"And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom."
Genesis 13:10-12
In the 1929 Rose Bowl, the California Golden Bears squared off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and provided one of the most famous plays in college football history. In the second quarter, California player Roy Riegels recovered a fumble, but instead of advancing it, he got confused and began running toward his own end zone. A teammate finally stopped him at the goal line, but the two points Georgia Tech scored following "Wrong Way" Riegels' mistake proved the winning margin in the game.
Many times believers make the mistake of thinking they can face the world and even move toward it without adverse consequences. They think that since they are not yet too close, they are fine. But in truth, the direction in which we are pointed tells the story of where we will end up.
Lot made the same tragic mistake. When Abraham offered him a choice of land for his flocks, Lot chose based on short-term rather than long-term benefit. Then when he reached the well-watered grasslands, he set up camp so that he was facing Sodom. It wasn’t long before he ended up in that wicked city, which eventually led to the destruction of his family.
If you fall into the trap of thinking your direction doesn’t matter, you are headed for trouble. It is far better to turn your back on the things of the world and fix your eyes on Jesus.
Today's Principle:
Are you facing toward the Lord or toward the world? The direction you face determines the destination you will reach.
by Dr. Paul Chappell
Apr 27, 2012
Apr 20, 2012
Don’t Waste Your Trials
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
1 Peter 4:12–13
Dr. Lee Roberson, a great pastor for many years in Chattanooga, Tennessee, experienced great tragedy in his life. His baby daughter Joy died not long after she was born. He was serving the Lord, leading a church, and faithfully preaching the Word. Yet that did not mean he was exempt from suffering trials. Through this tragedy, Dr. Roberson led his church to establish a camp in memory of his daughter. At this camp, thousands of underprivileged children attended free of charge each year. They heard the Gospel and learned that they were loved and important to God, and thousands were saved.
If Dr. Roberson had become bitter against God because of the loss of his daughter, he would have missed his opportunity to be a blessing to so many people. It is not easy to go through a time of trials. The temptation is to feel that we are being treated unfairly in some way when things don’t go as we think they should. But God’s plans are far higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9). When we respond to pain with faith in Him, He uses even trials and tragedies to provide us great opportunities for service to others.
Trials are a test of whether or not we truly trust God. We may say that we believe He knows all things and has all power when things are going well, but when things go wrong do we still believe? Job said it this way: "shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10). God always brings us what we need and what He knows is best. Trust Him in all circumstances.
Today's Rooted Principle:
God can transform your trials into great blessings.
by Paul Chappell
Apr 12, 2012
Victory in Jesus
"For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 7:22–25
Eugene Bartlett was a prolific hymn writer. Of the several hundred hymns he composed, the last is the best known. Late in his life he suffered a stroke, which left him mostly paralyzed and unable to speak. Though his health was broken, his spirit was not. He laboriously scribbled out a few words at a time until he had completed the words and music for the final song of his long career. We still sing this song of triumph today—"Victory in Jesus."
Temptation comes to every Christian, but Jesus proved that we can know victory over temptation. Jesus was faced with temptation during His life. The Bible tells us in Matthew 4:1 that the Spirit of God led Him into the wilderness to be tempted. This was an intentional part of God’s plan, both to demonstrate the power of His Son over Satan as well as to provide us with a pattern for overcoming temptation. Jesus responded to each temptation with the Scriptures. This is our pattern—to use the Word of God to overcome the evil one.
As children of God, we go through difficulties and struggles. We face temptation, and we sometimes give in to it and sin. Yet, Scripture promises us that we are victors through Christ. We can rest in complete confidence in the power of God that has triumphed over the enemy. Like Jesus did, we can memorize and meditate on the Bible to have the strength to overcome any temptation.
Today's Rooted Principle:
God has already given us the victory over sin and the world through His Son.
Eugene Bartlett was a prolific hymn writer. Of the several hundred hymns he composed, the last is the best known. Late in his life he suffered a stroke, which left him mostly paralyzed and unable to speak. Though his health was broken, his spirit was not. He laboriously scribbled out a few words at a time until he had completed the words and music for the final song of his long career. We still sing this song of triumph today—"Victory in Jesus."
Temptation comes to every Christian, but Jesus proved that we can know victory over temptation. Jesus was faced with temptation during His life. The Bible tells us in Matthew 4:1 that the Spirit of God led Him into the wilderness to be tempted. This was an intentional part of God’s plan, both to demonstrate the power of His Son over Satan as well as to provide us with a pattern for overcoming temptation. Jesus responded to each temptation with the Scriptures. This is our pattern—to use the Word of God to overcome the evil one.
