Good Afternoon: Our nation embraced a philosophy that we refer to as “Freedom of the Press.” Lately, we need a new amendment calling for freedom from the extremely liberal world view single-minded, despotic major mass-media press. This humanistic religious body appears to be above the law. Through the power of their words and images, they caused the death of innocent people and then they hide behind the cloak of the axiom stated above. Who holds them accountable? I know that God is keeping an accurate record and He sees the evil intent residing deep in the hearts of these people who wish to destroy the last beacon of hope for the world. I wonder if those that understand America’s purpose have a duty to engage in a Second Civil War to throw off the self-proclaimed elitist despots who want to control our minds and lives, and reduce our nation to just another European, stand for nothing, country.
Bible Study, Hosea 7:1-16
What is the main point? God explains the reasons for executing judgment upon the people of Israel. Their leaders, both political and religious, plot and perform evil deeds in the name of God, defaming His character among the nations. Also, they abuse the people, and turn to the other nations for help, instead of turning to God. They are disloyal to God, they scheme in secret, and God will expose their hidden evil. Not much has changed. I see similar parallel issues today with many of our governing officials and religious leaders.
What does God reveal about Himself? Nothing is hidden from Him. He will bring into the light of His great love, the wickedness hidden in darkness, so that we, who think we can hide from Him, can and will have many opportunities to repent of our evil intentions and return to be cleansed by the One and only Living God.
What insights into my life? I must always live in the light of God’s Holy Truth. Where can I go to hide from Him who loves me, knows everything about me, and always watches over me? King David asked the same question and concluded that even if he descended into the pit of Hell itself, God would see him even there.
How can I honor God with this information? The media leaders of this nation seem to think that they control the hearts and minds of the American people. They appear to actually want the destruction of America because it stands for: Liberty, a nation under God’s divine authority, and a country where many can become one people. If any of these key ingredients are missing from our culture, we cease to be the land of the free. I pray that God will move across this land by His Holy Spirit and convict us of our desperate need for Him to govern our hearts and minds. I choose to stand for His truth. If we don’t stand Him, we will fall for anything.
Where is God working today? America is at a crossroads. We can see how God pled with Israel to repent. I believe God is pleading with the American people to repent, to turn away from our wickedness, and turn to God and be loyal to Him and to each other.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
The Return of Jesus – Fact or Fiction?
Good Morning: I have been thinking about Jesus’ return more than usual lately. I often wonder if this is His Holy Spirit providing a simple reminder that one day the rapture of His church will be a historical fact, or if He is reminding me of my responsibility to be ready. Maybe, it is a combination of the two. I am grateful for passages of scripture that show us that God transcends all physical properties, including time. His Word is trustworthy, proven by approximately six thousand years of recorded history.
Bible Study, Hosea 3:1-5
What is the main point? God speaks to the Children of Israel through Hosea. He foretells what their lives will be like before God completely restores them to Himself. This very brief description reflects contemporary Israel. For example, they occupy some of their God promised land, but their peace and national sovereignty are constantly threatened. Furthermore, they have to barter pieces of their land in exchange for security. This seems like extortion to me. Also at this time, they have no king or prince, they have no temple or articles of worship to perform the required sacrifices. In many respects, they are trapped within their own land, free to live under the constant threat of Palestinian terrorism, but never free to worship God as commanded by His Holy Scriptures.
What does God reveal about Himself? He loves His people even when we show contempt and disrespect, or even outright hatred towards Him.
What insights into my life? I do not understand His love. I pray that I will never take it for granted. I depend on Him everyday, but today I need His direction to address a specific challenge at work that has caused me personal distress. I need to pray and place the situation into His capable hands. I also need to allow His Holy Spirit to search me and reveal to me any wrong attitudes I do not see so that I can repent. Then, I need to wait for Him to provide guidance whether or not I am to take any action. I do not want to take matters into my own hands because I will make the matter much worse.
How can I honor God with this information? I know Jesus is returning soon. This passage of scripture is a reminder of the signs of our times. I believe these personal tests are provided to cleanse me of my hidden sins and to help prepare me for His appearing. He promised to make His bride ready for His return and the soon approaching eternal wedding. I must surrender to His preparation process.
Where is God working today? My work team needs guidance. I need to seek God for His wisdom to help them stay on task, to clearly understand our objective, and to be encouraged to finish our obligations.
