Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Compassion

Sunday, July 29, 2007

He’s Back...


After two months of convalescence after back surgery, Pastor Mike Macintosh is back! It was so exciting to see him back in action, although I was not fortunate to be back in San Diego...

Continue to keep Pastor Mike and the Horizon Christian Fellowship family in prayer. This is one church that doesn’t keep it to themselves... they spread the love.

If you are in San Diego or nearby... pay them a visit! Tell them Brotha DC sent you.

The message this morning, “What happened to America?”

God Is Real

I have had a number of conversations with “athiests” and “free thinkers” who are so hostile to the gospel message. The gospel (good news) is that we don’t have to go to hell when we die. We don’t have to live lives separated from God. We don’t have to be afraid any more.

You may wish to listen to our MP3 recording, entitled “God is Real.” Click Here to give it a listen.

We hope that you would not harden your heart to the message of Jesus and His great love for you.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Apostasy

The Greek word apostasia, translated apostasy is biblically defined as: the determined, willful turning away from Christ and His teachings by one who has been enlightened and has received the heavenly gift of grace and the Holy Spirit---a professing Christian (Hebrews 6:4-8). It is distinctly different from false belief, or error, which is the result of ignorance or being deceived.

We find that there are at least four Scriptural concepts of apostasy. All connote an intentional defection form the faith. The four are rebellion, backsliding or turning away, falling away and adultery. All stem from:

  1. A deficiency in love
  2. Lack of reverence for God
  3. Lack of fear of God
  4. Unbelief

The word apostasy was used in earlier time to denote a coup or defection. We see such a rebellion against God in Joshua 22:22 and in 2nd Chronicles 29:19. The defining image is the rebellion of Lucifer, a one time servant of God. He is a prototype of the rebellious. Satan, as he is now known, rebelled against God and led one third of the angels of heaven in rebellion with him (Isaiah 14:12-14). Both accounts in the Old Testament and the teachings of Christ and His apostles it seems the picture is one of loyal followers turning against their God.

Looking further, we also see apostasy as a gradual and self-willed movement away from God. Such apostasy is seen in “types” used in the parable of the sewer: the seed sewed beside the road are types of those who have heard, but the devil comes and takes it away so that they may not believe and be saved (Luke 8:12). The seed planted on rocky soil and have no firm root are types of those in the time of temptation fall away (Luke 8:13). The seed planted on thorny ground and choked by thorns (cares of the world, Luke 8:14) are types of those whose hearts are hardened by the deceit of sin (Hebrews 3:12-15); then there are those who are led away (Deuteronomy 13:13).

Jesus taught of a mass (He used the word “many”) “falling away” near the end of the age. He also stated that because of the increase in lawlessness (sin) that most people’s love would grow cold; He added, “but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved” (Matthew 24:9-13).

Following up on our Lord’s teachings the Apostle Paul also taught that a serious apostasy would occur before the end of the age. He would have us to understand that the apostasy would occur before the coming of the Lord (2nd Thessalonians 2:3).

The Apostle Paul in a letter to young Timothy informs him of the Holy Spirit speaking of an apostasy.

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.” (1st Timothy 4:1-3 NASU)

If Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the apostles all warned of such an event should not our Lords ministers of today teach the same thing?Of course we should!!

Now that we accept the teachings of our Lord and His apostles that there is a possibility of a Christian “falling away” should not we look around us and accept the fact that it is happening today?We see men and women leaving their faith and returning to sin in mass numbers. Many are still attending church services for social, political and face saving reasons rather than for the love of Christ who gave His life for them. And then there are those who are openly rebellious defecting and joining cults.

If we confess that this is happening today should not we be preaching that God’s children have need of endurance rather than tickling their ears with false doctrine??Christ and His apostles taught the need for endurance with stern warnings against apostasy.

The Apostle Jude wrote,

“And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, ---. ”

Christians who commit apostasy like the apostate angels will receive the same judgment in the day of our Lord.

The letter of Jude is a warning to the church of our Lord to remain faithful and live a holy life.

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” (Jude 20-21 NASU)

The writer of the Book of Hebrews writes,

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.’ And again, ‘THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.’ It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:26-31)

Those who are deceived argue that people who continue to willfully sin were never saved. Note verse 26; “if we” the writer includes himself in the body of believers; and again in verse 26; “after receiving the knowledge of the truth;” and in verse 29; “by which he was sanctified;” and finally in verse 30; “the Lord will judge HIS people. ”It seems very clear that this Scripture speaks of people who have received the word of God and are set apart (sanctified) and belong to God; in other words such people are being saved but are in danger of facing judgment for apostasy if they continued to willfully sin.

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians we find these words,

“---if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.” (Colossians 1:23 NASU)

The Colossians were a people strong in love and faith yet the Apostle felt it necessary to remind them that they must continue to be “steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel” in order to inherit the blessings (see verse 22).

The Apostle Peter also warns the disciples of our Lord to be steadfast and not to be led away by false teachers and wickedness.

“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2nd Peter 3:17-18A)

The Apostle Peter warns,

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,’ and, ‘A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire’.” (2nd Peter 2:20-22 NASU)

Here the Apostle likens the defilements of the world (sin) unto a dog’s vomit and a sow’s wallow. Once sin has been expelled from his soul and he returns to drink it in again he is sicker than he was before. He has turned away from the holy gospel of truth and is near death.

Jesus said,

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” (John 15:6 NASU)

Abide means to dwell, to reside or to remain without intermission. Therefore our Lord is saying His disciples must remain faithful to Him or they will be removed and burned as a worthless branch.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one (John 10:27-30NASU). ”

[My sheep hear my voice]

Our Lord likens His children to sheep who are in a sheep fold and Himself as the Shepherd. When a shepherd enters the sheep fold and calls out to his sheep they know his voice and come out from among the other sheep of the fold. They know his voice and he knows his sheep and they follow him out of the fold. The Disciples of Christ are those who know and hear, believe in, follow, and obey their Great Shepherd and Guardian of their souls.

