It's Time for the Blitz

 Today's "Give Him 15" podcast from Rev. Dutch Sheets. I like this one!

Do It Yourself

 

How About Some Encouragement?

 Just a quick note to encourage all of us.  If one man, who Scripture says was "a friend of God" could contend with God and save a nation, how much more then can we, the righteous remnant, who are not only friends of God, but beloved children of God, stand in the gap and intervene on behalf of our nation.  Let's keep standing IN FAITH, not in fear, praising God for what He is doing.  

Though it may not yet be visible to us,  we need to "stand still in faith" and "see the salvation of our God".  He's not turned a deaf ear to us, nor turned His back on us but He IS even now at work no matter how crazy, chaotic or hopeless it may seem. There's a "red sea" that's going to open up and everyone will know it was and is God's doing.

Do Not Fear - Hold On!

 Mario Murillo wrote a great piece yesterday, November 4th, encouraging believers to stand firm.

Do not fear – Hold on. God has a surprise for all of us.

“On election day morning, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, ‘Something you are not expecting is going to happen tonight. But do not fear, because God has a surprise for all of you.’

“Then I watched as Fox News prematurely announced that Biden had won Arizona. It felt like sabotage. Then Georgia, and Pennsylvania stopped counting votes. It threw everything into confusion. That confusion is right now reverberating across America.

Many of God’s people are dismayed.

“Then I remembered the chaos that God had warned me was coming in November, and I realized, this is it.

“I too, was shaken, until I remembered the promise I had received this morning, ‘But do not fear, because God has a surprise for all of us.’

“Why did this happen? It happened because Satan wants to rob the Church of her destiny, right at the finish line. Why did God allow it? Even though this attack has come from the pit of hell, God is exploiting it to demonstrate something to us all. The victory He promised will come. The miracle God is about to do will be something new—something we have never seen before. He is doing it this way, so we will know that it is God Who has brought this miracle, and we did not do it ourselves. We cannot take the credit. We will bow down and worship God for His stunning intervention.

“Satan has stepped up to attack the Church—to rattle her faith. This is a moment of intimidation where the enemy wants us in confusion and fear. But God is speaking by His Spirit directly to your heart. He is telling you not to fear. He is telling you that He has got this. You must hold on and reject all the vain imaginations that Satan is trying to put into your mind.

“Those of us who are the remnant of God must enter into the chamber of God’s presence and let this storm pass. To be sure, there will be a powerful judgment from God, because He is going to topple arrogant villains.

“One final tactic is coming at us from heaven, and God is going to use this intervention to provoke the American Church to revival!

“Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’ (John 14:27).”

(Taken from mariomurilloministries.wordpress.com)

The One In Which I Put My Preacher Hat On

Reposted by request.

One thing I've learned over a lifetime of following the Lord is that the rewards for attentive service are far greater than otherwise. So why then do we waver, waxing and waning with the passage of time, after promising to be a faithful servant?

Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt. 26:41, Mark 14:38 NIV) We waver when there is no immediate assignment, when we feel unused, or just bored by what we perceive as inactivity.

What we should do in those times is to press in, in prayer, and seek His face. "But what does that mean, Reverend?" you may ask. It means to spend time conversing with Him, in His presence. Not because of what He can do for us, but because we want to be with Him.

It's all too easy to drift away, to let our love grow cold, when nothing immediate seems to be happening. It's easy to think we've been set aside, or even been ignored, when there seem to be no opportunities or excitement. Mountaintop experiences are always exciting - but we must also go through valleys to reach the next mountain.

It's very fulfilling to be of service, doing things like setting up or taking down seats, sound systems, tuning instruments, etc. It's exciting to lead the people in praise and worship. It's really exciting to preach (that's the gravy part, for a preacher) and pray for people and watch as they are healed, and freed from various problems.

The behind-the-scenes stuff is not nearly as exciting, but is equally important. The prayers and preparations all enable the public things that the congregation sees.

