A Formal Complaint by Paul West

A Formal Complaint

We refuse to go and rescue the lost from wicked camps,
And glow for Jesus pure and holy with oil in our lamps.
We refuse to fast and pray for the death of a selfish will,
And nail our affections upon the cross and give up our flesh to kill.

Because we refuse to die to self and all our worldly winning,
We can't weep for hell bound lost who blindly go on sinning.
We back down from demonic holds in cities, in schools and jails;
And because our swords are in their sheaths, the evil one prevails.

We refuse to yield our lives, our dreams, our ambitions to Christ;
And we're afraid to stake a claim because the world won't think it's nice.
We refuse to fill ourselves, daily overflowing with God,
And thus we're unable to mortify the deeds that our joy in Christ do rob.

We refuse to see God's heart is broken and crushed and grieved,
Because we refuse to be the church of glory He so needs.
We refuse to walk rejected and mocked by all who see us,
For it's far too costly to walk and talk a life that glorifies Jesus.

We refuse to work this day as Jesus did with the lost,
And we refuse to die this day as Jesus did on the cross.
We only need His love, His blessings, His favors, His pleasures, His gain,
But we refuse to carry His burdens, His sorrows, His tears, His pain.

We refuse to fast the flesh and feast the spirit well,
And thus we never last in prayer where our groanings throttle hell.
We refuse to soar to heights so near the Father's heart;
We're only content to hear nice sermons and on Sundays play the part.

We refuse to stunt the growth of the devil's vile plan.
We refuse to quench the darts that burn the soul of man.
We refuse to spread the story of the precious gospel seed,
And by shunning this, we strip the glory of Jesus to those in need.

We won't carry the bloody cross; our pride, our comfort we must keep,
And thus we murder by shutting the gate and starving the blind, lost sheep.

 

 

Hello All. This is a 58 second video clip of a short drama on the rapture. It's pretty cool. Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes

 

 

MS

 

The Rhyme of the Modern Parishioner

It happened in the vestibule

At ten one Sunday morn

A haggard-looking churchgoer

Sat plaintive and forlorn

Then suddenly he rose and found

A hungry-looking Christian

He took his hand, took him aside

And asked him a straight question

You know the Word,

You know the Book,

The promises are clear

But have you seen the Living God

Have you found Him here?

Have you experienced Holy Fire?

The Spirit in His Power?

A mighty wave, a rushing wind,

A flame that does devour?

Is there something more you’re seeking,

So high, so wide, so deep?

Do you find yourself frustrated?

Is church putting you to sleep?

Then listen well,

Your heart is right.

My tale I will tell

This story is your story too

And it’s your tale as well.

For 30 years I’ve been in church

Seemed like a good show.

But now I have to meet with God

Do you know where to go?

I’m trapped in mundane worship times

The praises have grown cold

The preaching’s dry and dusty

The teaching stale like mold.

Each service feels like a rerun

The songs all sound the same

The prophesies are so hollow

Not worthy of the name

Words more words they’re everywhere

But oh there is a stink

Words more words they’re everywhere

But none to make us think

We lack the Heavenly Presence

It’s clear we’re in a rut

I’m desperate for revival,

It burns within my gut.

I’m lovesick for my Jesus

So hungry for my Lord

Just longing for my Savior

God knows that I’m so bored.

Is there someone who can help me?

Whose touched the real thing?

A man whose heard from Heaven?

Who’s heard from God to bring?

Are there prophets burning with fires?

Servants who are ablaze?

Anointed and overflowing

Appointed for these days.

Do they carry the Spirit’s burden?

Breathe the Lord God’s breath

Are they set apart and holy?

Obedient to death

I hear the words of the Master

Come follow me, He said.

If some Christians go their own way

I’ll go with Him instead

Oh please don’t do as I have done

And waste so many years

Don’t wait and wait for endless months

Move on, outgrow your fears

Forget the twelve step programs

A seminar won’t do

You need a touch from Heaven

To fill you through and through

There must be change in your life

A work of God that’s real

Don’t fool yourself with warm clichés

Don’t let the devil steal

Don’t miss out on God’s presence

Or let these hours pass

Don’t stop your soul from hungering

Get out of the morass

Dear friend, you are not crazy,

Dear saint, you are not mad

There really is a problem

It’s true you have been had.

