Ever hear of something called “jogging in a jug”? “Jogging in a Jug” is a concoction of 4 parts grape juice, 4 parts apple juice, and 1 part apple cider vinegar. Yum, yum! It’s a folk remedy for high cholesterol; a kind of “Drano” for your arteries. Supposedly, two ounces a day of this stuff and your insides will be as slick and clean as a whistle. Now, I don’t know if it works. It’s never been scientifically proven to do anything except cause you to make an awful face when you drink it. But wouldn’t it be great if it did? Just the name sounds appealing: “Jogging in a jug.” Wouldn’t it be great if you could gain all the benefits of jogging without actually having to exercise! If you could lower your cholesterol and improve your health without having to strap on your Nikes and “just do it”. If instead, you could “just drink it”? No getting up before dawn to drive to the gym; no hours of pain on the Stairmaster. Just a shot glass of vinegar and it’s “please pass the jelly doughnuts!”
Take another example. It used to be that if you ate junk food, you got fat. Now, we have Olestra, a fat substitute, so we can eat greasy potato chips and ice cream to our heart’s content without raising our cholesterol. Over the years, we’ve developed a multitude of artificial sweeteners – cyclamates, saccharin, aspartame – so we can drink all the sodas we want without rotting our teeth and expanding our middles. And if you do happen to eat something with actual fat or calories, you don’t need to go to the gym to lose weight. All that sweating and huffing and puffing is so 80’s. Now, you just make an appointment with your friendly local liposuctionist, and for a couple of thousand dollars, he’ll suck that fat right out.
In short, what we’re constantly trying to do is repeal the law of sowing and reaping, sever the connection between action and consequence. Not just with eating and drinking, but in every area of life. It’s a universal human urge: people to want to enjoy the benefits without paying the price. Take money. Why is the lottery so popular? It’s an opportunity to become wealthy without labor. There are other ways to acquire wealth, but they’re not nearly as appealing, because they all involve work. That’s why we love game shows like “Who wants to be a millionaire?” Just answer a dozen trivia questions, and you’re rich. No years of medical school, no years of working late at the office, no years of sacrificing and saving and investing. Just ten minutes sitting across from Regis and – boom! – instant wealth. Now I’m not knocking game shows or saying that Regis is evil [although he does sort of resemble the devil in those dark, monochrome suits]. But we should ask ourselves why these shows are so popular. It’s the appeal of having wealth without having to earn it. It’s the appeal of breaking that link between work and reward [John Houseman commercial: “At Smith Barney, we make money the old-fashioned way. We earn it.” They don’t run that commercial anymore. Why? People don’t want to invest for the long term. They don’t want to “earn” a good return on their money. They want to take a flyer on some “dot-com” stock that’s going to quadruple their money in two weeks.]
Now, while you may be able to acquire wealth without labor, or reverse the consequences of overeating, there’s at least one area of life where the law of sowing and reaping always applies.
And that’s in our spiritual life. Our character, our relationship with God, our relationships with one another, these are ruled by the law of sowing and reaping. It’s part of the moral fabric of the universe. This law can’t be overturned by drinking vinegar; it can’t be repealed by a winning lottery ticket. It holds fast. And so the way of wisdom is not to war against it, but to understand it and live by it and benefit from it. Ignoring the law of sowing and reaping only leads to sorrow and regret. What we need to do is respond to it in a way that’s spiritually healthy and pleasing to God.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
What’s Paul’s first point? “Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked.” Some people today are mocking God. Not explicitly – they’re not glaring up at the sky, laughing at God, taunting Him, daring Him to strike them down. But they are mocking Him implicitly, by the way they’re living; by disregarding His claims on their life. Ignoring God, ignoring His law, ignoring His Son Jesus Christ. Living however they please, with no thought or concern about God. They think they’re beating the system. They think they’re “gettting away with it.” They think that as long as they’re clever enough to cover their tracks, as long as they can avoid discovery and exposure, as long as no one finds out, then they can do whatever they want.
But what Paul is telling us here is that they’re not getting away with it. It’s corroding their soul. It’s destroying their integrity. It’s eroding the foundation of their relationships, and placing a barrier between them and God. And sooner or later, it is going to come out. Sooner or later, they will reap what they’ve been sowing.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Kings Point Updates
Good morning everyone! Please remember the following people that are in the hospital: Kim Moore (pneumonia), Wilma Chess (pneumonia), Arlene Miller (Meadowbrook Retirement Ctr).
Friend Day is this Sunday. Please be praying and then asking friends and family to be your guest this Sunday. If you have "prayers of threes," this will be an excellent time to ask them to come to church. Remember, it could be a day in your friend's life that will last for eternity.
The Prophetic Praise and Worship service is this Saturday evening, October 31, at 6:00 p.m. Nursery childcare will be available. Come enjoy and relax in the presence of the Lord. No schedules nor time limits...pure praise and worship.
This is the last weekend to register for the Women's Encounter(November 6th thru 8th). Come prepared for a life-changing weekend!
Covenant Marriage Couples Ministry begins this Sunday at 9:45 am. This is an exciting new ministry that will enrich your marriage. I strongly encourage married couples to attend this class. Marriage maintenance should be vital, not an optional thing. Please come and check it out!
Finally, this Sunday at the beginning of the service we will receive a birthday offering for our children's minister, Debbie Jett. We do this annually for ministry staff members to show our love and appreciation for them. Please come prepared to give in this special offering if you can.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Randy Ballard
Friend Day is this Sunday. Please be praying and then asking friends and family to be your guest this Sunday. If you have "prayers of threes," this will be an excellent time to ask them to come to church. Remember, it could be a day in your friend's life that will last for eternity.
The Prophetic Praise and Worship service is this Saturday evening, October 31, at 6:00 p.m. Nursery childcare will be available. Come enjoy and relax in the presence of the Lord. No schedules nor time limits...pure praise and worship.
This is the last weekend to register for the Women's Encounter(November 6th thru 8th). Come prepared for a life-changing weekend!
Covenant Marriage Couples Ministry begins this Sunday at 9:45 am. This is an exciting new ministry that will enrich your marriage. I strongly encourage married couples to attend this class. Marriage maintenance should be vital, not an optional thing. Please come and check it out!
Finally, this Sunday at the beginning of the service we will receive a birthday offering for our children's minister, Debbie Jett. We do this annually for ministry staff members to show our love and appreciation for them. Please come prepared to give in this special offering if you can.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Randy Ballard
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Wow, what a weekend! Long, but exciting! It all started our with the LM/Kings football game Friday night. I really thought Little Miami would win by 2 to 3 touchdowns in a high scoring game. But when Lance Fanthorp (LM's leading scorer and recently set a Ohio state high school record in receiving yards) went down with a injury in the first quarter, then I begin to change my mind. As the game went on, I begin to think to myself "this thing is going to come down to a kick from Gabe." I just knew it. So many times this past spring and summer Gabe while practicing at the school, we would say "this one is to beat Kings." Even in practice, Coach Jordan would say the same thing many times. And what do you know, it came down to just that...not to beat Kings but to give Little Miami a chance to send it to overtime so they could beat Kings. I'm proud of Gabe. He's a good kid. He loves God and he does whats right. He's not a perfect kid. He has his faults. But God doesn't just bless and favor perfect kids or people. God defintely put him in that situation so that He will be glorified. I pray that He will!
One last thing about the game. My mom was with us Friday night and Saturday. It was great having her with us. She has been working a lot lately giving flu shots in Indy. Gabe dedicated the game Friday night to my dad...his papaw. He wrote it on his shoes and went out and bought special wristbands and wrote it on them as well. Maybe he was in the in that great "cloud of witnesses" in heaven watching the end of the game. If he was, knowing dad, he had a little tear in his eye...not a sad one, but a joyful one.
Two great services today with the presence of the Lord just so awesome in both. This morning's message was a true word from the Lord. If you weren't there, you need to watch it on the sermons page when we get it up. If I have ever believed anything in my life, I believe that we are headed for a time of God's habitation with His bride like we have never experienced before. Yes, we will have our time in the wilderness before it comes. But its coming and my prayer and my cry is "God come down and visit your people!"
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor Randy
One last thing about the game. My mom was with us Friday night and Saturday. It was great having her with us. She has been working a lot lately giving flu shots in Indy. Gabe dedicated the game Friday night to my dad...his papaw. He wrote it on his shoes and went out and bought special wristbands and wrote it on them as well. Maybe he was in the in that great "cloud of witnesses" in heaven watching the end of the game. If he was, knowing dad, he had a little tear in his eye...not a sad one, but a joyful one.
Two great services today with the presence of the Lord just so awesome in both. This morning's message was a true word from the Lord. If you weren't there, you need to watch it on the sermons page when we get it up. If I have ever believed anything in my life, I believe that we are headed for a time of God's habitation with His bride like we have never experienced before. Yes, we will have our time in the wilderness before it comes. But its coming and my prayer and my cry is "God come down and visit your people!"
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday Countdown...Trusting in Horses
Dave Daubenmire is a high school football coach from the Columbus area. I enjoy reading his stuff. Dave has a powerful gift of discernment and insight regarding today's culture. This is another good word. Enjoy it!
-Pastor Randy
"TRUSTING in HORSES"
-by Coach Dave Daubenmire.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember
the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
Sometimes when I sit down to pen a commentary I wish I didn’t
have to. I don’t know why the Lord has laid this yoke upon me, but
I try to be faithful to the gift and the calling that He has put upon
my life. They are irrevocable you know, the gifts and callings of
God, so I might as well embrace the work He has left on my desk.
I can’t explain it but sometimes I feel like I have on a different set
of glasses. Not rose-colored mind you, but more like binoculars
that help me see things that are farther down the road. I can’t explain
it, but I know it to be true.
I have always been amazed by guys who can “fix things”,
mechanically that is. I can spend all morning trying to figure out
how to get my riding lawn-mower operational and then my brother-
in-law pulls up, takes one look at the engine, and diagnosis the
problem. It is his gift, and I sure wish I had it.
But my gift is a little different. Although I have never been to
seminary, or spent time at the feet of great theologians, the Lord
has gifted me with the ability to “connect the dots” in regards to
the application of Biblical principles as they relate to cultural issues.
I think it makes some folks mad, especially the “credentialed
pulpiteers.” I know how they feel. I have experienced the same thing
with my brother-in-law. I’m the guy with all of the degrees yet I can’t
figure out that the spark plug needs cleaned before the engine will
start.
Education without application is like tires without air. One without
the other leaves one feeling a bit flat.
(I’m still not sure I am making myself clear.) Solomon put it this
way.“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with
all thy getting get understanding.” Wisdom is the application of
knowledge. “Understanding” is the offspring of the union of
application and knowledge.
I remember praying a few years ago “Lord, help me see and
understand things that others don’t see and understand.” I’ll let you
be the judge of whether or not He answered that prayer.
The solutions to the problems facing America are so clear to me.
The cause/effect of our cultural collapse is so easy to diagnose. Like
my brother-in-law has often said to me while working on a piece of
my equipment, “Everything is connected together. All you have to
figure out is where the chain is broken. If it isn’t working there has
to be a reason. Just follow the trail.” Sorry to be simplistic, but that
is how I feel about America. Everything is connected…but we refuse
to follow the trail.