But what happens when the Lord tells you that He's putting you "on the shelf", so to speak? It's easy to become discouraged, or bored, or resentful. But that's the time when you need to press in even more, to seek Him and His will for you ... and to keep the lines of communication open.

After all, if you're no longer paying attention, how will you hear when He says it time to go back to work?

So let me encourage you, if you're in a dry season, to remain faithful and constant. It's not easy, but it's worth the struggle. And the struggle makes us even stronger.

After all, if life is just peace and contentment, how would we ever be able to withstand adversity?

God's Word for 6/8/17 - For When Things Don't Go Well

Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!

Habakkuk 3:19 MSG

The One in Which I Put My Preacher Hat On

One thing I've learned over a lifetime of following the Lord is that the rewards for attentive service are far greater than otherwise. So why then do we waver, waxing and waning with the passage of time, after promising to be a faithful servant?

Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt. 26:41, Mark 14:38 NIV) We waver when there is no immediate assignment, when we feel unused, or just bored by what we perceive as inactivity.

What we should do in those times is to press in, in prayer, and seek His face. "But what does that mean, Reverend?" you may ask. It means to spend time conversing with Him, in His presence. Not because of what He can do for us, but because we want to be with Him.

It's all too easy to drift away, to let our love grow cold, when nothing immediate seems to be happening. It's easy to think we've been set aside, or even been ignored, when there seem to be no opportunities or excitement. Mountaintop experiences are always exciting - but we must also go through valleys to reach the next mountain.

It's very fulfilling to be of service, doing things like setting up or taking down seats, sound systems, tuning instruments, etc. It's exciting to lead the people in praise and worship. It's really exciting to preach (that's the gravy part, for a preacher) and pray for people and watch as they are healed, and freed from various problems.

The behind-the-scenes stuff is not nearly as exciting, but is equally important. The prayers and preparations all enable the public things that the congregation sees.

But what happens when the Lord tells you that He's putting you "on the shelf", so to speak? It's easy to become discouraged, or bored, or resentful. But that's the time when you need to press in even more, to seek Him and His will for you ... and to keep the lines of communication open.

After all, if you're no longer paying attention, how will you hear when He says it time to go back to work?

So let me encourage you, if you're in a dry season, to remain faithful and constant. It's not easy, but it's worth the struggle. And the struggle makes us even stronger.

Nine Members of Trump’s Cabinet Identify As Devout Christians

President-elect Donald Trump has now appointed nine members to the White House, each of whom profess publicly to be Christians. Is this a huge answer to prayer?

“For many years, we have prayed that God would raise up men and women of God to positions of leadership and influence in our country. However, since the end of the George W. Bush administration, there have been previous few answers to that prayer," writes Author and Pastor David Murray. "Who would have thought that Donald Trump might be the answer to that prayer?”

At the heart of these appointments is Vice President Mike Pence who has previously said “My Christian faith is at the heart of who I am” and “I’m a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order." Then there is Chief of Staff Reince Preibus, who has previously tweeted "Christ’s sacrificial work provides an example for us all, and we join with the Psalmist in saying ‘You make known to me the path of life.’"

Then we've got Attorney General Jeff Sessions (who is a Sunday school teacher at his family’s church), and Housing and Urban Development’s Dr. Ben Carson, who believes that God spoke clearly to him that Trump would be president.

Further, there is Education’s Betsy DeVos, a Christian committed to bringing God's 'Kingdom'through schooling. Then we have newly-announced Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, EPA’s Scott Pruitt, CIA’s Mike Pompeo (whose family attends Eastminster Presbyterian Church), and Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley. They are all Christians!

The number of believers in the upper echelons of the Trump administration is quite incredible. Rather, it would be ... if God were not in control.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo said, just a couple of days ago, "Jesus Christ is the only hope of America."

I am greatly encouraged!

Life in Difficult Times

I know I've published this before, but it bears repeating - P.


Unless you've been living in a cave for the last eight years, it should be obvious that times are tough all over. Unemployment is high, and current events are scary. Without crying "Fear! Fire! Foes! Awake!", let us see what we can do, as individuals.


