"Have I Not Commanded You?

Be strong and of good courage." Joshua 1:6, 9, 18,10:25; Deut. 31:6; 1 Chron. 22:13

It's a command. A command I've known since childhood. But a command that I have often wrongly viewed as a suggestion. If there is one area that the Lord has helped me to grow in, it is trusting Him. And I know I have far to go yet.

Fear is a funny thing. It often makes very little sense intellectually, particularly for the Christian. God will never give us what is not for His glory and our good. He will never give us more than we can handle. Yet I have found and still find myself worrying about the silliest little things. Have I forgotten that God knows the hairs on my head? (Luke 12:6-7) Have I forgotten that He is always with me? (Matt. 28:20) Most importantly, have I forgotten that God has commanded me as His child to not be afraid? (Josh. 1:9) Have I forgotten that I am to obey? I choose to forget all of these things when I choose to be afraid. And like other sins, the end result of fear is never worth what was "gained" by temporarily caving to the flesh.

But God promises that those who trust in Him will be blessed. He promises that those who fear Him, He will protect.

Psalm 34:7-8, "The Angel of the Lord encamps around all of those that fear Him, and delivers him. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him."

And there is such joy in obeying this command. I'm sure that I don't have to tell you that fear and worry causes so much pain. Not only physically, but emotionally and relationally. There have been times in my life when I really didn't want to do something because I was afraid. On one particular instance, some years ago, My dad, being the loving father that he is, made me do it in spite of my fear. And even though, I'm ashamed to say, that I didn't always do it willingly, there was a joy in obeying him - and in a larger way in obeying God.

One time a Sunday school teacher of mine said this, "that Satan is on a leash. He can only go so far as God will let him." (The book of Job expounds on that...) Those words I think have comforted me the most. God is in control of what Satan does and does not do. Nothing will ever happen outside of God's plan. It's prefect, it's flawless, and even though at times it may seem backward, God has a master plan that will be accomplished eventually. I can trust Him with that.

There is no reason for me to disobey Him. He will give us the grace we need to be strong and of good courage, because He will be with us...always. :-)

The Night Before Jesus Came

Written by Unknown Author

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house;
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were laid on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with the baby on her lap,
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment that must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like He said.
And although I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love,
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late.
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight
Oh, if only we had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear,
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call,
We'll find that the Bible was true after all.

2008

Well, 2008 draws to a close. Another year in the history of the world, hardly a blink of an eye in the time line of our God.

2008 contains many highlights for our family, the most notable of which would be the marriage of two siblings;

My bro, Scott married Kaleena in June;


And my sister married her "childhood sweetheart", Justin, in May;





And this Thanksgiving my sister Kristi got engaged to Brenton! Wedding is set for March.


So this Christmas will be interesting as siblings and their respective "significant others" are off doing their own thing. But a small holiday gathering of my other brother and I and my parents will be fun too. :-)

I've learned so much this year. The biggest things being that I have a plethora of things to learn yet! God is so good and gracious to continue His work in my life. I'm thankful for His patience!

2009 will be interesting year as a president aimed at "change" takes the reigns. Change, I'm sure you, reader, and I could do without. But it will make for an interesting and eventful 4 years. We'll see if we are all still here by the end of it. :-) But I'm excited to see what God will do with His Church during this time, and I'm praying that it will be a time of great growth for His body. Regardless - His kingdom moves on!

Well, I sincerely hope that you all had a very blessed 2008 and a that you will have a wonderful 2009!

What are the Elections to God?

It sure puts me back in my place as just a spec on an earth with no significance besides what God has chosen to bestow compared to a God to Whom the nations of the earth are nothing and the universe itself - in all of its light years - is just the length of His span. It's a comfort to know that we serve a God like that. A fact I sadly often forget. But the point is, no matter how the elections turn out today, that God's plan goes forward. Rulers and countries will come and go, but God's plan for His glory and His kingdom go forward.

Isaiah40

15 Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket,
And are counted as the small dust on the scales;
Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.

