"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galations 5:1, The Message).
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that other are as bound up as they are. What's that all about? It's about control.
There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate other to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal - there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting other down....and keeping them that way.
Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them - and Jesus hates it. The word means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.
My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom - even if you have to lay down your life to do it!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
CAMPMEETING
Well, campmeeting and conference is over for 2010. It was a time of refreshing and rejoicing. The power of God was felt in every meeting, and He not only showed UP, He showed OUT! In addition, we were able to renew old friendships and make new ones!
We tend to forget that we NEED to come apart and be renewed in our spirit. Jesus did it quite often. He understood the need of the body and mind to slow down, and allow the cleansing power of God to repair what we have neglected.
NOW we must get back to the hectic pace of everyday life, but we do NOT have to place the spirit of campmeeting on the shelf. We CAN allow the Spirit of God to so permeate us that it becomes campmeeting in our soul, EVERYDAY. Not only praising and rejoicing with total abandon, but sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
Find some UNSAVED people that your know, and tell THEM of the love that Jesus has for THEM. Tell THEM that the Father really does have a plan for their life, and that through Christ they can know AND experience joy, peace and love. Then invite them and BRING them to church WITH you.
What, you couldn't go to Franklin Springs?? Well, you will have another chance to be refreshed! Mark June 20th through June 27th on your calendar! MOUNTAIN GAP CAMPMEETING! We will be taking the van AT LEAST one night. If you go, I GUARANTEE that you will BE BLESSED!!!
We tend to forget that we NEED to come apart and be renewed in our spirit. Jesus did it quite often. He understood the need of the body and mind to slow down, and allow the cleansing power of God to repair what we have neglected.
NOW we must get back to the hectic pace of everyday life, but we do NOT have to place the spirit of campmeeting on the shelf. We CAN allow the Spirit of God to so permeate us that it becomes campmeeting in our soul, EVERYDAY. Not only praising and rejoicing with total abandon, but sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
Find some UNSAVED people that your know, and tell THEM of the love that Jesus has for THEM. Tell THEM that the Father really does have a plan for their life, and that through Christ they can know AND experience joy, peace and love. Then invite them and BRING them to church WITH you.
What, you couldn't go to Franklin Springs?? Well, you will have another chance to be refreshed! Mark June 20th through June 27th on your calendar! MOUNTAIN GAP CAMPMEETING! We will be taking the van AT LEAST one night. If you go, I GUARANTEE that you will BE BLESSED!!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Enriched By Memory
"You shall remember all the way the Lord thy God has led thee." (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Our lives come, from time to time, to crossroads of defining importance; those critical intersections along the way, which face us with choices for new directions in our thinking, and in our living. At such moments we need briefly pause, for we have not passed this way before.
Before we move onward we must first reflect back upon where we have been; remembering all the way that the Lord our God has led us. For in His leading are the lessons that will hold true all the days of our lives. As we think upon what He has taught us, shown us, done for us and with us - our lives become enriched by memory, and mindful of a love that never fails.
With this, we then step across the boundary into another season, filled with faith and courage. And we are also renewed in spirit and adventure, discovering afresh that the way in is also the way on. As He has led us, so He will still lead us. As He has loved us, so He will still love us. And as He has been faithful, so faithful shall He ever be.
Such is the happy lot of those whose lives are enriched by the memory of God's handiwork thought their days. Why not pause right now and recall to mind the many undeniable moments throughout your life when the Lord blessed you, loved you, healed you, helped you, saved you, used you - and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on..... Just remember that we live and move and breathe by EVERY word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord!
Adapted from James Ryles
Our lives come, from time to time, to crossroads of defining importance; those critical intersections along the way, which face us with choices for new directions in our thinking, and in our living. At such moments we need briefly pause, for we have not passed this way before.
Before we move onward we must first reflect back upon where we have been; remembering all the way that the Lord our God has led us. For in His leading are the lessons that will hold true all the days of our lives. As we think upon what He has taught us, shown us, done for us and with us - our lives become enriched by memory, and mindful of a love that never fails.
