EVANJELLYFISH AND MIGHTY WARRIORS BY Mike Ratliff

This is a wonderful article by Mike and it shows what I mean by my previous blog. Either we are on fire for God and truth or we are not.......

“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. (Isaiah 46:8-11 ESV)

There is a dread disease present in the visible Church in our day. The disease is the result of conformity to the current culture in which it is a crime to tell the truth to those who may resent it. It is a crime because a minority has determined that the worst thing that can happen to a person in our day is that they be offended by standards or truths that those conveying them portend, directly or indirectly, they are absolute. While temporal society can hold all sorts of beliefs and standards contrary those found in the Word of God, the tragedy is when the Church itself conforms to them. This causes it to become weak, ineffectual, confused, and spiritually dead. This causes those professing Christians to water down their doctrines, misinterpret scripture according to the world’s values, and reject the message from God while persecuting His messengers. This is exactly why the Jews all through Biblical History killed God’s Prophets. His message was always contrary to the closely held beliefs of the people that came from them being conformed to the ways of the world just as has the majority of the visible Church in our time.

Much of the part of the visible Church in our day that claims it is “Evangelical” has become conformed to this disease over the last 250 years. Its theology has deteriorated to the point that it is no longer the world changing powerful message whose followers were separate from the world and its ways as light is from darkness. However, now it is the theology of “evanjellyfish.” The following is taken from the introduction to a book by C. Matthew McMahon titled How Faith Works - Rescuing the Gospel from Contemporary Evangelicalism.

I am sure that those who really do hold to the true biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ and identify themselves as Evangelicals are also going to be a bit mad because I am going to bash “evangelicalism” today as the theology of “evanjellyfish.” It is spineless. In my satire on Evangelicalism at A Puritan’s Mind, I wrote, “The oceanic bodies that cover the earth are home to the unique and prosperous Liberalius Ignoramious Christianius, or better known as the Evanjellyfish. As a result of their morphed evolution over the past 250 years, these once fierce predators have lost their thick skin, large brains, razor sharp teeth, as well as their ability to see clearly in the loss of their eyesight, and their eyes altogether. Instead, these spineless invertebrates swim carelessly and carefree around the seaweed reefs which tickle their transparent membranes as the cool currents shift by them and propel them toward sunny waters throughout each day. They mainly swim around minerally deficient waters, and like to congregate in large numbers - it seems they feel safe that way. They filter microscopic units of plankton found throughout the seawater for food. They are unable to eat the meat they once hunted since their loss of ability to spot food from miles away. Now they float helplessly around reefs that contain little if anything to eat that is of substance. Strangely, they have multiplied, and continue to multiply into millions in any one locale, but they often remain small and of no consequence individually to the great barrier reefs from which they emerged. Even in great numbers, they no longer make a ripple in the currents they once occupied. Instead, when a predator such as a humpback whale swims by, they are gobbled up for food without any form of retaliation. Hopefully, theological evolution will deal them a better hand in the future. It has been reported of late that some of the large scale theoligica bookis wormis or Giant Theological Sea Worms have been seen floating around masses of Evanjellyfish. However, it seems the Evanjellyfish have been rejecting their interaction out rightly. More to come later…

This is satire my brethren, but is does strike a chord with us doesn’t it? The dumbed down version of the Church we have all around us got that way because its leaders have deliberately not fed their people solid meat to eat. They present a gospel that has been neutered. It has all those essential parts that could potentially offend removed. What is left is a non-gospel that makes their part of the visible Church a mirror of the world. The world and its ways have been brought into the church and it has become compromised. Seeker-sensitivity is the rule of the day. It is a fallacy. The only ones truly seeking the righteousness of God are those drawn to the Son by the Father as they have heard the real Gospel, which is very offensive to the spiritual palate of those who are compromised by the world and its ways. Below is an excerpt from a news story from Milwaukee, Wisconsin about a school being sued by a group that is attempting to stop it from holding any graduation ceremonies at the local church. Carefully read their reasoning for the lawsuit.

“These students and family members are being forced to graduate in the sanctuary of a church underneath a huge cross that dominates the sanctuary. They’re sitting in pews with bibles and hymnal books right in front of them.”

“They are being forced to graduate in a religious environment, and that is an egregious Constitutional violation.”

Even if the school district doesn’t have religion as its reasoning for choosing the location, Luchenitser contends the mere presence of a graduation there forces an endorsement of what Elmbrook Church believes.

“There’s a symbolic message of endorsement sent,” said Luchenitser.

“Right next to this huge cross in this auditorium, you have huge jumbotrons that show the speakers, the school district officials when they speak on the podium, all their speakers.

“You have a public, official school district ceremony taking place in a religious environment. That sends a clear message of endorsement of religion and favoritism of the Christian religion to the children and the family members.”

Luchenitser explained that its not just the physical environment there, but what he claims the teachings presented there force upon those who will walk in for the graduation ceremony.

“We brought the lawsuit on behalf of nine parents and students in the school district who do not subscribe to the religion of Elmbrook Church, who are extremely uncomfortable attending a graduation in this facility,” said Luchenitser, whose group’s lawsuit says that many top officials in this district are members of Elmbrook Church.

“This is a church that teaches that people who do not subscribe to the belief of this church are going to suffer torment in hell for all eternity. This church teaches that women should be subservient to men. It teaches that people who engage in sexual conduct that is not approved by the church will also suffer in hell.

“A very large proportion of the students and family members who would be attending this graduation, in the views of this church, are second-class people, second-class citizens.”

The evanjellyfish Christians in this church may indeed teach these truths about hell and morality, but they are considering veiling their cross and removing their Bibles and Hymnals from the pews so they can continue to receive the rent from the school for these sorts of things. This is compromise. Are they going to stand firm and grow spiritually through it or are they going to be spineless and give in to those who prove that the world is not interested in what we have come to know as Evangelical Christianity? Think of the response to these people that someone like A.W. Tozer, A.W. Pink, John Gresham Machen, C.H. Spurgeon, John Owen, Martin Luther, or Jonathan Edwards would have in the face of this. There would be no compromise. Oh, their evanjellyfish “Christians” in the pews may fire or do away with them for standing firm, but these men would not budge. They may lose their positions or be denigrated by others in unbearable ways at levels no one can easily take, but they would not compromise.

The mission of this ministry has always been to encourage Christians to move away from me-ism Christianity into the spirit-filled, abiding in Christ, living sacrifice, humble, poor-in-spirit, meek walk that brings God glory and matures the believer. It is only as we walk this way that we are given His joy and then we can do good in His eyes because we are doing God’s will by His grace. This walk is not about building big churches or becoming a celebrity or anything other than a humble slave of our Lord Jesus all for the glory of God. Those who walk this way are not evanjellyfish. No, these believers are mighty warriors for the truth who stand firm defending it, but at the same time, they, like their example Christ, do not defend self. They may take the abuse of those who hate the truth, but, being meek, they will hack to pieces the enemies of God, but will not raise their sword to defend self. God may have them take severe abuse that they may be found worthy to suffer shame for the name, but they will never compromise.

Which are you?

Soli Deo Gloria!
eve

RICK WARREN the Compromiser

One falls to the ground in trying to sit on two stools.-- Francois Rabelais

I amazed at how so many professing Christians follow a man like Rick Warren. Mr. Warren took the word "Purpose" and has made a dynasty out of it. As Christians we know that God has a purpose for ever thing that happens in this world and that is to bring Glory to Him in the end. So of course when Rick Warren brought out his book "The Purpose Driven Life" many churches got on his band wagon and used this book as a study guide and that is how Warren became popular.
He has fooled many in his church and outside of his church! He is a compromiser,he is a world pleaser...the world loves him, should be a flashing light to believers. Why do so many Christians defend this man? I'll tell you why it is because they do not study the word of God enough, they are weak and being weak, can then lead to believing anything or anyone. Rick Warren is not the only one there are many, many false prophet out there. Satan loves men like Rick Warren, because he just sits back and watches them do his work for Him.