21 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
23 He brings the princes to nothing;
He makes the judges of the earth useless.
24 Scarcely shall they be planted,
Scarcely shall they be sown,
Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth,
When He will also blow on them,
And they will wither,
And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
25 “ To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One.

Psalm 33
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9 For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

13 The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.

Psalm 113

2 Blessed be the name of the LORD
From this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its going down
The LORD’s name is to be praised.

4 The LORD is high above all nations,
His glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the LORD our God,
Who dwells on high,
6 Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?

An Eternal Perspective...

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that the have become so ineffective in this." ~ C.S. Lewis

True Right, or Pro-life

The following question was posed to me recently: “what if a candidate is good in all areas – I mean you think he might serve this country best through his economic policy or foreign policy – but he isn’t against abortion and stuff like that. Would you vote for him?”

***

It was a good question. The fact is, a fact which this person raised, that the likelihood of things like abortion being outlawed on a national level are slim. In fact, in my opinion, I think the states have a better chance of outlawing stuff like that on their level. But could I, in good conscience, vote for someone who would be for – or at least not against – abortion? Like any decision or opinion, for the Christian, it must start with asking what God has said on that topic. God obviously places immense value on human life. From the Old Testament the LORD put the penalty for the taking of human life at the point of that life being taken. Man is made in the image of God. Jesus gave His precious, sinless life for the redemption of mankind. Obviously, human life is important to God. Not because of who we are – but because God decided to place value on our lives. Abortion is murder. And murder is the taking of the human life that God places such value on. Could I support a man or woman who does not view this as heinous as it is? Even if such a person was more conservative than his or her opponent? Hard question! There are, obviously, two possible answers to the question. Let us, for the sake of discussion, argue this these two sides.

***

One would be yes. It has come to the point that in America that often times a person’s view on abortion would not have too much to do with what really happens regarding that topic. On federal level, it seems unlikely that a pro-life candidate could carry their conviction. (Keep in mind, however, that important legislation regarding this matter has come to the executive level.) Hence, it would be irrelevant in considering who to vote for. It would leave the options open to candidate who perhaps had better views in other areas like foreign policy or economics or immigration. It would then be our responsibility to fight harder on the state level – where the goal of outlawing abortion may be more likely to take place. The option could serve the command to Christians to “do good to all people” quite well – on one hand you’re not ignoring the abortion issue by continuing to fight for life on the state level, as well as voting for a man who may do the best job in other areas of policy.

***

The other option, obviously, is not being able to vote for such a candidate.

Abortion is murder, plain and simple. Would it bring glory to God to vote for a person who would advocate or at least allow this murder of innocence? It seems the answer would be an obvious no. It is true that although it is unlikely that abortion would be outlawed nationally, it is not impossible. Could I square with it if the pro-choice candidate I voted for signed into law a pro-choice bill, or vetoed a pro-life attempt? Or, what would be more likely, if that president appointed a pro-choice judge who made an even broader sweep in favor of abortion? I couldn’t. Even if this president was a ‘good’ president in all other areas. It would be hard to vote for I guy that I didn’t agree with on immigration or economics, but life trumps that in my opinion. God forms each little one. Knowing from the beginning of time whether they would be smart or musical, handsome or athletic, mentally handicapped or physically disabled. No one has a right to decide whether or not to take that life for convenience or any other reason. God’s value on life, is a value that we should have and protect. To speak out for those who cannot speak.

***

I think it is most likely obvious that I hold to the second opinion, but I don’t think it would necessarily be wrong to hold to the 1^st opinion. But for me, life is more precious than economic prosperity, or other areas of policy that seem vital to the success of this country, because the protection of life is vital to any true success of a nation. At least in my opinion. I would love to hear what you think! So let me know, if you have a moment. =)

My Country, 'Tis of Thee

by Samuel F. Smith

(1) My Country 'tis of thee

Sweet land of liberty

Of thee I sing:

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From every mountainside

Let freedom ring!

**

(4) Our father's God, to Thee

Author of liberty

To Thee we sing:

Long may our land be bright

With freedom's holy light;

Protect us by Thy might,

Great God, our King!

