We live in a time when so many people make little or no effort to appreciate VETERANS who have served or our military who are serving today! What a shame. I wonder if our public schools teach why we have VETERANS DAY. To many it is just a day off from work or school.
Just in case, VETERANS DAY is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting the President issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday; "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."
I suppose not holding VETERNS DAY up as it was intended is lack of knowledge, lack of patriotism, lack of appreciation, taking our freedom for granted, not politically correct--who knows. Without VETERANS serving, we would certainly not be free to worship God as we do. You ask "are you a veteran"? No, I volunteered during Viet Nam, but due to asthma, I was rejected.( Makes me a reject I suppose). I have always wished I could have served in some way, but I couldn't and maybe that is why I have a deep gratitude for those who have and are serving to keep my Great Nation free. At a grave side I did two weeks ago, the man who had died was honored with a military ceremony. I stood there by the grave and tears ran down my cheeks as the ceremony took place. (Military cermonies always bring tears to my eyes and I hope it is out of gratitude) I took a moment to thank God for his service and the service of others present to keep our country free.
May God bless all VETERANS not just this Tuesday, but everyday. I urge everyone to thank a VET and those you know or see in uniform! Take a few minutes to praise God for VETERANS and for our freedom they have given us!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Becoming Like Our Savior
Going through 40 Day of Community the statement was used several time that we need to become more like Jesus. Certainly the Bible teaches this and we should strive to be like Him! God has a plan for every one of us and coming to know Jesus as Savior is only the first step. He want us as His children to develop a close "family" likeness. One of the ways we do that is to continually change our mind set. We do that by the Holy Spirit's power. He, Holy Spirit transforms us. That is one of His jobs! He is the Great Transformer! He uses scriptural truths to replace our wrong thoughts and actions. We hear Him by meditating on God's Word!
Meditating on the Word of God is essential for spiritual change and spiritual growth! When we sin we are to acknowledge it to God and accept His forgiveness. Then we need to ask ourselves what we need to do to avoid that particular sin in the future. When we acknowledge our sin we are clean before God. Now we are ready to grow. His desire is that we turn from such behavior. He is pleased when we change our attitude, behavior, and lifestyle to conform to Christ's image!!!
Renewing our minds, confessing our sins, and making the changes in our lives are necessary to become like our Savior! We need to continually ask ourselves are we becoming more and more like Him. In my Quiet Time each day, God shows me what I need to change to become more like Him. Sometimes it is not pleasant, but it always rewarding! My desire is that I hear God and continue to make changes and become more like our Savior!
Meditating on the Word of God is essential for spiritual change and spiritual growth! When we sin we are to acknowledge it to God and accept His forgiveness. Then we need to ask ourselves what we need to do to avoid that particular sin in the future. When we acknowledge our sin we are clean before God. Now we are ready to grow. His desire is that we turn from such behavior. He is pleased when we change our attitude, behavior, and lifestyle to conform to Christ's image!!!
Renewing our minds, confessing our sins, and making the changes in our lives are necessary to become like our Savior! We need to continually ask ourselves are we becoming more and more like Him. In my Quiet Time each day, God shows me what I need to change to become more like Him. Sometimes it is not pleasant, but it always rewarding! My desire is that I hear God and continue to make changes and become more like our Savior!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Try Again
I haven't posted anything in, well a while. Due to an encouragement from several people recently, I am going to try to write something at least once each week. I would like to hear comments about what those who read this want me to write about. So please post your comments as to what you would like to hear from me about. I hate controversy, so nothing real controversial. I appreciate any suggestions so we will see!
Speaking of controversy and this is not, I want to address the election coming up next week. I would not tell you how to vote even if it is legal. I believe that every Christian has a responsibility to vote their heart. So, I want to encourage you to VOTE. My suggestion is to vote for the candidate who's platform is nearest SCRIPTURE! That is my rule for myself. I believe that if ALL CHRISTIANS would vote that way we would see our nation change for the best!
Becky & I have already voted and avoided the crowd next week!
Speaking of controversy and this is not, I want to address the election coming up next week. I would not tell you how to vote even if it is legal. I believe that every Christian has a responsibility to vote their heart. So, I want to encourage you to VOTE. My suggestion is to vote for the candidate who's platform is nearest SCRIPTURE! That is my rule for myself. I believe that if ALL CHRISTIANS would vote that way we would see our nation change for the best!
Becky & I have already voted and avoided the crowd next week!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Debates
As I think on the debates between the two presidential candidates last night, I think about people wanting to debate the Bible, particular those who aren't believers or those who knock on your door from cultic groups. My philosophy is that God does not need me to defend Him. No one ever gets debated into the kingdom of God. I enjoy listening to people like Josh McDowell, Ravi Zechariah and others defend The Faith, but in my experience I have never led anyone to Christ by having a superior argument. In fact I don't think arguing is an effective tool or is Biblical for that matter.