[and they will never perish]

Why? Because they hear His voice, and follow Him; therefore He knows, approves of and loves them, and gives them eternal life. They, who continue to hear Christ's voice, and to follow him, shall never perish. They give themselves up to God-believe so on Jesus that he lives in their hearts: God has given unto them eternal life, and this life is in His Son; and he that has the Son has life (1st John 5:11-12).

Now it is evident that only those who have Christ living in and governing their souls, so that they possess the mind that was in Him, are His sheep---His disciples; and are those that shall never perish, because they have this eternal life abiding in them. Therefore, to talk of a man's being one of the elect, one that shall never perish, one who shall have eternal life, who shall never be plucked out of the hand of God, etc. , while at the same time he lives in sin, does not have Christ in his heart, has either never received or has fallen away from the grace of God (apostasy). This is as contrary to common sense as it is to the nature and testimonies of the Most High God.

Final perseverance implies final faithfulness.

“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13 NASU)
“He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches .” (Rev. 2:5-6 NASU)

Thus will any man attempt to say that he who does not endure to the end, and is unfaithful, shall ever enter into eternal life?

[My Father, who has given them me, is greater than all]

There is eternal security for the enduring; the faithful; for he who lives by faith (Romans 1:17); his God is more powerful than all the united energies of men and demons. He who loves God must be filled with great joy; and he who fears and reveres Him need fear nothing on this side of eternity.

James C Sanford


Friday, July 27, 2007

Worship Together This Week

WORSHIP TOGETHER THIS WEEK

Free Sheet Music
By His Wounds - Mac Powell
To The Only God - Chris Tomlin
For Your Glory - Matt Maher

New Song Cafe
By His Wounds with Mac Powell, David Nasser and the Glory Revealed Team

Now Playing in the
By His Wounds - Glory Revealed
For Your Glory - Matt Maher
To The Only God - Glory Revealed
All We Need - Charlie Hall

Featured Bible Study
Glory Revealed Through Deliverance by David Nasser

Featured Article
The Story Behind Glory Revealed

Featured Worship Leader
Matt Maher



NATIONAL WORSHIP LEADER CONFERENCE
A Great Week of Worship, Refreshment and Resourcing!
We've just returned from a wonderful week in Austin, TX for the first ever National Worship Leader Conference! Thanks to all of you who stopped by our booth and came to the New Song Cafe LIVE sessions. We enjoyed meeting all of you and learning more about your ministries.

The New Song Cafe LIVE sessions throughout the week featured worship leaders Vicky Beeching, Matt Maher, Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown (all pictured to the left) and Laura Story. These were great times of teaching and worship where worship leaders and teams were able to hear these great writers and leaders teach and tell the stories behind some of their newest and favorite songs.

Brenton and Vicky led worship the opening night during a very reverent service where communion was served and we were reminded of the reason we sing. Matt Maher (pictured to the right) led the main session on Wednesday afternoon and brought us all in to a very free time of worship before we heard a very challenging message about authentic worship.






FEATURED ALBUMS WITH GREAT NEW SONGS!

Matt Maher - Overflow

Brenton Brown - Everlasting God

Vicky Beeching - Painting The Invisible



A Prayer for Grace

Father I come before your throne of grace in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus. First I want thank you again for your grace that you have poured out upon us through your Son that all who believe may be saved.

It was once said to me by one of my “myspace” friends, (I believe I remember her name is Dawnie), that “truth without mercy is hope out of reach.” She also stated that, “truth and mercy together is grace.” My request then Father is that you supply mercy with your truth that you have taught us that our hope may be strong in you and your grace may be in abundance toward us. Thus Father I come asking for grace in the time of need.

I do not come to you asking you for these favors as if you are my personal servant, but I come as your servant knowing that you are my Lord, Master, Teacher, King and Father---the source of all our needs. You and you alone can fulfill all our hopes, our dreams and aspirations. You are the source of all that we are and can ever hope to be.

By your love and mercy you have called us as your children. We were a people of unclean lips and polluted minds. You have cleansed us by your blood; you have purified and made us righteous as you are righteous. You have taught us your word---your word is truth---and you have given us a ministry of reconciliation; now I humbly request that you strengthen us Lord to do your will. Give us health, make us strong in body and spirit, supply us with all we need and give us directions that we might walk in the light of divine faith and not as blind men stumbling in the dark. Continue to fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might have power to perform mighty miracles, to set the captives free from the grasp of the evil on, to heal the sick and cause the blind to see, and yes—even raise the dead in you name that you might be glorified in the earth. Make us to be the church of your word, “a pillow and support of truth.” May we, by your power and authority, bring forth your kingdom in all the earth that it may be as it is in heaven.

I love you my Lord with all my heart and I ask that you continue to pour out your love into my heart that I will love my fellowman as you have loved me. I thank you Father for hearing me and I praise and honor you. I look forward, with a great hope in you, for the manifestation of this request. And I summit this prayer on behalf of all who say amen.

Amen


Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Geospatially Connected

Our latest “Ten Minutes of Wisdom” that will bless your soul.

Click Here to Listen!

And may the Lord bless you real good!

Saturday, July 21, 2007

R.I.P. Tammy Faye



We were saddened to hear of the passing of Tammy Faye Mesner, former wife of Jim Bakker and mother of evangelist Jamie Bakker.

Tammy Faye appeared on CNN’s Larry King Show the night before her passing. On the program, she appeared weak and emaciated. Unable to take solid foods, she was only 65 pounds.

We are praying for her family...

And understanding that Tammy Faye is now pain-free and rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

More details available at http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/21/tammy.faye/index.html.

Worship Together This Week

WORSHIP TOGETHER THIS WEEK

Free Sheet Music
Speak O Lord - Getty & Townend
How Can I Keep From Singing - Tomlin & Redman
In Christ Alone - Getty & Townend

New Song Cafe
Speak O Lord with Stuart Townend, Keith & Kristyn Getty

Now Playing in the
Speak O Lord - Keith & Kristyn Getty
How Can I Keep From Singing - Chris Tomlin
Everything Glorious - David Crowder*Band
In Christ Alone - Keith & Kristyn Getty

Featured Bible Study
How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin

Featured Article
The Getty/Townend Writing Collaboration

Featured Worship Leader
Keith & Kristyn Getty



NEW RESOURCE: HOW TO SONGBOOK VOLUME 6
The Ultimate Songbook for all skill levels. In creating this book, our intent was to provide you with the ultimate modern worship resource. We hope you find it extremely helpful in your personal and corporate worship. The How To Volume 6 includes...

