tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67506681918157119752024-03-13T03:42:23.921-07:00Servant's SaluteSplinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-34755637135450278402017-02-17T13:46:00.002-08:002017-02-17T13:50:51.538-08:00When A Nation Forgets God | When An Individual Forgets God<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
As we begin 2017, Trump is now
our President. Whether one voted for him or not, agrees with his agenda or not,
or even likes him personally or not, he is still President of the United States
(our President). As individuals, specifically Christians, we can choose to love
him, hate him, accept him, reject him, simply tolerate him, or perhaps (better
yet) pray for him. According to Scripture, we owe that to God (first), but also
to our fellow man. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:
1-4<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
I exhort therefore, that,
first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be
made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
If we would pray for our
leaders, perhaps we would have better leaders. Maybe we would see them make the
right choices, the best choices; perhaps even the most biblical choices. We look
to a President, but think of the many minds, hands, and feet that move about to
make our government, our laws, our definition of liberty. Do we find ourselves
discouraged in seeing a shortage of godly men and women in public office? What
then do we say of the lack of godliness in our men, women, and children of
society (even Christian society)? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Erwin W. Lutzer wrote a book
entitled “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Nation-Forgets-God-Lessons/dp/0802413285" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">When A Nation Forgets God</span></a>”. Within its pages, Lutzer gives the reader
“7 lessons we must learn from Nazi Germany.” This book has a copyright of 2010,
so please do not take it out of context in trying to apply it to the current
administration. The thoughts contained herein surpasses administrations, in
that it should speak to each individual of any nation.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>When God is separated from
government, judgment follows.</li>
<li>It’s always the economy.</li>
<li>That which is legal may also
be evil.</li>
<li>Propaganda can change a
nation.</li>
<li>Parents—not the state—are
responsible for a child’s training.</li>
<li>Ordinary heroes can make a
difference.</li>
<li>We must exalt the Cross in the
gather darkness.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
To be (or become) a righteous,
Christian nation, we must be (or become) righteous, Christian individuals
before God. We cannot expect our nation to become something we are not. It must
start at home.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-44789440703638170052016-11-11T09:06:00.000-08:002016-11-11T09:06:11.862-08:00Thoughts | Presidential Election 2016 & Aftermath<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is November 11, the third day after the 2016 presidental elections.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My initial thoughts on the morning of November 9 were:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Well Christians, it looks as though America voted in Trump (“the lesser of two evils”) even without the “self-righteous” voters like myself who voted for neither top candidate. Whether this is mercy amidst judgment or further judgment to come, let us remember that we promoted <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+7%3A14&version=KJV" target="_blank">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> and now have the responsibility to live it out in obedience to the One who is worthy to receive glory and honor and power.</i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These comments were directed toward Christians because (1) I am a Christian, (2) it was from Christians that the phrases "the lesser of two evils" and "self-righteous" (to toward those who would vote third party) were used, (3) by the promoting of Trump (whether him personally or for the platform he stands for) Christians will be responsible to hold him accountable, and (4) as Christians we are bound first to God and must therefore adhere to our quoted verse (<i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+7%3A14&version=KJV" target="_blank">2 Chronicles 7:14</a></i>) while being obedient to the whole of God's Word.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since the election we have seen the outcry of disagreement from many. There is no doubt that there would have likewise been an outcry had Clinton won. We have the freedom of election and we have the freedom of voice, and every American citizen should have spoken by personal vote and can now speak concerning the outcome of the populace vote. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, I do not understand why some college classes (deemed "higher education") feel as though they needed to cancel classes due to an election. Should all of America shut down the day after the election so that families can gather around to cheer or mourn for their candidate? Were classes canceled in the history of our nation when other candidates have won or lost the presidential election? Have we become a country or people where we cannot accept that we did not win or our candidate did not win? What happened to the cry of "tolerance" and "coming together" after the election? Is it not still relevant? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I saw a tweet that I would like to share here:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I hope Donald Trump is a good president. Wanting him to fail, is like wanting the pilot to crash the plane that we ALL are on. REMEMBER THAT -- @ClipperKyle</i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This speaks volumes. Regardless of whether one voted for Clinton, Trump, third party, or not at all, this tweet should remind us that the choices Trump makes will affect us all, so why would not all of us pray and desire for Trump to be a godly, moral President? Again, we have free speech to share why or where we disagree with the vote or even Trump, but what is rioting (the harm and destruction brought upon people and property) in the streets doing to help America or one another? It shows that each of us must first examine ourselves, to ensure we are not merely hypocritically judging Trump (or others) by the same sins we carry deep within our own hearts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its called repentance, and we as Christians and Americans need it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
May God show mercy and grace to a people and a nation worthy of his wrath and judgment.</div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-2634114797311539632014-01-22T08:07:00.003-08:002014-01-22T08:12:39.758-08:00Lone Survivor<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1091191/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Lone Survivor</span></a>
(the movie about “Marcus Luttrell and his team set out on a mission to capture
or kill notorious al Qaeda leader Ahmad Shahd, in late June 2005.”), it caused
me to ponder a few things. I know, imagine that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Looking at them as military
personnel (not focusing on whether they were specifically Navy Seals), it shows
the comradery and training many (even if not to this extent) of our military
personnel go through and have with each other. It is a bond that perhaps some
may never have experienced, whether absent from the military or never truly
have had that close relationship with a friend. For they were a group of
friends, a band of brothers, ready to stand together and give their lives for
each other. John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man
lay down his life for his friends.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Do we, as Christians, do that?