1. If you have a job, give thanks. (As a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, I give thanks to God the Father. You may have other ideas; it is not my intent to proselytize you. It's the attitude of gratitude that you'll need.) Such an attitude helps keep us grounded, regardless of how well we're doing.


2. Simplify your life. Now is not the time to expand. Look for ways to streamline. For example, drink coffee in the morning at home, rather than buying a latte on the way to work, or wherever. Money in the hand is better than money out the window. Our dollars have less buying power these days; you might need that extra five bucks for something more important.


3. While these are dangerous times, don't get so into the news that you lose perspective. Remember that reporters must generate numbers of viewers/listeners/readers to keep their jobs. In simpler terms, they get paid to sensationalize.

There are quite enough bad tidings in the average newscast to depress a clown on laughing gas. Remember to follow the money, and get to the bottom of the news item. Quisnam beneficium? Don't borrow trouble, as my grandmother used to say. "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:33-34)




4. Keep your head. Whether you know it or not, people are watching you: wives, children, significant others; friends, co-workers, and so on. Panic not only won't help, it will hurt.

If you pray, pray for wisdom to know what to do in these times. My Bible says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5) Strive to be one who can remain calm, even when things are going wrong - be the calm at the center of the storm. When we panic, it's too easy to miss the way out.


5. Make adjustments, if needed, and IF you can. Is your area hard-hit by recession? If so, can you relocate? There are some parts of the country which are doing better than others.

Can't relocate? Each case is different, but again, "pray for wisdom" comes to mind. There are many variables (elderly relatives needing care, house that isn't selling, etc).

Self-reliance and personal responsibility are two of the traits that have made America great, or more accurately, that have made her people great. It requires flexibility of mind and spirit; of seizing opportunity and running with it. It's what we Americans do.

* * * * *

I've received a few e-mails asking about things I'm discussing here; it's easier to offer advice when specifics are known. Nevertheless, you all have common sense. I don't think anything I've said here will surprise too many folks.

What I'd like you take away, at the end, is some reassurance. Times are tough, and I believe they're going to remain tough for quite awhile. People who are equally tough will be flexible, and will learn to adapt.

Be of good cheer, my friends. We will get through this; we always do.

A Few Thoughts & Some Encouragement

According to an article in this morning's Daily Worker, the government shutdown could be responsible for some 13,000 Alaskans being directed to stay home for the duration.

I bear no ill will toward my fellow Alaskans, but I remind readers that the government doesn't have any money of its own. It has only that money which it first takes away from citizens in the form of taxes and other fees.

But as has been widely noted, that government spends money far faster than it takes it in, leading to a seven trillion dollar increase in the national debt in the last five years. That's faster than at any other time in the nation's history.

So if a small portion of the government is forced to stop for a time, it slows the rate of debt growth. At the risk of seeming insensitive to those whose paychecks will shrink, I'm okay with the slowdown.

It's our money.

* * * * *

Speaking of federal spending, a regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said that any glitches in Alaska health exchange rollout won't undermine the goal.

The "goal", of course, is to drive most Americans into bankruptcy with huge medical bills. This will force them to rely more and more on government handouts and programs. This will also - eventually - drive private insurance companies out of business, leaving the government as the so-called "single payer" that they've said they want to be.

And that, of course, is "the goal."

* * * * *

But this is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice, and be glad in it!

He is in charge, and while there are some things the nation must go through, I trust Him to be waiting on the other side - and to restore the United States to even greater than its former glory.

This nation was devoted to Him by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, and He doesn't take such things lightly.

So don't be afraid; He's not done with us yet!

Quote of the Day

John 16:33 -

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

~ King James translation


You will find trouble in the world—but, never lose heart, I have conquered the world!”  ~ J.B. Phillips New Testament


In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.  ~ The Message

Remembering the Past, Forging Ahead

There's a reason why older folks (not old, just older than they used to be) start to fall into the "remember when..?" trap, which some younger folk tend to dislike after awhile. The past is a familiar place ... and for them (us?), it's just that there's so much of it. Heh.