Bible Study, Hosea 3:1-5
What is the main point? God speaks to the Children of Israel through Hosea. He foretells what their lives will be like before God completely restores them to Himself. This very brief description reflects contemporary Israel. For example, they occupy some of their God promised land, but their peace and national sovereignty are constantly threatened. Furthermore, they have to barter pieces of their land in exchange for security. This seems like extortion to me. Also at this time, they have no king or prince, they have no temple or articles of worship to perform the required sacrifices. In many respects, they are trapped within their own land, free to live under the constant threat of Palestinian terrorism, but never free to worship God as commanded by His Holy Scriptures.
What does God reveal about Himself? He loves His people even when we show contempt and disrespect, or even outright hatred towards Him.
What insights into my life? I do not understand His love. I pray that I will never take it for granted. I depend on Him everyday, but today I need His direction to address a specific challenge at work that has caused me personal distress. I need to pray and place the situation into His capable hands. I also need to allow His Holy Spirit to search me and reveal to me any wrong attitudes I do not see so that I can repent. Then, I need to wait for Him to provide guidance whether or not I am to take any action. I do not want to take matters into my own hands because I will make the matter much worse.
How can I honor God with this information? I know Jesus is returning soon. This passage of scripture is a reminder of the signs of our times. I believe these personal tests are provided to cleanse me of my hidden sins and to help prepare me for His appearing. He promised to make His bride ready for His return and the soon approaching eternal wedding. I must surrender to His preparation process.
Where is God working today? My work team needs guidance. I need to seek God for His wisdom to help them stay on task, to clearly understand our objective, and to be encouraged to finish our obligations.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
God’s Grace is Amazing!
Good Morning: I am amazed at the vial hatred spewed regularly against our President as he attempts to make progress and reforms for our nation. He is trying so hard to correct the self-imposed degeneration of our country. I know that Abraham Lincoln was hated for his efforts to remove the sin of slavery from our land. It cost in lives lost over 600,000 men, women and children. I wonder what our current “bloodless” civil war will cost. I pray that God puts an end to the hatred before we start destroying ourselves a second time. I pray that He will once again shed His grace upon America, reveal to us what is displeasing in His sight, and bring our nation back to its foundation.
Bible Study, Hosea 2:1-13
What is the main point? God warns the nation of Israel one last time before He allows judgment to fall upon them. He almost begs them to repent of their sins and return to a relationship with Him. I wonder if He is sounding the same alarm for our country.
What does God reveal about Himself? He shows His great compassion for His people. However, He will not tolerate Israel’s sin forever. He warned that the people would naturally suffer consequences for their sins. Now that the penalty payment is due, He extends one last measure of His grace.
What insights into my life? The very evil of deception is that I may not recognize my own sin, or sins. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will expose to me those things that are not pleasing to Him and that are hidden from me. I pray that He will grant me the ability to recognize these hidden transgressions and that He will grant me His grace to commit myself to a deep and true repentance.
How can I honor God with this information? I desire that I display a thankful attitude towards God in every aspect of my life today. We have more critical challenges ahead of us and I pray that God will extend His wisdom to our work team so that we will understand how best to proceed.
Where is God working today? Several members of our work team show signs of a deep need for encouragement. I pray that God will use me to bring that encouragement.
Bible Study, Hosea 2:1-13
What is the main point? God warns the nation of Israel one last time before He allows judgment to fall upon them. He almost begs them to repent of their sins and return to a relationship with Him. I wonder if He is sounding the same alarm for our country.
What does God reveal about Himself? He shows His great compassion for His people. However, He will not tolerate Israel’s sin forever. He warned that the people would naturally suffer consequences for their sins. Now that the penalty payment is due, He extends one last measure of His grace.
What insights into my life? The very evil of deception is that I may not recognize my own sin, or sins. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will expose to me those things that are not pleasing to Him and that are hidden from me. I pray that He will grant me the ability to recognize these hidden transgressions and that He will grant me His grace to commit myself to a deep and true repentance.
How can I honor God with this information? I desire that I display a thankful attitude towards God in every aspect of my life today. We have more critical challenges ahead of us and I pray that God will extend His wisdom to our work team so that we will understand how best to proceed.
Where is God working today? Several members of our work team show signs of a deep need for encouragement. I pray that God will use me to bring that encouragement.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Celebration!
Good Morning: I am amazed at how often what I am currently experiencing in life is reflected in scripture. In today’s Bible Study, the Children of Israel enjoy a celebration that commemorates all their hard work and putting things in proper order. Today, my program work team is going to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and everyone is looking forward to our evening of fun together. In many ways, we really need this time together because we have some even harder challenges ahead of us, which will even put greater demands on our time, talents, and resources.