Do we bond ourselves to other Christians, as friends and brothers in Christ? Do
we stand with them and sacrifice ourselves for them in the cause of Christ? A
good many American Soldiers are lost, yet they still serve and fight to protect
one another and for all Americans, even when they may have tiffs with one
another or even possibly disagree with the orders. Can that be said of us? To
see their comrades in suffering and death causes distress, drawing empathy
within the sternest of souls, while they press on to complete the given mission
with all that lies within them. Do we?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
When faced with those they
considered the enemy, they chose grace and mercy toward life rather than judgment
and wrath toward death. They were unarmed, untrained, and not aggressively attacking
Marcus Luttrell and his fellow soldiers. Sure, they could and would lead others,
who did desire to physically harm them, to their position, but they themselves
were not true soldiers by definition. Just as many who contend against the
things of God are merely mimicking that which they have seen and heard. They
are not the militant anti-theistic who have directly waged war against God and
Christianity. We should show them mercy and use opportunities given us to lead
them to Christ. Attacking them with vengeance does not make us more Christian,
nor does it endorse the cause of Christ. How America would be perceived by
their actions was important to Marcus Luttrell and his team, just as it should
be to us concerning the world’s view of God through us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
As usual, when we try to group
all persons, sexes, races, nationalities, etc. together, we are often surprised
to find detractors. When Marcus Luttrell was on the verge of capture, help came
from where he least thought it would. From those he already counted his enemy.
What he found was those who, though they did not know him nor really understand
his orders and purpose for being there, had an oath by which they governed
their lives (which was also unknown to him). As Christians, we should see this
in those who are not Christian. Quite possibly they may be good people, persons
of morals which do help us even in our times of need. We should not merely
discount and avoid them, but rather try to understand them and befriend them
that we may share the orders we have been given of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Marcus Luttrell never intended
to be the “Lone Survivor” and neither should we. We should prepare to obey the
orders of our Lord, determine to stand with our brothers, and adamantly give
all that we have on the battle field, even if we do end up being the last soul
standing. We should stand our ground when necessary and show mercy when appropriate,
striving to take the narrow high road at all costs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Praise God for our military
personnel, and may we desire to see them all come to know Jesus Christ as their
Lord and Savior. While they are sometimes called upon to give the ultimate
sacrifice for our country (ultimately for each one of us), likewise should we
give all that we have to ensure they receive the gospel call to repentance and
salvation. We are soldiers. We need to act like it.<o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-22040850416583996012014-01-15T07:05:00.000-08:002014-01-15T07:06:05.960-08:00Never too Young to Share the Gospel<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to this <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/01/14/first-grader-told-to-stop-talking-about-bible/?intcmp=latestnews" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">article</span></a>, a first grader was told that she was “not allowed to talk about the Bible in school.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why not?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="heading" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html" name="1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Amendment I</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Allowing the person (whether male, female, child, or adult) to share their views about a topic (just as everyone else apparently was) is not Congress or the School (or whatever Institution) establishing, choosing, or soliciting a particular religion over another (including non-religion). Well, actually the School was choosing to sensor religion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The idea "to protect the other students from being offended" as a good defense is both shallow and defensive in itself. Was not she offended that she could not share her topic? What of the children who are taught by their parents there is no Santa Claus,or those who may not celebrate Christmas (or the Holidays) because of religious (or other) reasons? Should we not give any topics regarding Christmas as a way not to offend any? Why dismiss only Christian themes? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tolerance, Equality? I think not!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="userContent">We must be willing to teach our children (by word and action) to stand their ground when it comes to important things in life, no matter the cost. Today - not some distant future - is when Christianity, morality, and what is right needs to be understood, observed, and defended by our children (the next generations). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="userContent"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="userContent">Tell your children you are proud - very proud - when they stand for truth and that which is right! They need your encouragement daily!</span></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-47975995878888689852014-01-07T05:47:00.000-08:002014-01-07T05:47:54.113-08:00Year of the Bible<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tom Hayden, the mayor of Flower Mound, has declared "2014 the “<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/02/mayor-declares-2014-year-bible-in-texas-city/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">year of the Bible</span></a>.”"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hayden said, "There's so much benevolence on helping your fellow person. And the morality that helped build our country is based on the values that are found in the Bible. And as we look at problems, maybe we're getting away from those values. And in my little small way, I want to encourage people to get back into those values."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I agree with Tom Hayden, and further believe this is something we - especially as Christians - should promote and live not only in 2014 but every day of our lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 Timothy 3:15-17 states "...the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Imagine what we as individuals, families, churches, and a nation could become if we were to determine to walk daily in the wisdom of God's holy Word.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Give it a try...</div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-44803937693613478432013-07-18T10:32:00.000-07:002013-07-18T11:33:11.161-07:00Racism Cannot Be Allowed to Control Us<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
One of the things alive and
well in America is racism. We saw that recently in the case of the Trayvon Martin
and George Zimmerman trial (July 2013). And, interestingly, one can see racism
differently looking at the same case.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
How so? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Many protestors came out to supposedly
give support for Martin and to his family, because they felt they were disrespected
by the “not guilty” verdict granted Zimmerman and that Zimmerman profiled
Martin – because of race rather than Martin’s actions and apparel, which Zimmerman
claims to have associated with gangs of previous crimes in the area – with the intent
to do him harm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
In the article <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/14/19466847-marches-rallies-follow-zimmerman-acquittal?lite" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>, it is claimed by Imani Henry, “We want to show love
and respect to them,” but look at what some of these supporters and protestors
did:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>threw rocks at police</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>acted with disorderly conduct</li>
<li>said “the whole system is racist”</li>
<li>vandalized numerous buildings and cars</li>
<li>set random fires</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I understand being upset and
wanting to voice it, but I don't understand how these things show love and
respect. How is the whole system racist? Can we honestly believe that the judge,
jury, and defense are all racist? Hardly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
If we go back to the call Trayvon
Martin had with Rachel Jeantel at the time if the incident, it has apparently been
recorded that Trayvon Martin called George Zimmerman a “creepy a– cracka.” Is
that racist? It seems that ““cracka” is a common term used to describe whites.”
