I shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”
1 Kings 18:21 (ESV)
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.
Have you got a limp? As I get older, I’ve found I always have something out of joint, but that is not the kind of limp I am speaking of. I am speaking of limping through life. What is it to limp through life? It is to be led by anything that comes along, or impacted by life in such a way that it is constantly pushing you from side to side in life, with no clear directions.
In Ephesians 4:14, Paul says that we each must grow up to a point where: “Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.” This world today is in the midst of a great storm and in a real mess, and mostly due to the fact that they have a noticeable spiritual limp, that keeps their lives unstable. Isaiah 57:20 tells us “But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck.”
Today is a time for you and I to walk soberly, not in drunkenness with no direction, but as someone who has a clear direction for their lives determined to not be pushed aside. Paul says, In Heb 12:12-13, “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” If you and I can do that we can lend this world a hand, the steady and unshakeable hand of Jesus to help guide them safely to the shores of Glory…God Bless.
Pastor William
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Brand New, Every Morning
For what human ill does dawn not seem to be alternative?
Thornton Wilder 1897-1975, American Novelist, Playwright
Josh 24:15
"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." NASU
James Allen, Author of ''As a Man Thinketh,'' shares his thoughts today on the importance of the word “choice.” “Man is made or unmade by himself. By the right choice he ascends. As a being of power, intelligence, and love, and the lord of his own thoughts, he holds the key to every situation.”
Now I think it wonderful that our God decided that it would be “our” choice that would determine the outcome and destiny of our life, but it comes with consequences that are real and final. There are some days that I really foul up. My efforts seem futile, and I hear a nagging voice that tells me I have failed, I have fallen short of the measure. Have you ever felt defeat pulling you like that?
Sure you have, and so have I. But, I thank God that His promises are “new every morning,” and because I have made a conscious choice to follow Him, with every breaking of a new day, He will renew my strength in His “Great Faithfulness. I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back, and there is where the battle is won, on the choice of my decision, and the power given to me through the precious blood of Jesus…God Bless.
Pastor William
Thornton Wilder 1897-1975, American Novelist, Playwright
Josh 24:15
"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." NASU
James Allen, Author of ''As a Man Thinketh,'' shares his thoughts today on the importance of the word “choice.” “Man is made or unmade by himself. By the right choice he ascends. As a being of power, intelligence, and love, and the lord of his own thoughts, he holds the key to every situation.”
Now I think it wonderful that our God decided that it would be “our” choice that would determine the outcome and destiny of our life, but it comes with consequences that are real and final. There are some days that I really foul up. My efforts seem futile, and I hear a nagging voice that tells me I have failed, I have fallen short of the measure. Have you ever felt defeat pulling you like that?
Sure you have, and so have I. But, I thank God that His promises are “new every morning,” and because I have made a conscious choice to follow Him, with every breaking of a new day, He will renew my strength in His “Great Faithfulness. I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back, and there is where the battle is won, on the choice of my decision, and the power given to me through the precious blood of Jesus…God Bless.
Pastor William
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Response Time
Promises are like crying babies in a theater, they should be carried out at once.
Norman Vincent Peale
Jer 7:12-14
"But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I made My name dwell at the first, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. "And now, because you have done all these things," declares the LORD, "and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you but you did not answer, therefore, I will do to the house which is called by My name, in which you trust, and to the place NASU
To pause is dangerous. It is Satan’s greatest tool in his war against God and His children, and “there’s always tomorrow” is one of his greatest thoughts cast into the mind of the lingering servant. Many times in my life I have paused when I should have stepped out. I know that because I saw the results of my hesitation, and recognized that God had spoken to me and I did not respond.
Have you ever had the Holy Spirit of God hit you in the ribs? Sure you have. Your first words afterward were, I knew it, I just knew it! Especially in some situations, immediate obedience to God is critical. It may be that God has woken you up to pray for someone in trouble, or to respond to a critical need.
God speaks many times to us, He calls early and sometimes often, he warns, but we do not answer. Why? Because we are not shutting out the other voices that are calling, and they overcome our desire for immediate response, and lead us away from strict obedience to God. Our God is a merciful God, but mercy only works in your life, when you respond to His voice…God Bless.
Pastor William
Norman Vincent Peale
Jer 7:12-14
"But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I made My name dwell at the first, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. "And now, because you have done all these things," declares the LORD, "and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you but you did not answer, therefore, I will do to the house which is called by My name, in which you trust, and to the place NASU
To pause is dangerous. It is Satan’s greatest tool in his war against God and His children, and “there’s always tomorrow” is one of his greatest thoughts cast into the mind of the lingering servant. Many times in my life I have paused when I should have stepped out. I know that because I saw the results of my hesitation, and recognized that God had spoken to me and I did not respond.
Have you ever had the Holy Spirit of God hit you in the ribs? Sure you have. Your first words afterward were, I knew it, I just knew it! Especially in some situations, immediate obedience to God is critical. It may be that God has woken you up to pray for someone in trouble, or to respond to a critical need.
