Your Online Prayer Chapel

Moving On To Uruguay Missions

2011-12-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Until I get settled in for my Uruguay Mission there will be little happening with Junior Partner Ministries. Our giving ministry, in support of ministries and needs the Holy Spirit points out, will soon resume. Please continue to hold us in your prayers.

Love and Blessings,

God's Steward,

Allan

PS: We pray over every request we receive, but only respond and give as lead.

Keepin up with Junior Partner Ministries

2008-07-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Join us on Wednesday nights in an evening of prayer for missionaries and new church outlets. Even a few minutes can change the world, an hour each week can change your own life. Don't worry about timing it to match our time zone - God is more than able to compile our united prayer and direct our thoughts. Remember - this is the God of all creation, we are made in his image, not he in our image with our limitations.

God understands everything from galaxies within multiple dimensions to muons and their sub-particles. He can certainly help you live your life in a better way for you - your family - your congregation - and all. Our combined prayers create positive change.

I quit posting here a long time ago, other projects required more of my attention - including my retirement. I have created many Squidoo lenses over the last couple of years, some of which will be of interest to you.

Bible Based Giving is a recent re-write of a favorite bible study, and a good example of how Squidoo can be used. Other lenses are a balanced perspective of violence and religion, and one on discovering Junior Partner Ministries.

Squidoo has more tools than a blog, and each entry grows in readership over time, instead of disappearing into the archives. I've tried various archiving methods on other blogs, but with few exceptions, older post just sit there unread. If you want to try Squidoo too, there will be a link on my "lens."

It does take more time to build a quality Squidoo page, but over time readership increases. It is fairly easy to find and improve what I've written, something that rarely happens to these journal posts.

Here is the new style I'm going to test for a while. I have a central Squidoo lens that lists what I've written there. At the top of the page I will list my most recent pages, the others will be grouped by category. If you want to treat it like a blog, just look at the most recent entries.

If you find something interesting, say about education, scroll down to the education module and find more on the subject. I will be playing with the format - over the next few months it may change occasionally.

Go take a look.

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Hearing God's Voice

2006-11-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
- 1 Kings 19:11-13

George Muller followed some set steps when he was seeking God's voice, they are worth reviewing.

Combine that with what a long time preacher told me about Smith Wigglesworth. He remembered Wigglesworth striding back and forth across the stage, and at each end of the stage proclaiming "FAITH IS AN ACT."

If you are not sure if it is God talking I can give you this bit of advice - if it really important you will know!

How about those times it seems like God's leading?

Follow Mullers advice.

Once that is done it is time to move in faith. Start moving as God directs, if you are listening to that pizza you had for lunch; have faith in God that he will correct you.

We learn to recognize God's voice by reading scripture. We become more sensitive to his voice as we continue to listen to him and follow him.

God knows you well, he knows when he can count on you. You will learn that he is leading and become a more dependable tool for God as you continue to follow.

God loves you more than you love yourself. God has much more knowledge and wisdom than you do. To do what is best for you, for the kingdom of God, and for others:

study God's Word

Listen when he speaks

Act on his directions

Continuing Daily With One Accord

2006-10-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

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Joel 2

Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.

The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.

Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.

They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.

The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Acts 2

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The Love Of Money

2006-10-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

There is more confusion and unease about money than about a score of more important topics.

I am writing an e-book about honest investment rules. Just thinking in the secular realm bothers some people. To think about money and how to increase it is "a topic not appropriate for Christians."

Click the link in the title if you want a biblical explanation of gifts and tithes, -- and money.

Here is a way to ease some of the confusion caused by society's influences on the church. The introduction to my book:

Introduction

Money is a tool – nothing more.

If you don't have any money there are a lot of things you will not be able to do.

If you make a lot of money, you can help yourself, your family, people that are important to you, and society at large.

If you don't have money you will have to hope others will help you. It is the love of money that is the root of all evil – not the money itself. Both poor and rich can be trapped by love of money.

Money is a neutral tool - like a crowbar. Some people will use it to open things – others will drop it on their toes. Your first step in successful investment is to decide if you want to make enough money to have personal freedom of choice.

If you do not want to be rich because you have been taught that money is evil and the people that have money are evil – you will subconsciously sabotage your own efforts to create wealth.

Money is just a tool.

Big Tent Christianity

2006-10-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

I guess there are two ways to take that title.

In essence Christianity is a religion of tent evangelists.

In essence Christianity leaves room for many viewpoints under a big tent.

Christianity is a blanket description of those that have chosen to have a relationship with God, based not on their religiousness but on accepting God's offer of adoption.

The old saying is if you find the perfect church, don't join it - you'll ruin it. For the same reason you can not approach a perfect God in other than a perfect condition.

God is perfect, for us to approach him we must either be perfect ourselves, or had our many imperfections washed clean by a perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ offered that perfect sacrifice to allow us to approach him, and then be adopted into his family.

That is the essence that defines a Christian, they have acknowledged the sacrifice made by God and on that basis approach him to join his family.

Christians come from all sorts of backgrounds, hold all sorts of conflicting ideas on all sorts of subjects, and are united first by God's actions, then theirs.

God took the initiative.

Christians are those who moved to responded to God's offer.

Christianity is based on individual choice, not group dynamics. As adopted members of God's family Christians have become citizens of God's realm. Assigned as short term ambassadors, Christians represent the kingdom of God here on earth - and perform ambassadorial functions as directed by their head of state -- The resurrected Jesus Christ.

Christianity has room for all sorts of folks with varying opinions about general life issues. We are a family with each member an individual. What unites us is sacrificial love.

We must let that love overcome our immaturities and petty squabbles, and realize that the eternal is to be our focus. To be true ambassadorial representatives of heaven, we must not "go native" on Earth.

Our opinions will all fit under the big tent of God's love, but we must not let the temporal distract us from eternal duty. If your life is dedicated to divisive earthly pursuits - perhaps you never made that walk down the big tent's center isle to approach the living God.

In which case - quit calling yourself a Christian.

Or come to God now on the basis of your error, and his sacrifice to atone for all of your sins.

He is willing to pledge to you just as you must pledge to him.

Ambassador.

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No Place For Arrogance

2006-09-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

The enemies of the cross have enough arrogance for all of us.

Mankind as a whole is ignorant. We flaunt our small pieces of knowledge like a child whistling through the graveyard. By delving into specialties we learn of processes and terminology that those people outside of our social enclave are unfamiliar with.

While this can make us feel superior, it just demonstrates the limits of our individual knowledge, a few snatches of math or vocabulary can set us apart.

Into this dark world of self inflated egos we now thrust the light of the simple good news.

God is smarter than we are, God is wiser than we are, God loves us more than we love ourselves. Knowing just this we can demonstrate the start of wisdom by coming to God and asking him to guide us.

God's love has already provided a route into his presence - through his willing sacrifice made to purchase our adoption into his family. Jesus Christ died for the punishment our actions, my actions, your actions, have deserved.

All we have to do now is decide to accept his sacrificial payment and ask God to direct us as we walk this life - and then follow his direction.

Those that account themselves as mighty, wealthy, and learned may find this repulsive. They would have to admit that the small differentiation they think sets them apart is really of small or no consequence. They would rather be blind to truth than shed the arrogance that covers their eyes.

The second thing you can do to understand your relationship to God is read The four gospels at the start of the New Testament and the book of the Acts of the apostles - also within the Bible. You will discover God's plan, how to act, and start to understand how great a wisdom has been made available to you.

Father God,

We ask that you remove any blinders we have self installed that limit our vision.

Lord we will read the Bible so that we may come to recognize your voice - knowing your word is both love and truth. Guide us to the truth. Forgive us of our many shortcomings - and of our tendency to dwell on the small differences that set us apart from our brothers.

We ask that we be guided by your love and wisdom within our whole life, and that we may be wise enough to share your love with others.

In the Name of Jesus Christ we ask - knowing we will receive your blessing.

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"leave the theology to the theologian"

2006-09-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Theologians once honestly debated how many angels could dance on the head of a pin.

Many theologians still debate arcane and subtitle nuances that do not bear on our lives.

Jesus Christ is real. He has paid the price to allow us to be adopted into the family of God. Jesus will come again for those who are waiting for him.

We can argue about the meanings of Daniel's vision - but one day the real meaning will be apparent. In the meantime people perish without a vision of the reality of God.

One God - three persons -blessed Trinity. - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. - We can argue creation - or we can enjoy it, some day we will know as we are known. In the meantime - people perish.

The simplicity of the gospel, the good news that we can share in God's love by accepting the sacrifice of his son, is lost in details of no eternal significance.

And the people perish.

Lets forget the fancy words and endless debates about theology that divide the body of Christ. Instead let us unite before the pure and simple truths represented by the cross and an empty tomb.

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Unexpected Turns

2006-09-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our walk in the lord and in our full lives can be led by the Holy Spirit.

God loves us more than we love ourselves.

God is both much wiser and much smarter than we are.

If we have a close friend that is far more knowledgeable than us on a subject that impacts us, we consider it normal to get their advice. If we are wise we will probably follow that advise. How much more should we seek direction from God?

Personally I am in that position right now. God is directing me along a new path - It is a thrill at every corner.

For now God is once again directing me away from Junior Partner Ministries. I will keep the main site and this blog open, but posting may only come once a month or so.

The leading of the Holy Spirit can be likened to the guidance system of a rocket. Our actions can best be directed when we are moving.

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. - Psalm 119: 104-106

I will be walking the path the Lord is lighting before me.

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LOVE One Another

2006-08-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

Love one another.

We can just keep repeating this commandment to love one another.

Once we learn this - we can move on to deeper commandments.

Love One Another!

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Praise God

2006-08-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

We have been hacked.

And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

The cyber attack appears to have been at our web host - and redirected our main site front (index) page to another location. There are no other pages.

If you click on the Accept Jesus Now link above - you will get a 404 not found page, unless we have already fixed the problem.

This is a long way from the beatings and murder that our Christian sisters and brothers face for their beliefs in many parts of the world.

At most for this ministry a hack attack is a minor inconvenience - and God will still reach those that desire to know the truth.

If we don't reach them, God will raise up another - perhaps you.

We do know that these things will work together for good.

In the book of Acts we find Phillip redirected from a successful revival meeting to head off into the desert. Great things happened due to his obedience. Notice that the Ethiopian he eventually met was coming from Jerusalem, the home of the Christian church.

When the time was right for a man seeking God - God sent a Christian to him.

Perhaps the time is right for you to say:

Here I am Lord - send me.

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God Of The Individual

2006-07-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

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God is not the God of Countries, the God of Societies, The God of Churches, or the God of Families.

Jesus Christ came to redeem you - as an individual.

If your relationship with God is fully defined by the group you are in - you have no relationship with him at all.

Your salvation is not based on a rule set published by any group, or having your name on the roster at a particular establishment.

God wants to relate to you as an individual - you must meet him as an individual to relate to him.

This is not some mass call to a world of sinners to repent, this is a call to you to enter into God's best for you. The Holy Spirit is directing you to Jesus Christ -- right now.

God is who he is - he is not some invented focal point to be used for manipulation. You must come to him as the person you are to learn of the person he is.

You are not beyond redemption - no matter what society or organization you have been affiliated with.

It is time to affiliate with God himself.

He has come to you - open the door.

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Trust Jesus

2006-06-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

God is smarter, wiser and far more knowledgeable than we are.

God also loves us more than we love ourselves.

God has given all men free choice - that is why this world is such a mess - but he also offers to guide each of us personally.

Considering the above - our best choice for a wonderful life is to establish a relationship with the living God - and seek his guidance in all that we do.

Father God
Holy Spirit
Loving Jesus

We come to you knowing that you are, and that you are a rewarder of those that diligently seek you.

Assist us, guide us, help us not to be distracted from your truth.

Your word is the truth.

We trust you now with our lives knowing that we will grow in trust as we see the works you will accomplish on our behalf.

In love we come to you now - reflecting the love you have already demonstrated to and for us.

In Jesus name - talk with us now ---

--

Let Me know

2006-06-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

For now I will decrease the frequency of these posts. I have a very full plate for the next six months or so.

I expect to post at least once a week, but other commitments are likely to come first.

I had posted a thought on another of my sites that gave me pause to think. While not pertaining to this ministry, it follows a similar thought process that has caused me to rethink all of my efforts.

This journal does offer an Atom/RSS feed - if you understand the technology that may be the best way to receive future Prayer Chapel entries.

Regular Wednesday and Sunday posting no longer fits my schedule - and I think other outreaches are having a greater effect. Equal efforts elsewhere are yielding much greater results.

Of course God's economy is different than ours - please pray that I will be open to his direction.

I also will continue to pray of course, and I will monitor comments and prayer requests.

The Lord knows if and when I will resume regular posting.

God bless.

Allan

Whatever he does prospers.

2006-05-31T01:49:00.000-07:00

Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 1

This and the twenty third psalm were part of what I recited to my kiddos at bed time.

I still have a picture with the start of this verse in my living room. The picture shows Jesus talking with a businessman and the quote on the brass plate says:

Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

Over it is another plaque - frequently used at Christmas, but always appropriate : "Wise men still seek him."

The point is wise men, blessed men, do not walk in the ways of this world. Wise men walk according to the word of God that they have hidden in their hearts.

The ways of this world will perish.

This world believes that you exist to support it, you are part of their hive, a social animal that must sacrifice yourself for their demands.

God offers you choice. chose to be with him or not - no demands. God values you as an individual - just you, and you alone. You come to him, not to a human run ministry or group - come to Jesus Christ.

Spending your time understanding your creator -- and the owner's manual God has given you for your individual life -- is the way to prosper.

Your deliverance is spiritual and eternal in Christ Jesus - you will no longer be part of this world. Your choice can set you free. It is easy to be part of this world and demand of others as they demand of you - each looking for the easy way to get the hive to support them.

It is tough to be a foreigner, alien to society, an individual with a personal relationship with the living God. You won't get this relationship because your parent's claimed to have one, the choice must be yours, and yours alone.

You have the choice, you can chose to be an ambassador on foreign soil - with your citizenship in heaven. You can leave the chains and barbed wire of the social hive, and enter into a relationship where you are valued as an individual.

There are no demands with God, just the offer of loving guidance. To accept this offer you must chose to enter into a new bilateral agreement. The Holy Spirit will guide - you will seek his strength to follow - knowing every step he directs is for your, and everyone else's, good.

Jesus offers you the choice of freedom right now - he still says:

Follow me.

Father God,

We approach you just vaguely aware of our own limitations.

We are likewise only partially aware of your brilliance, love, and wisdom.

Teach us lord, according to your love, what we need to know so that we might live a life that is according to your perfect will. We acknowledge our lack of understanding, we therefore depend on you to lead us in the truth.

Our joy in you, our relationship with you, our communications that are based on the sacrifice you so willingly made - this is the basis of the love that we now return to you.

Help us to grow.

We come to you now and ask for your direction in our life ---

in Jesus name ---

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Praise The Lord

2006-05-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

For a Christian, it is normal to praise the lord.

Those that avoid a relationship with the living God do not understand.

We are here on this earth for such a short time - it is our relationships that define us.

Thomas Edison said "you are what you do." It is not what you loudly proclaim, or quietly accent to, it is what you do that shows your true character.

Our character is defined by relationships, and how we consistently act in those relationships. As a Christian we not only know of God - we know God himself - he becomes our friend. We can not hide our relationship and be true to ourselves, anymore than we can challenge our own existence and not drift off into philosophical silliness.