****

Although much less well known, the fourth verse here embodies the reason for the United State's existence and the reason for its future if God so wills. And that reason most obviously is God Himself. It is by His mercy that the United States has survived 232 years, and it will only be by His mercy that we survive in the future. It's odd that the American culture promotes pride and being proud a noble thing, when in reality, pride will be the downfall of our nation. When America in its pride fails to recognize the reason for its existence, and instead boasts because if its existence, it seems inevitable - but for the grace of God - that America will not long last.

****

It's amazing when you think about it, that we as country are still here. Going back to our very beginning "...and the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there...". Is it anything short of a miracle that we were the victors in the Revolutionary War? And time and time again God has shed His abundant grace on us throughout the course of our history. I'm so thankful that He has preserved us a nation. I love this land that we live in very dearly, and it makes me wonder how long we will be here as our countrymen drift further from God and His rules of morality. But in this I rest: that we are in God's hands. And as much as our God is just and wrathful, He is gracious and merciful as He reigns in sovereignty over the universe.

****

I pray that He would again show His grace and overlook our transgressions so that the Star Spangled Banner would continue to wave over the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

****

I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day! =)

until death do we part...I do

Well, last Saturday we had the joy of seeing my brother Scott and his new wife, Kaleena tie the knot. Congratulations to them both! =)

Literary Meme

My friend, Renee, tagged me for this quiz, which I will try my best to answer. Although I must confess that I am not a great reader and have not read many of the great classics, below is a reflection of what I have read. As Renee, I assume the question to be regarding fictional works.


Who is your all-time favorite author and why? All time favorite would most likely have to be Charles Dickens. Although I have not read all of his works, the ones I have read I have liked. For example in his Christmas Carol I found his descriptions and way of writing very humorous and engaging. Not to mention the appreciation for the excellent themes in that story

Who was your first favorite author and why? Do you still consider him/her to be among your favorites? Well, let’s see. Like Renee, this one is hard to answer and there is no one author. Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Little Men, and others were always fun to read. Mysteries by Christian author James Hunter were a favorite of mine and my sisters’. And then of course there was the more popular mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Agatha Christie mysteries. At the moment, these still are among my top favorites.

Who is the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why? At one time I read parts of a book called Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. And although I cannot say anything regarding her other works, this book I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters and their development in the story were very intriguing and well crafted. Or so I thought. I must confess this is the only thing I have read remotely close to the era or genre of Jane Austin.

If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? James Hunter, Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Louisa May Alcott.

~ ~ ~
Thanks Renee for tagging me! If they would like to / have time to I would tag Jesse at Sing of my Redeemer and Bryce at Blog of Bryce for this quiz. :-)

To Love and to Cherish

Beautiful bride
Handsome groom
Passion for God
Love for each other

Congratulations to my sister and brother-in-law Justine and Justin! =)

A Godly Legacy

Last weekend, a friend of my sister's named Dan passed away in an accident. I didn't really know him, but I would like to tell you of the legacy I know that he left with the people who did, and those who knew of him. He was only 22 when the Lord took him home, but even at that seemingly young age, he had had an impact on the world around him. He was on fire for God and had an immense passion for bringing the lost to Christ, and for living for Christ. When people thought of what Dan was all about, that's what they thought of - his love and excitement for his God.


Although Dan's life was, by man's standard short, he used it to its to fullest. No time wasted. It rightly convicted my heart to contemplate as to how people would define what I lived for if I should die right now. Sadly, I don't think it would be my love for God. It also struck me to realize that Dan didn't waste his college years - he used them for God's glory. Speaking for myself, I may be tempted to use my college years for my selfish ends with God as a sideline - thinking that I'd "get serious" about God later. But the fact is, that there won't always be a "later". I am quite sure that none of this is a foreign concept to any of you but for me it was a sobering reality check into how God intends for His children to live - and how far I am from it.

Hence, I have written this post as a tribute to Dan, but more importantly, a tribute to how our gracious and mighty God used him in the time that he had.