- Sheet Music
- Demo CD
- Overhead Masters
- Chord Charts
- Cut Capo Charts


...for all 40 songs in the book including new songs and top songs from worship leaders Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Chris Tomlin, Leeland, Michael Gungor and more!

The How To Songbook Volume 6 contains far more material than standard songbooks. It is a resource for modern worship. Learn more...



WRITING TOGETHER: KEITH GETTY & STUART TOWNEND
What kind of writing collaboration would put well-known British songwriter and worship leader Stuart Townend together with composer/arranger Keith Getty from Northern Ireland?

Writing hymns? Yes, the two have spent much of the last five years channeling their artistic energies and spiritual insights into the creation of a new genre of modern worship music for the church - modern Hymns. Across the vast landscape of worship styles and liturgical traditions, congregations are using songs like “In Christ Alone,” “See, What a Morning!” and “The Power of the Cross” to raise their voices in praise to God and to embrace the life-changing, faith-building truths of the Bible.

The most widely used is the very first song that Getty and Townend penned together—”In Christ Alone.” Keith had a strong Irish melody in mind, one that he imagined being sung by a large crowd of worshipers. More...


Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Scars of Life

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father’s fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, “But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn’t let go.” You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He’s been there holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way but sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.

The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That’s when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

God has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others. You just never know where a person is in his/her life and what they are going through. Never judge another person’s scars, because you don’t know how they got them. Also, it is so important that we are not selfish, to receive the blessings of these messages, without forwarding them to someone else.

Right now, someone needs to know that God loves them, and you love them, too - enough to not let them go. Always Tell Your Family And Friends How Much You Love Them!!! FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY.


10-Minutes of Wisdom: “Asleep In The Light”

We have a new MP3 recording in our “Ten Minutes of Wisdom” series, entitled Asleep in the Light. Click the icon below to give a listen.


For more teaching on MP3 or on audio CD, in addition to our books and publications, visit http://powerhouse-ministry.org!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Grace and the Law (Revised)

For some time now I have been wondering why so many have been making a fuss about the Federal Court ruling concerning the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools and other government buildings while at the same time teaching that believers are no longer under the Law but under the grace of God through His Son Jesus. They go to great lengths to scripturally prove that the Law, meaning the Ten Commandments, has been “done away with. ”If this is so, why flaunt the Commandments on the lawns of homes, church buildings and along the highways and byways in expressing their outrage against this ruling?? I fear that today’s leaders of the church have led many into a state of confusion by not understanding and properly explaining what law the believer is no longer under.

Yes, the scripture clearly states that the believer is under grace and not under the Law (Romans 6:14), but what does this mean? What Law is the believer no longer under? Is it the Ten Commandments? And---What is the role of grace?

The Bible speaks of two “laws;” The Law of God, which is called the Ten Commandments or two tablets of the Testimony, and is also known as the Moral Law, the Law of Love and the Decalogue.

And then there is The Law of Moses, also known as the Book of the Law, the Book of the Covenant, the Ceremonial Law, and the Mosaic Law. This Law contains over 640 ordinances written by the hand of Moses.

These two laws are quite often referred to in the New Testament. God had a unique role for each of the two Laws to serve. But carnal reasoning of the differences between these two Laws has led many amuck---particularly in interpreting New Testament references to the Law.

The writers of the Scripture most often use the singular word “law” to refer to either the Ten Commandments, or to the Law of Moses. Keeping every verse of Scripture in its context and following the nature of its use is the only way to determine which Law the writer is speaking of. If we don’t have a clear understanding of their different purposes, it is easy to miss the context of the writings and arrive at a misguided conclusion.

The role of the Moral Law:

The Law which contains the Ten Commandments is the only way sin is defined in the Bible. Thus its purpose is to govern the moral conduct of God’s children.

The Apostle Paul writes,

“----I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”

The same could be said of any one of the Ten Commandments of the Law. Without the Moral Law there would be no knowledge of sin, but the Law was given that sin might be revealed; sin is transgression of the Law (1st John 3:4).

We read in the letter to the Church at Rome,

“for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” (Romans 5:13 NASU)

It is clear that in the above Scriptures the Apostle is speaking of the Law containing the Ten Commandments. Men were sinning ignorantly until the Moral Law was given thus they were not judge based up the Moral Law; but the Apostles continues,

“Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” (Romans 5:14 NASU)

Because of the curse (Genesis 2:15-17), known as the Law of Sin and of Death (Romans 8:2) given to Adam in the Garden, men were dying because of sin even thou they had not committed the same sin as Adam.

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:19 NASU)

The law, as important as it is, can only identify sin. But the law, though it reveals that all men are sinners, does nothing to rectify the situation; it does not remove the curse of death nor does it pay the death penalty for man’s transgressions. Thus the law is powerless in regard to the salvation of man.

The biggest problems of the Jews were they had lost sight of what their father Abraham had---righteousness by faith. They were seeking righteousness or justification by the works of the Law; they had become legalist. The Law could not impart life but in the revealing of sin, because of the weakness of flesh (Romans 8:3-4), it became a minister of condemnation and death. Many today have fallen into the same trap; they have become legalist performing worthless ritualistic acts and other dead works. Others have gone to the other extreme vainly trying to use grace for their covering while continuing to willfully sin; a horrific mistake.

