Following In Jesus Christ: May 2007

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Promise From God To The Wicked -Blind People

17 “I will bring such distress on humans that they will walk like they are blind, because they have sinned against the Lord.” Their blood will be poured out like dust and their intestines like manure.
18Their silver and their gold will not be able to rescue them on the day of the Lord's overflowing fury. The whole earth will be consumed by his fiery anger, because he will put an end, a frightening end, to those who live on earth.

The Bottomline: God's day is at hand; the punishment of presumptuous sinners is a sacrifice to the justice of God. The Jewish royal family shall be reckoned with for their pride and vanity; and those that leap on the threshold, invading their neighbours' rights, and seizing their possessions. The trading people and the rich merchants are called to account. Secure and careless people are reckoned with. They are secure and easy; they say in their heart, the Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil; that is, they deny his dispensing rewards and punishments. But in the day of the Lord's judgment, it will clearly appear that those who perish, fall a sacrifice to Divine justice for breaking God's law, and because they have no interest by faith in the Redeemer's atoning sacrifice.

Other Treasury References:[Dt.28z;28,29;Ps.5:5,6;Ps.7:11;Ps.21:9 ;Hos.7:4Ps.79:3;Ps.118:12; Prov.10:25;Isa.29:9,10;La.4:14;Mal.1:2,3;Mal.4:3;Mt.15:14;Jhn.9:40,41;Rom.9:13;Rom.11:7,25; 2Cor.4:4;1Jhn.2:11; Rev.3:17. Just as Jesus Christ was hated so will we be in the wicked people's sight: Matt.5:11,12 Lk.6:22,23;Ps.49.Two Ways That God Warns: Job.33:14-30 catcmo2006 Would like to "Thank Everyone,"whom either has posted this or had sent posting to me from all of those e-mail address! Some of them I will or have passed on to all readers whom looks at all blog sites that I use. Thank You for allow in this site,group sites, web sites and other prayer sites as well in holding one another up for prayer's being totally united in everyone around this world, it's about Jesus Christ first and prayers,intecessory prayer's and at other times about this vast world we live in today which this old world as we all know it is slowly departing to be reaching our home in glory.

Morning & Evening Devotionals

Morning Verse

"The king also himself passed over the brook Kidron." 2Samuel 15:23

David passed that gloomy brook when flying with his mourning company from his traitor son. The man after God's own heart was not exempt from trouble, nay, his life was full of it. He was both the Lord's Anointed, and the Lord's Afflicted. Why then should we expect to escape? At sorrow's gates the noblest of our race have waited with ashes on their heads, wherefore then should we complain as though some strange thing had happened unto us?

The KING of kings himself was not favoured with a more cheerful or royal road. He passed over the filthy ditch of Kidron, through which the filth of Jerusalem flowed. God had one Son without sin, but not a single child without the rod. It is a great joy to believe that Jesus has been tempted in all points like as we are. What is our Kidron this morning? Is it a faithless friend, a sad bereavement, a slanderous reproach, a dark foreboding? The King has passed over all these. Is it bodily pain, poverty, persecution, or contempt? Over each of these Kidrons the King has gone before us. "In all our afflictions He was afflicted." The idea of strangeness in our trials must be banished at once and for ever, for He who is the Head of all saints, knows by experience the grief which we think so peculiar. All the citizens of Zion must be free of the Honourable Company of Mourners, of which the Prince Immanuel is Head and Captain.

Notwithstanding the abasement of David, he yet returned in triumph to his city, and David's Lord arose victorious from the grave; let us then be of good courage, for we also shall win the day. We shall yet with joy draw water out of the wells of salvation, though now for a season we have to pass by the noxious streams of sin and sorrow. Courage, soldiers of the Cross, the King himself triumphed after going over Kidron, and so shall you.

The Bottomline:

David determined to quit Jerusalem. He took this resolve, as a penitent submitting to the rod. Before unrighteous Absalom he could justify himself, and stand out; but before the righteous God he must condemn himself, and yield to his judgments. Thus he accepts the punishment of his sin. And good men, when they themselves suffer, are anxious that others should not be led to suffer with them. He compelled none; those whose hearts were with Absalom, to Absalom let them go, and so shall their doom be. Thus Christ enlists none but willing followers. David cannot bear to think that Ittai, a stranger and an exile, a proselyte and a new convert, who ought to be encouraged and made easy, should meet with hard usage. But such value has Ittai for David's wisdom and goodness, that he will not leave him. He is a friend indeed, who loves at all times, and will adhere to us in adversity. Let us cleave to the Son of David, with full purpose of heart, and neither life nor death shall separate us from his love.

Evening Verse

"Who healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3

Humbling as is the statement, yet the fact is certain, that we are all more or less suffering under the disease of sin. What a comfort to know that we have a great Physician who is both able and willing to heal us! Let us think of Him awhile to-night. His cures are very speedy--there is life in a look at Him; His cures are radical--He strikes at the centre of the disease; and hence, His cures are sure and certain. He never fails, and the disease never returns. There is no relapse where Christ heals; no fear that His patients should be merely patched up for a season, He makes new men of them: a new heart also does He give them, and a right spirit does He put with them. He is well skilled in all diseases. Physicians generally have some specialite. Although they may know a little about almost all our pains and ills, there is usually one disease which they have studied above all others; but Jesus Christ is thoroughly acquainted with the whole of human nature. He is as much at home with one sinner as with another, and never yet did He meet with an out-of-the-way case that was difficult to Him. He has had extraordinary complications of strange diseases to deal with, but He has known exactly with one glance of His eye how to treat the patient. He is the only universal doctor; and the medicine He gives is the only true catholicon, healing in every instance. Whatever our spiritual malady may be, we should apply at once to this Divine Physician. There is no brokenness of heart which Jesus cannot bind up. "His blood cleanseth from all sin." We have but to think of the myriads who have been delivered from all sorts of diseases through the power and virtue of His touch, and we shall joyfully put ourselves in His hands. We trust Him, and sin dies; we love Him, and grace lives; we wait for Him and grace is strengthened; we see Him as he is, and grace is perfected for ever.