As children of God, we go through difficulties and struggles. We face temptation, and we sometimes give in to it and sin. Yet, Scripture promises us that we are victors through Christ. We can rest in complete confidence in the power of God that has triumphed over the enemy. Like Jesus did, we can memorize and meditate on the Bible to have the strength to overcome any temptation.
Today's Rooted Principle:
God has already given us the victory over sin and the world through His Son.
Apr 8, 2012
Especially Peter
"And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you."
Mark 16:5–7
The last thing Peter did before Jesus died was to deny Christ. Though Peter vehemently protested when Jesus told him it would happen, when the pressure was on, Peter folded. He caved in to his fears and repeatedly lied, even cursing to add emphasis to his denial of Christ. I think if most people knew only that part of the story they would think Peter’s case was hopeless—there was no chance someone who had failed like that could ever do anything for God.
Yet after the resurrection, when the angel brought the good news that Jesus was alive, he had a very special message. "Tell his disciples and Peter," the angel instructed Mary and the other women who had come to the tomb. What a wonderful blessing and encouragement those words must have been to the distressed disciple. He had wept bitterly over his denial, and now Peter heard that he was still included in Jesus’ plans. Jesus especially mentioned his name.
It would be nice if we were perfect and always did what we should, but we don’t. That means that each of us needs to experience the forgiveness and mercy of God—and He makes it available to us freely. Isaiah 55:7 says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Today's Rooted Principle:
Rest in God’s forgiveness and His love today. He knows your name and will never forsake you.
[by, Paul Chappell]
Mark 16:5–7
The last thing Peter did before Jesus died was to deny Christ. Though Peter vehemently protested when Jesus told him it would happen, when the pressure was on, Peter folded. He caved in to his fears and repeatedly lied, even cursing to add emphasis to his denial of Christ. I think if most people knew only that part of the story they would think Peter’s case was hopeless—there was no chance someone who had failed like that could ever do anything for God.
Yet after the resurrection, when the angel brought the good news that Jesus was alive, he had a very special message. "Tell his disciples and Peter," the angel instructed Mary and the other women who had come to the tomb. What a wonderful blessing and encouragement those words must have been to the distressed disciple. He had wept bitterly over his denial, and now Peter heard that he was still included in Jesus’ plans. Jesus especially mentioned his name.
It would be nice if we were perfect and always did what we should, but we don’t. That means that each of us needs to experience the forgiveness and mercy of God—and He makes it available to us freely. Isaiah 55:7 says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Today's Rooted Principle:
Rest in God’s forgiveness and His love today. He knows your name and will never forsake you.
[by, Paul Chappell]
Apr 7, 2012
If Thou Knewest the Gift of God
John 4:10
by F. B. Meyer
There are wonderful contrasts here! He who gives rest sits weary on the well-head; He who was the Jews' Messiah utters His deepest lessons to a woman of Samaria; He that gives living water asks for water from the dark, cool depths that lay beneath them.
God's best things are gifts. - Light, air, natural beauty, elasticity of the spirits, the sense of vigorous health, human love, and, above all, His only begotten and beloved Son. Among all other gifts is there one to be compared to this? The living spring of eternal life, which Jesus opens up in our hearts, and which so greatly differs from the pit of outward ordinance, is an altogether unspeakable bestowment. Nothing can purchase it. If a man would give all the substance of his house for it, it would be utterly contemned. It must be received as a gift, or not at all.
God's gifts must be asked for. - "Thou wouldest have asked, and He would have given." This is the law of heaven. Prayer is a necessary link between the Divine hand that gives and the human heart that receives. We have not, because we ask not. There is nothing in our Lord's words of the dreamy and languid pietism which refuses to ask because it will not dictate to the perfect wisdom of God.
If we had fuller knowledge we should pray more. - "If thou knewest ... thou wouldest ask." If thou knewest who He is that stands beside thee, in thy hours of private prayer - if thou knewest all the possibilities of the life of prayer-if thou knewest what gains would accrue to thee on thy knees, thou wouldest give thyself to prayer, as though it were the main object of thy life.
by F. B. Meyer
There are wonderful contrasts here! He who gives rest sits weary on the well-head; He who was the Jews' Messiah utters His deepest lessons to a woman of Samaria; He that gives living water asks for water from the dark, cool depths that lay beneath them.