Could it be that when Martin noticed Zimmerman he became racist against
Zimmerman, and thus wanted to do him harm? I am not suggesting he did or didn’t,
but merely showing that “possible signs” of racism can be concluded from anyone
on either side of the issue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Kevin A. Thompson’s article “<a href="http://www.kevinathompson.com/what-if-trayvon-martin-was-my-son/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">What if Trayvon Martin was My Son</span></a>?” shows how we can easily
see things short-sighted, one-sided, our-sided. He makes a great observation:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
“It’s a funny thing about
truth: we are so biased by our experiences it is nearly impossible for us to
know the whole truth. Yet we are unaware of these biases so we are deceived
into thinking we know it all. So when someone disagrees with us we claim they
are either ignorant or evil. But often they are neither. Often when people
disagree with us, they simply see a different part of the story which we don’t
fully see.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Jesse Lee Peterson’s article “<a href="http://www.bondaction.org/content/article/37076/Black%20Racism%20killed%20Trayvon" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Black Racism Killed Trayvon</span></a>” shows racism is not contained
to one race, but rather every ethnic group battles the inward churning of
racism. Also, that there are those who live and are empowered merely because
they keep racism alive and well for their gain. He makes the valid point:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
“If Jackson, Sharpton and the
NAACP hadn’t jumped on the Trayvon Martin case and made it into a racial
matter, nobody would have heard of it. His death would have gone unnoticed,
just like the more than 500 black youths that were murdered in Chicago in
black-on-black violence last year. The attention on the Zimmerman trial is not
about justice for Trayvon; it’s about intimidation and dividing the American
people along race.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Racism will govern us as long
as we allow it to. In the words of Jesse Lee Peterson: “Whites have to overcome
the fear of being called “racist.” Blacks have to be on the side of good and
stand for what is right, regardless of race.”<o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-50598273182264869862013-06-21T07:46:00.001-07:002013-06-21T07:46:46.751-07:00A Generation of Immature Young Love<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
As I sit here and read this
article [<a href="http://thecollegeconservative.com/2012/03/15/underage-dating-the-elephant-in-the-social-conservative-living-room/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Underage Dating: The Elephant in the Social Conservative
Living-Room</span></a>], it is clear that it quickly cuts to the core of one of the major
arteries of concern in our country today: Relationships. Relationships [especially
intimate and sexual] are what are presently governing our current issues of
abortion, children out of wedlock, living together versus marriage, and divorce
[just to name a few]. This is not just a liberal or left-wing issue, but rather
a conservative or right-wing problem as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
We are teaching our children
[even before their teenage years] that they should be considering relationships
[more intimate that mere friendships] with the opposite sex. And we are leading
them to develop these feelings at a time when most often they are not even
mature or responsible enough to even complete their chores, give proper time to
study, maintain respect for adults, and have a healthy relationship with their
own family and friends. How can we expect them to adjust properly to a couple
relationship, while denying [or refusing to acknowledge] that it will most
often be merely sexual in nature?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
By encouraging our children
into relationships – especially at a time when we should be preparing them
mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for adult life – we are rather [whether
knowingly or ignorantly] pushing them to embrace their hormonal urges [not yet
even fully developed or understood] to the opposite sex. When children cannot
even understand [or consider] all the [future] consequences possible from a
momentary lapse in judgment [which is still developing; for even we adults seem
often to have a problem realizing this] and are seldom able to control their
desires [even to such things as food, sweets, games, fashion, alcohol,
pornography, etc.], how can we expect them to abstain from what their flesh,
the world, and the devil so want to press them to do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
It all begins with a
relationship which is based on fleshly desire, whether because of physical
attraction, out of necessity [because everyone else is doing it], or parental
push [trying to relive out their life through their children]. Because they are
most often unable to discern what a relationship should be [because they are
immature, and they aren't learning anything moral from society], it is usually
based on a selfish motive of “what makes me feel good”. Such is why they jump
from relationship to relationship, and some end up pregnant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
We aren't teaching our
children commitment – neither to God nor relationships – and we wonder why our
nation is falling apart. Why are we pushing our children to “young
love” when there is so much more they need to learn and are lacking at such a time in
their lives?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
God help us!<o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-77479409300249236322013-03-19T06:08:00.002-07:002013-03-19T06:09:45.274-07:00We Cannot Deny the Bible to Accept Homosexuality<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
As I sit here and read the
article [<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/03/18/north-carolina-church-vows-to-stop-marriages-until-same-sex-couples-can-wed/?test=latestnews" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">North Carolina church vows to stop marriages until same-sex
couples can wed</span></a>], it sadly gives me serious understanding as to why America
has fallen so far into sin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my
people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and
seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” But God’s people (those
who profess God and Jesus Christ as their Saviour) are not humbling ourselves,
nor turning from our wicked ways. We are in fact embracing the wicked ways of
the world, and demanding other Christians around us to do the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
The Bible is clear, without
any reasonable doubt, in declaring the act of homosexuality sin; “for sin is
the transgression of the law.” [1 John 3:4] Rewriting the Scriptures (such as
the attempt with the <a href="http://queenjamesbible.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Queen
