Recently I found myself discouraged. I'd been up sick most of the night, so I'd had little sleep (about two hours to be exact). I was dealing with personal struggles, and people who had said hurtful things. Emotionally I was worn thin. Physically I was in a lot of pain, and weak. Spiritually I was hurting and needed help from my Father. I really felt as though every aspect of me as a person was being attacked and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.
The Bible talks about women being a weaker vessel, and right then I was feeling the reality of that verse. I felt like a fragile china plate that had been carelessly broken.
Like David cried out in Psalm 22 I wanted to cry, "But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me." That was my prayer.
God, being the wonderful Father that He is, did. I sat down with my Bible and felt impressed to read Song of Solomon. I rarely read there, but what treasures I found that day! I know that literally this is Solomon's song to his bride, and I know it's applied as Christ and His church (bride). Well, I'm part of that bride, and so as I read the following verses they spoke to me in a special way. I hope they will be a blessing to you as well.
There was chapter two, verse 1 which says, "I [am] the rose of Sharon, [and] the lily of the valleys." Oh my! How can you know of the roses and lilies unless you have to walk in the valley? Truly in my valleys He will be my Lily!
Chapter two, 16 says, "My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies." I am His, and HE IS MINE! GLORY TO GOD!!! Whenever I feel as though I belong no where and to no one, I'm reminded that I BELONG TO HIM!
Chapter four, verse 7 says, "Thou [art] all fair, my love; [there is] no spot in thee." How wonderful to know even though I've failed the Lord many many times, even since my salvation, He still looks on me and says there is no spot in me. He sees me as pure and white as snow. It's enough to make me shout His praises!
Chapter six, verse 9 says, "My dove, my undefiled is [but] one;" It reminded me of the song, "He loves me like I was His only child." Yes, I know, the Lord loves all His children, but His love is so special and so personal that it feels as though I am but one. I know that if you know Him, you feel the same way.
Chapter seven, verse 10 says, "I [am] my beloved's, and his desire [is] toward me." It blesses my heart to know that the Lord loves spending time with me. He wants me to seek Him out. He wants me to talk to Him. He's never too busy or bothered. He'll never push me away.
Chapter eight, verse 6 says, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love [is] strong as death; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals thereof [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame."
This verse almost sounds like a poetic verse. I suppose since it's Solomon's "song" it should, right? But I love the words here. God wants us to love and worship Him. He's a jealous God. "love is strong as death." Well death is unstoppable, therefore His love must be as well!
I'm thankful for a Father who knows our pain, and hears our heart's cry. I'm thankful His Word is alive and able to speak to us in any situation.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Attitude of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is just a week away from tomorrow. It's so hard to believe that yet another year is almost over. I suppose it's normal that around Thanksgiving time, we begin to focus more on thankfulness. In truth, we should focus on this year round.
In the Bible you will find an account where ten lepers came to Jesus. Jesus, in His mercy, healed them all. They went on their way rejoicing, but only one returned to say thank you. Think about that. One out of ten were thankful. Those aren't good odds!
I can't help but feel disgusted at the others. Why, didn't they realize that they had experienced a personal encounter with the Messiah? After all their time exiled from friends, family, and the temple, weren't they just a little bit grateful for their healing? In one moment their despair was turned to rejoicing. They were, in a very literal sense, given their lives back. Yet only one said thank you!
Remember the Children of Israel wandering in the wilderness? All they did was murmur and complain. God daily met their needs, but they complained it wasn't good enough. It wasn't enough to have food literally from Heaven...they wanted the flesh and garlics and leeks of Egypt. In the end only two of the original two million made it to the promised land. That first generation died for their unbelief. Even Moses died for disobedience.
It's so easy for us to look at those Biblical accounts and pass judgment on those people. Yet if we really stop to think, many of us are just like them and worse.
Just like those lepers, Jesus touched our lives and healed our souls. We should thank Him every day of our lives that we aren't going to hell for starters, and that's not the tip of the iceburg when it comes to salvation.
There is a verse in the Bible that says it's possible to forget we were ever saved. If it weren't in the Bible, I wouldn't believe it. What a shame that there are Christians that walk away from God, who is so good to them, and live life their own way to the point they forget they are Christians.
We are also so like those Children of Israel. God daily meets our needs. I know I can testify that I don't always know where my next meal is coming from or how my bills will be paid, but never once have I gone without. God is always, always on time.
Yet I know many times I don't thank Him as promptly as I should. And at times, I'm tempted to murmur and complain about circumstances that don't please me, when really I should rest in my Lord and His wisdom.
There is so much we take for granted. I was thinking this afternoon about how I am able to go to church tonight. No one will be there to drag me to prison. No one will torture or kill me for going. We can meet publicly, and openly, rather than in secret. My dilemma isn't IF I have a Bible to take with me, but WHICH one I choose to bring.
There was a time in America when my Baptist forefathers couldn't worship freely. They were imprisoned, fined, and in some instances whipped. There are times in England's history that Baptists or Protestants were imprisoned, or burned. The same could be said of many European countries. Many of them also have a history of religious persecution.
China even today suffers. Many believers must meet secretly, fearing repercussion from their government. North Korean Christians fear death. Just the other morning I heard of a Pakistani woman who received a life sentence for telling other Muslim women they needed to know Christ. And there are other countries, other places where this is so. That's not the 1700's, or 1600's. That's not the early church era under Rome. That's not the true church seeking freedom from midevil Catholcism. That's 2010 in our world. Dear friends, we are blessed.
If we have food and raiment the Bible said for us to be content. That's more than much of the world's population has. But I would say, most reading this have a home to live in (it may not be a mansion, but it's a roof over your head.) and a car to drive (it may smoke, cough and sputter worse than a chain smoker, but it gets you were you need to go.) food to eat (so it's beans and taters? Sounds good!) and clothes to wear (maybe they did come from Goodwill...those are my favorite kind! They don't cost much!).
My point is, there is so much to be thankful for. We have spiritual blessings (salvation, religious liberty, the Word of God, a good church home, the Holy Spirit to lead us, a home in Heaven, knowing God personally) physical blessings (a home, clothes, food, transportation, and I'm sure a whole lot of extras) and the blessings of family or friends. Even someone with no family or friends left can claim Jesus if they are saved!
How blessed we are! I can't even begin to count them all! God has truly been far better to any of us than we deserve! Let's take time to thank Him!
In the Bible you will find an account where ten lepers came to Jesus. Jesus, in His mercy, healed them all. They went on their way rejoicing, but only one returned to say thank you. Think about that. One out of ten were thankful. Those aren't good odds!
I can't help but feel disgusted at the others. Why, didn't they realize that they had experienced a personal encounter with the Messiah? After all their time exiled from friends, family, and the temple, weren't they just a little bit grateful for their healing? In one moment their despair was turned to rejoicing. They were, in a very literal sense, given their lives back. Yet only one said thank you!
Remember the Children of Israel wandering in the wilderness? All they did was murmur and complain. God daily met their needs, but they complained it wasn't good enough. It wasn't enough to have food literally from Heaven...they wanted the flesh and garlics and leeks of Egypt. In the end only two of the original two million made it to the promised land. That first generation died for their unbelief. Even Moses died for disobedience.
It's so easy for us to look at those Biblical accounts and pass judgment on those people. Yet if we really stop to think, many of us are just like them and worse.
Just like those lepers, Jesus touched our lives and healed our souls. We should thank Him every day of our lives that we aren't going to hell for starters, and that's not the tip of the iceburg when it comes to salvation.
There is a verse in the Bible that says it's possible to forget we were ever saved. If it weren't in the Bible, I wouldn't believe it. What a shame that there are Christians that walk away from God, who is so good to them, and live life their own way to the point they forget they are Christians.
We are also so like those Children of Israel. God daily meets our needs. I know I can testify that I don't always know where my next meal is coming from or how my bills will be paid, but never once have I gone without. God is always, always on time.
Yet I know many times I don't thank Him as promptly as I should. And at times, I'm tempted to murmur and complain about circumstances that don't please me, when really I should rest in my Lord and His wisdom.
There is so much we take for granted. I was thinking this afternoon about how I am able to go to church tonight. No one will be there to drag me to prison. No one will torture or kill me for going. We can meet publicly, and openly, rather than in secret. My dilemma isn't IF I have a Bible to take with me, but WHICH one I choose to bring.
There was a time in America when my Baptist forefathers couldn't worship freely. They were imprisoned, fined, and in some instances whipped. There are times in England's history that Baptists or Protestants were imprisoned, or burned. The same could be said of many European countries. Many of them also have a history of religious persecution.