God's best things are gifts. - Light, air, natural beauty, elasticity of the spirits, the sense of vigorous health, human love, and, above all, His only begotten and beloved Son. Among all other gifts is there one to be compared to this? The living spring of eternal life, which Jesus opens up in our hearts, and which so greatly differs from the pit of outward ordinance, is an altogether unspeakable bestowment. Nothing can purchase it. If a man would give all the substance of his house for it, it would be utterly contemned. It must be received as a gift, or not at all.
God's gifts must be asked for. - "Thou wouldest have asked, and He would have given." This is the law of heaven. Prayer is a necessary link between the Divine hand that gives and the human heart that receives. We have not, because we ask not. There is nothing in our Lord's words of the dreamy and languid pietism which refuses to ask because it will not dictate to the perfect wisdom of God.
If we had fuller knowledge we should pray more. - "If thou knewest ... thou wouldest ask." If thou knewest who He is that stands beside thee, in thy hours of private prayer - if thou knewest all the possibilities of the life of prayer-if thou knewest what gains would accrue to thee on thy knees, thou wouldest give thyself to prayer, as though it were the main object of thy life.
Apr 5, 2012
Mind Your Magistrates
by Pastor Ricky Kurth
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates…” (Titus 3:1).
Who are these “principalities and powers” to whom we must be subject? Well, we know there are different kinds of principalities and powers, since in Ephesians 6:12 we are told to “wrestle” them, while here we are told to “be subject” to them! Ephesians, of course, speaks of the unseen demonic host, “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” who wrestle with us as we proclaim God’s Word. But Titus 3:1 speaks of the human rulers of this world, the “magistrates” in government to whom God says we must be subject (Rom. 13:1-7).
You wouldn’t think Christians would need to be told this, but once we learn we are already citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20), it is easy to think that this somehow negates the responsibilities of our earthly citizenship. But remember, while there is “neither bond nor free” in Christ (Gal. 3:28), Paul still tells servants to “be obedient unto their own masters” (Titus 2:9). While there is also “neither male nor female” in Christ (Gal. 3:28), Paul still tells wives to “submit yourselves unto your own husbands” (Eph. 5:22). And while in Christ we are already citizens of heaven, we must still be subject to magistrates.
Solomon warned, “fear thou the Lord and the king; and meddle not with them that are given to change” (Prov. 24:21). This refers not to voting men out of office, but rather to getting involved in subversive anti-government activities. God has said that the meek in Israel will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5), and so He plans to fix all of earth’s governments for them prior to the establishment of His kingdom (Rev. 11:15). But this world is not our inheritance, we’re “just a-passing through” it, and so fixing her governments is not our fight.
An example from Israel’s past might serve to illustrate this. As Israel was passing through the wilderness on her way to the Promised Land, Edom refused to let her pass through their land (Num. 20:14-22). Why didn’t Israel fight, as they later fought those who resisted them in Canaan? Because God had instructed them to “meddle not with them,” since Edom was not their inheritance (Deut. 2:1-5)—they were just a-passin’ through! Just so, this world is not our inheritance, and so we should “meddle not with them that are given to change” its governments. We are called to “fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12), and “no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (II Tim. 2:4).
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates…” (Titus 3:1).
Who are these “principalities and powers” to whom we must be subject? Well, we know there are different kinds of principalities and powers, since in Ephesians 6:12 we are told to “wrestle” them, while here we are told to “be subject” to them! Ephesians, of course, speaks of the unseen demonic host, “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” who wrestle with us as we proclaim God’s Word. But Titus 3:1 speaks of the human rulers of this world, the “magistrates” in government to whom God says we must be subject (Rom. 13:1-7).
You wouldn’t think Christians would need to be told this, but once we learn we are already citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20), it is easy to think that this somehow negates the responsibilities of our earthly citizenship. But remember, while there is “neither bond nor free” in Christ (Gal. 3:28), Paul still tells servants to “be obedient unto their own masters” (Titus 2:9). While there is also “neither male nor female” in Christ (Gal. 3:28), Paul still tells wives to “submit yourselves unto your own husbands” (Eph. 5:22). And while in Christ we are already citizens of heaven, we must still be subject to magistrates.
Solomon warned, “fear thou the Lord and the king; and meddle not with them that are given to change” (Prov. 24:21). This refers not to voting men out of office, but rather to getting involved in subversive anti-government activities. God has said that the meek in Israel will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5), and so He plans to fix all of earth’s governments for them prior to the establishment of His kingdom (Rev. 11:15). But this world is not our inheritance, we’re “just a-passing through” it, and so fixing her governments is not our fight.