With this, we then step across the boundary into another season, filled with faith and courage. And we are also renewed in spirit and adventure, discovering afresh that the way in is also the way on. As He has led us, so He will still lead us. As He has loved us, so He will still love us. And as He has been faithful, so faithful shall He ever be.
Such is the happy lot of those whose lives are enriched by the memory of God's handiwork thought their days. Why not pause right now and recall to mind the many undeniable moments throughout your life when the Lord blessed you, loved you, healed you, helped you, saved you, used you - and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on, and on..... Just remember that we live and move and breathe by EVERY word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord!
Adapted from James Ryles
Monday, May 31, 2010
Run For God's Resounding Applause!
"This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause!" (2 Timothy 4:7-8, The Message).
There comes a moment in every life when a corner is turned and the finish line comes into view. This was Paul's moment, and in his closing letter to his young friend Timothy he calls him out as a champion, and gets him ready for the run of his life. "Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble," he said to him, "there's no way getting around it." (ch. 3:12)
He then encouraged him to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Bible, and to keep the Message alive with his life and works. "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another," he said, "Showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (ch. 3:16-17).
He reminded Timothy that God would always be there backing him up, looking over his shoulder; thereby empowering him to stay focused and complete the work that God gave him to do.
Finally, Paul turns his gaze to the finish line and says, "This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause!"
These times in which we live are filled with transition. There are many who have labored long and hard, faithful to the Lord, and are now headed for the finish line as they pass the baton off to you and me. Grab hold of it firmly, and run with fire to the finish.
There comes a moment in every life when a corner is turned and the finish line comes into view. This was Paul's moment, and in his closing letter to his young friend Timothy he calls him out as a champion, and gets him ready for the run of his life. "Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble," he said to him, "there's no way getting around it." (ch. 3:12)
He then encouraged him to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Bible, and to keep the Message alive with his life and works. "Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another," he said, "Showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (ch. 3:16-17).
He reminded Timothy that God would always be there backing him up, looking over his shoulder; thereby empowering him to stay focused and complete the work that God gave him to do.
Finally, Paul turns his gaze to the finish line and says, "This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause!"
These times in which we live are filled with transition. There are many who have labored long and hard, faithful to the Lord, and are now headed for the finish line as they pass the baton off to you and me. Grab hold of it firmly, and run with fire to the finish.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
"Who's Your Caddy?"
"Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go,' -whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, New Living Translation).
Tommy Bolt, winner of the 1958 US Open, tells the story of an incident he had with a cady during one of his tournaments. This was before professional golfers had their own caddies as they do today. Bolt arrived at the venue for the tournament and was approached by a youngster, "Mr. Bolt, you need a caddy, sir?"
The lad seemed unseasoned, so Bolt replied, "I'll let you know, kid." He then went to the caddy master and asked about the youngster. "He's a real good caddy," the man said, "knows the course, the greens, and the rules of the game. But he talks a lot."
So Bolt went back to the youngster and said, "You can caddy for me on one condition: Don't say a word."
The kid accepted and carried the bag for the Open champion, The first round went well, as did the second, and the third. Bolt was in contention in the fourth round, when an errant tee shot landed in the woods. The ball was sitting down in the rough, with a risky shot to the green, which was guarded by water on the right.
Bolt asked the kid, "You think a five iron will do the trick?" The kid shook his head no, but never said a word. "What, you want me to hit a six iron?" Again, the kid shook his head no, but did not speak. Bolt grabbed a six iron and lashed the ball out of the rough and landed on the green, rolling to about three feet for a birdie. As they walked to the green, Bolt said, "Aren't you going to say something now, after seeing a shot like that?"
The kid then replied, "Mr. Bolt, that wasn't your ball."
Many of us go through life with a caddy we never let speak. He is the Holy Spirit, and we should listen to Him, engaged in an ongoing conversation, He would save us many penalty strokes on the Links of Life.
Is that a six iron in your hand, and is that your ball?
Tommy Bolt, winner of the 1958 US Open, tells the story of an incident he had with a cady during one of his tournaments. This was before professional golfers had their own caddies as they do today. Bolt arrived at the venue for the tournament and was approached by a youngster, "Mr. Bolt, you need a caddy, sir?"