China even today suffers. Many believers must meet secretly, fearing repercussion from their government. North Korean Christians fear death. Just the other morning I heard of a Pakistani woman who received a life sentence for telling other Muslim women they needed to know Christ. And there are other countries, other places where this is so. That's not the 1700's, or 1600's. That's not the early church era under Rome. That's not the true church seeking freedom from midevil Catholcism. That's 2010 in our world. Dear friends, we are blessed.
If we have food and raiment the Bible said for us to be content. That's more than much of the world's population has. But I would say, most reading this have a home to live in (it may not be a mansion, but it's a roof over your head.) and a car to drive (it may smoke, cough and sputter worse than a chain smoker, but it gets you were you need to go.) food to eat (so it's beans and taters? Sounds good!) and clothes to wear (maybe they did come from Goodwill...those are my favorite kind! They don't cost much!).
My point is, there is so much to be thankful for. We have spiritual blessings (salvation, religious liberty, the Word of God, a good church home, the Holy Spirit to lead us, a home in Heaven, knowing God personally) physical blessings (a home, clothes, food, transportation, and I'm sure a whole lot of extras) and the blessings of family or friends. Even someone with no family or friends left can claim Jesus if they are saved!
How blessed we are! I can't even begin to count them all! God has truly been far better to any of us than we deserve! Let's take time to thank Him!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Train up a Child...
The Bible says: Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.
I've been reading though the book of Jeremiah, and the other evening I read an interesting account that I know I've read before, but I suppose on this occasion I saw it in a different light.
Chapter thirty-five of Jeremiah gives an account of the Rechabites, the son of Jonadab. Their father commanded them that they abstain from wine and dwell in tents. Jeremiah brought them to the house of God and set wine before them and told them to drink. They refused.
Jeremiah didn't ask them to drink wine so they would sin (he knew they would refuse), rather to make a point to the rebellious nation that God was about to punish for their disobedience.
The end of the chapter shows God blessing them, promising them that even though judgment would come to the rebellious, God would bless them and their future generations for their obedience.
What a blessing this passage is in that respect! The Rehabites obeyed and stayed true to what was right, even publicly. They refused to sin against their father, and ultimately their God. Because of this, God blessed them and promised their protection.
Oh that we would follow their example, and obey our Heavenly Father; even when it may not seem to be the popular thing to do. Even if the rest of the nation around us refuses.
It is also a blessing to see the respect they had for their earthly father, who obviously instructed in them what was right. Jonadab must have been a Godly man, who shared that heritage with his children. It should encourage us to do likewise.
I've been reading though the book of Jeremiah, and the other evening I read an interesting account that I know I've read before, but I suppose on this occasion I saw it in a different light.
Chapter thirty-five of Jeremiah gives an account of the Rechabites, the son of Jonadab. Their father commanded them that they abstain from wine and dwell in tents. Jeremiah brought them to the house of God and set wine before them and told them to drink. They refused.
Jeremiah didn't ask them to drink wine so they would sin (he knew they would refuse), rather to make a point to the rebellious nation that God was about to punish for their disobedience.
The end of the chapter shows God blessing them, promising them that even though judgment would come to the rebellious, God would bless them and their future generations for their obedience.
What a blessing this passage is in that respect! The Rehabites obeyed and stayed true to what was right, even publicly. They refused to sin against their father, and ultimately their God. Because of this, God blessed them and promised their protection.
Oh that we would follow their example, and obey our Heavenly Father; even when it may not seem to be the popular thing to do. Even if the rest of the nation around us refuses.
It is also a blessing to see the respect they had for their earthly father, who obviously instructed in them what was right. Jonadab must have been a Godly man, who shared that heritage with his children. It should encourage us to do likewise.
And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you: Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever. Jeremiah 35:18, 19
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Be of Good Cheer
My pastor is going through the book of Mark in Sunday School, and last week he taught on the portion of Scripture where Jesus sends His disciples into a boat and tells them to cross to the other side. A storm comes and they are fearful. In those verses you will find the little phrase spoken by Jesus before He calms the storm, "be of good cheer." So I started thinking on that little phrase...
It's used another time in Acts, when Paul is being transported on a boat as prisoner. Paul told them it wasn't a good idea to go the direction they were going, but they did anyhow. They faced a horrible storm. They were shipwrecked. Paul told them, "Be of good cheer" because the Lord told him everyone would survive.
I think that phrase is interesting in both of those situations. It's found other times in the Bible (I did a search with Bible software) but these two times it is mentioned in connection to sailing in the midst of a storm.
I thought of how in life we will face storms. Sometimes God allows them (as in the first case, when He commanded them to go over) and sometimes we create them (like the men whom Paul warned to not go) but in each instance, there is a command to be of good cheer.
In the first instance, it is given by Jesus, Himself. In the second, it is given by a man of God who'd received answers from God while praying.
This tells me something very important: when we face storms in our lives, no matter the circumstance, our attitude is important. We are commanded to "be of good cheer." Nowhere does it say, "be of good cheer...if you want to. If you feel like it. If things are going well." It just says to be of good cheer.
The Bible also tells us to "rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice." Notice it didn't say "rejoice in the Lord when you are blessed financially, when someone is healed, when God gives a blessing, when you get a good doctor's report...whatever." It doesn't say rejoice when things are going well. It says rejoice alway! That means the good and the bad.
You don't have to rejoice necessarily because something bad happens, but you should rejoice in it.
For example, when my Papa died, I was not glad he died. I was grieving and hurting. BUT I could rejoice in the storm because I knew the Lord's will was sovereign, and because he was saved.
When I have received bad reports on doctor visits, I'm not glad I'm unwell, or there's no cure, or a test came back with odd results, but I'm rejoicing in that my Father holds my life in His hands and His will is perfect.
A few years ago I heard a veteran missionary tell of when he and his wife where in Bible college. They had no money to buy their baby milk. Instead of being angry that God had allowed them to be in that situation, they got on their knees and humbly asked God to provide. A few minutes later (this is a true story) a woman knocked on their door with milk for them, saying she was driving home from the grocery store and felt God wanted her to stop and give them the milk. What if their attitude had been wrong? What if they gripped and complained? Perhaps they would have missed a blessing, or perhaps they would have received it anyway, but saddened they had missed an opportunity to trust God.
All these thoughts spoke to my heart. I am quick to worry. I always fear the worst. Over and over I am reminded that without faith, I can not please God; and whatever is not of faith is sin.
God allows me to go through things...some He has allowed in my life because it was His plan. Some...well...sadly I bring on myself. Yet always, I am to be of good cheer. Even if I don't feel like it.
Feelings...oh boy! They come, they go...and some people change feelings more than they change clothes. They're up, they're down...they're all around. Many want to tag those individuals with a "mental disorder" and excuse them. That being said, I am aware there are some people with legitimate mental issues who need pastoral counseling and maybe even medication to correct an imbalance . However, I think a lot of it is just a failure to have some self control and trust the Lord.
David faced times in the Bible where he was deeply discouraged/distressed/depressed, however the Bible also records him as going to the house of the Lord and gaining understanding, and in another place it says he encouraged himself in the Lord. He says he hoped in the Lord, or that the Lord was his strength. Yes, David got knocked down, but he didn't stay there on and on and on and on...he got up.
Feelings are not an excuse for disobedience. How many times has a parent told their child to do something and the child responded, "I don't feel like it." Um, I don't know about you, but when I was growing up, not only did I still have to do what I was told, but I got in trouble for complaining instead of obeying.
How much more so should we obey our Heavenly Father? He said be of good cheer. "But God, I don't feel like it." I can complain all I want, but that does not make my storm go away. Sometimes it makes it worse.
It's important for me to realize, my feelings may come and go. Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm sad. Sometimes I'm laughing and sometimes I'm crying. My feelings come and go, but God's Word forever stands.
Another thing to notice, and this really encourages me; in the storm God allowed, and in the storm they chose, not only were they given the command to be of good cheer, but they made it to the other side.
You know, in our lives we face storms for many reasons. Sometimes God allows them to teach us or strengthen us. Sometimes they are to teach others watching us. Sometimes they are because of our disobedience; but no matter what the reason, we as Christians WILL make it to the other side! We are Heaven bound. Nothing can change that. No circumstance, no feelings, and no storm. Nothing can take away from the fact that we WILL make it to the other side!