You whippersnappers don't remember when cars had personality

In the same way, bloggers of a certain age are fond of talking about the way things used to be ... and there's nothing wrong with reminding everyone that while things change, not all change is for the better.

When more people were aware of our heritage, the Constitution, and the rights and responsibilities under that Constitution, government was watched closely ... and held at bay when needed.

Folks were naturally suspicious of elected officials who wanted more power. Self-reliance was the way people lived, for the most part. We thought government-sponsored "welfare" was a bad idea, and could see almost at once how it produced a dependent class.

Folks didn't need classes on "how to do it yourself" at a big-box store, because Dad taught us. Hardware stores sold tools and parts, and working on a car was just something we did, as did our fathers before us.

Change the plugs and timing, points and distributor, the oil, brakes, axle seals, engine components ... no problem. We took pride in a job well done.

We liked doing things for ourselves, and viewed with dislike the increasingly-difficult task of maintaining a vehicle as more and more of the controls became computerized, enclosed, or otherwise inaccessible to the back-yard mechanic.

People took pride in their independence, and didn't back down from governmental bullies. We spoke up when necessary, and insisted that the powers-that-be must listen to us. Too many now, it seems, are either content with the way things are, or feel hopeless and overwhelmed in the face of such rapid and sweeping changes.

We can't allow ourselves to get so caught up in the way things used to be that we lose sight of what lies before us. The Apostle Paul wasn't talking about this topic, but his words in Philippians 3:15 are appropriate: "I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal...".* 

Keeping in mind our heritage, and the lessons of our forefathers, we must press on, fighting the good fight. Society may be in disarray, but there are too many of us who know what can be, to settle for a long, slow slide into 3rd world obscurity.

Time to get to work

We know what to do, so let's keep going!


* J.B. Phillips English New Testament

It Doesn't Matter

No matter WHO is in office, no matter what the prognosticators are saying, no matter the status of the stock market - no matter WHAT, God is still in control.  None of this has taken Him by surprise, either.   What looks like a 'setback' is really only a 'setup' in disguise. 

I want to encourage us all to keep on:  keep on praying, keep on believing, keep on standing, and keep on fighting for God.  We are in extremely serious and critical days, not only for our country and for Israel, but for the entire world.  As it gets darker all around us, it only causes the Light of God that we carry on the inside of us to shine that much brighter. 

We need, as never before, to guard our hearts, so as not to give the devil a foothold; guard our thoughts so as to keep our mind and focus on the Lord; guard our mouths so as to speak only LIFE, FAITH, HOPE and TRUST.

We have to stand, now more than ever!  We'll not stop, we'll not quit, we'll not give up!

Remember, what is meant for evil God can and WILL change and use for good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28, NIV)

 Or, from the King James translation:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

God tells us that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, that His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:9), so don't be troubled by bad news.  Whose report are you going to believe?  I will believe the report of the Lord.

As for me and my house, we will serve Him.

Encouragement

Be still before the LORD
   and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
   when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:7

Encouragement for God's People

Prepare yourselves for something different, this time.

"But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.

"... Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them..." (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 12-14)

I've heard it said that the first paragraph above describes Congress. I don't know if that's so, but it probably applies to almost any group in this age. But it's also very clear that the apparent level of wickedness has increased, and all one has to do is watch the news to see that.

What's a Christian to do? Remember that we have the advantage:

"But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and super-abounded" (Romans 5:20, AMP).

In the first passage above, Paul was urging his disciple, Timothy, to remain faithful in the face of a growing evil. Likewise, we who truly follow Jesus' example are to remain just as faithful, knowing who called us, and told us to carry on until He returns.

So why am I telling you this? I perceive a great weariness and frustration creeping over those I know, and many whose blogs I regularly read.

Don't give up, friends. No matter how bad it looks, don't give up. Remember who is in in charge, and remember whose we are.

"In the world you will have troubles, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)