God speaks many times to us, He calls early and sometimes often, he warns, but we do not answer. Why? Because we are not shutting out the other voices that are calling, and they overcome our desire for immediate response, and lead us away from strict obedience to God. Our God is a merciful God, but mercy only works in your life, when you respond to His voice…God Bless.
Pastor William
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Between The Promise
He is poor indeed that can promise nothing.
Thomas Fuller 1608-1661, British Clergyman, Author
Heb 11:13-16
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. NASU
The essayist, Ruckett, wrote this of promises, “Between today and tomorrow are graves, and between promising and fulfilling are chasms.” Ruckett was right on, for many dreams and hopes die over night, and promises are forgotten in the chasm of this world. This world is the in-between, the gap between now and tomorrow. We are in these walking talking dying bodies for such a short time, but in that time so much can be lost.
Paul, speaks of the faithful saints that recognized that they were strangers and exiles here and looked onward across the chasm for the city that they were made for. Many look at their family heritage as their days grow near the end, but the truth is they will never know their family Crest until they enter heavens gates. Paul says of the saints that they were not seeking to go back where they came from, but were seeking a better country, a heavenly one, to which they were advancing.
We are, as saints and children of God, to rally around our true family Crest, which is the Cross of Jesus Christ, and we should carry it all of our days until we reach that city. Paul says for those of us that march under the Banner of The Cross, God is not ashamed to be called our God, but indeed is proud. So proud that He has prepared for us a city, and it is to that City we should look forward too, not the City we left behind, all life came from Him, and too Him all life returns…God Bless.
Pastor William
Thomas Fuller 1608-1661, British Clergyman, Author
Heb 11:13-16
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. NASU
The essayist, Ruckett, wrote this of promises, “Between today and tomorrow are graves, and between promising and fulfilling are chasms.” Ruckett was right on, for many dreams and hopes die over night, and promises are forgotten in the chasm of this world. This world is the in-between, the gap between now and tomorrow. We are in these walking talking dying bodies for such a short time, but in that time so much can be lost.
Paul, speaks of the faithful saints that recognized that they were strangers and exiles here and looked onward across the chasm for the city that they were made for. Many look at their family heritage as their days grow near the end, but the truth is they will never know their family Crest until they enter heavens gates. Paul says of the saints that they were not seeking to go back where they came from, but were seeking a better country, a heavenly one, to which they were advancing.
We are, as saints and children of God, to rally around our true family Crest, which is the Cross of Jesus Christ, and we should carry it all of our days until we reach that city. Paul says for those of us that march under the Banner of The Cross, God is not ashamed to be called our God, but indeed is proud. So proud that He has prepared for us a city, and it is to that City we should look forward too, not the City we left behind, all life came from Him, and too Him all life returns…God Bless.
Pastor William
Monday, September 22, 2008
How Much Does It Weigh?
Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.
Jean Jacques Rousseau 1712-1778, Swiss Political Philosopher
Josh 21:44-45
And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. NASU
Robert Frost, the well known American Poet, wrote this of promise, “But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.”Many times in our lives we begin to feel as if the weight of the world is on our backs, we have thoughts of despair and a mind to stop and weigh the worth of our burden.
I have watched through the years those weighing the cross before picking it up to place on their shoulder. I have seen it in the eyes and lives of those that take pause to consider what it is to undertake and accept the weight of the cross. Yes, I say it is a weight, and our lives should always show the cross not as a burden, but as a privilege. I have seen those that accepted it quickly, but quickly laid it down, and then those who slowly entered into the task and now carry it with joy.
We have an example, and someone to follow, in Heb 12:2-3, the apostle Paul left us this advice, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart”…God Bless.
Pastor William
Jean Jacques Rousseau 1712-1778, Swiss Political Philosopher
Josh 21:44-45
And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. NASU
Robert Frost, the well known American Poet, wrote this of promise, “But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.”Many times in our lives we begin to feel as if the weight of the world is on our backs, we have thoughts of despair and a mind to stop and weigh the worth of our burden.
I have watched through the years those weighing the cross before picking it up to place on their shoulder. I have seen it in the eyes and lives of those that take pause to consider what it is to undertake and accept the weight of the cross. Yes, I say it is a weight, and our lives should always show the cross not as a burden, but as a privilege. I have seen those that accepted it quickly, but quickly laid it down, and then those who slowly entered into the task and now carry it with joy.
We have an example, and someone to follow, in Heb 12:2-3, the apostle Paul left us this advice, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart”…God Bless.
Pastor William
Thursday, September 18, 2008
God's Spiritual Investments
Riches get their value from the mind of the possessor; they are blessings to those who know how to use them, and curses to those who do not.
Terence BC 185-159, Roman Writer of Comedies
Matt 25:28-29
"Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. NASU
As I pondered over this allegory that Jesus left for us in His Word, The Holy Spirit asked me this question in my heart. Today I will ask you the same question. Why did the “master” in Christ’s story, give the one talent to the servant who already had ten talents, and not to the one who had four?
In my logical mind, the one servant I had already entrusted 5 talents to had already made it into ten. Why not give the one talent to the one servant which only had four, and turned it into 8, wouldn’t that be more equitable. This caused me to ask myself some questions about God’s spiritual economy. We know how things work in the stock market so, if it was your talent where would you put it?