So follow along with me as we lift up the hood, check out the spark
plugs, and see if we can figure out how to get this baby running. It
is my opinion that we are trying to replace the wrong parts. Pardon
the corny phraseology, but we are putting the chariot before the
horse.
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember
the name of the LORD our God.”
America’s problems are spiritual, they are not mechanical. We can
not get out of this problem merely by changing the horses (parts).
We have tried that cure before. Substituting Republicans for
Democrats, or liberals for conservatives may change the direction
the chariots are pulled but it gets us no closer to the finish line.
Political parties and politicians are merely the horses that pull the
chariot. Changing them has brought us nothing more than a false
sense of hope. Every election we change a few of the horses, hope
that things will straighten out, and then lament the fact that the
stallions we put into office end up being nothing more than the same
old nag.
Trusting in horses has not worked.
Although the word chariot conjures up thoughts of a carriage in which
someone rides, a chariot was actually a weapon of war as
demonstrated in this video of Charleton Heston in Ben Hur. In our
American constitutional republic the constitution has become the
chariot, the weapon of choice, for those who want to over-throw this
nation. Many patriotic-Americans have labeled themselves
“constitutionalists”, and are trusting in that great founding-document
to win the war against an ever-expanding, all-powerful government.
“If only they would follow the Constitution…”
Although their intentions are good, the reality is that chariot
(constitution) is prisoner to the horses and the direction that they
choose to pull it. No matter how much we love to point out “original
intent,” “separation of powers,” and “government of the people…” the
chariot gets pulled in directions that it was never intended to go. The
Constitution in which we trust is the very weapon that the horses
uses to over-throw the will of the people. Extra-constitutional edicts
such at “the separation between the church and state,” the
“penumbras” of the constitution, and “equal protection” clauses have
run the chariot over those whom it was created to protect.
As long as horses are pulling the chariots there is no hope, and no
sense of generational permanence in that document upon which our
nation was founded. Allowing its clearly spelled-out principles to be
changed at the whim of the latest I-know-better-than-you judge has
caused this foundation stone to be crushed into sand. We all know
what happens when one builds upon sinking sand…
Trusting in chariots has led us into a swamp. The Constitution is not
a stand-alone document. James Madison, the “Father of the
Constitution” said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and
religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any
other.”
George Washington said “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation
without God and the Bible.”
Some men trust in chariots…..
Recently I have been asked to speak at several “Tea-Parties” around
these parts. Word has spread very quickly about the zeal, passion,
and clarity with which I articulate The American View of our national
dilemma. The hearts of men and women are moved as I paint the
picture of the consequences of our national rejection of Jesus. But
my impassioned plea for “remembering the Lord” has tugged on the
bridle of the horses who are not “Christians.”
Some of my recent “invitations” to speak have included a request to
“tone down a bit” the “religious part” because some of the “coalition”
does not hold my same “religious” views. You see, it is easy to
change the horses, or fight with the chariot, than it is to harness the
rebellious heart of individual men and women.
Needless to say, I told them what they can do with the horse they
rode in on…
The god-haters have told us that our Constitution is a “living,
breathing document” designed to change with the times. That
attitude is the same one that gave us “living breathing” marriages
and mortgage contracts. The US Constitution was a contract
between a people and their Creator from whom the rights of the
people had been endowed. A contract is only as good as the people
who sign it.
Funny isn’t it, our once solid American dollar is in a free fall because
the gold that once under girded it has been removed. Remove the
firm foundation and a building is destined for collapse. For over two
centuries the ordinances of God were the pillars upon which this
nation stood. Remove those supports and the Constitution is not
worth the paper it was written on.
"To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil
freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now
enjoys. . . Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown,
our present republican forms of government, and all blessings which
flow from them, must fall with them." Jedidiah Morse
I know what my brother-in-law would say… “Better firm up that
foundation.” Nothing short of a spiritual transformation can save
this nation.
Some men trust in horses, some men trust in chariots….
We need to remember the name of the Lord. Does any national
leader have the courage to say so?
© 2009 Dave Daubenmire - All Rights Reserved
SOURCE - http://www.newswithviews.com/Daubenmire/dave172.htm
-Pastor Randy
"TRUSTING in HORSES"
-by Coach Dave Daubenmire.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember
the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
Sometimes when I sit down to pen a commentary I wish I didn’t
have to. I don’t know why the Lord has laid this yoke upon me, but
I try to be faithful to the gift and the calling that He has put upon
my life. They are irrevocable you know, the gifts and callings of
God, so I might as well embrace the work He has left on my desk.
I can’t explain it but sometimes I feel like I have on a different set
of glasses. Not rose-colored mind you, but more like binoculars
that help me see things that are farther down the road. I can’t explain
it, but I know it to be true.
I have always been amazed by guys who can “fix things”,
mechanically that is. I can spend all morning trying to figure out
how to get my riding lawn-mower operational and then my brother-
in-law pulls up, takes one look at the engine, and diagnosis the
problem. It is his gift, and I sure wish I had it.
But my gift is a little different. Although I have never been to
seminary, or spent time at the feet of great theologians, the Lord
has gifted me with the ability to “connect the dots” in regards to
the application of Biblical principles as they relate to cultural issues.
I think it makes some folks mad, especially the “credentialed
pulpiteers.” I know how they feel. I have experienced the same thing
with my brother-in-law. I’m the guy with all of the degrees yet I can’t
figure out that the spark plug needs cleaned before the engine will
start.
Education without application is like tires without air. One without
the other leaves one feeling a bit flat.
(I’m still not sure I am making myself clear.) Solomon put it this
way.“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with
all thy getting get understanding.” Wisdom is the application of
knowledge. “Understanding” is the offspring of the union of
application and knowledge.
I remember praying a few years ago “Lord, help me see and
understand things that others don’t see and understand.” I’ll let you
be the judge of whether or not He answered that prayer.
The solutions to the problems facing America are so clear to me.
The cause/effect of our cultural collapse is so easy to diagnose. Like
my brother-in-law has often said to me while working on a piece of
my equipment, “Everything is connected together. All you have to
figure out is where the chain is broken. If it isn’t working there has
to be a reason. Just follow the trail.” Sorry to be simplistic, but that
is how I feel about America. Everything is connected…but we refuse
to follow the trail.
So follow along with me as we lift up the hood, check out the spark
plugs, and see if we can figure out how to get this baby running. It
is my opinion that we are trying to replace the wrong parts. Pardon
the corny phraseology, but we are putting the chariot before the
horse.
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember
the name of the LORD our God.”
America’s problems are spiritual, they are not mechanical. We can
not get out of this problem merely by changing the horses (parts).
We have tried that cure before. Substituting Republicans for
Democrats, or liberals for conservatives may change the direction
the chariots are pulled but it gets us no closer to the finish line.
Political parties and politicians are merely the horses that pull the
chariot. Changing them has brought us nothing more than a false
sense of hope. Every election we change a few of the horses, hope
that things will straighten out, and then lament the fact that the
stallions we put into office end up being nothing more than the same
old nag.
Trusting in horses has not worked.
Although the word chariot conjures up thoughts of a carriage in which
someone rides, a chariot was actually a weapon of war as
demonstrated in this video of Charleton Heston in Ben Hur. In our
American constitutional republic the constitution has become the
chariot, the weapon of choice, for those who want to over-throw this
nation. Many patriotic-Americans have labeled themselves
“constitutionalists”, and are trusting in that great founding-document
to win the war against an ever-expanding, all-powerful government.
“If only they would follow the Constitution…”
Although their intentions are good, the reality is that chariot
(constitution) is prisoner to the horses and the direction that they
choose to pull it. No matter how much we love to point out “original
intent,” “separation of powers,” and “government of the people…” the
chariot gets pulled in directions that it was never intended to go. The
Constitution in which we trust is the very weapon that the horses
uses to over-throw the will of the people. Extra-constitutional edicts
such at “the separation between the church and state,” the
“penumbras” of the constitution, and “equal protection” clauses have
run the chariot over those whom it was created to protect.
As long as horses are pulling the chariots there is no hope, and no
sense of generational permanence in that document upon which our
nation was founded. Allowing its clearly spelled-out principles to be
changed at the whim of the latest I-know-better-than-you judge has
caused this foundation stone to be crushed into sand. We all know
what happens when one builds upon sinking sand…
Trusting in chariots has led us into a swamp. The Constitution is not
a stand-alone document. James Madison, the “Father of the
Constitution” said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and
religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any
other.”
George Washington said “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation
without God and the Bible.”
Some men trust in chariots…..
Recently I have been asked to speak at several “Tea-Parties” around
these parts. Word has spread very quickly about the zeal, passion,
and clarity with which I articulate The American View of our national
dilemma. The hearts of men and women are moved as I paint the
picture of the consequences of our national rejection of Jesus. But
my impassioned plea for “remembering the Lord” has tugged on the
bridle of the horses who are not “Christians.”
Some of my recent “invitations” to speak have included a request to
“tone down a bit” the “religious part” because some of the “coalition”
does not hold my same “religious” views. You see, it is easy to
change the horses, or fight with the chariot, than it is to harness the
rebellious heart of individual men and women.
Needless to say, I told them what they can do with the horse they
rode in on…
The god-haters have told us that our Constitution is a “living,
breathing document” designed to change with the times. That
attitude is the same one that gave us “living breathing” marriages
and mortgage contracts. The US Constitution was a contract
between a people and their Creator from whom the rights of the
people had been endowed. A contract is only as good as the people
who sign it.
Funny isn’t it, our once solid American dollar is in a free fall because
the gold that once under girded it has been removed. Remove the
firm foundation and a building is destined for collapse. For over two
centuries the ordinances of God were the pillars upon which this
nation stood. Remove those supports and the Constitution is not
worth the paper it was written on.
"To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil
freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now
enjoys. . . Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown,
our present republican forms of government, and all blessings which
flow from them, must fall with them." Jedidiah Morse
I know what my brother-in-law would say… “Better firm up that
foundation.” Nothing short of a spiritual transformation can save
this nation.
Some men trust in horses, some men trust in chariots….
We need to remember the name of the Lord. Does any national
leader have the courage to say so?
© 2009 Dave Daubenmire - All Rights Reserved
SOURCE - http://www.newswithviews.com/Daubenmire/dave172.htm
Thursday, October 22, 2009
God...the enemy?