The Bottomline:By the pardon of sin, that is taken away which kept good things from us, and we are restored to the favor of God, who bestows good things on us. Think of the provocation; it was sin, and yet pardoned: how many the provocations, yet all pardoned! God is still forgiving, as we are still sinning and repenting. The body finds the melancholy consequences of Adam's offence, it is subject to many infirmities, and the soul also. Christ alone forgives all our sins; it is he alone who heals all our infirmities. And the person who finds his sin cured, has a well-grounded assurance that it is forgiven. When God, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit, recovers his people from their decays, and fills them with new life and joy, which is to them an earnest of eternal life and joy, they may then be said to return to the days of their youth, Job 33:25.

catcmo2006 Would like to "Thank Everyone,"whom either has posted this or had sent posting to me from all of those e-mail address! Some of them I will or have passed on to all readers whom looks at all blog sites that I use. Thank You for allow in this site,group sites, web sites and other prayer sites as well in holding one another up for prayer's being totally united in everyone around this world, it's about Jesus Christ first and prayers,intecessory prayer's and at other times about this vast world we live in today which this old world as we all know it is slowly departing to be reaching our home in glory.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Pray For America

Dear Heavenly Father God; As soliders of our God in this battles that's set before everyone whom knows such divine truths in what's taking place of the people of this nation is and has done before you in our own individual sins in siding with the enemy of which You detest so very much and as You have laid out in your word in not going with your arch enemy in which is our own idols instead of being close to you deep with in us as your people. We've failed in standing in Your righteous truths and stood with him (satan) in whom defiles all minds and arugments of whom you are and what is truths that has been told from so long ago up and to this present age. Father being so young of what had been said in not having such a clear understanding in our generations of that whom parented us as you had spoken it out unto those ears but today's times it even went on those ears of which we've ignored and father forgive us and help us come into Your truths full throttle and get this turned around in this nation. bring down the phonies and bring up the real people in having unity all across this globe and as Your power in authority in showing just what truths are and what it isn't by your sword of the spirit in all those peoples whom are filled with the Holy Spirit to know such depths of the people in this nation to turn it back unto You while there's a chance.To have such a cleansing, a washing like never before to hit ones cities, town, neighborhood not only in our churches, homes, and when the heavyness falls it reaches every single human being and then for you to know whom is with you and those w hom are not with you. Whether be man, woman, child, teenager, adult, elderly widow, from the white house down to the digging ditches. Father you know whose in the fields working on farms, highways, jails, prisons, halfway houses, shelters, You know it all. we need such anointing and cleansing of our souls to where we know it's you showing us whom we are and whom were not for You. This is the prayer for whom I'm am and just as other want to be spotless cleansed by your power and authority and no turning back from whom we are in You as a child of God and set us where You want not only self but the people in this nation to be when You come to take us home to be with you In the Name of Jesus .... I pray... satan, (we) come against you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (we) (are) armed with the blood (Rev.12:11) and the Word of God, (our) Sword (Eph.6:17). Right now (we) pierce you through with the truth that Jesus Christ came in the flesh to destroy your works (1 Jn. 3:8). Even now, as (we) lift (our) praises to the Lord, the chief prince (Dan. 10:13) assigned to rule over this home, ministry, city, etc has been bound with fetters of iron (Psa. 149:8). (we) break the assignment of the world ruler over this Nation/ U.S.A in the Name of Jesus satan, you are also bound with chains of iron. Whatever we bind on earth is bound in heaven (Mt. 18:18) and with that authority (we) cast you down. By faith we scatter every heavenly force arrayed against (us) as holy angels smite them on our behalf (II Kings 19:35). Greater is He that is in us and more powerful are those with us than those with you (I Jn.4:4). Jesus Christ Himself sends His Word to deliver (us) from your devices (we) put to flight every demonic power in this Nation/ U.S.A that would hinder the work and word of God going forth in this place. Satan (‘we) have bound your chiefs, therefore all your demons grope in darkness, staggering as we smite them by the resurrection power of Jesus. (we) laugh and God laughs (Psa. 2:4) as (we) see you brought to derision as you recognize that you must bow at the name of Jesus (Phil.2:10). Jesus is Lord over these homes, ministries, cities, etc. Now by faith (we) loose the peace and grace and truth of Christ. Come Holy Spirit and do Your good work here, saving, healing, delivering, as (we) see Your Kingdom established (Rev. 11:15) to the glory of the Father. Hear this, America...

"Therefore I bring charges against you again," declares the LORD.
"And I will bring charges against your children's children. Cross
over to the coasts of Kittim and look, send to Kedar and observe
closely; see if there has ever been anything like this: Has a nation
ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.)

But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols.

Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,"
declares the LORD.

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring
of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns
that cannot hold water." [Jeremiah 2:9-13]

The situation in America today is similar and deteriorating rapidly.
Your churches are weak and vacillating - few take seriously the Word
of God. You take from Scripture what you feel comfortable with - that
which fits your preconceived ideas, and ignore the rest.

But, be warned,
Wherever the Word of God is hidden or ignored, there will be certain
destruction.

Partly because the priests in Israel had failed to teach God's Word
to the people, Israel suffered. There was no faithfulness, no love,
and no acknowledgment of God in the land. Rather there was only
cursing, lying, murder, stealing and adultery.

Like in ancient Israel, America today is guilty of forsaking God and
attempting to create your own paths to heaven with broken cisterns.
Few of you know what truth is anymore replacing fact with feeling on
the altar of relativism and ridiculing anyone who claims to have
truth. Your consciences have been seared and like the brazen
prostitute; you refuse to blush with shame.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for
light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for
bitter. [Isaiah 5:20]

The satanic inspired lie of "Tolerance" - where God's Word is not
proclaimed because people fear insulting or offending others has so
infiltrated America today that few people even recognize the
destructive results that inevitably follow.

If you're one who has redefined sin using the tolerance yardstick, I
guarantee you won't like what you read here. You will likely be
offended by what you believe to be a narrow-minded, hate-filled, and
intolerant viewpoint.

Praise God! That means your conscience may still be intact.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows. [Galatians 6:7] [ Prophecy Forum ] -From: Hepshzibah

Monday, May 28, 2007

Welcome All New Members

Hello Everyone ! We Just love our Newest Members and Your Part of This Family

Jenna, Rev. George & Mrs. Downs:

Welcome to the URCTC prayer family.

Please feel at home with everyone in this home. I'm sure we All will be so blessed in the Lord in unity in this place called home!

If You Died Today, Would You Go To Heaven?

If You Died Today, Would You Go To Heaven?

1. GOD LOVES YOU AND IS SEEKING TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to remove the barrier of sin." (1 John 4:10)

God loves you and planned a wonderful, full life for you. He wants to enter a personal and intimate relationship with you that includes fellowship, inner peace, happiness, guidance in life and power to fulfill His special plan for your life.

2. SIN HAS CREATED A BARRIER BETWEEN MAN AND GOD

"All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

GOD is Holy, and cannot have a relationship with anyone who falls short of His righteous character. Sin began when man went his own independent way and rejected his relationship with God. At that point, man became unacceptable to God's Holy character.

The Ten Commandments were given to show us how good we would have to be if we try to come to God in our own merit. But God doesn't grade our law-keeping on the curve. He said, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." (James 2:10)

No matter how sincere we are, or how hard we try, or how religious we are, we can never produce a righteousness that God can accept. Even our good deeds are not acceptable in God's sight, "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags …" (Isaiah 64:6)

So our sin has created a barrier that we cannot remove. Even though God loves you, He cannot compromise His holy character to receive you. Only God can remove this barrier.

3. JESUS CHRIST CAME TO REMOVE THE BARRIER BETWEEN GOD AND MAN

Jesus said of Himself, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)

You see, God so loved us that He stepped out of eternity into time and became a man in the person of Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life as a man and thus qualified to die for the sins of the world. He then willingly died in our place to purchase a pardon for sins and satisfy the demands of His own perfect justice. When He did, He tore down the barrier of sin that separated us.

