“He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches.” Rev 3:22
1. Children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is just as good as traditional marriage.
The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (51890)
Therefore, unless Proposition 8 passes, children will be taught that marriage is between any two adults regardless of gender. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.
2. Churches may be sued over their tax exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.
3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed its doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there.
4. Religions that sponsor private schools with married student housing may be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if counter to church doctrine, or risk lawsuits over tax exemptions and related benefits.
5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages may be sued for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A recent California court held that municipal employees may not say: “traditional marriage,” or “family values” because, after same-sex marriage case, it is “hate speech.”
6. It will cost you money. This change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits, including some already lost (e.g. photographers cannot not refuse to photograph gay marriages, doctors cannot now refuse to perform artificial insemination of gays even given other willing doctors). Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money - your money- that will be spent on such legal battles.
And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?
It’s your children, your grandchildren, your money, and your liberties.
Let’s work together to protect them.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What Proposition 8 Entails, Part II
What of the effect on education? Section 51890 of the California Education Code requires teachers to instruct children as early as kindergarten about the legal aspects of marriage. The state’s position that same-sex couples are equivalent to opposite-sex couples will in all likelihood require changes in school instruction to ensure that a homosexual relationship is not treated differently from a heterosexual one. We can anticipate that the princess in a children’s story will be as likely to marry another princess as a prince. Differences between sexes will be minimized or ignored. What confusion will that create in the minds of young boys and girls?
If a parent objects to the teaching of homosexual in the public schools, there is probably little he or she will be able to do about it. A federal district court in Massachusetts has ruled that parents may not prevent an elementary school from teaching their kindergarten and first grade children that homosexuality and same-sex marriage are moral and acceptable, even though contrary to the parents’ sincere religious beliefs, and that the parents are not entitled to notice of any such instruction or to opt their children out of it. That decision has been affirmed by the First District Court of Appeals. Incidentally, in that case a first grade student was required to listen to a teacher read the book King and King, a story of a prince who falls in love with and marries another prince. (Parker v Hurley)
In England, a Catholic school has been prohibited from firing an openly gay headmaster. In Quebec, a Mennonite school was informed by the Ministry of Education that it must conform to the official provincial curriculum, including teaching that homosexuality is an acceptable alternative lifestyle, or be shut down. The Mennonites say they will leave the province. A similar government position can be anticipated here.
A loss of free speech rights is likely. In Canada, the Alberta Human Rights Commission issued a ruling forbidding a Christian pastor from making “disparaging” remarks about homosexuality. Expect the same in California.
Opponents of Proposition 8 says the public to discard the wisdom of centuries by giving official approval to same-sex marriage. But at what price? The mere fact that a practice is old may not make it right but neither does it make it wrong. We have already witnessed the loss of important rights, and recent history suggests that defeat of the proposition will bring others.
Let us hope for the triumph of reason over emotion.
– William T. Garner, Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Retired
“I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.”
– Abraham Lincoln
If a parent objects to the teaching of homosexual in the public schools, there is probably little he or she will be able to do about it. A federal district court in Massachusetts has ruled that parents may not prevent an elementary school from teaching their kindergarten and first grade children that homosexuality and same-sex marriage are moral and acceptable, even though contrary to the parents’ sincere religious beliefs, and that the parents are not entitled to notice of any such instruction or to opt their children out of it. That decision has been affirmed by the First District Court of Appeals. Incidentally, in that case a first grade student was required to listen to a teacher read the book King and King, a story of a prince who falls in love with and marries another prince. (Parker v Hurley)
In England, a Catholic school has been prohibited from firing an openly gay headmaster. In Quebec, a Mennonite school was informed by the Ministry of Education that it must conform to the official provincial curriculum, including teaching that homosexuality is an acceptable alternative lifestyle, or be shut down. The Mennonites say they will leave the province. A similar government position can be anticipated here.
A loss of free speech rights is likely. In Canada, the Alberta Human Rights Commission issued a ruling forbidding a Christian pastor from making “disparaging” remarks about homosexuality. Expect the same in California.
Opponents of Proposition 8 says the public to discard the wisdom of centuries by giving official approval to same-sex marriage. But at what price? The mere fact that a practice is old may not make it right but neither does it make it wrong. We have already witnessed the loss of important rights, and recent history suggests that defeat of the proposition will bring others.
Let us hope for the triumph of reason over emotion.
– William T. Garner, Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Retired
“I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
What Proposition 8 Entails
Genderless Marriage: A Brave New World?
By William T. Garner, Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Retired
It is no exaggeration to suggest that when California voters go to the polls in November to select a new president, they will also decide another issue at least as important. A “yes” vote on Proposition 8 will create a state constitutional amendment allowing marriage only between one man and one woman. A “no” vote will allow same-sex couples to marry.
What is the benefit and what is the harm of recognizing genderless marriage (marriage without a gender requirement)? Aside from being able to call themselves “married,” there appears to be no benefit to same-sex couples that did not exist at the time of the 4-3 California Supreme Court decision of May 15, 2008 legalizing genderless marriage. Section 297.5 of California Family Code already provided that persons who register as “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections and benefits as married spouses.” However, the harm of official recognition of such relationships as “marriages” may be irreparable.
Although we cannot foretell the future with certainty, if a genderless marriage remains lawful, then so must a polygamous marriage be. The California Supreme Court effectively changed the traditional definition of marriage by holding that an individual must be allowed to establish a marriage with a person of either sex with whom the individual has chosen to share his or her life. If the person chosen is already married to another and all parties agree, in light of the court’s language, how can the state refuse to recognize a three-party marriage, or indeed place any limit on the number of marriage partners? We have recently seen the Texas and elsewhere that there are many people who want such a marriage, and it appears that choice now trumps tradition.
Many personal freedoms, including the free exercise of religion, may well be diminished or lost if the amendment is not adopted. Although the free exercise right is provided in both the U.S. and California Constitutions, because genderless marriage has now been held to be another constitutional right, who can doubt that there are judges who will decide that the marriage right must prevail over the religious one? Consider the following:
In Boston, the Catholic Charities recently closed down its adoption program because the state of Massachusetts insisted that every adoption agency must allow same-sex couples to adopt. Thereafter, an affiliated agency in San Francisco did the same.
A Methodist group in New Jersey lost part of is tax-exempt status because it refused to allow two lesbian couples to use its facility for a civil union ceremony.
