Wise Words from Wise Men

With the election just days away, I think it would be helpful if we reflected on our founding fathers and what direction they intended this country to follow. Constantly, we are bombarded with what our founding fathers "really meant" by what they said long, long ago. Our polititians will make speeches concerning these intentions and never truly quote what they really did say.
Let us not presume what these wise men intended without first hearing what they actually said.

William Penn a founder of Pennsylvania said," Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants."

Horace Greeley founder of the New York Tribune in the pre civil war times said, " It is impossible to enslave, mentally or socially, a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom.

Patrick Henry most know for his statement "Give me liberty or give me death" said, " Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of free men. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.

It is clear, from these men, they did not have any intention of God being kicked out of government...because they intended it be run by men ruled by God.

Men and women in this generation look to the government to be their god. Polititians make speeches that spew forth socialist ideas and people in this once greater republic cheer. We seem to want free health care, welfare, food stamps, tax breaks, and our houses guarenteed to us even if we don't have the money to pay the bank who lended us the money for our house in the first place.....YES!!! government should take care of that ....after all it is their fault we lost our job anyway. Right?
Some polititians declare we need to spread the wealth around.... which by the way was a slogan pitched by communist leaders seeking power to people ripe with higher class hatred.

Communist Karl Marx said, " The first thing necessary to control the people, is to separate them from their heritage."

We are constantly being told...didn't Barack Obama say it at the democratic convention?...that the Bible has no place in government ...attack #1.

Our founding fathers sought to end class wars. The democrats seek to start them. Attack #2 Statements they make are riddled with the attempted persuasion of making us hate the rich. When pinned down and asked, "Who are the rich" they pull some figure out of thin air of what a "rich man" currently makes....only problem is is that figure keeps changing...generally going down. Before you know it they will end up talking about you and you never even knew you were rich. By the way, most of them make more than they are talking about the rich making and they want you to vote for them and help them make more by tapping into the vast supply of your tax dollars which they love to increase regularly in order to pay for all the promises made to you in order to get elected.

Abraham Lincoln said,...

*you cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

*You cannont strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

*You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

*You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

*You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

*you cannot build character and courage by taking away men’s initiative and independance

*You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could, and should, do for themselves.

Sounds like Abraham Lincoln could have been running against a man like Barack Hussein Obama.
What simple common sense .... what profound wisdom....too bad there aren't more Abraham Lincoln's living today to recognize the foolishness behind the democrate's tactics, plans, and stratigies.

A statement most attributed to Lord Woodhouselee is as follows:

Alexander Fraser Tytler Lord Woodhouselee
An Observation on Democracy
The most interesting observation is how closely the US has followed this scenario.

"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the Public Treasury. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the Public Treasury with a result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy always to be followed by dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence:

* From Bondage to Spiritual Faith
* From Spiritual Faith to Great Courage
* From Courage to Liberty
* From Liberty to Abundance
* From Abundance to Selfishness
* From Selfishness to Complacency
* From Complacency to Apathy
* From Apathy to Dependency
* From Dependency back into Bondage"

--- most commonly attributed to
"The Decline and Fall of the Athenian Republic"
by Alexander Fraser Tytler Lord Woodhouselee (1748-1813)
(Scottish judge and historian at Edinburgh University)

On election day, I pray you will keep in mind what these wise men have said. The Democrats entire agenda goes recklessly headlong down paths these wise men warned us about. We as a nation cannot thumb our noses at God and go against the council of wise men who could foresee so clearly the danger which is to follow for a nation who forgets God.

If you are a Christian fast and pray for this election!!!