"To seek unity with false prophets without challenging their errors leaves one's own beliefs open to questions. Those who defend heretics, even if they do not believe in their teachings, are guilty of lending credibility to their heresies, and will be held accountable to God for the souls that are destroyed as a result. It's up to those that know the truth to defend the Church against false teachers whatever the cost to unity or to personal benefit.

"When the Scriptures tell us to judge the prophets by their fruit, it means their holy living and conformity to God's Word for themselves and those they teach. It does not mean the number of spectacular events that transpire in their lives. Nor does it rest on how many people are blessed by them; many are blessed by New Age practitioners. [Nor does it rest on the number of moral causes they are involved in.] ... Yet today's prophets tell us not to judge the ungodly lives [nor the bad doctrine] of the prophets, but to believe them because of the 'fruit' of their ministries." "It is not to signs and wonders that we should look [nor to the number or nature of the moral causes they are involved in], but to the overall integrity of the man who performs them. Integrity not only includes freedom from greed, lust, and avarice, but adherence to sound doctrine"
Everything we do is visible to God and we should always remember that, we can not hide from Him, He knows our hearts and we are naked before Him.

Hebrews 4:13, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

When we speak of unity it should be unity in truth"... unity is not found in uniformity of thought, but in the fellowship of the Spirit, based on sound doctrine which, in turn, is predicated on the clear teaching of Scripture. This is why Paul exhorts us to "mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Rom 16:17). The false prophets call for unity based not on Scriptural doctrine, but on their [the false prophets] claim for authority. Those who insist on fellowship based on sound doctrine are labeled legalists, while the false prophets are the ones imposing unscriptural demands upon those who follow them"
J.N. Darby
"Separation from evil is the necessary first principle of communion with Him ... Separation from evil is His principle of unity"

John Whitcomb Jr.

"Diversity and division is infinitely more precious than a satanic unity. The problem God's people are facing today: Satan wants unity in what? -- in error. God would infinitely prefer division because of truth. Do you know what Jesus said in Matthew 10? He said, 'I have come not to bring peace, not to bring unity, but to bring division, to set a son against his father, a daughter against her mother, so that people within their own households will be enemies of each other.' That is what Jesus said he came to do ... God's smashing of satanic ecumenical unity was an incredible blessing [Genesis 11: the Tower of Babel] ... The potential for satanic depravity is infinite, as long as what continues? -- a unity in error -- organized blasphemy. Measure this friends. Grasp it. Satan will, in his brief hour, at the end of this world, be given his opportunity to demonstrate what total unity is like in the human race, when every person will have a mark on the forehead or right hand, and will walk lockstep under incredible blasphemy ... "You say, 'We want unity.' Oh, really? What kind of unity? 'We want all the churches to get together.' Oh, really? You mean in error, in confusion, in heresy? That is, dear friends, the ecumenical movement of our hour, in which all the great denominations and all the great church leaders are becoming more and more unified. In what? -- in compromise and theological error; and this is the ultimate horror"


So be weary who you follow, it is Christ whom we should be following not man because man will ALWAYS fail you ALWAYS!

Quotes from Biblical Discernment Ministries

DO WE TAKE THE TIME?

There is a lady named Susan Doyle that performed for the first time on a TV program called "Britian has Talent". I listened to her once and then again and again and each time I listened the more joy I felt for her. When she was first introduced the auidance snicker, rolled their eyes, even the judges looked embaresss for her....and then she opened her mouth to sing and everyone was astounded by what came out. They stood up and cheered, the judges were flabergasted, the world was too. It' is sad that we look at a person and don't think much of them until we really see what they are all about or what kind of talent lives within them.

Do you ever really get to know someone, or do you just make up you mind about that person and live with it. Maybe you would be shocked if you just took the time to get to know them. maybe they feel how you feel about them and they put walls up to protect themselves from hurt....maybe it is time to break the walls down, and really get to know the real person, maybe they are crying out...

Cristina
John 13:34-35 (NCV) I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.

Col 3:12 (NRSV) As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
if you would like to listen to Susan Boyle sing, here is the address to go to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

OUR ORCHRESTRATOR

Everything in a Christian's life is planned out by God. Our salvation is of the Lord!Everything we do is orchestrated by God for His purpose. The Cross was orchestrated by God, the suffering Jesus suffered was because God planned it that way. Trials WE go through are orchestrated by God. When you look at what Job went through, the suffering he endured was from God, everything Jonah went through was from God, John the Baptist's head was cut off..was from God. All that the Saints suffer all the Joy the Saints have, is orchestrated by God and we should be thankful for it all because in the end we will be in glory, rejoicing with Him singing GLORY GLORY GLORY IS OUR GOD ALMIGHTY.

R.K. McGregor Wright quoted.....
God saves. God does not merely do enough to make salvation possible, leaving it to us to work our way up, to 'merit the merits of Christ,' to do our part to make the merely possible become the actual. Every link in the chain of redemption is forged on God's anvil from start to finish. Even God cannot achieve an end without a means. In order to secure the predestined end, he foreordains each step and casual link, sovereignly acting to see that each cause and effect occurs

I have already shown that he had to move the entire Roman military bureaucracy several years earlier to make certain that at the end of the empire wide census, one particular pregnant girl was in the right town at the right moment just so the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and not up north in Nazareth! The entire Roman bureaucracy was predestined to keep in step with the body chemistry of one unknown Jewish girl in the far outer reaches of the first-century Roman Empire."

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

LET THY WILL BE DONE

“Jesus, ’tis my aim divine,
Hence to have no will but Thine;
Let me covenant with Thee,
Thine for evermore to be:
This my prayer, and this alone,
Saviour, let Thy will be done!

“Thee to love, to live to Thee,
This my daily portion be;
Nothing to my Lord I give,
But from Him I first receive:
Lord, for me Thy blood was spilt
Lead me, guide me, as Thou wilt.

“All that is opposed to Thee,
Howsoever dear it be,
From my heart the idol tear,
Thou shalt have no rival there;
Only Thou shalt fill the throne:
Saviour, let Thy will be done.

“Wilt Thou, Lord, in me fulfil
All the pleasure of Thy will;
Thine in life, and Thine in death,
Thine in every fleeting breath,
Thou my hope and joy alone:
Saviour, let Thy will be done.”

-Octavius Winslow

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

In the bitter cold of winter the trees stand bare and seem to be dead. But in the spring, they burst forth into leaf and flower, and the first fruits begin to appear. So it was with the Master's death and resurrection, and so it is with all who faithfully bear the burden of suffering and death. Though they may seem crushed and dead, they will yet bear beautiful flowers and glorious fruits of eternal life.
-Anonymous

WE DONT SAVE OURSELVES

The Sinner, Neither Able Nor Willing

A message from John MacArthur on man's total inability and the necessity of God-given faith.

http://www.reformedvoices.com/2009/01/sinner-neither-able-nor-willing.html

A message that should be heard.

Cristina

(Arthur Pink, "Love Reproving" 1943) from Grace Gems

Few words have been used more inaccurately and loosely in recent years, than has "love." With a great many people--it is but a synonym for moral laxity, weakness of character, a taking the line of least resistance, a quiet tolerating of what is felt to be wrong.


read the rest here.......... http://www.gracegems.org/Pink2/love_reproving.htm

It's excellent!

Cristina

LAMB OF GOD

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

I am a lamb of God and so many times in my life, as His child, I have felt His gentleness surround me. In times of doubt and sorrow, He comforts me so. Every groan I cry out, he hears it and He comforts me.

Psalm 38:9, "My groaning is not hidden from You."

Every tear I shed He has bottled up and lately I have been shedding many tears, "EVERY" tear we shed, can you imagine that someone loves us that much?

