridays with him and a few other guys, what do you talk about? Sports, politics, the weather,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,? Did you know if you have told your acquaintances that your a christian they are watching you, feeling you out? They are waiting to see you "in action", they are wondering if your really a christian, or just pretending to be. They wonder if you just go to church, to make yourself feel better or are you the "real deal"?
We had a visiting preacher at my church this last Sunday, and he challenged us among other things about our relationships. So here we go. Did you know that to be a real witness for someone, it's easiest to already have a relationship formed.? When you declare yourself as a Christian, it is like announcing your a candidate for president. The background checks will start, the checking the scripture to see if your right about what you say, or what your religion, church says or believes.
So what do you need to do? Easy, live like you normally do. Do what is normal, if you always live for God then there will be no problem. If your standards are high, then those around you will see that. If your more about relationships then religion, then those around you will see this. If those in your office come to you with "problems they want you to pray for", or they ask about your church and what they believe, then they see you as someone who they would like and respect.
BUT it first starts with a relationship, if the first time you meet them you tell them they are going to hell if they don't...............whatever, then they are more then likely going to never listen to you again. BUT if you treat them as friends, respect them, ask them about their family, there passions get to know them BECAUSE your really interested in them. It is amazing how people can spot a "fake" right away. If your "real" they will know as well.
If you "mess up" and confess to them that you did, guess what? Most people will see you as human and respect that you confessed. They may be having the same trouble with the same things, and that might get the ball rolling.
The more you know them, the more time you have invested in them, the more they will respect you. The last thing most people need is judgmental attitudes analyzing them. I know I know, what they are doing is really bad, but "Who among us, is not?" "He that has no sin, cast the first stone"
People are people, there is nothing we can do about it. Be a friend, yes to "those sinners" you might be surprised how much you like them. Maybe not how they are living, but just who they are.
You don't have to be perfect, just human. They might start asking questions, and they may not, but you'll more then likely form a relationship, make a new friend.
I knew a guy years ago in the Navy, he was very vocal about his opinions, he was a drunk every time we were in port, he partied constantly, except when we were out to sea. I always thought he would make a great christian, because he spoke his opinion regardless of who was listening or who was around. He made his opinion known when the Admiral was around once, and got the "look" from our Captain, didn't bother him, they asked for opinions, and he gave one. I told him one time that I thought he would make a great "street preacher", he just looked at me and called me crazy. I hope he found the Lord, because he had the passion, the love for life, the "who cares what happens to me" attitude. Those "Gruff and Tough" guys make great Christians, I think. If you remember Barry McGuire, then you know what I am talking about.
There is room in Gods family for every type of personality , so don't judge, just live like God wants you to live. You never know who is watching. And who knows? Remember, you don't have to be perfect, I mean who among us is? Just be human, real, and show love for everyone. Mainly, don't judge other, just love them. Till next time Chris
We had a visiting preacher at my church this last Sunday, and he challenged us among other things about our relationships. So here we go. Did you know that to be a real witness for someone, it's easiest to already have a relationship formed.? When you declare yourself as a Christian, it is like announcing your a candidate for president. The background checks will start, the checking the scripture to see if your right about what you say, or what your religion, church says or believes.
So what do you need to do? Easy, live like you normally do. Do what is normal, if you always live for God then there will be no problem. If your standards are high, then those around you will see that. If your more about relationships then religion, then those around you will see this. If those in your office come to you with "problems they want you to pray for", or they ask about your church and what they believe, then they see you as someone who they would like and respect.
BUT it first starts with a relationship, if the first time you meet them you tell them they are going to hell if they don't...............whatever, then they are more then likely going to never listen to you again. BUT if you treat them as friends, respect them, ask them about their family, there passions get to know them BECAUSE your really interested in them. It is amazing how people can spot a "fake" right away. If your "real" they will know as well.
If you "mess up" and confess to them that you did, guess what? Most people will see you as human and respect that you confessed. They may be having the same trouble with the same things, and that might get the ball rolling.
The more you know them, the more time you have invested in them, the more they will respect you. The last thing most people need is judgmental attitudes analyzing them. I know I know, what they are doing is really bad, but "Who among us, is not?" "He that has no sin, cast the first stone"
People are people, there is nothing we can do about it. Be a friend, yes to "those sinners" you might be surprised how much you like them. Maybe not how they are living, but just who they are.
You don't have to be perfect, just human. They might start asking questions, and they may not, but you'll more then likely form a relationship, make a new friend.
I knew a guy years ago in the Navy, he was very vocal about his opinions, he was a drunk every time we were in port, he partied constantly, except when we were out to sea. I always thought he would make a great christian, because he spoke his opinion regardless of who was listening or who was around. He made his opinion known when the Admiral was around once, and got the "look" from our Captain, didn't bother him, they asked for opinions, and he gave one. I told him one time that I thought he would make a great "street preacher", he just looked at me and called me crazy. I hope he found the Lord, because he had the passion, the love for life, the "who cares what happens to me" attitude. Those "Gruff and Tough" guys make great Christians, I think. If you remember Barry McGuire, then you know what I am talking about.