You see God wants us to get the most out of what He has invested in us. How He disperses His wealth is based on how we use what he has given us. Well now, this tells me that the spiritually slothful person, will receive little to invest, and that persons loss will even be my gain, if, I will invest it rightly in others, and will be ready for Christ’s return. Some advice today from God’s Golden paved Wall Street…God Bless
Pastor William
Terence BC 185-159, Roman Writer of Comedies
Matt 25:28-29
"Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. NASU
As I pondered over this allegory that Jesus left for us in His Word, The Holy Spirit asked me this question in my heart. Today I will ask you the same question. Why did the “master” in Christ’s story, give the one talent to the servant who already had ten talents, and not to the one who had four?
In my logical mind, the one servant I had already entrusted 5 talents to had already made it into ten. Why not give the one talent to the one servant which only had four, and turned it into 8, wouldn’t that be more equitable. This caused me to ask myself some questions about God’s spiritual economy. We know how things work in the stock market so, if it was your talent where would you put it?
You see God wants us to get the most out of what He has invested in us. How He disperses His wealth is based on how we use what he has given us. Well now, this tells me that the spiritually slothful person, will receive little to invest, and that persons loss will even be my gain, if, I will invest it rightly in others, and will be ready for Christ’s return. Some advice today from God’s Golden paved Wall Street…God Bless
Pastor William
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
How Much is Enough?
To have what we want is riches; but to be able to do without is power.
George Macdonald 1824-1905, Scottish Novelist
Prov 30:7-9
Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. NASU
What is the definition of “enough” in today’s society? In Webster’s Dictionary it says this; “occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs, or expectations.” Well, what is it that you and I are expecting from this world, for I think that our expectations of this world are too high and must be kept in check.
You could liken it to a person walking down life’s road. There is a just amount that each of us can rightly carry. If your burden is too large, you will quickly get tired or diverted from your destination, your focus will be on what you carry. If you burden is too light, you might arrive at your destination with too little to sustain you. So, what we all need is just enough, which includes carrying the right things in the right amounts that will make our journey successful and our destination sure.
Hence the words of this proverb, “Father, feed me with that which is my portion.” I find that refreshing, and I find that attitude lacking in our world. We have many demands and wishes from life, especially in America, the land with so much. But we must remember what Greed will do, it will steal the best of life from you and I, and it will make the burden heavy and the load hard to bear. Let’s go to Jesus and ask for our portion, for He is, Enough!...God Bless
Pastor William
George Macdonald 1824-1905, Scottish Novelist
Prov 30:7-9
Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. NASU
What is the definition of “enough” in today’s society? In Webster’s Dictionary it says this; “occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs, or expectations.” Well, what is it that you and I are expecting from this world, for I think that our expectations of this world are too high and must be kept in check.
You could liken it to a person walking down life’s road. There is a just amount that each of us can rightly carry. If your burden is too large, you will quickly get tired or diverted from your destination, your focus will be on what you carry. If you burden is too light, you might arrive at your destination with too little to sustain you. So, what we all need is just enough, which includes carrying the right things in the right amounts that will make our journey successful and our destination sure.
Hence the words of this proverb, “Father, feed me with that which is my portion.” I find that refreshing, and I find that attitude lacking in our world. We have many demands and wishes from life, especially in America, the land with so much. But we must remember what Greed will do, it will steal the best of life from you and I, and it will make the burden heavy and the load hard to bear. Let’s go to Jesus and ask for our portion, for He is, Enough!...God Bless
Pastor William
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Eternal Investment Portfolio
The generations of men run on in the tide of time, but leave their destined lineaments permanent forever and ever.
William Blake 1757-1827, British Poet, Painter
Ps 75:2-7
"When I select an appointed time, it is I who judge with equity. "The earth and all who dwell in it melt; it is I who have firmly set its pillars. Selah. "I said to the boastful, "Do not boast,' and to the wicked, "Do not lift up the horn; Do not lift up your horn on high, Do not speak with insolent pride.'" For not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes exaltation; But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. NASU
God in His great wisdom, and with His unfathomable and unmatched love, has given each of us control of our own destinies. Isn’t it wonderful to know that you and I are not programmed and temporal robots, formed and made for temporary use? It was God’s plan to form and create us, and place us in time eternal to create our own rewards and our on eternal shape form and destiny.
We don’t get the grasp of this I think. It is much like the investors who take time to put their monies in the finest and most secure places. Our life is a onetime investment, and your investment portfolio will be reviewed by God Himself, “Who is the Judge,” and He will determine how well our life’s investments paid off. You can see the danger, and insecurity of investing in the world’s rewards in today’s new, do you want to trust your eternity to greed?
We each have seen these investment companies boast of their strength and the safety and security of trading with them, but today we find that was mostly a lot of “bull.”In the end the “lineament” or the character, of each one of us is set, in whom we live for here. The eternal value of our life’s investments for all time, will be determined when we stand before Our Lord, who puts down one, and exalts another…so, where are your life’s savings stored…God Bless.
