Nov 2008
Give Thanks...
26/11/08 18:28
What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Does it hold any significance, or is it just another holiday? This day, which should hold deep meaning and a special significance for all, has become a day that carries little of the original intent and meaning that inspired its proclamation. It has become just a day between two other holidays that serves largely as a springboard for the Christmas holiday. The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year, as holiday shoppers rush out to scoop up sale items, to be used as Christmas gifts, offered by retailers to lure them into their stores.
Thanksgiving was a day set aside to publicly honor God in prayer and to thank Him for His blessings and the protection that He afforded this nation. Consider this quote from a Thanksgiving proclamation composed by George Washington, the first President of the United States of America:
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houfes of Congress have, by their joint committee, requefted me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to eftablifh a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
This proclamation was written on October 3, 1789. Our forefathers and the people of this country recognized the unique relationship that existed between this nation and Almighty God. They were not ashamed to publicly announce and acknowledge the blessings of God and His importance to the existence of this country.
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and affign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of thefe States to the fervice of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our fincere and humble thanksfor His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation;
Now this nation wants to distance itself as far away as it possibly can from the name of God. Public displays of prayer and supplication to God are no longer acceptable and in fact not allowed in many places and settings. This nation, who once openly professed a belief, faith and trust in the Eternal God, has now completely turned their back on Him and wants nothing to do with Him.
And also, that we may then unite in moft humbly offering our prayers and fupplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and befeech Him to pardon our national and other tranfgreffions;
This year, wherever you gather and with whomever you gather for Thanksgiving, remember what this day was set aside for. It is so much more than just another day off from work, it is more than just a day to gather for a meal, it is more than just a day to sit around and watch football, or scour the ads for the “Black Friday” sales.
As you pause to ask God’s blessing on your meal, remember all of the blessings you have received from God. God is the provider of all things, we would have nothing without His love for us and His desire that we lead fulfilling lives. Our very lives depend on what He supplies day to day for this entire earth! Remember His mercy and the wonderful truth of His word which He has given to us. Remember the incredible, selfless sacrifice that His son made so that we might have eternal life and dwell with God and His son forever.
This nation and this world are in grave danger and facing insurmountable problems that only the return of Christ can solve. Let us look to God and His mercy and His love. Let us look to Him for the strength to persevere and the faith to not lose hope, but to look to Him for all things. Let all of the people of God raise their voices to Him in praise, with thankfulness for what He does and what He provides. Let us return to the original intent and purpose of the day of Thanksgiving and recognize the Awesome Everlasting God!
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 100
1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Until next time...
Thanksgiving was a day set aside to publicly honor God in prayer and to thank Him for His blessings and the protection that He afforded this nation. Consider this quote from a Thanksgiving proclamation composed by George Washington, the first President of the United States of America:
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houfes of Congress have, by their joint committee, requefted me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to eftablifh a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
This proclamation was written on October 3, 1789. Our forefathers and the people of this country recognized the unique relationship that existed between this nation and Almighty God. They were not ashamed to publicly announce and acknowledge the blessings of God and His importance to the existence of this country.
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and affign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of thefe States to the fervice of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our fincere and humble thanksfor His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation;
Now this nation wants to distance itself as far away as it possibly can from the name of God. Public displays of prayer and supplication to God are no longer acceptable and in fact not allowed in many places and settings. This nation, who once openly professed a belief, faith and trust in the Eternal God, has now completely turned their back on Him and wants nothing to do with Him.
And also, that we may then unite in moft humbly offering our prayers and fupplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and befeech Him to pardon our national and other tranfgreffions;
This year, wherever you gather and with whomever you gather for Thanksgiving, remember what this day was set aside for. It is so much more than just another day off from work, it is more than just a day to gather for a meal, it is more than just a day to sit around and watch football, or scour the ads for the “Black Friday” sales.
As you pause to ask God’s blessing on your meal, remember all of the blessings you have received from God. God is the provider of all things, we would have nothing without His love for us and His desire that we lead fulfilling lives. Our very lives depend on what He supplies day to day for this entire earth! Remember His mercy and the wonderful truth of His word which He has given to us. Remember the incredible, selfless sacrifice that His son made so that we might have eternal life and dwell with God and His son forever.