Paul Stanley tells this story from his military experience: “As an infantry company commander in Vietnam in 1967, I saw Viet Cong soldiers surrender many times. As they were placed in custody, marched away, and briefly interrogated, their body language and facial expressions always caught my attention. Most hung their heads in shame, staring at the ground, unwilling to look their captors in the eye. But some stood erect, staring defiantly at those around them, resisting any attempt by our men to control them. They had surrendered physically but not mentally. On one occasion after the enemy had withdrawn, I came upon several soldiers surrounding a wounded Viet Cong. Shot through the lower leg, he was hostile and frightened, yet helpless. He threw mud and kicked with his one good leg when anyone came near him. When I joined the circle around the wounded enemy, one soldier asked me, ‘Sir, what do we do? He’s losing blood fast and needs medical attention.’ I looked down at the struggling Viet Cong and saw the face of a 16- or 17-year-old boy. I unbuckled my pistol belt and hand grenades so he could not grab them. Then, speaking gently, I moved toward him. He stared fearfully at me as I knelt down, but he allowed me to slide my arms under him and pick him up. As I walked with him toward a waiting helicopter, he began to cry and hold me tight. He kept looking at me and squeezing me tighter. We climbed into the helicopter and took off. During the ride, our young captive sat on the floor, clinging to my leg. Never having ridden in a helicopter, he looked out with panic as we gained altitude and flew over the trees. He fixed his eyes back on me, and I smiled reassuringly and put my hand on his shoulder. After landing, I picked him up and walked toward the medical tent. As we crossed the field, I felt the tenseness leave his body and his tight grasp loosen. His eyes softened, and his head leaned against my chest. The fear and resistance were gone — he had finally surrendered.”
That is the way it is when we surrender to God isn’t it? At first we see God as the enemy and we fight him, claiming our own territory and the right to our own lives. But in our woundedness, we finally see that we cannot conquer him, and the God to whom we surrender is not our enemy. He cares for us and heals us as he takes us captive.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Randy
That is the way it is when we surrender to God isn’t it? At first we see God as the enemy and we fight him, claiming our own territory and the right to our own lives. But in our woundedness, we finally see that we cannot conquer him, and the God to whom we surrender is not our enemy. He cares for us and heals us as he takes us captive.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A Powerful Little Illustration...
A professor in a world-acclaimed medical school once posed this medical situation -- and ethical problem -- to his students: "Here’s the family history: The father has syphilis. The mother has TB. They already have had four children. The first is blind. The second had died. The third is deaf. The fourth has TB. Now the mother is pregnant again, The parents come to you for advice. They are willing to have an abortion, if you decide they should. What do you say?" The students gave various individual opinions, and then the professor asked them to break into small groups for "consultation." All of the groups came back to report that they would recommend abortion. "Congratulations," the professor said, "You just took the life of Beethoven!" We believe this was first reported in an Ann Landers column.
The story reminds us all to "walk by faith today, not by sight."
Have a wonderful day!
-Pastor Randy
The story reminds us all to "walk by faith today, not by sight."
Have a wonderful day!
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Just a great day today especially tonight's service. Tonight was an encounter service! I tried my best to get people to come out tonight and many did, but many did not. The ones that came were blessed as God moved mightly especially in the altar service. The service last well over two and half hours and it was awesome.
Tonight I shared the following vision. I encourage you to take the time to read it and let the Lord speak to you. I defintely bear witness with it. I see God doing this today in His body.
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor Randy
There is a terrific operation of the Spirit going on today to bring
the Sons of God into an absolute confinement to the perfect will of God.
This is the Day of His perfection, the day in which He is preparing the
channel through which He shall pour forth His Glory for all the world to
see. This channel is His Body in the earth, that glorious company of
people who are being conformed through much tribulation and fiery
tests to the image of the Son of God... The weapons of their warfare
are not carnal, natural weapons, but they are mighty weapons,
mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. These are
those who shall "be strong and do exploits."
But before God can commit this great and tremendous ministry into
their hands, they must submit themselves to the discipline of the Lord,
letting Him truly be the Lord of their entire lives. We have long since
dealt with the question of open sin, but now God is dealing with the
inward rebellion of our own wills. This is a very real thing,
and is the work of the Refiner's Fire. To those who are going through
it, some of its aspects are horrible, but very necessary, and the end
result thereof is glorious as we are brought into absolute and complete
submission to the will of our Lord.
I SAW the KING'S CARRIAGE
On a dirt road in the middle of a wide field stood a beautiful carriage,
something on the order of a stagecoach, but all edged in gold, and
with beautiful carvings. It was pulled by six large chestnut horses,
two in the lead, two in the middle and two in the rear. But they were
not moving, they were not pulling the carriage, and I wondered why.
Then I saw the driver underneath the carriage, on the ground on his
back, just behind the last two horses' heels. He was working on
something between the front wheels on the carriage. I thought, "My,
he is in a dangerous place; for if one of those horses kicked or
stepped back, they would kill him, or if they decided to go forward,
or got frightened somehow, they would pull the carriage right over
him." But he didn't seem afraid, for he knew that the horses were
disciplined and would not move until he told them to move. The
horses were not stomping their feet nor acting restless, and though
there were bells on their feet, the bells were not tinkling. There were
pom-poms on their harness, over their heads, but the pom-poms
were not moving. They were simply standing still and waiting for
the voice of the Master.
THERE WERE TWO YOUNG COLTS in THE FIELD
As I watched the harnessed horses, I noticed two young colts
coming out of the open field, and they approached the carriage and
seemed to say to the horses: "Come and play with us, we have
many fine games, we will race with you, come catch us." And with
that the colts kicked up their heels, flicked their tails and raced
across the open field. But when they looked back and saw the
horses were not following, they were puzzled.
They knew nothing of the harness, and could not understand why
the horses did not want to play. So they called to them: "Why do
you not race with us? Are you tired? Are you to weak? Do you not
have strength to run? You are much too solemn, you need more joy
in life." But the horses answered not a word, nor did they stomp
their feet or toss their heads. But they stood, quiet and still, waiting
for the voice of the Master.
Again the colts called to them: "Why do you stand in the hot sun?
Come over here in the shade of this nice tree. See how green the
grass is? You must be hungry, come and feed with us, it is so
green and so good. You look thirsty, come drink of one of our many
streams of cool clear water." But the horses answered them not
so much as a glance, but stood still, waiting for the command to
go forward with the King.
COLTS IN the MASTER'S CORRAL
And then the scene changed, and I saw lariat nooses fall around the
necks of the two colts. They were led off to the Master's corral for
training and discipline. How sad they were as the lovely green fields
disappeared, and they were put into the confinement of the Corral
with its brown dirt and high fence. The colts ran from fence to fence,
seeking freedom, but found that they were confined to this place
of training. And then the trainer began to work on them, with His
whip and His bridle. What a death for those who had been all their
lives accustomed to such a freedom! They could not understand
for this torture, this terrible discipline. What crime had they done
to deserve this? Little did they know of the responsibility that was
to be theirs when they had submitted to the discipline, learned to
perfectly obey the Master, and finished their training. All they knew
was that this processing was the most horrible thing they had ever known.
SUBMISSION and REBELLION
One of the colts rebelled under training, and said, "This is not
for me. I like my freedom, my green hills, my flowing streams of fresh
water. I will not take any more of this confinement, this terrible
training." So he found a way out, jumped the fence and ran happily
back to the meadows of grass. I was astonished that the Master let
him go, and went not after him. But He devoted His attention to the
remaining colt.
This colt, though he had the same opportunity to escape, decided
to submit his own will, and learn the ways of the Master. This
training got harder than ever, but he was rapidly learning more and
more how to obey the slightest wish of the Master, and to respond
to even the quietness of His voice. And I saw that had there been
no training, no testing, there would have been neither submission
nor rebellion from either of the colts. For in the field they did not
have the choice to rebel or submit. they were sinless in their
innocence. But when brought to the place of testing and training
and discipline, then was made manifest the obedience of one and
the rebellion of the other. And though it seemed safer not to come
to the place of discipline because of the risk of being found
rebellious, yet I saw that without this there could be no sharing of
His glory, no sonship.
INTO the HARNESS
Finally this period of training was over. Was he now rewarded with
His freedom, and sent back to the fields? Oh no. But a greater
confinement than ever now took place, as a harness dropped about
his shoulders. Now he found there was not even the freedom to run
about the small corral, for in the harness he could only move
where and when his Master spoke. And unless the Master spoke,
he stood still
.
The scene changed,[slide 1] and I saw the other colt standing on the side
of a hill, nibbling at some grass. Then across the fields, down the
road came the Kings carriage, drawn by six horses. With amazement
he saw that in the lead, on the right side, was his brother colt, now
made strong and mature on the good corn in the Master's stable.
He saw the lovely pom-poms shaking in the wind, noticed the
glittering gold bordered harness about his brothers, heard the
beautiful tinkling of the bells on his feet. And envy came into his
heart. Thus he complained to himself: "Why has my brother been
so honored, and I am neglected? they have not put bells on MY
feet, nor pom-poms on MY head. the master has not given ME the
wonderful responsibility of pulling His carriage, nor put about ME
the gold harness.
Why have they chosen my brother instead of me?" And by the
Spirit the answer came back to me as I watched. "Because one
submitted to the will and discipline of the Master, and one rebelled,
thus has one been chosen and the other set aside."
A FAMINE in THE LAND
Then I saw a great drought sweep across the countryside, and the
green grass became dead, dry, brown and brittle. The little streams
of water dried up, stopped flowing, and there was only a small muddy
puddle here and there. I saw the little colt (I was amazed that it never
seemed to grow or mature) as he ran here and there, across the
fields looking for fresh streams and green pastures, finding none.
Still he ran, seemingly in circles, always looking for something to
feed his famished spirit. But there was a famine in the land, and
the rich green pastures and flowing streams of yesterday were not
to be had. And one day the colt stood on the hillside on weak and
wobbly legs, wondering where to go next to find food, and how to
get strength to go. It seemed like there was no use, for good food
and flowing streams were a thing of the past, and all the efforts to
find more only taxed his waning strength. Suddenly he saw the
King's carriage coming down the road, pulled by six great horses.
And he saw his brother, fat and strong, muscles rippling, sleek
and beautiful with much grooming. His heart was amazed and
perplexed, and he cried out: "My brother, where do you find the
food to keep you strong and fat in these days of famine? I have run
everywhere in my freedom, searching for food, and I find none.
Where do you, in your awful confinement, find food in this time of
drought? Tell me, please, for I must know!" And then the answer
came back from a voice filled with victory and praise: "In my
Master's House, there is a secret place in the confining limitations
of His stables where He feeds me by His own hand, and His granaries
never run empty, and His well never runs dry." And with this the
Lord made me to know that in the day when people are weak and
famished in their spirits - in the time of spiritual famine, that those
who have lost their own wills, and have come into the secret place
of the Most High, into the utter confinement of His perfect will,
shall have plenty of the corn of Heaven, and never ending flow of
fresh streams of revelation by His Spirit. Thus the vision ended.
____________________________________
INTERPRETATION of THE VISION
"Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run
that readeth it." (Hab.2:2). "Harness the horses: and get up, ye
horseman." (Jer.46:4). I am sure that many of you who can hear
what the Spirit saith to the Church, have already seen what God
was showing in the vision. But let me make it plain.
Being born into the Family of God, feeding in the green pastures and drinking of the many streams of the unfolding revelation of His purpose is fine and
wonderful. but it is not enough.
While we were children, young and
undisciplined, limited only by the outer fence of the Law and ran
around the limits of the pastures (that kept us from getting into the
dark pastures of poison weeds), He was content to watch us develop
into young manhood, spiritually speaking. But the time came to
those who fed in His pastures, and drank from His streams, when
they were to be brought into the discipline or "child training" for the
purpose of making them mature sons.