An example from Israel’s past might serve to illustrate this. As Israel was passing through the wilderness on her way to the Promised Land, Edom refused to let her pass through their land (Num. 20:14-22). Why didn’t Israel fight, as they later fought those who resisted them in Canaan? Because God had instructed them to “meddle not with them,” since Edom was not their inheritance (Deut. 2:1-5)—they were just a-passin’ through! Just so, this world is not our inheritance, and so we should “meddle not with them that are given to change” its governments. We are called to “fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12), and “no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (II Tim. 2:4).
No Man Can Say That Jesus is the Lord, But By the Holy Ghost
1 Corinthians 12:3
by F. B. Meyer
Jesus is Saviour, but is He Lord? Hast thou yielded to Him the Lordship? Nothing short of this will give thee true peace and power. Thou must be brought to say with the psalmist, "Other lords beside Thee have had dominion over me; but by Thee only will I make mention of Thy name."
Jesus must be Lord of thy heart; every affection must be brought under His most wise and loving control. He must be Lord of thy home, so that no conversation may be indulged, no recreation set afoot, no society entertained, which is inconsistent with His character and claims. He must be Lord of thy business and its returns, so that thou shalt live in perpetual communication with Him, along the lines of the Heavenly Telephone; and in the use of all its proceeds He must have the supreme voice. He must be Lord of thy plans. It is for Him to say Go, or Come, or Do this. That was a true message which Ahasuerus sent through the good Ezra to the Jewish people: "Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven." I liked that word exactly.
But this perpetual recognition of the Lordship of Jesus is only possible to those who have yielded their entire nature to the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit, who loves to glorify Christ. Dost thou seek the attitude of consecration which thus honors thy Lord? Then let the Holy Spirit work it for thee! Wouldst thou have it maintained? Let Him maintain it! And if thou askest thyself, whether thou hast received the Pentecostal endowment, be sure that thou hast, if with all thine heart thou sayest that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This is the certain test.
by F. B. Meyer
Jesus is Saviour, but is He Lord? Hast thou yielded to Him the Lordship? Nothing short of this will give thee true peace and power. Thou must be brought to say with the psalmist, "Other lords beside Thee have had dominion over me; but by Thee only will I make mention of Thy name."
Jesus must be Lord of thy heart; every affection must be brought under His most wise and loving control. He must be Lord of thy home, so that no conversation may be indulged, no recreation set afoot, no society entertained, which is inconsistent with His character and claims. He must be Lord of thy business and its returns, so that thou shalt live in perpetual communication with Him, along the lines of the Heavenly Telephone; and in the use of all its proceeds He must have the supreme voice. He must be Lord of thy plans. It is for Him to say Go, or Come, or Do this. That was a true message which Ahasuerus sent through the good Ezra to the Jewish people: "Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven." I liked that word exactly.
But this perpetual recognition of the Lordship of Jesus is only possible to those who have yielded their entire nature to the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit, who loves to glorify Christ. Dost thou seek the attitude of consecration which thus honors thy Lord? Then let the Holy Spirit work it for thee! Wouldst thou have it maintained? Let Him maintain it! And if thou askest thyself, whether thou hast received the Pentecostal endowment, be sure that thou hast, if with all thine heart thou sayest that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This is the certain test.
Your "Want To"
(by Paul Chappell)
"And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
Luke 9:57–58
I remember talking to a man who didn’t like what we were doing at Lancaster Baptist Church. "You just do everything the Bible says to do," he accused. I told him, "I love the Author of the Book, and I want to do what He says." Although I don’t always succeed at that effort, it is my goal to do what God wants me to do.
The reason for that "want to" is that I love Christ and desire to follow Him. It is not that the Bible is a list of rules for me to keep. There are commands of God which carry blessings for obedience and punishments for disobedience; but the Christian life is far more than just that. Walking with God in a close personal relationship through prayer and spending time in His Word creates a desire in our hearts to follow what He has said to do.
Someone once said, "Rules without relationships bring rebellion; rules with relationships bring response." The closer I am to Jesus, the more likely I am to want to do what He wants me to do. Remember before Peter three times denied the Lord, he was first following Him "afar off" (Matthew 26:58).
