Life Goes On

We have reached a point in our American society where there is primarily one group of people who can be ridiculed, verbally attacked and otherwise vilified by the media, politicians, public educators, and the entertainment industry without any outcry by the general public. That group is comprised of Christians; believers in and followers of Jesus Christ. Those whose guide for living is the Bible. Any stance taken by a Christian based on their Biblical beliefs is fair game for the aforementioned groups. College and grad students are being denied pursuit of their education by some universities unless they go through a "re-education" process to change their beliefs to be more in line with the secular mind-set of the school. Does this sound a bit like Nazi-ism and Communism? Yet it goes on uncontested in America every day. The time has come to get out the "big gun". What is that weapon? It is prayer. The Psalmist, King David knew how to incorporate this weapon ...

TODAY is a gift. You were never promised TODAY. You've done nothing to earn TODAY. Yet you have it. Watching my twin granddaughters open birthday presents last week reminded me that I get gifts all the time that I never really thought of as gifts. Seeing their delight with each gift they opened, reminded me that I have the choice of "delighting myself in the Lord" everyday that He sees fit to give me. So, just how does one "delight" themselves in the Lord? Well it may be a bit different for everyone, but here are some ideas for starters. Greet the day with a positive attitude. Start your day in God's Word. Let Him speak to you early today. Choose to look on the positive side of every event or encounter today. Embrace the joys of breathing, smelling, tasting, and experiencing today. Look at circumstances as opportunities. Expect the best from everyone you encounter Enjoy your gift of TODAY. At the end of TODAY, reflect on all you experienced, file th...

Serving in ministry for 50+ years, I've seen this scenario played out time and again, and every time the enemy gets the victory over the believer. Here's the scene; someone in the church, or family, or workplace, or school is offended by the actions of words of another person. A friend, acquaintance or family member hears of or observes the incident and becomes offended on behalf of their friend, etc. Long after the two actual participants in the event have settled things and moved on, those who have taken up the offense are still fuming and stewing every time they are reminded of the event or the people involved. Why? I think I know. When I'm offended, God immediately gives me grace to forgive and move on. I can deal directly with the offender and our relationship can be restored. However, if I take on an offense on behalf of another, I am not afforded the grace of God needed to forgive. I'm pretty much on my own to do it the hard way; by strength of will. As...

I'm constantly amazed at the reaction of Believers to the current headlines. Many of them react just the same as unbelievers with worry and almost panic. It is as if God didn't know what was coming down the pike, and had to find out from our frantic prayers what was happening in the world. Should we be concerned? Yes. Should we worry? No! Should we pray? Absolutely! Our Sovereign God has fore-knowledge of every event that takes place on earth. He could intervene and change things before we even know about them. Instead, He allows them to occur and uses them as tools to shape and conform Believers into the image of Jesus. Our possible responses to events such as the oil spill are either FAITH, FEAR, or APATHY. As I mentioned in a blog post not long ago, some of what we consider to be disasters result in a new creativity and ingenuity on the part of man-kind. This occurs when we seek God's wisdom and understanding of what has happened and why. I was glad to read t...