4. NOW THERE IS ONLY ONE BARRIER BETWEEN YOU AND GOD YOU MUST RECEIVE THE PARDON JESUS PURCHASED FOR YOU

Jesus Christ has removed every barrier that stood between you and God except one -- you must receive the pardon He purchased for you by an act of your will. You see, a pardon is not a pardon until it is received. There is a pardon with your name on it in heaven, but you must receive it to make it valid.

It is not a matter of how good you are -- or even how bad you are. The issue is, will you talk to God and tell him you receive the pardon he purchased for you. He wants you to come just as you are and confess you can never be good enough for Him to accept.

YOU can change your eternal destiny right now. Wherever you are, just bow your head and tell God you receive His pardon for your sins. Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and begin to give you a new heart with new desires. He will come into your life and bring a new power and motivation for living you never dreamed possible.

Jesus gave us this invitation, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20) The door represents your will.

The Lord Jesus Christ is knocking at the door of your will right now. Just invite Him in and receive the gift of pardon He gave His life to give you. Then thank Him for the pardon and that He must keep His Word.

Don't expect feelings right away. Some have them, some don't. The important thing is to simply believe God keeps His Word and He now has come to live in you. Seek out a Church that is true to the Bible and seek to learn about your new life.

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Welcome to the forever family of God!
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Maranatha ! - (Lord Come Quickly)

"On Christ the SOLID ROCK I stand, all other ground is sinking sand"

YBIC-Randy

How To Win Your Crowns

How To Win Your Crowns - Jack Kelley - www.gracethrufaith.com

So, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (Phil 3:13-16)

After you're saved, you have the opportunity to win rewards, or crowns, which will be presented to you immediately after the Rapture. (1 Cor. 4:5) Jesus Himself will make the presentation in what will be the biggest awards ceremony ever in the history of mankind.

This awards ceremony is sometimes called the Bema Seat judgment, after the Greek word for judgment, because of the similarity. In the ancient Olympics, judges awarded ivy crowns (called stephanos) to the winners of the various events at the "Bema Seat", or judges stand, just like they award medals in our time.

The New Testament lists five categories in which crowns will be awarded to qualified believers.

These crowns are identified as the Everlasting Crown (Victory) in 1 Cor 9:25, the Crown of the Soul Winner in Phil 4:1 and 1 Thes 2:19, the Crown of Righteousness in 2 Tim 4:8, the Crown of Life in James 1:12 and Rev 2:10, and the Crown of Glory in 1 Peter 5:4.

The Everlasting Crown (Crown of Victory)

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Cor. 9:24-27)

This passage most clearly defines the context in which crowns are awarded, so it's a good one to look at first. The Crown of victory is also the one that the Bible has the most to say about because it's one that every believer can win. Paul used a sports analogy to help us understand the rules for winning so we wouldn't be confused about how this works.

As in events like the Olympics, winning the Victors crown requires that competitors qualify and then compete. For us, qualifying means being saved, because this is an event for believers only. Then we go into "strict training" in order to increase our chances for victory, because no Christian should be satisfied just to qualify, even if it does mean gaining eternal life. That's just the beginning. We all want to win crowns and get rewards. In going for this crown we're not competing against each other, but against our old selves, also called "the flesh".

Achieving victory means putting the flesh to death; getting rid of our selfish desires, our bad habits and attitudes, and any behavior that puts the Lord to shame. One of the places where the Bible has much to say about what it takes to win this crown is Ephesians 4-6. In fact every one of Paul's letters to the Church exhorts us to compete for this crown, out of gratitude for what we've been given. Gaining victory over the flesh is the best thing we can do to show the Lord how thankful we are that He saved us.

As in all competitive events there's no penalty for losing, only a reward for winning. And failing to win in one event does not mean that we forfeit rewards legitimately won in others. But we have to win fair and square, (2 Tim. 2:5) and more than anything else, our attitude has to be right. Any thought of recognition or personal gain, or even of making points with the Lord will disqualify us. The only acceptable motive is bringing glory to God. (1 Cor. 3:12-15 & 4:1-5)

If we're in Christ we're a new creation in God's eyes. (2 Cor. 5:17) We're now royalty in training. Our challenge is to live up to what we've already become by acting like who we are in Christ. Those who succeed will receive the Crown of Victory.

The Crown of the Soul Winner

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! (Phil. 4:1)

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thes 2:19)

Paul was happiest when he thought of all the people who had come to the Lord through his teaching, writing, and church planting. And the harvest of his labors has continued unabated through out the entire Church Age. Since there's no number stated as a qualifier we don't have to be intimidated by Paul's unbeatable results. We just have to make the most of every opportunity the Lord brings across our path. And remember, we're judged here by our effort, not our results. Each person bears the responsibility for his or her own choice regarding salvation. So we don't have to be argumentative or coercive, we just have to make a clear and concise presentation of the gospel and then pray that it's received. This is the model Paul established for us.

The Crown of Righteousness

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Tim 4:8)

Since our righteousness is derived from our faith, this Crown is not for those whose lives have been the most pure. You can't get purer than God, whose righteousness has been imputed to us. When we long for the Lord's return we're demonstrating our belief that He's coming for us. We're not afraid that we won't measure up but are absolutely certain that when He comes for His Church, we'll be among those He takes.

A person who depends on the righteousness of his or her own works can only feel either arrogance or fear, not longing. Some are arrogant enough to believe that they deserve entry into Heaven because of their exemplary life. Their pride keeps them from longing for the Lord because they're getting so much satisfaction from feeling superior. They're like the Pharisees who looked the Lord right in the eye and chose to rely on their own works rather than His Grace.

Others live in fear that they'll be rejected at the last minute for some forgotten failure. They don't long for the Lord because they're scared to death of being rejected. Only the one who depends exclusively on Grace can long for the Lord. Since they know we can never measure up, they long for the day when we can no longer fail.

The Crown of Life

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (Jas 1:12)

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:10)

This crown is for believers who've faced persecution and suffering for the Lord, even to the point of death. We're familiar with the trials and tribulations of the First and Second Century believers, but did you know that even in our time several thousand believers die for their faith every day, and many more thousands are evicted from their homes, incarcerated, or forced to live in fear for their lives? They will win the Crown of Life.

The Crown of Glory

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:1-4

Only those called into ministry can qualify for this crown. The requirements are clear, and many loyal shepherds of the Lord's flock will finally get the recognition they so richly deserve. Others, who've lorded it over believers entrusted to their care, or strapped heavy yokes of legalism to their necks will be forced to stand to the side and watch as the Lord rewards those who've stayed true to His word.

These are the five crowns listed in the New Testament. Some of us may receive all five of these crowns, but every one of us can qualify to receive at least one. And like I said above, there's nothing we can do that will bring the Lord more pleasure. And after all He's done for us, it doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it?
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Remembering Memorial Day 2007

Remember and honor American heroes - Barbara Simpson - www.worldnetdaily.com

Today is Memorial Day. Do you have any idea what that means?