The more time we spend with Jesus, the more like Him we become. Acts 4:13 says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." The more like Jesus we become, the stronger our desire to please the Father becomes, and the more we desire do right.
Rooted Principle:
If your "want to" concerning following Christ’s commands is weak, check the strength of your walk with Jesus Christ.
"And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
Luke 9:57–58
I remember talking to a man who didn’t like what we were doing at Lancaster Baptist Church. "You just do everything the Bible says to do," he accused. I told him, "I love the Author of the Book, and I want to do what He says." Although I don’t always succeed at that effort, it is my goal to do what God wants me to do.
The reason for that "want to" is that I love Christ and desire to follow Him. It is not that the Bible is a list of rules for me to keep. There are commands of God which carry blessings for obedience and punishments for disobedience; but the Christian life is far more than just that. Walking with God in a close personal relationship through prayer and spending time in His Word creates a desire in our hearts to follow what He has said to do.
Someone once said, "Rules without relationships bring rebellion; rules with relationships bring response." The closer I am to Jesus, the more likely I am to want to do what He wants me to do. Remember before Peter three times denied the Lord, he was first following Him "afar off" (Matthew 26:58).
The more time we spend with Jesus, the more like Him we become. Acts 4:13 says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." The more like Jesus we become, the stronger our desire to please the Father becomes, and the more we desire do right.
Rooted Principle:
If your "want to" concerning following Christ’s commands is weak, check the strength of your walk with Jesus Christ.
Apr 1, 2012
"Memories"
Some golden daybreak the trump is going to sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Then: “We must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...” (II Cor. 5:10,11).
When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ
And He shows me His plan for me;
The plan of my life as it might have been
Had He had His way, and I see
How I blocked Him here and checked Him there
And I would not yield my will,
Shall I see grief in my Savior’s eyes;
Grief though He loves me still?
Oh, He’d have me rich, and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While my memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I can’t retrace.
Then my desolate heart will well-nigh break
With tears that I cannot shed.
I’ll cover my face with my empty hands
And bow my uncrowned head.
No! Lord of the years that are left to me
I yield them to Thy hand.
Take me, make me, mold me
To the pattern Thou hast planned.
—Author Unknown
May God give us the strength to redeem the time wisely. Only one life; ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ
And He shows me His plan for me;
The plan of my life as it might have been
Had He had His way, and I see
How I blocked Him here and checked Him there
And I would not yield my will,
Shall I see grief in my Savior’s eyes;
Grief though He loves me still?
Oh, He’d have me rich, and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While my memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I can’t retrace.
Then my desolate heart will well-nigh break
With tears that I cannot shed.
I’ll cover my face with my empty hands
And bow my uncrowned head.
No! Lord of the years that are left to me
I yield them to Thy hand.
Take me, make me, mold me
To the pattern Thou hast planned.
—Author Unknown
May God give us the strength to redeem the time wisely. Only one life; ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Mar 30, 2012
Mar 8, 2012
My Hightower
(by Berit Kjos - http://www.crossroad.to)
Seeing the World from His perspective
“The Lord is... my High Tower and my Refuge.” 2 Samuel 22:2-3
My strong Tower rises high above the ground, offering an entirely new view of earth and its people. Its lofty shelter offers me peace and safety in the midst of all kinds of struggles. Whether I stand at the top or hide within His impenetrable walls, the troubles and turmoil of the world cannot reach me.
Jesus is that unshakable Tower. My Lord has raised me up and seated me with Him in the heavenly places. (Eph. 2:6) There He shares with me the perspective and the safety of His heights. In the wonderful peace of His presence, I can rest while He shows me His majestic view of the world and the people He loves.
From His high vantage point everything looks new and different. The Goliaths — the overwhelming giants below, which looked so terrible at ground level - seem tiny from up here. Why did I fear them so?
Through His eyes I see the people I love, those who hurt and reject me, those who misunderstand, those I cannot understand.... They look different from up here — smaller, more fragile.... I see God’s hand on them - His personal path for each, His chosen struggles to teach dependence on Him.... I see loneliness and pain in those who had seemed so happy and composed.
In the calm and safety of my High Tower, I turn all my worries over to Him. He is my strength and my defense. No need to fear when He is near. Instead I simply listen and learn without stress or distractions. When I delight in Him, My King smiles to me. He always has new things to share.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,” He whispers. “Abide in Me!" (Isaiah 55: 8-9, John 15:4-5)
In His nearness, my mind is renewed and my heart overflows with His joy. Filled with His Spirit, I’m ready to let His compassionate love reach out to others who need a refuge and hope. How can I bring them to my Tower? How can my walk on earth help others see the Tower through me? I trust Him to show me!