Sometimes we face a storm, for whatever reason, and we are, well, to put it mildly, not of good cheer. (I don't know about you, but I fail a lot in that area) but even then, we will make it over to Heaven's shore. Now I do think, that sometimes because my attitude wasn't right, I may have missed God's blessings in that storm (remember, when the men disobeyed Paul in Acts, they were shipwrecked), but never do I doubt that I will make to the other side.
If we are saved, we will make it over to the other side, and that...that is a great reason why we should be of good cheer.
It's used another time in Acts, when Paul is being transported on a boat as prisoner. Paul told them it wasn't a good idea to go the direction they were going, but they did anyhow. They faced a horrible storm. They were shipwrecked. Paul told them, "Be of good cheer" because the Lord told him everyone would survive.
I think that phrase is interesting in both of those situations. It's found other times in the Bible (I did a search with Bible software) but these two times it is mentioned in connection to sailing in the midst of a storm.
I thought of how in life we will face storms. Sometimes God allows them (as in the first case, when He commanded them to go over) and sometimes we create them (like the men whom Paul warned to not go) but in each instance, there is a command to be of good cheer.
In the first instance, it is given by Jesus, Himself. In the second, it is given by a man of God who'd received answers from God while praying.
This tells me something very important: when we face storms in our lives, no matter the circumstance, our attitude is important. We are commanded to "be of good cheer." Nowhere does it say, "be of good cheer...if you want to. If you feel like it. If things are going well." It just says to be of good cheer.
The Bible also tells us to "rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice." Notice it didn't say "rejoice in the Lord when you are blessed financially, when someone is healed, when God gives a blessing, when you get a good doctor's report...whatever." It doesn't say rejoice when things are going well. It says rejoice alway! That means the good and the bad.
You don't have to rejoice necessarily because something bad happens, but you should rejoice in it.
For example, when my Papa died, I was not glad he died. I was grieving and hurting. BUT I could rejoice in the storm because I knew the Lord's will was sovereign, and because he was saved.
When I have received bad reports on doctor visits, I'm not glad I'm unwell, or there's no cure, or a test came back with odd results, but I'm rejoicing in that my Father holds my life in His hands and His will is perfect.
A few years ago I heard a veteran missionary tell of when he and his wife where in Bible college. They had no money to buy their baby milk. Instead of being angry that God had allowed them to be in that situation, they got on their knees and humbly asked God to provide. A few minutes later (this is a true story) a woman knocked on their door with milk for them, saying she was driving home from the grocery store and felt God wanted her to stop and give them the milk. What if their attitude had been wrong? What if they gripped and complained? Perhaps they would have missed a blessing, or perhaps they would have received it anyway, but saddened they had missed an opportunity to trust God.
All these thoughts spoke to my heart. I am quick to worry. I always fear the worst. Over and over I am reminded that without faith, I can not please God; and whatever is not of faith is sin.
God allows me to go through things...some He has allowed in my life because it was His plan. Some...well...sadly I bring on myself. Yet always, I am to be of good cheer. Even if I don't feel like it.
Feelings...oh boy! They come, they go...and some people change feelings more than they change clothes. They're up, they're down...they're all around. Many want to tag those individuals with a "mental disorder" and excuse them. That being said, I am aware there are some people with legitimate mental issues who need pastoral counseling and maybe even medication to correct an imbalance . However, I think a lot of it is just a failure to have some self control and trust the Lord.
David faced times in the Bible where he was deeply discouraged/distressed/depressed, however the Bible also records him as going to the house of the Lord and gaining understanding, and in another place it says he encouraged himself in the Lord. He says he hoped in the Lord, or that the Lord was his strength. Yes, David got knocked down, but he didn't stay there on and on and on and on...he got up.
Feelings are not an excuse for disobedience. How many times has a parent told their child to do something and the child responded, "I don't feel like it." Um, I don't know about you, but when I was growing up, not only did I still have to do what I was told, but I got in trouble for complaining instead of obeying.
How much more so should we obey our Heavenly Father? He said be of good cheer. "But God, I don't feel like it." I can complain all I want, but that does not make my storm go away. Sometimes it makes it worse.
It's important for me to realize, my feelings may come and go. Sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm sad. Sometimes I'm laughing and sometimes I'm crying. My feelings come and go, but God's Word forever stands.
Another thing to notice, and this really encourages me; in the storm God allowed, and in the storm they chose, not only were they given the command to be of good cheer, but they made it to the other side.
You know, in our lives we face storms for many reasons. Sometimes God allows them to teach us or strengthen us. Sometimes they are to teach others watching us. Sometimes they are because of our disobedience; but no matter what the reason, we as Christians WILL make it to the other side! We are Heaven bound. Nothing can change that. No circumstance, no feelings, and no storm. Nothing can take away from the fact that we WILL make it to the other side!
Sometimes we face a storm, for whatever reason, and we are, well, to put it mildly, not of good cheer. (I don't know about you, but I fail a lot in that area) but even then, we will make it over to Heaven's shore. Now I do think, that sometimes because my attitude wasn't right, I may have missed God's blessings in that storm (remember, when the men disobeyed Paul in Acts, they were shipwrecked), but never do I doubt that I will make to the other side.
If we are saved, we will make it over to the other side, and that...that is a great reason why we should be of good cheer.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Exceeding Grace
Saturday night I heard a powerful message on Exceeding Grace. The Preacher used the text about the woman at the well, and sin is like that. Sin is a well we have to dig deeper and deeper into and always leaves a thirst, and we always have to come back for more.
Then he talked about the Living Water Jesus offered; how those who drink of it will never thirst again. He talked about where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. I'm so thankful for that.
As I listened to the message my mind went back to who I had been before salvation, and even, who I have been since salvation. When I think of how God's grace supersedes it all, it blesses my heart and makes me want to shout God's praises.
I am not what I should be, but I am eternally thankful I'm not who I was. I'm so glad that the sin I once carried is GONE! As far as the east is from west, cast into the sea of forgetfulness, put behind God's back, blotted from the book, justified as if I'd never sinned....did I mention they were gone?!
You can trade your guilt for grace, your vices for victory, your hurt to hope, your bitterness for blessing, you sin for salvation! I'm glad He washes white as snow and that His grace exceeds it all!
Then he talked about the Living Water Jesus offered; how those who drink of it will never thirst again. He talked about where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. I'm so thankful for that.
As I listened to the message my mind went back to who I had been before salvation, and even, who I have been since salvation. When I think of how God's grace supersedes it all, it blesses my heart and makes me want to shout God's praises.
I am not what I should be, but I am eternally thankful I'm not who I was. I'm so glad that the sin I once carried is GONE! As far as the east is from west, cast into the sea of forgetfulness, put behind God's back, blotted from the book, justified as if I'd never sinned....did I mention they were gone?!
You can trade your guilt for grace, your vices for victory, your hurt to hope, your bitterness for blessing, you sin for salvation! I'm glad He washes white as snow and that His grace exceeds it all!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Trust in the Lord...
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Recently I have been under several burdens. Sometimes it seems difficult situations, or stress, or whatever it may be, come in groups! When I find myself feeling overwhelmed I cry out to my Father.
I suppose the first verses I think of are Proverbs 3. Have you ever wondered why God said NOT to lean on our understanding? Because He knew we would. (And you thought I was going to say something profound!)
When faced with difficult circumstances, the first thing a child of God should do is pray. However, that is often the last thing! (Been there, done that, have the tee-shirt collection!)
The first thoughts that enter most people's mind are: What can I do to fix this? How can I make this work? Maybe it would be better if I...
It reminds me of a little boy wanting to help his dad put something together. The father knows what he is building--the child does not. The father knows how the pieces fit--the child does not. The father knows the end result--the child does not. But often the child with cry and beg, "Please let me try! Let me fix it! I know how!"
Perhaps that father might even let them try their hand in it. What usually happens is the child makes a worse mess than there was before. Then the father has to undo what has been done, and continue the process.
We are so like that. I am so like that. "Oh Father! I know how you could fix this! Lord if you would only do it this way! Please, can't I have it my way?"
The Bible says God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Why does the Bible tell us not to lean unto our own understanding? Because our understanding is flawed. No matter how intelligent or well learned we are...we are still human.
God is omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (space and time are not issues for Him!) He knows the beginning and the end, because He IS the Alpha, and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He sees the "whole puzzle" together and finished. We just see the jumbled pieces. If we try to put them together, we just make the situation worse. If we let Him put the pieces together, there is a beautiful picture.
Someone said a good definition for stupid is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. I'd have to agree, that logic is flawed. So why do we still do it in our lives?