In Albuquerque, a wedding photographer was ordered by the states Human Rights Commission to pay $6,637 to the attorney for a gay couple because she declined to photograph the couple’s commitment ceremony. She had explained to them that because of her religious beliefs she photographed only traditional marriages.
Continued tomorrow - - -
By William T. Garner, Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Retired
It is no exaggeration to suggest that when California voters go to the polls in November to select a new president, they will also decide another issue at least as important. A “yes” vote on Proposition 8 will create a state constitutional amendment allowing marriage only between one man and one woman. A “no” vote will allow same-sex couples to marry.
What is the benefit and what is the harm of recognizing genderless marriage (marriage without a gender requirement)? Aside from being able to call themselves “married,” there appears to be no benefit to same-sex couples that did not exist at the time of the 4-3 California Supreme Court decision of May 15, 2008 legalizing genderless marriage. Section 297.5 of California Family Code already provided that persons who register as “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections and benefits as married spouses.” However, the harm of official recognition of such relationships as “marriages” may be irreparable.
Although we cannot foretell the future with certainty, if a genderless marriage remains lawful, then so must a polygamous marriage be. The California Supreme Court effectively changed the traditional definition of marriage by holding that an individual must be allowed to establish a marriage with a person of either sex with whom the individual has chosen to share his or her life. If the person chosen is already married to another and all parties agree, in light of the court’s language, how can the state refuse to recognize a three-party marriage, or indeed place any limit on the number of marriage partners? We have recently seen the Texas and elsewhere that there are many people who want such a marriage, and it appears that choice now trumps tradition.
Many personal freedoms, including the free exercise of religion, may well be diminished or lost if the amendment is not adopted. Although the free exercise right is provided in both the U.S. and California Constitutions, because genderless marriage has now been held to be another constitutional right, who can doubt that there are judges who will decide that the marriage right must prevail over the religious one? Consider the following:
In Boston, the Catholic Charities recently closed down its adoption program because the state of Massachusetts insisted that every adoption agency must allow same-sex couples to adopt. Thereafter, an affiliated agency in San Francisco did the same.
A Methodist group in New Jersey lost part of is tax-exempt status because it refused to allow two lesbian couples to use its facility for a civil union ceremony.
In Albuquerque, a wedding photographer was ordered by the states Human Rights Commission to pay $6,637 to the attorney for a gay couple because she declined to photograph the couple’s commitment ceremony. She had explained to them that because of her religious beliefs she photographed only traditional marriages.
Continued tomorrow - - -
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Proposition 8
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.” Eph 6:1-3
All the confusion about Proposition 8, on our California ballot, is because we have allowed the homosexual community to twist the issue.
This is not about rights - it is about morality.
It is God, not government, who established the family. It is God, not government, who established and defined what marriage is to be!
Homosexuality is a choice - you were not born that way. All of us were born in sin, and we all have made bad choices because of it, however, the foundation by which civilization survives is the structure of the family.
Under California law, domestic partners already have the same rights as married spouses.
There is more to this than meets the eye, and if Proposition 8 fails, the flood gates will be opened. We must take a stand; we must say enough is enough!
Passing Proposition 8 will not stop the activists, but it will at least put up a wall. We must pray, act, vote, and cry out to God for His grace. As the family goes - so goes the nation. For our children and grandchildren’s sake, we must pass Proposition 8.
All the confusion about Proposition 8, on our California ballot, is because we have allowed the homosexual community to twist the issue.
This is not about rights - it is about morality.
It is God, not government, who established the family. It is God, not government, who established and defined what marriage is to be!
Homosexuality is a choice - you were not born that way. All of us were born in sin, and we all have made bad choices because of it, however, the foundation by which civilization survives is the structure of the family.
Under California law, domestic partners already have the same rights as married spouses.
There is more to this than meets the eye, and if Proposition 8 fails, the flood gates will be opened. We must take a stand; we must say enough is enough!
Passing Proposition 8 will not stop the activists, but it will at least put up a wall. We must pray, act, vote, and cry out to God for His grace. As the family goes - so goes the nation. For our children and grandchildren’s sake, we must pass Proposition 8.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Why Should Christians Vote, Part II
4. Christians should vote because Christ compels us to voice our biblically derived convictions at the ballot box, as well as through the mailbox and atop the soapbox.
“For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men” I Peter 2:15.
As Christians, we should be informed voters, not voting a “party line” or simply in accordance with another’s prescribed agenda. Christians are to look beyond the campaign rhetoric and artful posturing to uncover the genuine policy positions of the candidates.
5. Christians should vote because the innocent, the indigent, and the unborn need a defender.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.
We are standing squarely on Scripture when we support candidates who advocate public policy that protects innocent human life, cares for the oppressed, and provides equal justice for the accused.
6. Christians should vote because as we exercise our civic right we have the opportunity to advocate policy positions that signal our faith in the providential care of God.
We exhibit our trust in God as we support candidates whose public policy positions may not directly benefit us but offer relief to others in greater need.
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” Col. 3:2.
Our positions on the issues may run counter to the whims of the population at large as we emphasize policies that address the needs of others, placing our own interests subservient to the public good. Since our neighbors may well take notice of our selflessness, we are witnessing to our abiding faith in God.
7. Christians should vote because as we involve ourselves in the electoral and public policy process, we pray for our leaders.
Because Jesus has charged us to carry our faith in to the public square, we bear a necessary obligation to both pray for our leaders and plead for policy that is undergirded by scriptural principles.
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” I Tim. 2:1-2.
“For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men” I Peter 2:15.
As Christians, we should be informed voters, not voting a “party line” or simply in accordance with another’s prescribed agenda. Christians are to look beyond the campaign rhetoric and artful posturing to uncover the genuine policy positions of the candidates.
5. Christians should vote because the innocent, the indigent, and the unborn need a defender.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.
We are standing squarely on Scripture when we support candidates who advocate public policy that protects innocent human life, cares for the oppressed, and provides equal justice for the accused.
6. Christians should vote because as we exercise our civic right we have the opportunity to advocate policy positions that signal our faith in the providential care of God.
We exhibit our trust in God as we support candidates whose public policy positions may not directly benefit us but offer relief to others in greater need.
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” Col. 3:2.
Our positions on the issues may run counter to the whims of the population at large as we emphasize policies that address the needs of others, placing our own interests subservient to the public good. Since our neighbors may well take notice of our selflessness, we are witnessing to our abiding faith in God.
7. Christians should vote because as we involve ourselves in the electoral and public policy process, we pray for our leaders.