Pastor William
William Blake 1757-1827, British Poet, Painter
Ps 75:2-7
"When I select an appointed time, it is I who judge with equity. "The earth and all who dwell in it melt; it is I who have firmly set its pillars. Selah. "I said to the boastful, "Do not boast,' and to the wicked, "Do not lift up the horn; Do not lift up your horn on high, Do not speak with insolent pride.'" For not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes exaltation; But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. NASU
God in His great wisdom, and with His unfathomable and unmatched love, has given each of us control of our own destinies. Isn’t it wonderful to know that you and I are not programmed and temporal robots, formed and made for temporary use? It was God’s plan to form and create us, and place us in time eternal to create our own rewards and our on eternal shape form and destiny.
We don’t get the grasp of this I think. It is much like the investors who take time to put their monies in the finest and most secure places. Our life is a onetime investment, and your investment portfolio will be reviewed by God Himself, “Who is the Judge,” and He will determine how well our life’s investments paid off. You can see the danger, and insecurity of investing in the world’s rewards in today’s new, do you want to trust your eternity to greed?
We each have seen these investment companies boast of their strength and the safety and security of trading with them, but today we find that was mostly a lot of “bull.”In the end the “lineament” or the character, of each one of us is set, in whom we live for here. The eternal value of our life’s investments for all time, will be determined when we stand before Our Lord, who puts down one, and exalts another…so, where are your life’s savings stored…God Bless.
Pastor William
Monday, September 15, 2008
Banking On A Sure Thing
A great scholar is seldom a great philosopher.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe 1749-1832, German Poet, Dramatist, Novelist
Eph 3:16-19
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. NASU
Head knowledge is good, but heart knowledge is better. In fact heart knowledge will get you further than head knowledge. I have seen through life someone educated to do a task, and someone who loved to do that same task, and love succeeded every time. When put side by side the one who loved the task would glean from the one with knowledge more about what he loved. But pride often would not allow the one with knowledge to learn from the one who learned through love.
Knowledge of God is what the world has. He is a subject for them, and they give Him a passing acknowledgement, but they do not love Him. What hampers them, or prevents them from knowing the love of Christ, is that they have no “heart knowledge” of Him. This prevents them from experiencing Him, and keeps them from being rooted and grounded in the eternal things of God.
This results in them walking in the shallowness of this world. Today their ankles are showing in the stock markets and in all their financial leaning posts. But for the Christian, it’s just a sign that we are getting closer to where we have invested our lives, and that bank will never fail. It is wide, it is piled high, and it is full. It is filled with the fullness of God, which surpasses knowledge, and all withdrawals are made with the knowledge of Jesus in your heart…God Bless.
Pastor William
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe 1749-1832, German Poet, Dramatist, Novelist
Eph 3:16-19
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. NASU
Head knowledge is good, but heart knowledge is better. In fact heart knowledge will get you further than head knowledge. I have seen through life someone educated to do a task, and someone who loved to do that same task, and love succeeded every time. When put side by side the one who loved the task would glean from the one with knowledge more about what he loved. But pride often would not allow the one with knowledge to learn from the one who learned through love.
Knowledge of God is what the world has. He is a subject for them, and they give Him a passing acknowledgement, but they do not love Him. What hampers them, or prevents them from knowing the love of Christ, is that they have no “heart knowledge” of Him. This prevents them from experiencing Him, and keeps them from being rooted and grounded in the eternal things of God.
This results in them walking in the shallowness of this world. Today their ankles are showing in the stock markets and in all their financial leaning posts. But for the Christian, it’s just a sign that we are getting closer to where we have invested our lives, and that bank will never fail. It is wide, it is piled high, and it is full. It is filled with the fullness of God, which surpasses knowledge, and all withdrawals are made with the knowledge of Jesus in your heart…God Bless.
Pastor William
Friday, September 12, 2008
Alone With God
The strong man is strongest when alone.
Johann Friedrich Von Schiller, 1759-1805, German Dramatist, Poet, Historian
John 16:32-33
32 "Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." NASU
Jesus really did show us the secret of successful living that will get us to the other shore. He showed us how to maintain our course, and direction in this world. Jesus says to us in John 8:29 "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." Jesus also showed us one of the secrets of His success, and that was constant periods of being alone with His Father.
There are many compasses in this world, but only one accurate one, and that is God’s Word, and it is a place we can go alone to get our daily divine instruction. The world has many North’s, but God has the only one true direction to guide us through this life. The compass that the world uses constantly changes with their desires and wishes and will lead you into confusion, and away from peace.
The strongest man or woman in this world will find their greatest strength whenever they are alone with Jesus. Seeking God daily in His Word will equip us to do the things that are pleasing to Him. Jesus also recommends this practice and give us a great promise, a promise of internal peace. There may be tribulation around you, but in Christ, you will find rest for your soul, for He has overcome the world…God Bless.
Pastor William
Johann Friedrich Von Schiller, 1759-1805, German Dramatist, Poet, Historian
John 16:32-33
32 "Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." NASU
Jesus really did show us the secret of successful living that will get us to the other shore. He showed us how to maintain our course, and direction in this world. Jesus says to us in John 8:29 "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." Jesus also showed us one of the secrets of His success, and that was constant periods of being alone with His Father.