Many of God’s children today
cannot understand why some of those who have put on the harness
of God cannot get excited by many religious games and the playful
antics of the immature. They wonder why the disciplined ones run
not after every new revelation or feed on every opportunity to engage
in seemingly "good and profitable" religious activities. They wonder
why some will not race with them in their frantic effort to build great
works and great and notable ministries. They cannot understand
the simple fact that this company of saints is waiting for the voice
of the Master, and they do not hear God in all this outward activity.
They will move in their time, when the Master speaks. But not before,
though many temptations come from the playful colts. And the colts
cannot understand why those who seemingly appear to have great
abilities and strength are not putting it to good use. "Get the
carriage on the road," they say, but the disciplined ones, those in
God's harness, know better than to move before they hear the voice
of the Master. They will move in His time, with purpose and great
responsibility.
And the Lord made me to know that there were many whom He
had brought into training who had rebelled against the discipline,
the chastising of the Father. They could not be trusted with the
great responsibility of mature sonship, so He let them go back to
their freedom, back to their religious activities and revelations and
gifts. They are still His people, still feeding in His pastures, but He
has set them aside from the great purposes for this end of the age.
So they revel in their freedom, feeling that they were the Chosen
Ones with the many streams of living water, not knowing that they
have been set aside as unfit for His great work in this end of the age.
He showed me that through the chastising seems grievous for the
time, and the discipline hard to endure, yet the result with all the
glory of sonship is worth it all, and the glory to follow far exceeds the
suffering we endure. And though some lose even their lives in this
training, yet they will share alike in the glory of His eternal purposes.
So faint not saints of God, for it is the Lord that doth bring thee into
confinement, and not thine enemy. It is for thy good, and for His
glory, so endure all things with praises and thanksgiving that He
hath counted thee worthy to share His glory! Fear thou not the
whip in His hand, for it is not to punish thee, but to correct and
train thee, that thou mightest come into submission to His will,
and be found in His likeness in that hour. Rejoice thou in thy trials,
in all thy tribulations, and glory thou in His cross, and in the
confining limitations of His harness, for He hath chosen thee and
He hath taken upon Himself the responsibility of keeping thee
strong and well fed.
So lean thou upon Him, and trust not in thine
own ability and thine own understanding. So shalt thou be fed, and
His hand shall be upon thee, and His glory shall overshadow thee
and shall flow through thee as it goes forth to cover the earth.
Glory to God! Bless the Lord, He's wonderful! Let Him be Lord of
your life, friends, and complain not at that which He bringeth to
pass in your life.
PLENTY in THE TIME of FAMINE
For in the hour when famine sweeps the land, He shall feed by His
own hand those who are submitted to His perfect will, and who
dwell in the secret place of the Most High. When terror stalks the
land, those in His harness shall not be afraid, for they shall feel
His bit and bridle and know the guidance of His Spirit. When others
are weak and frail and fearful, there shall be those who shall be
strong in the power of His might, and shall lack for no good thing.
In the hour when the traditions of the religious systems have proven
false, and their streams have dried up, then His Chosen Ones shall
speak forth with the true Word of the Lord. So rejoice, sons of God,
that you have been chosen by His grace for this great work in this last hour.
The fence which kept the colts in their own meadows and their own
pastures mean nothing to the team in the harness, for the gates
open to them, and they go forth pulling the King's carriage into
many strange and wonderful places. They do not stop to eat the
poison weeds of sin, for they feed only in the Master's stables.
These fields they trample under their feet as they go forth on the
King's business. And so to those who are brought into absolute
subjection to His will, there is no law. For they move in the Grace
of God, led only by His Spirit where all things are lawful but not all
things are expedient. This is a dangerous realm for the undisciplined,
and many have perished in sin as they leaped over the fence without
His harness and His bridle. Some have thought themselves as
being completely harnessed and submissive to Him, only to find
that in some avenue of their lives there dwelled rebellion and self-
will. Let us wait before Him until He puts His noose around us and
draws us to His place of training. And let us learn of the dealings
of God and the movings of His Spirit until at last we feel His harness
drop about us, and hear His voice guiding us. Then there is safety
from the traps and pitfalls of sin, and then we shall abide in His
House forever!
Tonight I shared the following vision. I encourage you to take the time to read it and let the Lord speak to you. I defintely bear witness with it. I see God doing this today in His body.
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor Randy
There is a terrific operation of the Spirit going on today to bring
the Sons of God into an absolute confinement to the perfect will of God.
This is the Day of His perfection, the day in which He is preparing the
channel through which He shall pour forth His Glory for all the world to
see. This channel is His Body in the earth, that glorious company of
people who are being conformed through much tribulation and fiery
tests to the image of the Son of God... The weapons of their warfare
are not carnal, natural weapons, but they are mighty weapons,
mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. These are
those who shall "be strong and do exploits."
But before God can commit this great and tremendous ministry into
their hands, they must submit themselves to the discipline of the Lord,
letting Him truly be the Lord of their entire lives. We have long since
dealt with the question of open sin, but now God is dealing with the
inward rebellion of our own wills. This is a very real thing,
and is the work of the Refiner's Fire. To those who are going through
it, some of its aspects are horrible, but very necessary, and the end
result thereof is glorious as we are brought into absolute and complete
submission to the will of our Lord.
I SAW the KING'S CARRIAGE
On a dirt road in the middle of a wide field stood a beautiful carriage,
something on the order of a stagecoach, but all edged in gold, and
with beautiful carvings. It was pulled by six large chestnut horses,
two in the lead, two in the middle and two in the rear. But they were
not moving, they were not pulling the carriage, and I wondered why.
Then I saw the driver underneath the carriage, on the ground on his
back, just behind the last two horses' heels. He was working on
something between the front wheels on the carriage. I thought, "My,
he is in a dangerous place; for if one of those horses kicked or
stepped back, they would kill him, or if they decided to go forward,
or got frightened somehow, they would pull the carriage right over
him." But he didn't seem afraid, for he knew that the horses were
disciplined and would not move until he told them to move. The
horses were not stomping their feet nor acting restless, and though
there were bells on their feet, the bells were not tinkling. There were
pom-poms on their harness, over their heads, but the pom-poms
were not moving. They were simply standing still and waiting for
the voice of the Master.
THERE WERE TWO YOUNG COLTS in THE FIELD
As I watched the harnessed horses, I noticed two young colts
coming out of the open field, and they approached the carriage and
seemed to say to the horses: "Come and play with us, we have
many fine games, we will race with you, come catch us." And with
that the colts kicked up their heels, flicked their tails and raced
across the open field. But when they looked back and saw the
horses were not following, they were puzzled.
They knew nothing of the harness, and could not understand why
the horses did not want to play. So they called to them: "Why do
you not race with us? Are you tired? Are you to weak? Do you not
have strength to run? You are much too solemn, you need more joy
in life." But the horses answered not a word, nor did they stomp
their feet or toss their heads. But they stood, quiet and still, waiting
for the voice of the Master.
Again the colts called to them: "Why do you stand in the hot sun?
Come over here in the shade of this nice tree. See how green the
grass is? You must be hungry, come and feed with us, it is so
green and so good. You look thirsty, come drink of one of our many
streams of cool clear water." But the horses answered them not
so much as a glance, but stood still, waiting for the command to
go forward with the King.
COLTS IN the MASTER'S CORRAL
And then the scene changed, and I saw lariat nooses fall around the
necks of the two colts. They were led off to the Master's corral for
training and discipline. How sad they were as the lovely green fields
disappeared, and they were put into the confinement of the Corral
with its brown dirt and high fence. The colts ran from fence to fence,
seeking freedom, but found that they were confined to this place
of training. And then the trainer began to work on them, with His
whip and His bridle. What a death for those who had been all their
lives accustomed to such a freedom! They could not understand
for this torture, this terrible discipline. What crime had they done
to deserve this? Little did they know of the responsibility that was
to be theirs when they had submitted to the discipline, learned to
perfectly obey the Master, and finished their training. All they knew
was that this processing was the most horrible thing they had ever known.
SUBMISSION and REBELLION
One of the colts rebelled under training, and said, "This is not
for me. I like my freedom, my green hills, my flowing streams of fresh
water. I will not take any more of this confinement, this terrible
training." So he found a way out, jumped the fence and ran happily
back to the meadows of grass. I was astonished that the Master let
him go, and went not after him. But He devoted His attention to the
remaining colt.
This colt, though he had the same opportunity to escape, decided
to submit his own will, and learn the ways of the Master. This
training got harder than ever, but he was rapidly learning more and
more how to obey the slightest wish of the Master, and to respond
to even the quietness of His voice. And I saw that had there been
no training, no testing, there would have been neither submission
nor rebellion from either of the colts. For in the field they did not
have the choice to rebel or submit. they were sinless in their
innocence. But when brought to the place of testing and training
and discipline, then was made manifest the obedience of one and
the rebellion of the other. And though it seemed safer not to come
to the place of discipline because of the risk of being found
rebellious, yet I saw that without this there could be no sharing of
His glory, no sonship.
INTO the HARNESS
Finally this period of training was over. Was he now rewarded with
His freedom, and sent back to the fields? Oh no. But a greater
confinement than ever now took place, as a harness dropped about
his shoulders. Now he found there was not even the freedom to run
about the small corral, for in the harness he could only move
where and when his Master spoke. And unless the Master spoke,
he stood still
.
The scene changed,[slide 1] and I saw the other colt standing on the side
of a hill, nibbling at some grass. Then across the fields, down the
road came the Kings carriage, drawn by six horses. With amazement
he saw that in the lead, on the right side, was his brother colt, now
made strong and mature on the good corn in the Master's stable.
He saw the lovely pom-poms shaking in the wind, noticed the
glittering gold bordered harness about his brothers, heard the
beautiful tinkling of the bells on his feet. And envy came into his
heart. Thus he complained to himself: "Why has my brother been
so honored, and I am neglected? they have not put bells on MY
feet, nor pom-poms on MY head. the master has not given ME the
wonderful responsibility of pulling His carriage, nor put about ME
the gold harness.
Why have they chosen my brother instead of me?" And by the
Spirit the answer came back to me as I watched. "Because one
submitted to the will and discipline of the Master, and one rebelled,
thus has one been chosen and the other set aside."
A FAMINE in THE LAND
Then I saw a great drought sweep across the countryside, and the
green grass became dead, dry, brown and brittle. The little streams
of water dried up, stopped flowing, and there was only a small muddy
puddle here and there. I saw the little colt (I was amazed that it never
seemed to grow or mature) as he ran here and there, across the
fields looking for fresh streams and green pastures, finding none.
Still he ran, seemingly in circles, always looking for something to
feed his famished spirit. But there was a famine in the land, and
the rich green pastures and flowing streams of yesterday were not
to be had. And one day the colt stood on the hillside on weak and
wobbly legs, wondering where to go next to find food, and how to
get strength to go. It seemed like there was no use, for good food
and flowing streams were a thing of the past, and all the efforts to
find more only taxed his waning strength. Suddenly he saw the
King's carriage coming down the road, pulled by six great horses.