Because Jesus has charged us to carry our faith in to the public square, we bear a necessary obligation to both pray for our leaders and plead for policy that is undergirded by scriptural principles.
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” I Tim. 2:1-2.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Why Should Christians Vote?
“Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Romans 13:1
In 2004 only half of the evangelicals registered to vote, did. This year it is imperative that every Christian, moral person, anyone who has a conscience – VOTE. Why?
Dwayne Hastings gives us seven reasons -
1. Christians should vote because Jesus tells us in the Bible to be a part of the process, not apart from it.
Jesus commands His followers to involve themselves in the culture as “salt” and “light” - bearing the purifying and enlightening force of Scripture - to impact society for good and for God Matt 5:13-16.
Informed Christians base their views, and thus their electoral preferences, on the wisdom they gain from study of God’s Word and prayer. It is a Christian’s obligation to offer up a Bible-based agenda for the common good.
2. Christians should vote because our liberties were secured by the blood of our forbearers in faith early in our nation’s history and have been preserved by the vigilance of brace men and women who time and time again have defended our freedoms.
When we exercise our right to vote, we acknowledge our gratefulness for the sacrifice of those who have gone before us. Contemporary Christians’ lack of involvement in the political process weakens our voice and threatens to erode our right to bring biblically based views into the policy arena. John Adams, our nation’s second president, wrote to his wife Abigail in 1775: “It is Religion and Morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can freely stand. A patriot must be a religious man.”
3. Christians should vote because Jesus urged His followers to render unto Caesar what was Caesar’s Luke 20:19-26.
Voting is means by which all citizens, including Christians, exercise their civic responsibilities under the rights guaranteed in a democracy. In doing so, Christians are acting in obedience to the Lord’s command. While as Americans we do not have an emperor to whom civic homage is due, we do have a Constitution within which is made clear our right to have a participatory republic. For a Christian to sit on his hands during an election is an unconscionable breach of Christ’s command.
In 2004 only half of the evangelicals registered to vote, did. This year it is imperative that every Christian, moral person, anyone who has a conscience – VOTE. Why?
Dwayne Hastings gives us seven reasons -
1. Christians should vote because Jesus tells us in the Bible to be a part of the process, not apart from it.
Jesus commands His followers to involve themselves in the culture as “salt” and “light” - bearing the purifying and enlightening force of Scripture - to impact society for good and for God Matt 5:13-16.
Informed Christians base their views, and thus their electoral preferences, on the wisdom they gain from study of God’s Word and prayer. It is a Christian’s obligation to offer up a Bible-based agenda for the common good.
2. Christians should vote because our liberties were secured by the blood of our forbearers in faith early in our nation’s history and have been preserved by the vigilance of brace men and women who time and time again have defended our freedoms.
When we exercise our right to vote, we acknowledge our gratefulness for the sacrifice of those who have gone before us. Contemporary Christians’ lack of involvement in the political process weakens our voice and threatens to erode our right to bring biblically based views into the policy arena. John Adams, our nation’s second president, wrote to his wife Abigail in 1775: “It is Religion and Morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can freely stand. A patriot must be a religious man.”
3. Christians should vote because Jesus urged His followers to render unto Caesar what was Caesar’s Luke 20:19-26.
Voting is means by which all citizens, including Christians, exercise their civic responsibilities under the rights guaranteed in a democracy. In doing so, Christians are acting in obedience to the Lord’s command. While as Americans we do not have an emperor to whom civic homage is due, we do have a Constitution within which is made clear our right to have a participatory republic. For a Christian to sit on his hands during an election is an unconscionable breach of Christ’s command.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Today!
“Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two days which should be kept from fear and apprehension...
One of these days is Yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone.
The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow, with its possible adversaries, its burdens, its large promise, and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.
Tomorrow’s sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day - Today. Any man can fight the battles of just one day; it is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities - Yesterday and Tomorrow, that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives men mad - it is remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow might bring.
There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two days which should be kept from fear and apprehension...
One of these days is Yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone.
The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow, with its possible adversaries, its burdens, its large promise, and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.
Tomorrow’s sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day - Today. Any man can fight the battles of just one day; it is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities - Yesterday and Tomorrow, that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives men mad - it is remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow might bring.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Your Legacy
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” Proverbs 13:22
Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or Christian training. He refused to take his children to church even when they asked to go.
He has had 1,026 decedents; 300 were sent to prison for an average term of 13 years; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. His family thus far has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They have made no contribution to society that is of any benefit.
Jonathan Edwards lived in same state at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, and he served the Lord to the best of his ability.
He had 929 descendants; of these 430 were ministers; 86 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; 5 were elected to the United States Congress and 2 to the Senate. One was vice-president of this nation. His family never cost the state one cent, but has contributed immeasurable to the life of plenty in this land today.
How is your influence and what legacy will you leave with your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren?
Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or Christian training. He refused to take his children to church even when they asked to go.
He has had 1,026 decedents; 300 were sent to prison for an average term of 13 years; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. His family thus far has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They have made no contribution to society that is of any benefit.
Jonathan Edwards lived in same state at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, and he served the Lord to the best of his ability.
He had 929 descendants; of these 430 were ministers; 86 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; 5 were elected to the United States Congress and 2 to the Senate. One was vice-president of this nation. His family never cost the state one cent, but has contributed immeasurable to the life of plenty in this land today.
How is your influence and what legacy will you leave with your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Comfort of Wisdom
“But he who listens to me shall live securely, and shall be at ease from the dread of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
He who listens, pays attention, does what he is told to do. Praise the Lord!
You don’t have to suffer calamity, dread, distress, anguish, silence, or eternal death.
You can choose life.
Someone once said, “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”
Let me share with you a truth that I have discovered - the hardest thing to do in the Christian life is to obey God. We want to do our own thing, make our own decisions, go our own way, and still have all of God’s blessings - but that’s not how it works.
However, the easiest thing to do in the Christian life is to obey God. Just as soon as you decide that He is God!
You’re not God, but He is God. I am a servant of the Living God. He is my Master, my Savior, my Hope, my Security, my Lord, and my Friend. My Goal, therefore, should be to glorify Him.
With that decision comes the freedom to be all that He created me to be. I find great comfort in that!
He who listens, pays attention, does what he is told to do. Praise the Lord!
You don’t have to suffer calamity, dread, distress, anguish, silence, or eternal death.
You can choose life.
Someone once said, “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”
Let me share with you a truth that I have discovered - the hardest thing to do in the Christian life is to obey God. We want to do our own thing, make our own decisions, go our own way, and still have all of God’s blessings - but that’s not how it works.