I mean, how many times do I really have to learn the hard way that God is able to handle my problems, my needs, my fears, my dreams, my hopes, my everything?
One preacher said one time that we are funny Christians...we trust God to keep our eternal souls, but not to solve our mortal problems. We think that we, the finite, can solve problems better than God, the infinite.
God gave us a beautiful picture in the book of Job. Poor Job. I don't think anyone alive could have possibly suffered worse than he. In one day he lost ten children. He lost all his wealth, and his health...and his wife wasn't exactly encouraging! (to be fair though, she was suffering too.) If that wasn't bad enough, his friends came, stared at him for days, and then accused him of living in sin. I don't know about you, but by that point, all thoughts of wisdom and civility would be lost on my part!
Eventually Job cried out to God, begging for answers, feeling forsaken, unable to understand. God answered him though, and asked Job where had he been during creation, and who had been God's counselor? In other words, No one needed to tell God how to do things.
Job didn't know the end result of his trial, but God did. Job had no way of knowing that God would give him back everything he lost and then some. Job's trial proved to satan and Job's friends that Job was a faithful man. Job's trial has served as a help and encouragement to others who read his story in the Bible. It was for his good, and for God's glory.
Those verses from Proverbs also say, "in ALL thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." I can't pick and choose what I let God handle and what I tackle myself. Well...I can, but I'll mess it up every time!
I must give every burden, every situation, and every part of myself to God. I must yield myself entirely to His will. Only then will I find peace and rest.
Only in surrender to God will I find freedom. Freedom from sin, fear, worry, you name it, only in giving it wholly to God and allowing Him to work, will I find freedom.
All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
Refrain
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Refrain
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
And He Made the Stars Also
When I was a little girl I lived in the country with my grandparents. Sometimes in the summer time, on a really clear night they would take me outside to look at the stars and moon. My Papa had a set of binoculars, I remember how excited I would get to look through them and see everything so close and clear. Many times I would sing the children's song, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
I've been privileged to look through a telescope on occasion, and I'm amazed at what I see! Everything is so vast, so gargantuan, so humbling. Really, who am I compared to such amazing things?
When you consider the first few chapters of Genesis, you get to know our great Creator God. In six literal days (Yes, I believe it wholeheartedly) He created everything! In Genesis one I read of God doing, and speaking, and making all the things we take for granted. The things scientists study and hope to learn secrets of. The things that have confounded the wisest of the wise. In the middle of that chapter in verse 16 you'll find a phrase, "he made the stars also."
I love it! I love my King James Bible! I can't be certain, but I almost imagine it being said offhandedly....kind of like, "Oh by the way, while He was at it, He made the stars too. Just because He could." I know He spoke creation into existence, but I kind of like to imagine Him just slinging out some stars and they going exactly where He wanted them to go.
I live in a larger city now, and while I am happy where I am, I sometimes miss the country. Just being able to look up and see miles and miles of everything. And even now, sometimes on a very clear night I look up and see the stars. I can usually pick out the big and little dipper, and Orien. Every time I see them, the innumerable testaments to our Creator, I think of that simple phrase, "He made the stars also." It makes me smile.
Yes, I still feel tiny and insignificant in compare to all God created. When I think of how He holds the world in place (by the way, if the earth varied in it's position we would either burn up or freeze to death.), how He keeps the times and seasons going, how He orders the affairs of this world (whether people wish to acknowledge it or not), and how He guides daily affairs, well, I'm amazed and feel pretty small in comparison.
But then I remember God took such care in making Adam and Eve. God was so merciful to them when they plunged mankind into sin. He knew they would. It was His plan all along to redeem man. God may be the Creator of the universe but He also is the Father of His children. And He cares about our burdens and He wants to hear from us no matter how insignificant we think it is. He said, "Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you."
He cares about me! He loves me! He wants to have a personal relationship with ME! And yet...He made the stars also!
Here is my newest poem. I hope it's a blessing.
The God of All
God made the Earth
in outer-space,
hung the stars
in perfect place.
He scooped up mountains
with His hand.
He numbered the stars
and the grains of sand.
He created the birds
that soar and fly.
He hung fluffy clouds
in a bright blue sky.
He made the seasons,
Spring, summer, winter, fall.
He made the animals
and the bugs that crawl.
He made the fishes
and the bright, blue sea.
But wonder of wonders
He created me!
Though by Him
all things Consist
He's never to busy
His child to assist.
He loves us and watches us
with tender care,
and He's never too busy
to answer a prayer.
~ALA
I've been privileged to look through a telescope on occasion, and I'm amazed at what I see! Everything is so vast, so gargantuan, so humbling. Really, who am I compared to such amazing things?
When you consider the first few chapters of Genesis, you get to know our great Creator God. In six literal days (Yes, I believe it wholeheartedly) He created everything! In Genesis one I read of God doing, and speaking, and making all the things we take for granted. The things scientists study and hope to learn secrets of. The things that have confounded the wisest of the wise. In the middle of that chapter in verse 16 you'll find a phrase, "he made the stars also."
I love it! I love my King James Bible! I can't be certain, but I almost imagine it being said offhandedly....kind of like, "Oh by the way, while He was at it, He made the stars too. Just because He could." I know He spoke creation into existence, but I kind of like to imagine Him just slinging out some stars and they going exactly where He wanted them to go.
I live in a larger city now, and while I am happy where I am, I sometimes miss the country. Just being able to look up and see miles and miles of everything. And even now, sometimes on a very clear night I look up and see the stars. I can usually pick out the big and little dipper, and Orien. Every time I see them, the innumerable testaments to our Creator, I think of that simple phrase, "He made the stars also." It makes me smile.
Yes, I still feel tiny and insignificant in compare to all God created. When I think of how He holds the world in place (by the way, if the earth varied in it's position we would either burn up or freeze to death.), how He keeps the times and seasons going, how He orders the affairs of this world (whether people wish to acknowledge it or not), and how He guides daily affairs, well, I'm amazed and feel pretty small in comparison.
But then I remember God took such care in making Adam and Eve. God was so merciful to them when they plunged mankind into sin. He knew they would. It was His plan all along to redeem man. God may be the Creator of the universe but He also is the Father of His children. And He cares about our burdens and He wants to hear from us no matter how insignificant we think it is. He said, "Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you."
He cares about me! He loves me! He wants to have a personal relationship with ME! And yet...He made the stars also!
Here is my newest poem. I hope it's a blessing.
The God of All
God made the Earth
in outer-space,
hung the stars
in perfect place.
He scooped up mountains
with His hand.
He numbered the stars
and the grains of sand.
He created the birds
that soar and fly.
He hung fluffy clouds
in a bright blue sky.
He made the seasons,
Spring, summer, winter, fall.
He made the animals
and the bugs that crawl.
He made the fishes
and the bright, blue sea.
But wonder of wonders
He created me!
Though by Him
all things Consist
He's never to busy
His child to assist.
He loves us and watches us
with tender care,
and He's never too busy
to answer a prayer.
~ALA
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Power of Words
Have you ever imagined the power that words have? Words are wonderful things. As babies, our parents coach us and coax us hoping to hear our first words. I find it humorous that parents spend the first few years of a child's life teaching them how to speak, and then the next several years of the child's life trying to get them to be quiet!
Then there's the joy of seeing a child finally grasp the concept of reading. I can still remember the frustration I felt as a five and six year old girl, sitting with my grandmother sounding out the words to the simple readers assigned to me. Then one day the confusion of letters and sounds made sense, and I began to read words, and sentences, and then paragraphs and books!
Books opened a world to me I'd never before known, and the spoken word was no different for me. My family could testify I was seldom caught without SOMETHING to say! Then there came the day that I realized not only could I read what others had written, but I could write for others to read!
My love for words began when I was young, but it has never diminished. When I think of the power that words can have I'm amazed.
Think of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution! Pieces of paper with words...but what powerful words! Words that have shaped the country we live in the freedoms we hold dear.
When I think of the power of words I think of all the classics of literature that have survived for hundreds of years.
I think of the power words have when put to music. Handel's Messiah comes to mind, as do many great old hymns.
Words can be fun, such as jokes, riddles, and rhyming words. I love to play with words and find those that sound alike. (I write poetry, of course I like rhyming words!)
Words can have a bad power too. Just as the words of the Constitution give us words of liberty, words can also bring about bondage.
Just as the beautiful words of some works of literature can inspire, works by the likes of Adolf Hitler can corrupt.