There are many compasses in this world, but only one accurate one, and that is God’s Word, and it is a place we can go alone to get our daily divine instruction. The world has many North’s, but God has the only one true direction to guide us through this life. The compass that the world uses constantly changes with their desires and wishes and will lead you into confusion, and away from peace.
The strongest man or woman in this world will find their greatest strength whenever they are alone with Jesus. Seeking God daily in His Word will equip us to do the things that are pleasing to Him. Jesus also recommends this practice and give us a great promise, a promise of internal peace. There may be tribulation around you, but in Christ, you will find rest for your soul, for He has overcome the world…God Bless.
Pastor William
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Passing the Test Alone
Courage is not limited to the battlefield or the Indianapolis 500 or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody's looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you're misunderstood.
Source Unknown
1 Peter 2:20-23
For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; NASU
There are many tests that we walk through in this world, and the most important ones are not in stadiums or in classrooms. They are the quiet and silent moments, when no one is there, this is when important decisions are made and who we are inwardly is formed. It is our reaction to what is happening to us in life that forms who we are, and it also shapes our own opinion of who we think we are. Private bravery will lead you to personal victory.
Sometimes we make foolish decisions and suffer embarrassment and shame, and it is something that you have to endure for a while. There is always someone that will remind you of your mistake isn’t there. But to be honest there are also inward mistakes that you make, and there is that daily taunting, and reminding yourself that you failed the test, and it becomes an inward shame that you endure every day. Enduring that kind of daily pain, Peter says, has “no” rewards.
But, Peter says that when we do what is right and pass those inward tests, there is a special favor placed on your life by God. God sees something in common between you and Jesus and that is suffering rightly for “Good.” God says that kind of “silent suffering” draws His attention, and He opens His loving arms to give you protection, and approval, and a feeling of “wellness. So today follow in the footsteps of Christ, and honor God in all your moments, and feel His comfort and peace within...God Bless.
Pastor William
Source Unknown
1 Peter 2:20-23
For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; NASU
There are many tests that we walk through in this world, and the most important ones are not in stadiums or in classrooms. They are the quiet and silent moments, when no one is there, this is when important decisions are made and who we are inwardly is formed. It is our reaction to what is happening to us in life that forms who we are, and it also shapes our own opinion of who we think we are. Private bravery will lead you to personal victory.
Sometimes we make foolish decisions and suffer embarrassment and shame, and it is something that you have to endure for a while. There is always someone that will remind you of your mistake isn’t there. But to be honest there are also inward mistakes that you make, and there is that daily taunting, and reminding yourself that you failed the test, and it becomes an inward shame that you endure every day. Enduring that kind of daily pain, Peter says, has “no” rewards.
But, Peter says that when we do what is right and pass those inward tests, there is a special favor placed on your life by God. God sees something in common between you and Jesus and that is suffering rightly for “Good.” God says that kind of “silent suffering” draws His attention, and He opens His loving arms to give you protection, and approval, and a feeling of “wellness. So today follow in the footsteps of Christ, and honor God in all your moments, and feel His comfort and peace within...God Bless.
Pastor William
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A "Made Up" Mind
Superior strength is found in the long run to lie with those who had right on their side.
James A. Froude 1818-1894, British Historian
Ps 119:33-40
Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law And keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies And not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness. NASU
Today’s society has short term goals. They have their minds focused on things that are close to them, with no long term plan for their future. Christians point to the future in an attempt to refocus their attention, but the day of “small things” fills their eyes. Their short term goals are centered around now, and the things that God allows them to possess here.
There are some key words, in the Psalm above, concerning His statutes, let’s pull them out, they are important. Teach me it, observe it, understand it, walk in it, delight in it, revive me in it, and let it produce, in me, reverence for You, O’ God. He is asking to be “established in “The Word of God” and for the product or the fruit of his life to be a reverence for The Lord. He is longing for Godly righteousness and a love for The Lords ways.
So what are your goals today? All of those descriptive words used above can be used to describe the current worship and following of the small things the devil uses to maintain the short term goals of those stumbling around, lost in the temporary riches of this world. John Beecher, and American poet, gave us a hint of what it takes to maintain our walk when he said this, “Strength is a matter of a made up mind.” Have you made your mind up yet…God Bless.
Pastor William
James A. Froude 1818-1894, British Historian
Ps 119:33-40
Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law And keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies And not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness. NASU
Today’s society has short term goals. They have their minds focused on things that are close to them, with no long term plan for their future. Christians point to the future in an attempt to refocus their attention, but the day of “small things” fills their eyes. Their short term goals are centered around now, and the things that God allows them to possess here.
There are some key words, in the Psalm above, concerning His statutes, let’s pull them out, they are important. Teach me it, observe it, understand it, walk in it, delight in it, revive me in it, and let it produce, in me, reverence for You, O’ God. He is asking to be “established in “The Word of God” and for the product or the fruit of his life to be a reverence for The Lord. He is longing for Godly righteousness and a love for The Lords ways.