The role of grace:

Here is the answer to the question, “what does it mean that we are under grace and not under the Law. “Those who have faith in Christ Jesus are under the grace of God’s forgiveness and are no longer under the curse of the Law; the curse being death (Romans 3:19-26). Therefore where the Law has no saving power, grace has the power of salvation through faith (Ephesians 2:8). God sent His Son “to take away sins” (1st John 3:5). He paid the penalty on man’s behalf. According to the Scriptures, the LORD laid on Him (Christ) the iniquity of us all and made His soul an offering for sin (Isaiah 53:6,10). Grace does something else that the law can not. According to the Scripture, the Savior’s mission was to “save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The Bible makes it clear that Jesus does more for man than just pay the penalty for sin, by His grace He sets the believer free from the dominion or control of sin (Romans 6:14). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit the believer is led and empowered to walk in the ways of righteousness (Romans 8:5-17).

The Spirit of Grace speaks by the hand of the Apostle Paul as he writes,

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:1-2 NASU).

Then grace appeared in the person of Jesus to free man from the curse, the Law of Sin and of Death, and to transfer him from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light and eternal life. Thus grace delivers men’s souls from the PENALTY of the Law containing the Ten Commandments, BUT NOT FROM THE LAW ITSELF. True believers keep the Law, now written upon their hearts (Hebrews 8:8-12), out of faith and love toward their Savior, not according to the letter written on stone or paper.

Is the Law still in effect then?

The Apostle answers that question,

“Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” (Romans 3:31 NASU)

It is a Biblical fact that by and through faith the Law containing the Ten Commandments is established by the believer; it is still in effect, it is not done away with.

Jesus, speaking of the Ten Commandments and the Prophets says,

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19 NASU)

[I did not come to abolish but to fulfill]

Through love and faith our Lord was obedient to the Moral Law from birth to the cross.

Jesus also said,

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments (John 14:15 NASU).”

The role of the Ceremonial Law or the Law of Moses:

Many of the misguided think The Ten Commandment Law was nailed to the cross with Christ. They base their understanding on the following Scripture.

“------having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13 NKJV).

The Law containing the Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God on tablets of stone; a sign of their durability. The ceremonial Law was written by Moses on a scroll, a sign of their being temporary, for Christ is their substance.

The ceremonial Law; which is the law of circumcision and all the rituals that were performed in the tabernacle services—the killing of the lamb, the sprinkling of the blood, the Passover Feast, the keeping of the Passover Sabbath and other festivals and etc. These were all types and fore-shadows of Christ and serve as a “tutor” to lead the worshiper to Him (Galatians 3:23-29). By love and faith through His sacrificial death He completed every one of the Mosaic Ceremonial Laws. Thus the Ceremonial Law is no longer in effect because their prophetic practices were fulfilled in Christ.

Summary concerning sin:

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:1-4 NASU).

Summary concerning grace:

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:11-14 NASU). ”

James C Sanford


Saturday, July 14, 2007

Worship Together This Week

WORSHIP TOGETHER THIS WEEK

Free Sheet Music
Foreverandever - David Crowder
Everything Glorious - David Crowder
O Praise Him - David Crowder

New Song Cafe
Foreverandever with David Crowder

Now Playing in the
Foreverandever - David Crowder*Band
Everything Glorious - David Crowder*Band
O Praise Him - David Crowder Band*Band
Fame - Rush Of Fools

Featured Bible Study
My Hope by David Crowder

Featured Article
New David Crowder Band*Music Video

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FOREVERANDEVER: FREE SHEET MUSIC & NEW SONG CAFE
This week's Free Sheet Music and New Song Cafe is David Crowder's song Foreverandever from the last CD A Collision. The video is very resourceful and at the same time very entertaining - we're talking David Crowder here! Join us as Crowder tells the story behind the song and breaks down the parts of this guitar driven worship anthem.

Also, for a good laugh make sure to watch the music video here as well!



DAVID CROWDER*BAND: A COLLISION
"When our depravity meets His Divinity, it is a beautiful collision." This recording is about that collision. It is the collision of our fallen state and our Maker's transcendence. It is a rendering of our mortality and eternal life. It is about the tension that exists in the living of life, here, where the sky meets the broken earth. It is about a tsunami in East Asia. It is about a sunrise over Hiroshima. It is about too many who know too intensely what pain the word cancer holds and the words of my friend whispered in my ear, "It's ok. None of us are getting out of here alive you know." It is about victory. More...






MY HOPE
Do you ever have just one of those days? Or, are you that guy. You know who you are. The one whose mouth is frozen in a perpetual grin. The one that walks outside on a windy day and has paper currency gather at your feet for your discretionary use. The one that is always found by the silver lining that the rest of us have heard tale of and searched courageously and diligently for, only to find you wrapped lavishly in it due, of course, to no cleverness of your own. Well this is not written for you so you can go now... no really, bye...

So now, do you ever have just one of those days? Or, perhaps one of those years? Now I'm not here to vent about our everyday, shared experiences such as...More


Friday, July 13, 2007

How Much Do You Really Trust God?

HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY TRUST GOD?

These very words kept echoing in my head all last week...

The night before I heard the news about possible open heart surgery for my dad, I was in service at my church. At this point my family had only heard the news of the “stent” operation.

I was worried...and could not think!!! What would my mom do if my dad died, would she be okay? Was it God’s plan to take him home this week? Worship started...I was completely broken...crying, reaching out my hands and on my knees. I then received a vision as I was singing.

I saw a clear picture of the arteries that were blocked...and my vocal chords...singing “Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, our God reigns!” Every time I sang, the power of the sound was literally breaking the blockage apart. As I was singing I could taste the salt of my own tears...God told me to keep singing it...LOUD...and I did!

Was this a message from God?

I then received more bad news the next day...the news of the possible OPEN HEART SURGERY.

My dad, faced with the fact that he might be dealing with possible death, just to survive...and that he would have to get “sawed” open to reach his heart to stop the blockage--was scared. He told my mom that if he had to have heart surgery, he would rather die.

I did not want to hear that! My dad’s fearful thought and request left me in a panic---but mostly FEAR.

The doctor’s report was not good, the blockage was bigger than they had originally thought, and he was being prepped for the worst. There was a strong spirit of gloom and anxiety....worry....but mostly real sadness.