Repair man's surprise visit

Our shower has been leaking from the shower head for some time now. I called a man we bought the house from (home warranty) to come and fix it Tuesday. He told me he would be there that evening to take a look at it. I spent the day cleaning my house making sure everything was in its place in every room...even the ones he wouldn't be in. The place just sparkled and then I told the kids not to breath till after he left...lol. We waited and waited and he never came. At that moment I figured my luck would be that he would just show up when I least expected him and my house would be turned upside down at that moment. You know....my bed unmade (you have to go through my bedroom to get to the bathroom in question), underwear in the bathroom floor, or the kitchen a mess with the contents of my two year old son's breakfast bowl plastered to the wall, which sometimes occurs when he decides he is finished...NOW.
Two days passed and no phone call...was he coming? Then tonight the phone rang....it was the dinner hour....Mr. Fix-it said, "I'll be right over." He lives five minutes away!! I raced around to clean the evening meal debris away. The children were still eating...Then in a flash he was pullling into the driveway....ahhhhhh! I went to the door and he had the needed part to fix the shower in his hand. He said my husband could probably put the part in himself if I preferred he didn't intrude. I assured him he would not be intruding....as my mind raced to think...right before supper I had given my littlest son a shower in our bathroom....what kind of mess had I left it in....if he fixed the shower I would have to lead him casually into rooms I had not had the time to check on...what was their current condition? I decided to protect my pride and said..."You know I would hate to inconvience you...My husband can probably fix the shower and if he needs help he can call you back." While making small talk and feeling as though I had narrowly escaped this potentially pride hurting experience...I looked down at my youngest son who had come to the door some time before and had, like a good boy, been quietly standing behind me. To my profound horror I discovered he was completely naked from the waist down. Gone were his pants and pull-ups. "Jason!!!" I exclaimed loudly, "What are you doing!" Horrified I looked at the man at my door....I wondered how long Jason had been standing there in all his glory with me trying to make small talk. This was probably the reason why the guy didn't "Want to intrude"...lol. I quickly assured the man that Jason didn't normally run around this way.
When the man was gone I had to laugh through embarrassed and mortified tears. With all my efforts to look like I had it together ....my fragile pride was fractured anyway.
Tonight...I am thanking God for kids. For if nothing else they keep us humble and remind us life isn't perfect....and if it were it wouldn't be nearly as entertaining.

Family Portraits

Today I took my six children to have their pictures taken. My oldest daughter is in college in Kentucky and couldn't be present for the exciting occasion or there would have been seven kids in the photo. I can't believe how exhausting picture taking can be. Trying to get everyone to smile and hold their heads just right is quite a task....and that isn't even mentioning all the preparation before the photograph ..... making sure all the clothes being wore are clean and not of any color that would clash with the sibling sitting beside them in the picture.
While I was applying some last minute spit to strands of hair that didn't want to lay in their proper position...I was reminded how miraculous God's gift of family is. Those of us with children know just how intense the daily grind can sometimes become....family can begin to mean to us one more load of laundry to do....or an evening meal to prepare just when we think we can't take one more thing on our "plate"....but may we never forget that all those little messers, all those mouths to feed, the husband hogging our side of the bed at night is God's special gift to us, souls that will never die made in God's own image to remind us of Him. Be mindful of this when you fill that sippy cup up one more time....or when you slide to your edge of the bed with a husband snoring loudly in you ear. Thank God for the dirt and grime on little hands requiring your attention; providing you with the opportunity to look deep into your loved one's eyes a moment made to take a mental photograph.... one you'll treasure for years to come when children won't be around to ask for small favors.
Photos taken in studios will be filed away in albums confined to bookshelves or displayed in dusty picture frames...but the family portraits I think most treasured are the ones imprinted on our hearts.....the ones mentallly taken while spending time in the shelter of our homes....without the backlights, drop cloths, and adjustable stools.

Religion vs Christianity

Religion vs Christianity

What is the difference between Religion and Christianity? The line between the two seems to
become more and more blurred everyday.

Romans 2:13 - (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law
shall be justified.
James 1:22 - But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

The Religious are schooled in the right things to say and do....lots of times they can quote
large passages of Scripture defining what they "believe"...however the Christian knows
true belief is in the doing not the saying. This is where the religious fall short...they say
they know what is right....but they perform very little to none of what they say.
The religious are swept along on the tide of their whims and flesh.
They are comfortable with their sin nature....they secretly are even happy to dwell with it.

