Tuesday, February 26, 2008

II Thessalonians 2:8-12 Comparison

February 26, 2008

Barack Hussein Obama’s acceptance of the messiah role concerns me. I often remember how the people of Germany embraced, admired, and yes loved, another man who spoke like a messiah and called for change in his day to his world. His name was Adolph Hitler. He spoke, the people listened. He promised to restore Germany to its rightful place in the world, the people cheered. He blamed a particular people for the economic woes the citizens suffered, and the people agreed. He demanded action, and the people carried out his bidding. Soon thereafter, ashes fell from oven chimneys.

Barack Hussein Obama’s personal pastor, Jeremiah Wright, is a close personal friend to Louis Farrakhan, the outspoken leader of the Nation of Islam movement here in the USA. Barack Hussein Obama has never stated his position regarding our future relationship with the nation of Israel; he has never denounced Islam’s hatred for the Jewish nation or the Jewish people. And, as far as I know, he has never embraced historical Biblical Christianity, which would prevent him from supporting the American version of the holocaust, “On-Demand Abortions,” which he votes for and supports whole heartily.

I am making a prediction, should Barack Hussein Obama become our next President, America will have the leader she deserves. He will break relations with Israel, he will assault our personal freedoms guaranteed by the Unites States Constitution. I suspect he will start with the second amendment’s right to bear arms. He will attack freedom of speech and find away to shut down conservative talk radio, and blog sites like this. Changing America, he will break faith with the system of limited government our founding fathers created. He will change the USA to a pure democracy, something the founding fathers of this nation specifically rejected, and I suspect he will abolish the twenty-second amendment limiting Presidential terms. In other words, he will become the first American dictator. He likes being the messiah – so does the Anti-Christ!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Challenging Roe

WGRC-FM Radio invited me to speak about the American Civil war and my Civil War Epic, Destination Hope - Separation. The book is slowly heading for Best Seller status, and the second book in the series Emancipation, should be released in the fall of 2008. We also discussed the correlations between the infamous United States Supreme Court’s mistake in 1857, the Dred Scott Decision when the court ruled that a Negro is not a person and the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, where the Supreme Court refused to decide when a person is a person.

It seems that God is leading me to be another voice for the unborn. I believe those of us to call ourselves “Christians” have a duty to protect the right to life of those who cannot defend themselves, including the baby living inside his or her mother’s womb.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Last Night's Republican Debate

As many of you, I watched last night's Republican Debate with heightened interest. Our caucus will meet on Super Tuesday and I wanted to prepare for the event. I have narrowed the field. Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee stand out as the best remaining candidates.

Both have governed, both have held executive positions, both are outside of Washington. Our existing government has become irrelevant, to the point that it may be time to consider a second civil war to let the liberals and secular progressives have their own separate country to destroy without taking conservative traditionalists down with them. However, Romney and Huckabee represented hope for the future. They spoke uncompromisingly about the good of and in America. John McCain compromises everything. For America to remain its sovereignty, we cannot compromise the values that made us strong, and McCain appears too willing to make a deal. The only deal I want to see made now is the formation of a Romney/Huckabee ticket.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

KPOF Radio Interview Feedback




Folks:

Read what others are saying about the Destination Hope Series. Any doctrine, whether religious, legal, educational, economic, etc., that cannot be challenged is not worth following. It is time to challenge the legal doctrine established by Roe v. Wade. If it sustains the challenge, okay. If it cannot sustain it, then it is time to let the unborn live.

I am prepared to address the real issues confronting this election year - Did God create all men equal? If we don't get the answer to this right, no other issue matters.


Item:
TUESDAY MORNING SHOW 1-22-08
Description:
· ROY AND DENISE TALK WITH AUTHOR, AND PROFESSOR CHARLES PATRICOFF ABOUT THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF R0E v WADE AND HIS BOOKS "SEPARATION" AND HIS SECOND BOOK IN THE "DESTINATION HOPE SERIES" WHICH IS DUE OUT IN JULY. THE SERIES CONSISTS OF FIVE BOOKS. THEY ARE HISTORICAL FICTION SET BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR. CHARLES LIVES IN LAKEWOOD, COLORADO WITH HIS WIFE OF THIRTY FIVE YEARS. TO FIND OUT ABOUT HIS BOOKS, CALL 360-802-9758 AND ASK FOR HIS PUBLICIST, ADAMS COTHES. CHARLES WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO HELP YOU BOOK CHARLES PATRICOFF FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS. HE IS RIVOTING! YOU CAN ALSO GO ON LINE AT adam@winepressgroup.com
Web:
http://futurenhope.blogspot.com/.