There’s more, there’s more

Believe it

There is that place in God

There are holy visitations

New paths that must be trod.

Will you get up like old pilgrim?

And seek that better way

Will you go forth on that journey?

No matter what men say?

Will you go now out now?

And meet him and leave the crowd behind

Forsaking dead traditions if Jesus you will find?

It’s not in another meeting

A nicely packaged hour

Another harmless service

Devoid of Heaven’s power

It’s not in another teaching

Three points to fill your head

The Word is always vibrant

But this stuff is so dead

We need God to send His Spirit

To fully take control.

To transform every member

To come and make them whole.

Enough with man’s religion

Enough with earthly plans

Enough with our new programs

Produced by earthly hands.

Just then in strode the Pastor

His calling to fulfill

Just doing his weekly duty

Then he became frozen still

For astir was that parishioner

He grasped the preacher’s clothes

And grasped the preacher’s soul as well

And in that grasp he froze

Oh, Pastor, enter the prayer room

And shut yourself inside

Be emptied of competition

And crucify your pride

Pray for Holy Visitation

Just caught up alone with Him

Consumed with Heavenly Vision

That’s where you must begin

You won’t find him in a textbook

Buried on page 22

He is the Living God who acts

He wants to move in you.

It’s not only the Apostles

He’ll bless and send and use

He’ll saturate your own soul

If you will not refuse

So arise get up pursue Him

Jesus your true best Friend

He is worthy of devotion

He is faithful to the end.

Why should you starve on crusty bread?

And crawl along the ground

Your Savior is your Source of Life

Seek Him, let joy abound.

Renew your life, refresh your heart

Press in, take hold, pray through

Put first things first make God your goal

What else have you to do?

Your Bible schooling stole your zeal

Church life has drained you dry

You used to have such child-like faith

Now budgets have your eye.

You used to be so passionate,

So innocent and free

Now you’ve become professional

You’ll preach for a good fee.

Oh, set your sight on higher goals,

And not on dollar bills

Live in the light of judgment day

Ambition always kills.

Let Jesus be your daily guide

Put Him where He belongs

And soon His Presence will arrive

His Praise will fill your songs.

Simplicity will be your style

Devotion your new goal

Communion will become your aim

God’s Life will flood your soul.

Oh, take your eyes off numbers,

Church growth can be a trap

Go out and make disciples

Go out and bridge the gap.

Pour your life out for broken lives

Let God your heart break too.

Take up your cross deny yourself

Just live His will to do.

Wake up, be brave, be honest

Oh today oh hear His voice.

Be ruthless with your schedule,

Seek God make that your choice

You won’t find Him in your planner

No committee has the key

You’ll find Him when your soul cries out

There must be more for me.

There must be more than building funds

And sessions past midnight

And endless talks with leadership

Disputing who is right.

Somehow I know I’ve been misled

The model doesn’t work

I’m not called as an executive

Nor should I be a clerk

I’m called to be a man of God

A man whose Spirit-led

Healer of the sick and lame

Someday to raise the dead.

And with that cry

New life will rise

Your heart will be revived

Heaven’s light will flood your soul

You will not be denied

The parishioner then turned his gaze

Away from flesh and blood

He looked to Him who sends the showers

To Him who sends the flood.

Today oh Lord do hear our voice

And pour Your Spirit out

Saturate the thirsty ground

End the Spiritual drought.

Revive us with Your Presence

Renew us from Above

Touch the flock called by Your Name

Come fill us with Your Love.

Do greater works in our day

Than that which you have done

Bring the fullness of your Rains

And Glorify Your Son

That old churchgoer spoke no more

Another voice was heard

Yet not the voice of flesh and blood

It was Our Father’s Word

And if you listen closely

Beyond this little rhyme

You’ll hear the Father say

My children it is time.

Are you playing the Christian Game?

The Christian Game
Jordan is a graceful blonde who is active in her church, has loving Christian parents, and is surrounded by wonderful Christian friends. She is gearing up for her first year at a well known Christian university. On the outside, her life seems perfect. But Jordan has a shameful secret. She is involved in an ongoing sexual relationship that no one knows about. She is living a secret life of compromise.