However, the easiest thing to do in the Christian life is to obey God. Just as soon as you decide that He is God!
You’re not God, but He is God. I am a servant of the Living God. He is my Master, my Savior, my Hope, my Security, my Lord, and my Friend. My Goal, therefore, should be to glorify Him.
With that decision comes the freedom to be all that He created me to be. I find great comfort in that!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Condemnation of Wisdom
“Because I called, and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention; And you neglected all my counsel, And did not want my reproof; I will even laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, When your dread comes like a storm, And your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come on you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me, Because they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be satiated with their own devices. For the waywardness of the naive shall kill them, And the complacency of fools shall destroy them.” Proverbs 1:24-32
This passage is one of the clearest in Scripture of the fact of God’s judgement and the reason for it.
Because -
1. Wisdom called and was refused.
2. Wisdom stretched out her hand and no one paid attention.
3. Wisdom council was neglected.
4. No one wanted wisdom’s reproof.
The Word of God
The Prophets of God
Jesus Christ
His Church
His Principles
His People
They will come -
Calamity V 26
Dread V 26
Distress V 27
Anguish V 27
Silence V 28-30
Death V 31-32
This passage is one of the clearest in Scripture of the fact of God’s judgement and the reason for it.
Because -
1. Wisdom called and was refused.
2. Wisdom stretched out her hand and no one paid attention.
3. Wisdom council was neglected.
4. No one wanted wisdom’s reproof.
The Word of God
The Prophets of God
Jesus Christ
His Church
His Principles
His People
They will come -
Calamity V 26
Dread V 26
Distress V 27
Anguish V 27
Silence V 28-30
Death V 31-32
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Council of Wisdom
“Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” Proverbs 1:23
We looked yesterday at three kinds of individuals that wisdom calls too - the Naive, the Scoffer, and the Fool.
His call is simple - turn to My reproof = repent!
What’s the problem of the Naive, Scoffers, and Fools?
It is sin.
The solution is - “Repent”
Mark 6:12
Luke 13:1-3
Luke 15:7
Acts 2:36-38
Acts 3:16-20
Two things a man needs --
1. The Holy Spirit - to convict and give him the faith.
2. Clear instructions.
Now make this note - It is not God who does not love, care, or call - it is man who refuses to hear, heed, and come.
We will reap what we sow, but it won’t be because God didn’t call us, plead with us, or show us the way out. And what is the result of turning a deaf ear toward God?
We looked yesterday at three kinds of individuals that wisdom calls too - the Naive, the Scoffer, and the Fool.
His call is simple - turn to My reproof = repent!
What’s the problem of the Naive, Scoffers, and Fools?
It is sin.
The solution is - “Repent”
Mark 6:12
Luke 13:1-3
Luke 15:7
Acts 2:36-38
Acts 3:16-20
Two things a man needs --
1. The Holy Spirit - to convict and give him the faith.
2. Clear instructions.
Now make this note - It is not God who does not love, care, or call - it is man who refuses to hear, heed, and come.
We will reap what we sow, but it won’t be because God didn’t call us, plead with us, or show us the way out. And what is the result of turning a deaf ear toward God?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Call of Wisdom
“Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings: ‘How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge?’” Proverbs 1:20-22
How does wisdom call?
She shouts! It’s a loud warning - It’s a public warning - It’s an authoritative warning.
Where wisdom calls -
In the square.
Head of the noisy streets.
At the entrance of the gates.
Whom does wisdom call -
The Naive - who loves simplicity.
The Scoffer - who delights in scoffing.
The Fool - who hates knowledge.
The Naive (the simple). The class of sinners who’s leading characteristic is the absence of good, rather than the positive activity of evil.
They do not blaspheme God, they just neglect His salvation.
Indifference. They go on - don’t worry about sin, judgement, heaven, or hell. They hear truth, but they just haven’t got time or care to worry about it.
The Scoffer (the resistant). They are not just passive to truth - they resist the truth!
They always have something cute to say, a sneer for the saint, a witty cut for the scripture, but why do they scoff? Because they can’t come into close contact with the Word - it’s their defense against conviction!
The Fool (the God hater). The fool know the truth and hate it.
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God,’ they are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good.” Psalm 53:1
We face all three in our culture.
How does wisdom call?
She shouts! It’s a loud warning - It’s a public warning - It’s an authoritative warning.
Where wisdom calls -
In the square.
Head of the noisy streets.
At the entrance of the gates.
Whom does wisdom call -
The Naive - who loves simplicity.
The Scoffer - who delights in scoffing.
The Fool - who hates knowledge.
The Naive (the simple). The class of sinners who’s leading characteristic is the absence of good, rather than the positive activity of evil.
They do not blaspheme God, they just neglect His salvation.
Indifference. They go on - don’t worry about sin, judgement, heaven, or hell. They hear truth, but they just haven’t got time or care to worry about it.
The Scoffer (the resistant). They are not just passive to truth - they resist the truth!
They always have something cute to say, a sneer for the saint, a witty cut for the scripture, but why do they scoff? Because they can’t come into close contact with the Word - it’s their defense against conviction!
The Fool (the God hater). The fool know the truth and hate it.
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God,’ they are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good.” Psalm 53:1
We face all three in our culture.
Friday, October 17, 2008
First Step Towards Wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Prov 9:10
Note what the verse says, “The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” In other words, you can’t have understanding if you don’t know Christ. God’s first step toward wisdom is salvation, followed by submission, obedience, and to be saturated with the Word of God in the power of His Holy Spirit.
The fear of the Lord is the continued awareness that God is watching, evaluating, and judging every one of our motives, words, thoughts, and actions.
The more conscious we are of His presence – the more motivated we are to call upon Him for His power to live the kind of lives He wants us to live.
“How do I grow in the Lord,” you ask ?
1. Be saved - repent and receive Christ into your heart.
2. Be obedient. John 14:15
3. Pray, study and meditate. Psalms 1
4. Praise Him.
5. Trust Him.
You are just as spiritual today as you really want to be.
All that ignore God - are but fools.
You cannot ignore God - and be wise.
Note what the verse says, “The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” In other words, you can’t have understanding if you don’t know Christ. God’s first step toward wisdom is salvation, followed by submission, obedience, and to be saturated with the Word of God in the power of His Holy Spirit.
The fear of the Lord is the continued awareness that God is watching, evaluating, and judging every one of our motives, words, thoughts, and actions.