Phone:
303-818-7526

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Has God Abandoned America?

Over the past three days, I’ve heard two different preachers teach similar messages from Romans 1:18 through 2:9. The conclusion suggested is, has God abandoned America? Since God doesn’t let individuals, or nations know that He has abandoned them (Judges 16:20-last sentence), how can we know if he’s abandoned us? Romans 1:28 states that God gave “them” (sinners – but could it apply to an entire nation) over to a depraved mind. A depraved mind is not useful. It does not think, reason, or, comprehend. It cannot discern the difference between right and wrong because it suppresses the truth of God’s word and thus it does not have a moral basis for determining right from wrong.

This is very sobering, and descriptive of our nation’s condition. Our country and future generations are in deep trouble.

I recently returned from Washington, DC. The meeting was filled with government officials. They argued, debated, and articulated lofty plans. No decisions were made, thousands of taxpayer dollars wasted, and no one seemed to care. Washington has become more and more irrelevant. We pay our representatives large salaries and they do nothing. Have our Congressional leaders been abandoned and given over to a depraved mind?

President Bush seems bent on turning his back on Israel by trading land for peace including dividing Jerusalem. Nothing could be more misguided. He opposes the revealed word and will of our Creator, and places Israel’s and American’s safety in jeopardy. Apparently, he has lost the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong.

Further, not a single Presidential candidate has broached this issue. Maybe they think this is something the President can do under his foreign affairs authority and they should not raise an objection. Do they not realize that whoever becomes our next President will have to deal with the consequences of President Bush’s foolish appeasement of our Islamic enemies?

Next Tuesday will be the 35th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Since then approximately 50 Million American citizens have been murdered in their mother’s wombs. Immorality runs rampant, homosexuality encouraged and moral clarity seems lost for all time. I will be discussing these matters on Tuesday with the KPOF AM 910 “Breakfast Table Show” from 7 – 8 AM MST.

I think the answer to the question is, yes, God has abandoned America. Unless we repent, cry out to God for his forgiveness (which He would grant), turn from our wicked ways, and obey His ways, America is doomed to self destruction. The second question, is it too late? Who will save us from the inevitable calamity to come?

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

International Christian Retail Show

I just finished three long days at this year's International Christian Retail Show. It's hard work peddling one's book, Destination Hope - Separation, (http://pleasantword.com/) at a show of this magnitude.
But I met some very interesting people who love the Lord and want to serve Him. I recommend visiting Caleb Grimes site and picking up his book "Star Wars Jesus" (http://starwarsjesus.com/), Sandy Austin's site (http://restoringhopes.com/), Bob Fraley's (http://campaignsaveamerica.com/), David Lingner's (http://christianoutdoorsman.com/), one of my very favorite's if you are interested in the 1599 Geneva Bible - the one our Founding Fathers studied - the American Vision site (http://amercianvision.org/), and Misty McGlugritch at (http://hiswordsnotmine.com/).


I want to thank my Publisher, The WinePress Group (http://winepressgroup.com/) for their support, and Randi Olsen for her kind review of my book.
More to follow.

Monday, June 18, 2007

NO COMPROMISE

Since the release of the first book in my five book series, "Destination Hope," (https://www.pleasantwordbooks.com/product.asp?pid=1555&search=Destination+Hope+%2D+Separation&select=Keywords&ss=1), I have conducted three radio interviews. I've been asked on all three occasions, is America headed for a second civil war. My response is and will continue to be, we already are deep in it. The culture war is being waged against the pillar of our civil government, Biblical Christianity. Secular Progressives believe they will win this culture war because they are convinced Christians will tire of fighting the political fight. Our government has broken faith with the American people who are willing to suffer abuse under what has become a despotic ruler. How long will we allow irrelevant Washington, D.C. dictate to us their evil practices? Because our politicians (who we pay much and who do very little) hold up compromise as the panacea to solve all problems, it is only a matter of time before Islam overruns our nation. Followers of radical Islam are convinced they will physically dominate the world because the secular progressives can't and American Christians won't fight back. If you care about our nation, if American Heritage is important to you, if we will continue to stand with Israel, we must remove the do-nothing leadership of this nation. Will America survive? Will our Star Spangled Banner still wave? The elections of 2008 will be our last chance to stand for the uncompromising truth - only those who bow their knee to Jesus Christ can know true liberty.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Destination Hope - Separation


The first book in my Civil War epic series, Destination Hope - Separation is scheduled for release on March 28, 2007.

