tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54599547092975109192024-03-13T07:57:34.040-07:00Stuff From the PondGary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-85295162617928634312011-05-31T15:00:00.001-07:002011-05-31T15:11:40.736-07:00The World is Ending, the World is Ending (?)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For many years, I had several books in my library telling us when the world would end and why. I picked up most of them at yard sales or flea market because I thought they would be a nice collection. A bunch of books written by morons who didn’t believe God and think that they knew more about when the world would end than He does.<br />
<br />
Recently, another one of these “geniuses” figured out a mathematical code in the Bible that proved the Earth would end on May 21, 2012. Naturally he garnered a lot of attention and secured his 15 minutes of fame. When the date/time passed, he came up with an excuse that his calculations were off and that October 21 is the real date. It’s now his third guesstimate of when the Earth will end. Sadly, some people believe these predictions, while others grow apathetic toward those who try to reveal prophecy to the world.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, pastors or “prophets” like these give the world even more of an excuse to look down on Christians and our beliefs. Those who toil for many years reaching out to the world and trying to do the work that the Lord has given us, have a difficult enough time reaching others without crackpots making fools of themselves and putting all Christians in a bad light. Sadly, they are not alone. Many pastors/preachers/churches have done a fine job of repelling the world from Jesus instead of attracting people to Him. Many times our pride gets in the way and destroys any message that we may be trying to tell the world.<br />
<br />
Now back to where I once was going with this……<br />
Someday, when don’t know when, time on Earth will end for each of us. Either by our death, or by the long prophesied return of Christ. Plainly in the Bible in Matthew 24:36-39, it says;<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(English Standard Version)<br />
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.</span> <br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So anyone who tells you they know when it will happen is lying to you and evidently thinks the Bible is in error. If I was you, I’d ignore them. That does not change the fact however that one day, it will happen.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are we to do in the mean time then?</strong> We don’t know when the end will be so we need to be sure to live our lives in a way that honors Christ and follows His teachings. The most important commandment He gave us is also in Matthew. In 22:37-40 Jesus says;<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(New International Version)<br />
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”<br />
</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God owns heaven and that is where He lives. Those who decide to follow Him and turn their lives over to Him will spend eternity.<br />
<br />
God also owns and created Hell. That is where satan and those who choose not to follow God’s teachings will reside for eternity.<br />
<br />
The only way to get to Heaven is by turning the control and ownership of our lives over to Jesus.<br />
<br />
John 14:6 (ESV)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.</span> <br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Y</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ou may be one of those who says that “God is love and won’t send anyone to hell”. You are partially correct. God is love, but He also is just and if you disregard His word and teachings and chose to live as you want without regard to Him, He says that He will send you away from Him. No matter how good you may have lived your life, if you don’t turn your life over to Him you will be sent away from Him.<br />
<br />
Matthew 7:13-23 (ESV)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.</span> <br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.<br />
<br />
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'<br />
<br />
God never desired for one single person to end up in Hell. It’s not God’s will that anyone should perish and go to Hell... <br />
<br />
2 Peter 3:9 (The Message)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.</span> <br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is not God’s fault if men and women are unwilling to turn from ways. Hell was created for Satan and his followers, not humans. If we make a decision to follow our own ways, we are destined to end up there. No exceptions, even for really nice people.<br />
<br />
So as mentioned before, someday this world will end. When it does, our spirits will spend eternity at one of two locations; paradise (Heaven), or eternal pain where the fire never goes out and you will be tortured for eternity (Hell). From what I’ve read and contrary to popular belief, there’s no party going to be happening there.<br />
<br />
The choice of where you end up is entirely up to you.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-28354423390049223782011-04-20T16:51:00.000-07:002011-04-20T16:58:24.004-07:00Living Your Dash Minutes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I was doing some upkeep at our family’s cemetery plot in Jackson. It’s not a large plot, my Grandma Witt is there along with my Son Cody, and a future place for my Mom & Dad (hopefully way in the future). Someday I’ll be placed there also beside my Son, again, not too soon I hope. I also saw that there were several new “arrivals” that had recently been interred at the cemetery. Being the nosey person that I am, I walked over to see them and noticed that one was around my age and the other person was 92 years old.<br />
<br />
For most of us, when our life has reached an end, we will be laid to rest six feet under. Above us will be a sign, marking out the spot where our body lies. The tombstone will have very basic information about us — our name, our date of birth, our date of death. There may also be an inspirational quote, a favorite Bible verse or a something that was meaningful to us. What is most important on that tombstone, though, is what is most easily overlooked — the dash. In between the day of our birth and the day of our death there is a simple dash.<br />
<br />
The dash is small, measuring little more than an inch in granite. It’s length is a fitting emblem for the duration of our lives. Life is vaporous, a thin, wisp of breath on a chilly December morning (James 4:14). Life is like a shadow that momentarily covers the backyard and disappears with the passing clouds (Psalm 102:11). Life is like a flower that droops its head under the weight of the summer sun and the frost of the winter cool (Psalm 103:15). Our time on Earth is very limited no matter how long we live.<br />
<br />
To one day have to face death is an inescapable human condition, so what do we do? We do what Moses did. We ask for help and pray that we might gain the mind of God: “Teach me to number my days so I may present to you a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). The real measure of that small dash on the tombstone is all that measures the character of our lives: the decisions we face, the sacrifices we make, the relationships we pursue, the sins we confess, the joys we share, the gifts we give, the kindnesses we extend, the troubles we suffer, the talents we employ, the legacy we leave behind. Life is much more than simply a line chiseled in stone. How are you filling up the dash between the two points?<br />
<br />
I’ve been doing some reflection on my life; where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going. I ask myself, “How can I walk a lifestyle that brings honor to God?” All these things are driving this thought: I want my dash between the dates to be a legacy that honors God.<br />
<br />
My life is bigger than what I do today, tomorrow or even 20 years down the line. My life will be an inheritance to my children and the generation that comes after me. Everything I do in this life will be passed on to them. So what am I leaving behind? What am I doing with the dash between the dates?<br />
<br />
Thankfully, I’m nowhere near what I once was, but I’m nowhere near where I want to be. This thought process isn’t discouraging. On the contrary, it is hopeful. I’m not thinking about this on my deathbed. I don’t have one foot in the grave with a heart full of regret. I’m on top of the dirt, not under it. Hopefully the Lord will give me time to correct the issues keeping me from being where I want to be.<br />
<br />
God has given me several dreams for my remaining time here on Earth and I’m ready to step out in faith to follow them. I have the resolve to make it happen. I’m ready to establish a legacy that brings honor to my family, but mostly brings honor to Jesus and prepares me for my transfer from Earth into eternity.<br />
<br />
This brings up the most important decision we will ever face during our time on Earth. There is nothing more important than where you will spend eternity.<br />
<br />
If you have never thought about where you will go when you die...take a moment and do so. Have you ever thought about death? Where will you go after you die? Where will you spend all eternity when your life here on earth is over?<br />
<br />
No matter what, you won't escape death. No one will. And eternity is a long time. In fact, just think, it's forever and never ends. There is no time in eternity.<br />
<br />
There's nothing more important than where you go after you die. You don’t float in vast nothingness, you don’t come back as a horse, you won’t go to Hell to have an eternal party with your friends. You’ll either go to a paradise (Heaven), or to eternal damnation (Hell). That’s the only two choices. There are no entry requirements for Hell, but there is one for Heaven. You have to be perfect or forgiven.<br />
<br />
Have you ever looked at yourself according to how God see's you? If not, here's what to do, evaluate yourself against the 10 Commandments to see how you measure up to God's standard of righteousness.<br />
<br />
Have you ever lied (even once-fibs, white lies, etc.)?<br />
Have you ever stolen (the value is irrelevant)?<br />
Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you ever looked with lust? <br />
<br />
If you have said "Yes" to any of these three questions (by your own admission), you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart; and we've only looked at three of the Ten Commandments.<br />
<br />
Even though the 10 Commandments were given a long time ago, they are still relevant for today...in the New Testament it says, "you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Ephesians 5: 5). One way or another that covers us all. No one is perfect and no one is without sin. Sorry, I know it can be a shock to some.<br />
<br />
Have you put God first in your life? Or have you created a false god to suit yourself; a god you feel comfortable with? If God judges you by that standard will you be innocent or guilty? If you're honest and listen to your conscience you know that you will be guilty, and end up in Hell. <br />
<br />
The reality of that should make you worry. However, there is some good news, God Himself made a way for us to be forgiven to wipe the slate of our failures and sins clean. In the book of John, it says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man and was without sin. He suffered and died on the cross and then He rose from the dead, defeating death. You broke the law and Jesus paid the fine with His blood. Today, here's what to do, admit your sins to God, repent (turn) from your sins, put your trust in Jesus to save you from eternal damnation, and you will pass from death to life. Only through Christ can God forgive you and grant you the gift of everlasting life. If you ask God to forgive you of your failures/sins/wrongdoings He has promised He will forgive you and erase them from our list.<br />
<br />
The amount of time we spend on Earth will vary for each of us. Some will get more time than others and most will never know when our time is winding to an end. Living our lives for momentary pleasure or for ourselves can be fun for a season. I can’t tell you it’s not. There are plenty of things that are bad for you that are appealing. But doing what we want and living like we want does have an eternal cost. Living our lives in a way that honors our Creator can be just as exciting, fun, memorable and the benefits far outweigh the momentary happiness and pleasure.<br />
<br />
Let’s do what we can to make our dash meaningful while we are here and a positive legacy after we’re gone.<br />
<br />
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">C.T. Studd </span><br />
<br />
<b>The Dash</b><br />
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend<br />
He referred to the dates on her tombstone <br />
from the beginning to the end. <br />
He noted that first came the date of her birth <br />
and spoke of the following date with tears,<br />
But he said what mattered most of all <br />
was the dash between those years.<br />
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth.<br />
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.<br />
For it matters not, how much we own; <br />
the cars .... the house... the cash.<br />
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.<br />
So think about this long and hard ... <br />
are there things you'd like to change?<br />
For you never know how much time is left. <br />
(You could be at "dash mid-range")<br />
<br />
If we could just slow down enough to consider <br />
what's true and real,<br />
And always try to understand the way other people feel.<br />
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,<br />
And love the people in our lives <br />
like we've never loved before.<br />
If we treat each other with respect <br />
and more often wear a smile...<br />
Remembering that this special dash <br />
might only last a little while.<br />
So, when your eulogy's being read <br />
with your life's actions to rehash...<br />
Would you be proud of the things they say <br />
about how you spend your dash?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Linda Ellis © 1998.<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<b>James 4:14 (English Standard Version)<br />
</b>yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.<br />
<br />
<b>Psalm 102:11 (ESV)<br />
</b>My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.<br />
<br />
<b>Psalm 103:15 (ESV)<br />
</b>As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;<br />
<br />
<b>Psalm 90:12 (ESV)<br />
</b>So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.<br />
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<b>Ephesians 5:5 (ESV)<br />
</b>For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-38062544200533366762011-03-31T17:43:00.000-07:002011-03-31T17:58:25.024-07:00To Be a Friend of God, or NotI had planned on a short note this month, but that fell apart so here goes. Oh well, maybe next month.<br />
<br />
I ran into a former church member recently and they told me of someone who is teaching a class at their church. I thought it a bit strange as I’m pretty sure from outward appearances and decisions/choices this person has made through the years that they are not a Christian. I can only go by the words/lives/actions of people and base my decision on the outward appearances. However, I cannot judge the heart of a person. God knows whether a person is one of His or not. The rest of us have to make an educated guess.<br />
<br />
That got me to thinking of a conversation I had with a couple of “pastors” several years ago about someone teaching a class that was to help people get closer to God. My part of the conversation went something along this line:<br />
<br />
I love movies, especially old movies from the 30’s to the 50’s. The 60’s brought about a major change in the American culture and it took its toll on the quality of movies coming out of Hollywood so I don’t watch many from that decade.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, one of my favorite actors of all time is Sean Connery. Almost every movie and every role he has played through the years appeals to me or draws my interest. I know little about him except the fact that he’s Scottish, 6 ft 2 inches tall, and was born in 1930. He was paid around $17,000 for starring in the first James Bond movie (Dr. No), made $17.5 million dollars for the movie “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” which he called a “nightmare”. I tend to agree with him.<br />
<br />
I could decide that I wanted to hold a class for people to teach them how to become a friend of Sean Connery. We could go over all of the facts of his life, cover all of his movies, find out his favorite foods, his shoes size, favorite color, favorite vacation spots, his political views, his pets names, etc. We could get to know many facts about him and learn almost everything there is to know about him. But how could I teach someone to become his friend if I have never met the man or don’t actually know him. I could teach a class about him, but not a class on how to know him.<br />
<br />
So how could someone who goes against a large portion of Jesus’ teachings and ignore biblical advice from Pastors and Counselors, be put in a position to teach a class about how to get closer to God? As a Pastor, one of the main responsibilities you have is to look after your flock (members) and be sure that anyone who is put in a position of teaching anything has a sound Christian foundation. As a Pastor, you will be held accountable for any of the teachings your members receive from your church. If someone is not qualified or becomes disqualified due to their decisions/choices, you must remove them from any position of leadership until the situation gets corrected.<br />
<br />
One of the absolute certainties of the Bible is that God wants you to be a friend of His. Without getting too deep in theology and losing you, here’s the condensed version of this;<br />
<br />
* God is absolutely perfect. He cannot have imperfect things around Him.<br />
* God created the world and the universe. He also created Adam & Eve and place them in a perfect place, the Garden of Eden.<br />
* Satan is an angel that was in Heaven and thought that he was as mighty as God is and wanted the other angels to follow him instead of God. Thus, God kicked him out of Heaven, along with the angels that decided to follow Satan.<br />
* Satan and his followers came to Earth and found Adam and Eve. After a discussion with them, they deceived Adam & Eve into following his advice and sinning, becoming imperfect. Since they were imperfect, they could no longer hang around God and they were banished from the Garden of Eden and no longer had direct communication with God. This filtered down to all of the descendants of Adam & Eve which includes everyone.<br />
* God longed for Adam & Eve (as well as all of their descendants) to be able to have communication with Him so He sent His Son, Jesus, to the Earth to pay the price for their (and our) imperfections. His death provided payment for their and our sins.<br />
* If we turn (repent) from our wrongdoings/imperfections/sins and ask Jesus to pay for our sins, we can have a walk with God, be part of His kingdom, and reside in Heaven with Him for eternity.<br />
<br />
Abraham was the first one mentioned in the Bible that God called friend. If we look at Abrahams life, we can see what we need to do to be called a friend of God.<br />
<br />
Abraham placed his trust in God. This is not easy since we as humans, especially men, want to be in charge and control our situations and destiny. We have to learn to trust God with our lives and futures. Psalms 91:1-2<br />
<br />
Abraham communicated with God. You cannot have someone and call them your friend without communicating with them. Though we cannot pick up the phone and call God, we can communicate with Him through prayer and by reading His word, the Bible. John 15:12-17<br />
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James 2:23 tells us of the greatest characteristic of Abraham. Abraham is the patriarch of the Jewish people. God called him to be the father of the nation of Israel. In this verse, we see one of the highest titles, if not the highest, that can be given to anyone. "He was a friend of God." Abraham is the only one referred to as a "friend of God" in the entire Bible. Let’s look and see why Abraham's was called the friend of God.<br />
<br />
In John 15:13-15, Jesus used the term "friend or friends". He told His disciples that they were no longer slaves, or servants, but were His friends. I believe it is a great privilege to be called the "Friend of God, or Friend of Christ." <br />
<br />
Proverbs 18:24 tells us that friendship in this connotation is speaking of intimacy or more than just a close acquaintance. "One who is attached to another by affection". So, we must understand that there was a reason why Abraham was called "The Friend of God." It is possible to be a child of God and not be a friend of God. <br />
<br />
It is possible to be saved and not have that intimate relationship with God that would qualify us as His friend. Let's examine why Abraham carried this title. In Genesis we will see four characteristics that he possessed and why he was called the Friend of God.<br />
<br />
I. He Submitted To The Direction of God. Genesis 12:1-4.<br />
God told Abraham to pull up stakes and leave his home. In doing he will enter a complete new lifestyle, a new occupation, and head to a new land. Abraham didn't even know where he was going or what was ahead. He just got a message from God and took off.<br />
<br />
How many of us would accept that same call from our employer? Monday morning the boss calls us in and says, "We are going to transfer you." We say, "Where will I be going?" The boss replies, "I cannot tell you yet, but just have your bag packed by tomorrow and I will take you there." <br />
<br />
How many of us would go? <br />
<br />
It didn't make sense to the natural mind. He was to forsake every security he has enjoyed. He did not know his destination. He didn't know how far he was going. <br />
<br />
But Abraham submitted to God’s direction. Hebrews 11:8<br />
<br />
What if God told you to go somewhere or to do something? How would you react? If you’re like me, we have questioned and argued with God. We’d want some answers to our questions before we sent out.<br />
<br />
That's not submission to God's direction. We cannot be called the "Friend of God" as long as we question or resist God's direction in our life. <br />
<br />
There are three reasons why Abraham obeyed.<br />
Because of his confidence in God's will. (that's faith) <br />
Because of his conscienceless of God's will. (that's submission) <br />
Because of his commitment to God's will. (that's obedience)<br />
<br />
Abraham did not demand an explanation. Faith does not need an explanation. He obeyed. He submitted to God's direction. <br />
<br />
If we study the various victories that are recorded in the Bible we will find that each victory was a result of the obedience of the Children of Israel rather than their mightiness or their ability. <br />
<br />
God wants those who will follow Him without reservation.<br />
<br />
II. Abraham also separated from the Godless crowd. Genesis 14:21-23<br />
Take a look at the impact of these verses. Abraham had defeated these five kings of the north, and the king of Sodom, out of appreciation, wanted to give him a reward but Abraham didn’t want it and took nothing from him even though he was beginning a long journey. He doesn't know how far he will be going because he is obeying God. <br />
<br />
Now he is faced with a circumstance that if he will allow the king of Sodom to reward him for his victory Abraham can profit financially if he will just be a little flexible. But Abraham was the friend of God, and he did not want it to appear that he was endorsing the ungodliness of Sodom. 1 Thessalonians 5:22<br />
<br />