There is room in Gods family for every type of personality , so don't judge, just live like God wants you to live. You never know who is watching. And who knows? Remember, you don't have to be perfect, I mean who among us is? Just be human, real, and show love for everyone. Mainly, don't judge other, just love them. Till next time Chris
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Happy Independence Day
Wow here we are another birthday for the good ol' US of A. Time for us all to take the day off, cook on the outdoor grill, hamburgers, hot dogs (nothing says America like grilled hotdogs) potatoe salad, some good ole 'nanna puddin'. Talking and being with friends and family. Then going and watching the night sky light up with fire works. Yes this is how we celebrate America.
But what are we celebrating? Freedom? Our way of life? The fact that here in America anyone can be someone? The freedoms that our forefathers fought and died for?
There is a move in this country that is trying to tell us that our forefathers were not Christians, they were something else, anything else. They try and leave out God, Jesus and anything from Him from our history. But that is a hard thing to do, without just plain ole lying. That , it seems, is not below them.
I recently had a conversation with someone on line about how this country was founded. He told me that George Washington was not a man of faith. He said that because he owned slaves, then he could not protest Christ in those days, then he went on to tell me about the weird religions that Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and others were into. I went on line and found some quotes from these men that talked about there faith in God, Jesus, Our Father.............and asked this gentleman who then they were reffering to.
My Pastor spoke this morning about our countries rich history , and how God had his hand in this country from the beginning. He had many quotes of former Presidents that had attributed the USA's blessings, victories and sucess dierctly from God. Abraham Lincoln called for a day of fasting and prayer for God to help us realign as a single country after the war between the states. A sitting president called for a day of fasting and prayer!!!!! He did not say, pray to whoever you want, they are all just different pathways to the same deity. He said he wanted to set aside a day to fast and pray that GOD would help our country put aside our differences and rejoin us as a country. He did not say, Buddah, he did not say to get into any religious position to be alightened, He said to fast and pray to GOD.
This leads me to one question: What has happened to our country? What has been done to us? Who is at fault for the vast difference in our country today? Easy, We the church have failed. You can blame Democrats, you can blame the taking prayer out of schools, you can blame liberalism, feminism, the seeking of fortune, sex, adultry, violence, drugs, rock and roll, country music, dancing, those that assume they are born gay, the way your parents raised you, alchocal, drugs, freedom, you can blame ANYTHING, but the truth is: The Church (you and me) has failed.
It's time to stop this. It is time to call black black, and sin sin. It is time to tell others that we are sorry for allowing these things to control us and take our focus off God. It is time to shout from the rooftops that Jesus saves.
I am so proud of our Govenor here in Texas. Think what you want of him, but Gov, Rick Perry has called for a day to fast and pray for our nation. Saturday Aug, 6th in Houston in Reliant Stadium (were the Texans play) there will be a prayer meeting for our nation. There are over 60,000 expected, and I want to be there. This would be the largest meeting of christians coming togather for prayer and repentence and fasting that I have ever seen and many if not all of you, too. This is not about politics, there will be no speeches, there will be no "register as a republician to vote" Oppertunities, no Sarah Palin or Bachman, (as far as I know) will not be there trying to get votes. I don't know if the Gov, will be there or not, but have been told there will be no politics at all. It will be about crying to God and praying for our country, because if you are like me, you know this country is in the worst shape in my life. Not just politically, economicly, or socially, but spiritually. Where have morals gone in this country? Why is God not in the picture? Easy, because the church has failed. It is time we start to turn the tide, to show the world that yes we have failed, but our God is full of grace, and He told us that : "If the church turn from our wicked ways, acknowledge Him and seek His face, He will save our land." I want to seek His face, I want Him to save MY land, I want Him to work through me, to save my country, I want HIS will, not a politicans will on where this country is headed.
I love this country, I served 4 years in the US Navy to defend it from all enemies forgein and domestic...........this is my home, and I see it being destroyed by sin. Sin I sat and watched take ahold and shook my head in disgust complaining and doing nothing to help. I, and you of the church have failed this country, stand up and be counted, and start to reverse the direction the USA is headed. I will not sit anymore and watch, I will do something. Are you as tired of the "same ole thing" as I?
Then do something about it, if you cannot attend this event in Houston, then pray at home, meet at someones home at your church and pray for this country like you have never prayed before. God wants to do something for our land, but needs prayers to go out. Did you know if no one prayes then God's hands are tied? He wants us to pray to Him to answer our problems and concerns, for that is how we grow in our walk and faith in Him. One answered prayer, is worth so much to us, it is so easy to trust when God answered last time, why would He not this time? Put God to the test, He won't let us down. Really have had enough with politicians, then let them go and start putting your trust in Him. He is not asking for your vote, your dollars, your support, He is asking you to trust Him. All He wants is everything you got. Then He'll give it back to you, pressed down, shaken togather and running over.