April 1: Happy (?) Atheists' Day — Plus....

I found the this article by Dan Phillips to be very thought-provoking - perhaps you may as well. =)

True Love

With a couple of siblings getting married soon, the topic of 'love' has been on my mind. What exactly is love? It seems so intangible at times...something that I may not be able to recognize. Movie writers in Hollywood would like us to believe that love is a feeling, is an attraction, an "oh he's cute", or "she's fun". They would like to believe that love is soft fuzzy feeling, or a passionate emotion. But the folly in that belief lies in the fact that love is not singularly a feeling. As one Bible teacher put it - love is a verb. True love is an ardent desire to do; to please, and serve another person. It is not - as it is commonly portrayed - an ardent desire to get, or be satisfied by another. Is this not God's love for us? What can we possibly offer God that He should love us? What could He possibly gain? No, His love for us was in no way for His gain, save for His glory. Our love for each other - whether it be a spouse, sibling, parent, or friend - should be saturated with a desire to serve, not be served. A desire to show kindness, a passion to make another happy.

I must clarify, that love involves a feeling too. The feelings that come with love are a gifts from God and should in no way be discredited. But the trouble comes when all someone bases 'love' on are those feelings in themselves, because when a marriage or a friendship hits a tuff spot, feelings won't last all that long. However, love that is based on what you can give, not on what you can get will last until there is no one to give to because your not in it for anything else. I know that may sound a little bit like 'fuzzy land' and I know that I am so far removed from being able to love to that extent in my own sinfulness, but I think that is what love really is. And I hope someday with God's enabling grace, to love to this extent in all my relationships with others.

Question: could you, in good conscience, vote for McCain? Even to keep a democrat out of office? Why or Why not?

A new look at Christians in Government

Titus 5:1-21 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

In a recent series on Titus by our pastor, he touched briefly on the subject of Christians in government. Making a convincing connection between verse 1 and 2 of the text above – that being that verse two is how we are to be subject to rulers and authorities. Rulers in government, and rulers on a person to person level. This excerpt is the part on Christians in government. The full audio version of the sermon is available at http://www.gbcmt.org/sermons.php?series=Titus under the sermon heading of ‘Living Worthy of the Gospel’. It’s a great series if you’re looking for something to download onto your i-pod. =)

“In our system of government, guard your words of how you speak of leaders no matter how vile or wicked....Instead of being a fighter, insubordinate, and argumentative, we should be known as those who are peaceable, humble, and gentle. This answers the question that many Christians have in their role in government. Is it okay to object, is it okay to try to change things? After all we are in a democratic system or form government, is it okay? Yes if. If our character is peaceable gentle and humble. This is what God calls us to be. Unfortunately, far too many… high-profile Christians are known as being those who are argumentative, those who are sarcastic, those who are rebellious, those who are insubordinate. And their character is not known to be gentle, peaceable, and humble. This is what God wants us to reflect. And if we do so using the system it’s fine. When we step outside of that to where our character is violating these principles or this kind of character that God calls upon us, it is unacceptable. And this is true in our relationship with government as well as on a person to person level…think about it, we never get anywhere eternally by arguing and fighting with non-Christians. It doesn’t accomplish anything; it just arouses hostility in them. That’s why in verse two, God says we should be peaceable gentle, and humble. If we have to disagree, if we have to change something, we can do so: peaceably, gently, and humbly. Those are the kind of virtues that will impact people in a corrupt society.”

Unfortunately, the truth is many Christians in government, and even Christians merely interested in politics - myself included - can easily fall into the ditch with the rest of the political world and be mean and sarcastic in ways that are never to characterize a Christian. It's easy to excuse it when taking about or to a person with clearly wrong views, or a truly irking political personality. But as our goal in life as Christians is to win people to Christ, not to conservatism, God calls us to a higher level of conduct in the political realm.

Were We

Were We

Were we attacked, invaded, by enemy foreign
Alone in our cause, battered and torn
Would we wish others to join our cause?
Other nations to lend a hand with little pause?