Abraham was called the "Friend of God" because he was willing to be separated from the ungodly city of Sodom. His nephew Lot had chose to follow his own desires. We see Lot’s progression in sin as he first pitched his tent toward Sodom the wicked city and he lost his possessions, and his family! If we expect to be the "Friend of God", we must follow the example of Abraham.<br />
<br />
We cannot be the friend of God and the friend of the world at the same time. <br />
We are in this world, but we do not have to of the world. <br />
We can choose to serve God even though the godless world is all around us.<br />
<br />
Also we notice that Abraham was willing to stand on the dependability of God. Genesis 15:1-6.<br />
<br />
God's promise to Abraham was to bless all the nations of the earth. However, he did not have an heir and was getting on up in years go the circumstances were against him. Even with the bad odds, Abraham stood on the dependability of God and placed his full trust in what God said. The true friend of God is the Christian that is willing to stand on the Word of God. Romans 4:20-21<br />
<br />
III. Abraham stood on the promise of the God being dependable.<br />
With all I’ve been through in my years here on Earth, I can tell you for sure that you can also stand on promise of God. What He has promised, He will do.<br />
<br />
Consider God's promises.<br />
He has promised to save all who will call on His name. Romans 10:13<br />
He has promised to care for us in the deepest hour of sorrow. 1 Peter 5:7<br />
He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5<br />
He has promised to meet our needs. Philippians 4:19<br />
<br />
IV. He Was Willing To Sacrifice His Dearest To God. Genesis 22:1-6<br />
Abraham had a strong faith. However a faith that has not been tested is faith that cannot be trusted. Twenty-five years had passed between the promise of God and the actual delivering of that promise and now God says, "Sacrifice him." <br />
<br />
Abraham was the friend of God because he allowed nothing to shake his confidence in the love of God. Abraham was willing to sacrifice that which was dearest to him and He was going to literally kill Isaac, his promised son. His intention was to plunge the knife into the heart of his dearest son, prepare him for the burnt offering, and then burn him on the altar of God. God had to stop him. Hebrews 11:17<br />
<br />
Would we pass the test? God expects you and I to surrender all that you have or own to Him. <br />
Our home<br />
Our business<br />
Our children<br />
Our plans and future<br />
<br />
God expects you to sacrifice all that we count dear and precious to Him, or else we can forget about being the friend of God. Remember, He has already done all of that for us. He sacrificed that which was the dearest to His heart on Calvary's cruel cross so that you and I may have eternal life and has already shown Himself a friend to us. <br />
<br />
Now when are we going to show ourselves to be friends of God? <br />
Begin first of all by accepting Him as your Savior. <br />
Trust Christ for your salvation. <br />
Trust Him with our lives. <br />
Be willing to follow His direction. <br />
Totally surrender to Him. <br />
<br />
A friend places no boundaries on his heart, but places everything upon the altar of sacrifice for God. Abraham was the friend of God. How about you and I today? I wonder how close we can come to being classified as the "Friend of God."<br />
<br />
God and you only know the true relationship you and He have. Is it just a “casual” relationship, or is there some depth to it. A real, true longing desire in your heart to live for God and serve Him is the best way to be a friend of God. That means 24/7-365.<br />
<br />
* No partying and living for the world on weeknights and heading to church to <br />
praise Him on Sundays. <br />
* No immoral relationships, then telling others how much you love Him.<br />
* No shady business deals and praising Him for the outcome.<br />
* No drugs, no drunkenness, no hatred, no unforgiving spirit, no pride, no lust, no <br />
murder, no lying, no habitual laziness, no stealing, no anger, no envy, no greed, <br />
and even no racism.<br />
<br />
God doesn’t want you to be a mindless robot or to have no fun, anyone who knows me knows I’m all about fun, but He goes give us guidelines to use to follow Him if we are to call ourselves His. He expects us to do all within our power to follow His guidelines if we are to be considered a friend of His. From my personal experience, it’s all worth it.<br />
<br />
Forgive me for sounding “preachy”, old habits die hard.<br />
__________________________________________________________<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Psalm 91:1-2 (English Standard Version)<br />
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.<br />
<br />
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."<br />
<br />
John 15:12-17 (ESV)<br />
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.<br />
<br />
James 2:23 (ESV)<br />
and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)<br />
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.<br />
<br />
Genesis 12:1-4 (ESV)<br />
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."<br />
<br />
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.<br />
<br />
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)<br />
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.<br />
<br />
Genesis 14:21-23 (ESV)<br />
And the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself." But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.'<br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (ESV)<br />
Abstain from every form of evil.<br />
<br />
Genesis 15:1-6 (ESV)<br />
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir." And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: "This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir." And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.<br />
<br />
Romans 4:20-21 (ESV)<br />
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.<br />
<br />
Romans 10:13 (ESV)<br />
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."<br />
<br />
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)<br />
casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.<br />
<br />
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)<br />
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."<br />
<br />
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)<br />
And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.<br />
<br />
Genesis 22:1-6 (ESV)<br />
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together.<br />
<br />
Hebrews 11:17 (ESV)<br />
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-17406018112969480232011-02-25T15:31:00.000-08:002011-02-25T15:42:50.134-08:00Perception is Reality?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through the years there have been numerous catch phrases that our workplace or society has pressed upon us. I am on the Board of Directors for a local theatre and at our last monthly meeting, I was reminded of a new catch phrase that seems popular, “Perception is Reality”. I’d heard it before but this time I paid attention to the saying and noticed that it is about one of the most idiotic sayings I’ve heard in quite some time. Let me explain;<br />
<br />
• Let’s say you come across a salesman who is trying to sell you a chair with rotten legs all the while telling you how sturdy of a chair it is and giving you a long history of all the people who have sat in the chair. It’s painted and looks really nice so the perception is that it will hold you if you decide to sit in it. You plop down on the chair but the legs break and you fall to the floor.<br />
<br />
• Maybe you are asked to help replace a light socket and your helper tells you he’s pretty sure he has turned off the power to the two wires hanging from the ceiling. They don’t look energized and even look completely harmless. You reach up to connect the wires to the new light socket and instantly find out the power is still on and you get an electrical shock.<br />
<br />
• You’re driving home in a rainstorm, you come up to a section where there is water running across the street and it looks flooded. You stop and look at the situation and decide that it’s not too deep so you proceed to drive through the water. Your car begins to float off the road and you end up stuck in a ditch and you car is totaled.<br />
<br />
In all three of these situations you have the perception that all is going to turn out well. However, the reality of the situation is that you fall on the floor, you get shocked and you wreck your car. In each case, the perception did not match the reality. This happens also when we pre-judge people on their first impression. At times it may be correct but there are times when our perception of people is wrong.<br />
<br />
Sadly, this philosophy even spills over to the most important aspect of our lives. Some people have the wrong perception of how to get to heaven. Even the almighty Oprah has given out false information on getting into heaven. Some of the perceptions on how to gain entrance into heaven include;<br />
<br />
• Live a good life<br />
• Give to charity<br />
• Help other people all the time<br />
• Serve at the soup kitchen/homeless shelter<br />
• Support the United Way/Salvation Army/Goodwill<br />
• Attend church regularly<br />
• Don’t drink, smoke or use drugs<br />
• Get baptized<br />
• Pray regularly<br />
<br />
There are plenty of other answers: "I'm basically a good person, so I'll go to heaven." "OK, so I do some bad things, but I do more good things, so I'll go to heaven." "God won't send me to hell just because I don't live by the Bible. Times have changed!" "Only really bad people like child molesters and murderers go to hell."<br />
<br />
These are all common rationalizations, but the truth is that they are all false. Satan, the ruler of the world, plants these thoughts in our heads. He, and anyone who follows his ways, is an enemy of God (1Peter 5:8). Satan is a deceiver and often disguises himself as someone good (2 Corinthians 11:14), but he has control over all the minds that do not belong to God. "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4).<br />
<br />
Getting into heaven is not based on whether our good outweighs our bad; we will all lose out if that is the case. "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace" (Romans 11:6). We can do nothing good to earn our way to heaven (Titus 3:5).<br />
<br />
When God created the world, it was perfect and good. Then he made Adam and Eve and gave them their own free will, so they would have a choice whether to follow and obey God. But they were tempted by Satan to disobey God, and they sinned. This separated them (and everyone that came after them, including us) from being able to have a close relationship with God. He is perfect and holy and must judge sin. As sinners, we couldn't reconcile ourselves to God on our own. So God made a way that we could be united with Him in heaven. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus was born to die for our sins so that we would not have to. Three days after His death, He rose from the grave (Romans 4:25), proving Himself victorious over death. He bridged the gap between God and man so that we may have a personal relationship with Him if we only believe.<br />
<br />
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). Most people believe in God, even Satan does. But to receive salvation, we must turn to God, form a personal relationship, turn away from our sins, and follow Him. We must trust in Jesus with everything we have and everything we do. "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference" (Romans 3:22). The Bible teaches that there is no other way to salvation than through Christ. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."<br />
<br />
Jesus is the only way because He is the only One who can pay our sin penalty (Romans 6:23). No other religion teaches the depth or seriousness of sin and its consequences. No other religion offers the infinite payment of sin that only Jesus Christ could provide. No other “religious founder” was God become man (John 1:1,14) – the only way an infinite debt could be paid. Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die. Salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ! “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).<br />
<br />
Is it naïve to think Jesus is the only way to heaven? Not if it is true. Jesus said He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Either He was telling the truth or He wasn't. If He was telling the truth, it's not naive to agree with Him.<br />
<br />
Followers of Christ are generally assumed to be from the Western hemisphere. However, Jesus began in the Middle East and spread outward from there, throughout the whole earth. There are many believers in Africa and Asia. Currently the largest Christian church in the world is in South Korea.<br />
<br />
Faith in Christ is not just a Western thing, though skeptics and antagonists like to paint that picture. The Bible tells us that the multitude of believers who will be in heaven will be from every tribe and people and nation and language (Revelation 7:9), and that Jesus died for the sins of people from every tribe, nation, people and tongue (Revelation 5:9).<br />
<br />
If Jesus is in fact, God, as He said, and rose from the dead as proof, then He has given us ample reasons to believe in Him. He is not asking for a naive faith, but a knowledgeable faith in Him. And those who will believe in Jesus receive a more abundant life, direction in life, peace with God, and eternal life.<br />
<br />
Basing our entrance into heaven on something that is perceived is dangerous. We should do all we can to explore the truth of the situation and not hang our eternity on some modern new-age fad or belief system that is full of holes. Eternity is too long to be wrong. </span><br />
_________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
1 Peter 5:8<br />
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 11:14<br />
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 4:4<br />
in their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.<br />
<br />
Romans 11:6<br />
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.<br />
<br />
Titus 3:5<br />
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit<br />
<br />
John 3:16<br />
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.<br />
<br />
>Romans 6:23<br />
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<br />
<br />
Romans 4:25<br />
The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God. The Message<br />
<br />
John 17:3<br />
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.<br />
<br />
John 1:1<br />
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.<br />
<br />
John 1:14<br />
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-52650932675953434922011-01-31T16:58:00.000-08:002011-01-31T16:58:59.655-08:00A Crutch For When Life Doesn't Make SenseI was going to cover a different topic this month but within the last couple of weeks, a friend of mine lost her 9 year old Daughter in an accident and it reminded me of a “discussion” I’ve had with several people through the years.<br />
<br />
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed. —2 Corinthians 4:8<br />
<br />
You may remember a few years back when Jesse Ventura the former governor of Minnesota said that “Christianity is a crutch for weak minded people”. His comment brought outrage from several religious organizations. It didn’t bother me much though, the man has a long history of being an idiot and has always had a string desire to be in front of a camera or in the spotlight. After all he was a professional wrestler for many years, maybe he got hit in the head too much. :-) Also, I don’t have to answer for his statements or decisions and what he believes has no affect on what I believe. There are other skeptics and atheists that say that the Christian faith is nothing more than a crutch—that the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are weaklings who have to make up “religion” to get by?<br />
<br />
A story about a doctor in one Far Eastern country spent 2 ½ years in jail being “reeducated” because he professed faith in Christ. Then, after his release, he was arrested again—this time for his efforts at his church. Maybe those skeptics haven’t heard about Paul. After trusting Christ, he was arrested, flogged, mocked, and shipwrecked (2 Corinthians 11:16-29).<br />
<br />
These are just a couple of examples, one modern and one from biblical times. These believers were not looking for a crutch. No, they had something deep and essential in their hearts. They had a personal relationship with God—a relationship born of faith in the work of Jesus on the cross. As a result, they became children of the King—eager to sacrifice everything for the privilege of proclaiming Him. They were not limping along looking for something to hold them up.<br />
<br />
I had the misfortune of performing CPR on my infant Son many years ago. I couldn’t revive him and he passed away. A couple of days later we buried him and for quite some time we had to deal with the loss and pain that accompanied the loss of a child. It was a very difficult and traumatic time in my life and caused me to be upset with God and even angry at times. I thought, I’m just starting in the ministry and have devoted my life to following you and trying to bring others to you. Is this how you’re going to provide for me? Why can’t you do this to regular people out in the world and let bad things happen to them? Why me? In many ways it shook my foundation as a Christian and caused me to question God’s direction and motives.<br />
<br />
Though I still do not understand all of the reasoning behind why God allowed me to go trough that and many other troubles/trials since then, I know without a shadow of a doubt that; He loves me, He see’s the whole picture, and He’s in charge and control of everything. Even if I never get to understand it while I’m here on Earth, He had a reason for it and if I give my life to Him, I’ve got to take the bad He allows my direction if I’m going to take the wonderful things He sends my way. I also know that whenever I’m at a low point, I can turn to Him and He will comfort me and take care of my issues. No matter how large or small. He’s the rock and foundation of my life, nothing that comes my way can destroy the foundation.<br />
<br />
A crutch? Hardly, faith in Christ is not about safety and caution. It’s about believing Jesus and trusting Him no matter what. It’s about taking up a daily cross (Luke 9:23) and living for the Savior.<br />
<br />
I also can take comfort in knowing that no matter where I am, God will always be there with me. In Psalms 120:1 it says, “In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me”. <br />
<br />
Detective Allan Pinkerton became famous in the mid-1800s by solving a series of train robberies and foiling a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln as he traveled to his first inauguration. As one of the first agencies of its kind in the US, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency gained even more prominence because of its logo of a wide-open eye with the caption, “We Never Sleep.”<br />
<br />
There is no better feeling than knowing you are protected and secure. You feel peaceful when the doors are locked and all is quiet as you drift off to sleep at night. You feel safe. But many lie awake in their beds with fearful thoughts of the present or dread of the future. Some are afraid of commotion outside or of a spouse who has been violent. Some cannot rest because of worry over a rebellious child. Others are anxiously listening to make sure a seriously ill child is still breathing.<br />
<br />
These are the times when our loving God encourages us to cry out to Him, to the One who will neither “slumber nor sleep” (Psalms 121:4). Psalms 34:15 reminds us that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.”<br />
<br />
Pinkerton may have been the original “private eye,” but the One who really has the eye that never sleeps is listening to the cries of “the righteous” (Psalms 34:17).<br />
<br />
Some who have gone through traumatic times in their lives go on a journey and search for something to ease pain, fill a void, somewhere to turn for help, comfort, or relief from the situation. Often it ends up being alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. all are a temporary fix to the problem and more often then not they cause more issues for one to have to deal with. The only sure fire fix for this is having a relationship with Jesus Christ. I can vouch that He’ll always be there for you and nothing you’ve done or can do is too bad for Him to want to have a relationship with you. When you think your life is shattered and there’s no way to get fixed again, love heals your heart and the provider and sustainer of love and hope is Jesus.<br />
<br />
Before you sleep, just gently lay<br />
Every troubled thought away;<br />
Drop your burden and your care<br />
In the quiet arms of prayer. —Anon.<br />
<br />
We can sleep in peace when we remember that God is awake.<br />
<br />
How Can I Keep From Singing?<br />
Chris Tomlin<br />
<br />
There is an endless song<br />
Echoes in my soul<br />
I hear the music ring<br />
<br />
And though the storms may come<br />
I am holding on to the rock I cling<br />
<br />
How can I keep from singing Your praise<br />
How can I ever say enough<br />
How amazing is Your love<br />
How can I keep from shouting Your name<br />
I know I am loved by the King<br />
And it makes my heart want to sing<br />
<br />
I will lift my eyes<br />
In the darkest night<br />
For I know my Savior lives<br />
<br />
And I will walk with You<br />
Knowing You'll see me through<br />
And sing the songs You give<br />
<br />
How can I keep from singing your praise?<br />
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?<br />
How can I keep from shouting your name?<br />
I know I am loved by the king, and it makes my heart want to sing.<br />
<br />
I can sing in the troubled times<br />
Sing when I win<br />
I can sing when I lose my step<br />
And fall down again<br />
I can sing 'cause You pick me up<br />
Sing 'cause You're there<br />
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord<br />
When I call to You in prayer<br />
I can sing with my last breath<br />
Sing for I know<br />
That I'll sing with the angels<br />
And the saints around the throne<br />
<br />
How can I keep from singing your praise?<br />
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?<br />
How can I keep from shouting your name?<br />
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart<br />
I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart<br />
I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart<br />
Want to sing<br />
<br />
I can sing <br />
_________________________________________________<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 4:8 (New International Version)<br />
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; <br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 11:16–29 (English Standard Version)<br />
I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not with the Lord’s authority but as a fool. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! <br />
<br />
But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? <br />
<br />
Luke 9:23 (ESV)<br />
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. <br />
<br />
Psalm 121 (NIV)<br />
I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? <br />
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. <br />
He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. <br />
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. <br />
The LORD will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. <br />
<br />
Psalm 120:1 (NIV)<br />
I call on the LORD in my distress, and He answers me. <br />
<br />
Psalm 34:17 (ESV)<br />
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. <br />
<br />
Psalm 121:4 (ESV)<br />
Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. <br />
<br />
Psalm 34:15 (ESV)<br />