Words of great classical music and hymns of the church can bring joy and worship for God while the words from rock and pop encourage demonic activities and glorify the singer.
Just as words can be fun, they can be hurtful. Children, if not taught differently, can tease mercilessly those who are different than they.
Parents can encourage their children with words, and teach them truth through words, or they can criticize and harm with words.
How many times have I heard it said that communication is important to a good marriage. Lack of communication and words of criticism or sarcasm can ruin one.
Words of love and kindness, and at times, needed rebuke can build a friendship. Words of gossip and lying can destroy it.
Politicians, storytellers, writers, journalists, teachers, and preachers will find that the words they use have power behind them.
I've read many books and articles about many different things. I've known some great teachers, and wonderful preachers. I keep a journal, write on this blog, write poems, and I have even published two books, and continue to write, but if I spent the rest of my life writing and talking I could never, ever even began to capture the love of God or all that He is.
Frederic Lehman said it best in his hymn, "The Love of God." It is said that the third stanza was written on the wall of an insane asylum by one of the patients.
"Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky."
It seems to me that the person who wrote that had more sense than the average person today.
Words bring to life knowledge, and there can be no greater knowledge than that of God's love. And God Himself.
The greatest book ever written is the Bible. It is after all, the Word of God. What greater word could there be than that which comes from our Creator? That blessed Book tells me how we go here, and what our purpose is.
That Book teaches me how to treat others, and it teaches me about freedom in Christ.
The most important thing is that it teaches me about Jesus Christ, who was virgin born, lived sinlessly, and who was God in the flesh. It teaches me that He died on Calvary so that I might live and live abundantly and eternally! It teaches me that God hates sin, but that God loved me enough to die for me so that I could escape hell and join Him in Heaven.
It teaches me to pray and to love and to serve. It teaches me the very foundations for living.
Words have power, but the most powerful words are those that are inspired of God...the Bible.
"Wonderful words in the Bible I read, but this is the dearest: That Jesus loves me."
What words do you read? Do they teach you truth in Christ?
What words do you speak? Do they glorify God?
What words do you write? Do they point to the Saviour?
What words do you hear? Do they encourage Godliness?
Then there's the joy of seeing a child finally grasp the concept of reading. I can still remember the frustration I felt as a five and six year old girl, sitting with my grandmother sounding out the words to the simple readers assigned to me. Then one day the confusion of letters and sounds made sense, and I began to read words, and sentences, and then paragraphs and books!
Books opened a world to me I'd never before known, and the spoken word was no different for me. My family could testify I was seldom caught without SOMETHING to say! Then there came the day that I realized not only could I read what others had written, but I could write for others to read!
My love for words began when I was young, but it has never diminished. When I think of the power that words can have I'm amazed.
Think of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution! Pieces of paper with words...but what powerful words! Words that have shaped the country we live in the freedoms we hold dear.
When I think of the power of words I think of all the classics of literature that have survived for hundreds of years.
I think of the power words have when put to music. Handel's Messiah comes to mind, as do many great old hymns.
Words can be fun, such as jokes, riddles, and rhyming words. I love to play with words and find those that sound alike. (I write poetry, of course I like rhyming words!)
Words can have a bad power too. Just as the words of the Constitution give us words of liberty, words can also bring about bondage.
Just as the beautiful words of some works of literature can inspire, works by the likes of Adolf Hitler can corrupt.
Words of great classical music and hymns of the church can bring joy and worship for God while the words from rock and pop encourage demonic activities and glorify the singer.
Just as words can be fun, they can be hurtful. Children, if not taught differently, can tease mercilessly those who are different than they.
Parents can encourage their children with words, and teach them truth through words, or they can criticize and harm with words.
How many times have I heard it said that communication is important to a good marriage. Lack of communication and words of criticism or sarcasm can ruin one.
Words of love and kindness, and at times, needed rebuke can build a friendship. Words of gossip and lying can destroy it.
Politicians, storytellers, writers, journalists, teachers, and preachers will find that the words they use have power behind them.
I've read many books and articles about many different things. I've known some great teachers, and wonderful preachers. I keep a journal, write on this blog, write poems, and I have even published two books, and continue to write, but if I spent the rest of my life writing and talking I could never, ever even began to capture the love of God or all that He is.
Frederic Lehman said it best in his hymn, "The Love of God." It is said that the third stanza was written on the wall of an insane asylum by one of the patients.
"Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky."
It seems to me that the person who wrote that had more sense than the average person today.
Words bring to life knowledge, and there can be no greater knowledge than that of God's love. And God Himself.
The greatest book ever written is the Bible. It is after all, the Word of God. What greater word could there be than that which comes from our Creator? That blessed Book tells me how we go here, and what our purpose is.
That Book teaches me how to treat others, and it teaches me about freedom in Christ.
The most important thing is that it teaches me about Jesus Christ, who was virgin born, lived sinlessly, and who was God in the flesh. It teaches me that He died on Calvary so that I might live and live abundantly and eternally! It teaches me that God hates sin, but that God loved me enough to die for me so that I could escape hell and join Him in Heaven.
It teaches me to pray and to love and to serve. It teaches me the very foundations for living.
Words have power, but the most powerful words are those that are inspired of God...the Bible.
"Wonderful words in the Bible I read, but this is the dearest: That Jesus loves me."
What words do you read? Do they teach you truth in Christ?
What words do you speak? Do they glorify God?
What words do you write? Do they point to the Saviour?
What words do you hear? Do they encourage Godliness?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Peace, peace, wonderful peace!
If Christ can speak and the storms cease, I should have faith to believe that He will speak peace to my soul! He does not always choose to calm the storm, but He will calm His child.
Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
That's been on my heart today. Sometimes we go through things that we do not understand, but God is always there to give that peace that passeth all understanding.
Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
That's been on my heart today. Sometimes we go through things that we do not understand, but God is always there to give that peace that passeth all understanding.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
His ways and my ways
I wanted to share something with everyone that blessed my heart the other day! I was listening to Dr. Ron Gatlin preach a message on the will of God. The main verse he used was Psalm 18:30, which says, "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
He spoke about how sometimes God's will isn't easily understood, but that it's always perfect. He referenced Romans 12 and said that God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect.
As I was sitting there, I looked down into the following verses, and though I've read the Psalm many times before I noticed something new. (I love how God's Word is this way!)
The verses directly to follow say, "For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Did you see that?! Earlier he said the Lord's way was perfect. Now he is saying the Lord "maketh my way perfect." That "eth" implies continuous action! My God's way is perfect. I would NEVER doubt that; but not only that, if I allow Him to direct me, He will make my way perfect!
That is such a comfort to my heart! As one song writer said, "This changing world alarms me." Well it alarms me as well. So many things are uncertain, but God's Word and His promises are the one thing I can always rest with trust in! If He says it, it is so!
For in the very next chapter, verse seven says "The law of the LORD is perfect..." He is perfect and so is His Word. I can trust Him, though I may not understand. Though I may cry out in fear, though I may may be tempted to worry, HIS WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN OUR WAYS AND HIS WAY IS PERFECT!!!
His ways are perfect, full of lovingkindness, tender mercies, and grace unspeakable! I'm so glad that I belong to Him, and that He will make my ways perfect!
He spoke about how sometimes God's will isn't easily understood, but that it's always perfect. He referenced Romans 12 and said that God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect.
As I was sitting there, I looked down into the following verses, and though I've read the Psalm many times before I noticed something new. (I love how God's Word is this way!)
The verses directly to follow say, "For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Did you see that?! Earlier he said the Lord's way was perfect. Now he is saying the Lord "maketh my way perfect." That "eth" implies continuous action! My God's way is perfect. I would NEVER doubt that; but not only that, if I allow Him to direct me, He will make my way perfect!
That is such a comfort to my heart! As one song writer said, "This changing world alarms me." Well it alarms me as well. So many things are uncertain, but God's Word and His promises are the one thing I can always rest with trust in! If He says it, it is so!
For in the very next chapter, verse seven says "The law of the LORD is perfect..." He is perfect and so is His Word. I can trust Him, though I may not understand. Though I may cry out in fear, though I may may be tempted to worry, HIS WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN OUR WAYS AND HIS WAY IS PERFECT!!!
His ways are perfect, full of lovingkindness, tender mercies, and grace unspeakable! I'm so glad that I belong to Him, and that He will make my ways perfect!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Christians a threat to the US?