"I feel so far away from God right now," she whispered bitterly after explaining her dilemma to me. "I can't seem to stop sinning no matter how much I want to. I have prayed and prayed about this, but God never gives me any answers!

I really need to know something," Jordan pleaded desperately. "Does Christianity even work, or is it all just a fairy tale?"

Jordan is trapped in the Christian game.

And then there is Trent, a brainy history buff who wrote a lengthy email describing his spiritual struggle. Trent attended a Christian leadership retreat and got extremely excited about pursuing a deep relationship with Christ. But a few weeks after his return home, the passion faded.

"No matter how hard I try to grow in my walk with Christ," he lamented, "I just don't feel the fire. No matter what I do to stay pumped up spiritually, it just doesn't last." Trent attends church and studies his Bible, but inwardly he wallows in depression and disillusionment.

Trent is trapped in the Christian game.

How many of us have been in Jordan or Trent's position? We believe the right things, say the right things, and even do the right things, only to end up right back where we started: defeated, discouraged, and conquered by sin. We know the truth in theory, but it has no power to really transform our lives at the deepest level. We go through the motions of Christianity while secretly asking ourselves, Is this all there is?

We are trapped in the Christian game.


"Just Be Real" Christianity
Our generation has seen the hypocrisy of make-believe Christianity and, to put it mildly, we don't like it. Thousands of us are saying "Hasta la vista" to the playacting version of following God. While earlier generations were prone to super-stiff religiosity and legalistic formulas, many of us in this generation have headed in the opposite direction, determined to be real about our emotions, struggles, and failures.

This has led to a common form of imitation Christianity we call "just be real" Christianity. Don't get us wrong. Being real is important. Admitting that we aren't perfect is the first step towards discovering successful Christianity. But it isn't the final goal. Being real and finding a real Christian experience are two very different things.

Paul, a 23 year old Bible school student has decided to "be real" about his lustful addictions. "I'm hooked on pornography!" he blurts flippantly. "That's just the way it is. God knows I'm only human, and I'm not gonna beat myself up about it."

Tiffany, an 18 year old Christian, has chosen to be open about her burning anger toward her Creator. "I hate God sometimes," she boldly declares. "I wish I could scream in His face. He's treated me like garbage. And I think it's better to be honest about it than act like everything's fine."

The "just be real" version of Christianity removes the plastic bandage and exposes the infection underneath. But the "just be real" version doesn't allow the wound to be healed; it only acknowledges that the wound exists.

It is vital that we acknowledge the emptiness of the Christian game. But when we settle for the "just be real" version of Christianity, we are still miles away from the true Christian life. We admit defeat, but we never search for victory. We are honest about our problems, but we ignore the solution. We remain trapped in the Christian game.


"God Loves Me Anyway" Christianity
A common accessory to the "just be real" mind-set is the "God Loves Me Anyway" version of imitation Christianity.

The "God loves me anyway" attitude ignores God's command to "BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." It shies away from the sting of conviction. It buries the prick of guilt. And it treats every spiritual challenge that triggers even the slightest emotional discomfort as if it were the first symptom of the bubonic plague. And the pain of sin's havoc upon our soul is alleviated with smooth religious rhetoric.

Kelly grew up in a strict religious home; full of rules but devoid of unconditional love. In college, when Kelly began a serious romantic relationship with a worship leader named Damon, things began to turn around. She felt loved and accepted for the first time in her life.

Though Kelly and Damon had committed to save sex until marriage, one night in the heat of passion, they gave in to temptation. Afterwards, Kelly was plagued with intense guilt. She sat alone in her room for hours, crying with remorse over the mistake she and Damon had made. She knew she had let God down.

But the very next night, she heard a message at church that eased her mind. The pastor seemed to be speaking directly to her. "Christ doesn't condemn us," he declared with conviction. "He loves us just the way we are in all our sin and weakness. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. He knows we are stuck in the mire of our sinfulness. He knows we can't achieve a holy life."