Bible Study, Nehemiah 13:1-31
What is the main point? Nehemiah completes the restoration of Israel. He follows-up and makes sure that the priests, leaders, and people are following God’s commandments.
What does God reveal about Himself? God extends His grace to the people and gives them time to order their lives in compliance with His Word.
What insights into my life? Last night, we listened to a message that discussed the priceless value of a “Good Name.” The foundation passage was from Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be more desired than great riches, favor is better than silver and gold.” In respect to the passage, I believe the message was clear regarding the importance of having a good reputation personally, but more importantly because we represent the Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 13 of this passage, men were appointed to the temple service because “they were considered reliable.” Tying the two scriptures together, I want to be considered trustworthy of service for my Lord and I realize that if, or when I sin, He won’t cast me immediately into Hell, but I can become disqualified from the privilege to serve Him, and I enjoy serving Him and introducing people to Him.
How can I honor God with this information? Mother’s Day is tomorrow. I need to stop writing and go shopping.
Where is God working today? I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will lead me and guide me to the right gift for Mary who did a near perfect job raising our two children. While I am out shopping, I need to be ready in the market place to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in the event He directs me to minister to someone in need.
Bible Study, Nehemiah 13:1-31
What is the main point? Nehemiah completes the restoration of Israel. He follows-up and makes sure that the priests, leaders, and people are following God’s commandments.
What does God reveal about Himself? God extends His grace to the people and gives them time to order their lives in compliance with His Word.
What insights into my life? Last night, we listened to a message that discussed the priceless value of a “Good Name.” The foundation passage was from Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be more desired than great riches, favor is better than silver and gold.” In respect to the passage, I believe the message was clear regarding the importance of having a good reputation personally, but more importantly because we represent the Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 13 of this passage, men were appointed to the temple service because “they were considered reliable.” Tying the two scriptures together, I want to be considered trustworthy of service for my Lord and I realize that if, or when I sin, He won’t cast me immediately into Hell, but I can become disqualified from the privilege to serve Him, and I enjoy serving Him and introducing people to Him.
How can I honor God with this information? Mother’s Day is tomorrow. I need to stop writing and go shopping.
Where is God working today? I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will lead me and guide me to the right gift for Mary who did a near perfect job raising our two children. While I am out shopping, I need to be ready in the market place to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in the event He directs me to minister to someone in need.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Heritage Record Keeping
Good Morning: Tomorrow, we celebrate our nation’s National Day of Prayer. I sincerely hope that millions of citizens of the United States of America will participate in some measure. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will move across this land from shore-to-shore, from boarder-to-boarder, and inspire us with God’s principles of: Leadership, Justice, Morals, Family, and Life. I believe that our Nation is at a social cross-roads, a bloodless civil war (so far) that will define us once again as a people that promote God’s Liberty (Leviticus 25:10, Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, and Galatians 5:1), or just another democratic nation that stands for nothing. I believe our nation’s Founding Fathers stated God’s truth when they declared, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Bible Study, Nehemiah 11:1-36
What is the main point? The Hebrew exiles are identified in accordance with their patriarchal lineage. Several are also identified by both their family line and the service they render for the Lord to His people (verses 17 & 22).
What does God reveal about Himself? It is difficult to see a revelation of God in this passage. However, I am grateful that the people were inspired, I believe by God’s Holy Spirit, to review and prove their heritage. I am certain that as they read and studied God’s Word that they saw that the Messiah would come from the line of David, who came from the line of Abraham, who came from the line of Abraham, the first created son of God. We must express gratitude to the Children of Israel who preserved and protected the Holy Scriptures with their lives. God was going to choose a people for this purpose, and He made His choice. Accordingly, the Children of Israel deserve our love and respect.
What insights into my life? I believe my charge from God is to both preserve and proclaim His Word. This is my main reason for writing this daily journal. I pray that God will open the door so that I can post my journal every day.
How can I honor God with this information? I believe I am living one of the parables Jesus taught. My Business Manger is going on a business trip and he has left me in charge of an important task. I need to stay focused and keep the team on task so that we can complete the assignment on time and to the benefit of our company and customer.
Where is God working today? We are organizing a time of prayer at work tomorrow. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will draw many to join us.
Bible Study, Nehemiah 11:1-36
What is the main point? The Hebrew exiles are identified in accordance with their patriarchal lineage. Several are also identified by both their family line and the service they render for the Lord to His people (verses 17 & 22).
