The Lord's Army

Never was much for fighting nor confrontation. Yet here I am a soldier fighting for what I believe in a war not of my own making. Or is it? As a Christian we are asked to defend the truth in word and deed. We are earthly representatives of a Heavenly Father who is the captain of this army. We have been called to preserve truth in love, but we have an enemy who is out to destroy all that is good.
So how do we fight this enemy? Do we attack or wait and just defend? What are our weapons? Do we train? Will there be blood shed? Will we be called to die for this cause?
The answer is YES to all the above. And if you question this or want clarification or advise...go to the training manual...The Holy Bible..the Word of God!

Recovering Sinner

Sitting by the fire in the last flicker of pink as the sun sets, I contemplate the end of this year and the beginning of a new one.
For each thought of happiness and blessing, a voice contradicts my mind and reminds me of a sadness or hardship or an uncertainty in my present surroundings. I try to squeeze the darkness out and think happy thoughts, but instead I sink slowly into a state of "poor me".
Now, what has brought this on? I think back over the last few days and only recall good times. Hmmm...I have become melancholy! A condition that I experience whenever I am not in control of all the issues in my life. Which, I might add, is at least once a week. I shake myself and remind myself of all that God has done and is doing.
I recall each blessing, at least all the ones I can name but find that soon I am overwhelmed with God's grace.
Then I begin to laugh...yes, once again I think I have "arrived" at my state of grace. You know, the place where you can sit back and just wait for God to come and get you...you never have to lift a finger ...never need to spend hours in prayer repenting 'cause now you are righteous...never need to think of others before yourself.
Well, He reminds me that I have not"arrived" yet and should not quit my day job of leaning on Him and being a living sacrifice of worship to Him. So, I am back on track.
And I share this with you...Open your hearts to God's grace this new year. Listen intently for His purpose then seek with all your being to obey His word. Be kind to others and do them no harm. Love one another as He loves and run to Him whenever you can for He waits to be with you. Happy New Year and may God shine His face upon you!

Living He Loved

Whether by song or printed word, this word is so true. This Christmas share God's love by loving...spread cheer by being cheerful and kind to all...rejoice in the season by being joyful.
Our gift to Jesus on this, His birthday, should be the compassion we pour out on all we see, the prayers we pray for those in need, the kindness we do in deed and word, and the manner in which we live our lives. I pray for God's grace so that I can be a good steward of all He has given me. I ask Him to teach me how to be a better example of His love and to forgive me of my failings. Let us rejoice this season in God...for He is the Reason we celebrate at all!!!

Psalm 29

What better time of year than now to thank God for His grace to us...for His undying love for us...for His most precious gift to us...His only son, Jesus! We are incapable of returning such love to the same extent in which it was given. Yet, God does not require that we match Him in any way..who could?!! All God requires of us is to love Him, worship Him, and give Him His due.
This season as we celebrate Jesus' birthday, let us demonstrate Psalm 29:2 so all may see God's glory!
Merry CHRISTmas and a wonderful New Year filled with God's mercy and grace!!!

Pray To Win

It's football season! Somewhere, just before each game, there is a prayer going up for victory of a particular team. I have even heard prayers from the pulpit on a Sunday morning asking God to give a win to a favorite team.
Now I am not begrudging the safety and health of any team or any football players, but Gardenfire reminds us that "The Prize" for which we seek is victory in Jesus.
Our focus is to be on our eternal life with Him. Every day we have an opportunity to live as an example of a righteous and Christlike existence. We are charged to be "the light" to a dark world. We are commanded to love one another and be a living sacrifice so that all can see Jesus and His great love.
When we Pray to Win it is for the endurance to be steadfast in our resolve to exhibit a love and mercy that will lead others to Jesus. That is the true victory in each of our lives.
Let us pray for each other...call forth the best in each other...and be victorious for Jesus!

Karma

We often speak of "crossing over" as a form of combining medium, talent, philosophy, even life styles. When someone adapts to another idea we say they are "crossing over". When Luke succumbed to the dark side we said he had "crossed over".
Even musicians "Cross over" when they incorporate a new genre in their music. It is sort of a rite of passage to "cross over" into whatever as we mature or just change our thinking.
Gardenfire reminds us that the only "Cross" that is true is the Cross upon which Jesus bought our freedom. We are not prisoners to a "cross over" into the dark side ...strange philosophies, or even mixed life styles. We are saved from all that is unholy and untrue through the Cross of Jesus.
Jesus saves us from Karma...that which we do to lead us into a better existence in our next life.
The Bible tells us that our next stop is eternity...either with Jesus or without Him. The salvation God offers comes with the security that we can do nothing in ourselves, but through Jesus we have all we will ever need and an eternity with Him. This security cost Jesus His life...all it costs me is my acceptance and love. What a deal!!! I say YES..what about you?

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