Paslms 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

He knows my name, me His child even though I fail Him at times, Yet, I can go before Him and He looks at me, and say You are my child, my lamb and gently puts His arm around me and guides me.

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

We need to keep remembering and reminding each other the strenght we can draw from each other but mostly the strength we can draw from the Rock of our Salvation. When things are troubling us we have a place to go. I was feeling down tonight and the Lord brought me to a place where I felt love and comfort and it was the Lord that drew me there because of that reason .

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold!" (Psalm 18:2)

Cristina


.

As I shared previously that things have not been the greatest lately, well it rain really, really heavy last night and part of our basement was flooded. There was no way we could have removed the water ourselves so we had a Carpet cleaner bring a machine in to remove it, they left behind 2 blowers to help dry the rest. In our basement we have fruit celler, I used it mainly for storage. The water came from a drain in the room, so some boxes in the room were ruined.

I kept saying to myself, "What next?" So this morning I started to clear out the fruit celler and as I cleared it out I found 2 boxes of cards and letters from as far back as 1980. I also found this letter that just made me laugh and made me cry at the same time. It's funny how the Lord will bring you out of feeling sorry for yourself or a trial just by a simple letter. This letter was given to me by my daughter Danielle when she as around 7 or 8 years old. Thank you, Lord and thank you my Dani-girl.

Here is exactly how she wrote it.......

I love you!!!
mom, you are a
babe. you are
a yummy pie. you are
hungka-hungka bern-in-love
and you are my
sweety pie. you
make me happy
when skys are
blue. You are
a baby sunny pie.
love Dani

Thank you Lord for my dear daughter Dani and all my children.

Cristina

Please Pray

I have not blogged much lately as I have been under a lot of stress, as I am sure many other folks are. Problems come into our lives and sometime they are just so hard to solve. I have aways been the type of person that things just don't get to me, but as of late, I feel a bit over-welmed by life. I don't know if it is getting older or just the fact that there is so much one person can handle. I am trying to keep my focus on the fact the Christ is with me, He will strengthen me but I feel in a weak state of mind. May I ask that you please pray for me.

Cristina

A dear sister shared a song she would like played at her funeral. This is a song I would like to be shared at mine...

ALL OF THIS FROM A HOLY PLACE

The sunsets in the early morn,
The choir of birds chant to their unborn.
The warm breeze whips across my face
All of this, from a Holy Place.

The sky is blue with snowy clouds,
The city streets laden, with crowds.
A sinner is drawn, now full of grace
All of this, from a Holy Place.

The dying man, the sickly child,
A church full of Saints, all compiled.
Man and woman from a different Race
All of this, from a Holy Place.

The sea, so blue, breathtaking to the eye,
The quiet bayou, where Cranes fly.
The Desert sand, unending space,
All of this, from a Holy place.

A sinner lost, a cross bore Christ,
His blood was shed, that was the price.
we all deserve hell, but some are given grace.
All of this, from a Holy Place

ARE YOU TRULY HAPPY?

I found this quote at "Grace Gems". The title of this site suits it so much, everything I find there is a "Gem". Everything I have read there has touched me and spoke to me about myself and my walk and it is such an encouraging site. It is such a blessing to me.

http://www.gracegems.org/

The Happy Man

The happy man was born in the city of Regeneration
in the parish of Repentance unto Life. He has a large
estate in the county of Christian Contentment.

He was educated at the School of Obedience
—and often does jobs of Self-denial.

He wears the garment of Humility, and has
another suit to put on when he goes to Court,
called the Robe of Christ's Righteousness.

He is necessitated to travel through the world on
his way to heaven—but he walks through it as fast
as he can. All his business along the way—is to
make himself and others happy. He often walks
in the valley of Self-Abasement, and sometimes
climbs the mountains of Heavenly-mindedness.

He breakfasts every morning on Spiritual Prayer,
and sups every evening on the same. He has food
to eat, which the world knows nothing of—and his
drink is the sincere milk of the Word of God.

Thus happy he lives—and happy he dies.

Happy is he who has . . .
Gospel submission in his will,
the love of God in his affections,
true peace in his conscience,
sincere Divinity in his breast,
the Redeemer's yoke on his neck,
the vain world under his feet, and
a crown of glory over his head!

Happy is the life of that man who . . .
believes firmly,
prays fervently,
walks patiently,
labors abundantly,
lives holily,
dies daily,
watches his heart,
guards his senses,
redeems his time,
loves Christ, and
longs for glory!

"Happy is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of
sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his
delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his
law he meditates day and night. He is like a
tree planted by streams of water, which yields
its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:1-3

-Lachlan MacKenzie

TRUE REPENTANCE

Sin is a plague, yea, the greatest and most infectious plague in the world; and yet, ah! how few are there that tremble at it, that keep at a distance from it!

—Thomas Brooks

How often do we weep for the sin in our lives? Does it bother us as much for the small sins or the more visable and big sins? Sin is sin no matter how big or small it is. We sometimes take granted what the Lord did on the cross, we tell a little white lie and that's seems to be ok for some, yet Jesus died for that little white lie. We say we have christian liberties, but to be truthful do we really need to have them, I am speaking to myself too. Do we weep for our sins, do we go before the throne and cry out to our Lord for forgiveness and do we repent. Some say we do not need to repent when we get saved. I say hogwash! When the Lord opens your heart you see your heart and how filthy and dirty and depraved it is and the first thing you do is repent, how can you not? You say What a wretched man am I! Lord forgive me. There should be tears of joy and tears of sorrow because you see the wretchedness in you and at the same time you see the joy of your salvation.

Sin is a turning the back upon God--and the face
towards hell. Repentance is a turning the back
upon sin--and a setting the face towards God!
True repentance includes . . .
a true sense of sin,
a deep sorrow for sin,
a hearty loathing of sin, and
a holy shame and blushing for sin.

To repent is to make . . .
a clean head and a clean heart;
a clean lip and a clean life.

To repent is for a man to loathe himself, as well as his sin.
Is this easy for man, who is so great a self-lover, and so
great a self-exalter, and so great a self-admirer—to
become a self-loather? To repent is to cross sinful self,
it is to walk contrary to sinful self, yes, it is to revenge
a man's self upon himself.

True repentance lies in a daily dying to sin, and in a
daily living to Him who lives forever.


Thomas Brooks

OPPORTUNITY

"All our infirmities, whatever they are, are just opportunities for God to display His gracious work in us." CH Spurgeon

I can't help but continue on with what is surrounding us in this world today. In the past year and half, things seem to be getting worse and I think what an opportunity we have to show the world how blessed we are to have a Savior that loves us so much and never leaves our side. As many of us struggle with trials that have entered our lives, what an opportunity we have, as Charles Spurgeon quoted, "What ever infirmities we face,whatever they are, are just opportunities for God to display His gracious work in us."

When we accept what God has allowed through trial or suffering we see it is for a reason, a purpose, God's Purpose, maybe to teach us to trust Him more and not rely on our own understanding, maybe to help us grow in our walk, maybe to comfort someone else that is going through the same thing, maybe showing others the strength we draw from the Lord so that they may seek and question how we can be so strong and we can answer because we find strength in our Lord.... and sometimes, God will use these trials to discipline us for sins we commit. We may not understand why things happen because we are not God, we just have to trust in Him because we know he is a Sovereign God and what ever happens, it is for a reason.