The more conscious we are of His presence – the more motivated we are to call upon Him for His power to live the kind of lives He wants us to live.
“How do I grow in the Lord,” you ask ?
1. Be saved - repent and receive Christ into your heart.
2. Be obedient. John 14:15
3. Pray, study and meditate. Psalms 1
4. Praise Him.
5. Trust Him.
You are just as spiritual today as you really want to be.
All that ignore God - are but fools.
You cannot ignore God - and be wise.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Importance of Wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
The question is, ‘Why is wisdom so important?’
Because. . .
1. Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective.
2. Wisdom is the ability to use facts and knowledge to come to correct conclusions.
3. Wisdom is seeing how God’s principles are universal and non-optional, and how every civilization and individual has and will succeed or fail in direct relationship to how they follow them.
4. Wisdom gives us the ability to see and understand how human nature is directly opposed to God’s nature.
5. Wisdom is the ability to see how our natural inclinations are directly contrary to God’s principle of life.
For example, look where we are right now in our culture, we have taught our children so long that evolution is a fact, that they no longer see the facts that stand against it. Instead they have believed a lie. Our philosophy is’ eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.’
California Proposition # 8 would never have been on a ballot twenty-five years ago, and yet here we are, about to vote on a definition of marriage that God has already given us.
What America needs right now is a good dose of Holiness.
The question is, ‘Why is wisdom so important?’
Because. . .
1. Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective.
2. Wisdom is the ability to use facts and knowledge to come to correct conclusions.
3. Wisdom is seeing how God’s principles are universal and non-optional, and how every civilization and individual has and will succeed or fail in direct relationship to how they follow them.
4. Wisdom gives us the ability to see and understand how human nature is directly opposed to God’s nature.
5. Wisdom is the ability to see how our natural inclinations are directly contrary to God’s principle of life.
For example, look where we are right now in our culture, we have taught our children so long that evolution is a fact, that they no longer see the facts that stand against it. Instead they have believed a lie. Our philosophy is’ eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.’
California Proposition # 8 would never have been on a ballot twenty-five years ago, and yet here we are, about to vote on a definition of marriage that God has already given us.
What America needs right now is a good dose of Holiness.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Why Proverbs?
“To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.” Proverbs 1:6
The Hebrew term for proverb means a comparison.
A proverb is “a way of saying a truth that will stick in your mind.” Sayings that are taken from everyday life, intended to serve as practical guidelines for successful living. They are written so that we will be able to understand what we read as we study through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
So then in these first six verses, we have 15 reasons from the Book of Proverbs –
1. We might know wisdom. V 2
2. We might know discipline. V 2
3. We might discern understanding. V 2
4. To receive instruction in wise behavior. V 3
5. To receive instruction in righteousness. V 3
6. To receive instruction in justice. V 3
7. To receive instruction in equity. V 3
8. To give prudence to the naive. V 4
9. To give youth knowledge. V 4
10. To give youth discretion. V 4
11. To attract the wise man. V 5
12. To increase learning. V 5
13. To help attain understanding and wise counsel. V 5
14. That a man might be able to make known the words of the wise. V 6
15. That He might express and understand riddles. V 6
The Hebrew term for proverb means a comparison.
A proverb is “a way of saying a truth that will stick in your mind.” Sayings that are taken from everyday life, intended to serve as practical guidelines for successful living. They are written so that we will be able to understand what we read as we study through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
So then in these first six verses, we have 15 reasons from the Book of Proverbs –
1. We might know wisdom. V 2
2. We might know discipline. V 2
3. We might discern understanding. V 2
4. To receive instruction in wise behavior. V 3
5. To receive instruction in righteousness. V 3
6. To receive instruction in justice. V 3
7. To receive instruction in equity. V 3
8. To give prudence to the naive. V 4
9. To give youth knowledge. V 4
10. To give youth discretion. V 4
11. To attract the wise man. V 5
12. To increase learning. V 5
13. To help attain understanding and wise counsel. V 5
14. That a man might be able to make known the words of the wise. V 6
15. That He might express and understand riddles. V 6
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Key to Wisdom
“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;” Prov 1:5,7
It is a wise man who will hear and acquire wise counsel.
• Will hear intelligently.
• Will multiply.
• Will be able to separate facts and apply them.
• Will build for Himself an orderly life that makes sense.
A Characteristic of Wisdom is the Readiness to Learn.
It is the fool who thinks he already knows, or does not pay attention because he has already heard it before. We’re not talking about intelligence but wisdom.
Wisdom can be ours, but it must be sought out.
II Tim 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”
Be diligent = to exert, endeavor, be zealous, to study.
Living Bible - Work hard, so God can say to you, “Well done!” ... be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. KNOW what His Word says and means.
The emphasis is on the word ‘know.’
It is a wise man who will hear and acquire wise counsel.
• Will hear intelligently.
• Will multiply.
• Will be able to separate facts and apply them.
• Will build for Himself an orderly life that makes sense.
A Characteristic of Wisdom is the Readiness to Learn.
It is the fool who thinks he already knows, or does not pay attention because he has already heard it before. We’re not talking about intelligence but wisdom.
Wisdom can be ours, but it must be sought out.
II Tim 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”
Be diligent = to exert, endeavor, be zealous, to study.
Living Bible - Work hard, so God can say to you, “Well done!” ... be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. KNOW what His Word says and means.
The emphasis is on the word ‘know.’
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Need for Wisdom
“The Proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding. To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity...” Prov 1:1-3
The best way to live is according to the Word of God. The Word of God is given for OUR good and not God’s good or benefit. God loves us and has therefore given us truths to live by, that when obeyed brings us joy and victory in our life.
The greatest wisdom one can show is to walk in God’s wisdom according to God’s Will.
Right now we are living in a culture that seems to be devoid of God’s wisdom, we are being saturated with the worlds wisdom and not God’s truth.
We are a generation that is being brain-washed by the media - and we are being deceived - we are told half-truths and flat out lies, but too many people don’t seem to care or have the ability to know the difference.
We are in desperate need of God’s wisdom. The Book of Proverbs forms a library of instruction for living godly lives. Remember, there are two ways to learn – the hard way or the easy way. Proverbs was given to us so that we wouldn’t have to learn the hard way!
The best way to live is according to the Word of God. The Word of God is given for OUR good and not God’s good or benefit. God loves us and has therefore given us truths to live by, that when obeyed brings us joy and victory in our life.
The greatest wisdom one can show is to walk in God’s wisdom according to God’s Will.