I do not have to prove the existence of God - to me he is as real as my family.

If knowing one of my kiddos would save your life, I would be wrong not to offer an introduction. If that introduction would change your life in a wonderful way, I would be selfish to withhold information on how to find them. You might decline, saying "I don't believe you have kids - and if you do they probably don't care."

Your negative response does not alter the reality of my kiddo's existence or of their abilities - or my normal desire as a proud Papa to praise them. You have only denied yourself an opportunity to possibly improve your existence.

A relationship With Jesus Christ can save your life and change it in a wonderful way.

Click the following link or deny yourself the opportunities. God has given you the free choice to continue your life as it is. You also have the opportunity right now to start growing in a new, more joyful direction.

Meet the living God.

Lord God,

We praise your holy name.

Thank you Jesus for the wonderful work you have begun in us, and your patience as we continue to grow in our relationship with you.

We yield up our previously conceived bias and prejudice and ask you to lead us to the truth.

We accept your offer of relationship based on our currently limited knowledge of your love, intelligence, wisdom , and sacrifice. As a father you have loved us, as children we have strayed, guide us back to the proper path.

We come to you now to talk with you - in Jesus name answer our prayers - share with us your directions ---

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A strange request

2006-05-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

This is not normal for this prayer journal.

Read our previous entries to see how different it is. If this is not for you - move on.

There are some out there that need some hope of cash flow.

This is not a request to give to our ministry, if you don't want to give - don't give. God sees to our needs with an abundance beyond for our giving.

However if you need some encouragement, if you want to investigate a business while seeking to earn a living - click here.

This business is a people business - you will succeed by teaching people how to teach people.

There is only one thing God is taking off of this world - people.

A warning also seems in order - this one is a cut and paste from our main site links page.

When dealing with fellow Christians, understand they are fallible. The best of intentions may not compensate for inferior skills, training, or equipment.

Fellow Christians may believe what they tell you and be wrong or mislead. Use discernment to select services; wolves may also claim to be sheep.

Do not select services solely on the basis of professed faith; Use all the facilities God gave you, especially prayer. Guard your relationship with Jesus, let him guide you on the paths you should travel.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105

Pray and see how God directs you. Let God be your guide - he loves you more than you love yourself.

Lord,

We come to you in obedience.

You know our needs, and more importantly you know us. Science pretends to understand, but at best it just plays at the edges of knowledge.

Complex systems are beyond our understanding. We may be able to measure, predict, and quantify - but our world is too complex to understand beyond selected surface generalities.

We ourselves are a complex system.

We come to you now dependent on your wisdom, intelligence, and love - guide us - talk with us.

In Jesus holy name direct us in the way we should go ---

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Time for travel

2006-05-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

I should be back in two or three weeks.

Read one of those "favorite posts" to the left.

Allow God to help you find your place in his perfect will.

May you be wise enough to accept his will.

In Christ,

2006-05-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you lord that we can come to you and talk with you.

We need your direction lord -- you are smarter than we are, wiser than we are, and you love us more than we love ourselves.

God I pray that I will be nimble, responding quickly and concisely to your direction. Help me to be willing to walk away from projects I deem important, and eagerly start new projects of even greater importance.

In Christs Holy name -- Amen

Read Acts Chapter 8

In short Philip escaped the persecution in Jerusalem and fled to Samaria. In Samaria God started a great work of revival through Philip. Word got back to the Jerusalem church and they sent out Peter and John to assist Philip, and to instruct the Samaritan church in the fullness of the Spirit.

In the middle of this great work, Phillip was sent by an angel into the desert. I love this passage - Phillip hears the direction to leave in verse 27: And he arose and went.

The Ethiopian Queen's treasury secretary - or the historical equivalent - met Philip on the road, on the secretary's way home from Jerusalem. Their talk resulted in the creation of the Ethiopian church.

Notice that the chariot was coming from Jerusalem - home of the church; yet God sent Philip from Samaria to reach him.

There are a lot of wonderful points that could be made from this story, including the happy ending for Philip, but there is one that stands out.

God may stop the great work you are involved with, and send you on a greater work. He is big enough to take care of all the loose ends. When he calls:

Arise and Go.

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The Da Vinci Code - Malicious Entertainment

2006-05-03T04:15:00.000-07:00

The Da Vinci Code makes me happy about one thing - the movie National Treasure came first.

If you have not seen National Treasure - it is a thriller of an action and romance movie that takes pleasure in trashing history. Much of Hollywood has a goal to discredit the American founding fathers, all to make it easier to remake America in their image.

If there is one thing the constituents of malevolent Hollywood hates more than liberty and an extremely small non-intrusive government - it would be Christianity. The Da Vinci Code is a romance novel turned assault weapon - and aimed at Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ and his Church have faced worse than Hollywood and The Da Vinci Code, and thrived.

Powerful nations have focused their powers on stomping out the church. False religions spring up that use the Christian name - but deny Christ. Even influential members of the church have turned on Jesus and sought wealth or power in this world instead of the truth. A pagan romance novelist now invents religions and rewrites history in The Da Vinci Code -- a malicious attack that has no chance of hurting the true church.

Christ died to save all of us - and Satan rejoiced at his victory while Jesus remained in the tomb. When Jesus Christ arose from the dead in power the tables turned. So it is with every attack of the wicked one, he plots and attacks, and loses far more than he hopes to gain.

Satan is but a creature, created by God, not an equal to God. God gave us free choice in our own futures. Satan, knowing God, rebelled against God sealing Satan's fate and that of his followers. You have the free choice to follow Satan to his punishment in Hell - or to follow Jesus Christ and enjoy eternal joy in his presence.

This is what malevolent Hollywood hates. They say they do not believe in absolutes - but package and sell their absolutes while attempting to discredit others. It is similar to their demanding that you have a moral and fiscal obligation to support their causes; even as they say there are no absolute moral values and humans are mere products of uncaring evolution.

Whether by malicious entertainment like The Da Vinci Code, or some other stratagem, false teachings will be put forth. You have your free will, study the Bible, ask God to lead you to the truth. He loves you - God will instruct you.

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. -II Thessalonians 2

Father God,

Thank you that we have your word - and your word is truth.

We see a world thirsty for revelation of the truth, use us.

Satan seeks to steal, we thank you that the thief not only has to relinquish the object of the theft - but has to pay restitution beyond for the theft.

We are yours lord, and we rejoice knowing that others will soon discover the enduring joy of a relationship with you due to the failed plots of the enemy.

God we come to you now seeking your direction.

We will read your scripture, we will pray, we will seek your face.

Discuss with us now, show us where and how we can be most effective for you ---

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Right Now

2006-04-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Anthropologists like to talk about primitive cultures that have no words in their vocabulary for the past or the future - they live in the present.

Of course you don't need the future or past tense to think about the future or past. A tribal leader could properly say "There is little rain, pack up the tents, we are moving to the river."

That sentence is based on memories of the past - and looking forward to better prospects at the river.

Our language may be a bit too complex. It is easy to mentally dwell in the past wishing it was different, or in the future wishing for change. Perhaps we are overdeveloped and the supposed primitive correct.

It may be trite, but reality is in the present, what we do now will determine the future.

Lord God,

You are the I Am That I Am, the God of our present.

We do not ask what is next lord, we come to you and ask -- What now?

We have your promises, and know that you will keep your word. Help us to make our decisions when they make a difference - in the present.

Lord please speak with us and direct us.

What now? ---

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The Love Of God

2006-04-26T00:23:00.000-07:00

Love is not weakness.

God has done all that needs to be done to free you. It is now up to you to leave your folly and become wise.

Hell is prepared as a punishment for Satan, not for you. To miss Heaven you have to ignore what Christ is offering and continue to actively avoid the truth.

I saw a fine list of Libertarian quotes the other day. Many Libertarians believe in honest rational intellectualness, many are also atheist since they can't prove God. What was funny is that in this list of quotes were several lifted directly from scripture - and the author was listed as anonymous. They so wanted to avoid association with scripture that these dedicated truth seekers hid from reality - and lied to themselves. I'm reasonably sure if this is pointed out they will remove the quotes rather than acknowledge their origin.

God is mercy and love, but he is also the author of free choice. You can choose to seek God and discover his love and your joy - or you can choose whatever else you wish. There are some awfully attractive traps out there.

It is your will that counts in your life - if it was just God's will it would already be determined.

I know God is real because I know God.

You to can choose to avoid him and disdainfully create fine sounding excuses - or you can meet God tonight.

You too can know God is real because you know God.

Lord Jesus,

We thank you for your sacrifice that bought us acceptance into the righteous presence of God.

You have made it possible to be adopted into the family of God.

Jesus we seek you right now.

You know our needs, you know our weaknesses, and you are the answer to all of them.

We ask that you will help us to see from an eternal perspective.

We turn from our pointless and diminishing pleasures to enter into the ever increasing joy of a relationship with you.

Jesus -- please show yourself as real to me -- tonight.

In your holy name lord Jesus we ask you to instruct us in your truth. ---

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It Is Not The Intensity - But The Reality Of Our Belief

2006-04-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

.

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. - I Kings 19:12

Lord God,

Thank you that we can approach you regardless of our current feelings.

We do not have to be on an emotional high, or in the depths of depression to benefit from time with you.

We come to you now to seek your knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence on the living of our lives.

Speak with us lord, direct us.

We will listen in that quiet spiritual part of ourselves that by immersion in your word knows your voice. ---

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Enter In

2006-04-19T01:29:00.000-07:00

If you feel far from God - know that he has not moved.

Lord God - we love you.

You loved us first, and with your wisdom you have led us to discover your love.

God we blow it so often, thank you that we have been forgiven - and that we will be forgiven as we try and fail in the future.

We are headed in the direction that you have chosen for our lives . Help us to continue on the path that you blazed for each of us as individuals.

We accept your forgiveness lord, and we move forward guided by your light.

We now leave behind this worlds striving for temporary pleasures and rewards and we enter into the growing joy you have promised.

Keep us on the narrow way.

In Jesus name we come to talk with you now ---

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Missionaries Needed For Macou

2006-04-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

Lord,

Thank you for the opportunities you have given us.

Thank you also that by prayer we are able to change our world.

Even now we seek you lord for Macou.

God we know there is need in Macou and we know there are laborers - but more laborers are needed.

God -- Macou is a gateway to China's heart, we ask that you start a revival in Macou that will challenge and change a nation.

We pray this in Jesus name - asking that you will direct those in the effort that you have already chosen.

We are available lord - talk with us now ---

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We Don't Know As Much As We Think We Do

2006-04-12T01:55:00.000-07:00

especially me.

There is an old saying - It is not what we don't know that is dangerous, it is what we think we know and we are wrong that can hurt us.

It is easy for us to proclaim things as being the way we have learned them to be. What we need to do is slow down, study, and find out what is true.

Lord God,

Thank you for your love.

Thank you that you take us as we are, unimproved.

With love you help us to reshape our lives to conform with the truth. We reflect your presence - we love you too.

In your time, in your way, and in the order that you know is to our benefit you reshape what we surrender to you.

You are love.

You are wiser than us.

You are smarter than us.

We surrender ourselves to your leadership.

We love you lord.

Take us by the hand and guide us, we come now to spend time with you ---

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Some Time With Jesus

2006-04-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Lord God,

Thank you that we can come to you and talk with you.

At times we don't even know what to say.

We may pray with just an inner groaning of the spirit - knowing that you are aware of our needs before we are.

As in all conversation we allow time to listen.

We have read your scripture - we know your voice.

We know you will not contradict yourself lord, we open ourselves to hear your voice.

Talk to us lord, we are here to listen ---

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God, You Are Who You Say You Are

2006-04-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. - Matthew 13:57-58 (KJV)

We can limit God in our own lives by pride based in the ignorance we call knowledge.

We are created in God's image - he is beyond our understanding. Just as the reflection in the mirror does not understand the life and depth of the one reflected, so is our comprehension also limited.

God is much smarter than we are, God is much wiser than we are, and the good news is -- God loves us.

Our wisest course is to seek God's counsel - and then follow it.

Father God,

Thank you for loving us.

We know that you are, we know you are love, we know that you act based on that love.

Help us to see with a spiritual vision the route you have prepared for us.

We acknowledge our limitations lord, we are like chickens scratching the surface of the barnyard, thinking ourselves knowledgeable that we found some feed, when an entire universe of knowledge is beyond us.

Teach us what we need to know, give us this day our daily bread.

In Jesus Christ's name, within the access granted by his shed blood, we come to seek your counsel now ---

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come apart - we are not of this world

2006-03-29T23:04:00.000-08:00

Lord God,

Help us to separate ourselves from this world and its expectation.

Teach us to follow you, that it may be well with our souls.

We yield ourselves now to an eternal vision of our purpose.

Our dwelling place is with you - our allegiance is to you - our peace is in your grace.

Father we want to spend time with you, we come now before your throne with thanksgiving and praise.

We know you wish to converse with us lord - our whole lives are yours ---

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Dead Men's Bones And Uncleanness

2006-03-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

These are the words of Jesus.

These words were not aimed at sinners without, but at hypocrites within.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. - Matthew 23: 27-28

Then as now there are those that misrepresent God by screaming at those outside while ignoring their own faults, or hiding them. And just in case you think this is an ancient issue and not relevant to today - notice it is aimed directly at leaders. In verse 24: Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

It reminds me of a story told of a fire and brimstone style teacher, he was listing and condemning sins within the church that need to be addressed. From the back of the room he was supported by an old guy shouting out encouragement:

We need to deal with gossip (Amen!)
We need to quit drinking in excess and be filled with the Holy Spirit instead (You tell 'em Preacher!)
It is time to tell the truth, the whole truth, without fear (Hallelujah)

The preacher decided to try a test:

We need to be a good example to the kids and quit chewing tobacco ( silence)

The pastor went on with the message and met the old fellow at the exit after the service.

"Hey George, why did you stop with the amens? "

"Pastor you crossed a fine line - you done went from preachin' to meddlin'. "

For a church full of George type parishioners that want to feel superior, all a "leader" has to do is pick a sin that is not represented in the church - and preach against it. That is a political solution - but not a Godly one. State churches are frequently like this - condemning what the majority or government condemns - ignoring what God says.

The local church is as vulnerable to playing politics as the televangelist.

The only political appointee among Christ's disciples was the Zealot - Judas Iscariot.

A preacher that sells out his Godly commission for a satisfied church will end up displaying a form of godliness but denying the power of God. They have to deny the Holy Spirit, they are not following God's lead - there is no power in their ministry - only show.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. - Matthew 7:3-5

whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness

Father God,

It is hard to swim against the tide. Help us to focus on finding error within ourselves.

I admit to finding it easier to discover other's error than my own, forgive me and help me to gain in understanding and wisdom.

Holy Spirit,

I ask you to lead me in my reading of the Bible, not just that I may grow, but that I might also lose that which is of no eternal value.

Jesus,

You died for us, help us to not cheapen your sacrifice by preaching an acceptable gospel.

The focus is on you lord Jesus, knowing your love for us, we want your will - not ours.

Father, we come to you with this prayer - that we please you and not men. In Jesus name accept us into your presence , we come to converse with you now ---

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The Taste Of Humble Pie

2006-03-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

It is so easy to get an inflated opinion of ourselves.