He declares “the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” (Isaiah 46:10)
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
(Proverbs 19:21; see 16:9)

"Christ's priorities of what he wants for you is so different than your priorities, that if you don't begin to get your mind saturated with Jesus' way of thinking, then you won't be able to make sense out of the pain in your life. You tend to get angrier and angrier - because your priorities are, "if he loved me then....."and you provide a list of all your demands and its not his list, it's not the way Jesus thinks, because what he values is hearts that are so enamored with him that that shines more clearly when everything we were leaning on is gone." John Piper

I'm not saying it's easy because at times it is very hard. We have to remember this is the way God has planned it and if we can suffer along with dignity, what an example of Christ we will be. If we show grace and humility, what an example of Christ we will be. If we show love towards our enemies, what an example of Christ we will be. If we show our faith in trials and tribulation, what an example of Christ we will be. If we take up our cross, What an example of Christ we will be.

I have shared this quote by Andrew Murray many times with fellow believers, here on my blog and in my everyday walk because it is such a reminder that God is Sovereign and what ever happens in my life and yours He setting the stage, preparing us for that day when we will be absent from the body and present with our Lord.

"In times of trouble say,
First: He brought me here ; it is by His will I am in this strait place: In that I will rest.
Next: He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.
Then: He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
Last:
In His good time He can bring me out again - how and when He knows. Say: I am here
(1) by God's appointment
(2) in His keeping
(3) under His training
(4) for His time."

-Andrew Murray

JOY

What path are we on? Is it a path that is all joy or all suffering? No, It is a path of joy even in our suffering. Our joy is in the Lord, our joy is in our salvation, our joy is knowing one day we will enter eternity and live the rest of our lives in the Glory found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God.

Can you imagine what it will be like when we finally do go home and the final battle is won? Can you just imagine?? When we are in those valleys, remember brothers and sisters, when all is finished,and all His children are together, it will be a place of joy, where there will be no tears nor the sound of crying. We will be in the presence of our Lord, we will do nothing but praise Him and our faces will be fill with joy indescribable, our pain will be wiped out, our worries will be no more, our smiles won't be painted on our faces, they will be real, our hearts will be filled with true love for one another. The valleys will be wiped out as we all stand on the mountain and sing Holy, Holy Holy is our God almighty!! We find joy in our Lord, always. In those times of trouble remember our joy is found in our Lord, look to Him, meditate on His word and you will find joy in those times. We are only here for a short time compared to eternity, knowing that we can find joy.

Revelations 21

6He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Peace, beloved, Joy Beloved, Eternity with our Savior.


The religion of Christ is the religion of JOY. Christ came to take away our sins, to roll off our curse, to unbind our chains, to open our prison house, to cancel our debt; in a word, to give us the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Is not this joy? Where can we find a joy so real, so deep, so pure, so lasting? There is every element of joy - deep, ecstatic, satisfying, sanctifying joy - in the gospel of Christ. The believer in Jesus is essentially a happy man. The child of God is, from necessity, a joyful man. His sins are forgiven, his soul is justified, his person is adopted, his trials are blessings, his conflicts are victories, his death is immortality, his future is a heaven of inconceivable, unthought-of, untold, and endless blessedness. With such a God, such a Saviour, and such a hope, is he not, ought he not, to be a joyful man? Octavius Winslow

Cristina

PROVIDENCE

How often has providence convinced its observers, upon a sober recollection of the events of their lives, that if the Lord had left them to their own counsels they had as often been their own tormentors, if not executioners!
—John Flavel

We can be so distructive when we trust in our own understanding and attempt to accomplish something without the guidance of the Holy Spirit...


Let us consider and marvel that ever this great and blessed God should be so much concerned, as you have heard He is in all His providences, about such vile, despicable worms as we are! He does not need us, but is perfectly blessed and happy in Himself without us. We can add nothing to Him.
—John Flavel

He loved us first, He does not need us, nor do we deserve His love...but He does.

You may look upon some providences once and again, and see little or nothing in them, but look "seven times," that is, meditate often upon them, and you will see their increasing glory, like that increasing cloud (1 Kings 18:44).

When our needs are permitted to grow to an extremity, and all visible hopes fail, then to have relief given wonderfully enhances the price of such a mercy (Isa. 41:17-18).
—John Flavel

He is shaping us and molding us into His image, He is there brethern, look closely, remember, He will never forsake you. When it seems He is not there, He is.

Those circumstances, which to the dim eye of Jacob's faith wore a hue so somber, were at that very moment developing and perfecting the events which were to shed around the evening of his life the halo of a glorious and cloudless sunset. All things were working together for his good! And so, troubled soul, the "much tribulation" will soon be over, and as you enter the "kingdom of God" you shall then see, no longer "through a glass darkly" but in the unshadowed sunlight of the Divine presence, that "all things" did "work together" for your personal and eternal good.
—Arthur W. Pink

Finally remember It will all work out because God is in control and what ever happens, happens for a reason. May we glorify the Lord in all we do. Don't let the flesh lead your life, it will bring you nothing but torment.


There are no accidents in the life of the Christian. ROWLAND BINGHAM

We serve a gracious Master who knows how to overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage.

God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts.
John Newton

TO BRING GLORY TO GOD

Suffering is a short pain compared to what eternity has for the believer. Charles Spurgeon said "It is the very joy of this earthly life to think that it will come to an end." We have so much to look forward to when we go to be with our Savior and the time we are given here on earth should be a time of thanksgiving even in the trials and tribulations we are facing or will face. I'm not saying it's not tough because it can be, it is how we deal with it, that will count in eternity. Spurgeon also said "You must go into the furnace if you would have the nearest and dearest dealings with Christ Jesus. Whenever the Lord appears, it is to his people when they are in a militant posture. Moses saw God at Horeb, but it was in a burning bush, Joshua saw Him, but it was with a drawn sword in his hand, to show that his people are still a militant people. And here (Daniel 3:25) where the saints saw the savior, it was as himself in the furnace. The richest thought that a Christian can perhaps live on is this, that Christ is in the furnace with him. When you suffer, Christ suffer."

The bleakness we see ahead of us because of the Economy, because of trials in our lives that are happening, we as Christians, have a light that guides us in how we will respond.In all the hardships we have experienced, the pain we have suffered, the disappoints from others we deal with....we have to remember the suffering Jesus dealt with on the cross for the sin we have practiced, the pain he endured for all the wrongs we have done, the nails that were pierced through His body so that we could live for eternity without the guilt we deserve. When I look at the cross I look at what pain I caused my Lord and look at trials in my life and see how pitiful I am to complain. Lord Forgive me.

During the past night I have again been called to
suffer much bodily affliction and very severe pain--
but was favored with such sweet comfort from my
precious Savior that it seemed light; nay, I thought
I could willingly bear a life of such suffering--if I
might constantly enjoy His presence!

Oh, how delightful was the hope of an eternity of
glory, and how sweet the thought that when life's
journey was ended, the veil would be drawn aside,
and no cloud ever again intervene to hide from my
soul, even for one moment, the lovely countenance
of my adorable Jesus!

Ten thousand thanks to you, dearest Savior, for this
love-glimpse! I long for more tokens of Your love,
and thirst for more constant communion with You!

Such is my frailty, that I am ever prone to sin. Come,
precious Jesus! chase away these thick clouds, and
let me behold Your lovely countenance, and be so
captivated with Your charms, that I may never more
give my heart to earthly objects!

-Ruth Bryan

“Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?” (Lamentations 3:37-38; see Amos 3:6)

He declares “the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” (Isaiah 46:10)
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33)

Therefore, “if God is for us, who can be against us? . . .Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:31-37).

He has a plan and remember what ever we go through it is a part of His plan for in th end to bring Him all the Glory and that should be our desire...

TO BRING HIM GLORY

WORSHIP THE ONE ONLY THAT DESERVES IT

Scriptures says it all..........

(Rev 5:11-12 NASB) "And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.""

(Phil 2:8-11 NASB) "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Rom 12:15 (NNAS) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Psa 95:6 (NNAS) Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

John 4:23 (NNAS) But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.

1 Chr 16:29 (NNAS) Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.

Psa 146:2 (NNAS) I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

1 Chr 16:29 (NNAS) Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.
Psa 146:2 (NNAS) I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Graham Truscott - "When God's people begin to praise and worship Him using the Biblical methods He gives, the Power of His presence comes among His people in an even greater measure."

