Stronger As We Go

As many of you know, our church is the midst of Forty Nights of Prayer, meeting each night during the week. Our purpose is to draw closer to the Lord through prayer, fellowship and worship. We have already seen many positive results as people pressed into the throne room of God. Ephesians 2:6 declares “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

One night this past was particularly noteworthy as God’s presence filled the sanctuary. There was no question as to whether or not the Lord was with us; you could sense the Lord was wanting us to be still and hear what He had to say. God was telling us our strength was not in ourselves, or even in what we do; our strength rests in Almighty God. Psalms 84:7, KJV, declares “They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.”

I love the part that says we go from strength to strength, but the New Century Version (NCV) really puts our blessing in a new light. Let me tell you, child of God, the Lord is on our side and wants us to win. Look at Psalm 84:5-7

5 Happy are those whose strength comes from you,
who want to travel to Jerusalem.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it like a spring.
The autumn rains fill it with pools of water.
7 The people get stronger as they go,
and everyone meets with God in Jerusalem.

Pay particular attention to verse 7 – “The people get stronger as they go,”. Our bodies gain strength through physical exercise, and our spirits grow stronger through prayer, studying and hearing God’s eternal Word and walking in fellowship with the Lord.

The Word of God declares in Habakkuk 3:19 “The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” We don’t have all the answers, and lack the strength to do what is right within our own selves, but, thankfully, the Lord gives us the desire and push to go forward. God makes me sure-footed, just like the mountain goat, and I get to walk on high places with Him.

Our life with Christ is a journey, and we must go forward, as we make our way to heaven. There are plenty of bumps, bruises and disappointments along the way, but the Lord will be with us as we go. The Apostle Paul was very familiar with adversity and God’s amazing strength. This man of God determined in his heart he would press on, and I am quite certain he knew where his strength came from. Look what he wrote in Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

My question to you is,

Are you getting stronger as you go?

Looking for a Bounce

Politics are confusing and sometimes irrational, to say the least. Who could have written a script with all the twists and turns this campaign has already seen this year? Who would have believed a community organizer from Chicago, with virtually no experience, would be precariously close to living in the White House? So many in America have been blinded by the idea of change, but have little or no clue as to what that change will bring.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Obama campaign considers their convention a wonderful success. One major goal of the convention was to win over Senator Clinton’s devoted followers, and, apparently, some of them made the inexplicable jump to the “other side.” My question to supporters of either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton: what do you really see in them? What do they offer?

The numbers are staggering, but show just how far many Americans will go in hopes of something better. Again, according to the Los Angeles Times, more than 84,000 people filled a football stadium to watch Senator Obama accept the democratic party nomination. Amazingly, more than 38 million people watched him on TV. Nielsen Media Research claims this is a new high. All of this just shows how desperate people are, but have no clue what they are getting themselves in to.

Apparently, the Obama campaign got what they wanted in the form of an 8-point bounce. They managed to soothe the pain of defeat so many Senator Clinton supporters have felt since her loss to the Illinois senator. Hopefully, the 8-point bounce will quickly dissolve and become just another number of little significance.

As I’ve stated before, “WAKE UP, AMERICA!

This Little Light

According to Webster’s dictionary, one definition of light is “something that makes vision possible.” There are other definitions, too, and they can be found at Merriam-Webster OnLine. Personally, I am thankful our heavenly Father created light; it sure does help when we want to look at something. Our world is full of light sources, and God put more in the sky than we could possibly count.

I have been wanting to change out my desk lamp for quite a while now, and just recently got around to it. My choice had to produce lots of light, but not produce much heat. The most important requirement for me was the light’s ability to help these older eyes see the pages of my Bible and other books while sitting at my desk. I wrote about Bible reading as a personal goal here and here. After just a little looking, I came home a few days ago with just the right light.

The Word of God is full of references to light, and I would like to address some of them. According to my Bible study software, BibleTime, there are 235 references to light in the King James Version (KJV). I do believe the Lord has a lot to say on the subject.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:13-14 (KJV) “13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” I really like the way the English Standard Version (ESV) renders the same scriptures: “13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

In his discourse on The Similitudes, Jesus spoke of Christian character and how we are to affect the world around us. The truly born-again believer is both salt and light. Salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, heals wounds and melts ice. Light shines forth in a world full of darkness and human depravity. The Christian is not to hide this wonderful light; rather, it is to be placed on a candlestick for the world to see. Darkness can’t completely hide light, but just a ray of light dispels the darkness. Look at what Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16:

13 ¶Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We can’t hide from God, no matter how hard we try. The Lord sees us even when we are in darkness. Psalm 139:12 declares “Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” His glorious light shines in dark places, revealing everything and every intent. Look at Psalm 139:7-12

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

I am pleased with my new light, and know it will help me read with greater ease. What about your light today? Is your light shining before a lost and dying world? Are you leading others to the one true living light, Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Hurry With the Drilling, Please

Some of you may know one of my personal goals is to Shed Some Pounds. After a week of Tropical Storm Fay, I finally got to ride my bike again beginning yesterday, and it was a welcome adventure. An old guy like me doesn’t need to take a week’s break before starting up again!