James Bible</span></a>) may ease the conscience of some, but it will not (and cannot) make
even one innocent of the judgment of God upon their transgression of His law(s).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I have no doubt that the
persons of Green Street United Methodist Church want to be inclusive of all
persons, but that desire of inclusiveness cannot surpass the Word of God and
His instruction. We are not to hate homosexuals, mistreat them, or hinder them
from receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ, but we cannot water down or twist
the message whereby the sinner is no longer called upon to repent; for God has “commandeth
all men every where to repent.” [Acts 17:30]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
By stating “we claim the
committed same-sex relationships as no less sacred in their ministry to us and
the community”, the persons of Green Street United Methodist Church deny
Scripture; for it is written “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet,
and sweet for bitter!” [Isaiah 5:20]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
By stating they “will stop
performing marriages until United Methodist pastors are allowed to officiate
weddings for same-sex couples in the Tar Heel state”, they are declaring war on
the spiritual well-being of the Church – the Body of Christ (that is both the
United Methodist Church, and Christians everywhere) by demanding we all embrace
a non-biblical view of marriage and Scripture. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
In this they sin and call unto others to do so likewise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
We must repent America! And it
must begin at the House of God!<o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-29993710705704319372013-01-15T06:21:00.001-08:002013-01-25T05:45:30.337-08:00School Can't Stomach Bible<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Today I read an article
entitled: <a href="http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/teacher-fired-for-giving-student-bible.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Teacher Fired for Giving Student Bible</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Here’s an excerpt:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Tutka’s trouble started in October
when he was standing by a door waiting on middle school students to enter the
building. One student trailed behind the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;">“Just remember, son,” Tutka
told the tardy student, “The first shall be last but the last shall be first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;">A few days later the student
asked about the origins of the quote. Tutka told him it was in the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;">“Over the next few weeks, the
young student asked about a half dozen times where the quote was from in the
Bible,” Imhof told Fox News. “Walt kept forgetting to look it up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;">On Oct. 12th, Tutka was eating
lunch in the cafeteria when the student approached and brought up the Bible
verse. So Tutka took out his Bible and showed the student the verse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;">At some point the student
mentioned that he did not have a Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000;">“Walt basically said, ‘would
you like mine?” Imhof said. “The student said yes and so Walt gave him his
personal New Testament.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<u>This gives us a testimony of a
couple of truths about America:</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>We
have children who know little or nothing about God and the Bible.</li>
<li>We
have adults who do not want those children to know about God and the Bible.</li>
<li>We
have adults who will try to silence those who want children to know about God
and the Bible.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
How can we, who live in America, really claim
to be a Christian nation or desire God’s blessings, when so many deny His Word and
punish people for sharing it? Our schools of full of violence and absent of
God. We have a serious problem. Wake Up America! We are headed
down the wrong path!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-1910369409359569382012-11-14T06:50:00.000-08:002012-11-14T06:50:20.049-08:00A Vote for Obama was a Vote for the Democratic Party Platform<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
On November 6, America voted
to reelect President Barack Obama, and therefore stand behind (or in unison)
with the 2012 Democratic Party Platform. Whether one agrees with every line of
it or not, a vote for Obama is an endorsement of the ideals presented by the
party. With that in mind, let’s discuss a few of the conflicts the word of God
has with such a platform.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[1] The absence or removal of “God”
from the platform [<a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/316459/democrats-god-and-jerusalem-thomas-sowell" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Although the language “God-given”
was added (or added back) to the platform, it was not there when it was
originally presented. Concerned that they might be called “godless” or worse, as
the apparent deletion was being shared in the media, they called for a
two-thirds vote to reinstate “God” into their platform. Interestingly, the voice
vote had to be called three different times, and, even after it was determined
that the “yes” votes had won the majority, many even in the very party questioned its validity and were upset about the amendments (even booing [<a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-dems-to-reinstate-jerusalem-language-in-dnc-platform/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>]). In all fairness, it has been noted that President
Obama questioned the missing reference of “God”, but it must be dually noted
that it was not until after it had come to light in the media. Had he
previously read the platform? Perhaps he did not know it had changed from 2008.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Mark 7:6:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
This people honoureth me with
their lips, but their heart is far from me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[2] The absence or removal of “Jerusalem
the capital of Israel” from the platform [<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/democrats-change-platform-add-god-jerusalem-211928130--election.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Although including language
that states “Jerusalem the capital of Israel” into a platform does not make
Jerusalem the capital of Israel – even as removing it does not discredit it –
it can be seen as a support or lack of support to a nation we have chosen to
stand behind for many years. Taken in conjunction with Obama’s perception
concerning Iran and his lack of desire or inability to make time to meet with
Israel's leadership in such a time as this seems rather odd. Of course, in all
fairness, we may not have been given all of the reasons why, but from the outside