We know a bit more about a subject than most others - perhaps with degrees in science, business, or theology.

we might be a bit smarter than most - good grades may come easily.

Maybe we are better at sports or with tools than others.

We can find our attributes easily - and other's faults even easier.

The difference in all of us is exceedingly small - when measured against the optimal. Much like we are all about the same size - when measured against the size of the Earth.

Today I overheard a couple of laborers talking. They were discussing Christianity in partial sentences, labored thought apparent in their conclusions. Their conclusions however were drawn from the Bible and were solid. They might not have known the proper theological terms for what they were discussing - they didn't need fancy words.

I realized these thoughtful laborers could be closer to God than myself, and have a better understanding of who they are in Jesus Christ than I do.

We are human and full of faults and errors, it is our very nature. God works with each of us as individuals, and helps us according to his plan for us.

He works on my faults according to his time table in his order. He is smarter and wiser than I am, and he loves me more than I love myself - I do not come close to his attributes - but I can follow his advice.

That is true for all of us - we all fall far short of the measure of God - in that we are all very close to each other.

We did not make God in our image - he made us in his image.

God is who he is - we can learn how to grow closer to him - he has already paid the adoption price.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

It is easier to be humble if we realize how close we are to each other, and how far we are from God.

Father God,

We come to you knowing that you are, and that you reward those that diligently seek you.

God - the scripture says you are no respecter of persons - our rank, wealth, or accomplishments do not effect your view of us - neither does the lack of rank, wealth, or accomplishments.

We come to you as we are, knowing that you consider us from our position within your son Jesus. We seek to understand you and ourselves better.

Jesus,

We know you love us, we thank you for the huge sacrifice you made as an adoption price to purchase our way into the family of God.

Thank you that we can come to you right now - as we are - and you will help us clean up our lives. We realize that acquiring forgiveness is a one time decision based on acceptance of Jesus Christ.

We also realize cleansing and optimizing our lives will be a life long pursuit, we turn ourselves over to your guidance.

Holy Spirit,

Thank you for calling attention to our faults and need of God prior to our accepting the Lordship of Jesus. Thank you now for directing our study of the word, helping our understanding of who we are - and who you are.

Fill us to overflowing with love - let your love pouring out of us be the measure of our accomplishments within you.

We love you lord, because you first loved us, we continue this discussion with you now understanding that you will assist our communications ---

Lord ---

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Who Are Your Priorities?

2006-03-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" - Jesus Christ - Matthew 16: 24-26 ( KJV)

People are far more important than things.

That is the only one thing God is taking off this planet - people.

God is smarter and wiser than us, and he loves us more than we love ourselves.

We can stomp our feet and complain at what he does - or we can appreciate that as a loving parent removes dangerous objects from their children's reach - so God will protect us from the beautiful dangers of this life.

We often think of the gospel in relation to ourselves - what do we believe - what do we need to do.

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Psalm 17:8

We also need to think of the gospel in terms of those we love and those we will meet. How do we communicate God's love so they are prepared for the choice between things and people.

God is love - things will vanish - people will endure.

Lord God,

we come to you knowing that you will lead us in a way that is good for us - and for every one we deal with.

Help us to understand that we will not understand everything that happens to and around us.

We are willing to follow you - to stay in your perfect will.

Holy Spirit,

we ask that you guide us - so that we may follow.

lead us into righteousness, by the sacrificed blood of Jesus we are made righteous.

Jesus,

We thank you that all things work together for good to those that love you and are the called according to your purpose.

We trust your purpose lord.

Lead us.

Father,

we join in prayer now with other believers - surrendering ourselves to your leadership in love.

Let this be the start of a life lived fully, a life lived according to your purpose.

We enter into conversation with you now - direct us lord ---

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A Psalm Of Wisdom

2006-03-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Father God,

Thank you for loving us.

Thank you for providing the bible that we might read and understand your word.

Jesus,

Thank you for sending the holy Spirit that he might lead us into your truth.

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. - John 16:12-14

Holy Spirit,

Lead us now into such truth as we are able to bear. Prepare us that we may be able to bear more.

God,

May our hearts be steadfast - seeking your truth rather than bowing to the traditions of men.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. - Psalm 1: 1-4

Father we come to fellowship with you - your love has led us to you - teach us from your word, help us to meditate in it day and night.

Lord we are here to talk with you now ---

---

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Choose Today Whom You Will Serve

2006-03-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

Father God,

We Love you.

Thank you that we can learn to have healthy relationships from and with you.

We are selfish, you have been giving - while retaining what is essential.

We change without reason, you have been constant in love.

In all things you have acted with love, both giving and withholding according to your greater wisdom.

You know what is best for us - have the Holy Spirit guide us - help us to listen, that we may walk according to your perfect will.

Thank you that you are not controlling - but are directing us with wisdom and in love.

We wish to restrain ourselves - that we may better reflect your presence in our lives.

Our love for you is a reflection of the love that you first gave us.

We pray that others may see this love shining from us and desire a relationship with you also.

Jesus,

It is with joy that we approach you.

You gave so much, and we enjoy such privilege through you, that we are in awe of the process.

That you have made this privilege available to all that seek you causes us to be filled with wonder.

Help us to share the joy and authority endowed through our relationship - so that others may apprehend that which has apprehended us.

We recognize also that you have rescued us from a life of futility and an eternity separated from you.

You have given us a choice to follow you; and dwell in heaven - or to follow Satan - and dwell with him in his punishment in Hell.

Jesus you sacrificed yourself to prepare the way for us to enter heaven.

We therefore turn away from following Satan and this world's empty lusts and misguided goals.

Instead we in love and joy choose to follow you Jesus.

Jesus Christ - you are by choice our God - not by place of birth or by other's demands - but by our own personal choice.

Holy Spirit,

We know you appeal to those that have not accepted Jesus to turn away from sin and toward Jesus Christ.

We know you dwell with those of us that have accepted Jesus to teach and comfort us - we make ourselves available to you now.

We ask that you further fill us to overflowing that others may be touched by you through us, and that we might exhibit the power of God in our lives.

Lord God,

You are the same - yesterday, today, and forever.

We ask that we may approach that constancy. Help us to remain in your presence.

We continue this discussion and prayer now - dwelling with you in your love ---

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Our Growing Joy In Christ vs. Temporary pleasures

2006-03-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

.

Look at Paul's life.

From a respected Jewish leader and teacher to a persecuted and then prosecuted leader of a Jewish sect.

It is a life he chose.

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 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; 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; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. - IICorinthians 11: 24-28

We talk of how the short term and diminishing pleasures of this world are a poor substitute for the growing joy of a relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy keeps growing for eternity contrasted with a life dedicated to self where repeating a pleasurable act is eventually less satisfying with each occurrence.

But instant gratification is understandable to those that do not have a relationship with God. Moreover a choice to engage in whatever is pleasurable to you is perhaps logical if your life may end in seconds and there is no eternity.

Happily life is not necessarily so futile - you can build a relationship with Jesus Christ that will endure, and that years from now will be stronger and more joyful. This relationship can be eternal. You do have a choice.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. - ICorinthians 15: 12-20

Father God,

Thank you that we can come to you knowing that you love us.

We give ourselves over to growing closer to you, to learning how to live in the joy that you have promised.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. - Psalm 34:8

Jesus,

Thank you for loving us and for in faith dying that you might be the first fruit of a family of believers living eternally with you. You were the adoption price for entering a family relationship of peace and joy. We marvel at what you have accomplished.

Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. - Romans 14:4

Holy Spirit,

Draw us to the truth, teach us and direct us as we grow in the wonderful promise that is now available to us.

Eternity is ours.

Joy for eternity is ours.

A relationship with the living and loving God is ours.

In Jesus Christ

God we love you because you first loved us.

In Jesus Christ's holy name we now continue in conversation and fellowship with you ---

-

Life is to be lived

2006-03-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

"It is surely harmful to souls to make it a heresy to believe what is proved." - Galileo

The question is -what has been proved?

Most that I have heard argue for Intelligent Design are compromisers. They have a limited idea of where science fits into faith or faith fits into science. ID seems to have been created to fight evolution - not to offer a truth.

There are other choices that fit the science - I'll list but two.

The first is so simple it may seem facetious. Adam and Eve were both created as fully mature individuals - the earth may have also been created mature. We know there were dinosaurs - we can sum up this theory by saying Adam may have had a belly button.

The second takes the contested prehistory records and puts them back on their feet. The Earth and its inhabitants are not evolving - they are decaying.

Devolution makes much more sense than Evolution. So much more sense the subject is avoided by those that are uncomfortable with a theory that incorporates a possibility of a creator.

We know systems are not self ordering. Devolution accepts that God created the universe - and it has been decaying ever since.

Intelligent Design as I have heard it explained -has avoided staking a claim for Biblical inerrancy by compromise. Evolutionary Theory as I studied it has compromised away from proved science such as entropy, and from logic, to fight faith.

There is room for many other theories - and current science will accommodate many more.

We are still in the dark ages.

Father God,

we come to you knowing you are, and that you are a rewarder of those that diligently seek you.

We seek you now.

We ask for you to have patience with us as step by step we individually overcome our many errors. You know our frame - that we are but dust.

Yet God you have created us with a holy purpose, that we might join in your family as your adopted children - this is indeed glorious.

Teach us today as much as we can learn - we know that this learning in itself will be a joy.

Jesus,

We put away temporary and declining pleasures that can even for an instant separate us from the growing joy of our relationship with you.

Thank you for forgiving us again when we fail.

Lord teach us to accept truth - your word is truth.

Holy Spirit,

lead us now as we come before the throne of God, call to remembrance the word of God and its meaning in our lives.

Father we enter before you now, you who placed the stars in the heavens and the breath in our bodies.

God we ask to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, your son, that you willingly sacrificed as our adoption price into your family.

In the name of Jesus we come to you now to converse with you, we enter in with joy ---

-

You and God together can accomplish anything

2006-03-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

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Father God,

Thank you for caring for us.

We know you have made the earth and the fullness thereof, and we know you have made it and us for a purpose.

God we ask that you will lead us into that purpose that we were created to fulfill. With you all things are possible

We thank you in Jesus Christ's holy name.

Amen (so be it)

The fullness of the Earth was created by God.

Our lives have a purpose. As individuals we each have a way of completing marvelous achievements. You and God together can accomplish anything.

God has the power, but he has given authority to mankind on the earth. That leaves you several choices.

You can choose to go it alone - and try to understand the spiritual.

You can unite with Satan and his fallen angels. Satan and his demons understand the spiritual and will use your authority to their ends - and your unpleasant end. Satan is but a creature. He is without power and without authority - except for what he steals or is loaned.

You can unite with God and use your relationship with him to learn how to apply the authority he has given you - this is by far the strongest combination. God is the creator - not a created being with delegated authority.

You and God together can accomplish anything.

Spend time in prayer - conversation with God - seeking and learning.

If you feel powerless to effect change, spend time with God who has the power. Reading the Bible teaches us to recognize God's voice and to understand the aspects of the authority we have available.

If you want to explore a relationship with God - click here.

Jesus,

We thank you for your overwhelming love and sacrifice - made so we may have a relationship with you.

Holy Spirit lead us into knowledge as we read the Bible. We wish to study and to learn of our potential. Guide us and direct us into the truth.

Father God we come before you right now. We are joined with other believers, regardless of distance or time, to converse and discover your perfect will for our lives.

We ask that you reveal yourself and your plans for us ---

-

Jesus Loves Us

2006-02-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

It is so easy to pass over - Jesus loves you - as a platitude.

It has become a bumper sticker equivalent of "how are you," said without thought, heard without meaning.

How do we reach large numbers of people with the truth, when the truth becomes a marketing slogan?

We don't.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. - I Corinthians 1:17-18

The wisdom of this world, the wisdom of marketing slogans, is of no value to the gospel.

Each person with which we converse, and we ourselves, are unique. It is the Holy Spirit working in us that helps bring an individualized message of hope to everyone.

God may lead someone to him from your bumper sticker or a single statement. The hope someone else has planted may be watered by you.

The key is to pray - and then to obey. Study the Bible so that you will recognize God's voice, he will not contradict himself. Ask The Holy Spirit to assist you as you read.

Prayer is the conversation of friends united in love, join with God in prayer constantly.

God attends to the miracle of growth, and will be there for the harvest. Be led of God, and you will share with all the workers in the rewards of the harvest.

God knows what each individual needs to hear or not hear, the Holy Spirit will guide you.

I remember a fellow in a music group that at the start of a service felt God leading him to share a specific word with the congregation. He resisted because it was so specific. Impressed through the whole service - he finally blurted it out before the final song. Someone who had just entered burst out crying. God touched the listener with exactly the word he needed. God also touched the singer - God had known how long he would have to speak with him so the message was perfectly timed for the hearer.

God knows us intimately and individually, God is also smarter and wiser than we are. If we want the best for his kingdom, for our loved ones, for ourselves - we need to listen and act as the Holy Spirit directs.

God is more than big enough to work all things to good when we act in faith at his word.

Jesus loves us, and will only direct us in our and everyone else's best interest.

Lord God,

Thank you for placing your hand on us.

Thank you for that touch that heals and instructs.

Thank you for the love that binds us to you - and you to us.

We come to you now, knowing that none of us is preferred in your sight. We all have equal access to you, your wisdom and knowledge, and your love.

In Jesus Christ's holy name we come to talk with you.

Let love shape the language as we talk ---

-

Freedom & Responsibility - or - The Easy Way Out

2006-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Why are people attracted to the comfort of cults?

In a cult there are strong leaders that will tell you what to believe and how to act.

It is the opposite of freedom and responsibility.

Many people follow the easy broad path as driven sheep.

Sheep led by demanding teachers at school, by bureaucratic bosses at work, by political party or government officials that demand adherence to their philosophies, and above all - by spiritual leaders that demand compliance with their teachings.

If you are stuck in any of these situations - learn to think and act for yourself.

If the oppression is too great to overcome - move.

Find a place where self determination is rewarded.

Private or home schooling - your own business - a different party or country - a relationship with Jesus Christ.

You can always move back again if that is your decision.

Church is not a building. Church is not a local group calling themselves Christian. Church is not even an international movement that uses the word church in their name.

The Church is the corporeal unity of those that have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

There is no force or coercion used by God - he offers you the free choice of relationship. Man on the other hand loves to create special rules, regulations, and inducements to draw you into their religion.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. - John 8:36

Christ can set you free from this world's systems.

yes we are sinners
yes we need to repent
yes we will still make mistakes
God will not throw us out for mistakes, he will help us to escape and eventually to triumph over our sins
our relationship is based on God's freely given sacrifice - not our hard work

Your relationship has been defined by God with certain characteristics - you are given the choice of entering into and leaving it at will. God has paid the adoption price to adopt you into his family - the question is - are you willing to join?

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. - Psalm 34:8

If you were raised in a church and are now disenchanted, it is probably man that disappointed you, not God. You may have even disappointed yourself, not fitting in with man's rules.

Consider God's offered relationship instead. Join Jesus Christ as part of his Church - not a man created church.

You do not need me, or another man, a book, or an (fallen?) angel to tell you how to act and what to believe.

In fact the Bible is simple enough it will take a dedicated person to mislead you.

Instead talk to God (prayer) ask him to have the Holy Spirit help you to understand his love letters (the Bible).

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. - John I: 10-13

The choice is yours.

A suggestion - subject to your choice of course - start with one of the New Testament gospels - Matthew or John - they tell you about Jesus the Christ.