Anyway, while at the local Chick-fil-a (what? can’t a guy take a break?), I picked up our local newspaper and read an interesting article about oil drilling. I couldn’t find the article on the newspaper’s site, but did manage to track it to Politico under 6 more senators seek end to oil drilling impasse. Actually, the story is all over the net.

What struck me about the article is the fact senators from both sides of the aisle are tossing their hats in the ring in order to finally permit offshore drilling. What is the problem with allowing more drilling, in the first place? Personally, I don’t believe members of congress should have left for their undeserved vacations without first settling this important issue. Perhaps they can well afford the high price of gas, but I know many people who are struggling to keep their vehicles running due to the ridiculously high fuel prices.

Congress likes to blame speculators for high oil prices, and I partially agree. I firmly believe Congress should shoulder the majority of the blame on this matter, though. Between the two of them, oil prices are much higher than they should be. What do you think?

Perhaps America is Waking Up

It is no secret on my part Senator Obama is a bad choice for president of our wonderful country. He is a dangerous man, and would only make things worse. Naturally, there are scores of people who emphatically disagree with me; it is certainly their right to do so.

While browsing the Fox News site, I came across an interesting article, McCain Passes Obama in Gallup Tracking Poll…. Well, I’m all for that. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not 100% in favor of Senator John McCain, but the other choice is certainly no good for any of us, IMHO.

As I stated on Larry’s My Take blog, the more Senator Obama is seen in public, the more we find out about him, and what we see is not all that good. Perhaps the Gallup Tracking Poll gives America hope – that people are finally waking up!

Flat Tires Everywhere

Life is certainly full of bumps and bruises, and we are constantly affected by them. One day it’s a bump, the next day it’s a bruise, and sometimes you get both on the same day. No one is immune to life’s challenges, and none of us should think it strange when things happen to us and we’re thrown off kilter for a while.

God blessed our church with two awesome services yesterday; His presence was so real you could sense He wanted to do something special. There was a worshipful spirit in the sanctuary during both services, and people were genuinely touched by the power of God. I love to be in God’s presence, do you?

We hadn’t been in the evening service for very long when some friends from another church and city walked in. It was good to see mother and daughter worship the Lord with our people; there is something special about Christian fellowship. It is powered by the love of God and pleases the Lord to no end. I John 1:3, (KJV) declares “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

After the service, many of us stayed in the sanctuary, not wanting to leave after such a wonderful service. This reminds me of church meetings we used to have many years ago when people would linger afterwords for what seemed hours. We just didn’t want to leave. I would like to see more of that go on in our churches today.

On the way home, our friends had a flat tire, and it happened in a pretty dark section of the road leading to the highway. Thankfully, my clerk and I were still at the church, and got a call about the flat tire. My clerk left to change the flat, and I followed shortly after changing into some different clothes. Between my clerk and me, we got the tire changed and our friends went on their way. BTW, the tire was shredded; it was mangled beyond recognition.

Some would ask, “why would that happen to someone who just came from church?” Life is full of disappointments, tragedies, bumps and bruises, but in the scheme of things, a flat tire takes a back seat when compared with more serious things. I could write a list about a mile long of more serious disasters than a flat tire, and you could, too.

Look at the Apostle Paul as he wrote in II Corinthians 11:22-30:

22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

In the light of what Paul went through, wouldn’t you rather have a flat tire?

The Olympic Motto – We Still Don’t Get It

My wife and I have been watching the Olympics this year more than any other time. I really don’t know the reason, but we sure have enjoyed this year’s games. Each of us has our own favorite events, but there have been times we have been totally engrossed while watching together.

For the first time since the games began, I decided to take a look at the official Beijing 2008 Olympic Games site. The first thing that came to my attention was the motto of the games – One World One Dream. Looking at those seemingly insignificant words made me think about the world we live in. I am grateful beyond words to be living where we want, and to have freedoms many people don’t have. I can truly say, “we’re blessed.”

It’s wonderful when people can get together every four years to compete in various sporting events. Generally, it seems to me, there is a lot of goodwill and sportsmanship accompanying the games, but there are some exceptions, too. Look at some cheating accusations which have been reported by various news agencies. Here’s another article addressing cheating on a governmental scale.

Let’s get to the main point of this post, which is the Olympic motto – One World One Dream. The assumption is every competitor in the world has a dream to become Olympic champion at some point in his life.The same dream is true of both male and female; athletes want to compete with others no matter which country they call home. I see nothing wrong with that. Humankind has drive and a competitive spirit built into us, and we exercise that side of us with regularity and vigor.

Another thought comes to mind, though, that has nothing to do with sports and competition. Generally speaking, a vast majority of people have a “don’t ask me about my life and relationship with God” attitude. Mankind has totally ignored God the Father for as long as he has been walking on planet earth, and will continue doing so until God puts down all sin and casts Satan and his hordes into the Lake of Fire. For the most part, man thinks the world, universe, solar systems, galaxies and everything else just happened to be here without God’s interaction. That is very sad to me.