Not too long ago I had several e-mail from someone I never met who read our web site regarding baptism and wanted to debate with me publicly about theology regarding the purpose of it. My response was that it would not accomplish anything or lead people to Jesus and it was a waste of time. Jesus stated facts when the Pharisees wanted to debate him, so should we.
What did the debates last night accomplish? In my opinion nothing. So what is my point? Let's spend time sharing Christ with others rather than debating or arguing theology. Jesus said, "in Ephesians, "Speak the truth in love". When I think on this verse I picture someone sharing their faith in a warm friendly manner using benign words. We ought always to share our faith with kindness and humility.
Not too long ago I had several e-mail from someone I never met who read our web site regarding baptism and wanted to debate with me publicly about theology regarding the purpose of it. My response was that it would not accomplish anything or lead people to Jesus and it was a waste of time. Jesus stated facts when the Pharisees wanted to debate him, so should we.
What did the debates last night accomplish? In my opinion nothing. So what is my point? Let's spend time sharing Christ with others rather than debating or arguing theology. Jesus said, "in Ephesians, "Speak the truth in love". When I think on this verse I picture someone sharing their faith in a warm friendly manner using benign words. We ought always to share our faith with kindness and humility.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Reflections From My Quiet Time
I find it hard to blog a lot, not knowing what people want to read, not wanting to sound "preachy" and the list goes on. But today in my reading Romans 2:1-8, I thought about our Great Country and the privileges I have as an American. I thought about God's judgment as well as God's blessings. I remember that the U. S. A. was founded on unalienable rights given to us by God. I said recently in a sermon that our laws are based on the Ten Commandments which I believe is true. Our nation was founded so that we have our rights protected. Those laws have been carried the other way and infringe on some of our basic rights as Christians.
I believe that the effort to remove God from anything public has caused our values and morals to crumble. When God was band from schools, government meetings, public places the attempts to remove Him from our currency and from our Pledge of Allegiance and so much more, our nation began and has drifted away from God. Even many committed Christians accept the filthy language, the sex and other immorailty that is in most movies. When a person repeatedly hears God's name use to curse, he becomes dull to that sin and excuses his acceptance of it. Our nation is so accepting of "all religions" that Christians are persecuted for believing that Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). God is holy, so I know that He doesn't approve all of the actions sanctioned by our laws. He has been patient, blessed our nation beyond measure, but I don't believe that this will last forever (Neh. 9:30).
America needs to repent of throwing out God's precepts, His laws, His moral standards and essentially tossing Him out of our nation. I believe we are "skating on thin ice"!
This morning I examined myself to make sure I haven't allowed ungodly values that are crammed in my face, media etc. to infiltrate my life or my mind. I believe that every Christian has the responsibility to pray for our government leaders and the direction of our Great Nation! I recommitted personally to be more diligent in doing so! I just encourage each Believer who reads this to do the same.
After saying all this, I consider it a blessing from God that I was born in a country that has given me the rights and privileges which I enjoy. I am thankful that God is the ultimate Judge of our nation and of me! Aren't you? God bless America!!!
I believe that the effort to remove God from anything public has caused our values and morals to crumble. When God was band from schools, government meetings, public places the attempts to remove Him from our currency and from our Pledge of Allegiance and so much more, our nation began and has drifted away from God. Even many committed Christians accept the filthy language, the sex and other immorailty that is in most movies. When a person repeatedly hears God's name use to curse, he becomes dull to that sin and excuses his acceptance of it. Our nation is so accepting of "all religions" that Christians are persecuted for believing that Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). God is holy, so I know that He doesn't approve all of the actions sanctioned by our laws. He has been patient, blessed our nation beyond measure, but I don't believe that this will last forever (Neh. 9:30).
America needs to repent of throwing out God's precepts, His laws, His moral standards and essentially tossing Him out of our nation. I believe we are "skating on thin ice"!
This morning I examined myself to make sure I haven't allowed ungodly values that are crammed in my face, media etc. to infiltrate my life or my mind. I believe that every Christian has the responsibility to pray for our government leaders and the direction of our Great Nation! I recommitted personally to be more diligent in doing so! I just encourage each Believer who reads this to do the same.
After saying all this, I consider it a blessing from God that I was born in a country that has given me the rights and privileges which I enjoy. I am thankful that God is the ultimate Judge of our nation and of me! Aren't you? God bless America!!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Always Amazed
The book of James is an amazing book! We saw this morning why it is so important for us to have God's wisdom in our lives. We need God's wisdom in our lives not only to enable us to respond to His call, but to maintain our relationship in a stable constant manner. It just once again demonstrates our need to walk with God every day!