Then the pastor told his listeners to close their eyes and simply receive God's unconditional love. As the worship team played a soft reflective melody, Kelly closed her eyes and felt a sense of relief flood her soul. She repeated the pastor's words that God loved her in spite of her failure, that He didn't expect her to be perfect.

And Kelly's guilt floated away like a cloud.

Since then, Kelly and Damon have maintained an ongoing sexual relationship. Kelly continues to push away any feelings of guilty by listening to inspiring messages about God's unconditional love. She convinces herself that God accepts her in spite of her mistakes and that He doesn't expect her to change.

Kelly, like so many in our disillusioned generation, has pitched her tent in the "God loves me anyway" camp. Though she is enslaved to compromise and defeated by sin, she has given up trying to overcome these obstacles. When it comes to her Christian walk, she doesn't even consider exploring the endless frontier of God's ways. She spends her energy reminding herself that God loves her in the midst of her miserable-but-forgiven state. And she has given up expecting anything more.

It's important to note that there is a thread of truth woven into the false foundation of the "God loves me anyway" attitude. It is true that God knows our sinful condition and loves us in spite of our failures. He is not looking down at us with angry eyes, burning with fury every time we make a mistake. He loves us more than we could ever comprehend.

But He loves us too much to leave us as we are.

Sin--the self-reliance and self-assurance at the core of our beings--is the very thing Jesus Christ came to this earth to conquer. And as long as this selfish rule is the controlling force within our souls, His mighty work on the cross two thousand years ago is rendered ineffective in our lives. While sin remains the ruler of our inner domain, we can never experience the true Christian life.

If we settle for the "God loves me anyway" approach to life, we will never experience more than a shallow, mediocre spiritual existence. We will remain under the thumb of sin's tyranny, trying to cover up our remorse with T-shirts that say, "I'm not perfect, I'm just forgiven."

God did not send His only Son to conquer sin and death on our behalf just so we could wallow in defeat and compromise while singing songs about His unconditional love. Jesus Christ died to give us true life--a life marked by a radiance and righteousness that transforms our entire existence.


"Professional" Christianity
Another modern pitfall is what could be called "Professional" Christianity.

Meet Mason, a 28 year old seminary graduate currently in search of a full-time pastoral position at a church. Mason knows Scripture better than most people know their own name. He believes all the right doctrinal truths. He even stands out to his non-Christian friends as a solid, moral guy who doesn't drink, do drugs, or sleep around.

But Mason's Christian life is hollow and self-constructed. There is nothing miraculous or supernatural about his spiritual existence. His aim in life isn't to climb God's holy mountain, but merely to live a life that is morally superior to those around him. He believes that God's expectations for his life equate to a little hill that can easily be tackled with some discipline and willpower.

Mason smirks at the concept of a God-written life. "God doesn't waste His time watching over us like a momma bear. He has better things to do. He doesn't care about the details of our lives. He just wants us to live morally and make good decisions."

Mason has pitched his tent in the "professional Christianity" realm. He has traded in the possibility of a radical pursuit of Christ for a predictable moral existence. He has baked Christianity down to a formula he can easily accomplish in his own strength.

All too many of us fall into the "professional Christianity" trap. We separate God from the details of our daily lives. We reduce our Christian walk to a set of reasonable guidelines to follow. We remove all the risk, passion, and radical obedience from our spiritual life. And we revel over the points we've scored in the Christian game.


Getting Out of the Christian Game
It's hard for us to admit when we are wrong. And it's especially hard for us to admit that we have bought into a cheap imitation of the true Christian life. But that's where the God-scripted adventure begins. Before a settler can be transformed into a pioneer, he must first become dissatisfied with his current surroundings. He must recognize his need for something better.

If you are ready to begin your pursuit into God's endless frontier, take some time to ask yourself these soul-searching questions:

* When it comes to knowing Christ, have I stopped growing and pitched my tent? Have I bought into an imitation version of following God?

* Have I settled for a "just be real" mind-set, admitting that I have problems but not believing that God can grant me victory over them?

* Have I settled for a "God loves me anyway" attitude, taking sin lightly and letting selfishness, rather than righteousness, rule my life?

* Have I settled for "professional Christianity," reducing God's expectations for my life to a set of reasonable guidelines I can hope to accomplish on my own?