Right now we are living in a culture that seems to be devoid of God’s wisdom, we are being saturated with the worlds wisdom and not God’s truth.
We are a generation that is being brain-washed by the media - and we are being deceived - we are told half-truths and flat out lies, but too many people don’t seem to care or have the ability to know the difference.
We are in desperate need of God’s wisdom. The Book of Proverbs forms a library of instruction for living godly lives. Remember, there are two ways to learn – the hard way or the easy way. Proverbs was given to us so that we wouldn’t have to learn the hard way!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Some Good News!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Heb 13:8
Everyone is talking about the election, what is going to happen, what will change, what will life be like after November.
While change is inevitable the one thing you can count on is that God is always going to be God. He is consistent and He does not change. Based on that truth, I thought you might enjoy the following –
Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn’t it GREAT to know who is really in control?!!
Have a wonderful week ! !
Everyone is talking about the election, what is going to happen, what will change, what will life be like after November.
While change is inevitable the one thing you can count on is that God is always going to be God. He is consistent and He does not change. Based on that truth, I thought you might enjoy the following –
Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn’t it GREAT to know who is really in control?!!
Have a wonderful week ! !
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Family
“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it.” Psalm 127:1
Dr. James Dobson calls ordinary family living the “straight life.” Which of us could not write at least a paragraph on the “straight life”?
The brakes went out on the Toyota today and the Chevy’s are squealing. The freezer isn’t making ice cubes, but it is making strange noises.
Surely, I am the only person in the world who can fold a load of clothes and have six socks without a match to any of them. The phone rang and I leaped off the ladder, dropping my paint brush in the dirt, only to answer 25 questions about which brands of toiletries I use.
The “straight life” is what made Erma Bombeck a success. Why was she so popular? Because many live what she wrote. Even those who jump the fence, leaving a shattered spouse and children behind, eventually find themselves back in the “straight life.” The “straight life” is ordinary family living.
When done according to God’s prescription, the "straight life" is one of the most rewarding and effective places you can be used by God to reach the world.
When a pastor announced his wife was pregnant with their fourth child, his concern for world over-population was questioned. His reply, “I don’t know about you, but we are raising revolutionaries for Christ!”
Pray today for the family. God intended on families to be the building blocks of our society. Pray for yours and those in your local church.
Dr. James Dobson calls ordinary family living the “straight life.” Which of us could not write at least a paragraph on the “straight life”?
The brakes went out on the Toyota today and the Chevy’s are squealing. The freezer isn’t making ice cubes, but it is making strange noises.
Surely, I am the only person in the world who can fold a load of clothes and have six socks without a match to any of them. The phone rang and I leaped off the ladder, dropping my paint brush in the dirt, only to answer 25 questions about which brands of toiletries I use.
The “straight life” is what made Erma Bombeck a success. Why was she so popular? Because many live what she wrote. Even those who jump the fence, leaving a shattered spouse and children behind, eventually find themselves back in the “straight life.” The “straight life” is ordinary family living.
When done according to God’s prescription, the "straight life" is one of the most rewarding and effective places you can be used by God to reach the world.
When a pastor announced his wife was pregnant with their fourth child, his concern for world over-population was questioned. His reply, “I don’t know about you, but we are raising revolutionaries for Christ!”
Pray today for the family. God intended on families to be the building blocks of our society. Pray for yours and those in your local church.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Access to His Presence
“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand...” Romans 5:1-2
Jesus gave His life for your sin, once for all. On that basis it is written, “and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:34
“Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.” Hebrews 10:19-20
Only the high priest in Israel had the privilege to enter the holy place once a year. Yet, do you remember that when Jesus died, the veil of the holiest place (that barrier) was torn in two? Today you have access to the very presence of God by the blood of Jesus.
If we understand the magnitude of this privilege, we will not be found prayerless. The knowledge of His new and living way should motivate us to much prayer.
“And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling...” Hebrews 10:21-25
God is pleased when you spend time in His presence, and when you are a functioning member of His body.
Are you pleasing Him?
Jesus gave His life for your sin, once for all. On that basis it is written, “and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:34
“Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.” Hebrews 10:19-20
Only the high priest in Israel had the privilege to enter the holy place once a year. Yet, do you remember that when Jesus died, the veil of the holiest place (that barrier) was torn in two? Today you have access to the very presence of God by the blood of Jesus.
If we understand the magnitude of this privilege, we will not be found prayerless. The knowledge of His new and living way should motivate us to much prayer.
“And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling...” Hebrews 10:21-25
God is pleased when you spend time in His presence, and when you are a functioning member of His body.
Are you pleasing Him?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Lamb of God
“...Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
In a wealthy civilized country like ours, many children have never been close enough to a cow to pet it. Most adults have never seen one slaughtered.
Even human suffering is generally done in a sterile discreet way behind hospital doors.
From our insulated existence of moderate sophistication it is difficult to imagine another day and age when blood sacrifice was a necessary act of obedience to God.
However, such a practice would feel today, it is the system God gave to the Israelites to atone for sin.
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.” Leviticus 17:11
The New Testament says, “without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22
Why then is blood no longer shed for sin?
God has not changed His requirements. The wages of sin has always been and will always be death.
The temple sacrifices are no longer necessary for the Lamb of God, The Promised One, has been sacrificed. His sacrifice was enough.
“So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” Hebrews 9:28
Consider how much He loves us!
In a wealthy civilized country like ours, many children have never been close enough to a cow to pet it. Most adults have never seen one slaughtered.
Even human suffering is generally done in a sterile discreet way behind hospital doors.
From our insulated existence of moderate sophistication it is difficult to imagine another day and age when blood sacrifice was a necessary act of obedience to God.
However, such a practice would feel today, it is the system God gave to the Israelites to atone for sin.
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.” Leviticus 17:11
The New Testament says, “without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22
Why then is blood no longer shed for sin?
God has not changed His requirements. The wages of sin has always been and will always be death.
The temple sacrifices are no longer necessary for the Lamb of God, The Promised One, has been sacrificed. His sacrifice was enough.
“So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” Hebrews 9:28
Consider how much He loves us!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Our High Priest
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Hebrews 4:14
Imagine being a small child in ancient Israel on the Day of Atonement.
As a child you are not required to fast, but all the grown-ups do because they say God had commanded that they fast. Maybe you would eat a little less because you felt badly eating when others could not - and it did make you feel grown up too.