The lad seemed unseasoned, so Bolt replied, "I'll let you know, kid." He then went to the caddy master and asked about the youngster. "He's a real good caddy," the man said, "knows the course, the greens, and the rules of the game. But he talks a lot."
So Bolt went back to the youngster and said, "You can caddy for me on one condition: Don't say a word."
The kid accepted and carried the bag for the Open champion, The first round went well, as did the second, and the third. Bolt was in contention in the fourth round, when an errant tee shot landed in the woods. The ball was sitting down in the rough, with a risky shot to the green, which was guarded by water on the right.
Bolt asked the kid, "You think a five iron will do the trick?" The kid shook his head no, but never said a word. "What, you want me to hit a six iron?" Again, the kid shook his head no, but did not speak. Bolt grabbed a six iron and lashed the ball out of the rough and landed on the green, rolling to about three feet for a birdie. As they walked to the green, Bolt said, "Aren't you going to say something now, after seeing a shot like that?"
The kid then replied, "Mr. Bolt, that wasn't your ball."
Many of us go through life with a caddy we never let speak. He is the Holy Spirit, and we should listen to Him, engaged in an ongoing conversation, He would save us many penalty strokes on the Links of Life.
Is that a six iron in your hand, and is that your ball?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Un-trodden Way
As you read about "The Heroes Of The Faith" 1 Hebrews 11, you notice that there are women listed as well as men. Some were leaders, but some were just... "MOTHERS." Mothers play a distinct role in the family of God. They are special in His sight. What unseen difficulties line the long, dark mile of the un-trodden way? And, oh, how our heart hesitates to venture on into the uncertainty of the unproven. But, Mother will help guide us through. Allow me to share a poem with you that was written about Mothers.
M-O-T-H-E-R (A WORD THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME)
I've been around the world, you bet, but never went to school.
Hard knocks are all I seem to get, perhaps I've been a fool;
But still, some educated folks, supposed to be so swell,
Would fail if they were called upon a simple word to spell.
Now if you'd like to put me to the test,
There's one dear name that I can spell the best!
"M" is for million things she gave me.
"O" means only that she's growing old.
"T" is for the tears she shed for me.
"H" is for her heart of purest gold.
"E" is for her eyes with love-light shining.
"R" means right and right she'll always be.
Put them all together they spell MOTHER,
a word that means the world to me.
When I was but a baby, long before I learned to walk,
While laying in my cradle, I would try my best to talk;
It wasn't long before I spoke and all the neighbors heard,
My folks were very proud of me for "MOTHER" was the word
Although I'll never lay a claim to fame,
I'm satisfied that I can spell the name:
"M" is for the mercy she possesses.
"O" means that I owe her all I own.
"T" is for her tender, sweet caresses.
"H" is for her hands that made a home.
"E" means everything she's done to help me.
"R" means real and regular, you see.
Put them all together they spell MOTHER,
a word that means the world to me.
Yes, where would we be without our mothers? they love us even when we are bad, they "kiss" the hurts away, and comfort us when we are scared. They discipline us so we will grow to be wise, and do it with no thought of reward.
That is why MOTHERS are special to God. Before you leave today, bless one of the church mother's. give them a hug, and tell them thanks for being there.
M-O-T-H-E-R (A WORD THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME)
I've been around the world, you bet, but never went to school.
Hard knocks are all I seem to get, perhaps I've been a fool;
But still, some educated folks, supposed to be so swell,
Would fail if they were called upon a simple word to spell.
Now if you'd like to put me to the test,
There's one dear name that I can spell the best!
"M" is for million things she gave me.
"O" means only that she's growing old.
"T" is for the tears she shed for me.
"H" is for her heart of purest gold.
"E" is for her eyes with love-light shining.
"R" means right and right she'll always be.
Put them all together they spell MOTHER,
a word that means the world to me.
When I was but a baby, long before I learned to walk,
While laying in my cradle, I would try my best to talk;
It wasn't long before I spoke and all the neighbors heard,
My folks were very proud of me for "MOTHER" was the word
Although I'll never lay a claim to fame,
I'm satisfied that I can spell the name:
"M" is for the mercy she possesses.
