The worst thing that happens to you may be the best thing for you if you don't let it get the best of you.
Will Rogers (1879-1935, American humorist, actor)
James 1:11-12
For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. NASU
Jesus left these encouraging words to us in Luke 18:29-30, “And He said to them, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.” Why did Jesus leave us these words? He did it because our calling is to leave “fleshy” things.
All those things that give comfort to the world cause them great grief when they are lost. Jesus is telling us from the very beginning that we must not place our hope on such things. To believe in Christ is to experience a real relationship with Him, which also includes the sharing of His sufferings, with the end being our seeing victory through our trials, even as Christ did through His.
Sometimes those closest to us will abandon us. Jesus said this… and let it sink in good, “I came to my own, and my own received me not.” Sometimes the things that you will do for your Father may cause you temporary grief, and or pain, but rejoice for you are in good company. This life is like a quick sting of a shot, and then it is over and with our crown of life received, eternal bliss with our Lord…God Bless.
Pastor William
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Christian Commercials
As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for socialism is its adherents.
George Orwell (1903-1950, British author, "Animal Farm")
Isa 52:10-11
The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there, Touch nothing unclean; Go out of the midst of her, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
NASU
Over 350,000 persons were interviewed in a Gallop poll, and asked this question: "Is religion an important part of your daily life?" The data reveal a wide disparity among the states. In Mississippi, 85% answered "yes," while in Vermont, only 42% did so. It seems the further north you go, the less spiritual you grow. In fact, only about half as many people answered yes in Vermont.
To be a Christian means coming from Christ. Just as a Californian comes from California and a Bostonian is someone who comes from Boston, a Christian is one who comes from Christ. I’m afraid though that we have not proclaimed loudly enough our heritage, for there are traits that Christians have, as much as there are traits of the Bostonian.
As Christians we are vessels who carry within us the Holiness of Christ. We are to keep it clean and holy and to give it preference in our lives, so that it may witness to the strength and power of our God. To say you believe it, and to live it, can be two different things. Are we good billboards for our God? Does our life draw others to Christ, or push them away? An important, daily question for us all…God Bless.
Pastor William
George Orwell (1903-1950, British author, "Animal Farm")
Isa 52:10-11
The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there, Touch nothing unclean; Go out of the midst of her, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
NASU
Over 350,000 persons were interviewed in a Gallop poll, and asked this question: "Is religion an important part of your daily life?" The data reveal a wide disparity among the states. In Mississippi, 85% answered "yes," while in Vermont, only 42% did so. It seems the further north you go, the less spiritual you grow. In fact, only about half as many people answered yes in Vermont.
To be a Christian means coming from Christ. Just as a Californian comes from California and a Bostonian is someone who comes from Boston, a Christian is one who comes from Christ. I’m afraid though that we have not proclaimed loudly enough our heritage, for there are traits that Christians have, as much as there are traits of the Bostonian.
As Christians we are vessels who carry within us the Holiness of Christ. We are to keep it clean and holy and to give it preference in our lives, so that it may witness to the strength and power of our God. To say you believe it, and to live it, can be two different things. Are we good billboards for our God? Does our life draw others to Christ, or push them away? An important, daily question for us all…God Bless.
Pastor William
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday Rest
Sundays, quiet islands on the tossing seas of life.
S. W. Duffield
Ex 16:28-30
Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions? "See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." So the people rested on the seventh day. NASU
Benjamin Franklin said, “He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.” This is an interesting insight for the Christian today; for I believe we have become so busy as Christians that we have lost the importance of resting. Being still and quiet so as to hear and see the Lord’s will for us is important.
I like what Leonardo Da Vinci said, “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.
I believe it is time for the Christian Church to take pause. Time to rethink what it is we do every Sunday. Are we resting and listening, or are we too busy to hear the plans the Lord has for us. Yes, there is work to be done, but regularly we need to pause and allow our Lord to show us, at a glance, our lack of harmony, or proportion, so as to show this world His perfection…God Bless.
Pastor William
S. W. Duffield
Ex 16:28-30
Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions? "See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." So the people rested on the seventh day. NASU
Benjamin Franklin said, “He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.” This is an interesting insight for the Christian today; for I believe we have become so busy as Christians that we have lost the importance of resting. Being still and quiet so as to hear and see the Lord’s will for us is important.
I like what Leonardo Da Vinci said, “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.
I believe it is time for the Christian Church to take pause. Time to rethink what it is we do every Sunday. Are we resting and listening, or are we too busy to hear the plans the Lord has for us. Yes, there is work to be done, but regularly we need to pause and allow our Lord to show us, at a glance, our lack of harmony, or proportion, so as to show this world His perfection…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".