Precious Lord, my High Tower, let me rest in the heights with you every moment, even as I live and work in the world. Hide me within your walls, so that I won’t be hindered by my human feelings of anxiety. Be to me “a tower of deliverance” from all the enemies of your kingdom - fear, anger, anything that is out of harmony with your life in me. Let me see all people and things, not from my own limited earthly perspective, but from your high vantage point. Then, by your grace, I can lead others to your safety and strength. Thank you.
1 Samuel 17:26, 32-47; 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 51; Psalm 18:2; 61:3, 144:2; Isaiah 55:8-9; Ephesians 2:6
Seeing the World from His perspective
“The Lord is... my High Tower and my Refuge.” 2 Samuel 22:2-3
My strong Tower rises high above the ground, offering an entirely new view of earth and its people. Its lofty shelter offers me peace and safety in the midst of all kinds of struggles. Whether I stand at the top or hide within His impenetrable walls, the troubles and turmoil of the world cannot reach me.
Jesus is that unshakable Tower. My Lord has raised me up and seated me with Him in the heavenly places. (Eph. 2:6) There He shares with me the perspective and the safety of His heights. In the wonderful peace of His presence, I can rest while He shows me His majestic view of the world and the people He loves.
From His high vantage point everything looks new and different. The Goliaths — the overwhelming giants below, which looked so terrible at ground level - seem tiny from up here. Why did I fear them so?
Through His eyes I see the people I love, those who hurt and reject me, those who misunderstand, those I cannot understand.... They look different from up here — smaller, more fragile.... I see God’s hand on them - His personal path for each, His chosen struggles to teach dependence on Him.... I see loneliness and pain in those who had seemed so happy and composed.
In the calm and safety of my High Tower, I turn all my worries over to Him. He is my strength and my defense. No need to fear when He is near. Instead I simply listen and learn without stress or distractions. When I delight in Him, My King smiles to me. He always has new things to share.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,” He whispers. “Abide in Me!" (Isaiah 55: 8-9, John 15:4-5)
In His nearness, my mind is renewed and my heart overflows with His joy. Filled with His Spirit, I’m ready to let His compassionate love reach out to others who need a refuge and hope. How can I bring them to my Tower? How can my walk on earth help others see the Tower through me? I trust Him to show me!
Precious Lord, my High Tower, let me rest in the heights with you every moment, even as I live and work in the world. Hide me within your walls, so that I won’t be hindered by my human feelings of anxiety. Be to me “a tower of deliverance” from all the enemies of your kingdom - fear, anger, anything that is out of harmony with your life in me. Let me see all people and things, not from my own limited earthly perspective, but from your high vantage point. Then, by your grace, I can lead others to your safety and strength. Thank you.
1 Samuel 17:26, 32-47; 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 51; Psalm 18:2; 61:3, 144:2; Isaiah 55:8-9; Ephesians 2:6
Mar 3, 2012
Knowledge Shall Increase
(1) A camera on a military drone with an 1.8 gigapixel camera (“Latest US Military drone,” Digital Trends, Jan. 3, 2012). The camera, which is part of the Argus-IS drone helicopter package, is 900 times the resolution of a standard 2-megapixel camera. The drone can lock on multiple targets simultaneously from altitudes as high as 20,000 feet.
(2) A nano-ear capable of detecting sounds six orders of magnitude below the threshold of human hearing to detect sounds made at the bacterial level (“The World’s First ‘Nano-Ear,’” Popular Science, Jan. 11, 2012). The invention uses an optically-trapped gold nanoparticle as a listening device. The particle is 60 billionths of a meter or roughly a thousand times smaller than a human hair.
(3) Microrockets that can zip around the human stomach, powered by hydrogen bubbles (“Microrockets,” Popular Science, Jan. 18, 2012). A team from the University of California, San Diego, has created the tiny self-propelled motors that can move around in an acidic environment without the need for any external fuel. The power is supplied by hydrogen bubbles produced by a reaction between an acidic solution and the zinc that the microrocket is made of.