"O" means that I owe her all I own.
"T" is for her tender, sweet caresses.
"H" is for her hands that made a home.
"E" means everything she's done to help me.
"R" means real and regular, you see.
Put them all together they spell MOTHER,
a word that means the world to me.
Yes, where would we be without our mothers? they love us even when we are bad, they "kiss" the hurts away, and comfort us when we are scared. They discipline us so we will grow to be wise, and do it with no thought of reward.
That is why MOTHERS are special to God. Before you leave today, bless one of the church mother's. give them a hug, and tell them thanks for being there.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Crumbling Gates of Hell
The gates of Hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18)
We have seen various images of huge iron gates framed in flames and topped with evil demons. The Gates of Hell as Hollywood imagines them to be. While it makes for good theater, it is poor theology.
First of all, there is no fence around Hell, so there can be no Gate. In fact, Jesus is not talking about a physical gate at all. Rather, he is talking about the counsels, judgments, plans, purposes, schemes, tricks, and wiles of the kingdom of darkness. That is the actual meaning of the term, gates of Hell.
In ancient times the gates of the city were the place where public concourse and matters of court would be decided upon. Also, it was customary for the elders of the city to sit in the gates, signifying that wisdom and understanding were available for all the people of the city. On some occasions, even kings would place their thrones in the Gates, signifying their rule over all who came in and out of the city.
Those listening to Jesus talk about the gates of Hell would understand all this; after all, they didn't have movies in those days. When Jesus said that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church, He meant that none of the attacks which the devil unleashes from his seat of authority will in any manner gain dominion over the people of God. Even if the full arsenal of Satan's dark empire was launched in a single, massive, all-out frontal assault against the Church, the cumulative effect would be like a fly smacking into the Rock of Gibraltar!
Friend, no scheme the devil devises will succeed, no counsel he offers will prosper, no plan he comes up with will work, because, "Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4), and, "no weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17).
Of course, this doesn't mean that he won't try. In fact, it all but guarantees that the one thing the devil will do is attack the Church with relentless intensity. And why? Because the Church is the only thing on the planet that holds the unique distinction of being the Bride of Christ. And the devil so hates the Lord Jesus that he will try to trash whatever is dear to the Lord's heart. And that's us.
What else can you expect from a sulking bum sitting DEFEATED in the crumbling gates of hell?
We have seen various images of huge iron gates framed in flames and topped with evil demons. The Gates of Hell as Hollywood imagines them to be. While it makes for good theater, it is poor theology.
First of all, there is no fence around Hell, so there can be no Gate. In fact, Jesus is not talking about a physical gate at all. Rather, he is talking about the counsels, judgments, plans, purposes, schemes, tricks, and wiles of the kingdom of darkness. That is the actual meaning of the term, gates of Hell.
In ancient times the gates of the city were the place where public concourse and matters of court would be decided upon. Also, it was customary for the elders of the city to sit in the gates, signifying that wisdom and understanding were available for all the people of the city. On some occasions, even kings would place their thrones in the Gates, signifying their rule over all who came in and out of the city.
Those listening to Jesus talk about the gates of Hell would understand all this; after all, they didn't have movies in those days. When Jesus said that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church, He meant that none of the attacks which the devil unleashes from his seat of authority will in any manner gain dominion over the people of God. Even if the full arsenal of Satan's dark empire was launched in a single, massive, all-out frontal assault against the Church, the cumulative effect would be like a fly smacking into the Rock of Gibraltar!
Friend, no scheme the devil devises will succeed, no counsel he offers will prosper, no plan he comes up with will work, because, "Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4), and, "no weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17).
Of course, this doesn't mean that he won't try. In fact, it all but guarantees that the one thing the devil will do is attack the Church with relentless intensity. And why? Because the Church is the only thing on the planet that holds the unique distinction of being the Bride of Christ. And the devil so hates the Lord Jesus that he will try to trash whatever is dear to the Lord's heart. And that's us.
What else can you expect from a sulking bum sitting DEFEATED in the crumbling gates of hell?
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