I was sad because the time that I wanted to spend with my dad might not happen like I had thought it would. Those special talks, and things that I needed to say, I might not have a chance to EVER express to him. If the operation did not go well, or if he could not recover from it (it was a very high chance) I would possibly lose him on this physical earth forever.

I was not ready for that! It just did not seem fair!!! (Oh come on, like you haven’t thought this in your life ever)

You are saying to me...“Annie where was your faith?”

I DO have faith! But the problem was the saying “goodbye” part. Sometimes we just do not want to let go, even though we know we will see our friends or loved ones again someday.

But I had something really good going for me. The vision that God gave me the night before. This gave me a revelation. I needed to TRUST God! After all, He had already showed me the outcome!

So I decided to believe all the way...and not let FEAR have a root in my thought. I decided to trust God--no matter what it “looked” like! I just KNEW God would pull through. I recited scripture to myself and reminded God of the promise He had given me...if He could give King Hezekiah an additional 15 years on his life, I was POSITIVE that he could do the same for my dad!

I then proceeded to tell the story of the King to my dad, and how King Hezekiah REMINDED God of the good deeds he had done, and how God gave him a longer life. My dad was very quiet. I told him that he was just like King Hezekiah...that it didn’t matter what mistakes he had made in his life, if he believed in Jesus and reminded God of the change he had made in his life, God would grant a longer life it to him!

After praying for him and telling him how much I loved him (in tears) I knew that I needed to line up my faith by my actions, so I contacted my church, my dad’s church, my spiritual mom, wrote a blog on my space (prayer chain) and started interceding ALL day for my dad.

This was crucial! The docs were getting ready to make their decision--but there was one last test that they decided to perform...in the very last minute!

We all waited around the phone, anxious to hear the results! The docs put a camera inside my dad’s main artery to look at the blockages to find out what direction they would take in “open heart surgery”

Was it a coincidence that they decided to check one last time? Hmmm.

Do you want to know how good our GOD is???

The doctors said, “We don’t understand, it is MUCH smaller than we thought--we can put two stents in after all—WITH NO OPEN HEART SURGERY.”

WOW. Talk about a victory dance!!! I was so happy, my family...EVERYONE that knows my dad! I then told my dad that I had everyone praying for him. He started to cry...he even said that I shouldn’t have done it. That it wasn’t necessary!

Oh, BUT IT WAS!

Because look what God did! And how He showed off to me, my family, but mostly to my dad!

God showed up...made a miracle happen...through PRAYER.

TRUST! I want you all to get something--The love of Christ and the power of prayer should never be under rated! I truly believe that my dad had a complete miracle because we were all praying for him with true hearts!!!

So I ask you...how much do YOU trust God?

If you were faced with similar circumstances...worse or better...what would you do? Would you REALLY trust God and not waiver in your faith--one bit?

I thought I trusted God before this happened. But when it came right down to it...I was questioning Him. How you ask? I gave into fear and panic for a short time...and even though the outcome was good...I should still have never gave the devil an inch. Because the night before the surgery...I did not sleep!

What have I learned from all of this???

To put my faith and trust in ACTION...by choosing to believe EVEN when the odds are against me in the natural!

Also, that death is nearer to us than we think...that our loved ones, WE are mortal, and we will ALL die physically one day. Yes we will see each other again if all believe in Jesus...but it might not be for a very long time!

I think that we forget this. I think we take for granted just how special our gift of life is on the earth...and we tend to go about life as if we will never have to face heartache and pain of losing someone close to us. My sister died at 31 when I was 27. Her death was tragic...because I never had the chance to say good bye.

Make sure that you tell the people in your life just how much they mean to you!!!

Also make sure when you are facing a “storm” in your life, trust that God is willing and able to rescue you out of it through the power of prayer and singing!!!

I want to dedicate this blog to all the people that interceded and prayed for my dad. I am going to print out all the prayers for him, and give it to him--I told him and my mom about how many my space prayers went up for him and they couldn’t believe it!

Thank you all so much for your prayers! Thank you for reading my blog and request...but mostly THANK YOU for all of your love! You were all part of a miracle of extended life in my dad to keep living!

How is my dad doing? He is HAPPY to say the least! He has been given a “second chance” !

He is doing great and is finally at home recovering from the operation of “stents”. He will be part of a new exercise and eating program from the facility that my mom works at to help heal his heart. Please keep praying for continued healing and also a re-newed strength in belief in God and what He can do if he just believes.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

“The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. I call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:2-3

Please understand that I have received an overwhelming response in my emails about my dad...and that as much as I want to, at this time I physically cannot answer all of them. Please understand...I do really appreciate you so much!!!

God bless you...I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Annie


Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Southern California Harvest Crusade Coming

2007 Southern California Harvest Crusade—with Greg Laurie, David Crowder Band, Toby Mac, P.O.D., Leeland, and more!

We are huge fans of the work that Greg and Harvest are doing... we went to a previous crusade and have worshipped at Harvest on a couple occasions. If you are in Southern California, do make plans to attend!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Reverend Tori Spelling

According to People Magazine, Tori Spelling is now an ordained minister.

Can you imagine why she became an ordained minister?

Because she wanted to conduct the wedding of a gay couple.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Sparrow Records

Sneak Preview Robbie Seay Band’s GIVE YOURSELF AWAY
Robbie Seay Band is sneak-previewing songs from its new album, GIVE YOURSELF AWAY, now until the project’s August 28 release date.
Thursday, July 05, 2007

Robbie Seay BandRobbie Seay Band, the Houston-based act whose worshipful rock music has made fans of musician David Crowder, best-selling author Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz), and thousands more, is sneak-previewing songs from its new album, GIVE YOURSELF AWAY, now until the project’s August 28 release date.

Check out Robbie Seay Band’s MySpace page every Friday beginning July 6 for new music and video blogs. The first weekly installment features the premiere of the song “Rise” plus an exclusive in-studio clip. GIVE YOURSELF AWAY can also be pre-ordered now at MusiChristian.com.