The really big part of the day was when the high priest went into the holy of holies to meet with God. He went in there only once a year to present a sacrifice for the sins of all the people. It was awesome. The other priests put a bell on his garment so they could hear him.
Deep down inside you, you are glad this solemn event occurred only once each year.
Read what the New Testament author wrote:
“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:11-12
Jesus, your High Priest, needed no sacrifice for Himself. He did not enter the holy of holies, but the very presence of God in heaven. There He lives to intercede for you.
You have been freed to serve the living God. Praise Him!
Imagine being a small child in ancient Israel on the Day of Atonement.
As a child you are not required to fast, but all the grown-ups do because they say God had commanded that they fast. Maybe you would eat a little less because you felt badly eating when others could not - and it did make you feel grown up too.
The really big part of the day was when the high priest went into the holy of holies to meet with God. He went in there only once a year to present a sacrifice for the sins of all the people. It was awesome. The other priests put a bell on his garment so they could hear him.
Deep down inside you, you are glad this solemn event occurred only once each year.
Read what the New Testament author wrote:
“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:11-12
Jesus, your High Priest, needed no sacrifice for Himself. He did not enter the holy of holies, but the very presence of God in heaven. There He lives to intercede for you.
You have been freed to serve the living God. Praise Him!
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Need to Repent
“...Thus says the Lord God, ‘Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.’” Ezekiel 14:6
A call is sounded by Christian leaders across our nation. It is a call to confession of sin, of repentance. Otherwise, it is but a matter of time until God must judge us for unrighteousness.
Repentance leads to revival. This is the Biblical pattern.
If this country is to be spared God’s judgement, who must repent? Most obviously, the people. And specifically, our leaders. God sent pestilence upon the nation of Israel because of the sin of their king.
“Then David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who was striking down the people, and said, ‘Behold, it is I who have sinned, and it is I who have done wrong; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let Thy hand be against me and against my father's house.’” II Samuel 24:17
Americans have ceased to be amazed at dishonest legislators, law enforcement officers and other authority figures. Review your prayer journal involving those in authority.
These men and women face incredible pressures. Their position alone make them prime targets for the enemy. Pray for their strength and moral integrity.
There are those who currently lead in this country, and this state, who need to repent if God is to bless us. Pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to move them to sincere repentance.
Repentance: There must be sorrow for wrong doing, forgiveness which brings relief, and a turn to the right direction.
A call is sounded by Christian leaders across our nation. It is a call to confession of sin, of repentance. Otherwise, it is but a matter of time until God must judge us for unrighteousness.
Repentance leads to revival. This is the Biblical pattern.
If this country is to be spared God’s judgement, who must repent? Most obviously, the people. And specifically, our leaders. God sent pestilence upon the nation of Israel because of the sin of their king.
“Then David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who was striking down the people, and said, ‘Behold, it is I who have sinned, and it is I who have done wrong; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let Thy hand be against me and against my father's house.’” II Samuel 24:17
Americans have ceased to be amazed at dishonest legislators, law enforcement officers and other authority figures. Review your prayer journal involving those in authority.
These men and women face incredible pressures. Their position alone make them prime targets for the enemy. Pray for their strength and moral integrity.
There are those who currently lead in this country, and this state, who need to repent if God is to bless us. Pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to move them to sincere repentance.
Repentance: There must be sorrow for wrong doing, forgiveness which brings relief, and a turn to the right direction.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Habit
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” I Corinthians 6:12
Charles Swindoll writes: I used to bite my fingernails right down to the quick. I’d bite them off just as soon as the first signs of new growth would appear. Research has shown that it takes only about three or four weeks for an activity to become a habit.
That is wonderfully comforting if it’s a good habit we’re trying to promote, like more prayer or Bible study. But for most of us it’s the destructive habits, like my nail-biting, that get a hold on us until we are enslaved - mastered and manipulated by the beast of the habit. We become a living contradiction of the liberating truth of I Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
You can’t believe the fire of conviction this verse once set ablaze within me. A close look reveals that this isn’t a verse talking about something lawless or wicked, but something that is actually lawful, but not profitable. My first encounter with this verse was not my final encounter with this painful habit. But it was certainly a turning point toward change, thank God.
The backwash of this nail-biting testimony has far-reaching effects. Not a person who read this is completely free from bad habits, whether lawless or lawful. It’s the price we pay for being human. Habits are as numerous as every detail of life; the list is endless. But let’s focus on five suggestions that will help us blend I Corinthians 6:12 into our lives.
Stop rationalizing. Refuse to make comments like : “Oh, that’s just me. I’m just like that - always have been, always will be. After all, nobody’s perfect.” Such excuses take the edge off disobedience and encourage you to diminish or completely ignore the Spirit’s work of conviction.
Apply strategy. Approach your target with a rifle, not a shotgun. Take on each habit one at a time, not all at once.
Be realistic. It won’t happen fast. It won’t be easy. Nor will your resolve be permanent or overnight. Periodic failures, however, are still better than habitual slavery.
Be encouraged. Realize you’re on the road to ultimate triumph, for the first time in years! Enthusiasm strengthens self-discipline and prompts and attitude of stick-to-it-iveness.
Start today. This is the best moment thus far in your life. To put it off is an admission of defeat and will only intensify and prolong the self-confidence battle.
Extracting the hurtful thorns of habit enables the pilgrim to focus less attention on himself and more attention on the One who is worthy.
And the most exciting thought of all is, that He will be right there in the morning ready to help you through the day with all the power you will need, one moment at a time.
Charles Swindoll writes: I used to bite my fingernails right down to the quick. I’d bite them off just as soon as the first signs of new growth would appear. Research has shown that it takes only about three or four weeks for an activity to become a habit.
That is wonderfully comforting if it’s a good habit we’re trying to promote, like more prayer or Bible study. But for most of us it’s the destructive habits, like my nail-biting, that get a hold on us until we are enslaved - mastered and manipulated by the beast of the habit. We become a living contradiction of the liberating truth of I Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
You can’t believe the fire of conviction this verse once set ablaze within me. A close look reveals that this isn’t a verse talking about something lawless or wicked, but something that is actually lawful, but not profitable. My first encounter with this verse was not my final encounter with this painful habit. But it was certainly a turning point toward change, thank God.
The backwash of this nail-biting testimony has far-reaching effects. Not a person who read this is completely free from bad habits, whether lawless or lawful. It’s the price we pay for being human. Habits are as numerous as every detail of life; the list is endless. But let’s focus on five suggestions that will help us blend I Corinthians 6:12 into our lives.