Please, we cannot wait another minute. It is SO late, we must be about our Fathers business, and tell those that are blind that He is the only answer. There are so many looking seeking we have what they are looking for, we just have to show them
But what are we celebrating? Freedom? Our way of life? The fact that here in America anyone can be someone? The freedoms that our forefathers fought and died for?
There is a move in this country that is trying to tell us that our forefathers were not Christians, they were something else, anything else. They try and leave out God, Jesus and anything from Him from our history. But that is a hard thing to do, without just plain ole lying. That , it seems, is not below them.
I recently had a conversation with someone on line about how this country was founded. He told me that George Washington was not a man of faith. He said that because he owned slaves, then he could not protest Christ in those days, then he went on to tell me about the weird religions that Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and others were into. I went on line and found some quotes from these men that talked about there faith in God, Jesus, Our Father.............and asked this gentleman who then they were reffering to.
My Pastor spoke this morning about our countries rich history , and how God had his hand in this country from the beginning. He had many quotes of former Presidents that had attributed the USA's blessings, victories and sucess dierctly from God. Abraham Lincoln called for a day of fasting and prayer for God to help us realign as a single country after the war between the states. A sitting president called for a day of fasting and prayer!!!!! He did not say, pray to whoever you want, they are all just different pathways to the same deity. He said he wanted to set aside a day to fast and pray that GOD would help our country put aside our differences and rejoin us as a country. He did not say, Buddah, he did not say to get into any religious position to be alightened, He said to fast and pray to GOD.
This leads me to one question: What has happened to our country? What has been done to us? Who is at fault for the vast difference in our country today? Easy, We the church have failed. You can blame Democrats, you can blame the taking prayer out of schools, you can blame liberalism, feminism, the seeking of fortune, sex, adultry, violence, drugs, rock and roll, country music, dancing, those that assume they are born gay, the way your parents raised you, alchocal, drugs, freedom, you can blame ANYTHING, but the truth is: The Church (you and me) has failed.
It's time to stop this. It is time to call black black, and sin sin. It is time to tell others that we are sorry for allowing these things to control us and take our focus off God. It is time to shout from the rooftops that Jesus saves.
I am so proud of our Govenor here in Texas. Think what you want of him, but Gov, Rick Perry has called for a day to fast and pray for our nation. Saturday Aug, 6th in Houston in Reliant Stadium (were the Texans play) there will be a prayer meeting for our nation. There are over 60,000 expected, and I want to be there. This would be the largest meeting of christians coming togather for prayer and repentence and fasting that I have ever seen and many if not all of you, too. This is not about politics, there will be no speeches, there will be no "register as a republician to vote" Oppertunities, no Sarah Palin or Bachman, (as far as I know) will not be there trying to get votes. I don't know if the Gov, will be there or not, but have been told there will be no politics at all. It will be about crying to God and praying for our country, because if you are like me, you know this country is in the worst shape in my life. Not just politically, economicly, or socially, but spiritually. Where have morals gone in this country? Why is God not in the picture? Easy, because the church has failed. It is time we start to turn the tide, to show the world that yes we have failed, but our God is full of grace, and He told us that : "If the church turn from our wicked ways, acknowledge Him and seek His face, He will save our land." I want to seek His face, I want Him to save MY land, I want Him to work through me, to save my country, I want HIS will, not a politicans will on where this country is headed.
I love this country, I served 4 years in the US Navy to defend it from all enemies forgein and domestic...........this is my home, and I see it being destroyed by sin. Sin I sat and watched take ahold and shook my head in disgust complaining and doing nothing to help. I, and you of the church have failed this country, stand up and be counted, and start to reverse the direction the USA is headed. I will not sit anymore and watch, I will do something. Are you as tired of the "same ole thing" as I?
Then do something about it, if you cannot attend this event in Houston, then pray at home, meet at someones home at your church and pray for this country like you have never prayed before. God wants to do something for our land, but needs prayers to go out. Did you know if no one prayes then God's hands are tied? He wants us to pray to Him to answer our problems and concerns, for that is how we grow in our walk and faith in Him. One answered prayer, is worth so much to us, it is so easy to trust when God answered last time, why would He not this time? Put God to the test, He won't let us down. Really have had enough with politicians, then let them go and start putting your trust in Him. He is not asking for your vote, your dollars, your support, He is asking you to trust Him. All He wants is everything you got. Then He'll give it back to you, pressed down, shaken togather and running over.
Please, we cannot wait another minute. It is SO late, we must be about our Fathers business, and tell those that are blind that He is the only answer. There are so many looking seeking we have what they are looking for, we just have to show them
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