it draws scrutiny because of its removal from the 2008 platform and the
discontent of party members for its reinstatement into the 2012 platform.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Genesis 12:3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I will bless them that bless
thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the
earth be blessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
According to President Obama,
himself, he is in support of:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[3] A woman’s right to
abortion<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
In the eyes of scripture,
abortion (the killing of an unborn baby) is murder. Please see my post [<a href="http://servantssalute.blogspot.com/2012/10/partially-pro-life-is-partially-pro.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>] for information concerning whether one can hold
Christianity in one hand and abortion in the other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[4] The homosexual’s right to
marry<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
All through the scripture [1]
marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, and [2] homosexuality is seen
as an act of immorality. We cannot simply overlook this for the sake of “unity”;
for “unity” can never be defined by the acceptance of all things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Isaiah 5:20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Woe unto them that call evil
good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that
put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
We cannot call out to God to
bless our nation while we do deny His name, shy from support of His people, and
approve acts against His word. We must repent America, and choose God’s
platform.<o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-37722361666143986942012-11-07T08:18:00.001-08:002012-11-07T08:20:34.506-08:00Praying for the 'Other Side'<span style="text-align: justify;">On the morning after the
election (if one had not stayed up to see the results), many surely came to
realize the ‘other side’ (meaning the opposing person, party, ideals, etc.) had
won. Whether for a political office, amendment, proposal, or other ballot
choices, their vote was overruled by the votes of others. We won and they lost,
or we lost and they won. So, what do we do now?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
What is one to do if they
found themselves on the ‘losing’ side of Election Day? Should they merely go
back to their private, personal lives, and wait till the next 40 Days of Prayer
for 2016? Refuse to do their part and spend all their time speaking ill of
those who ‘won’? God forbid.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
What about those who have
found their candidate to remain in office or their views having been passed on
the ballots, should they merely gloat about their ‘win’ and look down upon
those who disagreed? Should they now refuse to join hands with those who opposed
them, and claim rights or superiority over those who ‘lost’? God forbid.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a biblical
Christian and realize the direction our nation is going (and has been going for
more than the recent four years), it is past high time for us to get off our
lazy high-mindedness and do something about it! We cannot expect God to change
and bless our nation, if we refuse to repent ourselves and live out a godly
life in total obedience to him. [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles+7:14&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>] If we desire to see God lift the hand of judgment from
our nation, we need to stand by our morals and show the world we are not merely
hypocrites only giving God lip service when it is convenient and we want our
way!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
If we find ourselves at odds
with the ideals and plans of those elected, there is still something we can and
should be (and should have been) doing! We should be praying for the ‘other
side’. [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%202:1-6&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>] Not that they would do what we want them to do, but that
they would be used of God for the sake of our nation, and that he would
enlighten them to the biblical teachings of scripture. That he would use them
to keep religious freedom (not freedom from religion) in America, and hold back
the moral decay we see so prevalent today. We cannot simply have the childish
mindset of “I’m taking my marbles and going home.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
We must pray, read, be
involved, and share the gospel message of Jesus Christ even more!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Pray for our leaders - for they are our nation's leaders - and beg God to use them for his glory!</div>
<br />Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-66228850423061436172012-10-29T18:14:00.001-07:002012-10-29T18:18:23.081-07:00Partially Pro-Life is Partially Pro-Choice<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
In light of the opposing views
of Pro-Life and Pro-Choice – also termed by some as Anti-Choice and Anti-Life –
can there truly be a mixing of the two, of which one could be labeled as
Partial Pro-Life or Conditional Pro-Life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Although some would like to
call themselves Pro-Life, by definition, their stance does not grant them this
right. To be Pro is to be “in favor” of a particular position, not merely “in
[partial] favor” of a certain belief; therefore, to be Pro-Life is to be “in
favor” of life over abortion (death). It is the life of the unborn baby in the
womb of their mother which those who are Pro-Life are in favor of ensuring has
equal rights [i.e. Choice] to life. When one adds the words [except] to a
position, they are no longer completely pro but rather partially (or
conditionally) pro to the ideal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Scripture gives us proof that
God sees unborn babies as persons, before they ever come forth from the womb of
their mother. Some examples are: [Jacob and Esau] Genesis 25:23 – “And the LORD
said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be
separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other
people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” [Jeremiah] Jeremiah 1:5 “Before
I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the
womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”[John
the Baptist] Luke 1:41 – “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the
salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with
the Holy Ghost.” Not to mention [Christ], which would take more space than is
permitted to even remotely consider the biblical truth of God manifest in the
flesh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
To call upon God to bless our
nation, we must first acknowledge our lukewarmness when it comes to the
biblical truth of abortion. We cannot expect our holy God to bless a people who
call Him Lord with our lips, while slaying innocent blood with our hands. “Jesus