Next read the book of Acts - it will show you the Church and how believers should act. Find a local church that acts like that - it will not be perfect - it is inhabited by people as subject to error as we are. They do need to try and follow God rather than bow to the traditions of men.

In all areas of your life the choice is yours - be a sheep following other sheep or discover, decide, and act for yourself. You may decide it is better to follow the good shepherd.

There is more work in discovery, it may get uncomfortable, but the truth must be sought by you and for you.

Others may guide - it is always your choice.

Please join us now in prayer:

Father God,

Thank you for loving us.

We ask you now for your help, send your Holy Spirit to guide us as we study your words.

We want to know you God.

We come before you to seek understanding of ourselves, by understanding you better.

Lead us

Direct us

Help us to find you

In Jesus Christ's holy name we thank you that we can talk with you now ---

-

On Vacation

2006-02-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

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I will be back from a short vacation about Feb 20.

For Information about your relationship with the living God- check here.

If you want direction for prayer - please pray for Asian Missions.

May you find and live in God's best,

Allan

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Wisdom and Understanding

2006-02-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

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Thank you Jesus,

Jesus - you have provided for us all we will ever need.

Spiritually - psychologically - socially - physically - everything.

Every good and perfect gift comes through our relationship with you.

We thank you.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - James 1:17

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:25-27

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. - Romans 3:21-26

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:14-16

Father God - we want to know and understand the truth you have given, and the love you so willingly share with us.

Holy Spirit, teach us to listen to you regarding our needs.

Help us to grow in both wisdom and understanding.

Deal with us God not according to our limitations - but according to your love.

We have eagerly come to spend time with you.

We enter boldly before you now - - -

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Praise The Lord!

2006-02-05T00:13:00.000-08:00

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Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her,

Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

Dear Jesus,

We are so in need of your wisdom.

We have missed many opportunities to grow closer to you.

So much time has been spent performing tasks and thinking thoughts that have no eternal value.

The honest integrity of your word sits before us, and we ignore it for mindless tasks that divert us from the search for you.

If we pay attention to you, you will take care of all things. Holy Spirit help us therefore to live as we believe - following Jesus Christ.

Give us wisdom and understanding, that we might seek the better things that you offer.

Father God - in Jesus name we come before you to spend time with you.

Instruct us ---

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Be Not Conformed To This World

2006-02-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

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.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. -- Matthew 5:10-16

Are we trying too hard to conform to this world?

We are condemned as Christians because of the antics of some that call themselves Christian.

If we are already condemned by the world - we need to speak the truth openly.

If someone is to be offended by Christianity -- let it be for the cross, the blood of Jesus Christ, the need for repentance, the resurrection, and the proclamation that there is but one way to God.

Drown out the voices of the political aspirants, the social balkanizers, those that would appease critics by diluting and diminishing the gospel. We who love Christ must boldly proclaim the truth we know, the world needs to hear our voice in concert.

Lord Jesus,

Help us lord to speak without fear the truth you have given to us. Heal our divisions lord, we know your body should not be in pieces. Let us speak the truth we share:

your death by choice
your resurrection as prophisised
your power to save and heal
one God, three persons - Father - Son - Holy Spirit
your sacrificial blood as the only route to salvation
Faith
Hope
Love

And the greatest of faith, hope, and love is -- love.

God you are love.

Thank you for the blessings you have given us.

We come to you now, seeking to know you better---

-

The Chess Game

2006-01-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Consider life as being like a chess game.

The difference is that in life there are over 6 billion pieces, and they move themselves whenever they want.

We are each just one piece, and we can't even see the whole chess board.

God sees the whole board, he is more than smart and wise enough to move you in a way that is good for you, for others, and for his kingdom.

The best play is to trust the chess master.

Listen, then follow where the Holy Spirit leads.

Father God we thank you for your love and guidance.

Direct us we pray, help us to listen and respond to you.

Bless our efforts Lord Jesus - turn them to good. We love you and are the called according to your purpose.

Bless what we have said and done and what we have left unsaid and undone.

We turn our lives over to you for we know you first loved us.

Holy Spirit teach us to respond to your love and direction. Father we come before you now - cleansed by the blood of Jesus ---

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Two Questions About God

2006-01-25T00:21:00.000-08:00

There are two types of questions we receive about our faith.

The first is combative, expecting argument -- with a list of puzzles the presenter expects to stump a Christian.

If you answer the first question, they will ignore the answer and go to another question - and on and on. These questions are not seeking truth, they are products of a closed mind and an ego that is a spring holding their mind shut.

A sample would be "How can you say the Bible is true when Science proves otherwise?"

If you handle this by asking "If I answer your question will you be ready to accept Jesus as your Savior?" They will likely answer "never," and ask another argumentative question.

Their goal is to confuse you and to prove themselves superior.

A reasonable answer would be: "you do not want to know -- you want to argue. A god that could be fully explained to you would be a very small god indeed. God is who he is, he is not made in our image, we are made in his."

Arguments of days or months will not sway them either, only the conviction of the Holy Spirit will reach them. Pray for them and leave them to their silly arguments unless guided otherwise.

A sincere question is the second type we will be asked. This question comes from someone that hopes we can expand their understanding.

Pray for yourself that you will be open to the Holy Spirit and able to communicate truth.

We come before you Holy Father knowing you have forgiven us in Jesus name.

Take our lives lord, we offer them up to you.

Fill us to overflowing with your spirit, that we might splash knowledge of your grace on others.

Bless us and lead us, help us to understand your love and help us to grow closer to you.

We commit to you lord, our lives are yours. Give us wisdom that we may know what you desire of us. Give us strength that we might follow your will once we perceive it.

Keep us lord, there is so much that might distract us from you.

Bless us, bless our service.

In Jesus Christ's name we now present ourselves before your throne ---

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Let Us Pray Together

2006-01-21T22:10:00.000-08:00

Thank You Lord!

We know in whom we have believed, and we know you are able to deliver.

Lord God:

We know you seek to show yourself strong on our behalf.

We ask that you, as the holy one of Israel, will move on behalf of us and particularly on behalf of your Church.

We stand today in need of revival.

There are many that carry a weak form of visible godliness but deny the power thereof. We do not want to lightly bear the name of Jesus Christ - we want to live in fellowship with you.

Consecrate us to your service. May we be vessels that are willingly shaped by you to your good purpose. God touch us so that we may touch others, spreading the fire of conviction and repentance first through those that profess to believe, and then on to those that do not know you.

We gather together as the body of Christ - knowing you are not concerned with distance or time - we pray together.

We are agreed that we will allow ourselves to be used by you. Work a miracle of change in us, then use us to effect miracles of change in our churches and our world.

We are dependent on you God.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

We therefore come boldly before you in Jesus Christ's holy name ---

-

Praise God!

2006-01-18T04:54:00.000-08:00

(feel free to personalize this prayer: say I instead of we, me instead of us, my instead of our.)

Thank you Lord for loving us.

We come to you knowing that you first loved us.

Jesus we love you, Father we love you, Holy Spirit we love you.

Bless us, keep us; assist us Lord.

We need your help.

Jesus thank you that you have provided us with your word - your word is truth. Holy Spirit guide us as we study the word of God. Teach us in the way we should go, that as we mature we might not depart from it.

We ask you for opportunity to serve you.

Lord put before us those that need your touch.

Guide us that we might plant, water, or assist in your harvest.

Give us opportunity to help those in the body of Christ with prayer, encouragement, and any actions you know they will require.

Give us the courage and wisdom to assist as the needs arise.

Lord God with your assistance we know we will be able to do, or refrain from doing, exactly the right things.

We know all things work together for our good, we love you, and we are the called according to your purpose.

We abandon self-condemnation of our past, you have forgiven us and turned the past to good.

In your word we find a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Help us to determine to stay on your path.

Lord as you have patience with us, let us have patience with fellow Christians. You know our frame, that we are but dust; keep us aware that our brothers and sisters are but dust also.

We commit our ways to you.

In the holy name of Jesus Christ we love you and enter into fellowship with you now - - -

-

2006-01-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. - Luke 22: 39-46

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. - Luke 18: 29-30

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - I Peter 5: 6-7

Lord guide us to you.

-

Thank you for approaching us with a clear plan of salvation.

Help us to realize that while it is simple to enter into a relationship with you, simple does not mean easy. It was simple for you to die on the cross, but as shown by your agonizing prayer while the disciples slept, it was an extremely difficult path you chose to walk.

Our adoption into your family is paid for by your sacrifice, - it all seems so easy.

We may now grow in the knowledge of who you are, how this world is truly ordered, and what you have done for us.

Lord we believe you.

Lord - we believe in you.

Dear Jesus; - thank you for what you have done for us. Based on that knowledge, we must give ourselves up as you have, guide us as we walk with you.

It is in your death and resurrection that we find the power to overcome our training - and the strength to yield to the truth.

You are truth.

To live our lives with any other central focus will be to lose sight of your truth.

We give up control of - family, nation, party, friends, jobs and all we thought was our responsibility. We are yours. We come to you and give you what we thought was most important.

Take care of us, we cast our cares on you.

In Jesus name we now come to talk with you --

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Big Words Can Hide Simple Truths

2006-01-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

There is a pleasure in using big words.

The pleasure is more than just ego food. Our big words can lend an air of power to what we say.

I remember a poet once told me, "Never use a word you are proud of."

A screenwriter told me not to use words that are to exact. He said that while touching his nose. "Right on the nose words," he was saying, "are wrong."

Big words lock out those that have to guess at their meaning.

Big words form an in-crowd, and an out-crowd.

Christianity is so simple, you have to be trained to not understand it.

If you catch me trying to impress with big words, leave a comment. In fact, if you catch me in any way making it sound like Christianity is complex, comment.

I know there are mysteries in the Christian faith that are beyond our understanding. We did not make God in our image; God is who he is. It would be a very small god indeed if his total being could be easily explained and understood.

A relationship with God is easy to attain, he constructed the relationship for us.

Lord God,

Thank you for loving us even when we ignored you. Keep us aware of who we are in you, and why in Jesus we can be so respected by you. Help us to share the good news that you have shared with us.

Jesus, thank you for paying the price for my errors. I ask that you keep me aware of the areas in my life you want to fix next. I know the list is long, thank you for your patience.

Holy Spirit, Thank you for first showing me the error I was living. Thank you for coming beside me and helping me. But most of all I thank you for the love that you show me. That love overflows and touches others. I am filled to overflowing with your presence. Let me continue to walk in you as you live in me.

I give up my claim to be proud or boastful, remind me when I err.

In Jesus Name

....

Joy Through Prayer

2006-01-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

Pleasures are short term things, Joy not only endures, it can grow.

Your relationship with God through Jesus Christ is meant to be a source of joy.

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 5:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation. Psalm 35:9

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:8-11

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17

I can put a message above the prayer, but it would be an error to try to put a message in the prayer. - Prayer is conversation with God.

To preach at you when I am claiming to talk to God would diminish the reality of that conversation. I will type the start of my prayer time; please join me.

Then continue to talk, listen, & hear as you converse with the Lord of life.

Father God,

We thank you for all you have done in our lives. We seek to see you as you are, not as we would make you out to be. In the name of Jesus Christ our savior; we enter in to your presence, fellowship with us, draw us to you.

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A Time For Prayer

2006-01-03T01:47:00.000-08:00

What the body of Christ needs now is PRAYER!

What this little chapel meeting needs to do is pray.

We will keep our Wednesday & Sunday format with an occasional something in between.

But what we will meet for is a season of prayer.

Join us in this simple prayer, add as much more as you wish. We are praying together, God is not concerned with distance, or time.

Father God, help us this day to do what you desire us to do. We give our lives to you, reach out and touch our needs. We know you are a loving God, and as a good father loves his children, so you lead us in the way we should go. Thank you for being with us. Bless us. Help us to serve you.

If you need prayer, leave your requests in the comments, anonymous is ok.

From one of my other sites I have this prayer request:

I read your most recent post and thought since your a believer that I would ask you to pray for my wife and me. We are both disabled and I am on life support in twenty days the electric company will disconnect our electric because we cannot pay the total bill! I am not asking for money!!! Just prayer. Thank you and Grace and peace to you,

My prayer for him, and I ask you to join me, and add more as you wish:

Lord God, we love you.

Thank you for loving us.

In the name of Jesus Christ we seek healing for our brother and his wife. In Jesus Christ we are one church, regardless of denomination; we are one body, in agreement for their healing.

We also know that you are our provision, Our brother's needs will be met by you, no matter what agency you use to effect deliverance. We do not look to men, but to you, for we know that you are a rewarder of those that diligently seek you.

We receive these things as a gift from you.

We ask this in the Holy name of Jesus Christ our Savior.

To God be the Glory

Amen

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What We Were Made For

2005-12-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

Our lives serve several purposes.

I had a talk with an epicurean friend. He said he was smart enough to know there is a God, but selfish enough to experience all the sensual things the world has to offer. His defining statement for his personal philosophy was "I am a greyhound bred to run, Christianity would be a cage that would limit my real being.

The Lord gave me the proper response. My friend was more like a fish, born to one medium, but desiring another. He was flopping on the shore in the "freedom" of air; denying the reality of his design.

Fish were made to swim in water.

Birds were created to fly through the air.

Man was made to share a relationship with God.

Secure that relationship right now.

Once you have that personal relationship with the living God, you will find he has a plan for your life that suits you perfectly. You may have several specific purposes on this earth, all of them within God's plan.

You can only experience fullness of life when you are doing what you were made for.

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Internal Conflict - Cognitive Dissonance

2005-12-27T00:51:00.000-08:00

Trained expectations, absolutes, cultural mores, educational indoctrination, anecdotal evidence, lack of congruence.

Confused?

So am I.

I pray and seek the Lord on an action, than do as I am lead; that should be the end of the matter.

Instead I am disquieted as the action is at odds with training and perception that have been culturally fixed since birth. I know it was the right thing to do, and it was done the right way at the right time. What raises the internal confusion is that I feel I should be doing what I have always been told I should do.

You think that is confusing listen to Paul: "For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do."

So I have my sinful nature in charge sometimes. I have my indoctrination into my society in charge sometimes. What I truly want in charge of my life is God's will. When I succeed in following the Holy Spirit; my nature and my education rebel against it. I am at war within myself.

I am working through this, and probably always will be.

My first step has been to realize that as a child of the living God, Earth is not my home. - My country is Heaven. I am just a visiting ambassador here - it is the rule of Heaven that I want to control my life.

Notice this is my choice.

We will serve someone -

our country
our boss
ourselves
all of the above and more

The choice is yours. You are a servant.

Enjoy it.

God - loves - you. God is smarter and wiser than you are. If you want the best for yourself and everyone, serve God.

The next thing to realize is that much of what I "know" is wrong.

Shakespeare: "He is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature"

Today the barbarians exist in the political blogs, and in many religious writings also. Those that believe everything they heard at home, were taught at school; everything they have shouted as fact ever since. They ever wait to inject digested opinion into conversation as if it were a proof. They never read or listen to anyone contrary to their opinion; except to criticize based on their opinion and to have an opportunity to shout back. They believe the pronouncements of their party or church are the laws of nature.

The pronouncements of God are the laws of nature.

I am sometimes that barbarian. Years of public school have taught me a great deal about how to be good for those that control the public. Be polite, raise your hand, sit still, be obedient to those in charge, etc. Over half a Century of life in mostly one country has taught me to view the world the way those of my tribe and island view the world.