Be completely honest as you ask yourself these questions. Don't compare your life to those of Christians around you. Let Jesus Christ be your only standard. And as God begins to show you areas of your spiritual life that are off track, put these in writing and make a commitment to shift from settler to pioneer in these areas.


taken from “When God Writes Your Life Story”, by Eric and Leslie Ludy

 

 

This was posted by a user at Sermon Index. You can find the post here : http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=11631&forum=35&12

 

I found it very intriguing. I have found myself in some of these situations as well. How about you?

 

Lord, help us not to play a game but to have a true relationship with You.

 

When It's All Said and Done

When it’s all said and done,

I will breathe the breath of Worship.

When my journey is through,

I will bend my knee in Awe.

When the song fills my soul

Joining voice with all creation.

I will sing when it’s all said and done.

 

When it’s all said and done

And my questions have been answered.

When the chords fade away

From this song of grief and pain.

When the pull at this flesh

Has no power in my tomorrows.

I will sing when it’s all said and done.

 

When it’s all said and done

And my final step is taken

When I stand face to face

With the One I long to know

When my heart understands

With convicting revelation

I will bow when it’s all said and done.

 

I love this song. I long for that day when I see Him face to face, when I will know Him in the way that I am known. Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah.  I will bow willingly, eagerly on that day.

 

Come soon, Lord Jesus!

 

The Professor and the Prophets

This was suggested to me by a person I met at Sermon Index.  It is pretty interesting if you take the time to watch it. It is about 27 minutes long.

 

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=8648337797409966990&q=professor+and+the+prophets

 

Hope you find it interesting too!

 

 

A Strange Dream

In my dream, I was talking to a man. He said,"What is it that makes you a Christian? Is it your God in Heaven or (this part I can't remember) or the Cross?"

I have no idea what the point was, but it woke me up immediately and I've been awake since that moment and cannot remember the middle part no matter how hard I try.

Weird,huh?

Debating with Atheists

So I had a few words with some atheists concerning my beliefs as a Christian.  Boy can that be exhausting.  I am however grateful for the opportunity. It helps me to think about why I believe what I believe.  I’ve found that when I base all my beliefs on the Bible, I cannot go wrong.  Since the Bible is the Authority of my life, it is good to spend time in it and know for sure what it says.  Do I just assume it says something because someone tells me so? Or do I go and look it up myself?  That is my goal.  Spend time in God’s Word and let the Holy Spirit be my guide. And be transformed into the Image of Christ.

 

Thank you Father, for Your Word, and the Holy Spirit to guide me into all Truth.  May Your Will be done in my life, and Your Name be Glorified through it.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

 

Something new?

I have decided that I need to be making some changes in my life. I feel that I need to take more time to seek God and His Will. I am tired of living this same life day after day doing the same things and seemingly making no impact for Christ.

I would like to chronicle the things I find in my search here. So please join me.

I love the Lord, but do I really? This is what I am going to find out. I am going to seek HIM. He tells us in His Word that if we seek Him, He will be found.

I don’t know how often I will send updates, but here I go.

I’ve been listening to Paul Washer. He is a very encouraging pastor for a heart for the lost, especially the lost posing as Christians. Why are we not different from the World? I would suggest visiting http://www.sermonindex.com/ . It has several excellent resources for seeking God.

Now if you are not a Believer, these things will mean nothing to you, but as a Believer, the question is quite a valid one for me.

I have been reading the book of 1 John. Some things have really stuck out in my mind. The true test of whether you are a believer can me found there.

This is what I have found:

1) if we are believers, we don’t walk in Darkness, but as Christ walked.

2) If we are believers, we love our brothers.

3) If we are believers, we hate the world….(what does this entail? This is my basic search right here.)

How can we love the Lord our God with heart soul mind and strength and still love the world? The answer is this: we can’t.

Oh, Lord, help me to get the world out of my heart! Help me to love only You and Your Ways!

I'm back!

Geez, I haven't blogged in a while. what is wrong with me?

The kids are growing! Nathan goes to Kindergarten and Emily is working on potty training. Where does the time go?