Book ordering information will be available next week.

Friday, December 30, 2005

Happy New Year!

It is my earnest prayer that everyone I know and anyone who reads this blog will have a Happy and Healthy New Year! Since my last posting, I took time to finish a work of Historical Fiction and prepare it for the market place. For those who might be interested, the story's synopsis follows this paragraph. I posted the link to the Publishing Agency too http://Writersedgeservice.com. The Book Proposal ID # is: PaC8022605. The Writer's Edge Service will place a portion of the manuscript at its web site after the New Year.

Manuscript Synopsis
Destination Hope
By: Charles J. Patricoff

Destination Hope is a five book series of historical fiction set before, during and after the American Civil War. The story targets an adult audience and follows the wartime experience of Nathaniel Thomas Graham, a near-pacifist minister from Nashville, Tennessee who becomes a Confederate Army Chaplain. Throughout this series, Nathaniel finds himself with many opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ while struggling with the issues that separate loved ones and the nation. Nathaniel questions the legitimacy of the newly formed Confederate Government. Is he in rebellion against God's appointed Federal Government? On what Biblical authority can he hold a “Brother-in-Christ” in bondage? The thought of killing a fellow Christian in the name of freedom frightens him. However, he is convinced that a sovereign State has the right of to govern itself and that a political minority should not abolish the constitutionally protected institution of slavery.

Eleanor Ellis of Rockford, Illinois is an idealistic young woman. She loses her father to the war and she will do anything to end it and bring her brothers, Paul and John, home safely. She is convinced that the “Union” is worth preserving, but at what cost. A local suitor, Jason Merritt, Esquire, argues that two nations at peace is better than one at war.

The first book, Separation, begins the wartime horrors for all touched by the war’s savagery. Nathaniel’s personal struggle will surface. The war will intensify, and he grows numb at the loss of many friends. The second book, Emancipation centers on the pivotal battle at Antietam and President Lincoln’s proclamation. On the firing line, Nathaniel faces Union men he knows and he is forced to make hard life or death choices. Eleanor becomes active in the war effort much to the disapproval of family and friends. In the third story, Consolation, all characters suffer bearing the bitter winter of 1863, clashing at Chancellorsville, and colliding at Gettysburg, where Nathaniel suffers a crippling wound. Eleanor begins a quest to find her brothers and discovers compassion for the enemy.

In the fourth book, Liberation, captured Nathaniel spends the rest of the war in a Federal prison camp where he receives clarity to his personal struggle. President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address moves him to consider that maybe all men are created equal, and that maybe man does not have perfect-collective wisdom to decide who is, or who is not, a human being. He faces strong and bitter attitudes in prison more than he encountered on battlefields, and he will learn first hand how easily one group of people can dehumanize another. Eventually he sees that the war is a physical manifestation of a spiritual reality, a fight between light and darkness. He must choose between pursuing vengeance, a better life, or a better hope. Eleanor intensifies her efforts to end the bloody conflict and she works feverously to ensure a favorable outcome for the presidential election of 1864.

After President Lincoln’s assassination and the war’s end, Nathaniel begins a new life with new challenges in a nation reborn and a southern community in desperate need of reconstruction. He is dedicated to Reconciliation, the final book and leg of his journey to Destination Hope.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

The Second American Civil War

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Friday, April 29, 2005

Why Do the Heathens Rage?

Good Morning: Last night I watched and listened to President Bush’s press conference. I heard clear messages regarding very tough issues. I understood his plans. Yet immediately after the broadcast, the Democrats started twisting the simple message raising doubt and suspicion. I have determined that the Democratic Party should be re-named the Accusation Party. As I listen to their unreasonable accusations, I am convinced that the only reason why these issues are hard is because the Democrats have chosen to make them hard. I know that Jesus died for their sins too, but they seem to love their sinful obstruction behavior more than anything, probably even more than their own children because by doing nothing they pass a financial burden to their children and grandchildren that they themselves are too selfish to address. God’s Word is true that the sins of the fathers pass to their children, their children’s children, even unto the third and forth generation (Exodus 34:7, Blue Letter Bible).