I read the Bible and find a different view. I read the Bible and find a freedom of choice not offered by my education - but it is hard to stop being a barbarian.

The point of this is that we, as intelligent, God loving and God loved people, must set aside our earthly training. There will be emotional discomfort at realigning our lives with God in control.

Our professions, our families, our countries, our "social class," our emotional ballast must all be relegated to a minor role.

That is if we seek to serve God.

As we serve God we can count on him leading us to do what is best for our families, our professions, the Earth. God loves us. God is smarter and wiser than we are.

Seek God.

Seek God's Will.

Do God's will.

Become a bit less the barbarian.

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Happy Jesus Birthday

2005-12-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

Yes I know it is probably the wrong day.

This day has become a day for family and fun, and those are good things.

Remember through this whole holiday season that to be born is a start on the road to death.

It is Jesus Christ's death and resurrection in power; not his birth, that gives us abundant life.

Celebrate Christmas.

Celebrate the pleasure of a personal and eternal relationship with the living God that it precedes.

For those that will accept the relationship brought to them by the babe in the manger.

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Traditions of Men

2005-12-21T01:26:00.000-08:00

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition. - read Mark 7

This is a good time of year to look back and see what has been done for the kingdom of God.

There is the Church, those that have a relationship with God and each other through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

There are churches, made up of people, some with those relationships, some without. Some church goers do not know the joy of a relationship with God. Some churches are as Jesus Christ called the scribes and Pharasies; hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead bones.

Sadly, if a hypocrite is getting between you and God, by definition he is closer than you are. Look at God, seek his help, he will respond where people will fail.

Unless God has specifically called you to a dead church, it is time to leave it and join the Church and fellowship with the body of believers. Pray, and see where God would have you go.

I can give you a list of the ways to tell a church is not connected to God, but it is better if the Holy Spirit leads you out, and then into the Church.

Get your relationship right with God. Take some time and take your Bible and pray.

Let God guide you, not the traditions or teachings of men.

The laws and traditions of men may be a comfort for a short while, but they tie you to a false value system.

The joy of a relationship with God is eternal.

Jesus is Lord.

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Open Your Heart To Jesus

2005-12-17T02:52:00.000-08:00

You may have to open your mind also.

It is time to take a big step back.

We all have a lot of things we hold to be true, that are not true.

I spent my early years in a church. There were some fine folks there, some strong believers there, and a lot of social activity.

In my teens I left church, and drifted through various religions and philosophies. I was too smart to believe all that Christian stuff.

In college I was at my peak of ignorance, because I thought I was so knowledgeable.

I found when I decided to check out the church again that much of what I had learned did not line up with the Bible. I had to do two things to find God.

I had to open myself to instruction, reading the Bible and asking God to instruct me in it.

I had to open my mind to new thoughts, I found the "facts" I had been taught in school did not necessarily line up with reality. Again I asked God to instruct me.

The questions have been answered. Of course now I have new questions.

But I know that Jesus Christ lives, I converse with him frequently, I have been involved in miracles with him.

An atheist might as well try to convince me I do not exist. I err, therefore I know I am.

If you honestly want to know if God exists, grab a bible, head for a quiet spot, and ask God to help you read it. The Bible is straightforward, the Holy Spirit will lead you into understanding.

There are things I know to be true. There are things I believe to be true. There are things I will discover I was wrong about.

We will be as surprised in Heaven by who is there, as by who is not there.

This I know for sure.

Jesus Christ loved you enough to die for you, he loves you enough to instruct you if you will ask.

Open your heart to Jesus.

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An Agnostic Seeks Answers

2005-12-14T00:50:00.000-08:00

How do you prove God exists to someone that doesn't believe God can be proven to exist?

I have just received an email from an agnostic fellow (MM) that asked me if I could help him find God.

Let us assume MM is honestly an agnostic, and not just another atheist out to make sport of other's beliefs. I do not mind the atheist darts mind you, they do give a direction for prayer, and sometimes they do hit a worthy target.

Scripture is plain that someone plants, another waters, and the Holy Spirit brings forth the harvest. The pressure is on God to create the harvest - we just play gardener.

A first step then is to pray that God will send other workers to this particular field. God knows MM's heart, God knows MM's needs, God knows how best to reach MM; if MM is receptive.

Agree with me right now for God to reach MM.

A second step is to pray and ask Jesus what he would have us do; then we need to do it.

Although I will continue to pray for MM, regardless of his sincerity, I will request one action of him - to keep an open mind.

A reasonable test of his openness is to read my opinions page. Nothing there is absolute, but if MM's preconceived opinions cause him to not even consider alternate opinions, there is little my scant knowledge alone will be able to do for him.

That leaves the third step; turning MM over to the Holy Spirit to convince him of his sin. If he will respond to that, the little water I've added to the soil may help his faith to sprout.

MM, this Wednesday message is just for you.

MM, we are praying for you.

Jesus is Lord!

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Everything Within Christ Is Ministry

2005-12-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

This is the other side of the post on sin.

One part of the Christian walk is waiting. - That can be wait as standing by, or wait as a servant waits on a table.

When we are waiting, it seems like nothing is happening.

We can wonder if we are doing what the Lord wants, if we are missing the opportunity to serve God and his kingdom.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. - Luke 12: 35-37

If you are committed to Jesus Christ, If you are willing and anxious to follow his lead, you are serving God.

God loves us more than we love ourselves. God loves the lost more than we could ever love them. God is wiser and smarter than we are. If we are to serve him it is best for everyone that we do it how and when he directs.

If you act as God leads, everything you do is ministry unto God. If you are shopping, working, or just being lazy, be ready to answer Christ's call. That readiness is ministry to God.

You are called.

To be what you are called to be, follow God.

He may change your direction once in a while, keep following.

Our life is like a giant chess game and the other pieces are able to move themselves. God is the chess master, he will move with you as the board changes, be ready for change.

God is love.

Live in that love and all you do is ministry.

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Liberty and the Church

2005-12-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

Freedom to preach as we are led.

Just a quick note.

Over at Bastiat Free University they are providing access to a free DVD with over 500 books, articles, and letters about Liberty. Get yours free.

We have referenced this portable liberty library here before with the Pufendorf essay from 1687 on separation of Church and state.

Our article on the Free Church also draws from this material.

Check it out, get your own library of liberty, at no charge.

Find Joy In Your Life

2005-12-07T01:02:00.000-08:00

If you do not know Jesus as your savior and lord, you are missing the great joy of this life.

Yes, there will still be difficulties, but you will have someone to share the load. Traveling with the companionship and support of God can make your entire life journey a wonderful adventure.

A few temporary pleasures are no replacement for living in joy.

Start your walk with God now. Ask Jesus to forgive you and adopt you into his family.

That's it.

Now it is time to learn how to live in the abundant joy he promised.

Find a local Church that teaches God's word according to the Bible.

Get involved in a regular prayer service.

Remember at all times that your new relationship is with Jesus Christ, everything else is secondary.

Don't let service to or with a group of believers become more important than following God's will for you.

Go straight to the Bible for direction. Start with the books of John and Acts in the new testament.

You have begun the great adventure.

Enjoy it.

Jesus is Lord!

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Everything Outside of Christ is SIN

2005-12-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

Kind of tough isn't it, everything is sin?

You give a bit to the poor, you work hard, you talk up your political party. - How can those good things be sin?

An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. - Proverbs 21 :4
The plowing of the wicked is sin.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. - Ephesians 2: 8, 9

Grace, the love of God that you did not earn, is the source of a relationship with God.

Any sin separates you from the just and holy God, once separated nothing you do has the blessing of God upon it. Even plowing a nice straight furrow to grow crops is sin.

The only route to salvation, to a fully rewarding life, is through Christ Jesus.

That is why it is so misguided for Christians to harp on gay marriage, they might as well ban hard work marriage, and give to the poor marriage. A civil marriage is outside of the Church, and is in sin regardless of who is involved. To ban gay marriage is to select one sin and say it is hideous, all sin is hideous, for it destroys. Ban any marriage in the Church that has its focus on sin; ignore all marriage outside the Church as just one part of a world in sin.

If you are looking for a relationship with God, know he will require change in your life, if you are gay or straight.

If you are part of the Church, know that God requires change in us, we need to get ourselves straight before we look at others. We need to preach on the quest for holiness to believers before we condemn those outside the Church.

They are already condemned.

We need to show them the route of escape.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. - John 3:17-18

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Prayer is conversation with God

2005-12-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

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Why don't you pray?

Think about that, even if you pray just a little bit.

If our best friend calls, do we talk with them? - Usually.

If we have a problem do we feel free to ask an acquaintance what they might do? - Sometimes.

If an opportunity comes to us do we seek out knowledgeable and competent help to analyze it. - If we are smart we do.

Why don't we seek out God first.

Is God not your friend, concerned about your problems, and with the wisdom to understand complex opportunities?

Perhaps you say this, but don't really believe.

God is Love. God loves us more than we love ourselves. God is smarter and wiser than we are. If we want to be effective in our lives we need to seek and talk to God.

He will answer.

He wants to converse with you.

Pray!

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Weakness of the Flesh

2005-11-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

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It is so easy to just taste something we know is bad for us.

It is so easy to turn an excuse into a reason. - " Bob asked me out, I know he is not a Christian, but I can witness to him, and he is sooo cute."

With reasoning like that we open ourselves to trouble.

"Some of the guys like to go out drinking after work, they said they would avoid the stripper bar if I went with them. It is just a social thing, and I may get a chance to share with them"

Tell me when I stop preachin' and get to meddlin'. That is about the time I stop talking about another's temptation and get to your favorite temptation.

Think of the joy and authority you experience in a prayer meeting, - are you going to approach that in a bar?

What is more likely; the guys get you drunk and change bars, - or in a bar you convince them it is more fun to pray? How do you say no next week, or will you?

Bob may not only be sooo cute, he may be a really nice guy. What happens if he refuses your God, but you fall in love with him? Do you think life with an unbeliever will be easy and/or rewarding? - How about asking God to send in workers to lead him to Jesus, - first.

You not only can err by marriage to the wrong person, you can marry the right person at the wrong time.

Now think of that temptation that is right in front of you right now.

Pray.

Focus on your first love, - Jesus.

Why trade the growing joy of your life in Christ for a few tempting pieces of diminishing short term pleasure.

Yes, Jesus will take you back, but you may wander so far you may forget the joy you now have, or give up on reclaiming that joy.

Our life in Jesus Christ is not a position we have attained, it is a direction we are traveling. Stick to the narrow path less traveled by.

Jesus is Lord.

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I'm Not Smart Enough

2005-11-27T01:04:00.000-08:00

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Someday we will know as we are known.

For now too many things, too many wonderful things, are a mystery.

The Trinity is one of those mysteries.

One God, three persons; and our relationship to him.

Christ on the cross, and what his shed blood did for us.

The Holy Spirit that convicts the unsaved of sin, aids the saved, and fills to overflowing those that seek the fullness of God in their lives.

We have trouble understanding our relationships with other humans, how are we to understand our relationship with God?

It is a relationship based on trust and love. God has paid a price to have that relationship because we are important to him; he is not willing that any should perish.

I know God, I know God's love, what I don't know is how to explain the joy of that relationship to you. I also lack the simple words that will convey to you the road to trusting him.

One man plants, another waters, God brings in the harvest.

I have written pieces, here and here, about developing a relationship with God.

I just don't know how to convince you to take that second step. Jesus already took the first step toward you. Step out and meet him, a simple and sincere word of prayer is all the introduction you will need.

God will take it from there.

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There is One Church

2005-11-23T01:41:00.000-08:00

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Christ is not divided.

The Church is not a building or a small group of local believers. The Church is the (singular) body of Christ.

There are Christians in many local churches (small c); but going to church does not make you a Christian. There are without a doubt many local churches without any Christians in them.

Christ said "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. " - Matthew 18: 19, 20

Wherever you go in the world; if there are two of you in Christ Jesus you are in Church. Join us, together we are in Church.

We will be as surprised in heaven by who is not there, as by who is there.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

How, you ask, do I work it out?

Repent your sins, come to Jesus and be saved; - enter into the Joy of the Lord. The hardest part is accepting Christ has already done everything required for you to be saved, you just need to accept him.

That is just the start.

There is a wonderful relationship waiting for you with the creator of the universe.

Christ did not come to bring condemnation, but that through him you might be saved.

You were already condemned. Jesus Christ offers you the way out. Get out of the frustrations of the world and:

Enter in.

Taste of the Lord and see that he is good.

Jesus is Lord!

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Homosexual marriage

2005-11-19T01:35:00.000-08:00

Not a big deal.

Let it happen.

It would be a problem if it were a homosexual Christian marriage; just like it would be a problem if it were a gossiper's Christian marriage or a talking trash about your brothers Christian marriage. A Christian Marriage does not co-exist with sin by design.

If someone is not in Christ everything they do is sin, not just one thing. All they have is whatever makes them temporarily happy, let them have it. Don't join them, there is no reason for you to trade the growing joys of a relationship with Jesus Christ for the diminishing pleasures of entrapment to sin.

In the church we are not to continue in sin, we are to try and escape it. - Pray.

In the world they have a choice, accept Jesus Christ, or live their life of quiet desperation.

If you do not know Jesus as your savior and lord, you are missing the great joy of this life. Yes, there will still be difficulties, but you will have someone to share the load. Traveling with the companionship and support of God can make your entire life journey a wonderful adventure.

Whatever those outside of Christianity do is their own business, not ours. Only if they intrude in our lives should we speak out.

If you spend much of your time condemning others, look to see if you are really in Christ Jesus.

Those outside the Church should not be more free than everyone else, but they should be just as free as any of us. Take control of the sin you know you have in your own life before you condemn others. You have no right to try to control those outside the church, none.

Unless of course they interfere with other's freedoms.

God Loves Us

2005-11-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

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The reason for the virtual church is to encourage those that do not have a regular place of worship.

Check in if you are traveling or are posted to an area where a solid Bible believing church is not available.

If you don't know Jesus; hit that Accept Jesus Now button at the top of the page, there will be some information on why you might want to change the course of your life. You probably already know why and just didn't know how.

If you do know Jesus Christ as your personal lord and savior, drop on in a couple of times a week.

You can also visit our regular site if you want to know more about God, yourself, or us.

If you just want a bit of challenge or controversy, visit the opinions page.

When you pray, please lift a prayer for us also. Now is a good time to pray.

Jesus loves you.

Jesus is Lord!

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The Righteousness Of God

2005-11-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

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I don't feel very righteous this morning. In fact I feel down right down this morning; and now my spell checker is tossing out extra letters and removing text.

Happily feelings don't matter.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I Corintians 9:24

I'll post this and check the spell checker latter, If you spot more errors than usual, I will probably come back and fix them. In fact I may throw out the whole post and write another. Again.

Eventually the feelings will line up with God's word, and there is a lot of word in the Bible about how through Christ we have the fruit of righteousness in us.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - Philippians 1:9-11

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." - Isaiah 29: 14

or in I Corinthians 1: 18-31 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written:

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

^{In Christ Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. That is cool.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - Romans 3: 21-24

I feel better already.

I believe in Jesus and have the righteousness from God.

No watter what was dragging me down, I know I am justified by grace.

I have the righteousness of God, for I am in Christ Jesus.

Now that is a good substitute for what I was.