I am going back to school in the Fall, to change my career to Elementary Teacher. Hopefully, if God wills.

Chuck E Cheese's

My son's thinking can be so amusing. The things he figures out are too funny. He is four. He loves to go to Chuck E Cheese's. Today he told me. Mom, I think that the Chuck E Cheese that shakes your hand is just a real person dressed up like Chuck E Cheese. I said "Why do you say that?" He says," because all people are real." Then he tells me that he wants to hit Chuck E Cheese with a big stick and see if he is made of Candy. Like he's a big pinata....oh well.

What is going on in Melissa's World?

Emily is starting to walk! Travis just got back from an unsuccessful hunting trip. Nathan is doing well! Smart as a whip and learning more everyday. I am still employed at the same place thus far.

Praise be to God for His many Blessings on our family!

"Remember Me"

Lately I have become concerned about the people I represent. I no longer see the Pride in your eyes that I once seen when I traveleddown your streets in the Veterans Day parades and on the 4th of July. The people that once saluted me and those that held their hand over their heart as I passed now just look around to see whatothers are doing.

Could it be that they don't see me? This is what it must be, because I haven't changed. I am still the same flag that accompanied so many of our countrymen as they defended this great country.

As I wave in the breeze I am waving for each and ever one of them.I represent the people of this country and not the disappointmentyou may have with our Government. I have never had a vote in anything.I stand for the freedom that the people have given to this country.
You are the heroes, not the Government.

You are the ones that go to work each day and do what is necessaryto see that the children have clothes and shoes and plenty of food.
That is why I call you heroes. This is the spirit that I represent.
This is why I was created, as a constant reminder to the people ofAmerican that with pride in our country and a strong belief in God we can over come any obstacle that is put in our path. We are still the greatest country in the world. WE ARE AMERICA.

So the next time you pass by me just give me a wink or allow a
glimmer of pride or just a simple wave to let all the soldiers that
have died so you can live free and I can fly free will know that theirsacrifice was not in vain.

Your Flag

Stop the ACLU

The link below is a commercial about Stop the ACLU and Court Zero.

http://www.courtzero.org/acluweb2.wmv

Please sign this petition to stop the use of taxpayer funds to support the
ACLU by following the link below the text of the petition.

STOP TAXPAYER FUNDING OF THE ACLU

WHEREAS, the American Civil Liberties Union (the ACLU) has shown itself to
be hostile to religious expression by private citizens and the civil rights
of people of faith; and

WHEREAS, the ACLU has declared war on the Boy Scouts of America, the
military of the United States, Christmas displays, public buildings that
display the Ten Commandments, and many other American traditions; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress, roughly thirty years ago, passed a
provision in United States Code section 1988 that requires taxpayers to pay
attorneys in civil rights cases; and

WHEREAS, the ACLU has abused that law to make untold millions of dollars
simply by suing boy scouts, school children, military academies, cities and
towns, with the goal of punishing any who dare to exercise their First
Amendment right to religious freedom and expression; and

WHEREAS, the vast majority of taxpayers do not want to be forced to pay the
ACLU to sue their neighbors and friends in the ACLU's efforts to strip
America of all signs of faith; and

WHEREAS, the Establisment Clause of the First Amendment was not contemplated
when USC section 1988 was passed;

THEREFORE, the People of the United States call upon their Congress to amend
USC section 1988 so that hostile special interest groups such as the ACLU
can no longer be granted taxpayer money to attack Americans and their
institutions.

We, The People, call upon our elected representatives to amend USC section
1988 so that fees are not awarded to the ACLU or any other plaintiff in
Establisment Clause cases. We wish for the Free Expression Clause to
implicate at least the same financial incentives as attacks upon faith
currently have.

I would like you to visit the following online campaign, by iPetitions:
http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/ACLU

And urge your Congressmen and U.S. Senators to pass HR 2679.

Thanks.