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry.Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-19902449845518425402010-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:002010-12-31T16:59:13.088-08:00Another New Year Already? They Sure Seem to Get Here Fast<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It barely seems possible but another year has passed and we are at the threshold of a new year. I remember old people telling me when I was a kid that years go by faster when you start getting older. Though I'm far from being old, it seems to be true.<br />
<br />
I didn’t set out to learn as much as I did this past year, but I was able to learn many things and hopefully will be able to apply that knowledge and make the upcoming year even better. There is an old saying that says you are never get too old to learn something new. I found out many things about me and several things about others this year. Some include;<br />
<br />
* There are more people in the world that keep you as a “friend” that only want you around to use you if there is a need for you in their life. If everything is going smoothly in their lives, you won’t hear from them. When the going gets tough or something’s broke, they’ll buddy up to you again. Actually, I knew this before but it was even more present in this past year. Especially at work.<br />
<br />
* No matter how much you pray, beg, plead, etc. The decisions of others are totally out of your control and you cannot force people to walk the “straight and narrow”. The world has lots of things to entice others and living for Christ has a small upside for people who love the things of the world and are enthralled by the things of the world.<br />
<br />
* I am even more apathetic than I thought I was.<br />
<br />
* I don’t get upset or downcast by the actions of others as much as I used to. If you have low expectations of others, it doesn’t upset you near as much when they fail to meet your expectations.<br />
<br />
* Being loved is overrated.<br />
<br />
* Being a “butthead” has limited positive benefits.<br />
<br />
* Being alone is underrated.<br />
<br />
OK, not everything I learned was a downer. There were several things I learned that are useful. Many of which were relationship oriented. If the Lord allows, I hopefully will have the opportunity to use them in the future.<br />
<br />
If I look over the goals I had for the past year, I was able to make progress on some items also.<br />
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* I paid off my former spouse’s vehicle and freed up many dollars per month.<br />
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* I “pursued” getting to know a young lady even more this past year in an attempt to be more of a part of her life. During this time I found out that I was much more interested in her than she was interested in me. But at least I was able to hone my skills ;-)<br />
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* I made much progress in getting my finances in order.<br />
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When setting my goals for the upcoming year, I removed the items that are out of my control. For example, though I would love to have a relationship with my two Children, much of it is totally out of my control. No matter how much time and energy I devote to being part of their lives again, it’s pretty much up to them to make it happen. I can make myself available to them but that’s the extent of my control of the situation.<br />
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So far some of the goals I have are;<br />
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* Pay off my truck again this year<br />
* Spend more time with in-depth Bible study. (less superficial study)<br />
* Continue to overcome shortcomings/”addictions” of the past<br />
* Increase charitable giving<br />
* Work to build stronger relationships<br />
* Learn to trust others more (not everyone is out to take from you, leave you, or stab you in the back)<br />
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Goals are important in your life. Each person needs a vision of what they want in the future. In Proverbs 29:18, God says that without a vision His people perish. I recommend that each person set aside time to map out your goals for the year. Not resolutions, they often disappear by the end of January and you’ve forgotten them in a very short time. But real, long term goals for your life. If you have a vision of where you want to be, you stand a better chance of getting there. Having them written down somewhere so you come across them on a regular basis improves the chances that you can accomplish the goals and improve your life.<br />
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Lastly, remember that some goals take longer to attain than others. Don't give up on any worthwhile goal that you set unless God tells you to move on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Proverbs 29:18 (The Message)<br />
If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.<br />
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Philippians 4:6 (English Standard Version)<br />
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-76409086970288374212010-11-30T16:09:00.000-08:002010-11-30T16:09:58.871-08:00Does God Care How I Live or Act?I recently read a Facebook post where the user posted, “I don’t care what others do or say about me. I try to live for the Lord, but I’m not perfect. He understands and loves me just like I am, whether I’m good or not”. I also was told once by a local pastor that, “we cannot be perfect in our lives. Living like Jesus says is not attainable. He understands that and loves us anyway”. I thought on these statements for quite some time and came up with several questions:<br />
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• Can we turn our lives over to God and then continue to live how we want and treat Him and His word like dirt? <br />
• Are we supposed to live like we want because His standards are too high?<br />
• Does God expect us to live as a Christian all the time or only when we feel like it?<br />
• Are we so shallow and self absorbed with our own wants and desires that we put God on the shelf until we need Him?<br />
• Does God really love us if we continually sin against Him or ignore His rules/teachings?<br />
• If we live life doing what we want, when we want, are we really Christians at all?<br />
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God loves everyone. He sent His Son, Jesus, to repair the gap created between God and Man when Adam sinned. Since there is no doubt that God loves us, I did some research on it and found the following:<br />
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What God wants is this: He wants you to be completely good, and separate from everything that is bad. <br />
In I Thessalonians 4, Paul tells us that we should live a life that pleases God. We do this by separating ourselves from the things that draw us away from Him. Some of these are sexual immorality, lying, cheating, stealing, coveting others possessions, cursing, etc. Anything that God frowns upon, makes Him sad when we do them. How do you find out what God frowns upon? Read His word.<br />
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In I John 3, the writer tells us that we cannot act like the devil and still be a disciple of Christ. We cannot serve the one that Jesus came to destroy and Him also. If we still are trapped by and desire the things we profess to turn from, we may need to re-check our “decision” to follow Christ and make sure of its validity.<br />
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Matthew Henry said of this, “Religion is not an art, a matter of dexterity and skill, but a new nature. And the regenerate person cannot sin as he did before he was born of God, and as others do who are not born again. There is that light in his mind, which shows him the evil and malignity of sin. There is that bias upon his heart, which disposes him to loathe and hate sin. There is the spiritual principle that opposes sinful acts. And there is repentance for sin, if committed. It goes against him to sin with forethought. The children of God and the children of the devil have their distinct characters. The seed of the serpent are known by neglect of religion, and by their hating real Christians. He only is righteous before God, as a justified believer, who is taught and disposed to righteousness by the Holy Spirit. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil. May all professors of the gospel lay these truths to heart, and try themselves by them”.<br />
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In Romans 6, we see that we are not to sin more to make acquire more grace. The apostle is very full in pressing the necessity of holiness. He does not explain away the free grace of the gospel, but he shows that connection between justification and holiness are inseparable. True believers are dead to sin, therefore they ought not to follow it. No man can at the same time be both dead and alive. He is a fool who, desiring to be dead unto sin, thinks he may live in it.<br />
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Years ago, we were “sighting in” the scope on a rifle I was using. I went to a friends firing range to shoot and took aim at the target. While shooting, I discovered that the sight was set too low. I aimed using that sight, but I hit the bottom of the target. I had to aim high in order to hit anywhere near the bull’s-eye. I adjusted the scope several times and finally got it lined up to where I was aiming.<br />
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Aren’t our lives a lot like that? If we set our sights too low, we really don’t accomplish all that we can. Sometimes we have to aim high in order to reach a desired goal.<br />
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What should be our aim in life? How high should we point our ambitions? Well, since Scripture is our true guide, we will shoot for nothing but spiritual maturity. In fact, in Paul’s farewell to the people of Corinth, he said, “Aim for perfection” (2 Cor. 13:11 NIV). And we also have the high aim of these words from the lips of Jesus, “You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48).<br />
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Perfection is a lofty target, and we won’t attain it in this life. But if we want to honor God and get close to that high goal, we need to aim high. That means turning from our sinful and failed ways of the past and turning to the honorable things of God. It takes a change in heart and mind to follow God. If we are to follow Him, we have to get off of the paths we have walked all our lives and walk in a way that will bring honor to Him.<br />
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Yes, God will still love us if we are imperfect. However, if we call ourselves followers of Him we should do all within our power to follow His teachings and bring joy to Him in our lives.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Thessalonians 4 (English Standard Version)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 John 3:9 (ESV)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Romans 6:1-2 (ESV)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew 5:48 (ESV)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. </span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-62664983217934506452010-11-10T16:01:00.000-08:002010-11-10T16:04:24.423-08:00How I Ended Up This Way - Well, Maybe....... (re-hashed)Some may consider this disturbing, but I promise you I’m fine and all is well, (as well as it has ever been) in Gary’s head. However, after one of my recent counseling sessions (thanks, ex), I was asked how I felt about life and what I thought others think of me. At my next session I was supposed to give a report about my thoughts. I figured I’d share it so here goes: A word of advice, you might want to click to another page now………… <br />
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For most of my life, I cared deeply about all that went on and everyone that was a part of my life. I enjoyed my life, my work, my family & my friends. I absolutely adored my Kids and my “wife”. Over these past few years, almost everything that I cared deeply about was removed, walked away or was taken away. I fought losing them, and did all I could to salvage what I could, but lost miserably. Since then I developed a strong apathy toward others and events that take place in my life. I tried to be a good Father to my two wonderful Children, but evidently didn’t do to well at it since neither of them has a desire to be any part of my life or to have me in theirs. I’ve been told I was horrible at being a husband, so I’ve decided I probably should avoid doing that again or in building relationships in general. Plus having someone you’ve devoted your life to turn their back on you has a tendency to severely damage your self-worth and tarnish your opinion of yourself and your abilities. Even more so when you have no real understanding as to why they did what they did to you.<br />
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I’ll live through whatever comes my way, do my best to not interfere with others lives, try to keep to myself to avoid burdening anyone and when my time is up here I’ll die and more than likely few will care. I haven’t and won’t make a major life altering impact on anyone; the world will not mourn my loss nor honor my time here on Earth. I’ve come to accept the fact that I am not the type person that people enjoy having around. I’m opinionated; I do not have a strong “mercy” side to me, don’t have a good bedside manner, cannot give good advice, and offer nothing but an excellent example of how not to do things or how not to live your life. I have an innate ability to rub people the wrong way, especially women. I can fix many broken items but really, is that something to base your whole reason for living on? So I guess technically, I’m not totally useless. :-)<br />
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However, as with most issues in my life, I don’t really care if I’m liked or wanted. I’ve learned that human love is not all it’s cut out to be, it’s feelings based, does not last forever, it’s self-serving & self-centered, disposable and that some people are destined to spend their lives alone in solitude/alone. It’s not necessarily what I had planned when I was growing up, as I had a yearning desire to love and to be loved, but sometimes life dumps things in your life and no matter how hard your struggle with it, there’s nothing you can do about it. So you must learn to accept it and move on.<br />
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I was chastised recently because of my apathy. Work wants me to be more passionate about my endeavors and goals for work/life as I have been in the past. I’ll try because they are the one who give me a paycheck for now, but from what I’ve discovered these past few years, it will be an almost impossible task to accomplish as apathy has taken a great hold in my life and in the end, will it really matter if I was a devoted employee or not? In life and ministry, I’ll tell you the truth and you can either accept it or reject it. Your beliefs have no lasting impression or bearing on my life on Earth or my eternity afterward. So I really don’t care if you believe me, call me a liar or think I’m crazy.<br />
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I saw a t-shirt years ago that said, “Life Sucks, and Then You Die!” I thought at the time the person who was wearing the shirt must have had a difficult time in their life or that they needed to change their outlook on life. I’ve come to realize in the last few years however that for some of us, sadly, it’s true.<br />
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I still have a desire to love and to be loved, but it’s getting to be a much diminished and almost non-existent part of my life. I’m here until God says I’m through and calls me on. My opinion is; the sooner the better. I won’t do anything to help shorten my time here, but don’t have any desire to lengthen it. To paraphrase Revelation 22:20, “Even so Lord, come quickly”<br />
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My best friend in life told me a few years back, “You’ve changed. You no longer have the passion for life, fun and adventure you once had”. I couldn’t help but agree. I’ve tried to get back to some semblance to where I once was, but somehow I keep getting beat back to where I am.<br />
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So there you have it. Yes, I’ve got issues but who doesn’t? Mine may be “extreme”, but it’s where I was dropped off and I’m unable to get out of it. No matter where I turn, who I turn to, or what I do; I’m here. I would love to someday get moved to a new point and once again have a passion for life and love, but I don’t see that happening. And no, it’s not other people’s fault I’m here. I got here through my own bad decisions and gullibility and can’t blame others for my bad choices and decisions. So I guess it’s going to be up to me to get out. But apathy is one strong sucker.<br />
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"Still Holding On"<br />
Performed by: Oak Ridge Boys<br />
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When I was young, I was sure I never could grow old.<br />
I was gonna climb mountains, and sail the seas, go searching for gold.<br />
But those years come creeping in and my journey gets so long,<br />
I don’t spring back like I used to, but I’m still holding on.<br />
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Holding on to what I believe in be it right or wrong.<br />
Holding on to my dreams and my crazy schemes yes I’m still holding on.<br />
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I thought I’d found true love, I was sure it never could end.<br />
I was blinded by the light in her eyes, couldn’t see around the bend.<br />
Then one night she said goodbye, I turned around and she was gone.<br />
Shook my head and shed my tears, but I’m still holding on.<br />
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Holding on to believing that love is a good thing even though she’s gone.<br />
Holding on to my dreams and my crazy schemes yes I’m still holding on.<br />
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O at night when the cold wind blows and my collar’s pulled up high.<br />
I’m all alone in a God forsaken place, wondering why.<br />
A man only does what he must do and the journey must go on.<br />
Brush myself off, laugh at the wind ‘cause I’m still holding on.<br />
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Holding on to what I believe in even thou it’s wrong.<br />
Holding on to my dreams and my crazy schemes yes I’m still holding on.<br />
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Holding on to what I believe in be it right or wrong.<br />
Holding on to my dreams and my crazy schemes yes I’m still holding on.Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-32353864226056163182010-10-31T17:41:00.000-07:002010-10-31T18:06:23.297-07:00Some of Our Decisions Have Lingering Damage<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though I’ve done my best, most of the time, to live life as a Christian and follow the teachings in the Bible. There have been times I’ve failed, quite a few sadly. I’ve been credited with many more failures than I can actually claim, but that’s a different story. I can attest that God will be faithful to His word and forgive us our shortcomings. However, there are still consequences for our willing desire to go against the rules and teachings set forth by God. You can get forgiveness for adultery, murder, lying, stealing, anger, etc. but sometimes we still have to pay for the sins. This reminded me of a story that better illustrates this;</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A young teen that was constantly getting into trouble always apologized when his parents confronted him. No matter how much he hurt his parents with his previous wrong-doing, he would soon turn around and do something else wrong—knowing he would be forgiven.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, his dad took him out to the garage for a talk. Dad picked up a hammer and pounded a nail into the garage wall. Then he gave his son the hammer and told him to pull out the nail.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boy shrugged, grabbed the hammer, and yanked out the nail.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“That’s like forgiveness, Son. When you do something wrong, it’s like pounding in a nail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forgiveness is when you pull the nail out.”</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begrudgingly the son said, “Okay, I get it”.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dad told him, “Now take the hammer and pull out the nail hole”.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“That’s impossible!” the boy said. “I can’t pull it out.”</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">King David was considered a man after God’s own heart. He lived a life that was an amazing story and you can see all through his life where He was led by God to accomplish many great things. But as this story in 2 Samuel 12 illustrates and King David’s life proves, he wasn’t perfect and his sin carried consequences. Even though David was forgiven, his adultery and murder left scars and led to family problems. This sobering truth can serve as a warning for our lives. The best way to avoid the lingering damage of sin is to live a life of obedience to God.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can personally vouch for the fact that our sins do have consequences. There is a price to be paid for going against the will of God. I’m still paying for some of the bad decisions I’ve made through the years.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living a life for God can be a difficult task. At times, friends may desert us, we may be ridiculed, even family may turn their backs on us. But striving to live for Him brings blessings and joy that far outweigh the temporary struggles and trials that may come our way. Even though it may seem as if we’re striving to live for Him alone, He promised that He would never leave us or turn His back on us. No matter where you are in your walk with Him, it’s always a walk “with” Him. It’s never us against the world alone. If life’s a struggle now, hold on. Victory and joy may be just around the corner.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Prayer: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lord, thank You for being slow to anger and filled with compassion. May I not presume upon Your mercy by assuming there will be no consequences for my sin. Help me to confess and then to sin no more. Amen.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our sins can be forgiven and washed away, but their consequences are ours to pay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Adapted from an article by Dave Branon</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>2 Samuel 12:1-14 (English Standard Version)</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And the LORD sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, "There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die."</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-3474694415390350302010-09-29T16:34:00.000-07:002010-09-29T16:34:51.141-07:00Learning From Life’s Lessons<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the lessons we get in life are easy, but some can be painful. When my youngest Sister was a child, she put her hand on the stove burner because it was a pretty shade of red. That led to an instantaneous lesson for her. I’ve had similar lessons through the years that were also painful and somehow most always involved my best friend Jeff, but that’s for another day. It always seems that the more painful the lesson, the better we remember it.<br />
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When I was a young whipper snapper, one of our favorite television shows to watch was “Happy Days”. The show was good, the cast was good and usually the storyline was good. And who didn’t want to be as cool as Fonzie?<br />