The following is an article by Chuck Baldwin. I felt that it was important enough that I included the entire article below. Please take time to read this. I feel that because many of you who visit my blog are Christians, you need to know about this if you don't already.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Army Report Says Christians Threaten US Foreign Policy
By Chuck Baldwin
April 14, 2010
This column is temporarily archived at:
http://newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin582.htm
Last Friday, I told readers of this column that I had come across a very
disturbing government report and that I would be exposing that report during
my Sunday address this past Sunday morning. I did exactly that, and anyone
wishing to see an archived video of that address can do so by using this
link (the video should be uploaded by this weekend):
http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/sermonvideo.php
The report's header reads, "Strategic Implications of American
Millennialism, A Monograph by MAJOR Brian L. Stuckert, U.S. Army. This
monograph was defended by the degree candidate on 01 May 2008 and approved
by the monograph director and reader named below. Approved by: Timothy
Challans, Ph.D., Monograph Director; Robert Taylor, COL, MI, Monograph
Reader; Stefan J. Banach, COL, IN, Director, School of Advanced Military
Studies; Robert F. Baumann, Ph.D., Director, Graduate Degree Programs." The
School of Advanced Military Studies, United States Army Command and General
Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, produced the report.
Here is the TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Why Millennialism Matters
The Role of Civil Religion and Culture
Millennial Theologies in America
Post-Millennialism and the Founding of America
Civil War, World War and the Rise of Pre-Millennialism
Israel, Nuclear War and the Last Days
Contemporary Pre-Millennialism in the American Electorate
Contemporary Pre-Millennialism and American Culture
The Holy Land and Armageddon: U.S. Policy in the Middle East
Anti-Christ, Gog, Magog, and Armies From the East
Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography
Remember, this is not a Christian university report or even a secular
university's religion department report, but rather a report written by an
active duty Army major (who is now stationed in Afghanistan, I am told) for
one of America's war colleges. Before analyzing this report, here are some
questions to ponder. Whose brainchild was this report? Did the major select
the topic himself or did a superior assign it to him? To whom exactly was
the report distributed? How was the report used? What are the
interconnections between this report and the MIAC and Department of Homeland
Security reports that draw similar conclusions? And perhaps the biggest
question is, What does this report portend for government action in the
future?
When Major Stuckert speaks of millennialism, he is referring to the Biblical
doctrine of Eschatology--specifically, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to
the earth to institute a 1,000-year (millennial) reign. He recognizes some
of the nuances of this doctrine in his study, most notably
post-millennialism and pre-millennialism. His report is heavily focused on
pre-millennialism, however.
At this point, I feel it is necessary to make this observation: whether one
is a post-millennialist or a pre-millennialist, the fact that we Christians
believe in the literal return of Jesus Christ to the earth to establish His
Kingdom puts us in the same boat, as far as the ramifications of Major
Stuckert's report--and similar reports--are concerned. We Christians need to
recognize that, as far as the Stuckerts of this world are concerned, because
we believe the Bible and we believe in the literal return of Christ, we are
considered an enemy. We can disagree with one another all we want to about
whether there is a Rapture (and if there is one, when it will occur),
whether Christ will return before or after a millennial kingdom takes place,
and scores of other theological differences, but none of that is important
to the events at hand: there is a growing sense among many governmental and
military leaders in America that Bible-believing Christians are an enemy
that must be marginalized, warned about, watched, and even controlled. And
it does not matter to a tinker's dam to these Machiavellians whether one is
a post-millennialist or a pre-millennialist. If we believe the Bible and
believe that Jesus is coming again, they consider us "dangerous." And we
Christians better wake up to this stark reality, stop fighting each other,
and focus on working together to preserve our liberties!
And one more early observation: there is an eerie and uncanny connection
between the verbiage and spirit of Stuckert's report and the now-infamous
MIAC and Homeland Security reports. The timing, too, is significant. The
MIAC and Homeland Security reports were produced shortly after Major
Stuckert's report was produced. A coincidence? Not on your life!
Here are some excerpts from Stuckert's report:
"Millennialism has great explanatory value, significant policy implications,
and creates potential vulnerabilities that adversaries may exploit."
(Abstract, page iii.)
"These factors [results of millennial belief] can be problematic for any
military leader or planner attempting to achieve U.S. Government policy
objectives through strategy, operations and programs." (Abstract, page iv.)
Notice that from the very outset of this report, Stuckert asserts that
Christians who believe in the Second Coming create circumstances or
conditions that might be "problematic" for America's military leaders. We
Christians also create "potential vulnerabilities" that America's enemies
may "exploit," according to Stuckert. Furthermore, Stuckert laments that we
Christians may even interfere with "U.S. Government policy objectives."
Pray tell, exactly what are those "U.S. Government policy objectives" that
Christians might prove to be "problematic" for? And is Major Stuckert
suggesting that those Christian military officers currently serving in the
US armed forces are somehow "problematic" to "U.S. Government policy
objectives"? And do these same Christian officers make America "vulnerable"
to our enemies? Is he suggesting that military officers in the US armed
forces who believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ be expunged from
military service, because of their beliefs?
As one will observe when reading the 61-page treatise, Major Stuckert, with
a broad brush, paints millennialist Christians as being serious problems for
America's foreign policy and for "U.S. Government policy objectives," and
that we must be dealt with; but he offers no details on what, exactly,
should be done. Or if he did, that part of his treatise is not a matter of
public record.
More quotes:
"The impact of American millennial religious ideas on U.S. Government policy
will add to strategic hubris, compel increasingly reckless international
action, and continue to over-commit the military in ways the Nation cannot
afford." (Page 1)
Again, notice that Christians who believe in Christ's return add to pride,
recklessness, and war. Good grief! I suppose that we Christians are also
responsible for the escalating price of gas and oil too--and maybe even
global warming!
Stuckert continues:
"First, millennial thought and its policy implications may create strategic
transparency that affords adversaries an advantage in decision-making.
Second, an understanding of American millennial thinking may provide
adversaries with the means to manipulate American policy and subsequent
action. Third, the enemy may exploit American millennialism to increase the
fragility of and even disrupt coalitions. Fourth, adversaries may exploit
American millennialism to demoralize or TERRORIZE joint forces and the
American people. By recognizing these potential vulnerabilities, military
leaders and planners may TAKE ACTION NOW to mitigate the effects." (Page 2.
Emphasis added.)
Dear reader, is the hair standing up on the back of your neck yet? If not,
it should be!
According to Major Stuckert, the belief in Christ's Second Coming makes us
vulnerable to America's adversaries. In fact, these adversaries (are they
foreign or domestic? He doesn't specify) might even exploit this belief to
"TERRORIZE . . . the American people." (Emphasis added.)
There's that "T" word again! Do you now see the connection to the MIAC and
Homeland Security reports? Is it all starting to make sense now? Because we
believe in the literal return of Christ to the earth, do people such as
Major Stuckert consider us to be potential terrorists?
And just what does Stuckert mean by the statement, "Military leaders and
planners may take action now to mitigate the effects"? Does he propose that
we Christians be rounded up and put in all these FEMA camps (that don't
exist)? Just how does he plan for the US military to "mitigate" the effects
of us Christians? This statement is downright chilling!
In this report, Major Stuckert specifically mentions the holiness and
Pentecostal churches; as well as the Assemblies of God; non-denominational
churches; and Independent and Southern Baptists. Again, anyone who believes
in the Second Coming of Christ is targeted in this report. According to
Stuckert, "Millennialism actually refers to any system of belief or
interpretation that employs a literal thousand years, or chiliad, in reading
and applying Revelation 20:1-7." (Page 9)
Stuckert even went so far as to say that Christian "mission work, especially
overseas, [has] significant implications for U.S. foreign policy." (Page 27)
I bet that when you folks make that financial donation to your church's
foreign missions program you have no idea that you are causing significant
(negative) implications for US foreign policy. Well, Stuckert thinks you
are.
Stuckert also berates Millennialists for "[driving] the U.S. further from
the U.N. in the near future since many pre-millennialists have to come to
view that body as a platform for the Anti-Christ." He went on to say,
"American pre-millennialists will also feel increasingly threatened by the
E.U. in coming years." And, "Pre-millennial interpretations of biblical
prophecy that predict the emergence of a one-world government led by an
anti-Christ causes distrust and even antagonism toward organizations like
the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the European Union, NAFTA
and OPEC." (Page 52)
In other words, folks, Stuckert is greatly chagrined that we Christians do
not, and will not, accept the push toward global government being
orchestrated by institutions such as the UN, the EU, et al. He feels that
because we oppose NAFTA, GATT, the WTO, the FTAA, and the overall NEW WORLD
ORDER agenda, we are "problematic" and must be "mitigated."