And he saw his brother, fat and strong, muscles rippling, sleek
and beautiful with much grooming. His heart was amazed and
perplexed, and he cried out: "My brother, where do you find the
food to keep you strong and fat in these days of famine? I have run
everywhere in my freedom, searching for food, and I find none.
Where do you, in your awful confinement, find food in this time of
drought? Tell me, please, for I must know!" And then the answer
came back from a voice filled with victory and praise: "In my
Master's House, there is a secret place in the confining limitations
of His stables where He feeds me by His own hand, and His granaries
never run empty, and His well never runs dry." And with this the
Lord made me to know that in the day when people are weak and
famished in their spirits - in the time of spiritual famine, that those
who have lost their own wills, and have come into the secret place
of the Most High, into the utter confinement of His perfect will,
shall have plenty of the corn of Heaven, and never ending flow of
fresh streams of revelation by His Spirit. Thus the vision ended.
____________________________________
INTERPRETATION of THE VISION
"Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run
that readeth it." (Hab.2:2). "Harness the horses: and get up, ye
horseman." (Jer.46:4). I am sure that many of you who can hear
what the Spirit saith to the Church, have already seen what God
was showing in the vision. But let me make it plain.
Being born into the Family of God, feeding in the green pastures and drinking of the many streams of the unfolding revelation of His purpose is fine and
wonderful. but it is not enough.
While we were children, young and
undisciplined, limited only by the outer fence of the Law and ran
around the limits of the pastures (that kept us from getting into the
dark pastures of poison weeds), He was content to watch us develop
into young manhood, spiritually speaking. But the time came to
those who fed in His pastures, and drank from His streams, when
they were to be brought into the discipline or "child training" for the
purpose of making them mature sons.
Many of God’s children today
cannot understand why some of those who have put on the harness
of God cannot get excited by many religious games and the playful
antics of the immature. They wonder why the disciplined ones run
not after every new revelation or feed on every opportunity to engage
in seemingly "good and profitable" religious activities. They wonder
why some will not race with them in their frantic effort to build great
works and great and notable ministries. They cannot understand
the simple fact that this company of saints is waiting for the voice
of the Master, and they do not hear God in all this outward activity.
They will move in their time, when the Master speaks. But not before,
though many temptations come from the playful colts. And the colts
cannot understand why those who seemingly appear to have great
abilities and strength are not putting it to good use. "Get the
carriage on the road," they say, but the disciplined ones, those in
God's harness, know better than to move before they hear the voice
of the Master. They will move in His time, with purpose and great
responsibility.
And the Lord made me to know that there were many whom He
had brought into training who had rebelled against the discipline,
the chastising of the Father. They could not be trusted with the
great responsibility of mature sonship, so He let them go back to
their freedom, back to their religious activities and revelations and
gifts. They are still His people, still feeding in His pastures, but He
has set them aside from the great purposes for this end of the age.
So they revel in their freedom, feeling that they were the Chosen
Ones with the many streams of living water, not knowing that they
have been set aside as unfit for His great work in this end of the age.
He showed me that through the chastising seems grievous for the
time, and the discipline hard to endure, yet the result with all the
glory of sonship is worth it all, and the glory to follow far exceeds the
suffering we endure. And though some lose even their lives in this
training, yet they will share alike in the glory of His eternal purposes.
So faint not saints of God, for it is the Lord that doth bring thee into
confinement, and not thine enemy. It is for thy good, and for His
glory, so endure all things with praises and thanksgiving that He
hath counted thee worthy to share His glory! Fear thou not the
whip in His hand, for it is not to punish thee, but to correct and
train thee, that thou mightest come into submission to His will,
and be found in His likeness in that hour. Rejoice thou in thy trials,
in all thy tribulations, and glory thou in His cross, and in the
confining limitations of His harness, for He hath chosen thee and
He hath taken upon Himself the responsibility of keeping thee
strong and well fed.
So lean thou upon Him, and trust not in thine
own ability and thine own understanding. So shalt thou be fed, and
His hand shall be upon thee, and His glory shall overshadow thee
and shall flow through thee as it goes forth to cover the earth.
Glory to God! Bless the Lord, He's wonderful! Let Him be Lord of
your life, friends, and complain not at that which He bringeth to
pass in your life.
PLENTY in THE TIME of FAMINE
For in the hour when famine sweeps the land, He shall feed by His
own hand those who are submitted to His perfect will, and who
dwell in the secret place of the Most High. When terror stalks the
land, those in His harness shall not be afraid, for they shall feel
His bit and bridle and know the guidance of His Spirit. When others
are weak and frail and fearful, there shall be those who shall be
strong in the power of His might, and shall lack for no good thing.
In the hour when the traditions of the religious systems have proven
false, and their streams have dried up, then His Chosen Ones shall
speak forth with the true Word of the Lord. So rejoice, sons of God,
that you have been chosen by His grace for this great work in this last hour.
The fence which kept the colts in their own meadows and their own
pastures mean nothing to the team in the harness, for the gates
open to them, and they go forth pulling the King's carriage into
many strange and wonderful places. They do not stop to eat the
poison weeds of sin, for they feed only in the Master's stables.
These fields they trample under their feet as they go forth on the
King's business. And so to those who are brought into absolute
subjection to His will, there is no law. For they move in the Grace
of God, led only by His Spirit where all things are lawful but not all
things are expedient. This is a dangerous realm for the undisciplined,
and many have perished in sin as they leaped over the fence without
His harness and His bridle. Some have thought themselves as
being completely harnessed and submissive to Him, only to find
that in some avenue of their lives there dwelled rebellion and self-
will. Let us wait before Him until He puts His noose around us and
draws us to His place of training. And let us learn of the dealings
of God and the movings of His Spirit until at last we feel His harness
drop about us, and hear His voice guiding us. Then there is safety
from the traps and pitfalls of sin, and then we shall abide in His
House forever!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Some Sunday Eve Thoughts
Its been a while since I have done a blog on Saturday. Usually I'm just so busy with meetings and sermon prep that trying to fit a blog in is just too much. However, I thought I would share a few thoughts before tomorrow's Sunday day of worship.
Last night's football game between Little Miami and Turpin was a touchdownfest. We came up on the short end 58-42. Gabe had a good game as he went 7 for 7 for extra points. He also had to debut as a punter because the starting punter got hurt. Gabe's first punt went about 35 yards into the wind punting from about the 4 yard line. His second punt was from the goal line. The snap rolled to him on the ground and seeing that the defense was about to pounce on him for a touchdown, he smartly turned around and kicked the ball in the end zone costing us two points instead of seven. Actually, it turned out pretty good. Our defense held them on their ensuing drive. And we took the ball and drove for a score before the end of the half.
On a very grave note, we had a boy that broke his back during the game. His name is Brad Riley and I ask everyone everywhere to please pray for this young man.
This week we received a traffic report regarding our website. It looked something like this...
`691 people visited our website within the last 28 days viewing over 2,000 pages.
`The most common pages viewed are the home page and the pastor's blog...by far.
`There have been visitors from the US, Canada, India, Peru, and the Philippines. The US visitors have come from 10 different states with the majority coming from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
So far, God has given me a very unusual message for Sunday morning. I think I will be sharing about a vision called "the Harnessed Horse." It's a powerful word from the Lord for everyone. Come ready to worship!
-Pastor Randy
Last night's football game between Little Miami and Turpin was a touchdownfest. We came up on the short end 58-42. Gabe had a good game as he went 7 for 7 for extra points. He also had to debut as a punter because the starting punter got hurt. Gabe's first punt went about 35 yards into the wind punting from about the 4 yard line. His second punt was from the goal line. The snap rolled to him on the ground and seeing that the defense was about to pounce on him for a touchdown, he smartly turned around and kicked the ball in the end zone costing us two points instead of seven. Actually, it turned out pretty good. Our defense held them on their ensuing drive. And we took the ball and drove for a score before the end of the half.
On a very grave note, we had a boy that broke his back during the game. His name is Brad Riley and I ask everyone everywhere to please pray for this young man.
This week we received a traffic report regarding our website. It looked something like this...
`691 people visited our website within the last 28 days viewing over 2,000 pages.
`The most common pages viewed are the home page and the pastor's blog...by far.
`There have been visitors from the US, Canada, India, Peru, and the Philippines. The US visitors have come from 10 different states with the majority coming from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
So far, God has given me a very unusual message for Sunday morning. I think I will be sharing about a vision called "the Harnessed Horse." It's a powerful word from the Lord for everyone. Come ready to worship!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday Countdown...
Wow, is this ever true. My prayer today is God raise up your prophets!
PROPHETIC PREACHING
-by A.W. Tozer.
If Christianity is to receive a rejuvenation, it must be by other means
than any now being used. If the Church in the second half of this
century is to recover from the injuries she suffered in the first half,
there must appear a new type of preacher. The proper, ruler-of-the-
synagogue type will never do. Neither will the priestly type of man
who carries out his duties, takes his pay and asks no questions,
nor the smooth-talking pastoral type who knows how to make the
Christian religion acceptable to everyone. All these have been tried
and found wanting.
Another kind of religious leader must arise among us. He must be
of the old prophet type, a man who has seen visions of God and
has heard a voice from the Throne. When he comes (and I pray
God there will be not one but many), he will stand in flat contradiction
to everything our smirking, smooth civilization holds dear. He will
contradict, denounce and protest in the name of God and will earn
the hatred and opposition of a large segment of Christendom.
Such a man is likely to be lean, rugged, blunt-spoken and a little
bit angry with the world. He will love Christ and the souls of men
to the point of willingness to die for the glory of the One and the
salvation of the other. But he will fear nothing that breathes with
mortal breath.
This is only to say that we need to have the gifts of the Spirit
restored again to the Church. And it is my belief that the one gift
we need most now is the gift of prophecy.
"Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to
know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred" -1 Chr 12:32.
A prophet is one who knows his times and what God is trying to
say to the people of his times....
Today we need prophetic preachers; not preachers of prophecy
merely, but preachers with a gift of prophecy. The word of wisdom
is missing. We need the gift of discernment again in our pulpits. It
is not ability to predict that we need, but the anointed eye, the
power of spiritual penetration and interpretation, the ability to
appraise the religious scene as viewed from God's position, and
to tell us what is actually going on....
Where is the man who can see through the ticker tape and confetti
to discover which way the parade is headed, why it started in the
first place and, particularly, who is riding up front in the seat of
honor?...
What is needed desperately today is prophetic insight. Scholars
can interpret the past; it takes prophets to interpret the present.
Learning will enable a man to pass judgment on our yesterdays,
but it requires a gift of clear seeing to pass sentence on our own day....
"Lord, I pray for that gift of prophetic insight. Move me beyond the
knowledge You've enabled me to gain through education, reading,
and study. I pray that I might lead as one 'who has seen visions of
God and has heard a voice from the throne.' Amen."
-SOURCE: www.sermonindex.net
PROPHETIC PREACHING
-by A.W. Tozer.
If Christianity is to receive a rejuvenation, it must be by other means
than any now being used. If the Church in the second half of this
century is to recover from the injuries she suffered in the first half,
there must appear a new type of preacher. The proper, ruler-of-the-
synagogue type will never do. Neither will the priestly type of man
who carries out his duties, takes his pay and asks no questions,
nor the smooth-talking pastoral type who knows how to make the
Christian religion acceptable to everyone. All these have been tried
and found wanting.