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On one episode Richie Cunningham, (played by my long lost twin Ron Howard), was “grounded for life” by his Dad Howard for misbehavior. As they talked about it, Howard asked his son, “Did you know that there is a lesson in this for you?” Richie’s reply was “I figured anything with this much pain had to have a lesson in it somewhere.”<br />
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The book of James has been called the Proverbs of the New Testament. Although it’s not a big book (only 5 chapters and 108 verses), it’s filled with wonderful teachings and useful advise. James wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (1:2-4).<br />
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James made a simple point in these verses – God doesn’t waste anything. Everything happens in our lives for a reason, and a great part of that reason is to help us grow in our faith. He uses our life’s events as a teaching tool for our lives.<br />
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It’s been said that life is to be lived by moving forward but only can be understood by looking back. This teaches us that we must trust in the loving purposes of a sovereign God. We trust that He is in control-especially when life seems to be out of control. If we’re in something we don’t understand, we have to trust God and recognize that he knows and is in control.<br />
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For several weeks, the kids at church and I studied the life of the Old Testament character Joseph. He had a life filled with dark, difficult experiences but his final outcome was amazing. He learned through the extremely difficult circumstances he encountered how to trust God and to overcome. His example can help us as we face the issues of our lives.<br />
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In Genesis 50:20, we read the story of how his brothers sold him into slavery: “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Joseph’s perspective reflected a life that had embraced the living God and trusted Him completely.<br />
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As you face the difficulties/heartaches of life, it is only by complete trust in the goodness and plan of God that you can overcome. The things that could destroy you can become building blocks on the journey of faith as you look for the hand of God in all circumstances. “This is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith”. (I John 5:4)<br />
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If you have never turned your life over to Jesus, confessed your sins and trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, life can be a jumble of confusion. But the One who gave Himself for your failures can bring rightness with God, forgiveness of sin, and a new sense of wholeness and purpose into your weary soul. Christ came into the world because of His love for you and that love can bring an end to the emptiness, bitterness, or sinfulness that wrecks your life.<br />
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He offers, by faith, a gift of eternal life and personal forgiveness and the only way to really overcome forever is to accept the victory of Calvary that He accomplished for you; “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). That is real victory-and real overcoming.<br />
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Though I’m in no way a brilliant person, I’ve learned many things through the years. Many the easy way, some the hard way, and sadly I’ve had remedial courses on some things because they just didn’t seem to stick with me or I didn’t learn them the first time. No matter how hard the instruction though, it’s always easier when you know the teacher is always looking out for your best interests and love you beyond compare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">James 1:2-4 (English Standard Version)<br />
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.<br />
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Genesis 50:20 (ESV)<br />
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.<br />
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1 John 5:4 (ESV)<br />
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.<br />
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Romans 6:23 (ESV)<br />
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<br />
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(Adapted from “Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges - Bill Crowder”)</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-69327068302439823932010-08-31T16:03:00.000-07:002010-08-31T16:03:49.206-07:00Frustrated With GodWith the world we live in, sometimes it’s easy to get frustrated. Just today I was somewhat frustrated at treatment I received from people who decided a few years back that I was a terrible person and wanted to let me know how little they thought of me, and told me pretty much that if God would have removed me from the planet when I was diagnosed with my illnesses, the world would be a better place. There are times when I want to lash out and give an earful to those who believe the things and rumors that were (and still are) spread about me. I told my Daughter a couple of year’s back, “if I believed all the things said about me, I wouldn’t like me either”. But lashing out would only make them feel justified and make them believe the stories even more. So usually, I respond kindly and walk away. The human side of me can be difficult to control at times when faced with morons. <br />
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Life presents many opportunities for us to get frustrated. Controlling our emotions is not always an easy task. Sometimes we look at things and even can get frustrated with God because things don’t go the way we want them to. <br />
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Being frustrated or angry at God is something that many people have wrestled with throughout time. When something tragic happens in our lives, we ask God the question, “Why?” because it’s our natural response. What we are really asking Him, though, is not so much “Why, God?” as “Why me, God?” This response indicates two flaws in our thinking. First, as believers we operate under the impression that life should be easy, and that God should prevent tragedy from happening to us. When He does not, we get angry with Him. Second, when we do not understand the extent of God’s sovereignty, we lose confidence in His ability to control circumstances, other people, and the way they affect us. Then we get angry with God because He seems to have lost control of the universe and especially control of our lives. When we lose faith in God’s sovereignty, it is because our human bodies and minds are grappling with our own frustration with the lack of control we actually have over events. When good things happen, we all too often attribute it to our own achievements and success. When bad things happen, however, we are quick to blame God, and we get angry with Him for not preventing it, which indicates the first flaw in our thinking—that we, as Christians, deserve to be immune to unpleasant circumstances.<br />
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Frustration with God, His ways and His dealings with us is one of the major stumbling blocks for all Christians. It’s good to look at the Bible characters who suffered from this frustration and how they dealt with it. The first person who comes to mind is Abraham who, at seventy-five years old, in simple obedience to God, rose up with all his family, servants, flocks and herds, and left his home and his country to journey to an unknown location God would inform him of (Genesis 12). All he had was God’s promise of great blessing in return for his obedience and faith, and as a result he became the father of the Hebrew nation. <br />
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The most significant part of God’s blessing to Abraham was the promise of a son, as his wife Sarah had been barren (Genesis 15:4). To a man of his day this was a tremendous blight on his life and to his wife a disgrace, so that far beyond any promises of riches and victory over his enemies, this was the most momentous and welcome promise of all. <br />
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However, just like you and I, Abraham had human weaknesses, and the faith of even this great man of God faltered at times. The years went by and he had just celebrated his eighty-fifth birthday. Sarah herself was seventy-five and well beyond the age of child bearing, so it is hardly surprising that Abraham’s faith in the promise of a son began to waver. Finally God caused Sarah to become pregnant and Isaac, the true son of the promise, was born (Genesis 21:1-3).<br />
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Another whose story is well known is Jonah, a man who knew only too well what it was to be frustrated with the Lord. Jonah also heard from God, but didn’t like what he heard (Jonah 1:1-3a). God told him he was to go and warn the horrible people of the city of Nineveh that if they didn’t change their ways God would destroy them, but that His love and forgiveness awaited them if they repented. Jonah, didn’t like the idea that the God of the Hebrews could possibly care about this godless and violent people, and after doing all he could to get out of his appointed task, finally obeyed God. He proclaimed God’s message to the Ninevites, but was convinced that they would not listen and he would have the satisfaction of seeing them slaughtered by a vengeful God. Not only did they ruin his plans by responding with total repentance (Jonah 3:5-10), but Jonah wasn’t even allowed to keep the gourd plant that had grown up and sheltered him so comfortably from the blazing sun during the day (Jonah 4:7). Jonah’s seething fury of frustration with God now knew no bounds.<br />
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Is being mad or frustrated with God always a sign of disrespect? First, remember that God created you with emotions, and often those emotions are very hard to control. You're not a robot. You have needs and wants that you try to satisfy. When you can't get your needs met, you will feel angry and frustrated. <br />
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Is God offended at that? Does He want to send a lightning bolt down and blast you off the face of the earth? If that were true, there would be millions of scorch marks all over the planet, because that's how many people are angry at God. <br />
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Several years back, I was going through a painful and unwanted divorce, I became very angry at God. I had done my best to live a Christian life. I knew that I wasn't perfect, of course, but I had done my best to follow God's teachings and commandments. During that time, a wise pastor friend told me that it was all right to be mad at God.<br />
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"Tell Him. He's big. He can take it," he said. <br />
He told me that God wants us to be honest with Him. He wants you to pour out your heart to Him. He wants you to bring all your hurt and disappointment to Him and lay it at His feet. When you're angry and frustrated, it's always right to express that to God and to tell Him why. <br />
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We forget that God knows and understands us better than we know ourselves. Also, even though we're in pain, God always has a tremendous love for us. We always underestimate God's love and compassion for us.<br />
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It's only when you're completely honest with God that your prayers take on real power. It's often been said that you can't solve a problem until you recognize that there is a problem. <br />
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When you pour out your heart to God, you experience a sense of relief. You take what had been your problem and put it in his hands. Now it's his problem, and you know what? A great song by VeggieTales is “God is Bigger Than the Boogeyman”, and God is always bigger than your problems.<br />
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When we give our worries over to God, you begin to take your eyes off your problem and put them on God. Your perspective changes and instead of struggling alone, you turn the matter over to the almighty God of the universe, who knows all and controls all. <br />
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God can take it! If God is who he claims to be, then he understands my anger, my frustration. If God is who he claims to be, he will not take my outrage personally. He is bigger than that! God can look into our hearts and see our pain. I think God can even feel our pain. He who knew the agony of the cross shares our suffering with us.<br />
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Through the years, since I have experience with it, God has given me the opportunity to speak with parents who had lost children to cancer, or car wrecks, or whatever - it didn't matter how the child died. I cannot think of any greater pain for someone than to lose a child. And so often we have only questions without answers. We have anger, we have pain. At those times, I tried to give parents permission to be mad at God. Question Him, ask for information from Him. You can even go out and shake your fist at heaven. Yell and scream. God can take it.<br />
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I found it interesting in dealing with grieving parents that those who had some sort of faith or belief system always fared better those whose who had no faith. I think people of faith fared better because they had someplace to direct their questions, someplace to direct their frustration. Plus, they had a hope that on a much larger divine scale life made sense.<br />
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Everything that happens is either caused by or allowed by God. As it says in Matthew, not a sparrow falls to the ground nor a hair from our head without God knowing about it (Matthew 10:29-31). We can flail about, get angry, and lash out and blame God for what is happening. Yet if we will trust Him and yield our bitterness and pain to Him, acknowledging the prideful sin of trying to force our own will over His, He can and will grant us His peace and strength to get us through any difficult situation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Many Christians can testify to that very fact. We can be angry with God for many reasons, so we all have to accept at some point that there are things we cannot control or even understand with our finite minds.<br />
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Our understanding of the sovereignty of God in all circumstances must be accompanied by our understanding of His other attributes: love, mercy, kindness, goodness, righteousness, justice, and holiness. When we see our difficulties through the prism of God’s Word—which tells us that our loving and holy God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), and that He has a perfect plan and purpose for us which cannot be thwarted (Isaiah 14:24, 46:9-10)—we begin to see our problems in a different light. We also know from Scripture that this life will never be one of continual joy and happiness. Rather, Job reminds us that “man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7) and that life is short and “full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Just because we come to Christ for salvation from sin does not mean we are guaranteed a life free from problems. In fact, Jesus said, “in this world you will have trouble” but that He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33), enabling us to have peace within, in spite of the storms that rage around us (John 14:27).<br />
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One thing is certain: inappropriate anger is sin (Galatians 5:20; Ephesians 4:26-27, 31; Colossians 3:8). Ungodly anger is self-defeating, gives the devil a foothold in our lives, and can destroy our joy and peace if we hang on to it. Holding onto our anger will allow bitterness and resentment to spring up in our hearts. We must confess it to the Lord and then in His forgiveness we can release those feelings to Him. We must go before the Lord in prayer often in our grief, anger, and pain. The Bible tells us in 2 Samuel 12:15-23 that David went before the throne of grace on behalf of his sick baby, fasting, weeping, and praying for him to survive. When the baby passed away, David got up and worshipped the Lord, and then told his servants that he knew where his baby was and that he would someday be with him in God’s presence. David cried out to God during the baby’s illness, and afterward he kneeled before Him in worship. That is a wonderful testimony. God knows our hearts and it is pointless to try to hide how we really feel, so talking to Him about it is one of the best ways to handle our grief. If we do so humbly, pouring out our hearts to Him, He can work through us and in us while we are completely broken, and in the process will make us more like Him.<br />
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The bottom line is can we trust God with everything, our very lives and the lives of our loved ones? Of course we can! Our God is compassionate, full of grace and love, and as disciples of Christ we can trust Him with all things. When tragedies happen to us we know God can use them to bring us closer to Him and to perfect our faith, bringing us to maturity and completeness (Psalm 34:18; James 1:2-4), so we can be a comforting testimony to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). That is easier said than done, though. It requires a daily surrendering of our own will to His, a faithful study of His attributes as seen in God’s Word, much prayer, and then applying what we learn to our own situation. By doing so, our faith will eventually grow and mature enough to make it easier to trust Him to get us through the next tragedy that most certainly will take place.<br />
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A great book that is useful for dealing with our frustrations, anger, and questions for God is: “Disappointment with God” by Philip Yancey.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Genesis 15:4 (New King James Version) – And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Genesis 21:1-3(NKJV) – And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jonah 1:1-3(NKJV) – Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jonah 3:5-10(NKJV) – So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jonah 4:7(NKJV) – But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew 10:29-31(NKJV) – Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I Corinthians 10:13(NKJV) – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Romans 8:28 (NKJV) – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Isaiah 14:24 (NKJV) - The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, “ Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand”: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Isaiah 46:9-10 (NKJV) - 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 that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’ </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Job 5:7 (NKJV) - Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Job 14:1 (NKJV) - “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">John 16:33 (NKJV) - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">John 14:27 (NKJV) - Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Galatians 5:20 (NKJV) - idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) - “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV) - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Colossians 3:8 (NKJV) - But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Samuel 12:15-23 (NKJV) - Then Nathan departed to his house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and it became ill. David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, “Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) - The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">James 1:2-4 (NKJV) - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NKJV) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-24276490844112064762010-07-22T17:10:00.000-07:002010-07-22T17:10:00.101-07:00Physical and Spiritual Allergies<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend while working on my Son’s Jeep, I upset some yellow jackets and they proceeded to sting me a couple of times before I could get out of their range and let them know how much I did not appreciate it. It hurt pretty bad, but I’ll survive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my earliest recollections as a child was from when I was four years old. My Brother and our neighbor were throwing a Frisbee in the front yard and it went under a bush. Being much smaller than both of them, I decided to show them how much of a man I was and help them out. So I crawled under the bush to retrieve the Frisbee. It was at that moment I found out I was allergic to bees. A bumble bee was surveying the area and I interrupted his progress and evidently made him mad. He proceeded to sting me in the forehead and quickly let me know I was in an area he did not want me to be in. After the extreme pain I felt, I started breaking out in hives, my whole head, my arms, and my legs started swelling. Next I remember my Mom grabbing me and holding me in her lap in our 1966 Ford Fairlane station wagon, while my Dad sped 25 + miles to the hospital. I remember wanting to go to sleep but for some reason, my Mother kept slapping me in the face and keeping me awake. We arrived at the hospital and evidently I looked rough so they took me back immediately and placed me on a hospital gurney while several nurses and doctors poured over me and hooked all kinds of IV’s into my arms. I usually joke around this time and let everyone know that it was at this time I saw a bright light above me and felt like I was floating above the hospital gurney. Don’t go all crazy on me though, it was the gigantic light above the gurney (it was 1968 after all) and I had been given some pretty strong drugs in the IV and evidently it made me hallucinate. But I digress. After a few minutes the doctors had me under control and I was able to leave the hospital later. I did end up going to Charleston for some extended tests to find out I was allergic to many insects in addition to bees. I received weekly/monthly injections from age 4 to age 16 when the doctors decided I had had enough and was no longer deathly allergic to the list of insects. To this day, getting shots is still no big deal. The recent stings were a reminder that evidently the doctors knew what they were doing many years ago. Less than a week later from my most recent encounter and all I have is a mark or two on my arm as a reminder of my weekend conflict.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was reading a devotional the other day and gleaned some information from it I though I’d add to and pass along.<br />
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Being allergic to things is not a rare issue. Many people are required to avoid certain things in life. While allergies are related to physical well-being, each of us as believers in Jesus have dangers we need to stay away from to maintain spiritual well-being. Scripture gives us a clear indication of what we are “allergic to” spiritually. <br />
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<b>Every kind of evil</b> <br />
This should cause us to think about the choices we make, because taking part in what is clearly evil is not good for our spiritual vitality. <br />