What does God reveal about Himself? It is difficult to see a revelation of God in this passage. However, I am grateful that the people were inspired, I believe by God’s Holy Spirit, to review and prove their heritage. I am certain that as they read and studied God’s Word that they saw that the Messiah would come from the line of David, who came from the line of Abraham, who came from the line of Abraham, the first created son of God. We must express gratitude to the Children of Israel who preserved and protected the Holy Scriptures with their lives. God was going to choose a people for this purpose, and He made His choice. Accordingly, the Children of Israel deserve our love and respect.
What insights into my life? I believe my charge from God is to both preserve and proclaim His Word. This is my main reason for writing this daily journal. I pray that God will open the door so that I can post my journal every day.
How can I honor God with this information? I believe I am living one of the parables Jesus taught. My Business Manger is going on a business trip and he has left me in charge of an important task. I need to stay focused and keep the team on task so that we can complete the assignment on time and to the benefit of our company and customer.
Where is God working today? We are organizing a time of prayer at work tomorrow. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will draw many to join us.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Thank God it’s Monday
Good Morning: Thank God it’s Monday. I do like saying that phrase because I believe God called me to the market-place-missions field. Also, my wife, Mary, and I just completed a very busy weekend. After being filled up with energy from Christ, it is good to come back to work.
Last night, our church, Faith Bible Chapel of Arvada, Colorado, completed its 27th Annual Israel Awareness Day. This is always a significant event, but this year it was even more special. Dennis Prager was our guest speaker last night. His national radio show can be heard locally on KNUS AM-710. Dennis gave a clear and stirring message that should be heard by everyone who cares about the future of both Israel and the United States of America. If Dennis presented a prepared speech, I couldn’t tell. It appeared to me that he spoke from his heart. I am grateful to God Almighty for sending Dennis to our church and for presenting a strong reminder that the awesome respect of God, our Creator of the Universe, is the beginning of wisdom (Psalms 111:10 & Proverbs 9:10).
Bible Study, Nehemiah 9:32-38
What is the main point? The people completed their long re-statement of Israel’s not too lovely history. I think they recognized the consequences of sin on a national and personal scale. They also proclaim God’s faithfulness. Most importantly, they chose to make a written contract with God declaring their commitment to follow His commandments (verse 38).
What does God reveal about Himself? He is the promise keeper, compared to none. His great goodness is more than anyone can comprehend.
What insights into my life? I do not understand why He continues to bless a selfish, rebellious person, such as myself; but He does, and I am so grateful that He has always cared for me. One of the reasons why I write this daily journal, I see God working in, on, and through my life. His great love is too wonderful to adequately express; however, I will continue to declare His kindness so long as He permits.
How can I honor God with this information? I choose to obey His Holy Word this day and I will declare His truth unto all people.
Where is God working today? I can see that the times of the gentiles are coming to an end. The Children of Israel, no matter where they reside, are becoming more and more connected to God. Soon, and I think it will be very soon, God will remove the temporary veil He has placed over their eyes, and they will become a force for Godliness in the world that has never been seen before.
Last night, our church, Faith Bible Chapel of Arvada, Colorado, completed its 27th Annual Israel Awareness Day. This is always a significant event, but this year it was even more special. Dennis Prager was our guest speaker last night. His national radio show can be heard locally on KNUS AM-710. Dennis gave a clear and stirring message that should be heard by everyone who cares about the future of both Israel and the United States of America. If Dennis presented a prepared speech, I couldn’t tell. It appeared to me that he spoke from his heart. I am grateful to God Almighty for sending Dennis to our church and for presenting a strong reminder that the awesome respect of God, our Creator of the Universe, is the beginning of wisdom (Psalms 111:10 & Proverbs 9:10).
Bible Study, Nehemiah 9:32-38
What is the main point? The people completed their long re-statement of Israel’s not too lovely history. I think they recognized the consequences of sin on a national and personal scale. They also proclaim God’s faithfulness. Most importantly, they chose to make a written contract with God declaring their commitment to follow His commandments (verse 38).
What does God reveal about Himself? He is the promise keeper, compared to none. His great goodness is more than anyone can comprehend.
What insights into my life? I do not understand why He continues to bless a selfish, rebellious person, such as myself; but He does, and I am so grateful that He has always cared for me. One of the reasons why I write this daily journal, I see God working in, on, and through my life. His great love is too wonderful to adequately express; however, I will continue to declare His kindness so long as He permits.
How can I honor God with this information? I choose to obey His Holy Word this day and I will declare His truth unto all people.
Where is God working today? I can see that the times of the gentiles are coming to an end. The Children of Israel, no matter where they reside, are becoming more and more connected to God. Soon, and I think it will be very soon, God will remove the temporary veil He has placed over their eyes, and they will become a force for Godliness in the world that has never been seen before.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)