Following the second service today, a college student ask to talk with me. Becky & I went to my office to visit with her. The Holy Spirit had drawn her to the time in her life she realized she needed Jesus in her life and she did exactly that. She now has Him as her Savior! What a wonderful way to begin a new week!
After struggling with a very sore throat pain, my voice an octave lower than normal it all disappeared into oblivion seeing someone give their life to Christ.
Following the second service today, a college student ask to talk with me. Becky & I went to my office to visit with her. The Holy Spirit had drawn her to the time in her life she realized she needed Jesus in her life and she did exactly that. She now has Him as her Savior! What a wonderful way to begin a new week!
After struggling with a very sore throat pain, my voice an octave lower than normal it all disappeared into oblivion seeing someone give their life to Christ.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
INFLUENCE
It is difficult for me to blog regularly and when I do, I most often feel like the most important thing I can write about is my time alone with God. It is my heart! He does so much through my Quiet Time alone with Him. My study time is wonderful, but my Q. T. and my personal study times are highlights of my days and times of spiritual growth. I also wonder if people read blogs and if my time is well spent writing them. I read very few, but perhaps I am not the average reader of blogs. Oh well, here goes!
I read Psalm 16 this morning and it filled my heart with joy, especially verses 5-11. Here are some of the excerpts from my journal I wrote.
"This Psalm has caused me to reflect on my life and my future! It has caused me to rejoice for what God has and is going to do in my life here on earth. It has reminded me that my future is secure in Heaven and of the joy I will know there which is not understandable at this time.
As I pray some of this back to the Lord, I can't get verse 5 out of my mind. I claim it this morning as God' promise to me for what He has done and what He is going to do!
I think of the people who have influenced me over these 37 years and at the time I didn't realize their influence. I suppose it takes years to realize the impact that people have on my life. I think of pastors and writers who have influenced me greatly."
As I sit here writing this blog, and sharing the above thoughts I recorded, I remember "Charlie" who was the #3 man in the division of the corporation who hired me as a department head when I was 28 years old and the contribution he made in my life. The greatest way that God used Charlie was how he lived his life before me and others at work. Here was a man highly successful with great position in life who lived for the Lord at work and never allowed his job to over shadow his faith. I saw his peers, corporate officials and others tease him, poke fun at him and try to get him to compromise his faith. He remained faithful and never wavered. That taught me that a man should live his faith everyday regardless of pressures, and never compromise. I had just recommitted my life to Christ and God used Charlie to mark my life forever. I could write all day of how others, including some pastors and writers have influenced me in who I am today. I am so thankful for all those God has sent to influence my life!
Because of the influence of many people in my life, my prayer is that I can influence others for the Kingdom of God as long as I live! God grant me this privilege! The legacy we leave when God calls us home is not our position in life, community service, church attendance, wealth or good works, but it is people! It is the people we leave behind!
I read Psalm 16 this morning and it filled my heart with joy, especially verses 5-11. Here are some of the excerpts from my journal I wrote.
"This Psalm has caused me to reflect on my life and my future! It has caused me to rejoice for what God has and is going to do in my life here on earth. It has reminded me that my future is secure in Heaven and of the joy I will know there which is not understandable at this time.
As I pray some of this back to the Lord, I can't get verse 5 out of my mind. I claim it this morning as God' promise to me for what He has done and what He is going to do!
I think of the people who have influenced me over these 37 years and at the time I didn't realize their influence. I suppose it takes years to realize the impact that people have on my life. I think of pastors and writers who have influenced me greatly."
As I sit here writing this blog, and sharing the above thoughts I recorded, I remember "Charlie" who was the #3 man in the division of the corporation who hired me as a department head when I was 28 years old and the contribution he made in my life. The greatest way that God used Charlie was how he lived his life before me and others at work. Here was a man highly successful with great position in life who lived for the Lord at work and never allowed his job to over shadow his faith. I saw his peers, corporate officials and others tease him, poke fun at him and try to get him to compromise his faith. He remained faithful and never wavered. That taught me that a man should live his faith everyday regardless of pressures, and never compromise. I had just recommitted my life to Christ and God used Charlie to mark my life forever. I could write all day of how others, including some pastors and writers have influenced me in who I am today. I am so thankful for all those God has sent to influence my life!
Because of the influence of many people in my life, my prayer is that I can influence others for the Kingdom of God as long as I live! God grant me this privilege! The legacy we leave when God calls us home is not our position in life, community service, church attendance, wealth or good works, but it is people! It is the people we leave behind!
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