This nation and this world are in grave danger and facing insurmountable problems that only the return of Christ can solve. Let us look to God and His mercy and His love. Let us look to Him for the strength to persevere and the faith to not lose hope, but to look to Him for all things. Let all of the people of God raise their voices to Him in praise, with thankfulness for what He does and what He provides. Let us return to the original intent and purpose of the day of Thanksgiving and recognize the Awesome Everlasting God!
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 100
1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Until next time...
Faith...
21/11/08 16:56
Faith...all who follow God claim to have it. God says we MUST have it, yet when you search deep down inside yourself, when you really look closely and examine yourself thoroughly, how strong is your faith? Is there a deep abiding trust and assurance that God is really there? Is there a confidence that God is in control and nothing escapes His attention? Are you really and truly ready to trust God with your very life?
These are things that we need to think long and hard about as followers of God. We can say that we trust God, but do we truly mean it? Where does our trust and faith really lie? Do you trust in your bank account? Do you trust in your 401(k)? Do you trust in your job? Do you trust in the things that you can do with your own two hands? We can deceive ourselves into thinking that we have faith, when in reality our faith is very shallow, or non-existent altogether.
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” We can deceive ourselves, we can fool ourselves into believing anything that we want to believe, but we cannot fool God. Notice verse 10 of Jeremiah 17: I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.
No one can deceive God. We can fool ourselves, we can fool those around us and we can put on the outward appearance of anything that we want everyone else to see, but God sees the truth...God looks on the heart.
People have lost faith, it is time to turn to God in repentance...we need to learn to rely on God fully and completely without any doubt in our minds. Those who follow God of all people should have an unwavering and abiding faith and trust that cannot be shaken!
In Luke 7 there is a story of a centurion who came to Christ seeking healing for one of his servants. It is an incredible story of faith, this man came believing in his heart that Jesus could heal his servant. He had evidently heard of the things that Christ had been doing, the miracles and the healings that were taking place, maybe he had even witnessed one of these things himself and he had believed.
He asked Christ to heal his servant and Jesus told him that He would come to his house and do as he had asked. The centurion told Christ that he was not worthy of His presence at his house, but he knew that if Christ just spoke the words that his servant would be healed. Christ was amazed at the faith of this man and said: “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” (Luke 7:10).
Do we have that kind of faith? Do we as followers of God look to Him in full confidence and assurance? If not, we had better examine ourselves and find out why! There are times coming that will try us like never before. Now is the time to draw close to God, to nurture and develop a close relationship while there is time. Without faith and a close abiding relationship...without a deep trust and confident assurance that He will see us through whatever we face, we will surely perish in the coming storm!
Until next time...
These are things that we need to think long and hard about as followers of God. We can say that we trust God, but do we truly mean it? Where does our trust and faith really lie? Do you trust in your bank account? Do you trust in your 401(k)? Do you trust in your job? Do you trust in the things that you can do with your own two hands? We can deceive ourselves into thinking that we have faith, when in reality our faith is very shallow, or non-existent altogether.
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” We can deceive ourselves, we can fool ourselves into believing anything that we want to believe, but we cannot fool God. Notice verse 10 of Jeremiah 17: I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.
No one can deceive God. We can fool ourselves, we can fool those around us and we can put on the outward appearance of anything that we want everyone else to see, but God sees the truth...God looks on the heart.
People have lost faith, it is time to turn to God in repentance...we need to learn to rely on God fully and completely without any doubt in our minds. Those who follow God of all people should have an unwavering and abiding faith and trust that cannot be shaken!
In Luke 7 there is a story of a centurion who came to Christ seeking healing for one of his servants. It is an incredible story of faith, this man came believing in his heart that Jesus could heal his servant. He had evidently heard of the things that Christ had been doing, the miracles and the healings that were taking place, maybe he had even witnessed one of these things himself and he had believed.
He asked Christ to heal his servant and Jesus told him that He would come to his house and do as he had asked. The centurion told Christ that he was not worthy of His presence at his house, but he knew that if Christ just spoke the words that his servant would be healed. Christ was amazed at the faith of this man and said: “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” (Luke 7:10).
Do we have that kind of faith? Do we as followers of God look to Him in full confidence and assurance? If not, we had better examine ourselves and find out why! There are times coming that will try us like never before. Now is the time to draw close to God, to nurture and develop a close relationship while there is time. Without faith and a close abiding relationship...without a deep trust and confident assurance that He will see us through whatever we face, we will surely perish in the coming storm!
Until next time...