For starters, think about two young men whose bodies were officially identified May 23, after being killed in Iraq.

Pfc. Joseph Anzack of Torrance, Calif. was found shot to death and floating in the Euphrates River. Who knows what torment he endured before he died; he and two other soldiers were ambushed and taken prisoner May 12. His buddies are still missing.

Pvt. Oscar Sauceda of Del Rio, Texas was killed May 22, after he and his unit were hit by enemy small-arms fire. He was with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment.

Anzack was 20 years old. Sauceda was 21.

If you think about them, will you celebrate Memorial Day differently?

For those of a certain age to remember, it wasn't always Memorial Day. It used to be called Decoration Day and was celebrated on May 30.

You might even remember the sale of red poppies on Decoration Day. They were made by disabled vets and sold to benefit vets, military widows and their children.

You might remember, but then again, maybe not.

For 103 years, Memorial Day/Decoration Day has been a single day for commemoration – a time to remember and honor those men and women who were killed defending our country.

While the tradition began during the Civil War in the South, the first day of memorial to honor war dead was officially proclaimed May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander, Grand Army of the Republic.

The first official observance was held on May 30 of that year. Flowers were placed on Civil War graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

New York was the first state to recognize the holiday in 1873 and by 1890, virtually all northern states followed suit.

As the country endured other wars and finally World War I, in which nearly 117 thousand Americans were killed, it was decided to have a national day of memorial to honor all Americans killed in all wars.

It was never a day to generically remember all dead. Memorial Day was, and is, a day for Americans to come together and honor our military dead who gave their all so we might live in freedom.

But, as in so many things, we take them for granted. We take our freedom for granted, and the solemnity of the day has almost totally been lost.

Times have changed. For most people today, Memorial Day is a holiday weekend. It's a time to get out of town – unless gas prices are too high – and have fun with family and friends.

Of course, it hasn't helped that in 1971, the National Holiday Act moved Memorial Day to the last Monday of May and made it an official federal holiday on a three day weekend.

Intentional or not, the net effect has been to diminish the meaning of the day. Along with the reality that our young people aren't taught history, their understanding of the magnitude of Memorial Day commemoration is often nil.

Because of "weekend" celebrations and traditional parades to honor the military, surviving vets and their compatriots who were killed are rarely recognized.

It used to be that every community had a parade, and, while they were fun and exciting for children, there was also the understanding that the reason for the march was to remember and honor those who died to protect our country and maintain our freedom.

Anzack and Sauceda willingly put their lives at risk for this country – for each of us – and were killed in war. They gave their lives and their futures for this country.

Their families lost loved ones and also their hopes and dreams. All they have are memories and the pain that comes with them. For the families, the two men will be forever young.

Will you remember them on Memorial Day or any day?

Every time you go to work without being shot at, go shopping without worrying about car bombs or allow your children to play in the park or at the beach without fear of land mines, you should think of, and thank, the men and women who serve in our military and honor those who were killed.

It doesn't matter whether you agree with the war, the president or Congress. What does matter is that our military personnel serve with selflessness and dedication. The very least we can do is honor them and the fallen. They've sacrificed more for us than we could ever repay. Surely that warrants a few minutes of silence on Memorial Day to remember and to say thank you.
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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Proverbs Day K.J.V.

Proverbs 17:8-9(KJV):
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Proverbs 17:8-9(Amp):
8 A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; (as if by magic) he prospers whichever way he turns.
9 He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.


Thoughts for the Day These verses in Proverbs speak of moral virtues and their contrary vices, pertaining to bribes, gossip and unforgiveness. Verse 8 describes this particular gift as one that is used to bribe someone. It is like a precious stone that is intended to dazzle the eyes and mind. It appears this way not only of the one it is offered to, but also to the one who is trying to use it to gain an advantage over another. Webster's Dictionary defines a bribe as: 1.) anything, especially money, given or promised to induce a person to do something illegal or wrong. 2.) anything given or promised to induce a person to do something against his wishes. Some people can be bought with a bribe or gift, if they do not have strong moral convictions. Bribes come as temptations. To overcome them, we must call on God to give us the strength and power to resist any offer to do anything illegal or wrong. As Christians, we not only should refuse any kind of bribes, but we should also refuse anything that we know the Lord would disapprove of. These were the instructions that God gave to His people, Israel, in the Old Testament: Exodus 23:7-8: 7 Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. 8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. The Bible tells us that a bribe will blind our eyes and will twist the Word of God to try and rob us of our righteousness. The Word of God also states that judges and officers are also forbidden to take a gift from someone that would want them to judge in a certain way that would be favorable for them. Judges and police officers must be honorable men if our judicial system is to work properly. They are to stand in their offices without being a respecter of persons. They are to judge and oversee with no partiality. They must abide by the law and rule righteously according to the law and not personal preference. Because sin is abounding in the world, the devil tempts judges and policemen to judge and act unfairly toward certain people. In a Biblical judicial system all people should be treated fairly, no matter what color they are, what kind of background they come from, what religious beliefs they hold, or whether they are rich or poor. Deuteronomy 16:18-20: 18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. 20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. God is no respecter of people. He is the ultimate good and righteous judge, and He will judge all men individually for their deeds and by their standing in Christ. He will be fair, as He has access to all hidden evidence and He knows who is guilty and who is innocent. Men will not be able to lie when they come before God because knows what is in every man's heart and nothing is hidden from Him. Yes, God, the Judge of all the earth shall do what is right. Genesis 18:25: "That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Our other verse in Proverbs is verse 9. This verse gives us a test to let us know if we are walking in God's love. If we really do seek love, we will not only forgive an offense, but we will also cover it. We will not go about repeating the incident and especially, we will not tell the matter to the friends of the one who committed the sin. It is evil to try to break up a good friendship. We are commanded to love and pray for those who offend us and give our hurts to the Lord and allow Him to remove them, and make things right in the situation. We only give strength to a bad situation when we continue to harp on it. We must ask God to deliver us from gossip (repeating the matter) and unforgiveness (harboring the matter). We should never take up another's offense either. We should encourage people to settle their differences between themselves, and not side with either party. Certainly, we can side with what is right and Biblical. However, unless we are in a situation where we are directly involved in a disputed matter, the parties themselves should work them out according to the Word of God. We should pray and seek peace with all men, as much as lieth in us. Romans 12:16-19: 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.


Prayer for the Day Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for teaching me Your Word. Help me to always obey it as I know that You bless all who adhere to Your commandments. Forgive me when I fail You, and give me the grace to forgive those who have offended and sinned against me. Lord, help me guard my mouth, and not to repeat things that are not edifying to others. Help me to be a peacemaker. Lord, may I never be guilty of taking a bribe. Lord, may all the gifts I give to others be totally given in love, with no strings attached to them. I do not want to be guilty of expecting someone to return a favor to me because I gave to them. Help us all to live as godly examples before our friends and family. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.