So what are your goals today? All of those descriptive words used above can be used to describe the current worship and following of the small things the devil uses to maintain the short term goals of those stumbling around, lost in the temporary riches of this world. John Beecher, and American poet, gave us a hint of what it takes to maintain our walk when he said this, “Strength is a matter of a made up mind.” Have you made your mind up yet…God Bless.
Pastor William
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Being In The Know
A competitor will find a way to win. Competitors take bad breaks and use them to drive themselves just that much harder. Quitters take bad breaks and use them as reasons to give up. It's all a matter of pride.
Nancy Lopez 1957-, American Golfer
Dan 11:32-33
32 "By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. "Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. NASU
“Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not in hand.” Saint Thomas Aquinas is said to have spoken these words, yet we are aware of where they came from. They are Paul’s words spoken in Heb 11:1; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I am not a doomsayer, but the last two days, God has directed me toward the subject of dedication to our unseen God.
So, I am a little surprised, for I do not like to threaten or scare someone. I believe that you can only really come to Christ if you truly fall in love with Him. But nevertheless, my hackles have been raised by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Daniel warns us that The Deceiver will turn people to “godlessness” and wickedness towards their covenant, or commitment to God, through smooth words and underhanded deception.
So what’s up? I think God is warning all Christians that it is an important time in our lives, to pay attention to the covenant that God has made with us. Daniel says that those who “know” their God will display strength and take action. I believe that God is speaking at this time and this day to warn us of things to come, and He wants us to be ready. It is not a time for spiritual laziness; it is a time for us to seek to know Him, and not just casually, but intimately, as He so intimately knows us, so…keep your eye on the eastern sky, and…God Bless.
Pastor William
Nancy Lopez 1957-, American Golfer
Dan 11:32-33
32 "By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. "Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. NASU
“Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not in hand.” Saint Thomas Aquinas is said to have spoken these words, yet we are aware of where they came from. They are Paul’s words spoken in Heb 11:1; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I am not a doomsayer, but the last two days, God has directed me toward the subject of dedication to our unseen God.
So, I am a little surprised, for I do not like to threaten or scare someone. I believe that you can only really come to Christ if you truly fall in love with Him. But nevertheless, my hackles have been raised by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Daniel warns us that The Deceiver will turn people to “godlessness” and wickedness towards their covenant, or commitment to God, through smooth words and underhanded deception.
So what’s up? I think God is warning all Christians that it is an important time in our lives, to pay attention to the covenant that God has made with us. Daniel says that those who “know” their God will display strength and take action. I believe that God is speaking at this time and this day to warn us of things to come, and He wants us to be ready. It is not a time for spiritual laziness; it is a time for us to seek to know Him, and not just casually, but intimately, as He so intimately knows us, so…keep your eye on the eastern sky, and…God Bless.
Pastor William
Monday, September 8, 2008
Wrestling With God
People who are born even-tempered, placid and untroubled -- secure from violent passions or temptations to evil -- those who have never needed to struggle all night with the Angel to emerge lame but victorious at dawn, never become great saints.
Eva Le Gallienne
Dan 7:25-27
"He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. "But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. "Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.' NASU
As Christians we are part of a great struggle. It is a daily struggle, and it is a battle that rages constantly around us in the world. In Gen 32:26, Jacob struggled with God all night long, and in his struggle discovered that God would allow him to struggle with Him all night, but with one touch could disable Jacob’s strength. I like Jacob’s response though, he being humbled, clung tightly and spoke these words, “I will not let you go until you bless me.”
Now there is a lot of debate around this meeting, but I can clearly draw this reasonable conclusion from it. The first is this, each of us will struggle in getting our arms, thoughts and minds around who God is and what it is we are here for. Secondly, if we get off base in this struggle God will humble us and show us His great strength. And thirdly, and most important of all, I see that God will reward those who cling to Him, and bless them who refuse to let go of what they have of Him.
Saints, an everlasting kingdom awaits us. God says above in Daniel that the end result of our worldly struggle is this, “The sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One.” Now you can quit if you want to, but I’m going to wrestle and cling, and that should be the attitude of us all…we are going to fight until the dawn, until the kingdom of The Son Rises again…God Bless.
Pastor William
Eva Le Gallienne
Dan 7:25-27
"He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. "But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. "Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.' NASU
As Christians we are part of a great struggle. It is a daily struggle, and it is a battle that rages constantly around us in the world. In Gen 32:26, Jacob struggled with God all night long, and in his struggle discovered that God would allow him to struggle with Him all night, but with one touch could disable Jacob’s strength. I like Jacob’s response though, he being humbled, clung tightly and spoke these words, “I will not let you go until you bless me.”
Now there is a lot of debate around this meeting, but I can clearly draw this reasonable conclusion from it. The first is this, each of us will struggle in getting our arms, thoughts and minds around who God is and what it is we are here for. Secondly, if we get off base in this struggle God will humble us and show us His great strength. And thirdly, and most important of all, I see that God will reward those who cling to Him, and bless them who refuse to let go of what they have of Him.
Saints, an everlasting kingdom awaits us. God says above in Daniel that the end result of our worldly struggle is this, “The sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One.” Now you can quit if you want to, but I’m going to wrestle and cling, and that should be the attitude of us all…we are going to fight until the dawn, until the kingdom of The Son Rises again…God Bless.