Seek God...
16/11/08 22:21
I have just posted a new audio message on the site: ”Meditation”. I hope and pray that you all enjoy it and that it will be a blessing to you.
I have been very busy since returning from the Feast, but I have been working on several new articles as well as spending a lot of time on research, so hopefully some new articles will begin to be posted soon.
As I have had the chance to visit with people (post election), one thing is becoming very clear, this country is very polarized and divided. There are a lot of angry scared people, there are a lot of sad scared people and there are a lot of elated scared people. No one is certain about the future, or really has a positive outlook for where we are headed. These are very uncertain times that we face and people are searching for answers.
All around we see the effects and the toll that is being taken on this country and her people by the economic crisis we are in. People are losing jobs, their homes, their vehicles and other things are being repossessed by creditors, their bank accounts are empty and bankruptcies are soaring. Cardboard cities are springing up in America! People are struggling to look for the positive...to cling to some sort of hope and belief that things are going to turn around and get better. What is important to you? Where do your priorities lie? Are you clinging fiercely to your job? Are you struggling to hold on to your possessions?
God’s word tells us that where our treasure lies, there our hearts will be too (Luke 12:34). Are you focused on trying to amass wealth and possessions here on this earth? Those physical things that people seek so hard to possess and the wealth that they try so hard to build up are worthless! People spend their entire lives in meaningless pursuits. This life is temporary...it is fleeting and our time here passes very quickly. There is much, much more beyond this life!
God has so much in store for those who look to Him and choose His way of life. God says that we cannot even begin to imagine what is in store for those who love Him and seek Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). In these uncertain times; now, more than ever we need to cling to God and seek out His will in our lives. We need to be building up our treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19) where it will be safely waiting for us.
Look to God for all your needs, for comfort...for hope...for the strength to get through each day and to not get bogged down in worry and despair. God is always there...God will always be there.
Until next time...
I have been very busy since returning from the Feast, but I have been working on several new articles as well as spending a lot of time on research, so hopefully some new articles will begin to be posted soon.
As I have had the chance to visit with people (post election), one thing is becoming very clear, this country is very polarized and divided. There are a lot of angry scared people, there are a lot of sad scared people and there are a lot of elated scared people. No one is certain about the future, or really has a positive outlook for where we are headed. These are very uncertain times that we face and people are searching for answers.
All around we see the effects and the toll that is being taken on this country and her people by the economic crisis we are in. People are losing jobs, their homes, their vehicles and other things are being repossessed by creditors, their bank accounts are empty and bankruptcies are soaring. Cardboard cities are springing up in America! People are struggling to look for the positive...to cling to some sort of hope and belief that things are going to turn around and get better. What is important to you? Where do your priorities lie? Are you clinging fiercely to your job? Are you struggling to hold on to your possessions?
God’s word tells us that where our treasure lies, there our hearts will be too (Luke 12:34). Are you focused on trying to amass wealth and possessions here on this earth? Those physical things that people seek so hard to possess and the wealth that they try so hard to build up are worthless! People spend their entire lives in meaningless pursuits. This life is temporary...it is fleeting and our time here passes very quickly. There is much, much more beyond this life!
God has so much in store for those who look to Him and choose His way of life. God says that we cannot even begin to imagine what is in store for those who love Him and seek Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). In these uncertain times; now, more than ever we need to cling to God and seek out His will in our lives. We need to be building up our treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19) where it will be safely waiting for us.
Look to God for all your needs, for comfort...for hope...for the strength to get through each day and to not get bogged down in worry and despair. God is always there...God will always be there.
Until next time...
Where Now?
09/11/08 18:49
I will be posting a new audio message this week and a new article very soon too!
Greetings everyone, the site is still being visited regularly and seeing good traffic. Thank you all for taking the time to read and listen to what is here. I pray that it is helpful and a blessing to you. I am working on several new articles and at least one new audio message.
The election is finally over and the people have spoken. We have a new President-elect who will take over the helm of this country on January 20, 2009. What does the future hold in store for America? This nation stands at a very critical crossroads. Which way will it go? The United States is facing a crisis that could never have been foreseen and of an epic proportion! America is teetering on the edge of complete financial ruin. Day after day the bad news continues to come, in wave after wave. Like a boxer stranded in a corner, this country is being pummeled unmercifully with vicious and wicked blows that threaten to take it down for the count.