Thoughts for the Day These verses in Proverbs speak of moral virtues and their contrary vices, pertaining to bribes, gossip and unforgiveness. Verse 8 describes this particular gift as one that is used to bribe someone. It is like a precious stone that is intended to dazzle the eyes and mind. It appears this way not only of the one it is offered to, but also to the one who is trying to use it to gain an advantage over another. Webster's Dictionary defines a bribe as: 1.) anything, especially money, given or promised to induce a person to do something illegal or wrong. 2.) anything given or promised to induce a person to do something against his wishes. Some people can be bought with a bribe or gift, if they do not have strong moral convictions. Bribes come as temptations. To overcome them, we must call on God to give us the strength and power to resist any offer to do anything illegal or wrong. As Christians, we not only should refuse any kind of bribes, but we should also refuse anything that we know the Lord would disapprove of. These were the instructions that God gave to His people, Israel, in the Old Testament: Exodus 23:7-8: 7 Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. 8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. The Bible tells us that a bribe will blind our eyes and will twist the Word of God to try and rob us of our righteousness. The Word of God also states that judges and officers are also forbidden to take a gift from someone that would want them to judge in a certain way that would be favorable for them. Judges and police officers must be honorable men if our judicial system is to work properly. They are to stand in their offices without being a respecter of persons. They are to judge and oversee with no partiality. They must abide by the law and rule righteously according to the law and not personal preference. Because sin is abounding in the world, the devil tempts judges and policemen to judge and act unfairly toward certain people. In a Biblical judicial system all people should be treated fairly, no matter what color they are, what kind of background they come from, what religious beliefs they hold, or whether they are rich or poor. Deuteronomy 16:18-20: 18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. 20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. God is no respecter of people. He is the ultimate good and righteous judge, and He will judge all men individually for their deeds and by their standing in Christ. He will be fair, as He has access to all hidden evidence and He knows who is guilty and who is innocent. Men will not be able to lie when they come before God because knows what is in every man's heart and nothing is hidden from Him. Yes, God, the Judge of all the earth shall do what is right. Genesis 18:25: "That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Our other verse in Proverbs is verse 9. This verse gives us a test to let us know if we are walking in God's love. If we really do seek love, we will not only forgive an offense, but we will also cover it. We will not go about repeating the incident and especially, we will not tell the matter to the friends of the one who committed the sin. It is evil to try to break up a good friendship. We are commanded to love and pray for those who offend us and give our hurts to the Lord and allow Him to remove them, and make things right in the situation. We only give strength to a bad situation when we continue to harp on it. We must ask God to deliver us from gossip (repeating the matter) and unforgiveness (harboring the matter). We should never take up another's offense either. We should encourage people to settle their differences between themselves, and not side with either party. Certainly, we can side with what is right and Biblical. However, unless we are in a situation where we are directly involved in a disputed matter, the parties themselves should work them out according to the Word of God. We should pray and seek peace with all men, as much as lieth in us. Romans 12:16-19: 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.


Prayer for the Day Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for teaching me Your Word. Help me to always obey it as I know that You bless all who adhere to Your commandments. Forgive me when I fail You, and give me the grace to forgive those who have offended and sinned against me. Lord, help me guard my mouth, and not to repeat things that are not edifying to others. Help me to be a peacemaker. Lord, may I never be guilty of taking a bribe. Lord, may all the gifts I give to others be totally given in love, with no strings attached to them. I do not want to be guilty of expecting someone to return a favor to me because I gave to them. Help us all to live as godly examples before our friends and family. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

You Are Psalms

Scripture: Psalms 74:1-23 KJV
Psa 74:1 O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?
Psa 74:2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
Psa 74:3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
Psa 74:4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.
Psa 74:5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.
Psa 74:6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.
Psa 74:7 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
Psa 74:8 They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
Psa 74:9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
Psa 74:10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
Psa 74:11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.
Psa 74:12 For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
Psa 74:13 Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.
Psa 74:14 Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
Psa 74:15 Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.
Psa 74:16 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.
Psa 74:17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.
Psa 74:18 Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
Psa 74:19 O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
Psa 74:20 Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.
Psa 74:21 O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
Psa 74:22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
Psa 74:23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.