said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such
is the kingdom of heaven.” [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19:14&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>] And also said, “Whoso shall offend one of these little
ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged
about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18:6&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
As difficult as it may be to go
through a situation such as rape or incest, we must remember we cannot allow
one sin to lead us to another. God has told us in His Word that life begins at
conception and how important children are to Christ. We must hold strong to the
truth, even when the trials and tribulations hit so very close to home. <o:p></o:p></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-9372884952301769912012-10-10T14:02:00.001-07:002012-10-10T18:34:00.267-07:00Sex Ed too hot for TV but okay for middle school?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In today’s society, I don’t
think that anyone would deny the heavy promoted idea that “sex sells”. We see
it in commercials, on billboards, and throughout television and movies. More
recently, there seems to be this great push to get it into our school systems
as well. And, I’m not talking about college. We are talking about middle
school, children that aren’t even teenagers yet! [</span><a href="http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/middle-school-sex-class-shows-kids-how-to-use-condoms.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the [</span><a href="http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/middle-school-sex-class-shows-kids-how-to-use-condoms.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">article</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">], “Hundreds of Houston-area parents are outraged
over a new sex education program that teaches 12-year-old children about oral,
anal and vaginal sex – and uses graphic curriculum to instruct students on how
to use condoms.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize some persons will
argue that – [“We have to give them that info,” one parent told the television
station. “They need to be aware as much as it may hurt us, but they need to be
aware.”] – but the WE should be the PARENTS, and not the government, school
system, or other outside-the-family sources; especially, with<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
material that “was so graphic that a Houston television station was unable to
air footage from the curriculum.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can we expect our children
(and America) to flee fornication [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+6:18&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] and to desire purity [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+5:22&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">], if we are broadcasting sexual material into their
developing imaginations? How shall we plead with them to flee youthful lusts
and follow righteousness [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=flee+lust&qs_version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">], when we are tempting them with sin to their very
senses? We have ratings for television and movies – even fines and penalties
for those who allow inappropriate material during times children will be
watching – yet now we want to incorporate such material into our children’s
learning. God help us!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Safeguard
your children from what is wrong, instruct them in what is right, and do not
allow the government, schools, or the worldly minded to corrupt their little minds
with unrighteous imagery or thoughts. Renew their minds in God [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:2&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>] by the use of scripture and godly wisdom.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-30674933461572211922012-10-09T10:06:00.000-07:002012-10-09T10:06:57.710-07:00There is a generation... pt. 4<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fourth part of “There is a generation…” series comes from verse 14 of Proverbs 30 [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2030&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">].</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[vs 14]</span> </span><span class="text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.</u></span>Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-42046815782257070932012-10-09T07:06:00.003-07:002012-10-09T07:25:24.968-07:00There is a generation... pt. 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third part of “There is a generation…” series comes from verse 13 of Proverbs 30 [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2030&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">].</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[vs 13]</span> </span><span class="text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text">Again, there is little doubt to the fact that we live in a day when “every way of a man is right in his own eyes</span>”. [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+21:2&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] From the Christian to the non-Christian, the theist to the atheist, the republican to the democrat, the pro-lifer to the abortionist, the hetero to the homo sexual, there are many varying ideals which encompass America. And while some riot, demand, debate, or merely claim to agree to disagree, the conflict remains ever increasing. I just read an article this morning about persons getting labeled as racist simply because they voiced their right to vote for a white candidate (and they are not white).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text">Why can’t we just all get along? </span>Simple – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“<span class="text">The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.</span>”[</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+12:15&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do I mean by fool? I mean, by looking only to ourselves – our own ideals, presuppositions, selfishness, and limited knowledge – we become foolish in our thinking. By denying God (whether by voice in our unbelief or by action in our lack thereof), refusing to adhere to the core principles and doctrines of scripture (both in word and deed), all the while seeing ourselves in a right standing with God –calling on Him to bless us – is the height of hypocrisy! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are we not as those who Christ said unto, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”?[</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2015:7-9&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] Scripture declares, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201:6-9&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we want the blessings of God upon America, then we must “remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+2:5&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] – i.e. turn from our sin and return to the wisdom of scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-87320751396470970242012-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:002012-10-09T07:52:51.162-07:00There is a generation... pt. 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second part of “There is a