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I used to have a man who was in a praise team with us at one of our churches who wanted to be able to play his instrument more than just at church and during our practice. He told me he was going to hang out a bar with some of his music buddies so that he could play more. I told him I thought it wasn’t a good idea because even though he may be going to the bar and hanging out with his buddies so he could “jam” with them. Being around the worldly influence of a bar could have a negative affect on him and cause him to wander from his beliefs and stray from his walk with God. He said he could handle it and after all it was only for a couple hours a week. Not long after that, he started missing practices and churches and within a couple of months never even came around anymore. Last I heard, he had divorced his wife and moved in with a girl he met at the bar. We can live in the world, but we have to learn to refrain from the negative and evil influences that are out in the world. Satan revels in every marriage and family that is destroyed. What seems like a minor issue can become major with just a little influence.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Thessalonians 5:22</span><br />
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<b>Foolish disputes and arguments</b> <br />
Like we discussed last month, this takes discernment, for some arguments have merit in defending the faith. But those for which there is no answer or which have no bearing on truth only cause dissension. If it’s not worth the hassle or if it’s a trivial matter, turn it over to God and let it go.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Timothy 2:23 - Titus 3:9</span><br />
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<b>Sexual immorality </b><br />
I know, I’m one to talk about this but, I do have some expertise in this area. The Bible says that any sexual activity outside the boundaries of a marriage between a man and a woman is immoral. <br />
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I was taken to task about this issue a couple of years back. Being in ministry for 18 years, I’ve had several opportunities through the years to discuss sexual purity and sex outside of marriage with youth, teens, young adults, and adults. It was never too difficult of a discussion as I was married and it’s easy to tell others to maintain their purity since I was married and it wasn’t an issue for me. A few years back, God gave me (though I never asked) the opportunity to be single again and low and behold, I was now faced with the issue personally. Would my stance on the issue change, or would I stand firm to the teachings that I had poured out for so many years. I was chastised about maintaining my stance and even had one say, “Don’t you test drive a car before you buy it?” My reply was, “Yes, but I don’t plan on making a life-long commitment to a car, nor do I pledge vows to my car and God that I’ll never drive another car but that one”. It’s not always an easy road to travel, but with God’s help and direction I’ll stay the course.<br />
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We may change, our lives may change, our situations may change, but God’s Word does not change. What was written 2000 years ago in his Word is still the direction He wants us to take. If we follow His teachings, we cannot help but be blessed and draw closer to Him. As I stated, it’s not always easy or popular, but it’s always right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Thessalonians 4:3 - Genesis 2:24 - Exodus 20:14 - 1 Corinthians 7:2 - Hebrews 13:4</span></span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are we willing to make the effort to steer clear of things we are spiritually “allergic to”?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today avoid sin’s tempting lures and evil thoughts subdue, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or sinful things may take control and someday master you! —Bosch </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To avoid sin, nip it in the bud of temptation. (thanks, Barney Fife!)</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 Thessalonians 5:22 (New King James Version)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Abstain from every form of evil.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Timothy 2:23 (NJV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Titus 3:9 (NKJV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NKJV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Exodus 20:14 (NKJV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You shall not commit adultery. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-3825691296128472922010-06-29T15:51:00.000-07:002010-06-29T15:51:15.740-07:00To Speak, or Not to SpeakAgain, I’m no expert/not perfect and it’s not an “I’m great, look at me” note, just some suggestions. <br />
<br />
I have a woman at work that tells me, “Unless you have something intelligent to add to the conversation, be quiet”. I tell her that if that were the case I’d never be allowed to speak. <br />
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Sometimes silence is the best response to a false charge. At other times we must speak up. <br />
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A few years back, there were some people who made several false charges against me. The human side of me wanted to lash out and respond and it took much prayer for me to refrain from returning the attack made on me, especially with the past I’ve had. I responded with kindness and tried to correct the mis-statements against me, but some people decided that the statements must have been true and sided with the people making the false charges against me. There wasn’t anything I could gain by arguing, so I decided to do my best to keep my thoughts and opinions on the situation to myself. After all, what more harm could be done by allowing them to continually spew their statements? If people were going to believe them, there wasn’t anything I could do or say that would change their mind.<br />
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When Jesus was meeting with the Sanhedrin, the “Supreme Court” of ancient Israel, there were some false witnesses accusing Him. As He stood before them, He “kept silent” (Mark 14:53-61). Also in His case, defending Himself would have been pointless. Furthermore, He was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7. However, earlier in His ministry, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, challenging them to prove that He had sinned (John 8:13-59).<br />
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Many a pastor has resigned from their church because a few members made untrue statements about him. Some thought it unchristian to defend themselves, and in some instances it is. But in some cases, the troublemakers need to be confronted and their false charges refuted. In these cases, the pastors should have urged the members to repent or face church discipline.<br />
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Saying nothing may allow wrongdoers to go unchallenged in their evil ways. But if God’s Spirit leads us to remain silent, or if we want merely to try to salvage our wounded pride, then we should hold our tongue.<br />
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Are you being falsely accused? If you discern that it’s futile to argue, or if your pride has been hurt, ask God for grace to say nothing. But if you feel concern for the wrongdoers and want to see justice done, speak up!<br />
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Since the incident of mine a few years ago, there have been several people come to me and apologize for being deceived and for their treatment of me. There are some who never will. Pride, arrogance, and ignorance all play a part in the process of forgiveness. All I can do is reconcile with those seeking to, and pray for the one’s who chose not to reconcile. Having them ask for forgiveness is not up to me and it’s something I have no control over. If they never apologize to me, I’ll still make it through life and not really miss anything. I am accountable for me, not them.<br />
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How we respond to false accusers can have an impact on our testimony, our outlook on life, and even our personality. Do we want to look as vengeful and combative, or do we want to be looked on as someone who displays the attitude and love of Christ. <br />
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There is an old statement from many years ago that still holds true, “Silence can be valuable; don’t break it unless you can improve on it”.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Mark 14:53-61 (New King James Version)</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire. <br />
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Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. <br />
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Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” But not even then did their testimony agree. <br />
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And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But He kept silent and answered nothing. <br />
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Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” <br />
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<strong>Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV)</strong><br />
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Yet He opened not His mouth; <br />
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, <br />
So He opened not His mouth. <br />
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<strong>John 8:13-59 (NKJV)</strong><br />
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<strong>Jesus Defends His Self-Witness</strong><br />
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The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.” <br />
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Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” <br />
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Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” <br />
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Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” <br />
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These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come. <br />
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Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” <br />
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So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?” <br />
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And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” <br />
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Then they said to Him, “Who are You?” <br />
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And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” <br />
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They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. <br />
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Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. <br />
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Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” <br />
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They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” <br />
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Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. <br />
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<strong>Abraham’s Seed and Satan’s</strong><br />
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Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” <br />
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Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”<br />
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Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” <br />
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Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” <br />
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Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” <br />
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Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” <br />
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Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”<br />
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Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” <br />
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Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” <br />
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Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-48396194009931717132010-05-26T16:09:00.000-07:002010-05-26T16:17:18.044-07:00Overcoming Failure<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having dealt with others through the years who had trouble with overcoming their failures and moving on, as well as having personal issues with failures in my life that I’ve had difficulty overcoming, I have some experience in the problem of letting go of our past failures and moving beyond them. Some things that we have failed at in our lives are easy to overcome but some can take a lengthy time and cause much grief for us to overcome. Whether it’s caused by our own personal failures or the failures of others, this can be a heavy burden to carry around if we’re not able to triumph over the failures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Romans 7:15-20 (New International Version)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I talked with a gentleman about what the Bible has to say about dealing with the difficulties that we all face in life. Those difficulties loom in front of us like mountains to be climbed and overcome. God doesn’t want to see you overcome by difficulties, He wants to see you successful in life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Success in God’s eyes does not depend on making a lot of money or making it to the top in your career. Success in God’s eyes is found by fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. It’s OK to want to have that kind of success in life and even pray for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Psalm 118:25 (NIV)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet there will be times in each of our lives when we fail. There will be times when you feel like giving up. Many successful people in the Bible had times when felt discouraged, when they had failed, when they had not lived up to God’s requirements. The important thing is not to give up when you fail. Failure for the believer is not the end, but an opportunity to find a fresh start from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The point of this verse is not that the righteous man never falls, but that the righteous man rises again, he comes back. The wicked on the other hand, fall and can’t recover. Think about your own life. What failure hangs over your head? What situations or circumstances haven’t worked out as you would have liked? No matter what you’ve failed at God wants you to rebound from that failure and find His success in life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is for everyone who has failed in life and that includes all of us. God wants to give you a fresh start today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Luke 5: 1-7 (NIV)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One day as Jesus was standing by the Sea of Galilee, with the people crowding around Him and listening to the word of God, He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon Peter, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Peter and his fellow fisherman had been out fishing all night but hadn’t caught anything. Fishing was normally done at night so that the fish couldn’t see the nets in the darkness. However, a long night of casting nets into the water, rowing to numerous fishing spots, Peter had to admit that the trip was a failure. He would have nothing at all to show for all his hard work, nothing to take home to feed his family, let alone to sell in the market. Yet just a few hours later that same boat with the same fisherman, fishing at the wrong time of day would catch a plethora (I love that word) of fish. What made the difference between the first and second fishing trips? What keys can we learn from this story about overcoming failure?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victory is God’s will for the believer’s life. However, sometimes we can find ourselves falling repeatedly into the same sin. As a result, our prayer life is marked by our broken promises to end wrongdoing. We tell the Lord that we long to do what is right, but often our desire diminishes when virtue is no longer convenient, pleasurable, or profitable. Many believers get angry with God for withholding victory, but sin is always our choice, not God’s.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If a “guilty” conscience and misery are the result of our decision to sin, then why do we continue in our wrongdoing? One reason is we have incomplete repentance. It is possible for us to experience grief, embarrassment, and shame over sin without being truly repentant. The reason is that penitence isn’t a matter of weeping or feeling guilty; but rather, true repentance is a change of mind about sin so that we agree with God’s viewpoint. Then the heart turns in a new direction, opposite from persistent wrongdoing. Repent means to turn from something, to something else. We don’t veer from it then later veer back, we make a complete turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reason for failure is an inadequate view of our true identity in the Lord. As a believer, we have Christ living within us to empower us. When we fully grasp this truth, we will recognize that sin does not fit who we are and will stop making excuses for our offenses. Our genuine repentance is based upon an honest understanding of our identity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we put these truths together, a powerful tool against the devil and temptation is created. God wants us to be victorious, and we triumph over failure when we remember that Jesus Christ is our life. Overcoming the past and failures isn't always easy, but if we learn to rely on God for direction and strength, we can overcome anything that comes our direction in life.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-70780055082768424232010-04-29T15:22:00.000-07:002010-04-29T15:37:10.679-07:00Love Is For Losers?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people are so self centered they forget (or decide not) to show kindness, love, and respect to others they come in contact with during their day. Though it’s not always easy and even though I don’t always act the way I should, I try to be kind and considerate to everyone I come in contact with. It’s sometimes more difficult than others to practice what I “preach”, but I try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s easy to show love to those who love us back. It takes more effort to show love to those who; treat us badly, talk about us, are disrespectful to us, say bad things about us, create stories about us, or seem to enjoy driving us crazy. It’s at those times when we have to rely on something else to give us the strength to show love to those people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some churches today even are this way in their love for its members or their community. Pastors have been known to teach their congregations that it’s good to show love to one another until someone steps out of line, then all bets are off and they sick the dogs on them. I did some quick checking and that’s not what I was able to locate in the Bible. God tells us to show love to one another even if they’ve wronged us. If it’s of a grievous nature, we are even instructed on how to confront that person (with love) and if they are not responsive to us then we are to remove them from our communion until they ask for forgiveness or are otherwise restored into a walk with us. We’re not to hate them, but we are to avoid a relationship with them. We should never use their failures as an opportunity to kick them to the curb or turn bitter toward them. That is the way the world acts and we, as Christians, are in the world, not of the world. We’re supposed to love, even those who have wronged us. Our love is not conditional or based on certain criteria to be met before we love. Any church or pastor that preaches that bitterness/hatred is the way to go is wrong and it would benefit you greatly to locate another place to serve God. One that lives by the motto “love the sinner, hate the sin”. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m now climbing off my soapbox. :-)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">______________________________</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>The Way of Love</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Love never gives up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Love cares more for others than for self. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Love doesn't strut, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Doesn't have a swelled head, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Doesn't force itself on others, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Isn't always "me first," </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Doesn't fly off the handle, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Doesn't revel when others grovel, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Puts up with anything, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Trusts God always, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Always looks for the best, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Never looks back, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But keeps going to the end.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">______________________________</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can learn a lot about a person by what his or her T-shirt says. Not too long ago while out shopping, a young woman I saw was wearing a bright red T-shirt that said, “Love Is for Losers.” She could have been joking or maybe she thought it was clever. Perhaps however she had been hurt by a relationship and had pulled away from others rather than risk being hurt again. I truly can understand that. Whatever the reason for the shirt, it got me thinking.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is love really for losers? The fact is, when we love, we take risks. From personal experience I know that we can get hurt by people, disappointed by people, or people could even leave us. Love can lead to loss.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the Bible challenges us to take the “high road” in loving others. In I Corinthians 13, Paul tells us what it means to live out God’s kind of love. The person who exercises Godly love doesn’t do so for personal benefit or gain but rather “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (13:7). Why? Because Godly love endures through life’s hurts by pulling us toward the never-diminishing care of the Father.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, maybe love is for losers—because it is in times of loss and disappointment that we need God the most. Even in our struggles, we know that “love never fails.”</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-30889545039475755852010-03-29T17:38:00.000-07:002010-03-29T18:13:47.858-07:00Running With the Devil<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the late 70’s Van Halen had a song titled, “Running With the Devil”. It was one of their early hits and was played repeatedly on the radio and in car cassette players (if you don’t know what one of those is, just pretend it’s a really old mp3 player). Sadly, many Christians/church members/pastors/etc live a lifestyle that can be called that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through the years, I’ve had several discussions with people who have difficulty separating themselves from the world around them and trying to live a more “Christ-like” life. Most of them are professing Christians but admitted they have a difficult time living a Christian life on the days and times when they aren’t around fellow Christians. Sometimes these type people are referred to as “Sunday Christians”. They can walk the walk and talk the talk on Sunday morning, but Jesus seems to be a distant thought the rest of the week unless they run into some church members. Some of the issues they were dealing with include:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Lying</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Excessive alcohol intake</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Hatred</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Profanity</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Sexual relations outside of marriage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Mean spirited toward others</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Stealing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Illegal drug use</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Lust</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• Bitterness</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The list goes on. On Sunday morning, outwardly they appear to be model Christians but during the rest of the week, they’re running with the devil. I’m not putting them down or talking bad about them because, unfortunately, I was one of them too for a few years. I got up in front of the church and portrayed something that I was not. Jesus forgave me and brought me back onto the path that I had strayed from but there was some damage done by and consequences for my failure<br />