I Refuse To Be Discouraged

I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, And here's the reason why...
I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, And I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same.
My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go.
When circumstances threaten To rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease.
And when my heart melts within me, And weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul.
The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand.
I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, As through this life I trod.
I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love.
I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

One Sentence Sermons

Be Fishers of Men.... You catch 'em, He'll clean 'em.
A family altar can alter a family.
A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
Exercise daily. Walk with the Lord!
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
Give God what's right, not what's left!
Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts."
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!
He who angers you, controls you!
He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!
Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!
Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
"Pray" is a four letter word that you can say anywhere.
Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
This Church is "Prayer Conditioned!"
To be almost saved is to be totally lost.
WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!
We don't change the message; the message changes us.
We set the sail; God makes the wind.
We're too blessed to be depressed.
Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.

Monday Evening

Well, here I am again. Travis is golfing with his league. Emily is sleeping. Nathan is watching cartoons. I am thinking about Jesus. How can I be more like Him? I so want to Bless His Name and not bring shame to Him. I love Him so much. He loves me so much. He is truly Glorious. Worthy of all Praise Honor and Adoration. Moreover, how can I share His Love with you? He is trustworthy. He'll never leave you or forsake you. He is waiting with arms open wide for you to call on His Name.

God Is Faithful and True

Do you know the Lord Jesus, Friend? I promise you He is Faithful and True. In fact those are two of His names. Whatever you are going through in your life, if He is at your side, you will make it through. It won't be easy. I would never lie about that. He said that in this life we would have tribulation, but we would never be alone, if we trust in Him. Do you know Abraham's story, Joseph's, Hannah's? How about Tammy Trent's? God has proven Himself to be Faithful to His people.

Repent of your sins today, Friend. Today is the day of Salvation. Time is growing short. Your days were numbered in His book long before you were ever born. Come to Jesus, his yoke is light and his burden is easy. He loves you! He died for you! He rose again and now sits at the Right Hand of God interceeding for you! What are you waiting for?

John 3:16 says "For God so loved the people He created, that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

Pray now!

Father God, I believe in you, I believe that I am a sinner. I believe that you are Faithful and True, Merciful and Good. Please forgive me for my transgressions. Lord Jesus, thank you for paying for my sins with Your own Blood. Please come into my heart. Make me a new creature. In Jesus name, I pray.



Friend,
If you believe on the name of Jesus, the angels in Heaven are rejoicing that your name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Find a body of believers in a Bible Based congreation to join. The enemy will come against you even at this moment reminding you of every sin you have ever committed! Remind him of his future. He will spend eternity in damnation, while you will be spending eternity with Almighty God!

This prayer is for you:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I pray for our new family member. Bless this person mightily with faith and confidence in You, Oh God. Give this person strength to stand on Your Word, disregarding the lies of the enemy. Help this person, find a body of believers to support him or her as he or she learns to become more like you. Thank you for another name written in your Book of Life. Amen.

Women of Faith

On my way to Women of Faith conference today. It should be a great time. We have a group of 24 going! We'll be doing some shopping, some eating and then hearing great worship music and encouragement from the Word of God! The speakers are Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Patsy Clairmont, Nicole Johnson, Luci Swindoll, and Thelma Wells. Music by CeCe Winans and Tammy Trent. Ladies, I would highly recommend attending one of these conferences. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll have a great time!

The downside, I will be leaving my 9 month old daughter overnight for the first time since she was born. Their dad will take good care of them, but it is still hard for me to be away from my family. I'll just leave them all in God's capable hands and see them when I return!

God bless!

Church Marquee Signs

The best vitamin for a Christian is B1.

Under same management for over 2000 years!

Soul food served here.

Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can honk!

Don't wait for the hearse to take you to church.

Don't give up. Moses was once a basket case.

Life has many choices. Eternity has two. What's yours?

Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.

Wal-Mart isn't the only saving place!

Prevent truth decay. Brush up on your Bible.

It's hard to stumble when you're down on your knees.

What part of "Thou Shalt Not" don't you understand?

A clear conscience makes a soft pillow.

The wages of sin is death. Repent before payday.

Never give the devil a ride. He will always want to drive.

Can't Sleep? Try counting your blessings.

Forbidden fruit creates many jams.

Christians, keep the faith...but not from others!

Satan subtracts and divides. God adds and multiplies.

To belittle is to be little.

Don't let the littleness in others bring out the littleness in you.

God answers knee-mail.

Try Jesus. If you don't like Him, the devil will always take you back.