Psa 74:1-11 -
1 O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?
2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.
5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.
6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.
7 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
8 They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand pluck it out of thy bosom.
Psa_74:1
"O God, why hast thou east us off for ever?" To cast Us off at all were hard, but when thou dost for so long a time desert thy people it is an evil beyond all endurance - the very chief of woes and abyss of misery. It is our wisdom when under chastisement to enquire, "Show me wherefore thou contendest with me?" and if the affliction be a protracted one, we should the more eagerly enquire the purport of it. Sin is usually at the bottom of all the hidings of the Lord's face; let us ask the Lord to reveal the special form of it to us, that we may repent of it, overcome it, and henceforth forsake It. When a church is in a forsaken condition it must not sit still in apathy, but turn to the hand which smiteth it, and humbly enquire the reason why. At the same time, the enquiry of the text is a faulty one for it implies two mistakes. There are two questions, which only admit of negative replies. "Hath God cast away his people?" (Rom_11:1); and the other, "Will the Lord cast off for ever?" (Psa_77:7). God is never weary of his people so as to abhor them, and even when his anger is turned against them, it is but for a small moment, and with a view to their eternal good. Grief in its distraction asks strange questions and surmises impossible terrors. It is a wonder of grace that the Lord has not long ago put us away as men lay aside cast-off garments, but he hateth putting away, and will still be patient with his chosen. "Why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?" They are thine, they are the objects of thy care, they are poor, silly, and defenceless things: pity them, forgive them, and come to their rescue. They are but sheep, do not continue to be wroth with them. It is a terrible thing when the anger of God smokes, but it is an infinite mercy that it does not break into a devouring flame. It is meet to pray the Lord to remove every sign of his wrath, for it is to those who are truly the Lord's sheep a most painful thing to be the objects of his displeasure. To vex the Holy Spirit is no mean sin, and yet how frequently are we guilty of it; hence it is no marvel that we are often under a cloud.
Psa_74:2
"Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old." What a mighty plea is redemption. O God, canst thou see the bloodmark on thine own sheep, and yet allow grievous wolves to devour them? The church is no new purchase of the Lord; from before the world's foundation the chosen were regarded as redeemed by the Lamb slain: shall ancient love die out, and the eternal purpose become frustrate? The Lord would have his people remember the Paschal Lamb, the bloodstained lintel, and the overthrow of Egypt; and will he forget all this himself? Let us put him in remembrance, let us plead together. Can he desert his blood-bought and forsake his redeemed? Can election fail and eternal love cease to flow? Impossible. The woes of Calvary, and the covenant of which they are the seal, are the security of the saints.
"The rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed." So sweet a plea deserved to be repeated and enlarged upon. The Lord's portion is his people - will he lose his inheritance? His church is his kingdom, over which he stretches the rod of sovereignty; will he allow his possessions to be torn from him? God's property in us is a fact full of comfort: his value of us, his dominion over us, his connection with us are all so many lights to cheer our darkness. No man will willingly lose his inheritance, and no prince will relinquish his dominions; therefore we believe that the King of kings will hold his own, and maintain his rights against all corners. "This mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt." The Lord's having made Zion the especial centre of his worship, and place of his manifestation, is yet another plea for the preservation of Jerusalem. Shall the sacred temple of Jehovah be desecrated by heathen, and the throne of the Great King be defiled by his enemies? Has the Spirit of God dwelt in our hearts, and will he leave them to become a haunt for the devil? Has he sanctified us by his indwelling, and will he, after all, vacate the throne? God forbid.
It may be well to note that this Psalm was evidently written with a view to the temple upon Zion, and not to the tabernacle which was there in David's time, and was a mere tent; but the destructions here bewailed were exercised upon the carved work of a substantial structure. Those who had seen the glory of God in Solomon's peerless temple might well mourn in bitterness, when the Lord allowed his enemies to make an utter ruin of that matchless edifice.
Psa_74:3
"Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations." The ruin made had already long been an eyesore to the suppliant, and there seemed no hope of restoration. Havoc lorded it not only for a day or a year, but with perpetual power. This is another argument with God. Would Jehovah sit still and see his own land made a wilderness, his own palace a desolation? Until he should arise, and draw near, the desolation would remain; only his presence could cure the evil, therefore is he entreated to hasten with uplifted feet for the deliverance of his people. "Even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary." Every stone in the ruined temple appealed to the Lord; on all sides were the marks of impious spoilers, the holiest places bore evidence of their malicious wickedness; would the Lord for ever permit this? Would he not hasten to overthrow the foe who defied him to his face, and profaned the throne of his glory? Faith finds pleas in the worst circumstances, she uses even the fallen stones of her desolate palaces, and assails with them the gates of heaven, casting them forth with the great engine of prayer.
Psa_74:4
"Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations." Where thy people sang like angels, these barbarians roar like beasts. When thy saints come together for worship, these cruel men attack them with all the fury of lions. They have no respect for the most solemn gatherings, but intrude themselves and their blasphemies into our most hallowed meetings. How often in times of persecution or prevalent heresy has the church learned the meaning of such language. May the Lord spare us such misery. When hypocrites abound in the church, and pollute her worship, the case is parallel to that before us; Lord save us from so severe a trial. "They set up their ensigns for signs." Idolatrous emblems used in war were set up over God's altar, as an insulting token of victory, and of contempt for the vanquished and their God. Papists, Arians, and the modern school of Neologians have, in their day, set up their ensigns for signs. Superstition, unbelief, and carnal wisdom have endeavoured to usurp the place of Christ crucified, to the grief of the church of God. The enemies without do us small damage, but those within the church cause her serious harm; by supplanting the truth and placing error in its stead, they deceive the people, and lead multitudes to destruction. As a Jew felt a holy horror when he saw an idolatrous emblem set up in the holy place, even so do we when in a Protestant church we see the fooleries of Rome, and when from pulpits, once occupied by men of God, we hear philosophy and vain deceit.
Psa_74:5
"A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees." Once men were renowned for felling the cedars and preparing them for building the temple, but now the axe finds other work, and men are as proud of destroying as their fathers were of erecting. Thus in the olden times our sires dealt sturdy blows against the forests of error, and laboured hard to lay the axe at the root of the trees; but, alas! their sons appear to be quite as diligent to destroy the truth and to overthrow all that their fathers built up. O for the good old times again! O for an hour of Luther's hatchet, or Calvin's mighty axe!
Psa_74:6
"But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers." The invaders were as industrious to destroy as the ancient builders had been to construct. Such fair carving it was barbarous to hew in pieces, but the Vandals had no mercy and broke down all, with any weapon which came to hand. In these days men are using axes and sledge-hammers against the gospel and the church. Glorious truths, far more exquisite than the goodliest carving, are cavilled over and smashed by the blows of modern criticism. Truths which have upheld the afflicted and cheered the dying are smitten by pretentious Goths, who would be accounted learned, but know not the first principles of the truth. With sharp ridicule, and heavy blows of sophistry, they break the faith of some; and would, if it were possible, destroy the confidence of the elect themselves. Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans are but types of spiritual foes who labour to crush the truth and the people of God.
Psa_74:7
"They have cast fire into thy sanctuary." Axes and hammers were not sufficient for the purpose of the destroyers, they must needs try fire. Malice knows no bounds. Those who hate God are never sparing of the most cruel weapons. To this day the enmity of the human heart is quite as great as ever; and, if providence did not restrain, the saints would still be as fuel for the flames. "They have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground." They made a heap of the temple, and left not one stone upon another. When the Lord left Mount Zion, and the Roman gained entrance, the military fury led the soldiery to burn out and root up the memorial of the famous House of the Lord. Could the powers of darkness have their way, a like fate would befall the church of Christ. "Rase it," say they, "rase it even to the foundation thereof." Defilement to the church is destruction; her foes would defile her till nothing of her purity, and consequently of her real self, remained. Yet, even if they could wreak their will upon the cause of Christ, they are not able to destroy it, it would survive their blows and fires; the Lord would hold them still like dogs in a leash, and in the end frustrate all their designs.
Psa_74:8
"They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together." It was no idle wish, their cruelty was sincere, deep-seated, a matter of their inmost heart. Extirpation was the desire of Haman, and the aim of many another tyrant; not a remnant of the people of God would have been left if oppressors could have had their way. Pharaoh's policy to stamp out the nation has been a precedent for others, yet the Jews survive, and will; the bush though burning has not been consumed. Even thus the church of Christ has gone through baptisms of blood and fire, but it is all the brighter for them. "They have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land." Here is no allusion to places called synagogues, but to assemblies; and as no assemblies for worship were held but in one place, the ruin of the temple was the destruction of all the holy gatherings, and so in effect all the meeting-places were destroyed. One object of persecutors has always been to put an end to all conventicles, as they have called them. Keep them from meeting and you will scatter them, so have the foemen said; but, glory be to God, saints are independent of walls, and have met on the hill side, by the moss, or in the catacombs, or in a boat at sea. Yet has the attempt been almost successful, and the hunt so hot, that the faithful have wandered in solitude, and their solemn congregations have been under such circumstances, few and far between. What sighs and cries have in such times gone up to the ears of the Lord God of Sabaoth. How happy are we that we can meet for worship in any place we choose, and none dare molest us.
Psa_74:9
"We see not our signs." Alas, poor Israel! No Urim and Thummim blazed on the High Priest's bosom, and no Shekinah shone from between the cherubim. The smoke of sacrifice and cloud of incense no more arose from the holy hill; solemn feasts were suspended, and even circumcision, the covenant sign, was forbidden by the tyrant. We, too, as believers, know what it is to lose our evidence and grope in darkness; and too often do our churches also miss the tokens of the Redeemer's presence, and their lamps remain untrimmed. Sad plaint of a people under a cloud! "There is no more any prophet." Prophecy was suspended. No inspiring psalm or consoling promise fell from bard or seer. It is ill with the people of God when the voice of the preacher of the gospel fails, and a famine of the word of life falls on the people. God-sent ministers are as needful to the saints as their daily bread, and it is a great sorrow when a congregation is destitute of a faithful pastor. It is to be feared, that with all the ministers now existing, there is yet a dearth of men whose hearts end tongues are touched with the celestial fire. "Neither is there any among us that knoweth how long." If some one could foretell an end, the evil might be borne with a degree of patience, but when none can see a termination, or foretell an escape, the misery has a hopeless appearance, and is overwhelming. Blessed be God, he has not left his church in these days to be so deplorably destitute of cheering words; let us pray that he never may. Contempt of the word is very common, and may well provoke the Lord to withdraw it from us; may his long-suffering endure the strain, and his mercy afford us still the word of life.
Psa_74:10
"O God, how long shall the adversary reproach?" Though we know not how long yet thou dost. The times and seasons are with thee. When God is reproached, there is hope for us, for it may be he will hearken and avenge his dishonoured name. Wickedness has great license allowed it, and justice lingers on the road; God has his reasons for delay, and his seasons for action, and in the end it shall be seen that he is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness. "Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?" He will do so for ever, unless thou dost give him his quietus. Wilt thou never defend thyself, and stop slanderous tongues? Wilt thou always endure the jeers of the profane? Is there to be no end to all this sacrilege and cursing? Yes, it shall all be ended, but not by-and-by. There is a time for the sinner to rage, and a time in which patience bears with him; yet it is but a time, and then, ah, then!
Psa_74:11
"Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand?" Wherefore this Inaction, this indifference for thine own honour and thy people's safety? How bold is the suppliant! Does he err? Nay, verily, we who are so chill, and distant, and listless in prayer are the erring ones. The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and he who learns the art shall surely prevail with God by its means. It is fit that we should enquire why the work of grace goes on so slowly, and the enemy has so much power over men: the enquiry may suggest practical reflections of unbounded value.
"Why dost thou from the conflict stay?
Why do thy chariot wheels delay?
Lift up thyself, hell's kingdom shake,
Arm of the Lord, awake, awake."
"Pluck it out of thy bosom." A bold simile, but dying men must venture for their lives. When God seems to fold his arms we must not fold ours, but rather renew our entreaties that he would again put his hand to the work. O for more agony in prayer among professing Christians, then should we see miracles of grace. We have here before us a model of pleading, a very rapture of prayer. It is humble, but very bold, eager, fervent, and effectual. The heart of God is always moved by such entreaties. When we bring forth our strong reasons, then will he bring forth his choice mercies. catcmo2006 Would like to "Thank Everyone,"whom either has posted this or had sent posting to me from all of those e-mail address! Some of them I will or have passed on to all readers whom looks at all blog sites that I use. Thank You for allow in this site,group sites, web sites and other prayer sites as well in holding one another up for prayer's being totally united in everyone around this world, it's about Jesus Christ first and prayers,intecessory prayer's and at other times about this vast world we live in today which this old world as we all know it is slowly departing to be reaching our home in glory.

