Jul

04

Happy Birthday, America!

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Almost all of the world’s constitutions are documents in which governments tell the people what their privileges are. The U.S. Constitution is a document in which WE THE PEOPLE tell the government what it is allowed to do. WE THE PEOPLE are free, thus far, from tyranny.

But are we truly free in America?

In the USA, we have freedoms other countries only dream about. However, in our nation today, many citizens are still enslaved. The evil master who ensnares many is way wiser than any tyrannical king and even more menacing.

It’s easy to be led away by carnal devices and become entangled in sin. Though the Holy Spirit of our living God gives believers the power to overcome sin, we alone make the choice of which master we will serve. We cannot serve both God and mammon.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” ~ Joshua 24:15

We may be free in this land, but we are only truly free when Jesus is on the throne of our lives.

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” ~ John 8:31-32

Jun

26

The earth is full of his goodness

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The magnificent works of the Lord are above and beyond amazing.  How can we measure the goodness of the Lord? Can mere words do them justice? Is there a measuring rod or scale big enough? With the rich abundance of all he supplies, it would take an eternity to count the blessings God bestows.

Every time the earth rotates around the sun, there is a new dawn and new opportunities to praise and worship Him, our maker. We are all blessed by what our Creator lends us for life on this planet every day. He brings the sunlight, provides our food for harvesting, and His word tells us that the rain, too, falls on the just as well as the unjust.

Take a look at the natural beauty of the sky, a flower, or a butterfly, and marvel at the handiwork of our Lord. If he can be concerned for such things, how much more for you?

As God has given us life more abundantly, we need to make it a priority to share the good news with others!

Jun

19

Father of fathers

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There is no official instruction guide for fatherhood, though the instruction book for life—the Bible—has everything one needs to accomplish the job. And what better example to follow than that of our heavenly Father who, by his grace, has given us more than we deserve. That is, not to spoil us, but to show us the riches of His glory.

What an awesome responsibility it is to bear the title of father. Being a father is more than just having children. The job requires time, patience, discipline, and sacrifice. Above all, love.

It’s a tremendous undertaking to rear children in the way to go. The task can be daunting, especially when a man does it in his own strength. Many times, a father will fail. We need to pray for them to seek their Father in heaven for the strength, wisdom, and courage to fulfill their earthly role.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord ~ Ephesians 6:4

 Men, young and old, whether a father or a surrogate dad, have been given a generous task and privilege. With the Lord as the role model and his word as the guide, they have all that’s needed to achieve the responsibility of being a great father.

 

Jun

12

What’s lovely these days?

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In a world slowly devolving into more social unrest, where the secular powers-that-be continue to strive against everything godly, and while evil prevails around every corner—calamities, war, death, destruction, mayhem—it’s hard to find anything good in the news. But take heart. When the world looks bleak, keep in mind there’s a news story that rarely makes the front pages. It’s not the political Great Reset; it’s the news of Jesus, our Lord, who is coming back to earth one day to establish the Greatest Reset.

In the meantime, God’s word encourages us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and to be prepared for his return like in the parable of the ten virgins. Half of them carried enough oil to keep their lamps aflame while waiting for their bridegroom. Sadly, the others did not, and their lamps burned out, preventing them from entering into the marriage feast. Why weren’t they prepared? They all knew he was coming, yet only a few of them were ready.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus and keep yourself focused there. Don’t be swayed by every wind of doctrine nor worry about what mere man can do here on earth. Be like the virgins who kept their lamps glowing—ready and waiting for their bridegroom.

When you focus on the beauty of Jesus—his truth, compassion, love—everything else will pale by comparison. When hope wanes under the cares of this world, remember that as believers, we are the bride of Christ. Know that Jesus is there to love us far better than the world ever can.

 

Jun

05

Welcome as you are

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When Christ came to earth, he was the division between the pompously proud and the humbly repentant. His purpose was to welcome into his family those who loved and sought the truth of God with a humble, open heart. No finery required.

No matter how much we want to dress up and present ourselves seamless and flawless to become acceptable, God sees the true thread of our character, and no amount of starched collars or polished buttons will cover our sins. Only the blood of Jesus.

Consider what the Lord has accomplished to welcome you into his family and know that as a son or daughter of God, truly you are loved and accepted through the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross. Nothing more, nothing less.

There’s no pretense with God. We don’t need to dress up for the Lord. Out of respect, we want to present ourselves clean when we come to church as members of a civil society. But remember, if you don’t have anything but the clothes on your back, the welcome mat to the Lord’s house is still free for you to set your foot upon. The Lord does not turn away anyone who comes knocking. By his blood, we are all cleansed of our filth in the precious blood of Jesus. 

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” ~ Romans 15:7