Christianity is knowing what the Bible says to do....and doing it...through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.
Sure, a Christian might fall every now and again...but when they do they get up and repent
and start over again....doing what the Scripture says....living it day in and day out.

Proverbs 24:16 - For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:
but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

The Christian will fight a battle with sin every day....They will not be content to dwell with it.

Are you a Christian?....or just Religious?.....Pray about it..

Is Your Name Written in the Book of Life?

Is Your Name Written In The Book of Life

The Book of Life...The most important book there is....the only list you'll ever be on that really
matters whether or not your name is found therein. Shouldn't we know how to be placed on
this list....and if there are any ways to be removed from this all important book?
This journal entry is a result of a study on the Book of Life...and what I learned may shock you.
So, reader, read on.

One of the first things I discovered in my study about the Book of Life is the fact that only the
names of those who have had a personal salvational experience can even get their names in
this Holy Book.

Phillipians 4:3 And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with
me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in
the book of life.

Here Paul is speaking to fellow laborers...as he calls them...true yokefellows....we all know
Paul's criteria of faithful service...not just anybody could or would get labeled a fellow laborer
with him.

We also find a passage in Luke which must refer to the book of life by reason of it is the only
book in heaven recorded in scripture as having names written in it.

Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather
rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

In light of the passages we have just read a question naturally comes to mind.....If only the
saved are written in the book of life...can the saved names be blotted (or taken out) of the
book of life through sin?

Exodus 32: 31-33 And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned
a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now; if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not
blot me, I pray thee out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses,
Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

By this passage, we see that the righteous because of personal sin can have their names blotted
(or taken) out of the book in heaven.

Psalm 69:27-28 Add iniquity unto their iniquity, and let them not come into thy righteousness.
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

So, we see here, only the righteous have their names written in the book of life and through
iniquity it can be taked out.
It is interesting to note: the Hebrew word for blot in these passages is Machah....which means
to erase, abolish, blot out, destroy, put out, utterly wipe away or wipe out.

With all this in mind, and the fact Revelation was written to the seven churches....a book
we can surmise was written to Christians....this warning found in Revelation about having one's
part taken away out of the book of life and the holy city is particularly interesting...

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of prophecy of
this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that
are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city and from
the things which are written in this book.

Even a child would understand this passage to mean one must have first had a part in the
book of life and the holy city to have it taken away. Also, if this person being warned were
never saved God could not take away something that a lost man or woman never
had a right to in the first place.

You may be asking....What happens to those whose names are not in the book of life?
The Bible says they are thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the
lake of fire.

Seeing the names of formerly saved persons can be blotted out of the book of life it must
therefore be impossible for the doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved to be true!!!!
It is interesting to note that the Greek for the words fearful and unbelieving in the next cited
passage can mean the faithless and disobedient. Also it is interesting to note that the list of
people who are in hell does not just end with unbelievers!

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable, and the murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake
which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

Obviously, these people's names are not written in the book of life because they are thrown
into the lake of fire. We can gather from this the ones whose names ARE in the book of life
ARE NOT the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters,
or liars.
To not go to the holy city because your part is taken away (as stated in Rev 22:18-19) is to
be left outside that holy city.

Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For WITHOUT are dogs and
sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and
maketh a lie.

The Book of Life truly is the most important book there is. Why do you think what is required
to be included in this book isn't more taught and talked about? If it were, I am sure, all those
passages on faith and faithfulness going hand in hand would mean more. All those passages,
on enduring to the end and finishing the race set before us, would ring a little truer. We would
walk daily with Christ...just a little closer...and we would deny ourselves more and take up
our cross and follow Christ. I know we would repent a lot more and strive to be more obedient.

This truth concerning the book of life and the saved being blotted out has been there all along.
Isn't it sad when what has been right in front of our eyes....startles and surprises us?

I ask the question again...in light of what you have read....Is your name written in the book of
life? Pray about it!!!!!