Bible Study, Nehemiah 9:16-25
What is the main point? The Children of Israel worshipped God repeating a summary of what they learned as a result of reading His Word. In this passage they continue from their recollection of how God delivered them from Egypt to the way God provided for them as they wandered forty years in the wilderness. They recognized how their ancestors rebelled against God, but they declare God’s grace and mercy, which is stronger than our forefather’s disobedience.
What does God reveal about Himself? He demonstrates that His grace and mercy is beyond human ability to comprehend. For those who have been redeemed, we recognize His great gift of love, but we really don’t understand what manner of love exists that can shower such lavish affection on us who are so unlovely.
What insights into my life? I know that I do not deserve God’s grace and mercy. I am a sinner. I desperately need my Savior, Jesus, to take control of my life by His Holy Spirit this day. I am so grateful that He paid the full penalty for my sin. I want to demonstrate thankfulness throughout this day.
How can I honor God with this information? I will praise and exalt His Holy Name today. I will remember what He’s done for me. I will proclaim His grace and mercy in the marketplace.
Where is God working today? God has sent us a Spring-snow storm that has slowed us down today. I love God’s intervention into our plans. It is a way to remind us that He is God and as much as we would like to control our world, we cannot.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Obedience To God Brings Joy

Good Morning: Some days are better than others. This is one of those days when I probably should have stayed in bed. I’m angry and snapping at everyone and I don’t understand why. Being a male, I compartmentalize feelings. This is both a God created strength so that I can function, but it is also weakness because I now suffer from internal strife and confusion. So, I have to take some time to think through what’s triggering this selfish, childish behavior. Whenever I stray from the path of righteousness, I desperately need the Holy Spirit to stop me from causing harm to others. Today’s Bible study passage only proves to me that I am a frail human who has great difficulty obeying what I know is God’s revealed will for my life. I am so glad that He loves me and that He understands my failures. I also know that He will not leave me in this state, and that He will encourage me to live in obedience to His Word.

Bible Study, Nehemiah 8:13-18
What is the main point? The reading of God’s Word continued to bring about behavioral changes in the Children of Israel. As they examined His Word, they concluded that it was time for the annual festival of Succoth (Booths), which God commanded to commemorate the fact that God sustained the Children of Israel as they wandered through the desert for forty years.
What does God reveal about Himself? He blessed His people with joy as they obeyed His Word. He does this for anyone today.
What insights into my life? I witnessed a very similar thing happen Saturday evening as I taught our community outreach about Passover and took the people through a Seder service. As we praised the Lord, many saw how God used this ancient meal with all its symbols to point the way to Jesus. The joyous celebration touched the hearts of every participant. Remembering this is helping me know that Jesus still wants to use me, and that is encouraging. I would have fired me long ago. I wonder just how does one get fired from a volunteer job?
How can I honor God with this information? Obedient behavior results from hearing, embracing, and trusting God’s Holy Word. This generates true faith. I want to resemble His life. I must let His Word penetrate. His words of life can and do calm me. Once I submit to His way, then His life can radiate from me.
Where is God working today? These passed few days have drained me physically, emotionally, and mentally. I have new customers visiting today. I need His strength to make it through this day. Obedience to His Word brings His joy. The joy of the Lord brings strength. I pray that I live and work obediently to what I know to be His truth. Hopefully, I won’t harm anyone as God takes me through this growth process.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Unconditional Love

Good Morning: As I looked at today’s passage, I wondered what Ezra read from the Holy Scriptures that could move people to such open emotional displays. It is only speculation on my part, but I suspect that they heard and God granted them understanding of what we see in Deuteronomy, Chapter 7, verses 6 through 9. It was God who fixed His affection upon the people and they did absolutely nothing to earn his love. I know when I consider His unconditional and faithful love; His love affects me in more ways than I can explain. I write these simple messages, but I know that I can never adequately express the wonder of His love.

Bible Study, Nehemiah 8:1-12
What is the main point? The Word of God is read to the people. When presented in a public forum, the Word of God blesses the people. Some were moved to tears. Others recognized that they experienced a Holy moment worthy of worship and celebration.
What does God reveal about Himself? He received their worship. I believe their varied response is evidence that they sensed His presence.
What insights into my life? This passage is personal encouragement to me to maintain this daily Bible study. When I look back over the passed thirty-four years since Jesus apprehended my life, His encouragement to study His Word has been the greatest aid He’s given to keep me on track and useful for His service.
How can I honor God with this information? Reading and studying God’s Word is the best way I know how to be prepared to introduce people to Jesus, the most important work I can perform in this life.
Where is God working today? My department will engage in a team building effort today. I pray that I will be used effectively by Jesus to help my co-workers understand each other so that we can work more effectively together. Hopefully, God will provide opportunities for me to share His love for people today.