Charles H. Spurgeon - "God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation."

A. W. Tozer - "Without worship, we go about miserable."

HOPE ONLY FOUND IN YOU

As I look back and remember 2008, I remember a lot of good times,I remember a lot of struggles and I feel a lot of growth in my life. It has been a tough year for many folks with the way the Economy has been. There has been many job losses, folks loosing their homes, some not knowing how they are going to pay their bills or even put food on the table for their families. It has been a year where many have been to afraid of spending their hard earned money in fear of what tomorrow will bring. When you look around the world and all that is happening, you question how close the Lord's return is, it is exciting for the christian because we long to be with our Lord and Savior but for the lost, they do not have that hope. It tears at the heart of a christian because they have families and friends that fear what tomorrow will bring and are the wrong path.

As a christian we still worry, but not as much because Jesus tells us not to worry.
John 14:1-3
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging."

Psalm 32:8-10
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you."


Lord I Pray for those around us that do not know you as their Savior, that you open their hearts to truth so that they can enjoy the fellowship and love found only in you. Where they can find comfort in times of trouble and where they can find the forgiveness of their past transgressions because of what of the blood you shed on the cross.

"We should ask God - - to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak and raise it up when it is overthrown. " John Calvin

And Finally..............

Philippians 4:4-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I wish, brothers and sisters, that we could all imitate "the pearl oyster"—A hurtful particle intrudes itself into its shell, and this vexes and grieves it. It cannot reject the evil, but what does it do but "cover" it with a precious substance extracted out of its own life, by which it turns the intruder into a pearl! Oh, that we could do so with the provocations we receive from our fellow Christians, so that pearls of patience, gentleness, and forgiveness might be bred within us by that which otherwise would have harmed us.

—Charles Spurgeon

WONDERFUL MERCIFUL SAVIOR

What a wonderful God we serve. I hope you are enjoying the music lately.

Wonderful mericiful Savior
Precious redeemer and friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could
Rescue the souls of men, Oh You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, comforter, keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way, Oh we hopelessly lost the way

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace our
Hearts always hunger for, Oh our hearts always hunger for

Almighty infinite father
Faithfully loving Your own
Herein our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne, Oh we're falling before Your throne

THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU

In Jesus are . . . riches--if you are poor;
honor--if you are despised;
friendship--if you are forsaken;
help--if you are injured;
mercy--if you are miserable;
joy--if you are disconsolate;
protection--if you are in danger;
deliverance--if you are a captive;
life--if you are mortal;
and all things--if you have nothing at all.

Time and eternity are His! He can give
you all the glorious things of eternity!

Moreover, He can deliver you . . .
from all your fears;
from sin--the worst of all evils;
from self--the most hurtful of all companions;
from death--the most dreadful of all changes;
from Satan--the most subtle of all enemies;
from hell--the most horrible of all prisons; and
from wrath--the most horrifying doom of all sinners!
Now, where will you find such a one as Jesus?

Why, then, refuse life, and seek after death?

All heaven is enamored with His beauty!

The longer we look on 'created gaieties', the leaner
and less lovely they grow; so that, by the time we
have viewed them forty, fifty, or sixty years--we
see nothing but vanity in the creature! But when
ten thousand ages are employed in beholding the
perfection and beauty of Jesus--He still appears
more and more lovely--even altogether lovely!

Alas! I can say nothing of His true excellencies!
They overwhelm my laboring thought, and are
too vast for my feeble conception to bring forth!

THE BEST WAY TO MORTIFY SIN

(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness", 1662)

"Therefore, put to death whatever in you is worldly:
sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed,
which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5

While a darling sin lives and keeps the throne in the heart,
grace and holiness will be kept exceeding weak and low. But
when your darling sin is dethroned and slain by the power
and the sword of the Spirit--grace and holiness will quickly
grow stronger and stronger, and rise higher and higher.

When a man has eaten poison, nothing will make him thrive,
until he has vomited up the poison. Beloved sins--they are
the poison of the soul, and until these are vomited up, and
cast out by sound repentance, and the exercise of faith in the
blood of Christ, the soul will never thrive in grace and holiness!

If ever you would attain to higher degrees of holiness,
then fall with all your might, upon subduing and crucifying
your most raging corruptions, and your most daring lusts!

Oh do not think that your golden and your silver idols will
lay down their weapons, and yield the battle, and lie at your
feet, and let you trample them to death--without striking a
blow! Oh remember that besetting-sins will do all they can
to keep their ground, and therefore you must arise with all
your strength against them, and crush them to powder,
and burn them to ashes!

Oh deal with your most enraged lusts, as the Philistines
dealt with Samson--pluck out their eyes, and force them
to grind in the mill of mortification, until their strength is
utterly consumed and wasted.

I have read of five men, who being asked what was
the best means to mortify sin, gave these answers.

Said the first, "The best means to mortify sin,
is to meditate on death."

Said the second, "The best means to mortify sin,
is to meditate on the judgment-day."

Said the third, "The best means to mortify sin,
is to meditate on the joys of heaven."

Said the fourth, "The best means to mortify sin,
is to meditate on the torments of hell."

Said the fifth, "The best means to mortify sin, is to
meditate on the death and sufferings of Christ."

Doubtless the last man hit the nail on the head!

The daily sight of a bleeding, groaning, dying
Savior--is the only thing which will subdue and
mortify darling sins!

O friends! Never leave looking up to a crucified Christ,
until virtue flows from Him to the crucifying of those
special besetting sins which do most obstruct and
hinder the growth and increase of holiness.


The devil, things and people being what they are, it is necessary for God to use the hammer, the file and the furnace in His holy work of preparing a saint for true sainthood. It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.

Do you feel the chiseling away?

Молодёжный хор - "Он Иегова"

Isn't it Great!!!!!

:)

Cristina

HE IS JEHOVAH

FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

For unto us a Child is born
For unto us a child is born,
To us a son is giv’n;
The government shall rest on him,
Th’ anointed one from heav’n.
His name is Wonderful Counselor,
The Mighty God is he,
The Everlasting Father,
The humble Prince of Peace.
The increase of his government
And peace shall never end;
He’ll reign on David’s ancient throne
As ruler of all men.
Upheld with justice and righteousness,
Forever his kingdom will last;
The zeal of the Lord
God Most High
Will bring these things to pass.
Lord Jesus, come now and reign in me,
Be Lord of my life this hour.
Come be my Counselor and my God,
My source of wisdom and power.
Watch o’er me with your Father care,
My heart and my mind, fill with peace.
I worship you, my Lord and King,
My praise will never cease.

GRACE AND MERCY

Amazing Grace and Mercy
The grace of God comes to us in our poor sinful condition and offers us the mercy of God when we deserve His wrath.God shows us mercy and God uses people to show His mercy through them.

God shows mercy in saving us. "According to His mercy,He saved us." Titus 3:5. This is the top-stone of mercy!Here mercy displays itself in all its orient colors. Mercy imercy indeed, when God perfectly refines us from all the lees and dregs of corruption; when our bodies are made like Christ's glorious body, and our souls like the angels.Saving mercy is crowning mercy. It is not merely to be freed from hell—but enthroned in a kingdom! What rich mercy will it be—to fully possess God, to see His smiling face, and to lay in His bosom forever! This will fill us with "a glorious, inexpressible joy!" 1 Peter 1:8. God'ssaving mercy, is the diamond in the ring!

We are all living monuments of God's mercy! He shows mercy to us in daily supplying us. He supplies us with health. Health is the sauce which makes life sweeter. How those who are chained to a sick-bed, would prize this mercy! God supplies us with provisions. "God who fed me all my life long." Gen 48:15. Mercy spreads our tables, and carves for us every bit of bread we eat! We never drink, but in the golden cup of mercy!