(4) X-Ray laser that super-heats aluminum foil to 3.6 million degrees (“World’s Most Powerful X-Ray Laser,” Popular Science, Jan. 25, 2012). The Linac Coherent Light Source SXR chamber at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory creates and measures 2-million-degree matter, which can be used to watch biological molecules at work and to understand the processes of nuclear fusion. (5) First bionic leg that fuses to the body to be fitted in Australia (“Woman’s Bionic Leg,” Fox News, Feb. 13, 2012). The leg, which will be fitted to a woman who lost her leg after falling beneath a train on the London Underground in 1996, is supposed to fuse to muscle and bone. Orthopedic surgeon Munjed Al Muderis described the procedure as “the future for amputee patients.” About 2,500 years ago, during the Medo-Persian Empire, an angel told the prophet Daniel, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). The Psalmist said, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psalms 119:160). (Friday Church News Notes, www.wayoflife.org)
Feb 16, 2012
Who's Preaching The Truth?
Most Won't Listen, But Some WILL!
"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." -Acts 17:32-34
Even though most people didn't readily receive the Apostle Paul's message... "certain men clave unto him." Although some people mocked Paul, and others were reluctant to receive his message, a small handful of people (men and women) did wholeheartedly receive Paul's message, and wanted to know more. They "clave" to the truth!
We read in 2nd Thessalonians 2:10 that many people will be woefully deceived in the last days BECAUSE THEY LOVED NOT THE TRUTH. Even today, we see that the masses of this world are being woefully deceived by false religions, greedy televangelists, criminal political leaders, and crooked businesses. And the greatest tragedy of all is that most of America's churches today are SILENT!
Please keep in mind that John the Baptist wasn't imprisoned and executed for preaching the Gospel, but for preaching again Herod's adultery. John was a true preacher, who called it as he saw it, in light of God's Word. We are to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! Billy Sunday preached the truth uncompromisingly, and many hated him for it. The word "culture" is a very dangerous word for Bible-believing Christians. There was nothing cultural about Billy Sunday's preaching while he was throwing chairs, yelling, and swinging his arms.
Thank God for Billy Sunday. Street-preaching is not very "cultural." God help us to wake up--what will culture matter 125 years from now when ALL 6.3 billions people on earth are DEAD? Think about it. Who's preaching the truth? As long as America's preachers continue to be censored, dipping their sails in compromise, desiring only to preach within a pool of acceptable topics--America will continue to suffer at the hands of a murderous gang of God-hating thugs who are Satanists and traitors.
I sincerely ask you...
Who's Preaching The Truth?
"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." -Acts 17:32-34
Even though most people didn't readily receive the Apostle Paul's message... "certain men clave unto him." Although some people mocked Paul, and others were reluctant to receive his message, a small handful of people (men and women) did wholeheartedly receive Paul's message, and wanted to know more. They "clave" to the truth!
We read in 2nd Thessalonians 2:10 that many people will be woefully deceived in the last days BECAUSE THEY LOVED NOT THE TRUTH. Even today, we see that the masses of this world are being woefully deceived by false religions, greedy televangelists, criminal political leaders, and crooked businesses. And the greatest tragedy of all is that most of America's churches today are SILENT!
Please keep in mind that John the Baptist wasn't imprisoned and executed for preaching the Gospel, but for preaching again Herod's adultery. John was a true preacher, who called it as he saw it, in light of God's Word. We are to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! Billy Sunday preached the truth uncompromisingly, and many hated him for it. The word "culture" is a very dangerous word for Bible-believing Christians. There was nothing cultural about Billy Sunday's preaching while he was throwing chairs, yelling, and swinging his arms.
Thank God for Billy Sunday. Street-preaching is not very "cultural." God help us to wake up--what will culture matter 125 years from now when ALL 6.3 billions people on earth are DEAD? Think about it. Who's preaching the truth? As long as America's preachers continue to be censored, dipping their sails in compromise, desiring only to preach within a pool of acceptable topics--America will continue to suffer at the hands of a murderous gang of God-hating thugs who are Satanists and traitors.
I sincerely ask you...
Who's Preaching The Truth?
Feb 14, 2012
The Wisdom of the Old Paths
Today most Christians wonder how to help troubled people without some form of counseling, from psychological to some form of biblical adaptation. Too many see the luscious-looking grass on the other side of the fence as being good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make them wise.
Jesus is the good shepherd who leads His sheep to good pastures. He has given new life and sustains it through the Holy Spirit working in that new life. He has given His sheep wisdom from above through His Word, which is living, life-giving, and powerful. He is the one who searches the hearts of mankind. He is trustworthy to complete that which He has begun and to fulfill what He has promised.