Would we wish to be left alone,
Disregard and apathy by other nations shown?
Would we wish they keep to their selves
Not police the world, not in our nation’s affairs to delve?

If by mean cruelty and unlawful ends
A dictator took over, and our nation by force bends
If we had not the power to counter throw
Would we wish another to bring this tyrant low?

I feel we would wish to have friend
If desperate times of such should tend.
I do not think we wish another nation
To look the other way in such a situation.

Turn it around. What do you think?
Is a strict non-involvement policy a worthy brink?
If another nation found itself in such plight
Would such a policy lend us to do what is right?

The United States a policeman should not be
But a helper, defender, crusader She.
When the cause is just, the means cruel
Should we not enter into such duel?

A word of caution I urge
And mediation on this point encourage
Look down the line of history
And look forward in the mystery.

Think of how a policy of “we will let you alone”
Would change the world if evil over the earth was shown
Let our country’s interest for those who seek it ever be
Mercy, justice, and equity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Any thoughts? This poem, however poor in correct poetry form, brings up the point of looking at what a strict non-interventionist type policy would lead to if turned around. What would we think of it then?

Montana Politicians Endorse Paul

Ron Paul Gains Prominent Endorsements in Montana


November 13, 2007 6:59 pm EST
MISSOULA, MONTANA—Rising 2008 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed last week by the Montana Sports Shooting Association (MSSA), adding to his growing list of endorsements from Montana politicians.
"Ron Paul has been a consistent and ardent supporter of the rights of gun owners for 30 years,” said MSSA President Gary Marbut. “We commend him to all thoughtful and concerned gun owners."
The MSSA is a political action group that has successfully supported the Second Amendment rights of gun owners in Montana for the past twenty years, and has now thrown its support behind GOP presidential contender and Texas congressman Ron Paul. “Ron Paul has a long history of being four square in support of the right to keep and bear arms,” Mr. Marbut added.
Several Montana state legislators have recently endorsed Congressman Paul’s candidacy as well. State Senator (Senate District 3) Jerry O’Neil , State Representative (House District 12) Rick Jore, and State Representative (House District 70) Roger Koopman have come out in support of the 10-term Texas congressman.
Congressman Paul is the leading advocate for freedom in the nation’s capital. In his uncompromising support for the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, he has never voted to restrict gun-owners’ Second Amendment rights, and has consistently fought to uphold American citizens’ civil liberties.

Weddings Summer 2008

Well, here is a picture of my wonderful brother Scott, and his sweet fiancée, Kaleena. Scott announced his engagement in the early spring of this year for a wedding date of June, 2008. We were extremely excited for them and look forward to seeing them man and wife in just a few months. After dating for over a year, it will be extremely exciting for them to finally be married. =)





Well, we though Scott would be the first of the siblings to get married, but....

My sister Justine started dating in June, got engaged in October, and will beat Scott to the punch by getting married in May! Watching the beautiful and pure process of Justine and her now fiancée Justin fall in love was one love story that I didn't mind watching. =)

Funny but true, quotes from an e-mail

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress....But then I repeat myself. -Mark Twain

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -Winston Churchill

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
-George Bernard Shaw

A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man ....which debt he proposes to pay off with your money. -G. Gordon Liddy

Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.-James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)

Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. -Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University

Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian

Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else.-Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)

Government's view of the econom y could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. - Ronald Regan, 1986

I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. -Will Rogers

If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! -P.J . O'Rourke

In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. -Voltaire (1764)

Just b ecause you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! -Pericles (430 B.C.)

No man's life, libert y, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. -Mark Twain (1866)

Talk is cheap...except when Congress does it. -Unknown

The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. -Ronald Reagan

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery. -Winston Churchill

The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. -Mark Twain

The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.-Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)

What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. -Edward Langley, Artist (1928 - 1995)
A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have. -Thomas Jefferson

FYI: Spe Vivitur

Please notice the change to the 'blogs I visit' side bar. My sister Kristi has once again returned to her blog. I'm thinking that if we badger her with comments...she might keep it up a while. =)