Another kind of religious leader must arise among us. He must be
of the old prophet type, a man who has seen visions of God and
has heard a voice from the Throne. When he comes (and I pray
God there will be not one but many), he will stand in flat contradiction
to everything our smirking, smooth civilization holds dear. He will
contradict, denounce and protest in the name of God and will earn
the hatred and opposition of a large segment of Christendom.
Such a man is likely to be lean, rugged, blunt-spoken and a little
bit angry with the world. He will love Christ and the souls of men
to the point of willingness to die for the glory of the One and the
salvation of the other. But he will fear nothing that breathes with
mortal breath.
This is only to say that we need to have the gifts of the Spirit
restored again to the Church. And it is my belief that the one gift
we need most now is the gift of prophecy.
"Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to
know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred" -1 Chr 12:32.
A prophet is one who knows his times and what God is trying to
say to the people of his times....
Today we need prophetic preachers; not preachers of prophecy
merely, but preachers with a gift of prophecy. The word of wisdom
is missing. We need the gift of discernment again in our pulpits. It
is not ability to predict that we need, but the anointed eye, the
power of spiritual penetration and interpretation, the ability to
appraise the religious scene as viewed from God's position, and
to tell us what is actually going on....
Where is the man who can see through the ticker tape and confetti
to discover which way the parade is headed, why it started in the
first place and, particularly, who is riding up front in the seat of
honor?...
What is needed desperately today is prophetic insight. Scholars
can interpret the past; it takes prophets to interpret the present.
Learning will enable a man to pass judgment on our yesterdays,
but it requires a gift of clear seeing to pass sentence on our own day....
"Lord, I pray for that gift of prophetic insight. Move me beyond the
knowledge You've enabled me to gain through education, reading,
and study. I pray that I might lead as one 'who has seen visions of
God and has heard a voice from the throne.' Amen."
-SOURCE: www.sermonindex.net
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Have You Hit Bottom Yet?
Isaiah 45:16-19 "All the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced;
they will go off into disgrace together. But Israel will be saved by the LORD
with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced,
to ages everlasting. For this is what the LORD says— he who created the
heavens,he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth,he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,but formed it to be inhabited— he says:
"I am the LORD,and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret,
from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants,
'Seek me in vain.'I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right."
As I read this scripture today for my daily bible reading, I thought of America and how our idols have fallen. Banking systems, homes, corporations,government programs, famous personalities, and I could go on and on. God basically tells Israel your idols will let you down, they will disgrace you. You can't count on them.
We are finding that out in America. I see so many people today who have had their props kicked out from under them. They've depended on these man-made idols for most of their lives...and now they've fallen and have no one to pick them up. But Almighty God tells Israel and you and I that He is "the everlasting one." That He is not hiding. That He is the Lord God. He speaks truth and He tells us that when we seek Him it will not be in vain. That unlike idols, He will hear us, answer us, and He will not fade away.
If you are struggling today, if you have hit bottom and you have no where to turn...let me encourage you to turn to Almighty God today. He is calling you. He doesn't mine if you are desperate. He won't hold it against you for ignoring Him in the past. He doesn't care if He is your "final straw." He is here for you...with open arms extended toward you...thats why Christ went to the cross and died for your sins...to give new life and hope to people who have been beaten, robbed, and destroyed by the god of this world.
Turn your life over to Christ today. Confess your sins according to Romans 8:8-10. Believe in your heart that Jesus is indeed the resurrected Son of God. Invite Him to give your new life. He will not disgrace you. He will give your life today and everlasting life.
-Pastor
they will go off into disgrace together. But Israel will be saved by the LORD
with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced,
to ages everlasting. For this is what the LORD says— he who created the
heavens,he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth,he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,but formed it to be inhabited— he says:
"I am the LORD,and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret,
from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants,
'Seek me in vain.'I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right."
As I read this scripture today for my daily bible reading, I thought of America and how our idols have fallen. Banking systems, homes, corporations,government programs, famous personalities, and I could go on and on. God basically tells Israel your idols will let you down, they will disgrace you. You can't count on them.
We are finding that out in America. I see so many people today who have had their props kicked out from under them. They've depended on these man-made idols for most of their lives...and now they've fallen and have no one to pick them up. But Almighty God tells Israel and you and I that He is "the everlasting one." That He is not hiding. That He is the Lord God. He speaks truth and He tells us that when we seek Him it will not be in vain. That unlike idols, He will hear us, answer us, and He will not fade away.
If you are struggling today, if you have hit bottom and you have no where to turn...let me encourage you to turn to Almighty God today. He is calling you. He doesn't mine if you are desperate. He won't hold it against you for ignoring Him in the past. He doesn't care if He is your "final straw." He is here for you...with open arms extended toward you...thats why Christ went to the cross and died for your sins...to give new life and hope to people who have been beaten, robbed, and destroyed by the god of this world.
Turn your life over to Christ today. Confess your sins according to Romans 8:8-10. Believe in your heart that Jesus is indeed the resurrected Son of God. Invite Him to give your new life. He will not disgrace you. He will give your life today and everlasting life.
-Pastor
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
What a super weekend! I'm really tired and my back aches, but I really feel blessed from what I've seen God do this weekend. In case you didn't know it, a young lady named Julie came to Christ today. She actually came to the Fall Fantasy Wednesday. The encounter was awesome. Today's celebration service was one of the best ever. The testimonies were fun and inspiring. We will have Bo Dudley, the firefighter from Cleveland's testimony on the website video page tonight. It's really good...a must see. We will put a few others up too this week. We had three men saved in the pre-encounter session Friday evening. God set men free Saturday and filled many of the men Sunday with the power of His Holy Spirit. Like last spring, we also baptized men in cold lake water. Be sure to check out the baptisms of Bod Dudly and Jeff Garnica below. The transformation that takes place in men from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon is truly miraculous. Every encounter I am amazed at what God does in the lives of men who will set aside a weekend to pursue Him. Praise God! Get job Ken and the encounter team! Get some rest today. Everyone have a great week! I love you! -Pastor Randy
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday Countdown...Wounded Men
This is Men's Encounter weekend. I am really excited for the men that are coming. I sincerely believe God is going to meet them there. Many are coming desperate for a divine personal visitation. I have no doubt they will experience that and more. Please join me in prayer for the men's encounter.
Recently, I have really been burdened for men in general. I see it on Sunday mornings when I look into men's' faces. Men are wounded and hurting right now. The losses of jobs, incomes, and retirement savings, has taken a toll on men today. Men like to fix things when they are broken. Right now there are a lot of things in men's lives that they cannot fix. Men are frustrated, angry, and isolating themselves. That's what many men do when they are wounded. They isolate. They don't want someone feeling sorry for them. They would rather internalize it.
Jesus says to men today, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30 [KJV]
The answer for men is Jesus. Only He can fix lives. I encourage you look to Him. Give it to Him. Seek after Him. Its not too late to come to the encounter. Call our church office today, tell us you want to come to the encounter and we will make it happen. See ya Sunday!
-Pastor Randy
Recently, I have really been burdened for men in general. I see it on Sunday mornings when I look into men's' faces. Men are wounded and hurting right now. The losses of jobs, incomes, and retirement savings, has taken a toll on men today. Men like to fix things when they are broken. Right now there are a lot of things in men's lives that they cannot fix. Men are frustrated, angry, and isolating themselves. That's what many men do when they are wounded. They isolate. They don't want someone feeling sorry for them. They would rather internalize it.Jesus says to men today, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30 [KJV]
The answer for men is Jesus. Only He can fix lives. I encourage you look to Him. Give it to Him. Seek after Him. Its not too late to come to the encounter. Call our church office today, tell us you want to come to the encounter and we will make it happen. See ya Sunday!
-Pastor Randy
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
U.S. to BREAK UP SOON? Could it Really Happen?
I provide the following article with the intentions of not causing you to fear but to be educated on what could happen. Do I personally believe something like this could happen? Absolutely. It happened to Israel and Judah (God's people) and there is no reason to think it couldn't happen to the "Mighty U.S.A." Will it happen as soon as 2010? I don't know. But I do believe time is running out for the American church to keep something like this from happening to our nation. What is that we can do? The answer is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 as well as in other places in the bible.
I encourage you..please do not read stuff like this and harden yourself and say "This could never happen to us here in America?" Instead, as believers and followers of Christ, may we humble ourselves, fast, pray, and seek God's face. Let us live holy before Almighty God and others. And may we pray, pray, and pray for our country and it's leaders. May God save us from the following ever happening to our nation and its people!
-Pastor
U.S to BREAK UP SOON?
-by Chuck Baldwin.
(Sep 29, 2009)
According to Macedonian Radio and Television On-line (MRT), a
Russian professor predicts the United States will fall apart in July
2010. MRT reports, "'Mr. Obama is similar to the last Soviet leader
Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev was also making great promises for
the Soviet Union, but the situation was only getting worse,' he said.
By next summer, according to Professor Panarin, the US will
disintegrate into six blocs--and everyone will get their piece. 'The
probability that the United States of America fall apart in July 2010
is more than 50 percent,' said Igor Panarin, Professor at Moscow's
Diplomatic Academy within the Russian Federation's Ministry of
Foreign Affairs."
MRT went on to report, "Panarin came up with his grim forecast
while analyzing the parallels between the Soviet Union in its final
days and the current situation in the United States. 'American
dream ballooned seven times in 11 years. During Gorbachev era,
the Soviet dream ballooned five times.' Americans hope [President]
Barack Obama 'can work miracles,' he wrote. 'But when spring
comes, it will be clear that there are no miracles.'"
See the MRT report at
http://tinyurl.com/mrt-report
The Drudge Report confirmed the MRT report and added, "Professor
Igor Panarin said in an interview with the respected daily IZVESTIA . . .
'The dollar is not secured by anything. The country's foreign debt has
grown like an avalanche, even though in the early 1980s there was
no debt. By 1998, when I first made my prediction, it had exceeded
$2 trillion. Now it is more than 11 trillion. This is a pyramid that can
only collapse.'"
At least some of what Panarin said back in the fall of 2008 either
has taken place or is in the process of taking place. Drudge
reported, "When asked when the U.S. economy would collapse,
Panarin said: 'It is already collapsing. Due to the financial crisis,
three of the largest and oldest five banks on Wall Street have
already ceased to exist, and two are barely surviving. Their losses
are the biggest in history. Now what we will see is a change in the
regulatory system on a global financial scale: America will no
longer be the world's financial regulator.'"
Drudge continued reporting Panarin as saying that "the U.S. will
break up into six parts-- the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese
population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence
movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and
separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large
Native American populations; and the northern states, where the
influence from Canada is strong."
Panarin further suggested that Russia might even "claim Alaska."
See an archived version of Drudge's report at
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/readarchive_20090107.html
Reporting on the same story, The Wall Street Journal said,
"Prof. Panarin, 50 years old, is not a fringe figure. A former KGB
analyst, he is dean of the Russian Foreign Ministry's academy
for future diplomats. He is invited to Kremlin receptions, lectures
students, publishes books, and appears in the media as an
expert on U.S.-Russian relations."