" 'Grace' is more than mercy and love, it superadds to them. It denotes, not simply love, but the love of a sovereign, transcendently superior, one that may do what he will, that may wholly choose whether he will love or no. There may be love between equals, and an inferior may love a superior; but love in a superior, and so superior as he may do what he will, in such a one love is called grace: and therefore grace is attributed to princes; they are said to be gracious to their subjects, whereas subjects cannot be gracious to princes. Now God, who is an infinite Sovereign, who might have chosen whether ever He would love us or no, for Him to love us, this is grace." Thomas Goodwin

REMEMBER....

To those that love the Lord with all their hearts...Our comfort is found in Him, Remember Be still my soul....

Or those that do not know Christ as their Savior, He is but a breath away. He can comfort you when you feel at a loss, He will never disappoint you, He will love you with an everlasting Love and He will take that dead heart and give you a new heart washed in the blood He shed on Calvary and cause you to walk in His ways....He will still your soul....

GRACE

"Grace" is more than mercy and love, it superadds to them. it denotes, not simply love, but the love of a sovereign, transcendly superior, one that may do what he will, that may wholly choose whether he will love or no. There may be love between equals, and an inferior may love a superior; but love in a superior, and so superior as he may do what he will, in such a one love is called grace: and therefore grace is attributed to princes; they are said to be gracious to their subjects, whereas subjects cannot be gracious to princes. Now God, who is an infinite Sovereign, who might have chosen whether ever He would love us or no, for Him to love us, this is grace.

—Thomas Goodwin

ROMANS 8:28

To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall co-operate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over.

—Thomas Watson

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

This is my husbands favorite verse and I can understand why.

All things, that means "All our afflictions and trials; all the persecutions and calamities to which we are exposed. Though they are numerous and long-continued yet they are among the means that are appointed for our welfare."

Work together for good - They shall cooperate; they shall mutually contribute to our good. Whatever trial we go through, there is a reason for it, that in the end it will work for our good.

To them that love God To them who are the called - That means you and me who children of God, the Elect, those that have put their faith in Jesus Christ. Those whom have been called to be one of His own.

When we have afflictions in our life, we can find it as a challenge, we can say."How can I bring God the glory in all this and how can I handle this and let others see the faith I have in Christ even though I am suffering?"

According to his purpose It implies that God had a plan, purpose, or intention, in regard to all who became Christians. They are not saved by chance or hap-hazard. God does not convert people without design; and his designs are not new, but are eternal. What he does. he always meant to do. What it is right for him to do, it was right always to intend to do. What God always meant to do, is his purpose or plan. That he has such a purpose in regard to the salvation of his people, is often affirmed.

This purpose of saving his people is,
(1) One over which a creature can have no control; it is according to the counsel of his own will; Eph_1:11.
(2) it is without any merit on the part of the sinner - a purpose to save him by grace; 2Ti_1:9.
(3) it is eternal; Eph_3:11.
(4) it is such as should excite lively gratitude in all who have been inclined by the grace of God to accept the offers of eternal life. They owe it to the mere mercy of God, and they should acknowledge him as the fountain and source of all their hopes of heaven.
(help from e-sword)

As the wicked are hurt by the best things, so the godly are bettered by the worst.
—William Jenkyn

Afflictions are light when compared with what we really deserve. They are light when compared with the sufferings of the Lord Jesus. But perhaps their real lightness is best seen by comparing them with the weight of glory which is awaiting us.

Amen Mr. Pink!

Many Christians are not bettered by the judgments they see--when they have bettered by the judgments they have felt. The gold is refined--by being in the furnace! Likewise, with the Christian, "I have refined you in the furnace of suffering!" Isaiah 48:10



Cristina

JUST LISTEN

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great;
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,—
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he,
Lord Sabaoth his name,
From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, —
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure, —
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers —
No thanks to them — abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

WHOSE THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE?

Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Do you submit to His Lordship? Are you in submission to His will? Do you yield to His control?

What do I mean by this, are you obedient to the path He has asked you to follow? I know what you are saying," It’s Grace, it’s all about Grace" and I would answer yes it is, but that doesn’t give us a reason to continue in sin. We are saved through grace but that does not mean we are not to be obedient to the Word of God. When we are saved, we are to be submissive to the Lord, it is a commandment of God. There is scripture throughout the Bible that teaches us to submit to our Lord to help us mature in Christ. I am not saying it is works that saves,but I am saying, obedience is important , it should be a desire for us to please God in all we do. Yes we are still in the flesh and it is something we will all fight until the day we are face to face with Jesus but the flesh should not be our excuse everytime we sin. We do not need to be disobedient, we choose to.

Sometimes we try to accomplish things on our own when we have the Holy Spirit indwelling inside us to be obedient and we should rely on Him..
Eph. 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Being filled with the Spirit is yielding to the Spirit’s control. It is also important to note that even when we fail to obey, God has made a provision for that so that we can remain in fellowship with Him.
1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

We are strongest when we rely on Him, We can not do this on are own, when the Lord is first in our lives, then and then alone do we really see a difference in our walk. The question is are we willing to bow down to the Lord's leading?

Consider some of the serious implications of Jesus' lordship:
1. Lordship implies our entire submission from the outset. It is a strange salvation that knows nothing about daily submission to Christ the Lord.
2. Lordship implies our willing service. The most outstanding conversion in the history of the church was that of the apostle Paul, recorded in Acts 9. It is interesting to note two questions Paul asked in verses 5 and 6: "Who are you, Lord?" and "What do you want me to do?" These are questions of a willing servant.
3. Lordship implies obedience. Jesus Said in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?"
4. Lordship implies ownership. If Jesus is my Lord, He owns me lock, stock, and barrel.Ernest C. Reisinger

Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of his fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil. It is the Heavenly Father's will thus to exercise them so as to put his own children to a definite test. Beginning with Christ, his first-born, he follows this plan with all his children. --John Calvin

GOD'S OMNIPRESENCE

"Perhaps the most serious, sobering thing my mind has ever contemplated is the fact that I am always in the presence of God. God cannot be shut out anywhere. Even in the most secret recesses of my mind and the deepest, most secluded imaginationsof my heart, God is there. Everything I think, say, and do is done in the immediate presence of God. This fact should cause me to be filled with reverence and godly fear and with great joy too. God is present everywhere to save, preserve, and comfort his elect." -Don Fortner

Our Lord is always with us, He sees all and hears all that we say and do, even when we are in the flesh and yet He never leaves us. His promise is kept, His love is eternal. There is no greater love then the love of God.

Jer 32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Matthew 18:12-14 "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? (13) "And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. (14) "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

When God calls a man, He does not repent of it. God does not, as many friends do, love one day, and hate another; or as princes, who make their subjects favourites, and afterwards throw theminto prison. This is the blessedness of a saint; his condition admits of no alteration. God's call is founded upon His decree, and His decree is immutable. Acts of grace cannot be reversed.God blots out His people's sins, but not their names.
—Thomas Watson

TRUST GOD

Those circumstances, which to the dim eye of Jacob's faith wore a hue so somber, were at that very moment developing and perfecting the events which were to shed around the evening of his life the halo of a glorious and cloudless sunset. All things were working together for his good! And so, troubled soul, the "much tribulation" will soon be over, and as you enter the "kingdom of God" you shall then see, no longer "through a glass darkly" but in the unshadowed sunlight of the Divine presence, that "all things" did "work together" for your personal and eternal good.
—Arthur W. Pink

As the Elections of United Stated draw near, I are wondering what will happen in the next years ahead with the newly elected Government? When folks go to elect the one they feel would run the country better, do they elect the best of the worse? Do they elect the ones that are against abortion or those that are for abortion because they seem to be the better one that can deal with the economy? I have heard many professing Christians say they will vote for Obama because they feel he will be the best one because of the economy, and some say they will vote for McCain because he would be best one to deal with the terrorist and can protect our country.