Morning & Evening Devotionals

Morning Verse

"So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet." 2Samuel 9:13

Mephibosheth was no great ornament to a royal table, yet he had a continual place at David's board, because the king could see in his face the features of the beloved Jonathan. Like Mephibosheth, we may cry unto the King of Glory, "What is Thy servant, that Thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?" but still the Lord indulges us with most familiar intercourse with Himself, because He sees in our countenances the remembrance of His dearly-beloved Jesus. The Lord's people are dear for another's sake. Such is the love which the Father bears to His only begotten, that for His sake He raises His lowly brethren from poverty and banishment, to courtly companionship, noble rank, and royal provision. Their deformity shall not rob them of their privileges. Lameness is no bar to sonship; the cripple is as much the heir as if he could run like Asahel. Our right does not limp, though our might may. A king's table is a noble hiding-place for lame legs, and at the gospel feast we learn to glory in infirmities, because the power of Christ resteth upon us. Yet grievous disability may mar the persons of the best-loved saints. Here is one feasted by David, and yet so lame in both his feet that he could not go up with the king when he fled from the city, and was therefore maligned and injured by his servant Ziba. Saints whose faith is weak, and whose knowledge is slender, are great losers; they are exposed to many enemies, and cannot follow the king whithersoever he goeth. This disease frequently arises from falls. Bad nursing in their spiritual infancy often causes converts to fall into a despondency from which they never recover, and sin in other cases brings broken bones. Lord, help the lame to leap like an hart, and satisfy all Thy people with the bread of Thy table!

Evening Verse

"What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" 2Samuel 9:8

If Mephibosheth was thus humbled by David's kindness, what shall we be in the presence of our gracious Lord? The more grace we have, the less we shall think of ourselves, for grace, like light, reveals our impurity. Eminent saints have scarcely known to what to compare themselves, their sense of unworthiness has been so clear and keen. "I am," says holy Rutherford, "a dry and withered branch, a piece of dead carcass, dry bones, and not able to step over a straw." In another place he writes, "Except as to open outbreakings, I want nothing of what Judas and Cain had." The meanest objects in nature appear to the humbled mind to have a preference above itself, because they have never contracted sin: a dog may be greedy, fierce, or filthy, but it has no conscience to violate, no Holy Spirit to resist. A dog may be a worthless animal, and yet by a little kindness it is soon won to love its master, and is faithful unto death; but we forget the goodness of the Lord, and follow not at His call. The term "dead dog" is the most expressive of all terms of contempt, but it is none too strong to express the self- abhorrence of instructed believers. They do not affect mock modesty, they mean what they say, they have weighed themselves in the balances of the sanctuary, and found out the vanity of their nature. At best, we are but clay, animated dust, mere walking hillocks; but viewed as sinners, we are monsters indeed. Let it be published in heaven as a wonder, that the Lord Jesus should set His heart's love upon such as we are. Dust and ashes though we be, we must and will "magnify the exceeding greatness of His grace." Could not His heart find rest in heaven? Must He needs come to these tents of Kedar for a spouse, and choose a bride upon whom the sun had looked? O heavens and earth, break forth into a song, and give all glory to our sweet Lord Jesus.

Hardened Heart That's Been Blinded

One’s attitude is of utmost importance when confronted with spiritual matters. The Lord clearly states that folks are not just to “hear” (Matthew 13:9) but to give heed to "what" (Mark 4:24) and "how"(Luke 8:18) they hear. Following the teaching of the Master would prevent much of the religious confusion and error that runs rampant today.
Spiritually speaking, the only "seed" that the Bible commands to be sown is "the word of God" (Luke 8:11). It is not difficult to understand the principle that a seed will always reproduce after its kind (Genesis 1:11; Galatians 6:7-8). In the physical realm, if one sows the wrong seed he will not have the harvest he envisioned. Likewise, in the spiritual realm, the sowing of the wrong seed will not produce the harvest (a heavenly home) that so many are anticipating. The word of God (proper seed) in its purity must be proclaimed, believed and obeyed if the promised blessing of a home in heaven is to be realized. Yes, God’s promised blessings are conditional, and even a casual reading of the Bible should impress one with this truth.