Pastor William
Friday, September 5, 2008
Filling Up The Barns
The weak shall inherit the earth, but not the mineral rights.
J. Paul Getty 1892-1976, American Oil Tycoon, Billionaire
Eph 5:5-7
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; NASU
Let us be assured that we own nothing on this earth. When we understand that then we can better understand the words of the Prophet John, when he said in John 3:27 “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” It is a common thing for men to be focused on this earth and the things in it and it is alright to own things here, as long as we remember this is all “temporary.”
Impureness and covetousness, and idolatry, begins with desire, and we already know what unbridled desire can do to someone, don’t we? God really wants us to have things, but God does not want those things to have us. We are to maintain a proper perspective on this temporary situation in which we walk and live. What is it that you and I are to be careful of? It is anything that begins to direct our life besides God alone.
God warns us of the wrath to come on someone that has their attention misdirected from their walk with Him. God says that we can become “sons of” or to understand it better, “inheritors of disobedience.” This makes it all the more important for you and me to use what God has given us, “from heaven,” to store up treasures there for the Glory of God, and our real life, which is still to come…God Bless.
Pastor William
J. Paul Getty 1892-1976, American Oil Tycoon, Billionaire
Eph 5:5-7
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; NASU
Let us be assured that we own nothing on this earth. When we understand that then we can better understand the words of the Prophet John, when he said in John 3:27 “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” It is a common thing for men to be focused on this earth and the things in it and it is alright to own things here, as long as we remember this is all “temporary.”
Impureness and covetousness, and idolatry, begins with desire, and we already know what unbridled desire can do to someone, don’t we? God really wants us to have things, but God does not want those things to have us. We are to maintain a proper perspective on this temporary situation in which we walk and live. What is it that you and I are to be careful of? It is anything that begins to direct our life besides God alone.
God warns us of the wrath to come on someone that has their attention misdirected from their walk with Him. God says that we can become “sons of” or to understand it better, “inheritors of disobedience.” This makes it all the more important for you and me to use what God has given us, “from heaven,” to store up treasures there for the Glory of God, and our real life, which is still to come…God Bless.
Pastor William
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Saying, "I Do" To God
We would rather have one man or woman working with us than three merely working for us.
J. Dabney Day
Rom 6:16-18
Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. NASU
We can be involved in something or we can be a part of something. The old joke about the chicken who said to the pig, “let’s feed’em breakfast,” fits well here, for the chicken it is a onetime donation, for the pig, bacon is a life commitment. What the church is in great need of today is dedication, but I’m afraid we have too many chickens. It is true of our society that the word “commitment” is a scary word.
Paul gives us the answer to our problem in Romans. The fact is that our human nature, before we met Christ, was committed to sin. Paul’s way of saying this was to say we were slaves of sin, in its clutches and confined in its chains. Then the Good News, you were committed to Christ when you were saved and became “committed” or chained to righteousness. Our problem is coming to grasp with living our lives as committed, and righteous, “rescued slaves, all three of those words make us nervous.
If you are struggling with allegiance to Christ, then the problem is that you are not yet fully in love with Him. Love is Blind, isn’t it. It is a full and binding, and unflinching dedication to the one you put first in your life, and the truth is this. If you are struggling with commitment, you need to spend more time with the One who matters most in this life, and the life to come. Real commitment comes when you’re ready to turn your back on the world, and “elope” with your Savior…God Bless.
Pastor William
J. Dabney Day
Rom 6:16-18
Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. NASU
We can be involved in something or we can be a part of something. The old joke about the chicken who said to the pig, “let’s feed’em breakfast,” fits well here, for the chicken it is a onetime donation, for the pig, bacon is a life commitment. What the church is in great need of today is dedication, but I’m afraid we have too many chickens. It is true of our society that the word “commitment” is a scary word.
Paul gives us the answer to our problem in Romans. The fact is that our human nature, before we met Christ, was committed to sin. Paul’s way of saying this was to say we were slaves of sin, in its clutches and confined in its chains. Then the Good News, you were committed to Christ when you were saved and became “committed” or chained to righteousness. Our problem is coming to grasp with living our lives as committed, and righteous, “rescued slaves, all three of those words make us nervous.
If you are struggling with allegiance to Christ, then the problem is that you are not yet fully in love with Him. Love is Blind, isn’t it. It is a full and binding, and unflinching dedication to the one you put first in your life, and the truth is this. If you are struggling with commitment, you need to spend more time with the One who matters most in this life, and the life to come. Real commitment comes when you’re ready to turn your back on the world, and “elope” with your Savior…God Bless.
Pastor William
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Living The Dream
Three people were at work on a construction site. All were doing the same job, but when each was asked what the job was, the answers varied. ''Breaking rocks,'' the first replied. ''Earning my living,'' the second said. ''Helping to build a cathedral,'' said the third.
Peter Schultz German Businessman, CEO of Porsche
Num 24:4-7
The oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered, how fair are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel! "Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens beside the river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters. "Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will be by many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. NASU
Vision is very important, and there are different types of vision. There is the vision of the natural eye, and then there is the vision of the spiritual eye. Some have a naturally good acuity of 20/20 in their physical eyes, but their spiritual acuity comes up far shorter than that. It is good for the Christian to be farsighted. That is to be able to see clearly those things that are farther away.