The WSJ goes on to say that Panarin believes that "mass
immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger
a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar."
See The Wall Street Journal report at
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html
This is not the first time that Comrade Panarin has made such a
prediction. Joseph Farah, editor of World Net Daily, noted in
December of 2008 that Panarin has been making similar projections
for the past ten years. In a column regarding Panarin's predictions,
Farah wrote, "Until recently, no one took him very seriously. And
then came the economic calamity that has rocked Americans and
the rest of the world, too. Now, Panarin's predictions of an end of
the United States, due to economic and moral collapse, is being
taken seriously by many."
Read Farah's column at
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=84884
So, will the United States break up in 2010? Or 2011? Or 2012?
Or anytime in the near future, for that matter? If history is any
teacher, the chances would seem good that Panarin's predictions
may be closer to reality than anyone would like to admit.
A historian and linguist from South Africa recently wrote me a
fascinating letter, in which he chronicled the major world empires
of history, dating the time of their rise and fall. Here is what his
calculations look like:
Assyria (859-612 B.C.): a 247-year reign.
Persia (538-330 B.C.): a 208-year reign.
Greece (331-100 B.C.): a 231-year reign.
The Roman Republic (260-27 B.C.): a 233-year reign.
The Roman Empire (27 B.C.-180 A.D.): a 207-year reign.
The Arab Empire (634-880 A.D.): a 246-year reign.
The Mameluke Empire (1250-1517 A.D.): a 267-year reign.
The Ottoman Empire (1320-1570 A.D.): a 250-year reign.
Spain (1500-1750 A.D.): a 250-year reign.
Romanov Russia (1682-1916 A.D.): a 234-year reign.
Great Britain (1700-1950 A.D.): a 250-year reign.
The USA (1790-2009 A.D.): 219 years and counting.
My honorable historian-friend calculates America's reign using its
post-Revolutionary War years. He notes that America's reign is
currently at 219 years. He further notes that the average duration
of every world superpower listed above is a little over 238 years.
One does not need to be a master mathematician or possess a
Ph.D. to realize that America is fast approaching the mark in which
every major world power in history has either collapsed or, at a
minimum, lost its world leadership and power.
My friend also reminded me of his homeland's (South Africa's)
demise. He told me that he noticed the handwriting on the wall in
time to relocate his family to a more peaceful and stable European
country. Many of his friends and countrymen were not so fortunate,
however, and thousands were killed and their properties confiscated.
He then warned me, "The period of Grace is closing, in what is your
homeland."
In addition, serious students of Holy Writ are also struck with the
similarities between societal conditions in America and those of
Old Testament Israel (as well as with Gentile nations) at those
times of divine judgment and retribution. As someone trenchantly
said, "If God spares the United States, He will have to apologize to
Sodom and Gomorrah."
Will the Russian analyst's prophecies come true in 2010? Probably
not. Does that mean that America is impervious to some sort of
national demise? Not at all. Is America already in serious trouble?
You bet. Could there be some sort of break-up within the United
States in the near future? In my opinion, that is a very realistic
probability. If this happens, will freedom suffer? Almost certainly.
Will those with tyrannical tendencies use the opportunity of any
national disaster to try and enslave us? They already do. I personally
do not believe that there is any "If" to the question. The only
questions are, "When?" and "To what degree?"
And, of course, there is another question: "When the break-up
comes, how many Americans understand the principles of liberty
enough, and are personally prepared enough, and are willing enough
to resist whatever power it may be that seeks to place us under the
thumb of oppression and fight for the same protections and
vanguards of liberty that first established this land?" Obviously, the
answer to that question is yet to be determined, isn't it?
(c) Chuck Baldwin
Chuck Baldwin's commentaries are copyrighted and may be
republished, reposted, or emailed providing the person or organization
doing so does not charge for subscriptions or advertising and that
the column is copied intact and that full credit is given and that
Chuck's web site address is included
I encourage you..please do not read stuff like this and harden yourself and say "This could never happen to us here in America?" Instead, as believers and followers of Christ, may we humble ourselves, fast, pray, and seek God's face. Let us live holy before Almighty God and others. And may we pray, pray, and pray for our country and it's leaders. May God save us from the following ever happening to our nation and its people!
-Pastor
U.S to BREAK UP SOON?
-by Chuck Baldwin.
(Sep 29, 2009)
According to Macedonian Radio and Television On-line (MRT), a
Russian professor predicts the United States will fall apart in July
2010. MRT reports, "'Mr. Obama is similar to the last Soviet leader
Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev was also making great promises for
the Soviet Union, but the situation was only getting worse,' he said.
By next summer, according to Professor Panarin, the US will
disintegrate into six blocs--and everyone will get their piece. 'The
probability that the United States of America fall apart in July 2010
is more than 50 percent,' said Igor Panarin, Professor at Moscow's
Diplomatic Academy within the Russian Federation's Ministry of
Foreign Affairs."
MRT went on to report, "Panarin came up with his grim forecast
while analyzing the parallels between the Soviet Union in its final
days and the current situation in the United States. 'American
dream ballooned seven times in 11 years. During Gorbachev era,
the Soviet dream ballooned five times.' Americans hope [President]
Barack Obama 'can work miracles,' he wrote. 'But when spring
comes, it will be clear that there are no miracles.'"
See the MRT report at
http://tinyurl.com/mrt-report
The Drudge Report confirmed the MRT report and added, "Professor
Igor Panarin said in an interview with the respected daily IZVESTIA . . .
'The dollar is not secured by anything. The country's foreign debt has
grown like an avalanche, even though in the early 1980s there was
no debt. By 1998, when I first made my prediction, it had exceeded
$2 trillion. Now it is more than 11 trillion. This is a pyramid that can
only collapse.'"
At least some of what Panarin said back in the fall of 2008 either
has taken place or is in the process of taking place. Drudge
reported, "When asked when the U.S. economy would collapse,
Panarin said: 'It is already collapsing. Due to the financial crisis,
three of the largest and oldest five banks on Wall Street have
already ceased to exist, and two are barely surviving. Their losses
are the biggest in history. Now what we will see is a change in the
regulatory system on a global financial scale: America will no
longer be the world's financial regulator.'"
Drudge continued reporting Panarin as saying that "the U.S. will
break up into six parts-- the Pacific coast, with its growing Chinese
population; the South, with its Hispanics; Texas, where independence
movements are on the rise; the Atlantic coast, with its distinct and
separate mentality; five of the poorer central states with their large
Native American populations; and the northern states, where the
influence from Canada is strong."
Panarin further suggested that Russia might even "claim Alaska."
See an archived version of Drudge's report at
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/readarchive_20090107.html
Reporting on the same story, The Wall Street Journal said,
"Prof. Panarin, 50 years old, is not a fringe figure. A former KGB
analyst, he is dean of the Russian Foreign Ministry's academy
for future diplomats. He is invited to Kremlin receptions, lectures
students, publishes books, and appears in the media as an
expert on U.S.-Russian relations."
The WSJ goes on to say that Panarin believes that "mass
immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger
a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar."
See The Wall Street Journal report at
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html
This is not the first time that Comrade Panarin has made such a
prediction. Joseph Farah, editor of World Net Daily, noted in
December of 2008 that Panarin has been making similar projections
for the past ten years. In a column regarding Panarin's predictions,
Farah wrote, "Until recently, no one took him very seriously. And
then came the economic calamity that has rocked Americans and
the rest of the world, too. Now, Panarin's predictions of an end of
the United States, due to economic and moral collapse, is being
taken seriously by many."
Read Farah's column at
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=84884
So, will the United States break up in 2010? Or 2011? Or 2012?
Or anytime in the near future, for that matter? If history is any
teacher, the chances would seem good that Panarin's predictions
may be closer to reality than anyone would like to admit.
A historian and linguist from South Africa recently wrote me a
fascinating letter, in which he chronicled the major world empires
of history, dating the time of their rise and fall. Here is what his
calculations look like:
Assyria (859-612 B.C.): a 247-year reign.
Persia (538-330 B.C.): a 208-year reign.
Greece (331-100 B.C.): a 231-year reign.
The Roman Republic (260-27 B.C.): a 233-year reign.
The Roman Empire (27 B.C.-180 A.D.): a 207-year reign.
The Arab Empire (634-880 A.D.): a 246-year reign.
The Mameluke Empire (1250-1517 A.D.): a 267-year reign.
The Ottoman Empire (1320-1570 A.D.): a 250-year reign.
Spain (1500-1750 A.D.): a 250-year reign.
Romanov Russia (1682-1916 A.D.): a 234-year reign.
Great Britain (1700-1950 A.D.): a 250-year reign.
The USA (1790-2009 A.D.): 219 years and counting.
My honorable historian-friend calculates America's reign using its
post-Revolutionary War years. He notes that America's reign is
currently at 219 years. He further notes that the average duration
of every world superpower listed above is a little over 238 years.
One does not need to be a master mathematician or possess a
Ph.D. to realize that America is fast approaching the mark in which
every major world power in history has either collapsed or, at a
minimum, lost its world leadership and power.
My friend also reminded me of his homeland's (South Africa's)
demise. He told me that he noticed the handwriting on the wall in
time to relocate his family to a more peaceful and stable European
country. Many of his friends and countrymen were not so fortunate,
however, and thousands were killed and their properties confiscated.
He then warned me, "The period of Grace is closing, in what is your
homeland."
In addition, serious students of Holy Writ are also struck with the
similarities between societal conditions in America and those of
Old Testament Israel (as well as with Gentile nations) at those
times of divine judgment and retribution. As someone trenchantly
said, "If God spares the United States, He will have to apologize to
Sodom and Gomorrah."
Will the Russian analyst's prophecies come true in 2010? Probably
not. Does that mean that America is impervious to some sort of
national demise? Not at all. Is America already in serious trouble?
You bet. Could there be some sort of break-up within the United
States in the near future? In my opinion, that is a very realistic
probability. If this happens, will freedom suffer? Almost certainly.
Will those with tyrannical tendencies use the opportunity of any
national disaster to try and enslave us? They already do. I personally
do not believe that there is any "If" to the question. The only
questions are, "When?" and "To what degree?"
And, of course, there is another question: "When the break-up
comes, how many Americans understand the principles of liberty
enough, and are personally prepared enough, and are willing enough
to resist whatever power it may be that seeks to place us under the
thumb of oppression and fight for the same protections and
vanguards of liberty that first established this land?" Obviously, the
answer to that question is yet to be determined, isn't it?
(c) Chuck Baldwin
Chuck Baldwin's commentaries are copyrighted and may be
republished, reposted, or emailed providing the person or organization
doing so does not charge for subscriptions or advertising and that
the column is copied intact and that full credit is given and that
Chuck's web site address is included
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday Wrap Up
Its late but I still have a little left in me today. Good services today. It felt good to be in God's house. I appreciate everyone who gave in the special offering this morning. Hopefully, we can seal and restripe the parking lot in the next few weeks. Tonya Garnica gave us an exciting report tonight in what God's doing in the "Open Arms" ministry. If you know people that need food assistance, check out the website for Saturdays that we give away food and encourage them to come. Not only will they receive food but will also be fed God's Word and the love of God as well. Great job, Tony, Jennifer, and Ron. Also, Gail Studdard came and helped. Anyone is welcome to come and help minister on these Saturdays we give away food.