This heart being discussed is not the physical blood pump – but the mind or intellect of man. It is important what man thinks in his heart (Proverbs 23:7) "for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:29). The apostle Paul writes that "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). Jesus teaches the first and great commandment is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37).

The parable of the sower depicts different types of hearts (soils) and the seed that is sown in them (Matthew 13:3-8; 18-23). The types of soils commented on in the Bible represent different attitudes toward the precious gospel. This article will focus on the attitude of one who possesses a blind and hardened heart.

The devil, "seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8), knows that sin will separate one from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). The Hebrews writer warned Christians, "but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13). When Paul spoke in the synagogue at Ephesus, there were some who were “hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way …” (Acts 19:9). Isaiah prophesied about people with fat hearts, heavy ears and shut eyes – “lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed” (Isaiah 6:10). Jesus mentioned this prophecy in noting people who refused to believe the truth. He taught even though they had seen the miracles He wrought (John 12:37, 39-40).

Today countless millions refuse to "see" and "hear" the word of God! In the parable of the sower, some seed that was sown fell by the "way side" (Matthew 13:4). Even though contact is made with the seed (word of God), certain people will refuse to understand (Matthew 13:19). The Bible message is the same for every human being, and all mankind can understand the Bible alike! Paul admonishes, "Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). Again, Paul implores of Bible believers, "Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is not that folks cannot understand what God would have them to do, but that they have no desire to understand and be doers of the word (James 1:22).

One may harden his heart to the point that he will not allow God’s word to penetrate it. Why would an intelligent person do such a thing? There are many things that can contribute to one possessing a blind and hardened heart.

First, pride can keep one from submitting to the commands of God. The Jews of Jesus’ day are a classic example of pride causing people to refuse and reject the truth. The Jews were eagerly anticipating the coming of the Messiah, but foolish pride led them to resist Christ when He came. The problem was clearly identified by Christ when He was confronted by the religious leaders of His day. “And the Pharisees and the scribes ask him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with defiled hands? And he said unto them, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men. Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men. And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition" (Mark 7:5-9).

Multitudes today allow tradition to blind them to God’s glorious truths. They base their religion upon the religion of their parents or grandparents. While claiming to believe in the Bible, they worship and serve according to the tradition of their ancestors. Pride will not allow many to cast aside man-made tradition and simply follow a “thus saith the Lord.” This is the plight of those in denominationalism today who refuse to give it up when confronted with the word of God. They cannot find "their church" in the Bible, and it is hundreds of years too late to be the church promised and established by the Lord (Matthew 16:18; Mark 9:1; Acts 2). There is only one body (Ephesians 4:4), and Christ is the head of that body – the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). The name church of Christ simply shows ownership and denotes those congregations who are abiding by His will (Romans 16:16). Man-made churches, by the very names they wear, give the glory to some man instead of Christ. It is not that folks cannot see and understand this truth – it is rather that most will not swallow their pride and cast aside the traditions of their families.

Second, prejudice and bias allows many to continue to cultivate a blind and hardened heart. So very many are guided by their feelings and emotions instead of their logic and reasoning. But the way of man is not in himself (Jeremiah 10:23), and just because a thing feels right does not make it so (Proverbs 14:12)! People are influenced by their environment and by what they are taught. The way they "feel" becomes the standard by which they live. It is difficult, at best, to lay aside all prejudice and bias and be determined to be influenced only by the word of God.

Both those within and without the Lord’s church must strive to have the attitude of the noble Bereans. "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). One’s mind (heart) must be ready to receive the word of God. The gospel was proclaimed to thousands in Acts chapter two, but only those who “gladly received” (Acts 2:42, KJV) the word were baptized into Christ.

Those who have accepted man’s invitation to salvation (just accept Jesus in your heart as your Savior) while rejecting the gospel’s invitation to salvation (Hearing, Romans 10:17; Believing, Hebrews 11:6; Repentance, Luke 13:3; Confession, Romans 10:9-10; Immersion for remission of sins, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27) need to cast aside bias and prejudice and determine to follow Christ. Those within the Lord’s body who are rejecting a standard of authority and a God-given pattern need to repent and determine to be guided by the word that will judge all mankind in that day (John 12:48).

Third, a heart without strong convictions will become blinded to God’s truths. One’s allegiance will either be to God or to man – to things spiritual or to things material. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24). The Master also said, "He that is not with me is against me …" (Matthew 12:30). There is no middle ground that is safe and secure.

Strong conviction for God’s Word is woefully lacking among most people today. Oh, people have strong convictions but not for the word of God. The "situation ethics" philosophy and the "end justifies the means" concept is alive and well in the hearts (minds) of many. The response by the majority as to whether something is right or wrong is based upon emotion and feeling rather than reason and conviction. Such will always lead to division, confusion and every man doing that which is "right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

A blind and hardened heart to God’s truths will argue that one church is as good as another and encourage people to attend the church of their choice. Please lay aside your "feelings" for just a moment, and let us reason from the Scriptures. Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18). He purchased His church with His blood (Acts 20:28). He is the head of the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23). How many "heads" does a body have? How many "bodies" does a head have? It is no wonder that the Bible affirms that there is "one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). This is why the Scriptures affirm, "For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free …" (1 Corinthians 12:13). Folks, at least have the integrity to admit that all man-made religious groups wear different names, believe different doctrines, worship and serve in different ways, and have different interpretations of Holy Scripture. How can people convince themselves that so many diverse beliefs compose the "one body" the above Scriptures mention?

A blind and hardened heart will argue that the Bible does not say “thou shalt not use instrumental music in worship.” Again, please lay aside emotion, feeling and personal likes and let us reason from the Scriptures. Instead of appealing to what the Scriptures do not say, one must appeal to what they say. Christ, as head of the church, has the right to command. The Bible teaches, "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17). To do something "in the name of the Lord Jesus" is to do it by His authority! Christ has authorized "singing," not playing on some instrument (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). One will search in vain for Bible authority of instrumental music! Neither must one forget that he cannot with divine approval add to or take from God’s Holy Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; 2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18-19). An ever-growing number today do not desire to examine the Scriptures to see if their action meets God’s approval. The desire is so strong to please self and satisfy one’s own needs that more and more folks harden their hearts to the word of God. The appeal is made to all to have the conviction to be guided by the Holy Scriptures (Psalms 119:105).

To be pleasing unto God one "must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). This means that a person will have the desire to do the right thing in the right way for the right reason. God’s Word reveals what is right to everyone who does not possess a blind and hardened heart.

Note: As I've found to have the hard stiff ground to be hard and we can't plant anything in the ground until it's freshly plowed up having all the surface and it's soil ready for planting ,such a harvested and cultivated to where it's ready and rippened to see it's context that comes up out of the ground. Pray as this begins to sink into the Lost loved ones and to be opened to hear the message of the Lord God. . Jer.4:3;Hos.10:12;Job 14:8; Josh.24:32; 1 Sam.14:25' Gen.3:18; 47:20,24; Neh.12:29;11:25.

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