In the Church the attitudes of the people that come to worship can also be likened to those that were on that construction site that Peter Schultz spoke of above. We can look at our days here in different ways, and with different attitudes and vision. We can be, going to church, earning our way to heaven, or we can be a visionary. We can be someone that sees the end of the journey and keeps the joy and hope alive in others. As Lewis Mumford once said, “The cities and mansions that people dream of are those in which they finally live.”
We are constructing our eternal home as we live, and we can look forward to the eternal reward that we have in Glory. We can help to build here a place that will encourage and keep tired and weary saints alive and enlightened, and help them focus their spiritual eyes on that eternal reward. You and I are to help each other and look for ways to to keep our spiritual acuity in this world below, and to focus eyes on the future God Almighty has planned for His children…God Bless.
Pastor William
Peter Schultz German Businessman, CEO of Porsche
Num 24:4-7
The oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered, how fair are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel! "Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens beside the river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters. "Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will be by many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. NASU
Vision is very important, and there are different types of vision. There is the vision of the natural eye, and then there is the vision of the spiritual eye. Some have a naturally good acuity of 20/20 in their physical eyes, but their spiritual acuity comes up far shorter than that. It is good for the Christian to be farsighted. That is to be able to see clearly those things that are farther away.
In the Church the attitudes of the people that come to worship can also be likened to those that were on that construction site that Peter Schultz spoke of above. We can look at our days here in different ways, and with different attitudes and vision. We can be, going to church, earning our way to heaven, or we can be a visionary. We can be someone that sees the end of the journey and keeps the joy and hope alive in others. As Lewis Mumford once said, “The cities and mansions that people dream of are those in which they finally live.”
We are constructing our eternal home as we live, and we can look forward to the eternal reward that we have in Glory. We can help to build here a place that will encourage and keep tired and weary saints alive and enlightened, and help them focus their spiritual eyes on that eternal reward. You and I are to help each other and look for ways to to keep our spiritual acuity in this world below, and to focus eyes on the future God Almighty has planned for His children…God Bless.
Pastor William
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Choice of Rebellion
I wouldn't have turned out the way I was if I didn't have all those old-fashioned values to rebel against.
Madonna 1958-, American Musician, Singer, Actress,
Isa 3:8-11
Because their speech and their actions are against the LORD, to rebel against His glorious presence. The expression of their faces bears witness against them, and they display their sin like Sodom; they do not even conceal it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves. Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, for they will eat the fruit of their actions. Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, for what he deserves will be done to him. NASU
Rebellion requires bravery; it is to stand up against the status quo, usually for the benefit of others being mistreated and abused. But it also is a natural product of the human nature that demands inspection before it is allowed to fill the bosom. There is an old English proverb that says, “When the sword has been drawn, then the sheath should be thrown away.” In our human nature it just seems to me that we are too easily stirred to reach for the sword, to quick to rebel.
Rebellion is seen in human nature in early childhood, and must be dealt with handily to show what can be the painful results of foolish rebellion. Rebellion for rebellions sake can have destructive consequences. The results are not always seen immediately, it can look like you have won for a short time. But well planned righteous rebellion has at its core the wellbeing of many and not of one.
There will be those that will stand on the small sand hills of time and think that they have won, but there will be a time of accounting. It is much as the one who talks bravely until they turn to face the one they spoke so bravely about. They will not be so proud or stand so tall, but they will fall on their face and beg for mercy. We will all eat of the fruit of our own actions, and only for the righteous will it go well…God Bless.
Pastor William
Madonna 1958-, American Musician, Singer, Actress,
Isa 3:8-11
Because their speech and their actions are against the LORD, to rebel against His glorious presence. The expression of their faces bears witness against them, and they display their sin like Sodom; they do not even conceal it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves. Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, for they will eat the fruit of their actions. Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, for what he deserves will be done to him. NASU
Rebellion requires bravery; it is to stand up against the status quo, usually for the benefit of others being mistreated and abused. But it also is a natural product of the human nature that demands inspection before it is allowed to fill the bosom. There is an old English proverb that says, “When the sword has been drawn, then the sheath should be thrown away.” In our human nature it just seems to me that we are too easily stirred to reach for the sword, to quick to rebel.
Rebellion is seen in human nature in early childhood, and must be dealt with handily to show what can be the painful results of foolish rebellion. Rebellion for rebellions sake can have destructive consequences. The results are not always seen immediately, it can look like you have won for a short time. But well planned righteous rebellion has at its core the wellbeing of many and not of one.
There will be those that will stand on the small sand hills of time and think that they have won, but there will be a time of accounting. It is much as the one who talks bravely until they turn to face the one they spoke so bravely about. They will not be so proud or stand so tall, but they will fall on their face and beg for mercy. We will all eat of the fruit of our own actions, and only for the righteous will it go well…God Bless.
Pastor William
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Pastor William
- Pastor William F Burroughs
- Gainesville, Fl, United States
- Pray for God to move greatly in "Journey of The Word Church".