What's Important?

What's Most Important

What's most important in life?

Things which cause heartache and strife?

Daily pains that cut like a knife?

Is this what's important in life?



Is it money, possesions, and fame?

Your heritage or good family name?

Is it recognition or worldly acclaim?

What's important's not one and the same.



For what's most important indeed

Is what too often we pay little heed

Like the touch of a friend when in need

Kindness in action, in word, or in deed



What's important begins with this seed

A growing flower 'midst a garden of weeds

Bringing cheer to your heart when it bleeds

Now this seed we call charity



But this seed that is too little known

In truth can only be sown

By those who kneel before the throne

Of the Lord Jehovah: Who is charity

Written by: L.L.H.

Copyrighted 2001

1 Corinthians 13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CHARITY....1 : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity 2a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need b : an institution engaged in relief of the poor c : public provision for the relief of the needy

Truth

Truth. Everyone is searching for it...but very few want to see it, hear it, or experience it. We live in a world trying to escape the truth...with creams that promise less wrinkles....clothes which promise to conceal pounds, and a multi-million dollar plastic surgery industry.

What is truth? Our culture today says truth is relative. Those newly “enlightened” claim "Truth is whatever you decide for yourself." This theory proves its own self to be false....for instance...if I weigh 999 pounds and I decide that my version of the truth will be that I am not fat... even though I may deceive myself into thinking I am thin… the real truth will smack me in the face whenever I sit down and break a chair not properly constructed for my massive size, or anytime I go clothes shopping only to realize I cannot even fit my little toe into a size six dress. My “thin” version of the truth will only survive as long as I choose to blind myself to reality.

Truth exists. There is a truth apart from what we decided for ourselves …it is called God’s Word. The Bible, in its uncut version, is extremely unpopular. It has the audacity to label everyone sinners! For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12

It says we are incapable of doing any good on our own. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

The Bible also lets us know; no sin will enter into heaven and then goes on to tell us where unrepentant sinners go….HELL. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 The Bible states the only way to avoid this condemnation is to hear God’s Word, which is true, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father, who sent Christ, as our Savior. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

Now many sinners will immediately proclaim “THIS CAN’T BE TRUTH…IT IS TOO HARSH….AND IT DOESN’T LEAVE ANY OTHER OPTIONS…THEREFORE IT MUST BE WRONG.” These same people will go on pretending they’ll never die and ignoring the lash from their conscience. These are the same people who are devastated by their 99 year old Grandmother dying…because it doesn’t fit into their version of the truth….that they will live forever. Whenever they briefly face the fact of their own mortality and their conscience begins to bother them; they see a shrink or take a pill….anything to avoid reality…but sad to say…for some …DEATH…will be the only thing that wakes them up to the Truth. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16:24



Truth separates friends and families. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:32-37 When a Christian lives and speaks the truth they should not be surprised to find themselves at odds with the world around them. The Christian is motivated by a completely different reasoning such as: …shortness of time…certainty of death…keeping a clear conscience before God…etc. The Bible refers to a Christian as a stranger and a pilgrim. When a Christian accepts the Bible as the final authority in his life; he is certain to appear as a stranger, living in a foreign land, whenever he finds himself amongst the world. The Bible does not say he MAY be reviled and persecuted…it says he SHALL be.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:12-13

Truth sets us free. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32 God cannot tell a lie …God, that cannot lie…Titus 1:2

…therefore He is truth. Whenever we embrace this truth…that the Bible is the truth… we will be set free from the world’s philosophy that says “Truth is whatever you decide for yourself…whatever makes you happy…whatever makes you feel good.” We will understand the fact that a Christian marches to the beat of a different drum. We are not on this earth to win a popularity contest. We are here to shine our lights in a dark world. 14 Ye are the light of the world. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14&16 Even though the truth, we embrace as Christians, may cause us to receive persecution on earth that same truth if we hold fast our faith will protect us in the world to come.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4

Faith

Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

PASSIVE faith accepts the Word as true - But never moves….ACTIVE faith begins the work to do - and thereby proves.