All experts agree that we are not even near to seeing the bottom of the current economic crises. How will America survive...how can America survive? The new President will face a daunting challenge from his very first day in office. He was elected on a promise of change. Can he deliver? The country is already bankrupt...where are the funds going to come from to help the economy recover? There are many unanswered questions and people are already looking to the President-elect to provide solutions and answers.
The face of the entire world is changing rapidly. The nations of this world are all facing economic woe and ruin. The voices calling for a world economic system are growing louder and louder. Will that be the solution that the new President will look to for renewal and restoration of the country’s financial system?
We are moving steadily towards that day when our Savior Jesus Christ will return to claim this earth that He has already qualified to rule. Christ is the solution to the problems that this country and the rest of the world face. He is not going to be welcome when He returns, the nations will fight against Him, but it will be a costly and futile effort doomed to failure before it even begins. Jesus Christ will return in power and glory and He will take over the rule of this world from the false leader that will have set himself up as God! Until then, we are to be watching, waiting and praying that we are found worthy to escape what is coming (Luke 21:34-36).
Christ warns us to pay attention, to not be fooled and to prepare for what is coming. Whatever is being worked out on this world is according to God’s plan and things will happen exactly as He wants them to happen, for His purpose! There were groups of people on both sides praying for each one of the presidential candidates. Who was right? God places those in positions of leadership as it suits His purpose (Daniel 4:17). God is in control and He will do as He pleases and as it suits His purpose. Can man judge God (Daniel 4:34-35)?
This world is marching steadily towards the conclusion of man’s rule on this earth. That is certain and it will come to pass despite what any man says, or no matter what promise that is made. The world will soon be looking to unify itself in one sense of purpose and direction. Politically, militarily and monetarily, it is a union that will be crushed by Jesus Christ at His return. Do not be fooled...watch, pay attention and pray for deliverance!
Until next time...
Greetings everyone, the site is still being visited regularly and seeing good traffic. Thank you all for taking the time to read and listen to what is here. I pray that it is helpful and a blessing to you. I am working on several new articles and at least one new audio message.
The election is finally over and the people have spoken. We have a new President-elect who will take over the helm of this country on January 20, 2009. What does the future hold in store for America? This nation stands at a very critical crossroads. Which way will it go? The United States is facing a crisis that could never have been foreseen and of an epic proportion! America is teetering on the edge of complete financial ruin. Day after day the bad news continues to come, in wave after wave. Like a boxer stranded in a corner, this country is being pummeled unmercifully with vicious and wicked blows that threaten to take it down for the count.
All experts agree that we are not even near to seeing the bottom of the current economic crises. How will America survive...how can America survive? The new President will face a daunting challenge from his very first day in office. He was elected on a promise of change. Can he deliver? The country is already bankrupt...where are the funds going to come from to help the economy recover? There are many unanswered questions and people are already looking to the President-elect to provide solutions and answers.
The face of the entire world is changing rapidly. The nations of this world are all facing economic woe and ruin. The voices calling for a world economic system are growing louder and louder. Will that be the solution that the new President will look to for renewal and restoration of the country’s financial system?
We are moving steadily towards that day when our Savior Jesus Christ will return to claim this earth that He has already qualified to rule. Christ is the solution to the problems that this country and the rest of the world face. He is not going to be welcome when He returns, the nations will fight against Him, but it will be a costly and futile effort doomed to failure before it even begins. Jesus Christ will return in power and glory and He will take over the rule of this world from the false leader that will have set himself up as God! Until then, we are to be watching, waiting and praying that we are found worthy to escape what is coming (Luke 21:34-36).
Christ warns us to pay attention, to not be fooled and to prepare for what is coming. Whatever is being worked out on this world is according to God’s plan and things will happen exactly as He wants them to happen, for His purpose! There were groups of people on both sides praying for each one of the presidential candidates. Who was right? God places those in positions of leadership as it suits His purpose (Daniel 4:17). God is in control and He will do as He pleases and as it suits His purpose. Can man judge God (Daniel 4:34-35)?
This world is marching steadily towards the conclusion of man’s rule on this earth. That is certain and it will come to pass despite what any man says, or no matter what promise that is made. The world will soon be looking to unify itself in one sense of purpose and direction. Politically, militarily and monetarily, it is a union that will be crushed by Jesus Christ at His return. Do not be fooled...watch, pay attention and pray for deliverance!
Until next time...