And the reality of it will last forever.

Jesus is Lord!

Allan

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Aspirin Therapy

2005-11-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

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The tests indicate a single aspirin a day may help some people avoid heart attacks or a stroke.

Many times a simple and easy action may help you, with almost no risk.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalm 34:8

What is your relationship to Jesus?

Are you not sure he is real?

There is a simple test.

Taste of the lord and see that he is good.

A simple and easy action that may help you, with almost no risk.

If you are not afraid to take a small step toward him; - he just might make a huge difference in your life.

He is standing there with his arms outstretched to you.

Go to him now.

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Is America Christian?

2005-11-09T01:21:00.000-08:00

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The short answer is: - no.

A somewhat longer answer that is somewhat correct: - America is a post-Christian nation.

The best answer is that no nation can be Christian. Christianity is about an individuals decision to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Nations can not make that decision.

Every person gets to choose, for themselves, if they will follow Christ.

There can be a national decision to follow Christian principles, but the application of those principles will always be flawed. The Bible is God's love letter to his people, those that do not know his love will misinterpret his words.

Most in America believe they are Christian because of something they do or have done. They were born in a Christian family, they go to a church, they were baptized, or maybe their father was a preacher. Many feel that believing there is a superior being is all that is necessary to be Christian.

The Bible says Satan believes in God, and trembles. Belief in God is not enough. You need a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That relationship is based on what God has done.

Check out this page to find the basics of Christianity.

Corrie Ten Boom said it well, "Just because you were born in a garage it does not make you a car."

Just 'cause you go to church or live in America it does not make you a Christian.

So how can America be a post-Christian nation?

There have been revivals in the past where huge numbers of Americans found a personal relationship with Jesus. Bars closed not due to pickets or laws, but resulted from folks finding it was more fun and fulfilling to attend prayer meetings then get drunk.

In those periods Americans as individuals, or areas of America, made the commitment to follow God. For now, those time are history.

For now we are left with this:

Have you made your choice to follow Jesus?
If you have accepted Christ as your savior, are you praying for revival?
Are you following your loving God's guidance?

Jesus loves you more than you love yourself. God is smarter and wiser than you are. If you want the best for yourself and everyone else, follow where the Holy Spirit leads.

The only person you can be sure is a Christian is yourself. Commit to Jesus, - he has made the commitment to you.

America is not Christian, - but you can be.

Jesus is Lord

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A Time For Prayer

2005-11-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

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I wrote a bit about prayer not long ago.

It is time for me to pray, for you.

That is a start.

Take a minute or two right now to pray for me.

It is so easy when we hear of a problem to say "I'll pray about it."

And then forget.

And then feel guilty the next time we see that person because we suddenly realize we forgot.

There is a cure for this promise, - forget, - guilt cycle.

Instead of saying "I'll pray for you," say "Let's pray now."

And do it.

Nothing to forget, its done.

If the Holy Spirit reminds you to pray again latter you can.

But you have already brought the matter up to God, all that remains is to continue the conversation with him.

Jesus is Lord!

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The Greatest is Love

2005-11-02T00:41:00.000-08:00

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I Corinthians 13: 13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Take a look at your Christian walk and your Christian talk.

Do you live a life of love?

When you talk to and about Christians, is your speech graced with love.

When you talk to and about unbelievers, is your love, and God's love, apparent?

God so loved the world that he gave his son.

There are many things important to your Christian walk.

The most important is love.

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Fighting God

2005-10-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

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We all make mistakes. We all are sinners, missing the mark on the target. We all fall short of our high calling in Jesus Christ.

We all can have forgiveness in Christ Jesus.

But what if a brother does something that sets our teeth on edge?

Pray.

You just might be the one that is wrong. If you start arguing before you pray you might find yourself fighting God.

Read the Bible, and pray some more. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you into the truth of the matter.

I say things here that annoy folks, but it is what I have gleaned from the scripture. I may be wrong. If after you have prayed and studied the Bible you still believe I am in error, let me know. Then it is my turn to pray and study the word. I will.

Some examples sure to get someone upset. I am not relating these to get someone upset, but because I believe they are true problems in today's church. We will just hit three right now.

1) Sin is Sin. If you are not in Christ Jesus even your charitable work is sin. This brings up a big problem. Gossip is a sin. Causing division in the church is a sin. Do you talk about brothers disdainfully, do you gossip? Churches that focus on sins of those outside the church, particularly one type of sin, miss the point. Preach about a relationship with Jesus to those outside, preach on the quest for holiness to those inside, and clean up your own sin before you point out other's sins.

2) Being more fervent about politics and your country than about God. God must come first. Those things that belong to God need to be subject to God. More prayer and Bible study. A case in point, your children. Did you dedicate your children to the Lord? If you have they are his, not your government's. Pray to God and seek his will for your children. Should you move to another country that has freedom of religion? Should your kiddos be home schooled, or put in a private school? They are God's children if you have given them too him, ask him to lead you to what is the right path. Be led not by emotion, but by every word of God.

3) Giving to God. If you are not a Christian, we do not want your money. If you are a Christian, you have been bought with a great price. Ask God what to do with your money and your life. Don't be legalistic, don't respond to emotional pleas; ask God. Seek God's will with prayer and fasting in all things. Don't settle for an easy way out. If you have little, give of your little if God so directs; he has promised to pay it back, and he is good for it. As he expands you, give more at his direction, - You can not out give God. As a Christian it is your responsibility to give, but seek to only give where God directs. Set aside what God says is the right amount, pray over it, follow his will. Don't worry about ministries that might fail for lack of support; if God is with them they will remain.

The basics: God is love, he loves you and yours more than you do. God is smarter and wiser than you. If God leads, Follow. The path walked following God will be to everyone's benefit, your, your children's, your churches, God's kingdom, - everyone.

Trust God.

Read the Bible.

Pray.

Do God's Will.

Jesus Is Lord!

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A Life Of Faith And Miracles

2005-10-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

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This was the life of George Muller.

Your life can also be one of faith and miracles.

Muller's was not an instant ministry, but one borne of trust and dependency on God over a period of many years.

When in 1854 The scriptural Knowledge Institution For Home And Abroad was founded by Muller, they held to these seven principles. (The links are of course ours.)

"We consider every believer bound - to help the cause of Christ."
"We never intend to ask unconverted persons of rank or wealth to countenance this Institution - In the name of God we set up our banners."
"We do not mean to ask unbelievers for money."
"We reject altogether the help of unbelievers in managing - the affairs of the Institution."
"We intend never to enlarge the field of labor by contracting debts - but in secret prayer - we shall carry the wants of the Institution to the Lord, and act according to the means that God shall give us."
We do not reckon the success of the Institution by the amount of money given - but by the Lord's blessing upon the work."
"We desire to go simply according to the Scripture, without compromising the truth."

I do not wish to imply that Junior Partner Ministries is on par with the institution Muller founded that housed and fed thousands of orphans by faith alone. But we, those of us and you that serve the risen Christ, serve the same Jesus that so rewarded the faith of Muller.

If we will allow God to work in us, he will do great things through us also.

If you have accepted Jesus as your savior - follow God.

Don't ask for money of men - ask God who provides liberally.

Don't ask for approval or help from unbelievers.

Don't borrow for the Gospels sake - if God wants it, he can afford it.

God is our Righteous Judge - his approval and blessing is our measurement of success.

Scripture, not the traditions of men, is our guideline.

Live a life of faith and miracles.

Jesus is Lord!

Opiate Of The Masses

2005-10-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

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One thing Marxists and Randian objectivists agree on. They have not seen God, they have not touched God, he therefore must not exist.

I however have met God, I have seen God, he has touched me, I have watched him work. The handiwork of God is all around us, if you care to take off the blinders of arrogance you will see that evidence.

I can not see or touch Marx or Rand, I can read their books and understand their thoughts. I have friends that are Marxists, I have spent a fair amount of time with folks that knew Rand. I believe Marx and Rand existed. I believe Marx is an archaic industrial age phenomenon that will hardly be a historical foot note in a few hundred years. I think Rand was brilliant, but was quite wrong about several things. I see it as a sign of mental laxity to fully agree with any human, the opiate for a lazy mind.

Marx could decry religion as the opiate of the masses, Rand could say God can not be proved. That does not change the reality; I know God, I have read his book, I talk with him constantly. If you knew the God I know, you would want to spend time with him too.

You too can know God.

If you know of God, but have not experianced his presence, you can.

Discover the real you have missed.

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WWJD, What Would Jesus Do?

2005-10-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

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This is not to minimize the fact that Jesus cares about every part of your life.

Every part.

But WWJD can convey more than an admonition not to break the speed limit or avoid a political argument.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - John 14: 12-18

Greater works than Christ did? Because he went to the father and sent us the Holy Spirit?

I guess it is just the first step to ask "What Would Jesus Do?"

The second step is, How do I do what Jesus did? Heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the hungry; how do I do this?

The answer is with the third question. How do I do greater works than Christ did? I can't do what Christ did alone. I need to use the authority of Jesus' name for God's power as instructed by the Holy Spirit.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. - John 16: 7

How do I show my obedience to Jesus? - Follow what he said.

Read the Gospels, they will show you who Christ is. Read the book of Acts and find out who we the Church are.

The book of Acts starts with a hidden and timid church, much like many today. They had an encounter and empowering of the Holy Spirit that changed them - even the opposing religious leaders noticed.

Then everyone noticed. Greater works, as promised by Jesus, happening all over the place.

Read the Gospels and the book of Acts, then pray for the Holy Spirit to instruct you. Men, myself included, can confuse. The Bible, with God's direction, will lead you to the truth.

Not just WWJD, but will I let God empower me to do more than Jesus did?

Trust God.

Read.

Pray.

Obey.

Jesus is Lord.

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Jesus is Lord!

2005-10-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

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I tend to end messages with Jesus is Lord but after last Wednesdays message it seemed appropriate to use it in greeting. If you want a review of who rules your life, look at the prior post.

Jesus is Lord!

Do you mean it? Are you willing to do as he asks, when and where he asks? Are you willing to have people point and stare and say "how unchristian," unfairly, as you do God's will.

Since they of course will say "how unchristian" even if you don't do his will, it is better to be condemned for doing the right things. You cannot and will not please everyone, concentrate therefore on pleasing God.

If you have Jesus as your lord you are in a good place. God is smarter and wiser than you are, and he loved you so much Jesus died for you. Obeying the Holy Spirit is doing what is best for you, your family, your world, and Christ's Kingdom.

Your dedication to Jesus must come before anything else. Read the Bible, Pray, get to know the man of peace. God is your source, start with him.

Follow Jesus.

Jesus is Lord!

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What does not matter

2005-10-12T00:56:00.000-07:00

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. - Mark 10: 42-25

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2: 11-13

In this world the governments exercise lordship over their citizens. As Christians it is Jesus that is our Lord. Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world. We have been grafted into the vine of Israel. We are part of Christ's kingdom, not an earthly one.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13: 7, 8

Those that have rule over us are those that led us to Christ. Follow their faith. Follow their leadership, as long as they continue to be led by the Holy Spirit. Learn to be lead by the Holy Spirit yourself. Follow Jesus.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. - Hebrews 13: 16-18

Obey your rulers ===> those in Christ that watch over your soul. Pray for Christian leadership, those that serve you in Christ.

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. - Matthew 22: 19-21

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. - Luke 16: 13

Chose this day whom you will serve. Follow God, or follow man, you cannot follow both and succeed for either. If the government wants your paycheck, give it too them. You are an ambassador of Christ's heavenly kingdom, if you keep God as your source he will keep you regardless of what government is in power. Read the book of Daniel again.

But your ruler is not an earthly government, it is God, follow the Holy Spirit as he leads. You and your family, if you are dedicated to God, are God's citizens not Caesar's property. Do and act as God Directs, not as mere man demands. Give the government their money and give God what is his, your life.

Then one of them, a lawyer, asked tempting him and saying "Master which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:35-40 ( KJV), see also Luke 10: 25-37

There is only one thing God is taking out of this world - people.

What does not matter. God has promised to take care of the what.

Who are your priorities.

Jesus is Lord.

Freedom of Thought

2005-10-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Public schools do not put the child first.

Management of the child comes first. The rules and guidelines, the indoctrination by repetition, the pleasing of authority rather than the pleasure of learning.

If you can, home school the kiddos. Let them explore knowledge they want to learn. Encourage them to read broadly.

They may not grow up to be a good employee. They will discover that we don't know it all. What they will also find is that they enjoy learning. The more they read, the easier and faster they will read, the more they will want to read.

If your kids want to know about a subject, they can study it in whatever depth they desire. If in the future they need knowledge for a project they will know how to find it, other than sign up for a class.

Here are some education and employment links:

Mark Twain said something to the effect that education is the unlearning of what we have been taught. He also said not to let your schooling get in the way of your education.

Self directed learning is a pleasure, teach that.

The most important decisions our kiddos make will be by their personal choice. Give them the tools to think and act from knowledge, independently, and with wisdom. That is true education.

Jesus is Lord!

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Awareness

2005-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

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It happened during a walk along the back bay. I was admiring the view, and in the back of my mind was an awareness that there were frequently lizards sunning in that patch of sunlight in front of me. Sure enough, as I approached I was looking right where a lizard sat watching me.

What does this have to do with your walk with Jesus?

I probably saw the lizard when I first thought about it, or perhaps a bit of motion from where he lay. Our senses are like that, we see hundreds of things with every glance in a new direction, but we notice at most a few of them. Our subconscious sorts all those impressions by what we have found important and paid attention to in the past, and lets through a filtered image. A reflection of ourselves hides the view through the window.

All of our lives are like that, if you spend your time complaining about your job or spouse, you will find more to complain about. If you spend time in prayer, expecting God to answer, you will start too see where he answers, when he does it. If you spend time reading God's word, the Bible, you will recognize God's voice when he speaks.

This is not an overnight process. I looked where I expected to see a lizard and saw none. I got closer and saw him, he had been there but my subconscious knew the waves and the view were more important to me. When I approached the lizard was "suddenly there" enjoying the sun. This was the threshold where I normally watched the lizard watch me, and start to react. Next time, unless I go looking for lizards, I will probably notice him sooner. After this message lizards will seem more of a priority to my subconscious.

Everyone sees what is important to them and ignores that which is contrary or unsupportive to their view.

Look around the room you are in, there are hundreds of items there. Not just chairs and a computer, but perhaps a spot on the wall, a tilt to a picture, a plate of cookies (how many?). What we notice is limited by our trained perceptions. A cleanie will notice every spot, I will overlook most of them. I may notice a hawk in the distance instantly and miss a pretty rock next to me.

To know the fullness of joy God has for you, you need to see and feel him work. God's love is surrounding you right now, enter in, stay a while.

Spend time in God's word.

Spend Time talking with God.

consciously enter into a life where Christ is central.

An hour each Sunday and Wednesday is not enough. You want to notice Jesus in your life, he is there for you all the time.

Spend your time with him, give him the importance he deserves. Your life will be fuller, and more joyful for that awareness.

Then one of them, a lawyer, asked tempting him and saying "Master which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:35-40 ( KJV), see also Luke 10: 25-37

Jesus is Lord!

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Sunday Service 2 October 2005

2005-10-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

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Tough Love and Sin

Tithes and Offerings

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. - Matthew 7: 7-12

Decently and in order

Count it all Joy

Jesus is Lord!
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Resources, Links, & Stuff

2005-10-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

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I should be back with a regular message by Wednesday.