PASSIVE faith says, “ I believe it! Every word of God is true. Well, I know He hath not spoken what He cannot, will not, do. He hath bidden me, “ Go forward!” but a closed up way I see, When the waters are divided soon in Canaan’s land I’ll be. Lo! I hear His voice commanding “Rise and walk: take up thy bed and stretch forth thy withered member! Which for so long hath been dead.” When I am a little stronger, then, I know I’ll surely stand. When there comes a thrill of healing, I will use with ease my other hand. Yes, I know that God is able! And full willing all to do: I believe that every promise, sometime, will to me come true.”

ACTIVE faith says “I believe it! And the promise now I take. Knowing well, as I receive it, God, each promise real will make. So I step into the waters, finding there an open way; Onward press, the land possessing; nothing can my progress stay. Yea, I rise at His commanding, walk straightway and joyfully. This, my hand, so sadly shriveled, as I reach, restored shall be. What beyond His faithful promise, would I wish or do I need? Looking not for “signs or wonders” I’ll no contradiction heed. Well, I know that “God is able,” and full willing all to do: I believe that every promise, at this moment can come true.”

PASSIVE faith but praises in the light, When sun doth shine….ACTIVE faith will praise in darkest night - Which faith is thine?

- Selected -

This is a selection which inspired me many years ago. I do not know who the author is or I would give him or her due credit.

1.And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. Mark 6:1-6

I believe a passive faith is what many Christian’s possess. I have struggled with this malady in my own life and I am sure you have as well. It is something we should STRUGGLE to be free from. We should constantly pray that the Lord would give us active faith.

There are “Christians,” however, who do not struggle to be free from this form of disbelief, they fully surrender to it. Their faith is one which believes God is capable of doing boundless miracles….just not in their lives. They spread their infectious disease of doubt…endlessly stating all the factors which make their situation hopeless and render them virtual victims of their circumstances. They may even go so far as to claim those having an active faith suffer from false hope. They pride themselves in being realists, justifying their doubt, and making it into a thing of virtue. The Bible says we can prevent God from doing a mighty work in our life because of our disbelief....Doubt is never a virtue even when cloaked in the vesture of realism. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 Not only is unbelief not a virtue it is a sin! But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

May every Christian pray to be counted amongst the few who have enough faith and confidence in Christ Jesus to witness and experience His saving power and healing touch. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. Mark 6:5

Knowing how doubt displeases God, how it is labeled as sin, and how it ties (for lack of a better word...though God's hands are never bound if He chooses to work) God's hands in our lives, let us anytime we feel doubt in our hearts; pray this prayer, with the father, who received healing for his demonic boy, at the feet of Christ. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24

Let us remember, God's people are the FAITHFUL few....not the FAITHLESS many.

Divine Expression

Divine Expression

I heard the voice of God today

By a stream which flowed so free

Saw the artwork of His fingers

In the etchings of a tree



I thought I saw His footprints

Upon the moss rich covered ground

As I breathed His very essence

In the wind which stirred around



I knew somehow that God had wrought

In the wonders which I saw

His own divine expression

Of the love He has for all.



Written By: Laura.L.Hensley

Copyrighted 2002

What is the Orgin of Language?

What is the origin of language? Have you ever thought about it? The correct answer is God. But have you ever considered for what purpose He created language? Is it solely so we can express ourselves to others?

15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:15-17

Here we find God using language to communicate to man….before God created any other human being for Adam to communicate with….God was using language to communicate to Adam. In these verses we find the very beginning of language. Herein lays the purpose for the spoken word. God wanted Adam to know what His will was for his life…GOD WANTED TO COMMUNICATE TO MAN!!!!!

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Genesis 2:23

Who was Adam talking to? HE WAS TALKING TO GOD…even before he talked to Eve.

But did we need language to express ourselves to God? Doesn’t He know our thoughts…our hearts…even before we speak? ‘Tis true God knows our thoughts and our heart’s intent….but without language we would not know His thoughts or His intents. He created language to open up a dialog between He and us.