GIVE YOURSELF AWAY is the second release from Robbie Seay Band via Sparrow Records (Steven Curtis Chapman, Switchfoot), following up the acclaimed BETTER DAYS that ChristianityToday.com hailed for “combining the best qualities of David Crowder*Band, Bebo Norman, Coldplay, and Delirious.”

Crowder has said “Robbie Seay possesses one of the greatest voices bestowed upon the human race. It is strange and lush and excessively subtle with all the gravel of humanity resonating within it.”

Miller said, “I bought their CD, and I don’t think I took that think I took that think out of my CD player for two months. I actually went and bought four new speakers for my car, just to hear it better. These guys soothe me. There is something more than music here, and only one in a million bands can get to this place.”

Also online: RobbieSeayBand.com

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Mandisa #1 on Billboard Hot Singles Sales Chart

For the week ending July 7, American Idol finalist Mandisa is spending her third consecutive week at #1 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales Chart with “Only the World,” the first hit from her forthcoming debut album, TRUE BEAUTY (in stores July 31 via Sparrow Records).

Mandisa
Get "Only The World" at Mandisa’s MySpace

Incidentally, “Only the World” happens to be keeping the latest solo singles from Destiny’s Child members Beyonce and Kelly Rowland out of the top spot.

"I was so honored to even be listed in the same breath as those superstars," Mandisa said. "But what can I say? I have the greatest supporters in the world!"

Read more about the Nashville girl’s chart success in her hometown paper, The Tennessean and also enjoy the insightful Mandisa feature ("True American Beauty") in this month’s CCM magazine.

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Switchfoot Exclusives & XBOX Contest @ HearItFirst.com

Subscribers to HearItFirst.com (a free service) can go there now to watch an exclusive video with Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman. They’ll also have the chance to win an XBOX 360 and a copy of Guitar Hero 2 courtesy of the site and the band.

Foreman tells fans even more about Switchfoot’s new release, OH! GRAVITY, the multi-platinum San Diego band’s most acclaimed album yet. The set features current single “Awakening” that is making waves thanks to a video for the song featuring popular television actors in a Guitar Hero game showdown.

You can watch the “Awakening” and “Oh! Gravity” videos, an exclusive acoustic performance by Foreman, and more at HearItFirst.com/SwitchfootGravity.

In related news, Switchfoot is currently headlining summer music festivals around the country and recently announced on stage that the band is making plans for a major fall tour with Relient K.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Temperance (Self Control)

She looks so good
She looks so fine
In designer jeans
To my eyes, like wine

But that don’t play
Gotta look away
For the Spirit says
Crucify your flesh

And...

Bring it under control
Self-control
Bring it under control
Self-control
Oh, get a hold of your soul...

Self-control!

A chocolate cake
Ice cream on top
my belly’s full
(but) I don’t wanna stop

But i can’t be
(a) slave to gluttony
Here, the Spirit lives [1st Corinthians 6:19]
i’m completely His

So...

Bring it under control
Self-control
Bring it under control
Self-control
Oh, get a hold of your soul...

Self-control!

Oh, where there’s self control
There’s no law... No shame [Galatians 5:23]
I’ll take authority
In my Jesus’ name!

He makes me mad
Enough to spit
poisoned, venom words
i could throw a fit

But that is sin
Gotta reel it in
Bless his soul, instead
Hot coals on his head [Romans 12:20]

Yes!

Bring it under control
Self-control
Bring it under control
Self-control
Oh, get a hold of your soul...

Self-control!

From “Song from the Pen of the Ready Writer.”

Perfect Peace

Keep my mind on Jesus
Set my focus on things above [Colossians 3:1-2]
Fill me with Your Spirit
Let me walk in peace and love

Let me walk in perfect peace
Cover me, Lord, Cover me
My soul cries out for relief
Perfect peace, Lord, Perfect peace

Calm my nervous spirit
Take away all my doubts and fear
Help me focus on Jesus
Let me know He’s always near

Let me walk in perfect peace
Cover me, Lord, Cover me
My soul cries out for relief
Perfect peace, Lord, Perfect peace

The Lord is my perfect peace
In times of despair
He always will send relief
He always is there

Hold me in Your bosom [Isaiah 40:11]
Rock me gently in Your strong arms [Deuteronomy 33:27]
There, beneath Your shadow [Psalm 36:7 and 91:1]
Angels keep me from all harm [Psalm 34:7]

Let me walk in perfect peace
Cover me, Lord, Cover me
My soul cries out for relief
Perfect peace, Lord, Perfect peace

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you. (2nd Corinthians 13:11)

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Joy and Gladness

Storm clouds are raging all around me
Dark breakers rolling on the black sea
But i won’t fear
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

Although the devil’s on the war path
My neighbours mock at me and they laugh
But i don’t care
‘Cause His Spirit gives me joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with joy

i focus on His precious promise [Psalm 105:42-43]
i’ll never be like doubting Thomas [John 20:25]
Yes, i’ll stand firm
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

Jehovah dwells within my praises [Psalm 22:3]
He guides me thru life’s darkened mazes [Psalm 32:8]
All praise to Him
For He fills my heart with joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with...

Not happiness for those things
i see or can possess
But joy in the Holy Ghost [Romans 14:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6]
Who gives me peace and rest [Isaiah 55:12]

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with...
Joy and Gladness

Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice. (Psalm 51:8 AMP)

And He brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen ones with gladness and singing, (Psalm 105:43 AMP)

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:10 AMP)

And you shall have joy and exultant delight, and many will rejoice over his birth, (Luke 1:14 AMP)


Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Lest We Forget

In the beginning of this great country men and women who desired to escape their downtrodden conditions came from foreign countries to this land for a new beginning. They desired in their hearts to be free from oppression. They believed in the basic human rights of freedom to worship their God, freedom of speech and the right to self-government. But they found themselves under the rule of a foreign government that tried to impose upon them things that they felt were unfair and oppressive. Their futile struggle for fair treatment over the years gained them no favor from their oppressor. In the year of 1776 the fight for independence and freedom began with the “Declaration of Independence.” They vowed to be independent and free to follow their dream of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Armed with the love for their God, land and families they fought against overwhelming odds with the shedding of blood, sweat and tears until the victory was theirs. Thus the very foundation of this wonderful nation is the blood of those who fought and died for a freedom that they themselves never lived to enjoy. They fought and died because they considered their cause greater than themselves. Many more who fought with those who fell were emotionally and physically scared for life. United in one purpose they fought for freedom from tyranny, oppression and outright slavery, not for their own sake but for their children and their children’s children.