Stop rationalizing. Refuse to make comments like : “Oh, that’s just me. I’m just like that - always have been, always will be. After all, nobody’s perfect.” Such excuses take the edge off disobedience and encourage you to diminish or completely ignore the Spirit’s work of conviction.
Apply strategy. Approach your target with a rifle, not a shotgun. Take on each habit one at a time, not all at once.
Be realistic. It won’t happen fast. It won’t be easy. Nor will your resolve be permanent or overnight. Periodic failures, however, are still better than habitual slavery.
Be encouraged. Realize you’re on the road to ultimate triumph, for the first time in years! Enthusiasm strengthens self-discipline and prompts and attitude of stick-to-it-iveness.
Start today. This is the best moment thus far in your life. To put it off is an admission of defeat and will only intensify and prolong the self-confidence battle.
Extracting the hurtful thorns of habit enables the pilgrim to focus less attention on himself and more attention on the One who is worthy.
And the most exciting thought of all is, that He will be right there in the morning ready to help you through the day with all the power you will need, one moment at a time.
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Importance of Family
“And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deut. 6:6-7
With the movement into genetic engineering, the noise of women’s right activists, and the society TV portrays, you have to ask yourself, “Is the family headed for extinction?”
There are some who would alter the concepts of the family to include any and every union between people, regardless of sex, commitment, or numbers. Some even attempt to take the term “family” and apply it nationally while they eradicate the biblical concept of the family.
The traditional family was not some freak accident, but was instituted by God, Who authored life. After God fashioned a woman from Adam’s rib, He brought her to Adam.
“And the man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh...For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:23-24
The family God designed was the institution through which children were to be nurtured, cherished, and taught His ways by example.
Without fail, those who deride the traditional family also have a problem with the Creator God and His written Word. The greatest danger to the family, however, is not from these - but from our own neglect.
Will you be an intercessor for the family as God designed it?
Pray for yours today, and for Christian organizations that minister to family needs.
With the movement into genetic engineering, the noise of women’s right activists, and the society TV portrays, you have to ask yourself, “Is the family headed for extinction?”
There are some who would alter the concepts of the family to include any and every union between people, regardless of sex, commitment, or numbers. Some even attempt to take the term “family” and apply it nationally while they eradicate the biblical concept of the family.
The traditional family was not some freak accident, but was instituted by God, Who authored life. After God fashioned a woman from Adam’s rib, He brought her to Adam.
“And the man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh...For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:23-24
The family God designed was the institution through which children were to be nurtured, cherished, and taught His ways by example.
Without fail, those who deride the traditional family also have a problem with the Creator God and His written Word. The greatest danger to the family, however, is not from these - but from our own neglect.
Will you be an intercessor for the family as God designed it?
Pray for yours today, and for Christian organizations that minister to family needs.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
If My People...”
“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chron. 7:14
The late Dr. Francis Schaeffer was asked whether he thought Christians could be successful in turning the tide of spiritual decay in this country.
He believed it was possible, but success was not as important as being faithful to God.
Do you remember reading about Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis 18 tells how God promised to spare the city if just ten righteous people could be found there.
If only ten had remained faithful to God there was hope for the city. Sadly, there were not even that many and the city was destroyed.
When you think about the need for revival in his great country, do you focus on the need for the lost to repent - or the need for God’s people to repent?
Repentance and revival are desperately needed.
In the Old Testament God promised the Israelites, that if His people who were called by His name would:
1. Humble themselves
2. Pray
3. Seek His face
4. Turn from their wicked ways....
that he would restore their land.
By the same principle, if we who bear the name of Christ as our Savior will do these things we will be found faithful and may see a turn in the tide of spiritual decay which is sweeping our nation.
Will you prayerfully commit yourself to all four prerequisites to God’s blessing so that you will be found faithful by Him?
The late Dr. Francis Schaeffer was asked whether he thought Christians could be successful in turning the tide of spiritual decay in this country.
He believed it was possible, but success was not as important as being faithful to God.
Do you remember reading about Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis 18 tells how God promised to spare the city if just ten righteous people could be found there.
If only ten had remained faithful to God there was hope for the city. Sadly, there were not even that many and the city was destroyed.
When you think about the need for revival in his great country, do you focus on the need for the lost to repent - or the need for God’s people to repent?
Repentance and revival are desperately needed.
In the Old Testament God promised the Israelites, that if His people who were called by His name would:
1. Humble themselves
2. Pray
3. Seek His face
4. Turn from their wicked ways....
that he would restore their land.
By the same principle, if we who bear the name of Christ as our Savior will do these things we will be found faithful and may see a turn in the tide of spiritual decay which is sweeping our nation.
Will you prayerfully commit yourself to all four prerequisites to God’s blessing so that you will be found faithful by Him?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
It’s Time to Pray
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” II Tim. 3:16-17
This is a critical time for the church. There is a move away from commitment to the written Word of God and a rejection of its infallibility and inerrancy.
When you say the Bible is infallible, you mean it is trustworthy. The Bible is inerrant for it is entirely true. It does not merely contain truth.
The infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible are unavoidable because of its Source.
“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” II Peter 1:20-21
Because God is the Source, Scripture is true. Our lives must conform to His objective written Word. The eternal Word of the infinite almighty God cannot be made subject to our desires and experiences without grave consequences.
We must believe God’s Word if we hope to reach others with a message that has meaning and hope.
Pray that today Christians will devote themselves to the Word of God. Ask that God will remove from power those who deride the Bible and the truths it contains.
Recognize that the problems of accepting the Word of God is not with the Bible as much as it is with its Author.
Pray that God’s Name and His Word will be lifted up in our homes and churches throughout the country.
This is a critical time for the church. There is a move away from commitment to the written Word of God and a rejection of its infallibility and inerrancy.
When you say the Bible is infallible, you mean it is trustworthy. The Bible is inerrant for it is entirely true. It does not merely contain truth.
The infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible are unavoidable because of its Source.
“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” II Peter 1:20-21
Because God is the Source, Scripture is true. Our lives must conform to His objective written Word. The eternal Word of the infinite almighty God cannot be made subject to our desires and experiences without grave consequences.
We must believe God’s Word if we hope to reach others with a message that has meaning and hope.
Pray that today Christians will devote themselves to the Word of God. Ask that God will remove from power those who deride the Bible and the truths it contains.
Recognize that the problems of accepting the Word of God is not with the Bible as much as it is with its Author.
Pray that God’s Name and His Word will be lifted up in our homes and churches throughout the country.
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