<br />
We should always strive to live the same life as we portray to others when we’re around them. In other words, be real. Don’t put on a false front and hide things from others. The world has many things to offer that can be difficult to turn away from and can require much effort and prayer on our parts to be able to do so. However, none of the items the world can offer can match what living for Christ can offer. (1 John 2:15)<br />
<br />
In Revelation 3:16, Jesus warns us not to be “lukewarm”. He wants us to live all for Him, not partially for Him and partially for the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Momentary happiness and pleasure are just that, momentary. Nothing that lasts comes from the arms of another, a needle, a pill, a bank, or a bottle. All of them only provide a temporary change in your condition or situation. The only lasting happiness is found in living a life for Jesus. <br />
<br />
With the availability of instant messaging, you can now keep in contact with friends and acquaintances almost constantly. One of the more popular now is “Facebook”. I have several friends that have attended church with me through the years and sometimes their updates and pictures make me wonder if they actually are a follower of Christ. If we repeatedly go against the teachings and directions that we receive from God’s word, are we truly followers of His or are we just slightly knowledgeable of the teachings of the Bible? If we truly are His followers, I would imagine there are times He is not happy with our lives if we live them in a way that does not honor Him.<br />
<br />
There is an old saying to the effect that a ship in the sea is no problem, but when you get the sea into the ship you are in trouble. A Christian living in the world is one thing, but when the world gets into the Christian that is a different matter altogether. God has made us to live on this earth. He could have fashioned us to live immediately in heaven but He didn’t. He made us to inhabit this earth and to enjoy His creation. As the theologian Thomas Watson stated, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” That enjoyment is not restricted to the spiritual blessings God has given to His people through Christ, but includes the temporal blessings as well. <br />
<br />
We have to be careful not to turn hose blessings into a curse. Everything may have a double use. For example, a knife may be put to good use in preparing food. But it can also be put to wicked use when employed as a weapon to stab someone. A computer is a fine tool, but at times men can turn it into a vehicle of wickedness<br />
<br />
The same is true of the world itself. The apostle Paul instructed us to use it but not abuse it (1 Corinthians 7:31)<br />
<br />
God made this planet, and it’s just a speck of dust in the ocean of infinite space. According to the National Geographic Magazine (October 1999) in our Milky Way galaxy there are “a few hundred billion stars” and in the universe “at least a hundred billion galaxies” This universe runs well according to the laws that its Creator (God) made for it. Without law and order there would be chaos. God placed us on Earth and we in turn are even smaller specks upon it, but even for such minute parts of His creation God has ordered a law to live by; otherwise, life would be chaos. <br />
<br />
Law and order are essential in everyday living. What a dangerous place this world would be if we all made up our own rules. One person would drive on the right side of the road and another on the left. One would give way to cross traffic, another would not. One would go very slowly and another would race. The result would be anarchy.<br />
<br />
We have instruction books for everything from cars to computers. Abide by the instructions and life is easier. Neglect the instructions and disaster follows, as people have found when they put gasoline in a diesel vehicle. Had they read the instructions they would not have made such a costly mistake.<br />
<br />
Our spiritual lives are no different. The Ten Commandments are God’s outline of man’s duty to Him and to our fellow man. The whole Bible teaches these laws and applies them to every area of life. It shows us clearly that while we aren’t saved by trying to keep the law. We are to live our lives in accordance with its teachings. It also shows us that we get the strength to obey, not by our own will power but by faith in Christ (Galatians 2:20)<br />
<br />
The Bible is the instruction book God supplies for the Christian life. The Bible’s basic instruction to the Christian is, <br />
<br />
1 Peter 1:16 (NIV)<br />
for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."<br />
<br />
In other words, we are in the world but not of it. (John 17:15-16)<br />
<br />
The devil has the media, the entertainment world, and much of the business world firmly in his grip. So we must be most discriminating as to our relationship with the world<br />
<br />
How should a Christian relate to the world, to the age in which he lives? The answer, in a word, is biblically. God’s Word shows us what is right and what is wrong. <br />
<br />
(1 John 2:15-17). For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever” (1 John 2:15-17).<br />
<br />
Also: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).<br />
<br />
These are God’s instructions. If we follow them, we shall be blessed. If we follow the world’s lead, we shall be blighted. As a man thinks, so is he. Sin enters at the level of the mind, and this is where the battle of purity must be fought. The human mind is a marvelous instrument but can be easily damaged by what we put into it. We would never dream of pouring dirt into the engine of our car. Yet even Christians sometimes pollute their minds by filling them with worldly dirt. Our thought processes are not helped by what the world has to offer. Many Christians, night after night, spend their time in front of the television set while their minds are being polluted by the constant stream of wickedness from Hollywood. What we receive by our senses, especially by sight and hearing, has a profound effect on how we behave. It’s no wonder some wake up depressed in the morning when they go to bed with the world’s music and moral filth filling their minds?<br />
<br />
One of the clearest descriptions of practical Christianity is found in Philippians 4:8<br />
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things<br />
<br />
While we dwell on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, we won’t deviate far from the Lord’s path. <br />
<br />
But much of what the world has to offer is the very opposite: untrue, dishonest, unjust, impure, unlovely, and of evil report. To dwell on such things produces a sinful walk; it opens the floodgates and lets the world swamp us.<br />
<br />
As a human, we are weak and prone to failure. But there is help for us in the Lord. God revealed to Moses in “I am the Lord that doth sanctify you” (Exodus 31:13). He does so as His Spirit applies His Word to our hearts (John 17:17). That is the power that will enable us to keep the sea of the world out of our ship as we sail victoriously on toward heaven. One of the most important things we can do in our journey through life, is to read God’s word. It will give you instruction and hope as we strive to live in the world, but apart from the world. We all need to do our part to live a life that pleases God, brings honor to the name of Christian, and keeps us from running with the devil.<br />
_____________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 John 2:15 (New International Version)<br />
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”<br />
<br />
Revelation 3:16 (NIV)<br />
"because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth”.<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 7:31 (King James Version)<br />
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.<br />
<br />
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)<br />
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.<br />
<br />
John 17:15-16 (NIV)<br />
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.<br />
<br />
1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)<br />
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever.</span></span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-76539644235813855602010-02-26T17:40:00.000-08:002010-02-26T18:39:56.647-08:00Caught in a Spiritual Rut<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What to do When My Prayer Life Seems Stagnant?</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ve all been there; there have been times that I’ve just not felt like praying. After all, God knows me, He knows my problems, He knows my needs, He knows my past, and He knows my future. What is the purpose behind me praying and asking God for my wants/needs/desires/requests when He already knows them? Am I going to surprise Him by some of my requests? Does He not know some of my needs?<br />
<br />
Maybe you feel like something it too trivial to ask or that a situation is hopeless so there’s no need to ask. Maybe you’ve prayed for years about a situation and it appears that God’s ignored it so why keep asking about it?<br />
<br />
Do you feel like your prayer life is stagnant? Like you're saying the same things to God that you did when you first started praying?<br />
<br />
I completely understand, I’ve prayed for several items for many years and have yet to see any indication that God will intervene and work in the requests I’ve sent up to Him.<br />
* my Dad has had a health issue since the late 80’s<br />
* my Brother has had several issues for over 30 years that I’ve been<br />
in prayer over<br />
* my Children have been under an extremely negative influence for<br />
over four years<br />
<br />
And the list goes on. I’ve prayed for God’s help, guidance, and direction in all of these (and several other) matters and have seen only minimal improvement in the situations.<br />
<br />
So what are the options? Give up, forget about them, ignore them, or continue praying in the hopes that some day God will intervene and work in either me or the situations I’ve been in prayer over?<br />
<br />
Just as young children slowly learn to communicate in more and more complex ways, so Christians should move from simply crying out to God to a mature, developed prayer life. There are times that God wants to answer our requests by not changing the situations, but by changing us.<br />
<br />
There are a number of good books available on prayer. Some want you to go to a place of quiet solitude and spend several hours a day in prayer. Though in actuality it’s a great idea, with the modern lifestyle we have, that’s not always an easy option. The practice requires a change in our lifestyle to make ourselves set aside the time daily to accomplish this. The practice also requires discipline, atmosphere, training, teaching and finally plenty of good will. This type of prayer can turn out to be just a practice rather than life. By this I mean, there can be a tendency and a habit that is formed to spend daily two hours without really getting into life situation with the effect of such prayer. However it also can be a life changing event that can help us reach others by the passion and desire the Lord can give us by our close relationship with Him.<br />
<br />
You don’t always have to find a quiet time and place to be in prayer. Many times while I’m driving I end up talking with God. As you can understand, that’s not a good time to bow your head and close your eyes in prayer. Does that mean God ignores my prayers because I wasn’t in the traditionally accepted practice of prayer? Of course not, bowing our heads and closing our eyes in a sign of reverence to God, but it isn’t a requirement of God. Most pictures of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane portray Jesus as kneeling and looking up to heaven with His eyes open.<br />
<br />
A couple of recommendations for your prayer time:<br />
* find a good time of the day, morning or evening<br />
* find a place that is removed from distractions for you<br />
<br />
Remember that you can pray at anytime or anyplace. God loves to hear from us and is available 24/7 365.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hindrances to our prayer life</strong><br />
Remember in the old days when you had a phone at the house and called someone? There were times when there was a lot of static on the telephone and you couldn’t hear the person you were talking to. You’d hang up the telephone, call them back and many times that would clear up the problem. It was just a bad connection.<br />
<br />
That can happen in our communication with God. We pray to God but there may be things in our lives that cause interference with our connection. It could be due to un-confessed sin, broken relationships, or issues you may be harboring toward other Christians.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Isaiah 1:13-15 (NIV)<br />
Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. <br />
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations - I cannot bear your evil assemblies. <br />
Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates.<br />
They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.<br />
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you;<br />
even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Your hands are full of blood;</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there are any sins you have that you haven’t asked God for forgiveness of, it causes “static” in our communication line with Him. However, God is willing to forgive you of those shortcomings if you tell Him about them and ask Him to forgive you of them.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 John 1:9 (NIV)<br />
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we confess these issues and turn them over to God, He resets the telephone line and once again the line of communication with Him is crystal clear.<br />
<br />
<strong>Developing a Daily Habit of Devotion and Prayer Time</strong><br />
The Christian life is one of growth and maturation--and just as with natural growth, we move through stages. Were you suddenly to find yourself taking first grade classes, you would find them quite boring, and would learn nothing from them; yet it isn't that you don't still have much to learn, but that you need to move on to other lessons, other classes. Long ago you learned to crawl; and once you learned to walk, you did much less crawling. It is that way with your Christian life.<br />
<br />
<strong>Devotion</strong><br />
Find a good reliable translation of the Bible that is easy for you to understand. If needed, check with your pastor for some guidance on this. I grew up with the King James Version(KJV) and when I recite verses, it’s usually the KJV that I quote. When studying for a message now, I primarily use the New International Version(NIV) as it is a good translation that contains a more modern wording of the English language. Steer clear of paraphrases, though they can also be easy to read, they can be quite inaccurate.<br />
<br />
Make some time daily for a "devotional" time. How much time? That depends, I would say that you should set aside at least half an hour, probably an hour, each day - but if that's problematic, you might start with fifteen minutes each day. But what should you do? Well, there are a lot of possibilities, and you should try things until you find something that works. I would definitely include some type of Bible reading/study/memorization.<br />
<br />
Memorizing is an important part of it. There are a lot of programs which will help you memorize the verses they think are important; but it's far better to memorize those which have meaning to you. Repeat these verses to yourself, and consider what they mean. Find someone else with whom you can share your discoveries, and ask them to share their thoughts with you about the verses you've learned and about whatever they are learning.<br />
<br />
<strong>Prayer</strong><br />
One of the greatest things about God is that He wants to be your friend and have a personal relationship with you. When praying, you don't have to be formal; just talk to God. Especially, don't try to use some kind of old English "special" language--most people massacre the old English anyway. Talk to God as you would talk to your ideal friend, to whom you could tell everything and ask anything.<br />
<br />
<strong>Worship</strong><br />
As most people know, I have a unique voice. How we sound when we worship is not as important as why we worship. Though it may not sound perfect, God loves it anyway. Worship is also part of the process of getting to know God. Sing songs, pray, tell God how great He is, give thanks for all things. You probably know many songs which would be worshipful were you to consider what you were singing; but you shouldn't limit yourself to songs you know. Take the feelings and the thoughts you have about the greatness of God and the grace you've received, and speak them in your own words, and sing them to melodies you create.<br />
<br />
Finally, look for people who share your faith, and share your faith with them. Also, if opportunities to share your faith with unbelievers present themselves (formally or informally), take them. You might feel that you aren't the right person for this, or that you don't know enough or can't answer the questions you might be asked, but that's not the way of things. You have things to share, and there are people who need to hear them, and God will take care of bringing you together with them if you put yourself in a place to meet them. Don't worry about what you'll say, or what you said. Just believe that God wants to use you, and will show you the way. <br />
<br />
Over the years my prayer life has grown and changed a lot, and I trust it will continue to expand and deepen the rest of my life. In our prayer life we talk to God and we listen to God, but prayer is also communication at a deeper level. It is communication of such a fine quality that it is true communion with God.<br />
<br />
Remember: The process of change is essentially the process of altering your habit patterns. If you do something once, you can do it twice. Do it twice and you can do it three times. Do it three times, and you’re beginning to make a habit of it.<br />
<br />
Strive to have a closer walk with God by spending time with Him daily, you’ll be glad you did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Personal prayer, it seems to me, is one of the simplest necessities of life, as basic to the individual as sunshine, food and water-- and at times, of course, more so. By prayer I mean an effort to get in touch with God. We know that our prayers are imperfect; of course they are as we are imperfect human beings. A thousand experiences have convinced me beyond room of doubt that prayer multiplies the strength of the individual and brings within the scope of his capabilities almost any conceivable objective. - Dwight D. Eisenhower</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Luke 11:1-10 (NIV)<br />
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."<br />
<br />
He said to them, "When you pray, say:<br />
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,<br />
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.<br />
Give us each day our daily bread.<br />
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.<br />
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one"<br />
<br />
Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'<br />
<br />
Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.<br />
<br />