Men's Encounter is next weekend. We are expecting another great life-changing weekend. Its still not too late to attend. But you got register quick. Call the church office and get information on how you can still get in.
Well, I'm here in Indy with my mom who will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. I will drive back tomorrow to attend Gabe's big soccer match against Kings.
Have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Men's Encounter is next weekend. We are expecting another great life-changing weekend. Its still not too late to attend. But you got register quick. Call the church office and get information on how you can still get in.
Well, I'm here in Indy with my mom who will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. I will drive back tomorrow to attend Gabe's big soccer match against Kings.
Have a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sowing and Reaping, Part II
[continued from yesterday's blog...]
In a large, macro sense, we see this happening all the time…news broadcasts are filled with stories of politicians, Hollywood stars, musicians, and athletes sowing in lust, covetousness, greed, anger, hatred, envy, jealousy, strife, pride…reaping with adultery, divorce, family breakups, aids, murder, prison terms,poverty, etc.
Sowing and reaping. Deed and consequence. Let me pause here and ask you a question. What are you sowing in your life right now? Today, Sunday, Sept 27th? How did you spend your day yesterday? Are you giving any thought to what you’re going to harvest from the seeds you’re planting right now? Are you seeking to please God, sowing seeds of obedience and service? Or are you sowing seeds of sin that will produce shame when Christ returns? Our words, and actions and decisions are more significant than we can possibly know. They echo through our lives and the lives of everyone we meet; they reverberate into eternity.
* What are you sowing in your children’s lives? What are you teaching them? Are you teaching them? What kind of example are you setting? How are you preparing them to walk with Christ?
* What are you sowing in your own spiritual life? Are you reading the Bible? Are you praying? Are you cultivating a relationship with God? Or are you neglecting your spiritual life? What kind of harvest are you expecting? Are you sowing seeds to produce a a strong faith, and joy, and peace? Are you expecting a harvest of Flowers, and fruits and vegetables? Or weeds?
* What are you sowing in your relationship with your spouse? Criticism? Neglect? Disapproval? You shouldn’t be surprised if those seeds produce a harvest of thorns and thistles. Or are you sowing encouragement, and praise, and attention? The harvest of those seeds is love.
* What about your relationships with others? Are you sowing peace, or discord?
* What are you filling your mind with? How are you spending your time and money? What kind of seeds are you planting in these areas? What kind of fruit are you expecting?
Here’s they key. We don’t have a choice as to whether the law of sowing and reaping is going to apply in our lives. “A man reaps what he sows.” We don’t have a choice whether the seeds we plant are going to bear fruit. And we don’t have the option of harvesting good fruit without first planting the seeds. The only choice we have is what kinds of seeds we’re going to plant. The choices you are making today, the actions you are taking today, with respect to your family, your marriage, your children, your relationship with God, your time and money – these will bear fruit; either good fruit that will bring you joy, or bad fruit that will bring you heartache and sorrow. You have to decide: Which will it be?
Now at about this time, I expect that some of you are starting to form some objections, some questions. Because this law of sowing and reaping, although absolutely true, is not necessarily simple in its application. For example, sometimes the “good fruit” doesn’t look all that good to us. We do our best to obey God, we pray, we read the Bible, we speak the truth, we seek peace with others, we stay faithful to our spouses and we love our kids. And yet, things still go wrong. Conflict, bitterness, angry words, betrayal, tears, sorrow. What gives? I thought that if I sowed good things, I would receive a good harvest. Let’s look again at Paul’s words:
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
What do we see? Paul thought it necessary to caution us against becoming weary. He spoke about reaping a harvest “at the proper time.” Why? Because sometimes the harvest doesn’t come when we expect, or when we desire.
* Sometimes the "harvest" takes months, years, decades.
* Your children -- You may say something that you forget, but which sticks with them for years afterward.
* Sometimes the harvest comes too late for us to see it. [Moses died before entering the promised land.]
* Sometimes we’re unaware of who we’ve influenced; the fruit appears when we’re not around to see it.
* And, in some cases, the harvest just doesn’t come in this life at all. Our reward is “Well done, Thou good and faithful servant.”
Here’s another thing: not only does the fruit sometimes appear at a time we don’t expect; sometimes it appears in a form we don’t recognize as good fruit. We were expecting strawberries and we got potatoes. Sometimes the result of obedience is not an improvement in our circumstances, but a strengthening of our faith and a refining of our character. God, in His wisdom, defines that as good fruit, even though we may be looking for something else.
So, what should we be doing? Just doing whatever we feel like, and hoping for the best? A garden treated that way would produce nothing but weeds. We need to reflect on how we’re living, we need to consider what kind of seeds we’re planting with our life. We need to work diligently to plant the right kind of seeds, so we won’t be disappointed at harvest time:
“A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.” – Proverbs 20:4 (NIV)
We need to place our trust and confidence in God. Only he can produce a good harvest. It’s by His power and grace, and not because of our effort, that good fruit comes.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. – 1 Cor. 3:6-7 (NIV)
Finally, what about the bad seed we’ve already sown, the sins we’ve already committed, the months or years that have been wasted? Well, you may have to endure the consequences of your sin. You may need to accept that you’re going to be reaping some bad fruit. Maybe you’re experiencing that right now – maybe you’re suffering the consequences of your past actions. Maybe you’re even reaping the fruit of someone else’s wrong choices. The important thing to realize is that there is a higher law that supersedes the law of sowing and reaping. And that’s the law of love, the law of grace. That’s the promise of forgiveness and eternal life to all who will place their faith in Jesus Christ. In Christ, the punishment for our sins is removed and our guilt is completely erased. We are no longer under God’s condemnation; our sins will not bear the fruit of God’s wrath and anger and judgment. Although we may still experience the consequences of our actions in this world, Christ will make sure there is no harvest of judgement in the next.
In a large, macro sense, we see this happening all the time…news broadcasts are filled with stories of politicians, Hollywood stars, musicians, and athletes sowing in lust, covetousness, greed, anger, hatred, envy, jealousy, strife, pride…reaping with adultery, divorce, family breakups, aids, murder, prison terms,poverty, etc.
Sowing and reaping. Deed and consequence. Let me pause here and ask you a question. What are you sowing in your life right now? Today, Sunday, Sept 27th? How did you spend your day yesterday? Are you giving any thought to what you’re going to harvest from the seeds you’re planting right now? Are you seeking to please God, sowing seeds of obedience and service? Or are you sowing seeds of sin that will produce shame when Christ returns? Our words, and actions and decisions are more significant than we can possibly know. They echo through our lives and the lives of everyone we meet; they reverberate into eternity.
* What are you sowing in your children’s lives? What are you teaching them? Are you teaching them? What kind of example are you setting? How are you preparing them to walk with Christ?
* What are you sowing in your own spiritual life? Are you reading the Bible? Are you praying? Are you cultivating a relationship with God? Or are you neglecting your spiritual life? What kind of harvest are you expecting? Are you sowing seeds to produce a a strong faith, and joy, and peace? Are you expecting a harvest of Flowers, and fruits and vegetables? Or weeds?
* What are you sowing in your relationship with your spouse? Criticism? Neglect? Disapproval? You shouldn’t be surprised if those seeds produce a harvest of thorns and thistles. Or are you sowing encouragement, and praise, and attention? The harvest of those seeds is love.
* What about your relationships with others? Are you sowing peace, or discord?
* What are you filling your mind with? How are you spending your time and money? What kind of seeds are you planting in these areas? What kind of fruit are you expecting?
Here’s they key. We don’t have a choice as to whether the law of sowing and reaping is going to apply in our lives. “A man reaps what he sows.” We don’t have a choice whether the seeds we plant are going to bear fruit. And we don’t have the option of harvesting good fruit without first planting the seeds. The only choice we have is what kinds of seeds we’re going to plant. The choices you are making today, the actions you are taking today, with respect to your family, your marriage, your children, your relationship with God, your time and money – these will bear fruit; either good fruit that will bring you joy, or bad fruit that will bring you heartache and sorrow. You have to decide: Which will it be?
Now at about this time, I expect that some of you are starting to form some objections, some questions. Because this law of sowing and reaping, although absolutely true, is not necessarily simple in its application. For example, sometimes the “good fruit” doesn’t look all that good to us. We do our best to obey God, we pray, we read the Bible, we speak the truth, we seek peace with others, we stay faithful to our spouses and we love our kids. And yet, things still go wrong. Conflict, bitterness, angry words, betrayal, tears, sorrow. What gives? I thought that if I sowed good things, I would receive a good harvest. Let’s look again at Paul’s words:
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
What do we see? Paul thought it necessary to caution us against becoming weary. He spoke about reaping a harvest “at the proper time.” Why? Because sometimes the harvest doesn’t come when we expect, or when we desire.
* Sometimes the "harvest" takes months, years, decades.
* Your children -- You may say something that you forget, but which sticks with them for years afterward.
* Sometimes the harvest comes too late for us to see it. [Moses died before entering the promised land.]
* Sometimes we’re unaware of who we’ve influenced; the fruit appears when we’re not around to see it.
* And, in some cases, the harvest just doesn’t come in this life at all. Our reward is “Well done, Thou good and faithful servant.”
Here’s another thing: not only does the fruit sometimes appear at a time we don’t expect; sometimes it appears in a form we don’t recognize as good fruit. We were expecting strawberries and we got potatoes. Sometimes the result of obedience is not an improvement in our circumstances, but a strengthening of our faith and a refining of our character. God, in His wisdom, defines that as good fruit, even though we may be looking for something else.
So, what should we be doing? Just doing whatever we feel like, and hoping for the best? A garden treated that way would produce nothing but weeds. We need to reflect on how we’re living, we need to consider what kind of seeds we’re planting with our life. We need to work diligently to plant the right kind of seeds, so we won’t be disappointed at harvest time:
“A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.” – Proverbs 20:4 (NIV)
We need to place our trust and confidence in God. Only he can produce a good harvest. It’s by His power and grace, and not because of our effort, that good fruit comes.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. – 1 Cor. 3:6-7 (NIV)
Finally, what about the bad seed we’ve already sown, the sins we’ve already committed, the months or years that have been wasted? Well, you may have to endure the consequences of your sin. You may need to accept that you’re going to be reaping some bad fruit. Maybe you’re experiencing that right now – maybe you’re suffering the consequences of your past actions. Maybe you’re even reaping the fruit of someone else’s wrong choices. The important thing to realize is that there is a higher law that supersedes the law of sowing and reaping. And that’s the law of love, the law of grace. That’s the promise of forgiveness and eternal life to all who will place their faith in Jesus Christ. In Christ, the punishment for our sins is removed and our guilt is completely erased. We are no longer under God’s condemnation; our sins will not bear the fruit of God’s wrath and anger and judgment. Although we may still experience the consequences of our actions in this world, Christ will make sure there is no harvest of judgement in the next.
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