As a result of our forefathers victory a government was formed “of the people, by the people and for the people.” A nation was born that was ruled, not by one man or a group of men, but by laws imposed by a free people upon themselves. A Constitution and a “Bill of Rights” was written and established to preserve the basic human rights of the citizens of this new Nation. Purchased with the price of their own blood, this independent free nation was their gift to their posterity.

Through the years that followed there were those who desired to take our inherence from us--to kill, destroy and enslave us for their own personal gain. There were and are those who say men are not capable of self-rule; these are the oppressors, the tyrants and dictators who seek only to exalt themselves above God and man. Each time our right to freedom was challenged brave men and woman rose up to fight and defend our inherence. Armed with the same love of God, love of our free country and love of family that was our forefathers they have fought to preserve our independence and freedom; thus we are still free. Truly, God has blessed America!!

There is a man confined to a wheel chair residing in the State Veterans Home in Collins, Ms. who has a sign mounted on the back of his wheel chair which reads, “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.” One look at this man and the sign is not needed to remind us. This State Veterans Home and other Homes like it though out this State and the Nation are filled with those who bear the emotional and physical scars of war. Lest we forget we need only to visit these homes and the gravesides of those who have fallen, or look upon our friends and neighbors who bear the emotional scars of fighting in past wars and at those whose vision and hearing are impaired, or at those who have lost limbs and bear other scares in their body, or to look around us at those who have lost love ones.

We owe our forefathers and those who have fought to defend our independence and freedom a debt. This debt can only be paid through a renewed vow of independence, a vow to defend and preserve the inherence of freedom for our children and all men who desire to be free. Such a renewed vow should be made with the same love as that of those who have so bravely served and who are now serving us in the cause of freedom. Without this unselfish, sacrificing love there is no will to fight. Therefore, let us love our God, our nation and our families greater than we love ourselves that we may be willing to lay down our lives, if necessary, that our children might become heirs of the freedom we ourselves enjoy.

James C Sanford

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

What is this life compared to eternity!?

I love this bible verse.

“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” (Zechariah 13:9)

Refining Silver

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures, and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” One lady’s opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject. She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.

“But Sir” she said, “do you sit while the work of refining is going on?”

“Oh, yes, madam,” replied the silversmith; “I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.”

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random; “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he had forgotten to mention that the only way that he knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver...

--Author Unknown

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (Proverbs 17:3)

He will sit and judge like a refiner of silver, watching closely as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold or silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. (Malachi 3:3)

Sometimes I wonder “why God?” and I feel immediately guilty.

No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” - Romans 9:20

It is normal to wonder why things happen to us.

Some wonderful examples in the bible:

  • Moses argued with God at the burning bush
  • Sarah laughed at the angels when they told her she would become pregnant
  • The Israelites complained that God had brought them out to the desert to starve and die
    • Job 30:20: “I cry to you, O God, but you don’t answer me. I stand before you, and you don’t bother to look.
    • David in psalm: Psalm 77:7-9: “Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again show me favor? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be kind? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?
  • Jeremiah 15:18: “Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook. It is like a spring that has gone dry.”
  • Lamentations 3:8 And though I cry and shout, he shuts out my prayers.

But its also important to see what God does for his children:

- Sarah bore her son

  • Peter walked on water
  • Moses had a staff that could transform
  • God parted the red seas so His people could escape
  • The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat
  • In Daniel 3 the three Jewish youngsters friends of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refuse to adore the image of gold made by King Nebuchadnezzar, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and they are thrown into the fiery furnace, but the Angel of the Lord saved them from all harm, whereas the flame consumed the Chaldean soldiers above the furnace.
  • Jonah was eaten by a whale and LIVED
  • Mary bore the son of God – she was a virgin

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. (John 6:10-15)

  • Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, cured the sick, healed the blind
  • David killed the giant

It is not so hard to see that life as a Christian doesn’t guarantee an easy life.

For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion according to the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort. (2nd Corinthians 1:3-7)

In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. (Isaiah 63:9)

And then of course there is this verse:

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to me.” (Matthew 24:9)

Makes you want to run out stick your head in the sand. YIKES. Arrested, persecuted, beaten and killed. Would we follow Christ today if these were the guidelines?? How many of us forget to pray, put off church or keep your convictions to yourselves??

God’s word never changes but it changes things.

For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2nd Corinthians 4:17)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? (Even the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one. (Psalm 34:19)

I guess what I’m saying is yeah sometimes life stinks, but all good things come from the Lord. When troubles creep up on you instead of discouraging try praying.

When something happens that deeply touches us, we often ask, “Why me, God?” We are quick to judge the event as good or bad. What if we were to eliminate the possibility that anything that happens to us is inherently bad and choose to believe that everything that happens to us is always good? Impossible, you say? It has to be one or the other, doesn’t it?

Belief systems are changeable. When we discover that something we have believed, even for a long time, is no longer valid, can we not simply change our mind and fully embrace the new? If you are crying out “Why me, God?” you must believe there is a God out there who hears you and you have hoped He would answer you. Maybe there was a time when you didn’t believe there was a God at all. If you changed your mind and opened your life to God, then you can also change your mind about judging events as being bad for you.

When we choose to believe that ALL the events in our life are good for us, even the ones that seem frustrating and painful for now, we are agreeing with God! When we choose to believe and trust God that there will always be a good outcome, we are trusting Him! Only God knows why we are going through these circumstances. Our new dialogue with God will be,

”God, this is going to be an interesting journey. I’m excited to see how you are going to bring good out of this one. I trust you will!” –allaboutlifechallenges

You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. (John 16:22-24)

Look to the clouds, keep your eyes on the only thing that matters. Yes we will face trials and tribulations but this life is just a stones throw away from our eternity with our heavenly Father. Jesus suffered for us. We can suffer for Him. Because really what is this life compared to eternity??