Stuckert goes on to blame Christians for "problems for relations between the
U.S. and Russia" (Page 53), problems in the Middle East and China (Page 56),
as well as coming "global disaster." (Page 55)
Major Stuckert then makes an incredible admission on page 58. He said, "War
is primarily about politics. While geography and technology play a role, in
order to be successful military leaders must be able to see the political
goals as clearly as possible. Because of the influence of pre-millennialism,
it can be difficult for military leaders to see themselves and their
government accurately and state policy goals objectively."
What did he say? "War is primarily about politics"? I thought war was about
defending the people and territory of the United States. I thought war was
about protecting freedom and liberty. War is about politics? So that's why
our young men are fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan? It's all about
politics? If so, whose politics? Major Stuckert's? Barack Obama's? George W.
Bush's? The CFR's? The UN's? Exactly whose politics is sending our sons and
daughters to fight and die? The good major doesn't say.
But did you catch that last sentence? "Because of the influence of
pre-millennialism [and he could just as easily have said
post-millennialism], it can be difficult for military leaders to see
themselves and their government accurately and state policy goals
objectively."
Holy cow! Belief in the Second Coming blinds military leaders? They cannot
see themselves or their government accurately? What the heck does this mean?
Is Stuckert saying that because a military officer believes the
Bible--believes in the return of Christ to the earth--he or she cannot see
themselves and cannot "see" their government properly? Exactly what is it
about his or her government that cannot be accurately seen? Maybe Stuckert
means that because a Christian military officer believes in God, he or she
cannot recognize government to be his or her god. Is that it, Major
Stuckert? You want us all to see the US federal government as god?
On page 59, Stuckert accuses belief in millennialism of producing "pessimism
and paranoia." On the same page, he accuses people who believe in
millennialism of causing a "predisposition toward pessimism in world affairs
and a general worsening of international relations."
Yeah! That's right, Major! You devote 61 pages (and untold hours producing
them) accusing Christians of bringing "global disaster" to the world, but we
are the ones who are paranoid? If that isn't the pot calling the kettle
black, I don't know what is.
On page 60, Stuckert blames Christians for having a "proclivity for clear
differentiations between good, evil, right, and wrong [which] do not always
serve us well in foreign relations or security policy." Oh! Really?
Is Stuckert saying that there is no right and wrong in regard to America's
policies with foreign nations? Is he saying that there is no such thing as
right and wrong in regard to security policies? Is Stuckert saying the US
government should be able to do whatever it likes, regardless of right and
wrong? Is he saying that anything done in the name of "security" is right,
regardless of what it is? Is it right to lie to the American people, Mr.
Stuckert? Is it right to violate the US Constitution? Is it right to murder?
If there is no such thing as right and wrong, moral and immoral, in regard
to the waging of war and other security matters, pray tell, what were those
Nuremberg trials all about?
In researching this column, I found a World Net Daily report written by Bob
Unruh on December 19, 2009. In his report, Unruh said that an Army spokesman
"could not say whether any other writings ever had attacked a religious
belief as Stuckert's work." That's a good point. Where is the Army report
that singles out people who embrace Islam, Judaism, Catholicism, or liberal
Protestantism as being "problematic" to America's foreign policy? Why is it
that only people who embrace conservative Christianity, or
fundamentalism/millennialism were singled out?
Unruh's report also notes that "no study or article refuting" Stuckert's
report has been discovered. Therefore, absent a counterpoint, it might be
accurate to conclude that Stuckert's report has become de facto US
government policy. It certainly does appear that the particulars of
Stuckert's report made their way to both the MIAC and DHS reports.
See Bob Unruh's report at:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.printable&pageId=119315
See Major Stuckert's report at:
http://tinyurl.com/am-millennialism-pdf
My Sunday address exposing Major Stuckert's report will be uploaded to my
web site later this week. When it is posted, it will be available to
download and distribute. It will be titled, "Seeds of Christian Persecution
Growing in the US." Watch for it at:
http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/sermonvideo.php
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Army Report Says Christians Threaten US Foreign Policy
By Chuck Baldwin
April 14, 2010
This column is temporarily archived at:
http://newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin582.htm
Last Friday, I told readers of this column that I had come across a very
disturbing government report and that I would be exposing that report during
my Sunday address this past Sunday morning. I did exactly that, and anyone
wishing to see an archived video of that address can do so by using this
link (the video should be uploaded by this weekend):
http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/sermonvideo.php
The report's header reads, "Strategic Implications of American
Millennialism, A Monograph by MAJOR Brian L. Stuckert, U.S. Army. This
monograph was defended by the degree candidate on 01 May 2008 and approved
by the monograph director and reader named below. Approved by: Timothy
Challans, Ph.D., Monograph Director; Robert Taylor, COL, MI, Monograph
Reader; Stefan J. Banach, COL, IN, Director, School of Advanced Military
Studies; Robert F. Baumann, Ph.D., Director, Graduate Degree Programs." The
School of Advanced Military Studies, United States Army Command and General
Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, produced the report.
Here is the TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Why Millennialism Matters
The Role of Civil Religion and Culture
Millennial Theologies in America
Post-Millennialism and the Founding of America
Civil War, World War and the Rise of Pre-Millennialism
Israel, Nuclear War and the Last Days
Contemporary Pre-Millennialism in the American Electorate
Contemporary Pre-Millennialism and American Culture
The Holy Land and Armageddon: U.S. Policy in the Middle East
Anti-Christ, Gog, Magog, and Armies From the East
Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography
Remember, this is not a Christian university report or even a secular
university's religion department report, but rather a report written by an
active duty Army major (who is now stationed in Afghanistan, I am told) for
one of America's war colleges. Before analyzing this report, here are some
questions to ponder. Whose brainchild was this report? Did the major select
the topic himself or did a superior assign it to him? To whom exactly was
the report distributed? How was the report used? What are the
interconnections between this report and the MIAC and Department of Homeland
Security reports that draw similar conclusions? And perhaps the biggest
question is, What does this report portend for government action in the
future?
When Major Stuckert speaks of millennialism, he is referring to the Biblical
doctrine of Eschatology--specifically, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to
the earth to institute a 1,000-year (millennial) reign. He recognizes some
of the nuances of this doctrine in his study, most notably
post-millennialism and pre-millennialism. His report is heavily focused on
pre-millennialism, however.
At this point, I feel it is necessary to make this observation: whether one
is a post-millennialist or a pre-millennialist, the fact that we Christians
believe in the literal return of Jesus Christ to the earth to establish His
Kingdom puts us in the same boat, as far as the ramifications of Major
Stuckert's report--and similar reports--are concerned. We Christians need to
recognize that, as far as the Stuckerts of this world are concerned, because
we believe the Bible and we believe in the literal return of Christ, we are
considered an enemy. We can disagree with one another all we want to about
whether there is a Rapture (and if there is one, when it will occur),
whether Christ will return before or after a millennial kingdom takes place,
and scores of other theological differences, but none of that is important
to the events at hand: there is a growing sense among many governmental and
military leaders in America that Bible-believing Christians are an enemy
that must be marginalized, warned about, watched, and even controlled. And
it does not matter to a tinker's dam to these Machiavellians whether one is
a post-millennialist or a pre-millennialist. If we believe the Bible and
believe that Jesus is coming again, they consider us "dangerous." And we
Christians better wake up to this stark reality, stop fighting each other,
and focus on working together to preserve our liberties!
And one more early observation: there is an eerie and uncanny connection
between the verbiage and spirit of Stuckert's report and the now-infamous
MIAC and Homeland Security reports. The timing, too, is significant. The
MIAC and Homeland Security reports were produced shortly after Major
Stuckert's report was produced. A coincidence? Not on your life!
Here are some excerpts from Stuckert's report:
"Millennialism has great explanatory value, significant policy implications,
and creates potential vulnerabilities that adversaries may exploit."
(Abstract, page iii.)
"These factors [results of millennial belief] can be problematic for any
military leader or planner attempting to achieve U.S. Government policy
objectives through strategy, operations and programs." (Abstract, page iv.)
Notice that from the very outset of this report, Stuckert asserts that
Christians who believe in the Second Coming create circumstances or
conditions that might be "problematic" for America's military leaders. We
Christians also create "potential vulnerabilities" that America's enemies
may "exploit," according to Stuckert. Furthermore, Stuckert laments that we
Christians may even interfere with "U.S. Government policy objectives."