generation…” series comes from verse 12 of Proverbs 30 [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2030&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">].</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[vs 12]</span> <span class="text"><u>There
is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from
their filthiness.</u></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text">There is
little doubt to the fact that we live in a day when “every way of a man is
right in his own eyes</span>”. [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+21:2&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] And furthermore, we are easily justified (or pure) in
our own eyes. We fail – or even refuse – to see ourselves as unclean or our righteousness
(all of our works) as merely filthy rags; [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2064:6&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] for we are “lovers of [our] own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without
natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce,
despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of
pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the
power thereof.” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203:1-5&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">America (even
within the Church) is full of the works of the flesh; namely, “Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders,
drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I
have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not
inherit the kingdom of God.” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:19-21&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] These are in direct conflict with the fruit of the
Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness,
temperance.” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:22-25&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] </span></span><br />
<span class="text"></span><br />
<span class="text"></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As
Christians, we are told to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and
hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweetsmelling savour.” – BUT this does not mean to be silent or complacent, and
allow sin to go unquestioned and not brought into accountability. The passage
continues, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not
be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish
talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5:2-4&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] </span></span><br />
<span class="text"></span><br />
<span class="text"></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We, no doubt,
find it easier to condemn (and blame all of America’s problems on) those who
promote atheism, abortion, fornication, homosexuality, and the things we see
contrary to scripture, but the fact remains God has said, “If my people, which
are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and
turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land.” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%207:14&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">] “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the
house of God.” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%204:16-20&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750668191815711975.post-52774501090157814482012-10-08T08:15:00.001-07:002012-10-09T07:53:36.172-07:00There is a generation...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Sunday, our pastor used as his
text a passage from Proverbs 30:11-14. [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">] Sadly, it describes a generation which seems so relevant
to modern day America. If we are not yet there, we are no doubt on the very
verge of such similitude. I would like to briefly cover each of these four
verses separately.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[vs. 11]</span> <u>There
is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a day where
parents are ridiculed or condemn for any corporal punishment (i.e. spankings) toward
their children, and where many children can be given talks about sexuality,
contraceptives, and even the morning after pill without a parent’s consent, it
seems likely the division between parent and child will only grow here in
America. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture says “Children,
obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord,” [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3:20&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>] while declaring “ye fathers, provoke not your children
to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=provoke+your+children+to+wrath&qs_version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>] The commandment of God is to “Honour thy father and
mother” [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6:1-3&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>], and thus not to do so is sin – but equally is the clear
direction of God to teach our children the things of God [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206:6-9&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>], and to fail to do so is also sin. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The failure in
the relationships within the home between parents and children will continue to
lead to a breakdown in society. We need to take a renewed look at ourselves as
parents, and see if we are spending quality (and quantity) time with our
children. We need to ensure that we are not merely demanding respect by saying
“do what I say, not what I do”, but are giving them godly examples of how to
live and communicate with each other with charity about us. If our children are
afraid or unsure how to be close to us or we find it difficult to be a part of
our child’s life, it is our duty as parents to seek the wisdom of God as how to
bridge that great divide we may have with the souls God has given us to nurture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scripture declares there will be a time
when “the father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father;
the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the
mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her
mother in law,” [</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2012:53&version=KJV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>] but let it not be on our watch. Let us serve God,
protect, cherish, and teach our children of Him, and prayerful turn the heart
of America to the saviour, Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Servant's Salutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08766794523334574825noreply@blogger.com0