McCain supports the following statements:
Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered.
Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as “partial-birth” abortion.
Prohibit public funding of abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.

Obama:
Q: Do you personally believe that life begins at conception?
A: This is something that I have not come to a firm resolution on. I think it's very hard to know what that means, when life begins. Is it when a cell separates? Is it when the soul stirs? So I don't presume to know the answer to that question. What I know is that there is something extraordinarily powerful about potential life and that that has a moral weight to it that we take into consideration when we're having these debates.

I have to ask the Americans, do you vote for men that feel it is ok to abort a baby? We have been given the freedom and privilege to vote, but I also believe we have to be true to the Lord and not vote for a man that would agree to abortion, in any cercumstance. We have to remember who ever gets voted in to office, God has already planned it and for what ever purpose has allowed one of these two gentlemen to run the country for the years ahead. As a christian can you really vote for one of these men because of their stand on Abortion? I could not cast a vote for a man that believes in the murder of of a baby.

When a mom decides to abort her baby because she was raped or because of incest, I am sorry I can not agree with it. There are many folks out there that are alive because a mother decided against abortion, and gave birth, I am sure they are so thankful. When a mother's life is in trouble, it is tough but I have a heard of many women willing to take a chance for their baby to be born and I commend them.

I guess it bothers me that christians are willing to vote in a man that is willing to take away the chance of life for a baby to be born. Obama is just sitting on the fence like he always does to get the vote from both sides. I commend a man that stands up and say abortion is wrong and I will not agree with it and I commend a christian to say no and does not vote for a man that believes in the murdering of babies.

Divine sovereignty is not the sovereignty of a tyrannical Despot, but the exercised pleasure of One who is infinitely wise and good! Because God is infinitely wise He cannot err, and because He is infinitely righteous He will not do wrong. Here then is the preciousness of this truth. The mere fact itself that God's will is irresistible and irreversible fills me with fear, but once I realize that God wills only that which is good, my heart is made to rejoice.
—Arthur W. Pink

Cristina

Prayer Request

Could I please ask for prayer for my dad. He has shingles and he is in a lot of pain. It is right around his chest and It pains me to see him suffer so much. He is always a jolly man and not to hear that in his voice hurts very much.

Thank you
Cristina

ALL THINGS NAKED

I read this and thought this was well worth sharing with others. Do we sometimes forget that God sees and hears everything we do... I sometimes forget, and think I can get away with sin because it may seem so insignificant, yet in God's eyes it is just as bad as a horrific sin. When I think on this I bow my head in shame. We battle the flesh every day of our lives, we just have to remember we are not alone. I know lately my blog has been on fighting the flesh, I guess it is because the battle seems to be getting stronger. I find that when you really want to walk strong for the Lord, the Enemy of God's Children makes it tougher because he just does not want you to do the Lord's work. When I read on putting the armor of God, it encourages me. I hope you enjoy reading this as I did......... I want Jesus to say I am pleased with this child. Please pray for me

Hebrews 4:13, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

All things are open and laid bare before God. All things are open to His view and understanding. No thought or action escapes the God who created the heavens and the earth. All things are naked before him. Knowing this, do we dare omit any duty, or commit any sin, while under the ever-seeing eye of the God who sees all things and hates sin? It is wise for us, when we are tempted, to remember that God misses nothing. We know that Christ has delivered His people from Hell, but do we remember that He has also delivered us from this evil world? Those temptations which assail us are known to God, and our response to them, either to yield to or resist sin, is laid open and bare before Him.

We ought to remember that sin grieves God. He created us, has watched over us, preserved us, endured our foolishness, given us food, drink, sunshine, rain and all that we need to sustain our lives. Yet we all too often repay His kindness by transgressing His will and going our own way. It is as if we thought our understanding surpassed His. Yet when we go our own way and cross His way, He is ever-loving when we return to Him. God does not say, "You made the choice to sin, and now all I have to do with you is give you the punishment you deserve." No, He is joyful when we return to Him and forsake our sin. This thought should encourage us. The One to whom all things are naked and open sorrows when we transgress His way, and rejoices to receive us back, when we sorrow before Him in repentance.

While on this earth we are not freed from the presence of sin in our lives, through Christ, we are freed from the power of sin to condemn us to hell for eternity. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1. Sin may vex us, but it does not hold final authority over us. Christ has paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. Thus, while temptations may confront us on all sides, we know that in a final sense, we have already obtained final victory over temptation through the atoning work of Christ. "And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned against Me, and by which they have transgressed against Me," Jeremiah 33:8.
It is both knowing that all is laid naked before God, and that Christ has freed us from the ultimate power of temptation, that should encourage us to stand firm when we are tempted to yield to it. The following is the story of Mr. Story, who had a great reputation for honesty. He was brought before King James II to be tried for rebellion, and not many who were brought before James II walked away. It was thought that Mr. Story had no chance of survival, because he would not embellish the truth in any manner, but would simply tell the whole truth so as not to offend God. His friends knew he would do this, even if it cost him his life.

The king said to him, "Well, Mr. Story, you were in Monmouth's army (an army set against the king), were you not?" "Yes, please your majesty." "And you were a commissary there, were you not?" "Yes, please your majesty." "Did you not preach and make speeches to the crowd?" "Yes, please your majesty." "Pray," said the king, "if you have not forgot what you said, let us have a taste of your florid speech: Give us some flowers of your rhetoric, and a few main points on which you insisted." "I told them, your majesty, that it was you that set fire to the City of of London." (He referred to the great fire which destroyed much of London) "What else did you tell them?" "I said you poisoned your brother, and that you were determined to make us all papists and slaves." The king granted him a full pardon.

Here is the example of one who would not lie, even when the temptation to do so meant the preservation of his life. Yet God, to whom all things are open and laid bare, saw, and Mr. Story was preserved. What a great encouragement to faithfulness the story of Mr. Story should be to us.

From Christian Fellowship Devotionals

THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION

If I am naked--You are the Lord my righteousness.
If I am soul-sick--You are my physician.
If I am weak and helpless--You are my strength.
If I am neglected and despised--You are my compassionate and faithful friend.
If I am ignorant--You are made unto me wisdom.
If I am polluted and enslaved--You are made unto me sanctification and redemption.
If I am nothing but emptiness and vanity--You are full of grace and truth."

Do you ever feel down on yourself at times? Do you ever feel so sick at those times when you are battling the flesh? Do you sometimes feel useless or just empty, feeling you have nothing to give? Do you ever feel alone with no one there to share with?

I think we all feel one or more these feelings even as a christian...I know I have.
Those valleys of life we deal with are never battled alone, we have the one and only one that never leaves us or forsakes us, He loves us for who were are, in any situation we are in...even sinning..He is always there.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31

"He withdraws not His eyes front the righteous" for one moment. There stands the "Friend that sticks closer than a brother," waiting to beam upon them a glance of His love-enkindled eye, and to manifest Himself to them as He does not unto the world, even from behind our wall."

Comforting words?

WE ARE THE REASON

Christ beareth me good company. He has eased me, when I saw it not, lifting the cross off my shoulders, so that I think it to be but a feather, because underneath are everlasting arms. - Samulel Rutherford

GOSSIP AND THE DAMAGE IT CAUSES

James 3:4-6 Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. (NAS)

Do we ever care about the ripping effect Gossip has? The damage that can be caused by gossip can damage a person's life forever. There is an old saying "If you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all" How true are these words? The tongue as the verse above says, "it is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell." Our tongue can cause pain for another when we use it to gossip about another. William Penn said,"Never report what may hurt another unless it be greater hurt to conceal it." It can be a damaging weapon. If what you have to say about someone is just to hurt that person, DON'T say it, but if you feel that if not reported someone will be hurt by it, if not reported, then of course reveal it.