Monday, July 2, 2007

11 year old Keith Green on TV

This is a real treat... seeing Keith Green performing on a 1960's television show at the ripe young age of eleven!

“Being Rejected” by Semwogerere Francis

Greetings to you this day in the mighty name of Jesus! Today I want to speak to you about “Rejection.”  My prayer is that if any are feeling any rejection, that by the end of this post you will be encouraged and refreshed!!! I felt led to speak on this topic, because I too feel rejection at times, but you know?? God has showed me that I am never fully rejected.

What is rejection?? Most people feel rejection when they so desperately need love and it seems as if no matter what they do, people just never seem to accept them. Rejection is a need an emotion to be apart, and feel that someone really does care. In my life’s journey it seems that rejection has been a constant dealing, that I truly never get rid of. Let me start this message, by sharing with you, some of the hardest rejection that I have felt. It all began really as far back as my mind will take me, as a child, I was constantly reminded that I was not wanted, by both parents, they showed this in action and in word. I wanted so desperately to be loved, and at no avail. I was an only child, and though there were times that I wished for a sibling, I thanked God that there was no other sibling, to feel the immense feelings that I felt. The abuse, the put downs, all I really wanted was love.

In today’s society, it seems that many that are feeling rejection, feel that if they are not loved and accepted, they must be insignificant, and there must be something wrong with them, I am here to tell you that is nothing but a lie from the enemy, who wants you to feel that you are the one with the problem. First off all, there are to many that feel as though they need to be excepted, and that saying that everybody needs somebody, as this may feel to be true, the only that should truly want to be excepted by, is Christ Jesus, whom will always love you and will NOT reject you!! You may say, at times I feel as even he to is rejecting me, or has forgotten me, rest assured..... ...He has not!! In all actuality, we should praise God if HE is taking us to a place where we can start to look solely to him for comfort, and peace, love and acceptance, for man will assuredly fail you.

If you have never thought about giving Jesus control of your life, you may want to consider doing just that. Read His word–the Bible–and you will find that Jesus is a God of compassion and love, and has a special heart for the weary and rejected. He can take even the darkest moments in your life and turn them around for good as you trust Him!!

Being rejected by family and friends hurts, there is no doubting that, but the sad and hurtful thing to me, is feeling rejected by those stating that they are God’s leaders, let me explain..... .God is a GOD of compassion and love, and he does have a special place for the weary and rejected. Many that are leaders today, must really examine there hearts, to see if they are being a leader of love and acceptance to his sheep, it is a dangerous place to be in with God, when you mishandle his sheep.  Amen.

If you are feeling rejected by a “Leader of God’s word” and you know that your heart if after God, remember this:

God chose a young unknown man named David. This shepherd boy was looked down upon by his brothers but chosen of God because of his heart. No one else knew about this lad, but God did and sent Samuel the prophet to anoint him. Psalm 4:3 says, “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself. the Lord hears when I call to Him.”

I want to encourage you today, that God loves you, He has not rejected you, chances are, if you are a person that lives a life after God, and you are still feeling rejected, God is wanting you to realize that you are set aside, God wants you to see that HE loves you, and wants you to totally rely on him, to be the focus and center of your life, it is hard to say NO MORE, will I allow the enemy to make me feel that I am a nobody, you are somebody to HIM, in that you can trust!!!

Remember that Jesus was rejected and scorned, even by those the closes to him, so know that when God sets you aside for HIS precious plan, rejoice and be thankful, for you are a chosen person. God knows all of our hearts and motives, and if you will just fall down before him, and trust that HIS word is MOST ASSUREDLY TRUTH.You will begin to grow and grow and grow in VICTORY!

Many are called, but few are chosen, it is evident to me in the word, that the remnants, the leftovers, those that are scraps to some, are the very remnants to God. What does God say about the remnants?

The Bible declares in 2nd Kings 19:30 “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.”  And in Romans 11:5 “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

There is no need to believe the enemy! Today can be a new day for you! A day of freedom from Rejection, only God knows the heart, remember that!! Do not let anything or anyone rob you of the peace and joy that God has for you, you are unique and God is a God of love.  Always!

Never forget that you are part of the remnant of God. The remnant are those who Pray that:

  1. They may die and that Christ live in them.
  2. They may be receive the Grace to carry the cross so that Christ increases in them while they decrease.
  3. They will cease to be normal believers and step into the realm of the supernatural.
  4. The organized church settings will cease and that the Holy Ghost will control all their meetings.
  5. The driving force in them be love.

These should be our prayer points.

Pleasing people and wanting acceptance, must be stopped. Seek to only please God, the maker and finisher of your faith, walk in faith of HIS word, He loves you with pure unconditional love, believe that, and your life will be transformed! This is God’s call for a remnant. I pray you answer YES to every one of His calls in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

I want to say to you, that if you are tired of feeling the doors slam, then I will personally pray with you., I want to be the best example of God’s love that is humanly possible, but know that only HE is the perfect love and peace!

Today I pray Father that eyes will see and ears will hear, that your people need not feel rejected, that those that are weary, rejected, and hurt, are the very ones that you are calling to higher ground in you Lord, that if we trust and follow your word, and totally surrender to you, and desire your will in our life, we will walk in a different place, a place of consecration without carnality, Father I pray for those that receive this message, and make a choice today, to seek and rely totally on you for there peace and love. Father, thank you because You always hear and answer our prayers. Ground us, root us, deeply in holiness, righteousness and love that we may bear the fruit that will last. God we are tired of the ordinary and we desire to embrace the extraordinary, the supernatural, so that like Paul we may say “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power”, Father this is our cry in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. We commit to walk the path you are directing us to walk into that clearly brings victory all round, thank you God. we seal this prayer with the fire of the Holy Ghost and the Blood of Jesus Christ in of Nazareth, Our Savior, Amen.