Believers need to return to the old paths rather than sniff and nibble the grass on the other side of the fence. They need to stay close to the good shepherd and they need to be wary of those who through erudite speech would entice them to another pasture. They also need to watch out for those who would plant hybrid seeds that look even better than the real thing but starve the soul.
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah:6:16).
-Drs. Martin & Deidre Bogan
Jesus is the good shepherd who leads His sheep to good pastures. He has given new life and sustains it through the Holy Spirit working in that new life. He has given His sheep wisdom from above through His Word, which is living, life-giving, and powerful. He is the one who searches the hearts of mankind. He is trustworthy to complete that which He has begun and to fulfill what He has promised.
Believers need to return to the old paths rather than sniff and nibble the grass on the other side of the fence. They need to stay close to the good shepherd and they need to be wary of those who through erudite speech would entice them to another pasture. They also need to watch out for those who would plant hybrid seeds that look even better than the real thing but starve the soul.
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah:6:16).
-Drs. Martin & Deidre Bogan
Jan 26, 2012
Encouragement from A-Z
A. "ABIDE in Me, and I in you.... for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:3-4
B. "BLESSED are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matt 5:6
C. "COME to ME, all who are weary are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
D. "...your adversary the DEVIL prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, firm in your faith..." 1 Peter 5:8-9
E. "...let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." Heb 12:1-2
F. "Our FATHER in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done...'" Matt 6:9-10
G. "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness!" 2 Cor. 12:9
H. "[Through Christ, I am born again] to a living HOPE.. to an inheritance...reserved in HEAVEN for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith..." 1 Peter 1:3-5
I. "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
J. JESUS said, "I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own....I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:14-15
K. "My KINGDOM is not of this world." John 18:36
L. "You shall LOVE the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind..." Luke 10:27
M. "...not by [our] works of righteousness...but according to His MERCY He saved us." Titus 3:5
N. "NOW therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." Exodus 4:1
O. "Peter...said: 'We ought to OBEY God rather than men." Acts 5:29
P. "My PEACE I give to you; not as the world do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled..." John 14:27
R. "REJOICE always, PRAY without ceasing, in everything give THANKS..." 1 Thess 5:16-18
S. "The Lord is my SHEPHERD, I shall not want!" [He provides all I need to follow Him daily]." Psalm 23:1
T. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free." John 8:31
U. "He opened their UNDERSTANDING, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:45
V. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor 15:57-58
W. "...do not be conformed to this WORLD, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove [demonstrate] that perfect will of God.... Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:2, 9 ( Spiritual War)
X. "For I have given you an EXAMPLE, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:15
Y. "Whom have I in heaven but YOU? ...My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26
Z. "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Be ZEALOUS therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears My voice and opens he door, I will come in to him..." Rev 3:19-20
B. "BLESSED are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matt 5:6
C. "COME to ME, all who are weary are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28
D. "...your adversary the DEVIL prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, firm in your faith..." 1 Peter 5:8-9
E. "...let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." Heb 12:1-2
F. "Our FATHER in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done...'" Matt 6:9-10
G. "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness!" 2 Cor. 12:9
H. "[Through Christ, I am born again] to a living HOPE.. to an inheritance...reserved in HEAVEN for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith..." 1 Peter 1:3-5
I. "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
J. JESUS said, "I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own....I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:14-15
K. "My KINGDOM is not of this world." John 18:36
L. "You shall LOVE the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind..." Luke 10:27
M. "...not by [our] works of righteousness...but according to His MERCY He saved us." Titus 3:5
N. "NOW therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." Exodus 4:1
O. "Peter...said: 'We ought to OBEY God rather than men." Acts 5:29
P. "My PEACE I give to you; not as the world do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled..." John 14:27
R. "REJOICE always, PRAY without ceasing, in everything give THANKS..." 1 Thess 5:16-18
S. "The Lord is my SHEPHERD, I shall not want!" [He provides all I need to follow Him daily]." Psalm 23:1
T. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free." John 8:31
U. "He opened their UNDERSTANDING, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Luke 24:45
V. "Thanks be to God, who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor 15:57-58
W. "...do not be conformed to this WORLD, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove [demonstrate] that perfect will of God.... Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:2, 9 ( Spiritual War)
X. "For I have given you an EXAMPLE, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:15
Y. "Whom have I in heaven but YOU? ...My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26
Z. "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Be ZEALOUS therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears My voice and opens he door, I will come in to him..." Rev 3:19-20
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