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-35203503779523199072010-01-28T17:54:00.000-08:002010-01-29T13:34:21.751-08:00Damaged Goods<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of months back; I had lunch with a fellow that I’ve known for several years. We occasionally run into one another, but never have gotten to know one another. He’s in his late 20’s and had a number of spiritual questions he wanted to talk with me about. Given my history, I try not to give advice so I thought I’d mainly listen and hopefully lift his spirits by being someone he could talk with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was telling me that he had come to the place in his life where he decided something had to change. He had been involved with numerous women in his life, had taken drugs, had a problem with alcohol, and a long list of other items. No matter what he had done or where he had gone, he still never could quite find peace. A few months back he had been approached by a Christian friend who tried to give him a little direction in life and also gave him a bible to read. He started reading it and began to try to apply some of the principles to his life. However, he felt like he had done too many bad things in the past and that he didn’t deserve the love and things that Jesus would willingly provide for him. He wanted to get his act together before he started going to church. He said, “I can’t show up at a church like this. I’m too bad of a person for them to accept me”. Let me say that if you show up to a church and they don’t accept you because you’re not like them, you probably don’t want to be part of that church anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After he talked for a bit, I decided (against my better judgment) to break down and give him some advice/information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bible is loaded with people who God accepted and used who weren’t perfect:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.) Noah had a drinking problem</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.) Abraham had a lying problem</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.) Moses was a murderer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.) Aaron had a side job of making idols</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.) Gideon tried to provoke God</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.) Samson was a womanizer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.) David, the man after God's own heart abused his power, he lusted, committed adultery, committed murder of his loyal subject, he lied among other things</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8.) Manasseh was involved in witchcraft, murdered of his son, and is made by God ruler of his people</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9.) Hosea had an adulterous wife and a horrible family life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.) Jonah told God he wasn’t going to help people in Ninevah because he hated them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11.) Matthew was a nasty tax collector</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12.) Peter cursed and denied, publicly of any knowledge of Jesus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.) Paul was a blasphemer, murderer, and certainly had a "reputation"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14.) Rahab was a prostitute</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15.) Jesus himself had a certain reputation as He was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. Of course they were lies but he still carried the reputation</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bible’s list goes on and on, naming individuals that God chose to include in His plan of redemption.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just within our area there are pastors who were among other things; womanizers, had drug problems, were alcoholics, abusive spouses, etc. Though some are in ministry for self proclamation & promotion, many are in ministry to try and warn/reach others and let them know that there is hope in a hopeless world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As anyone who knows me can testify, I’ve had issues with several things in the past I’m not proud of:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • Temper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • Lust</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • Pornography</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • Lying</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • Stealing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasted several years of my life partaking in things that were destructive to me personally and spiritually. I was accused of many more things by people extremely close to me, I won’t waste your time with that but even though the accusations were untruthful, they were easily believable by the items that were true. I begged God for forgiveness and although He forgave me, I still at times have difficulty forgiving myself. I apologized to those who I offended, made peace with all who would listen, and moved on hoping to someday be worthy to be once again used by God. I could either look on it as an end to ministry or the beginning of a new phase in ministry where I could help others who wandered down the wrong road and can’t seem to find there way back. Several months later, God allowed me to once again serve Him in ministry. If He’s willing to use me with the damage I did to His work, He’s definitely willing to accept others and use them also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news for you and me is that God uses people that have messed up for His purposes. Our past failures do not disqualify us. If we respond properly, our failures can actually shape us to embrace the future God has designed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So take heart! We are not eliminated, or damaged goods. God can use each of us for His redemptive purposes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>I Corinthians 1:26-31 (NIV)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God does not use perfect things. He takes broken things and makes them work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He does not always fix them! He uses them in condition that He found them so that He gets all the credit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may think there is no hope and there may not be, at least in the normal way of thinking. That’s okay because you are not alone. The very thing that you feel is tearing you down can be the thing that God uses to make you the person He wants you to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (The Message)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My grace is enough; it's all you need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My strength comes into its own in your weakness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, you have been mistreated, misunderstood, gossiped about, lied about, misused and gone through things that are terrible. I’m not saying that is a good thing, I’m saying that these are the very things that can make you the person God wants to use to help others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t get hung up on things in your past. Get hung up in God’s love and mercy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about just giving up and living in sin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Hebrews 12:17 (The Message)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some have tried and tried and cannot seem get victory and now the temptation is to just give up. Don’t give up, keep on going. It’s the keeping on keeping on, trying to move toward God, falling and getting discouraged and then getting up again and moving on that will help build your faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.... though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sin is not so much in the falling as it is in giving up and laying there. Get up and move toward the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you been HURT?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you been WOUNDED?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you DAMAGED GOODS?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
You are in good company! You are just like most of the people in the Bible! So let’s move on. Damaged Goods are close to the heart of God -- at least that seems to be one of the patterns of scripture to me. God wants you just the way you are so He can transform you to what He wants you to be.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Just the Way I Am</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big Daddy Weave </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Unbelievable, I’m blown away it’s true</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By the matchless love that I’ve found in You.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Undeniable, the changes in me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I’ve never felt so free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ever patiently accepting me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lord, You love in spite of everything I do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But oh so faithfully,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You’re committed to the process that makes me like You.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not when I’m good enough</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not when I clean my act up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not when I cross that line the thousandth time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And become a better man</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Your grace is more than enough</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To cover all my sins You washed them away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So right here today</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You love me just the way I am</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It makes me want to dance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You make me want to dance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I think about how</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You love me, You love me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You love me just the way I am.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You love me, You love me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You love me just the way,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just the way I am</span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-50457424308151520212009-12-23T23:19:00.000-08:002009-12-23T23:24:36.419-08:00The Year in Review, The Year AheadAs ‘09 draws to a close and we get ready for ‘10 to start, many groups, businesses, organizations, etc. look back to review the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year. I’ve done this for a few years now to track how I’ve met my personal goals and set some for the upcoming year. I don’t make resolutions, just goals for things I’d like to accomplish in the upcoming year.<br /><br />Looking back on last years goals, I did decent job at some items;<br /><br />• Stayed jail free<br />• Stayed out of court (formidable task, but accomplished)<br />• Improved financial situation<br />• Daily Bible reading/devotion (85-90% at best though)<br />• Spent more time with family<br />• Displayed a kinder/gentler attitude toward others (still a work in progress)<br /><br />But as always, there’s room for improvement on many items;<br /><br />• Relationship with my Children improved only slightly if at all<br />• At times have troubles with issues from the past<br />• Self-forgiveness<br />• Tendency to be unkind/short toward others<br />• Waste too much time on matters that are unimportant<br />• My lack of trust has still caused stress in relationships<br /><br />There are several items on both lists that I’ll keep private, but all in all the year was a good one. Not great, but not as bad as some in the past either.<br /><br />So where do I go from here? What are my goals for the upcoming year and how can I make adjustments to improve on reaching the goals I set for the upcoming year?<br /><br />I have several things that I’d like to accomplish this year. Some are recurring goals from previous years. Some are easier to accomplish than others. Some may never be accomplished, but you fail at the outset if you don’t at least try. I coached baseball for many years and if a young boy wanted to try and be a pitcher, I at least gave him the opportunity. You never know if he was good at it or not unless you gave them a shot at trying out. Just looking at them is not a good judge of whether or not they could or couldn’t do it. You have to give them a try. The same can be said for anything we want to try in life. So make a preliminary list, pray over it, think about it and see if any changes need to be made to the list. Then set out to accomplish all that you have on your list.<br /><br />So far some of the goals I have are;<br /><br />• Spend more time with in-depth Bible study. (less superficial study)<br />• Continue to rebuild the relationship with my Son Corey and my Daughter Heather. There are many difficulties involved as they have a large amount of negative influence in their lives, but I will continue to try.<br />• Continue to overcome shortcomings/”addictions” of the past<br />• Pay off my truck again this year<br />• Pay off the formers vehicle this year<br />• Continue to improve/payoff the remaining financial commitments<br />• Increase charitable giving<br />• Work to build stronger relationships<br />• Learn to trust others more (not everyone is out to take from you, leave you, or stab you in the back)<br />• Be a better pastor and devote more time to lessons/studies<br />• Relocate<br />• Get to know a certain person better and be more of a part of their life (many obstacles)<br />• Reach out to those who are searching or seeking and give them guidance to obtain the hope that I have and realize that there’s more to this life than eyes can see<br /><br />There are a few more items that as I stated earlier will remain private, but I’ll strive to accomplish or improve on what I have listed.<br /><br />As a person, I have several roles in life. Some include;<br />Christian<br />Father<br />Son<br />Brother<br />Uncle<br />Nephew<br />Cousin<br />Employee<br />Friend<br />Boss<br />Pastor<br /><br />If I strive to accomplish my goals for the upcoming year, it can help me in every aspect of my life. Improvement in my life helps improve the life of those around me.<br /><br />Goals are important in your life. Each person needs a vision of what they want in the future. In Proverbs 29:18, God says that without a vision His people perish. I recommend that each person set aside time to map out your goals for the year. Not resolutions, they often disappear by the end of January and you’ve forgotten them in a very short time. But real, long term goals for your life. If you have a vision of where you want to be, you stand a better chance of getting there. Having them written down somewhere so you come across them on a regular basis improves the chances that you can accomplish the goals and improve your life.<br /><br /><br /><strong>More to This Life</strong><br />Steven Curtis Chapman<br /><br />Today I watched in silence as people passed me by,<br />And I strained to see if there was something hidden in their eyes;<br />But they all looked back at me as if to say<br />Life just goes on.<br /><br />The old familiar story told in different ways,<br />Make the most of your own journey from the cradle to the grave;<br />Dream your dreams tomorrow because today<br />Life must go on.<br /><br />But there’s more to this life than living and dying,<br />More than just trying to make it through the day;<br />More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see,<br />And there’s more than this life alone can be.<br /><br />Tonight he lies in silence staring into space,<br />And looks for ways to make tomorrow better than today,<br />But in the morning light it looks the same;<br />Life just goes on.<br /><br />He takes care of his family, he takes care of his work,<br />And every Sunday morning he takes his place at the church;<br />And somehow he still feels a need to search,<br />But life just goes on.<br /><br />So where do we start to find every part<br />Of what makes this life complete;<br />If we turn our eyes to Jesus we’ll find<br />Life’s true beginning is there at the cross where He died.<br />He died to bring us . . .<br /><br />More to this life than living and dying,<br />More than just trying to make it through the day;<br />More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see,<br />And there’s more than this life alone can be.Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-42748834850542247002009-12-08T14:55:00.001-08:002009-12-08T15:05:06.826-08:00Some of the Christmas Cookies RecipesI used to cook on a regular basis. Then life changed and with church and kids, eating at home became only a few times a week. After the kids turned into teenagers, it got down to about once or twice at week when we would eat at home. Since I'm now by myself, it's too much trouble for me to cook real often because I don't have the room or the utensils to cook with and I'm getting lazier. I still love to however.<br /><br />Nevertheless, during this time of year, I usually make some treats for my "wonderful" co-workers. Here's two of the more popular recipes;<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Chocolate Butter Pecans<br /></span></strong><br /><strong>Ingredients:<br /></strong>Cookies:<br />½ cup butter<br />½ cup sugar<br />1 cup light brown sugar<br />1 large egg<br />½ teaspoon salt<br />1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />1 ½ cups flour<br />1 teaspoon chili powder<br />1 cup pecans (finely chopped)<br /><br />Chocolate Icing:<br />1 pound bittersweet chocolate<br />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />½ teaspoon chili powder<br />1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />Pecans halves<br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br />Cookies:<br />Preheat oven to 375°. Mix butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg, salt, and vanilla then blend. Stir in flour and chili powder and mix again. Add chopped pecans and mix to combine into a smooth mixture.<br /><br />Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place onto baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cookies are a light brown and crisp at the edges. Cool completely.<br /><br />Chocolate Icing:<br />Place chocolate, chili powder, cinnamon, and vanilla into a large microwave dish and heat for 30 seconds on high, stir at 10-20 second intervals and continue heating until chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle chocolate over cooled cookies.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Dark Chocolate Lava Drops</span></strong><br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />½ cup butter<br />1 ounce bittersweet chocolate<br />¾ cup sugar<br />1 egg<br />1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour<br />½ teaspoon baking powder<br />½ teaspoon salt<br />Hershey’s chocolate kisses<br />½ sanding sugar (regular sugar will do)<br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br />Heat oven to 350°. Put butter and chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high pausing every 30 seconds to stir, continue until all is melted. Let sit for 10 minutes.<br /><br />Add ¾ cup sugar and egg to melted mixture mix and then add flour, baking powder, and salt. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth.<br /><br />Shape into 1 inch dough balls (appx). Press chocolate kiss in dough and completely cover with dough.<br /><br />Place ½ cup sugar in bowl and roll dough balls in sugar, place on cookie sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.<br /><br />Mixture should make about 24 cookies.<br /><br /><br />Good luck & enjoy,<br />GLWGary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-99739350258575222009-11-25T15:38:00.000-08:002009-11-25T15:52:10.427-08:00Holiday Attitude Adjustment<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanksgiving is looked on as a time to take inventory of what we have to be thankful for. But for some, it’s a time when we look back and whine about the things we have lost. We can get caught up in the trap of looking at possessions, friends, family, finances, and other things that we had, but no longer have. It distracts us, causes us to focus on past failures/loses, robs us of joy in our lives, and can make us live in a depressed state.<br /><br />I can understand this even more than ever before. Despite what some may think, for most of my 45+ years, I’ve had a rather upbeat and positive outlook on life. Something may get me down, but I’m over it in short order. Not because my life has been a bed of roses without issues though. Many can attest that I’ve had my share (sometimes it seems more than my share) of difficulties; financial, family, marriage, church, health, death of a Son, lost almost everything I owned, the list is rather long. Sometimes if I dwell on the difficult times I’ve had, it can cause my attitude and personality to change. Getting beat down by life can have a devastating effect on a person. The longer you dwell on it, the greater the chance we can slide into depression thus making it harder to return to some sense of normalcy in our lives.<br /><br />Friends and family can give you advice during times like these, but they can’t change our attitudes for us. The only way that can happen is for us to realize that we have to make the decision to rebound. Sometimes it seems easier to stay where we are and have a pity party, but eventually that will grow old both to you and your friends.<br /><br />I battled this for some time and one day while having lunch with my best friend, he told me that I wasn’t the same person I was just a few years back. I asked him what he meant and he told me, “You’ve lost the zest and thrill for life that you once had. You either lost it or someone/something took it from you”. I told him that I’ve been through so much and that I lost a little at a time until I arrived at the point I am now. I may never get back to where I once was. He proceeded to tell me that getting to where I am may not have been anything I had control over, but getting out of there is something I do have control over. You can sit and sour or you can take the initiative to change. He’s been an influence in my life for over 40 years, the older we get the more positive thankfully. In I Thessalonians 5:18, Jesus tells us to give thanks in every circumstance. Sometimes things happen and we don’t know how to find anything to be thankful for, but we can always look at ways that it could have been worse. We’re to give thanks in everything, not for everything. Not many would be thankful for getting a broken arm in a car accident, but we should be thankful that we didn’t get paralyzed or worse in the car accident.<br /><br />In Philippians 4:4-13, Jesus gives us some great advice on tough times in our lives and how to gain peace in the difficult times. We can bring our troubles, hardships, worries, difficulties, trials, etc. to Him and ask Him for help in dealing with them. If you’re at the end of your rope, turn the situations over to Him and let Him handle them. He’s willing and waiting to give us a peace and to calm our souls if we’re willing to ask Him. If we do that, He will help us and we can start to train ourselves on how to focus on things that will allow us to transform our attitudes and mind to be more thankful for the many things that we have in life to be thankful for and move away from the items that distract us and hinder us from living our lives with joy and peace.<br /><br />I’m still a work in progress, but I am making strides in seeking what’s ahead and moving from what’s behind. I’d pray that you do that also and learn to be thankful for what God has given you.<br /><br />GLW</span><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)</strong><br />Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.<br /><br /><strong>Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV)</strong><br />Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!<br /><br />Let your gentleness be evident to all. 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.<br /><br />Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.<br /><br />Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.<br /><br />I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>Philippians 3:13 (NIV)<br /></strong>Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead</span></span> </span>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-8194605806302374272009-10-20T15:32:00.000-07:002009-10-20T15:51:09.438-07:00Give Me the Wheel<p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">I took the summer off from my writing but have several "new" topics that I plan on bringing over the next few months. Most ideas came from talking to people about their issues and items in their lives that they are dealing with. Hopefully, the Lord will give me words that can be of use to someone. I'll do my best to make them understandable and compact.<br /><br />GLW</span><br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">___________________________________________________________<br /></span></strong><strong></strong></p><p align="left"><strong>Teach Me Lord to Wait</strong><br /><br />Being around church all of my life and being the son of a Music Minister, I’ve heard/sung many songs and hymns through my time here on earth. Although I’m no longer a Music Minister, I do fill in at times and seldom do I use older music unless it’s been “spiced up” a bit. One of these songs came to mind the other day and reminded me of many things from the years.<br /><br />At a couple of my previous churches where they were tortured by having me as their Music Minister, we used to sing an older song titled “Teach Me Lord”. It was taken from a passage in the book of Isaiah.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Isaiah 40:31 (The Message)</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch His breath and He knows everything, inside and out. <br />He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. <br />For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall.<br />But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.<br />They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.<br /></span><br />Many times we can sing a song at church and just go through the motions of worship. Rarely do we actually transform our singing into worship and it is even rarer when we actually live what we sing in church. We’ve become an instant society with many have-it-now conveniences. For us, having to wait on something means thirty minutes to an hour of an inconvenience. Not days, weeks, months, or even years. Everything is designed around instant gratification in today’s world. Having to wait on things has become a foreign concept.