Pray tell, exactly what are those "U.S. Government policy objectives" that
Christians might prove to be "problematic" for? And is Major Stuckert
suggesting that those Christian military officers currently serving in the
US armed forces are somehow "problematic" to "U.S. Government policy
objectives"? And do these same Christian officers make America "vulnerable"
to our enemies? Is he suggesting that military officers in the US armed
forces who believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ be expunged from
military service, because of their beliefs?
As one will observe when reading the 61-page treatise, Major Stuckert, with
a broad brush, paints millennialist Christians as being serious problems for
America's foreign policy and for "U.S. Government policy objectives," and
that we must be dealt with; but he offers no details on what, exactly,
should be done. Or if he did, that part of his treatise is not a matter of
public record.
More quotes:
"The impact of American millennial religious ideas on U.S. Government policy
will add to strategic hubris, compel increasingly reckless international
action, and continue to over-commit the military in ways the Nation cannot
afford." (Page 1)
Again, notice that Christians who believe in Christ's return add to pride,
recklessness, and war. Good grief! I suppose that we Christians are also
responsible for the escalating price of gas and oil too--and maybe even
global warming!
Stuckert continues:
"First, millennial thought and its policy implications may create strategic
transparency that affords adversaries an advantage in decision-making.
Second, an understanding of American millennial thinking may provide
adversaries with the means to manipulate American policy and subsequent
action. Third, the enemy may exploit American millennialism to increase the
fragility of and even disrupt coalitions. Fourth, adversaries may exploit
American millennialism to demoralize or TERRORIZE joint forces and the
American people. By recognizing these potential vulnerabilities, military
leaders and planners may TAKE ACTION NOW to mitigate the effects." (Page 2.
Emphasis added.)
Dear reader, is the hair standing up on the back of your neck yet? If not,
it should be!
According to Major Stuckert, the belief in Christ's Second Coming makes us
vulnerable to America's adversaries. In fact, these adversaries (are they
foreign or domestic? He doesn't specify) might even exploit this belief to
"TERRORIZE . . . the American people." (Emphasis added.)
There's that "T" word again! Do you now see the connection to the MIAC and
Homeland Security reports? Is it all starting to make sense now? Because we
believe in the literal return of Christ to the earth, do people such as
Major Stuckert consider us to be potential terrorists?
And just what does Stuckert mean by the statement, "Military leaders and
planners may take action now to mitigate the effects"? Does he propose that
we Christians be rounded up and put in all these FEMA camps (that don't
exist)? Just how does he plan for the US military to "mitigate" the effects
of us Christians? This statement is downright chilling!
In this report, Major Stuckert specifically mentions the holiness and
Pentecostal churches; as well as the Assemblies of God; non-denominational
churches; and Independent and Southern Baptists. Again, anyone who believes
in the Second Coming of Christ is targeted in this report. According to
Stuckert, "Millennialism actually refers to any system of belief or
interpretation that employs a literal thousand years, or chiliad, in reading
and applying Revelation 20:1-7." (Page 9)
Stuckert even went so far as to say that Christian "mission work, especially
overseas, [has] significant implications for U.S. foreign policy." (Page 27)
I bet that when you folks make that financial donation to your church's
foreign missions program you have no idea that you are causing significant
(negative) implications for US foreign policy. Well, Stuckert thinks you
are.
Stuckert also berates Millennialists for "[driving] the U.S. further from
the U.N. in the near future since many pre-millennialists have to come to
view that body as a platform for the Anti-Christ." He went on to say,
"American pre-millennialists will also feel increasingly threatened by the
E.U. in coming years." And, "Pre-millennial interpretations of biblical
prophecy that predict the emergence of a one-world government led by an
anti-Christ causes distrust and even antagonism toward organizations like
the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the European Union, NAFTA
and OPEC." (Page 52)
In other words, folks, Stuckert is greatly chagrined that we Christians do
not, and will not, accept the push toward global government being
orchestrated by institutions such as the UN, the EU, et al. He feels that
because we oppose NAFTA, GATT, the WTO, the FTAA, and the overall NEW WORLD
ORDER agenda, we are "problematic" and must be "mitigated."
Stuckert goes on to blame Christians for "problems for relations between the
U.S. and Russia" (Page 53), problems in the Middle East and China (Page 56),
as well as coming "global disaster." (Page 55)
Major Stuckert then makes an incredible admission on page 58. He said, "War
is primarily about politics. While geography and technology play a role, in
order to be successful military leaders must be able to see the political
goals as clearly as possible. Because of the influence of pre-millennialism,
it can be difficult for military leaders to see themselves and their
government accurately and state policy goals objectively."
What did he say? "War is primarily about politics"? I thought war was about
defending the people and territory of the United States. I thought war was
about protecting freedom and liberty. War is about politics? So that's why
our young men are fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan? It's all about
politics? If so, whose politics? Major Stuckert's? Barack Obama's? George W.
Bush's? The CFR's? The UN's? Exactly whose politics is sending our sons and
daughters to fight and die? The good major doesn't say.
But did you catch that last sentence? "Because of the influence of
pre-millennialism [and he could just as easily have said
post-millennialism], it can be difficult for military leaders to see
themselves and their government accurately and state policy goals
objectively."
Holy cow! Belief in the Second Coming blinds military leaders? They cannot
see themselves or their government accurately? What the heck does this mean?
Is Stuckert saying that because a military officer believes the
Bible--believes in the return of Christ to the earth--he or she cannot see
themselves and cannot "see" their government properly? Exactly what is it
about his or her government that cannot be accurately seen? Maybe Stuckert
means that because a Christian military officer believes in God, he or she
cannot recognize government to be his or her god. Is that it, Major
Stuckert? You want us all to see the US federal government as god?
On page 59, Stuckert accuses belief in millennialism of producing "pessimism
and paranoia." On the same page, he accuses people who believe in
millennialism of causing a "predisposition toward pessimism in world affairs
and a general worsening of international relations."
Yeah! That's right, Major! You devote 61 pages (and untold hours producing
them) accusing Christians of bringing "global disaster" to the world, but we
are the ones who are paranoid? If that isn't the pot calling the kettle
black, I don't know what is.
On page 60, Stuckert blames Christians for having a "proclivity for clear
differentiations between good, evil, right, and wrong [which] do not always
serve us well in foreign relations or security policy." Oh! Really?
Is Stuckert saying that there is no right and wrong in regard to America's
policies with foreign nations? Is he saying that there is no such thing as
right and wrong in regard to security policies? Is Stuckert saying the US
government should be able to do whatever it likes, regardless of right and
wrong? Is he saying that anything done in the name of "security" is right,
regardless of what it is? Is it right to lie to the American people, Mr.
Stuckert? Is it right to violate the US Constitution? Is it right to murder?
If there is no such thing as right and wrong, moral and immoral, in regard
to the waging of war and other security matters, pray tell, what were those
Nuremberg trials all about?
In researching this column, I found a World Net Daily report written by Bob
Unruh on December 19, 2009. In his report, Unruh said that an Army spokesman
"could not say whether any other writings ever had attacked a religious
belief as Stuckert's work." That's a good point. Where is the Army report
that singles out people who embrace Islam, Judaism, Catholicism, or liberal
Protestantism as being "problematic" to America's foreign policy? Why is it
that only people who embrace conservative Christianity, or
fundamentalism/millennialism were singled out?
Unruh's report also notes that "no study or article refuting" Stuckert's
report has been discovered. Therefore, absent a counterpoint, it might be
accurate to conclude that Stuckert's report has become de facto US
government policy. It certainly does appear that the particulars of
Stuckert's report made their way to both the MIAC and DHS reports.
See Bob Unruh's report at:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.printable&pageId=119315
See Major Stuckert's report at:
http://tinyurl.com/am-millennialism-pdf
My Sunday address exposing Major Stuckert's report will be uploaded to my
web site later this week. When it is posted, it will be available to
download and distribute. It will be titled, "Seeds of Christian Persecution
Growing in the US." Watch for it at:
http://chuckbaldwinlive.com/sermonvideo.php
Monday, March 1, 2010
2010 or 1984???
Please click the title of this entry and visit Chuck Baldwin's website for important articles about our nation's security.
If we do not learn from history, we are DOOMED to repeat it!!!
I do wish that our government would understand that George Orwell's book, "1984" is not a "how-to" manual!!!
Thank the Lord for those willing to gather and archive this important information. May we share it with others.
Ignorance is not always bliss!
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