Looking at the Olympic motto reminded me of a time in man’s history when God was completely left out of the picture. Let me assure you, the Lord knew how to deal with man’s arrogance and pride, and still has His hands in the affairs of His greatest creation. Look at Genesis 11:1-9 (KJV)

1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

One day, God’s people will live in harmony with one another, but it is not now. Look at what we face every day in this world of ours (in no particular order):

• Wars
• Terrorism
• Hatred
• Racism
• Starvation
• Murder
• Catastrophic weather
• Bigotry

The only hope for mankind is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of the one true living God. Above Him, there is no other. Acts 4:12,(ESV) declares “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” In John 3:16-21 (KJV), Jesus declares how important salvation is:

16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 ¶He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Let’s watch the games for a little while and enjoy ourselves as we root for our favorite team, country or individual. God created us and included emotions in our make up. We laugh, cry, get angry and have all kinds of reactions to events and people around us. That’s all right. By the same token, let us put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Let’s never forget God.

What about you? Do you get it?

Florida Centennial Celebration

In just one year, the Church of God in Florida will celebrate its centennial. A lot has happened in the last hundred years, and, should the Lord tarry, much more is ahead of us. God is doing some wonderful things in this state, and we ought to praise Him for it.

Our Administrative Bishop, Dr. Martin Taylor, mentioned this remarkable celebration during our 99th Camp Meeting in June of this year. I believe the Lord will do miraculous and wonderful things during the time of celebration. You should make plans to attend.

Wading Boots, Anyone?

Whew! It has been raining here in Central Florida for several days now, and I am so thankful we don’t live on the east side of the Sunshine State. We are praying for everyone over there and hope they will be safe. God knows how to take care of those who call on His name in faith. Tropical Storm Fay has been around far too long, IMHO.

All this rain has gotten me thinking about a flood that happened a long time ago. The story can be found in the Bible, God’s holy Word. If you are not familiar with it, Genesis chapter 6 tells the incredible events regarding this time in earth’s history. There have been many floods and storms of catastrophic proportions throughout the centuries, but nothing like what people faced in Noah’s day. We should be grateful the Lord promised never to flood the earth like He did then. Look at Genesis 9:8-17 (English Standard Version)

8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. 12 And God said, This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. 17 God said to Noah, This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.

I don’t know where the clip art came from, but someone sent a picture a few years ago when Florida was having so much trouble with hurricanes. If you were here then, you will very likely remember the trials and tribulations associated with those relentless winds and rain. Anyway, this picture reminds me of those trying times.

Now, we may need some wading boots and lots of patience, but we must absolutely put our trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Will you trust God today?

P.S. If anyone knows where the clip art came from, please let me know, and I will be sure to give credit for using it.

What Part Are You?

While thinking about the many types of people in this world, I remembered a wonderful e-mail someone sent me a long time ago. The subject of the e-mail was churches made from Lego pieces. There were four pictures with various views of what could only be described as a remarkable feat of engineering skills.

Lego Church 2

Looking at those Lego churches reminded me about the body of Christ being made up of various parts, each one linked together to form the whole. Jesus said He is building a church that will go forward against the very gates of hell. Look at Matthew 16:18 (KJV): And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

If you are part of the body of Christ, then you are also part of the church Jesus is building. There are many parts of a building we can’t see, but they are integral to the structure, none the less. You normally don’t see the studs or wiring, but they are in place and are needed in order for the building to function as it is intended to. Not everyone can be an arm, leg or eye; some have those functions, while others in the body can be equated to other parts. Put us all together, and we are the “body of Christ.”

The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 12:12, KJV “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” Again, the body of Christ is made up of many members who are different from each other, but come together to make one church. Christ is the head, and we are the body.

One thing that amazes me is how some members are never satisfied with their part. I suppose that’s just human nature. The body of Christ is full of personalities, attitudes and differing ideas; it should be no wonder when parts don’t seem to flow in the same direction. We all need to do our part, and let the other members of the body do their part.

1 Corinthians 12:15-17 “15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?”

I am so thankful to be part of the Church, the Body of Christ. You and I may have different callings and are different parts of the body, but we all make up that wonderful living organism called the Church. Christ is the head, and we are the body. There is a wonderful relationship between Christ and the church. Dr. Raymond Culpepper, in his book No Church Left Behind, gives the following picture of the church:

The Church is the body; Jesus Christ is the head. The Church is God’s building; Christ is the chief cornerstone. The Church is God’s flock; Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The Church is God’s temple; Christ is the High Priest. The Church is the bride; Christ is the Bridegroom. The Church is the branches; Christ is the True Vine.

If you are saved, born again, by faith in the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ, you are part of the the church, the body of Christ. I don’t choose what part of the body I am, and you don’t choose, either. This is the Lord’s business, and we can rest assured, He knows what He’s doing. Look at I Corinthians 12:18, KJV “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” The question is

What part are you?

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