Many times we believe our language just can’t express what we think or feel. For example if we tried to explain what a rose is to a man, blind from birth, what words would we use…even if we knew every language spoken? How could we explain the color red…the different colors and shades of red….the tender velvet petals perfectly formed? When you think about it… would it really be the language that wasn’t adequate enough to describe the rose? Or would it be our own limitations of imagination which would prohibit a worthy description.

When God sent His Word to man, He used language, to let man know of His commandments, Christ’s Redeeming blood, the plan of salvation, and the rewards that await the faithful follower. He described gates of pearl, and streets of purest gold, a river flowing from the throne of God, and a tree bearing 12 manner of different fruits. I know what pearl looks like…most people do…but can you imagine what gates of pearl look like? Even though through language God described the gates perfectly….the limits of my imagination prohibit me from truly knowing what those gates of pearl, or streets of gold, or river of life, or what a tree with twelve different fruits hanging on it will look like.

May we never fail to believe God’s Word because our imagination limits our ability to fully comprehend the full scope of it…whether His words are of commandment or promise. Let us always take God‘s Word for exactly what it says…and celebrate whatever language His Word is spoken in for that which it truly is…God’s way of communicating to us. Open up the Bible, read what it says…and believe every syllable….for it will come to pass; just as it is written.

The emphasis, in our church culture today, is on using language to praise and worship God. We know God longs for a perfect praise from His children but may we never be guilty of forgetting the first and most important part of the reason God created language. It was not created solely for us to express ourselves to God….but so God could express Himself to man. Through the Bible, He has accomplished what He set out to do. He has let us know what a perfect praise is born of ….a heart completely devoted to listening, and following Him in complete surrender.

I am humbled by the thought that the ALL MIGHTY GOD wants me to know what is in His heart, who He is, and how to please Him. This very thought should move us all to silence…and open up our hearts for listening to what HE has to say.

Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. 1Samuel 3:9

Exceeded Expectations

Exceeded Expectations

God would move stars in their courses

If it would do me good

I know He’d move a mountain

Because He said He would



The universe and galaxies

Beyond the scope of man

He has an intimate knowledge of

They’re under His command



His loving care is infinite

For if I dare to think

My life within the spectrum of time

Is merely but a blink



God is from everlasting

The beginning and the end

Why He chooses to bother with me

I just can’t comprehend



But everyday He is faithful

Always mindful of my needs

And just when it seems like I know God

My expectations He exceeds.

Written By:

Laura L.Hensley

Copyright 2001



Who is like unto the Lord our God

Who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth

Himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in earth!

Psalm 113:5-6

Blessings

Not too many Blessings

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? 27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:18-27

Let this passage serve as a warning to not let our blessings become the very reasons we would give for not serving God in complete surrender without any reservation. Riches in this passage blinded the ruler from realizing just how much he needed God in his life.

I wrote the poem Blessings when I was dwelling on the thought that the very things we should be most indebted to God for, which should evoke feelings of thankfulness, sometimes can become the very things we hold too tightly; and, hinder us on our journey toward closer fellowship with God. As I dwelt on this thought; I began to pray this prayer.

Blessings

Not too many blessings, Lord

Lest I become content

To depend on what You’ve given

To love the things You’ve lent



Though I thank You for relationships

May I never lean on them too much

That they’d become so dear to me

I’d fail to seek Your touch



May I not become so happy

With my life and things of earth

That I’d become complacent

And forget the things of worth



May I never be so satisfied

I would not hunger after You

Though I may have to suffer need

I want to be close to You



Grant me only enough blessings

To give to me a song

And never, Lord, so many

For You I would not long

Written By:

Laura L.Hensley

Copyright 2003

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

Psalm 37:26

Passing By

Passing By

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. 49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. Mark 6:48-51

In this passage, we see something very surprising! In verse 48 we find Jesus viewing his disciples toiling with a completely out of control sea….and then we find out; He would have passed them by, and just continued on His way; except for the fact that they saw Him and cried out. Jesus, at this point, immediately comforts them and brings a complete calm to their situation. This calm which He brought made them stand in amazement, beyond any measure.