<br /><br />Young couples starting out are often faced with troubles right off the bat because of this. At home with Mom & Dad, they had all they wanted and needed. When they marry and move out, they decide they need all of the same items they had when Mom & Dad were providing them. So they proceed to go out and get what they want. Use the handy dandy charge card and dig themselves a financial hole to satisfy the have-it-now need. That adds stresses and issues on their newly formed marriage that will already have issues to be dealt with.<br /><br />I can understand the difficulties many face. Having dealt/dealing with several personal issues over the past five years, waiting on the Lord can be a very stressful thing.<br /><br />* I want financial issues fixed now<br />* I want relationship issues fixed now<br />* I want the issues with my Children fixed now<br />* I want health issues fixed now<br />* I want spiritual issues fixed now<br /><br />And the list goes on. Having to pray for an issue and wait on the Lord to “fix” the issue can be very trying. Often we decide to handle it on our own and give up on God when it appears He’s not doing anything. We take the reigns and run with it. Only to make a bigger mess and cry out to God for letting this happen to us. If we’d learn to turn it over to Him and wait, the problem could be solved and we could avoid some of the troubles we end up with.<br /><br />In seminary a great pastor friend of mine once told me, “we tell God to take the wheel in our lives and then we take the steering wheel back from God and tell Him that He doesn’t seem to know where we’re going, or what He’s doing. After we run off the road, we tell Him to get back behind the wheel and argue with Him for letting us take the wheel from Him anyway. It’s almost a no win situation for Him.”<br /><br />Just because we can’t see where He’s taking us or where we’re going doesn’t mean He’s lost. We’ve got to learn to lean on Him, and trust in Him. In Proverbs,<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation)</strong><br />Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.<br />Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.<br /></span><br />Put your faith, trust, hope, plans, future, and direction in God’s hands. He knows where you’re going and will take care of you. Even when we think we’re lost, have no hope, or are facing insurmountable odds and situations, He’s there. Though it may not be easy, we have the promise that He will be there to take care of us every step along the way. It’s a continual process but after we experience victory from letting Him handle the situations, it gets easier to turn things over to Him and trust Him.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Hebrews 13:5 (New International Version)<br /></strong>… God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."<br /></span><br />___________________________________________________________<br /><br /><strong>Teach Me Lord<br /></strong><br />They that wait upon the Lord<br />Shall renew their strength.<br />They shall mount up on wings like eagles.<br />They will run and not be weary,<br />They shall walk and never faint<br />Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.</p>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-11453424004457214592009-06-30T20:35:00.000-07:002009-07-01T15:15:53.020-07:00It's Wearing Me Down<div align="left"><strong>The Battles of Frustration</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Even though I’m not the youngest rooster in the barnyard, I still sometimes have issues with frustration. It never seems to disappear.<br /><br />If you asked me five years ago about where I would be in 2009, I would have given you a list of where I’d be living, what I’d be doing, what my wife and Kids would be busy with, etc. Even though there were many questions to be answered, I was sure of many things and had a decent grasp on the future and my plans for the future.<br /><br />Times change. Sometimes God can throw you a curve ball and allow drastic changes to take place within your life and disrupt all of your plans. It can get very trying and frustrating when things don’t go as you plan.<br /><br />Do you have unfulfilled expectations? Is there an unmet need in your life, or has a dream been shattered? From personal experience, I can tell you that sometimes in life we experience setbacks and failures. We work towards a goal, only to see it thwarted. We have an image in our minds of the perfect family, career, or lifestyle—yet there are many times we fail to live up to those images.<br /><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Hopes and dreams are not bad—they inspire us to keep going. But when dreams fail, they leave us confused, disillusioned and sometimes totally devastated. Unfulfilled expectations are painful. They can even be traumatic, especially when we have put our whole hope and planned our futures on these expectations.<br /><br />After 20 years of working for the government, I noticed that it’s amazing how fifteen minor frustrations at work can add up to one big, bad attitude by the time you head for home. Frustrations come in three varieties:</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><ul><li><div align="left"><strong>Interruptions:</strong> unexpected delays when you have a deadline to meet or something important requires your attention. No matter how well we plan, at times our best plans are often interrupted.</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>Inconveniences:</strong> inconveniences are usually situations involving things: the copy machine breaks down, traffic jams on the roadway, or something disappears when you need it.</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>Irritations:</strong> Long delays, unreliable people, playing telephone tag, illness, obnoxious clients, etc.In all actuality, you can’t eliminate these. You will face all three varieties this week, but you can keep them from stressing you out.</span></div></li></ul><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Though you cannot eliminate them, one tremendous way to reduce stress is to learn how to manage your frustrations.</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><ul><li><div align="left"></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Don’t resist it, but don’t overreact or blow up.</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Don’t resent it; don’t internalize you anger.</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Don’t resign to it; don’t have a pity-party.</span></div></li></ul><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Instead, do what you can to reduce it. Treat it as insignificant. Put the frustration into proper perspective. Though it can seem very traumatic, it’s just a minor setback, a part of living, no big deal! I’m sure you’ve heard this statement before so follow these two rules for stress management:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>RULE #1:</strong> Don’t sweat the small stuff.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><strong>RULE #2:</strong> Recognize that it’s all small stuff!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The Bible says, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience…” Proverbs 19:11<br /><br />The only way we can see all stuff as small stuff is to view it from God’s perspective. When I am in tune with God, I remember He has everything under control even though I don’t! So I don’t have to sweat it: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">If your church or pastor is of any worth, they can help you work through your frustration, there are times you need to talk to someone. When I was facing the troubles and trials of previous years, the Lord allowed me to spend time with a couple of Pastor friends of mine and they were a tremendous blessing to me as I recovered from the trauma that had taken place in my life. Just talk to someone in the church that you trust. Sit down with them and talk about life's problems, being able to talk about it with an objective and confidential source can make you feel a lot better. If they give you any advice, make sure it goes along with what God’s word says. Just because they may seem to be a good Christian or pastor does not mean they wouldn’t give you advice that is contrary to God’s word. The most powerful tool at your disposal however is prayer. Talk with God and ask for His help and guidance through the times.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Frustration is hard to overcome, but with help it can be.<br /><br />In John 16:33, Jesus says: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer! For I have overcome the world."<br /><br />Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will not experience difficult times. God has told us the truth, that at times life will be difficult. He has provided to us a way to overcome these tough times, by following Jesus' teachings and surrendering our lives to Him. His peace is amazing and His love is unmatched. You can rest in trusting that He is working all things for the good. Victory through tough times comes by staying connected to other believers, reading Gods word, trusting God, praying, worshiping and staying free from sins grip on us through forgiveness. If you are troubled today, lift your head up and realize your Saviors love for you. He has promised to never leave you or turn His back on you.<br /></span></div>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-45352345849801296522009-05-25T19:54:00.000-07:002009-05-25T20:01:28.569-07:00First WordsEach workday morning, I get the opportunity to travel 18 miles to work. Since I live by myself, I don’t usually get the opportunity to speak until I arrive at work. Recently, I started paying attention to the first words I speak every morning to see the motive, emotion, attitude, and purpose behind them.<br /><br />Our first words in many ways can set the attitude and path we start the day out on. If they are harsh or critical, then we have a much better chance that the day will start out in a negative manner. If our first words are uplifting, we can set a positive tone for the day and help us as make the day a much more enjoyable event.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Philippians 4:8 (The Message)<br />Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.<br /></span><br />After tracking my words for about a month, I noticed a definite pattern. Many times my first words were directed at people in traffic on my route to work. Though I live in a rural area, the traffic on my road can be heavy at times due to the thousands of people that transverse my road on their way to work at SRS. I spent twenty years there myself and though the management of the facility preaches safety in every aspect of your life (work and home) apparently their workers forget much of the safety training while they are in route to work. That along with the people that think they are the only people on the road or that the roads were built for them, can have a tendency to get me riled up on the roadway, not only in the morning but anytime. I recognized that I have the desire to vocalize my opinion of their driving and at time question their family’s heritage. When this happens, I start the day out on the wrong foot and it creates a hurdle for me to overcome in order to correct the issue and get my mind and attitude back on track.<br /><br />If I make it to work without incident, usually the first words directed to me are from co-workers. Depending on which door I come in, they are either cordial welcomes or desperate pleas for help with an issue that affects the ability for the station to operate in the excellent manner which the employees and public have come to expect. Many times I am bombarded with requests long before I even make it to my office to gather my composure and focus on events for the day. When this happens, I can also start the day off in a negative manner requiring an attitude also.<br /><br />However on most days, I make my commute to work quietly and to my office at work without incident. On these days, the first words are usually directed to/from me as pleasantries from the wonderful co-workers I have. Usually it’s one of the kind gentlemen or beautiful young ladies I work with and one cannot help but start the day out on the right foot after a kind word from them.<br /><br />Our attitudes can be set by the initial moments we start our day off with. If you have children or a spouse, sometimes they can be difficult at the beginning of the day. A rough nights sleep or, as with children, a rough wake up can make us start the day off in a negative manner and can adversely affect our entire day. A difficult co-worker can also have the same effect on our day. It’s at this time we need to decide that no matter how we start the day off, we will have a good day and stay positive throughout the day.<br /><br />A few years back I was going through a rough patch almost every morning. No matter how I felt when I woke in the morning, something was going to ruin it and I’d have a tough time making it through the day with my usual upbeat personality. I learned even more during this time to meditate and pray asking the Lord to help me to stay positive no matter what life dealt me during the day. It can be difficult, however it can be accomplished.<br /><br />I still have a way to go as I have not attained the level I need. I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> worked on the negative attitudes I have acquired and still need to eliminate the unkind remarks I make to others at times. It’s a continual process and the Lord has helped me much in these areas over the past few months but progress still needs to be made.<br /><br />All this being said, I ask you to try this experiment: over the next two weeks minimum (preferably the next month), start tracking the first words you speak of each day. Note what the words were, who they were directed toward, their meaning and context, and your tone for the words. Check to see if any adjustments need to be made so that you can stay in a positive mental state and make the day more enjoyable to you and those you come into contact with each day. It can help you mentally, emotionally, and physically.Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459954709297510919.post-28931226556226552202009-04-27T08:03:00.000-07:002009-04-27T08:20:59.832-07:00And It Came to Pass<span style="font-family:arial;">This “note” is a re-hash of a devotion I did several years ago. Life has changed drastically for me since I first wrote this and I can vouch for it even more than I could back then. Even in life’s darkest moments, we can have peace knowing “this too shall pass”.<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>And it Came to Pass<br /></strong><br />Over 400 times in the bible, the phrase “And it came to pass” is mentioned. Here are just a few;<br /><br /><strong>Genesis 8:13 (KJV) After Noah & his family landed with the ark.</strong><br />And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.<br /><em>God provided safety.<br /></em><br /><strong>Exodus 17:10-12 (KJV) Moses leading the Jewish during battle<br /></strong>So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.<br />And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<br />But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.<br /><em>God provided victory.<br /></em><br /><strong>Judges 16:24-26 (KJV) Philistines had captured Samson and were having a good time making fun of Samson.</strong><br />And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us.<br />And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house: and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.<br />And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.<br /><em>God honored His promise.<br /></em><br /><strong>Matthew 9:10-11 (KJV) Jesus eating with “unworthy” people</strong><br />And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.<br />And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?<br /><br /><strong>Luke 16:21 -23 (KJV) Rich man and poor man</strong><br />And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.<br />And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom:<br />the rich man also died, and was buried;<br />And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.<br /><br /><strong>Luke 2:1-3 (KJV) Probably most known version</strong><br />And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.<br />What is common about all of these situations? They came to pass. They were here for a time, but then they passed.<br /><br />Look at some of these fads from the past fifty years.<br />· Poodle skirts<br />· Doo Wap music<br />· Flower children<br />· Beatniks<br />· Disco clothes & music<br />· Pet rocks<br />· Dance fads<br />· Television shows<br /><br />Many people who had their 15 minutes of fame. All had this in common, they were here for a time, but they passed.<br /><br />Mark Lowry claims his favorite verse to be, “And it came to pass...” As he interprets it, “Whatever we’re going through, it didn’t come to stay.” The verse applies everywhere: although this was largely intended for humor, here is some deep spiritual meaning behind it.<br /><br />· You young 18-year-old jocks that have muscles in your earlobes and piles of hair, enjoy them. They will pass.<br />· You young girls with the great looks and shape, enjoy them. They will pass.<br />· Those enjoying great peace, wealth, health, everything’s going good, enjoy it. It will pass.<br /><br />Even more:<br /><br />· Those facing health issues, work issues, financial strains, hold on. They will pass.<br />· Those facing family issues, difficulty with children, hold on. They will pass.<br />· Maybe you’re facing marriage difficulties, hold on and turn to God. They will pass. (As a side note, turn to GOD-not friends, not relatives, and especially not to a person of the opposite sex. Rely on God and seek Him, He will guide and provide.)<br /><br />Are you having a bad week? Hold on, it’ll pass. You having a good week...? Hold on, it’ll pass. Especially remember if this period of your life has been really difficult.<br /><br />“It came to pass...”“It didn’t come to stay, it came to pass.. either it’ll pass or you’ll pass!”<br /><br />I can, as most of you can, vouch that at times, life can be somewhat difficult. I’m reminded of a story I from my Mother a few years back. It was a book;<br /><br />Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">From the moment he wakes up with gum in his hair, things just do not go Alexander’s way. At breakfast, Alexander’s brothers Nick and Anthony reach into their cereal boxes and pull out amazing prizes, while all Alexander ends up with is . . cereal. The situation does not get any better at school, in fact it gets worse. No wonder Alexander wants to move to Australia! In Australia, everything is upside down, so maybe a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day can become a wonderful, terrific, really good day. After school, Alexander encounters even more bad news when he visits the dentist and goes shopping for sneakers with his mother and brothers. And Alexander’s father isn’t at all happy with him when the boys visit his office and Alexander gets a little carried away with the new copying machine! This terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia! At the end, Alexander just wants to eat worms.<br /></span><br />When the world is falling down around you and you don’t feel like you can make it, we can give in to the troubles in our lives or we can remember that God is with us and head forward seeking what He has for us next.<br /><br />Life has often been compared to a series of storms. You’re either in the middle of one, just coming out of one, or getting ready to go into one. If you’re in one now, hold on-God is with you. If you’re just coming out of one, praise God for bringing you through it. If you’re getting ready to enter one, draw close to God and He’ll take care of you and comfort you. If everything in your life is going along smooth.’ now get prepared, I promise a storms on the horizon.<br /><br /><strong>Hanahan — Hurricane Hugo</strong><br />We were sent to the Charleston area after Hurricane Hugo came through in the late 1980’s. In many areas, it was a scene of total destruction. Trees downed, houses destroyed, cars & boats damaged. It looked as if a gigantic bomb had gone off and thrown everything to the ground. In many places you could see the power of what a large storm could do to our environment.<br /><br />Our lives are the same way. God brings us good times, but He also allows bad times to come to us also. You can look at each of us and see the result of storms in our lives through the years. It’s part of our makeup and part of our testimony. How we respond to the storms can tell much about us.<br /><br /><strong>Why does God allow us to suffer and go through storms/trials/difficulties?</strong><br /><br /><strong>A. Difficulties Force Us Into Dependence.</strong><br /><br />Let’s face it, we are very independent bunch of people and normally the only thing that will cause us to become dependent are hard times. I don’t think God wants us to learn all of our lessons the hard way but if that is what it takes for us to experience His blessing in our lives then I guess that is what he will use. He loves us too much to allow us to destroy ourselves.<br /><br /><strong>B. Difficulties Force Us Into Patience.</strong><br /><br />Why wait on God when I don’t have to wait on MacDonald’s? After all if I can get my Big Mac in 30 seconds or less then why can’t God do whatever He needs to do just as quickly? We probably would never say that out loud but I wonder how many of us feel that way? I guess we need to subscribe to Mark Lowry’s favorite bible verse, “and it came to pass.”<br /><br /><strong>C. Difficulties Mature Us.</strong><br /><br />God allows us to sometimes suffer so that we can mature in our faith and draw closer to Him. When bad times come again to us in the future, we can look back and see where He has been faithful to us and protected us in previous bad times.<br /><br />James 1:2-5 (NIV)<br />“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”<br /><br />1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)<br />In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.<br /><br />In everything give thanks - not FOR everything give thanks. I don’t think God expects us to give thanks for having cancer, but I do think He expects us to give thanks to Him for those who help us, and the assurance of knowing that no matter what it may bring us, He will be there to take care of us.<br /><br />Hebrews 13:4-6 (NIV)<br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,<br />“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”<br />So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”<br /><br />Philippians 4:10-12 (NIV)<br />I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.<br /><br />No matter what happens in life, what matters is the attitude towards it. ‘Life can only be as good as your attitude about it.” Trouble & happiness comes and goes. Enjoy the good parts while they last, make the best of the bad parts.<br /><br />That, I feel, is the key to being content. All things will come to pass, we have to trust and rely on God for His protection and power. Just remember as the song says, “The God on the mountain is still God in the valleys.”<br /><br /><strong>God promises to be with us and to protect us.</strong><br /><br />The promise God gave us in Hebrews 13,<br />I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you." (the Message)<br /><br />Unfortunately, that doesn’t apply to everyone. You may be asking, “What do you mean?”<br /><br />God promises to take care of His own but you have to be one of His own. That means realizing that you are imperfect (a sinner), your need for a Savior (Jesus Christ), and turning over control of your life to Him and submitting to His direction and will for your life. It may sound difficult and at times it can be, but it’s free and as easy as saying,<br /><br />“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life.”<br /><br />The reward is more than you could ever imagine. No matter what comes your way, it will pass and you’ll make it through stronger than you were before.</span></p>Gary L. Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13033675784137619330noreply@blogger.com0