The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as one who reveals secrets going about as a talebearer or scandal-monger. This is one who has gotten out of people secrets about themselves and their families, and then goes about telling his tales from house to house, to the great detriment of those whose secrets he is entrusted with, as well as to those to whom he tells them, as well as to his own. Gossip is distinguished from sharing information by its intent. The gossip-monger has as his goal building himself up by making others look bad and by exalting his superior knowledge of others.

"They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:29b-32). We see from this passage how serious the sin of gossip is and that it characterizes those who are under God’s wrath.

Women like to gossip, but as the years go on I realize men do just as much. We all struggle in this area. What drives me crazy is when Folks will say "Let's pray for so and so" and then go in deep detail about that person's situation...details that do not need to be shared...this is "GOSSIPING" as far as I am concerned.

"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much" (Proverbs 20:19).

( From "Got a Question?")
"A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret" (Proverbs 11:12-13).
The Bible tells us that "a perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" (Proverbs 16:28). Many a friendship has been ruined over a misunderstanding that started with gossip. Those who engage in this behavior do nothing but stir up trouble and cause anger and bitterness, not to mention hurt, among friends. Sadly, some people thrive on this and look for opportunities to destroy others. And when such people are confronted, they deny the allegations and answer with excuses and rationalizations. Rather than admit wrong, they blame someone or something else, or attempt to make it sound like the sin committed isn't so bad. "A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts" (Proverbs 18:7-8).

Those who guard their mouths and tongues keep themselves from calamity (Proverbs 21:23). So we must guard our tongues and refrain from the sinful act of gossip. If we surrender our natural desires to the Lord, He will help us to remain righteous. God rewards the just and the righteous, so we should all strive to remain as such.


Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Prov. 26:20 Next time someone starts to gossip. put out the fire before it starts and walk away, it could be you next, that person will gossip about. "Who gossips to you, will gossip of you."

Cristina

LITTLE CHILDREN THAT SUFFER

little Katelynn Sampson born to a drug-addicted mother who could not take proper care of her, then handed over to a so called friend..then gruesomely murdered. I read this in our home town paper this week, the horror this little girl went through and my heart aches for this little one. The truma she endured in such a short life just tears me apart. It shows the depravity of man to the core.

A 911 call was placed about a child choking, but veteran homicide Detective-Sergeant Steve Ryan said Katelynn suffered severe and complicated injuries he characterized as among the worst he had seen in 20 years.

So many children that suffer at the hands of adults, it just should not be like this, but it is. Children who put their trust in an adult just to find out that they are their worse enemy. When this sort of thing happens and a little one dies, I can only rest in the fact the God is a merciful. The bible does not teach an Age of Accountabilty, but I know I serve a Loving and merciful God and just leave it at that.

And you know the hardest thing to do is to pray for the folks accountable for this horrible act...pray for their salvation, but I do. God help them....God please show them their sinful ways and save them.

Cristina

SUBMISSION TO OUR HUSBANDS

I wrote a blog around a year or 2 ago about how women are to submit to their husbands. It sure is a touchy subject to a lot of women. For a wife to deny she must submit to her husbands means she must deny the inspiration of scripture itself...


Eph 5:22-24 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Colossians 3:18 (King James Version)

Col. 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1 Peter 3
1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

1 Cor. 11:3 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God

Wives must submit to their husbands as though he were the Lord.
How do some women feel when they hear this I wonder? I will give you the answer, they are angry, defensive, they will say I am not his slave!

Well....Ephesians 5 says "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord." God has asked us to submit to our husbands, just as we submit to our Lord, our Master. "Our Master, you say!" "We are not our husbands slaves!" Servants are slaves and they serve their Master. We are servants also to our Lord as we should be servants to our husbands.

Lady's that read this, please listen to what I Peter 3 says..

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Sarah had no problem submitting to Abraham, did she? I think a word that women that do not know Christ hate most when talking about the bible or Christianity is the word "Obey". Many women take the word "OBEY" out of their vows of marriage.

When we submit to our husband by obeying him, we are submitting to God and that is the most important thing in all of this. We are submitting to God, we are practicing what the Word of God tells wives to do. We need to remember this in those times we find hard to submit to our husbands and there are times even if they are few that all women do struggle with submission. Some suggest that a wife submitting to husband makes her a second class human, or inferior to men. This is wrong. Husbands and wives share equal rights as humans. The husband is not "higher" than the wife because she must submit to him!

I do believe as we submit to our husband we are giving him the strength to lead his wife and children. He has more confidence in himself knowing that we trust and rely on his wisdom and the decisions he makes for his family. Women that stand behind their husbands a lot of times are the emotional strength and their roles are just as important in a marriage. When your children see how you submit to your husbands, they also will usually follow that pattern. Also when we submit we make it so much easier for our husbands to follow Gods Word When a husband loves his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25-33),

So ladies remember God has given us this special role to live by, let us remember that first and foremost we are pleasing Him and then our husbands. Our goal should be to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. I'm working on it....

Cristina

YOU SHOULD FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS

"He who says he abides in Him, ought himself also
to walk even as He walked." 1 John 2:6

Christians are to set all Christ's moral actions before them
as a pattern for their imitation. In Christ's life, a Christian
may behold the picture or lineaments of all virtues--and
accordingly he ought to order his life in this world.

To walk as Christ walked is to walk . . .
humbly,
holy,
justly,
meekly,
lovingly,
fruitfully,
faithfully,
uprightly.

To walk as Christ walked is to . . .
slight the world,
despise the world,
make a footstool of the world,
to live above the world, and
to triumph over the world as Christ did.

To walk as Christ walked is . . .
to love those who hate us,
to pray for those who persecute us,
to bless those who curse us, and
to do good to those who do evil to us.

To walk as Christ walked is to be patient, and silent,
and submissive, and thankful, under the vilest reproaches,
the heaviest afflictions, and the greatest sufferings.

"Leaving you an example, that you should follow
in His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

From Grace Gems

Those that know Him should follow His lead, there should be some sort of fruit in their lives. The corrupt nature, called the old man has been done away with and we are a new man, with Christ living in us. If Jesus lives in you and me we have all the power we need to be conformed into His image. Let us take up our cross and make a difference in this world, in the nieghbors around us, the folks we work with....with our families that are lost.

Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

2 Timothy 1:8 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Cristina

FINDING JOY

"The things we try to avoid and fight against - tribulation, suffering and persecution - are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. Huge waves that would frighten the ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. "We are more than conquerors through Him" IN all these things - not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation". Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Rom 8:37, 2 Cor 7:4)

How hard is for you sometimes to thank God for an affliction or trial? I know sometimes it is hard for me. I sometimes question His purpose but then He reminds me "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 The joy we have when we remind ourselves, we are children of the Almighty, He is our Father and He is with us every moment of every day and every trial and tribulation. The joy we have in that should put a smile on our face and joy in all we do and say. Have you thanked God today?

Thank you Lord!

Cristina

ASKING WHY?

I am back and want to talk about what I read in our Home Town Newspaper this morning.
I am getting older and as you get older I think most folks check the obituaries to see if anyone they have known in their past has passed away. As I read this morning paper and scanned the Obituaries I came across one that told of a young mother and her twin daughters dying at birth.
Heather, 26, July 30 Mya, infant, July 30, Lauren, infant, July 31,

My heart sunk reading this, my heart went out to the dear husband and family of this Mom and babies.

I can not even imagine what this dear husband and father is going through right now, loosing his wife and his first children at the same time. The sorrow he must be experiencing?

I have never really had to deal with a situation like this and I wonder how I would deal with it? I know the Lord would substain me through it, but I also know that we are still in the flesh and we still feel pain and loss.

How would you answer this man and his family if they ask, Why did this happen?

Cristina