Take time to wander and wonder:

Billy Graham's steps to peace with God

Teen Mania

Partner sites links

Evolution inversion: A mere is a reflective puddle.

The free Church : The separation of church and state.

Violence and religion : What do you first notice about a cut diamond?

You can find good sources of information in your Bible.

PRAY!

The Deal is on The Table

Heaven and Hell

Check everything anyone writes or says with the Bible.

An essay by Pufendorf written in 1687

Our School

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Christian Connections

2005-09-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

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This is the introduction to our Junior Partner Ministries links page:

Christian Connections

When dealing with fellow Christians, understand they are fallible. The best of intentions may not compensate for inferior skills, training, or equipment. Fellow Christians may believe what they tell you and be wrong.

Use discernment to select services; wolves may also claim to be sheep. Do not select solely on the basis of professed faith; Use all the facilities God gave you, especially prayer. Guard your relationship with Jesus, let him guide you on the paths you travel.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105

Trust God. Follow Jesus. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Pray. Do not let your desire to help, serve, or fellowship come before time with God. God can and will keep you from mistakes. Avoid those dangerous words, "I'll take it from here God."

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6b

Jesus is Lord!

Faith, share it

2005-09-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

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Read John chapter 11.
Read Acts chapter 3: 1-10
Read I Thessalonians chapter 5

Do not let anyone condemn you for your lack of faith. If you do not have enough to effect change, pray for more.

"Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief." Mark 24: 9b

There is much you can learn in scripture about faith, study God's word.

However God wishes, whomever he wishes to use, God can and will act. God loves you and wants the best for you; God is smarter and wiser, let him lead.

Learn to recognize God's voice, it is the voice of love. Time spent in the Bible and prayer will be time spent getting close to and knowing God. Find a formal and regular time for prayer if you are so constituted. Do spend time with God, wherever and whenever the opportunity.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Make your life a prayer.

Praise God in all things, and pray.

Read his word, and PRAY!

Allan

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Follow Jesus Christ; our midweek post

2005-09-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

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If you have not yet decided to follow Jesus hit that accept Jesus now link above.

This is a bit of a different post for us, but one that may be helpful to you. A major source of stress we encounter is due to a lack of congruence. We have so many things going so many different ways in our lives, we end up fighting with ourselves.

There is a secret to removing stress from your life.

Pray. Follow God's lead. Pray.

Pray that as your only priority you will follow where God leads. All other life goals can by your choice be put into submission to God's will. God is smarter than you are, God is wiser than you are, God loves you more than you love yourself. If you truly want what is best for you, your family, the church, for everyone; do as God asks. God is more than big enough to work all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

Your one goal is to follow Jesus. At work - follow Jesus. At school - follow Jesus. At home - follow Jesus. At every decision point pray, and be determined to follow Jesus.

Pray that God will help you align all of your conscious and all of your unconscious drives with your one primary goal, to follow Jesus. Each time you find a problem or opportunity, pray and follow God's will. Seek to get closer to God. Read the Bible to learn God's voice and what he has said. God will not contradict himself, knowledge of his word will help keep you from error.

There can be great power in your life with this congruence of your motivations into one driving force. Everything working in the same direction relieves stress and multiplies the effects of each action.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven. Matthew 6: 9, 10

Think of your life as covered by an umbrella that has written on it I will follow God.

Make it personal. My life goal is summed up by an umbrella over all I have done, said, or neglected to do or say. In faith, that umbrella over my life says what I want to hear as I leave this world: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

I have the forgiveness earned by Christ, with his blood, for my errors; but I re-dedicate myself now to seek God's will in all areas of my life. I know there is great peace in pointing all of my personal goals in one direction; following Jesus.

Jesus is Lord!

Wait On The Lord, Sunday service 18 September 05

2005-09-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

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But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Isaiah 40: 31

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. - Lamentations 3: 24-26

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. - Micah 7: 7

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. - Luke 12: 35-37

We live in an age of instant gratification. This has cost us a great deal, not in just financial terms, but in maturity. God is wiser and smarter than we are, he does not run with fashions and fads. There are proper attributes God will add to our lives, at the proper time and proper place.

Read Hebrews chapter 11, you can get a taste of the first 6 versus in the previous post. This is a chapter on the heroes of faith, those that knew what God wanted and waited on him. The kicker comes at the end of the chapter, versus 39 & 40.

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

They all died in faith never having received the promise (Jesus arriving to save them). That happened later, at the proper place and time. Christ took captivity captive and released those bound captive; then the heroes of faith received the promise.

Faith is required to receive what God has promised you. Hope first, build up your faith second, and continue to wait upon the Lord.

Don't try to complete in your flesh what was started in the spirit. God will answer, at the proper time and place.

Wait on the Lord.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Isaiah 40: 31

Jesus is Lord!

The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin

2005-09-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

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Continuing with last Sunday's message:

There are few Christian precepts that raise the hackles of the luke warm like talking about the physical sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin. - I John 1: 7

There are two remedies to watered down gospel in that one verse. Sin, and the Blood of Jesus Christ that was sacrificed to deliver us from sin.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith is another irritant. The fact that salvation does not come from good works, or being a nice person, or being better than that other guy; flies in the face of what we would like to believe. We want a God that both grades on the curve, and is willing to forgive at the last minute for a final good deed.

It does not work that way. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Believing in God, or a wise Jesus as a good teacher is not enough. You must diligently seek God, and believe he will reward the search; he will. God will forgive at the last minute, if you get a chance, but only on his terms; the blood of Jesus.

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. - Romans 10: 8-10

Not balance, not good karma canceling out bad karma, not pleasing both God and man. Be cleansed of sin by Christ's blood sacrifice. Proclaim faith in the Lord Jesus and his death and resurrection. Move from darkness into light.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. - I Peter 2: 1-10

Christ is offensive to those who will not believe. If you take your place in the family of God you will also be offensive to those that want you to join their fear of the absolute nature of God.

Satan believes in Jesus and fears him.

You are to fear God and live in his love.

...if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Jesus is Lord!

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Jesus Christ,, Sin, the Holy Spirit, & forgiveness

2005-09-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

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There are parts of the Bible we would like to skip. There are parts of the Bible the world would like us to skip.

There are things God says that make us uncomfortable saying them.

There are answers that we can give glibly, or accurately, but not both.

It is not about us, it is about Jesus. If he said it, we need to say it. It may not be fashionable, but that does not matter. Speak the truth.

Psalm 15:

¹ LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

² He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

³ and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

⁴ who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

⁵ who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

That is an example of truth. As a fellow that enjoys finance I don't like that last verse. Usury has been part of the financial equation for centuries. It is however truth, since I don't like it, I think you may not like it. I want you to find the same joy and fulfillment I have found in Christ, so I would like to skip unpleasant or confusing stuff. I really wanted to just quote the first 4 verses rather than the whole Psalm, most of you would not have noticed. Just a note at the end, Psalm 15: 1-4 and I would have been covered. But that last part may reach someone, God had a reason for putting it there. Just possibly it is there to reach me.

God is smarter and wiser than I am. God loves you, I probably don't even know you. God loves me more than I love myself and he loves you more than you love yourself. I will give accurate introductions; you two work out your relationship.

It is God's word. It is true. I must put it out there and let God work, I will honor him and his word, sometimes to plant, sometimes to water, and the Holy Spirit will bring fourth the increase. Revisit this introduction to our young missionaries. They preached and learned not to follow comfort and fashion, but to follow God. You will find a couple of their stories in our archives; God did bring the increase.

Christians are not alone in this scheme of marketing by omission. Science has for a long time avoided mentioning how weak some of their facts really are. It took a Nobel prize winning physicist like Dick Feynman, father of nanotech, to admit that they can sometimes figure out what will happen close to exactly, but they don't know how or why it happens. Feynman, a great character, said he thought why might not matter. If you are following the current design/evolution debate, why and how do matter. (I have my own other idea).

The point of the last paragraph is that we all, no matter how brilliant, avoid uncomfortable facts. As a Christian I can not afford a cavalier attitude; I need to find where I am missing it so as to be open to all God wants to do through me. If I stay where I am comfortable I will not continue to learn. So...

If it is uncomfortable, it is worthy of study.

Back to the Bible, back to truth.

Jesus is Lord!

PRAY!

2005-09-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

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God is love.

God wants to work wonders in your life.

Romans 8: 26, 27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

We have to pray and we have to mean it. If you care about something, cry out to God. He hears, he cares, he will answer prayer.

If you do not know what to pray, let the Holy Spirit help you. Pray with force, pray believing, and if you run out of words, groan. Let your emotions out in your prayers. Emote the desire for safety of a loved one, salvation for a family member, healing for the sick.

We do not let emotions direct us, that can lead to error. Emotions however are of God.

Let your emotions Follow the word of God. Study the Word; but don't just study. PRAY!!!

Pray out loud. Pray with emotion. Pray believing.

Pray without ceasing. Pray fervently. Groan. Christ prayed with great emotion. You are called to be like Christ, pray and do not hold back.

Let God lead you in your prayers.

God wants to answer your prayers.

God will answer your prayers.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. God has asked you to pray. Pray believing.

At some point in your groaning and fervency you may feel peace and know that God has answered. Praise him for the answer. Relax and give praise to he who is worthy of your praise.

Find a church that has an active prayer service, join them and help others see their prayers answered.

PRAY!

Jesus is Lord!

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Offerings To A Holy God.

2005-09-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

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Time for a cut and paste from Junior Partner Ministries.

Take time to pray and see how God will have you give.

Tithes and offerings. A very touchy subject, easy to approach, difficult to escape. The first step is to realize there is more then just one type of tithe, and there are many types of offerings. The second step is deciding where to begin. God said to the delivered through Jeremiah "For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices; but this thing I commanded them saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you." Jer 7: 22,23 We now, due to our acceptance of the cleansing sacrifice of Christ, have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. With this access we can seek God's will concerning all areas of our life, including financial. How and where to tithe and / or offer gifts unto God? We must ask him, our obedience to his will confirms that we are his people, and it will be well with us.

Read all of ICorinthians chapter 9. Paul shows that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. Notice he does not mention a tithe. Notice he states he has not accepted any gifts lest he create a hindrance to the spread of the gospel. As Christ said in Luke 10:5 "And into whatsoever house you enter, first say, peace be to this house." and then in Luke 10:7, "And in The same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire." If you read the whole chapter in Luke you will see there is no reference to a tithe, just such food as those in the house are willing to give.

Read also all of IICorinthians chapter 9. We will start about half way through verse 6 "He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

No tithe mentioned, just the admonition to give only if you can give cheerfully. If you are not filled with God's Joy and finding pleasure being led, don't give. Seek God and get in fellowship with him first. Giving is fruit that should come from a healthy vine rooted in good soil.

The final step is to realize; "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Are you brilliant, talented, wealthy, consistent, flexible, or strong? What can you share cheerfully at God's direction? What are your attributes? You have much, seek where God will use you much, that it may be well with you.

Jesus is Lord!

Notes from a young missonary, Kara Henrickson

2005-08-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

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A Teenager grows in the lord.

"God did a lot of amazing things while I was there. We
saw people get healed right before our eyes. It was so
cool to see how God could use me.

I can’t wait for next year. I will be going back
again. But, next time I want to go for 2 months. I
feel like God is telling me there is more he wants me
to do in Peru. There are a lot more people that need
to be
saved.

Even though most of our team was sick for most of the
trip God helped us to give it our all. To give it all
we had each and everyday. It was awesome to see
people’s lives transformed right before our eyes.
When we were doing our drama, I saw peoples hearts
softened by God and I got to see them go up for the
alter call and give their life to Christ. The total
number of people that got saved when I was there was:
2,488 people. For the whole summer it was: 26,415
people. It was so awesome.

God also helped/told me that I don’t need a guy to
fulfill the love that I need. He said,”I can fill that
love/ that hole in your heart. I will help you get
through the things that you go through in life. I am
here for you.” He sent me people on my team to help me
with my separation anxiety when I was there. I am so
thankful that I got to have this opportunity. We had a
team of 62 people and we all became like family for a
month and we are still family. And God did a lot of
things for us.

He provided us to be able to share the gospel wherever
we went and helped us to always have permission when
we got there. So, we didn’t have to go find somewhere
else to go. We got to go into a catholic church and
see what they do in their services and we did a prayer
walk in the church. I prayed and asked God to show
them that they don’t need to worship idols. That they
need to worship him and the only way they can get to
heaven is through Him.

When we were out ministering we asked each person a
question, “If you were to die today would you go to
heaven or to hell? Why? It opened up a way for us to
tell them that they could know where they were going
to go right in that moment. It was cool to see what
people said. Because, you could tell that God was
working in them through that question.

On this trip I lead someone to the Lord for the first
time. I really thank God for letting me go on this
trip. He really taught me a lot of things. And He
changed my life completely. I will never go back to
the way I was before.

I’m so excited about the things God is going to do
here. I have a passion for the people here in Peru.
I’m going to keep winning people for God. I want to
see people here on earth in heaven. I don’t want the
blood to be on my hands if they go to hell, because I
didn’t share the love of God with them. I want to
spend eternity with them. I want them to know how much
God loves them. I want them to know that God wants to
be their friend and that he wants to hear from them,
and what they are going through. God broke my heart
for the people of Peru.

He also broke my heart for the nations. I want to keep
telling the world about Jesus Christ and His love for
them. I hope that a lot more people will get saved.
I’ve learned how to talk to God about everything that
is going on in my life. During the whole trip God kept
giving me a verse and it was so true. The verse was:
Luke 11:9-10  “So I say to you, ask, and it will be
given to you, seek, and you will find, knock, and it
will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives,
and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will
be opened.”

Those verses hit me really hard. If I ask God for Peru
or for the nations, God will give them to me. God has
been speaking into my life a lot lately. God is
telling me who to pray for and He tells me verses that
He wants me to tell people. He gives me things like
prophetic words to tell people. God is so amazing. He
is going to help me win more people to him.

God blessed me to meet a lot of new people/friends on
my trip. And we are all going to keep in contact all
62 of us. He helped me to find an accountability
partner her name is Amber and a mentor her name is
Lydia
from my team. It was awesome to see how many people
were passionate for the lost. God changed a lot of us
while we where there. It was cool to see the people on
your team be changed by God right in front of you.

God has been telling me the people who haven’t come to
know him yet. And he tells me that I need to talk to
those people. God is telling me that if I have any
problems with people that I need to talk to them about
it and not go to higher authorities on it. It’s better
to make up with those people than going through
someone else.

God revealed so many things to me on this trip. He
helped me know that he is always there for me even
though it doesn’t seem like it. He will always be
there no matter what I’m going through. I don’t think
I will ever be the same again after this trip. My life
is changed forever. I believe that God is going to
keep changing it. He’s going to make me a new person
in him. God helped me to make so many new friends on
this trip. It was so cool.

God has done so many things in my life and the life of
some people in Peru. It was awesome to see so many
people give their lives to Christ. It was so cool to
lead my first person to Christ in Peru. That shows me
that God really wants to use me for his glory. He
wants me to do work for him. I’ve noticed that the
people that I see everyday may not be going to heaven
and if I don’t talk to them about Jesus and that he
died on the cross for their sins that I may not see
them in heaven. It was so nice to go a month without
having an option of listening to any secular music.