When I read this I was immediately struck by how much this is like our lives today. How many times when struggling with a problem do we fail to call out to God? How many times, because of our failing to call out, do we fail to receive Christ’s peace, assistance, and the complete calm He can bring into our lives?

Many Christians have the attitude… “God can see me struggling and if it is His will He will help me.” In this passage, we see that, YES, God can see our struggles but He sometimes doesn’t help us until we cry out. Just knowing God can help us is not sufficient….we MUST CRY OUT!!!

I’ve Missed You

Lord, I’ve missed You

I realized just today

I’ve missed Your gentle presence

At the start of each new day



For my feet had grown to busy

From running here and there

And my heart had grown so heavy

From the burden of despair



For it’s in the quiet moments

When the day is fresh and new

That I find is the best time

To talk and hear from You



But this time of sweet refreshing

I’ve learned can only come

When I do not feel hurried

By things that’s left undone



In singleness of mind, my heart

Must be in earnest and be true

Or when You’re passing by my way

I’ll find that I’ve missed You.

Written By:

Laura L Hensley

Copyright 2001

Blessed in the Storm

Blessed even in the storm

25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. 28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:25-31

What a beautiful passage of Scripture! 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33 Sometimes the storms we face in life are for our molding. Sometimes, God brings us to a place of distress so we will acknowledge how much we need Him. There, in the midst of the storm, in that place of desperation, if we cry out, in our need, to Him, we will begin to learn how wonderful it is to be cared for by such a GOOD GOD. If we turn to God during the storms of life we will see that even the heartaches, the ones we thought would surely bring our destruction, can instead bring us to a much fuller relationship with God and to a better understanding of what an awesome God we serve. Truly, He knows how best to woo our hearts.

Blessed Be the Storm

I forget, sometimes, who I am

I question why I’m here

Life seems to get more hectic

Each and every year



I seem to lose my focus

When life is going grand

When I should be thankful to God

That sorrow’s stayed its hand



When things are running smoothly

I find no time to pray

I have much to accomplish

On this beautiful carefree day



Then as these halcyon days

Roll slowly and lazily along

I find I grow more dissatisfied with life

When nothing’s going wrong



I begin to feel so empty

So hollow down inside

But I mustn’t admit it to anyone

Because I have my pride



For why should I feel sorrowful

When things are going fine

I’ve watched others in comfort and ease

And now this time is mine



I rack my brain and try to think

Of something I am missing

And finally I am still enough

Just to stop and listen



I hear a still small whisper

In the hollow of my heart

‘Tis the friend who walked beside me

When my life was torn apart



We used to talk most frequent

Whenever I was in need

When the pain of life was so intense

I thought, “My heart must bleed!”



It was the Lord, my long lost friend

Who had answered all my prayers

For one by one He had taken

All my troubles, weights, and cares



Gone was the storm that had shaken me

Down to the marrow of my bone

And looking back; I realize now

He never once left me alone



I bowed my head in sorrowful shame

I asked Him to forgive

For I had learned; to seek His face

Is how to truly live



I prayed to be a true friend to Him

In sunshine as well as rain

To treasure each moment I spent with Him

In pleasure or in pain



Then I thanked the Lord for heartaches

For feeling helpless and forlorn

And I said the words; I never thought I’d say

“Bless’ed be the storm.”

Written By:

Lara L. H.

Copyright 2000

Defeated Living

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Defeated Living



To see the toil in the task

Forgetting its reward

Brings a dread and hesitation

At the thought of moving forward



To view one's task as insurmountable

Impossible to do

Is to live a life defeated

Making this prophecy true



That those who never attempt great feats

Will certainly die unmentioned

And those who fail to step out on faith

Will not see God's intervention.



Written By:

Lara L. H.

copyright 2002