But, now that I’ve come back I start to pick up the
habits that I’m used too. Please pray that God will
help me give them up to him and that it won’t be too
hard. We were at this place where we were going to do
the drama and we went over to this lady and invited
her to come and see the drama. Well, she was deaf and
we think she had forgotten how to talk. And so we
prayed for her to be healed and I’m still praying for
her. I wanted her to get saved but we didn’t know how
because she was deaf. But, God will put somebody in
her life to help her come to know him and I will
hopefully be able to do it next year. But, if I don’t
get to I hope that somebody can. I’m not for sure
where I’m going next year. All I know is that I am
going on another mission’s trip and God is going to do
a lot of things in me and in the people of wherever I
go. He will also change my life some more and it’s
going to be awesome.

God does so many amazing things each and everyday.
Satan was totally attacking our team on this trip. He
attacked us by making us all sick for the whole trip.
Some of the team got hurt and all of that was a work
of Satan. But, God helped us to give it our all no
matter how we were feeling. And God is still helping
me to get through each and everyday even though I
still don’t feel good. I’m still trying to win people
to Christ. I wake in the morning and say,”where is my
team we’re supposed to go out for ministry today. And
I think that I will keep doing ministry until I die or
until I go next summer and then when I come back after
that I will keep doing it."


We grow throughout our life if we will let Jesus lead.

Jesus is Lord!

28 August 2005, God is a personal God

2005-08-27T02:59:00.000-07:00

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There is a Strong tendency by all of us, myself included, to take on responsibility equal to the world we live in. This world is a mess. This world was a mess when we came into it, it will be a mess when we leave.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. John 12: 3-8

Note that last line, for the poor always ye have with you.

We are not going to solve poverty. The scripture makes it plain we are to help the poor, but we will not solve poverty. The world is not your responsibility.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. I peter 5: 6-11

Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. It is not your responsibility to change the world. Humble yourself before God, that is your task; then let him lift you up. Keep it simple, don't worry about everything, just keep getting closer to the living God.

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. I Thessalonians 5: 16-24

In everything give thanks. God is big enough to handle your life, give it to him fully. God loves you more than you love yourself, he will not give you more than you can bear. God is smarter and wiser than you are, follow where he leads.

Do not take on burdens that are not yours to assume, cast them on Jesus, he cares for you. God is a personal God to you. Get close and personal with God, do it now. The future and the past do not matter, follow God today, give your cares to Jesus.

In Psalm 119: 105 we have the prescription; one step at a time, stay on course. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Jesus is Lord!

Midweek service, all things

2005-08-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8: 27, 28

All things means all things.

Things we did and things we neglected to do. All Things

Plans that went wrong, and plans that we regret going right. All Things.

What we said, and what we feel we should have said.

words said to us we misunderstood, and words said to us we understood very well.

All Things.

Now we know it requires faith to please God. Here is a chance to pray in faith.

Remember that irritant you don't want to think about, and thank God for it.

Thank God and keep thanking God for it.

God is big enough to work it all out for good.

God loves you enough to want to work it all out for good.

God has called you according to his purpose.

Love him back.

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

Jesus is Lord!
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Risk and Action, Sunday 21 August 2005

2005-08-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

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Philippians 4: 4-8

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

We have had one report from our young missionaries. Perhaps next Wednesday we shall have another.

These teenagers have spent their summer in service to our Lord. Some may become missionaries, many will grow up to serve on mission boards, all have been changed.

As Paul said in the first chapter of Philippians "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

As Helen Keller said " Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure."

My own kids have explained it to me in a folksy way, "Everyone dies, not everyone lives."

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16: 24-26

There is risk in sharing the gospel. There is a greater risk in not sharing the gospel. If you chose to follow Christ; follow him. Do not look to the right our the left, just keep following Jesus.

Often what is emotionally easy and has a short term positive effect is a disaster in the medium and long term. Follow Jesus. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

God loves you more than you love yourself. God is wiser and smarter than you are. If you want the real best, and not just what sounds best, do what God tells you to do. It will be the best for everyone involved, including yourself and God.

God is love!

Jesus is Lord!

Allan
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Lydia Wallace, a Young missionary's message

2005-08-17T00:56:00.000-07:00

The missionary's stories ....

I had never thought of myself as a life changer, or as a Bible thumper.

Going to Peru to do missions a year ago never even crossed my mind. I thought I would just spend another summer sitting in front of the ocean, relaxing in the hot sun while working on my tan.

But thats not what happened.

I found myself on a plane to Peru in early July. The anxiety kicked in somewhere over the ocean. I realized I had made a mistake.

Little did I know how wrong I was.

I have just a few stories of my own. later on others will be sending in their own stories..

On our first day of ministries we met up with the chief of police. He escorted us to what I thought of as a the poor part of town. Trash lay along the streets and the houses are old and worn down. He pulled over and used his car to block the street We proceeded to minister in middle of the street, we had a crowd gather, and we had a movement of people giving their lives to God... in middle of a street in Peru. Right then I knew I was meant to be in Peru.

7/23/05 we were in Lima and we pulled up near a park that at one time I'm sure was full of beautiful flower beds and trees. Now all that is there is dirt and dead remnants of a better time. Needless to say I didn't see much potential. The gangs in the area were supposed to be pretty strong. Local gang members played in the soccer court. Our translators said it wasn't a very good area... we started walking towards a market place... we set up a sound box. This made it easier to preach because the city is so loud, Cars are constantly honking horns, and people are yelling; we have the sound box set up and we start to minister. This site sticks in my mind because the people were hanging out windows over looking the market place to hear every word we said. At the end when we asked if any one wanted to give there life to Christ people up in the windows raised their hands and prayed the sinners prayer. I was shocked by the gang bangers walking up asking questions, a group of them gave their lives to Christ. it really touches you to know you made a difference in someones life; from that moment on life will be a little different for those people and for me. That place didn't seem like much good would come to it and that the people wouldn't be open to what we had to say. I guess some times its not what you expect but what God has planned.

7/24/05

We went to a hospital where sick people come in and out every day. You don't know sick until you have seen it in a third world country. We were getting ready to leave a site when we decided to go talk to this little old lady who was sitting with 2 kids. We talked with her a little while and she gave her life to God. We asked her why she was at the hospital; she said she had been having chest pains for a few weeks. We asked to lay hands and pray for her.. she said that would be ok. We started to pray for her and when we were done she was crying and she said it didn't hurt any more. She was so moved by the whole thing she kissed each one of us an abundance of times. She was an amazingly warm woman.

These are just a few stories, more will be coming. Thank you for your time and prayers. I will probably return to Peru next year, along with others who were with me.

It is nice to know the next generation is seeking and finding God's best.

Jesus is Lord!

Allan

14 August 2005, The Whole Gospel

2005-08-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

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There is a group of young folk that just got back from a month of ministry in Peru. I am going to see if they are willing to write a Wednesday service or two. They have wonderful stories to tell, and I have only heard a few.

One advantage these young ministers of the gospel have; they do not need to please us. They are not headed back to large needs in the field and want our funds so they may continue to minister.

A sad fact of many local churches is that missionaries have to tone down the gospel they preach at home so as not to alienate their support teams. The first world countries have become luke warm and frequently do not want to hear that God is moving. If God was moving wouldn't they be the first to know? Some local churches have gone so far as to say "the Holy Spirit no longer works miracles, the Bible is complete, we don't need signs and miracles any more."

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58

God will not force the miraculous on them, and they can honestly say they know their god no longer works, because they have never seen him work. I have seen God work, I have heard God speak, and he wants to work in and through you.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. II Chron 9a

God does still work, the Holy Spirit is active in leading believers and in convicting sinners, Jesus still desires a close relationship with you. Those that talk about God not working usually make one very good point. Emotion can lead you away from the truth.

As a Christian be sure your actions and worship are based on the word of God. Do not be led about by your emotions. Emotions should follow the truth, truth does not flow from emotions.

Back to the missionaries that need to refrain from telling the whole gospel. There are local churches that would cut of the mission's funding if they knew singing was allowed in worship, or dancing, or a sick man was made well, or.... well you get the idea.

Many times in the mission field someone is healed and as a result many that know them are brought to the lord. If the blind see, and the lame walk, all glory to God. Just don't talk about it to the frozen chosen at the First church of the open refrigerator; you will get the right foot of fellowship, booted right out the refrigerator door.

That might be a good thing. Just shake the dust off your feet as you leave. Matthew 10:14

Getting back to our young missionaries, welcome home. Thank you for ministering to the least, the last, and the lost for us. Say what God tells you to say, say what wonderful things you have seen God do. You can not please everyone, so focus on pleasing Jesus; you will be with him for a very long eternity.

Jesus is Lord!

Allan

Mid Week service; Are you Called?

2005-08-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

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This is not a plea for you to serve in the missions field.

If you have accepted Jesus as your lord and savior, he has a plan for your life. Often we let inertia direct us. A little push here, an impression there, and we stumble along toward a goal not picked by us or God.

A well meaning Pastor suggests we attend the denomination's college. A speaker Mentions that his large missionary group is always looking for qualified (college graduate) missions candidates. We head off to school, never having asked God what he wants.

STOP!

This is the rest of your life you are talking about. Take some time, a week up at a cabin in prayer and fasting might be a good start. Study God's word, the Bible, and get to know God's voice. Don't commit until you are sure it is God leading.

Once you are following God's direction, allow him to tell you to change direction. God may point you toward a school, head that direction, but don't lock yourself in. God may have had you go there to meet someone, then he can send you in a new direction, if you will listen.

You have free will, and you are surrounded by people with free will. This is like a huge chess game where the pieces can decide to move themselves. It is a good thing that God is smart and wise enough to direct your life on a "real time" basis. The Christian walk is played out minute by minute, for eternity.

American Football is played on a field of 100 yards, but the winner is determined by several results controlled by inches. A first down just missed, a field goal bouncing in rather than out, a catch made on the fingertips; these close decisions keep changing the course of the game.

Your life is played for eternity, the success of your life is determined by several results controlled by following God's smallest direction. When God has you moving, expect to get changes in direction as the game board changes. Keep studying the playbook, the Bible, so as to be ready for what is coming next.

The world is changing, we are leaving the industrial society, and moving toward an information age. As the size of an enterprise necessary to be effective shrinks, your most effective ministry organization may be small; but to be effective it must be Christ led. God may have you work in a large ministry, just be open to any call the Holy Spirit makes. In I Corin Paul said "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

Rather than being part of a large ministry Jesus may have you working on your own, or with a few similar small ministries. He may have you start today, or give you the vision today and start in thirty years. God may have you change your outreach, as God pulled Philip out of the great revival he was conducting and sent him walking off into the desert, Acts 8: 5 to the end of the chapter.

If you think you are called, read the four gospels and the whole book of Acts; this is your first training in missions. If you know you are called, go out and do as you have just read. If you are not ready to go, ask God to lead you to those that can train you; and spend much time in study of the Bible and prayer. Don't listen to any man that tells you to ignore what God said, and what he will say to you. God is not dead, he is not just a historical figure, he does not slumber, he wants to do great works through those that are dedicated to him.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. II Chron 9a

Don't be loyal to men or men's organizations; be loyal to Christ. Seek God as to where, when, and how you will serve.

Stay flexible, listen to God. Act!

Jesus is Lord!
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Sunday 7 August 2005 read and watch

2005-08-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

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Partners,

If you are in the L.A area around December 8, I'd like to invite you to a movie premier. Only 50 seats, so please respond soon.

The first book of the Chronicles of Narnia finally becomes a big screen epic. It will be in general release December 9, but may be quickly swallowed by the Christmas season. This is the time to enjoy it on the big screen.

If you have a group that would like to see it outside of LA Calif, sign up for your own batch of preview tickets. There is a nice trailer for the movie here also.

Get and read the books first, then re-wrap them as a present to yourself. You will want to read them again.

And again.

These books were written by Lewis for his nieces, and are just plain fun. If you want to hit some solid theology by Lewis, also a pleasure to read, try Mere Christianity, You will better understand Christianity once you are done.

I have hit you with heavy stuff the last few meetings, it's time to relax with a great book or two.

Jesus is Lord!
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The Deal is on the Table

2005-08-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

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God has offered you the perfect deal.

When you are shopping for a big ticket item, you are frequently told, "this is the deal of the century." If you keep shopping you will find the deal of the century comes about every two weeks.

God is not talking hype, he has an offer in front of you right now. It is the deal of eternity.

I used to manage real estate offices. If someone came in and looked at houses to buy, and didn't buy, they probably wouldn't return. Even if the house was perfect for them, the price and terms great; they probably wouldn't return. A salesman's job was to ask enough questions to discover what the client wanted, and then help the client make the decision that was best for the client. If the client insisted on "thinking it over" they became overwhelmed by the complexities of a transaction and usually would not return.

God makes contracts with men. Another word for contracts is covenant, another word for covenant is testament. The Bible has an Old and a New Testament. There is an Abrahamic Covenant that God made with Abraham and his descendents. There are many other covenants made in scripture between God and man. The most recent and final covenant is between you and God, with Jesus as the mediator. This contract does not have a list of laws, it is a blood brotherhood with Jesus, you can be adopted into the family of God.

God, who is worthy of praise and worship, has put a contract in front of you. Jesus gave up his life so you could have a more abundant life. It is now time for you to give up your life and become part of God's family. Your citizenship will change, you will become a citizen of heaven, and an ambassador of Christ to Earth. Everything will change, there is no way to grasp from the outside how total a metamorphosis is involved.

A type of the change is the picture of Noah. God determines what you will keep, you will go through a period of rapid change, and you will emerge into a brand new, very different world.

This new world is the reality you have sought. All around you have seen glimpses of a spiritual dimension that you could not apprehend. Take God's offer and the Spirit of God will apprehend you.

You could put it off. You can "just think about it." If you do you will probably not return.

The offer will still be there, but the cares of this world will wrap you up so that you consider it a close escape; rather than a possibly final opportunity at the deal of eternity.

God loves you more than you love anything, including yourself. God gave himself for you that you might have the best available life and eternity. God is wiser and smarter than you are. Accept his offer, accept Christ as your lord and savior. Make the commitment to let God change you, then follow where he leads.

Even if you don't die tonight, right now is the time of your salvation. If you walk away you will probably never come back to this opportunity.

Paul said "To live is Christ, to die is gain." If you want the best, and only the best, live your life for the one who gave his life for you.

There will be no better price, there will be no better terms. The offer is on the table, make the commitment to yourself, God, and everyone else by doing the right thing.

God Bless,

Jesus is Lord!

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Sunday meeting, Come to the light, give Jesus a chance.

2005-07-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

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We often hear John 3: 16, perhaps we need to hear it in a greater context 16-21.

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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Christ did not condemn you, you are condemned already if you do not follow Christ. The choice is yours. You have been shown an exit, the alarms are sounding, leave before the fire engulfs all around you. You can still be saved. Start toward the exit.

I have had a preacher get angry about "give Jesus a chance," he wanted instant, total, commitment. That would be nice, and better for you, but we live in a feel and touch it world. In John chapter 20 Thomas asked to put his hand in the wound in Christ's side that he might know it was really the resurrected Christ. Thomas will be with us in heaven, but Jesus said it is better to believe than to doubt.

Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Taste of the Lord, give Jesus a chance. The joy of a relationship with Jesus is beyond description, it is far better and more enduring then any pleasure.

Taste of the Lord and see that he is good.

Jesus is Lord!