Friday, July 31, 2009

As For Me and My House, we will serve the LORD."
By: M.E. Townsend

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20)

A wise man has written -

He sent His prophets and we stoned them. He sent His Son and we have ignored and trodden Him underfoot. Our sins have reached to Heaven; we have grieved His Spirit and perverted His message. God’s wrath has been coming to a slow boil and it is ready to spill over. In the great and terrible day of the Lord, He will, in the same measure that we glorified ourselves and lived luxuriously, give us torment and sorrow.

We have spent countless hours looking upwards and been so totally immersed in our squabbling about the positioning and names of the stars that we have failed to see the blazing meteor bearing down on us. We have walked the sandy beach and have been so engrossed in counting the grains that we have not lifted our eyes and seen the enormity of the tidal wave that will soon engulf us.

Worse- The centuries past have all had their share of Oracles, Seers and Shamans. The few that others usually feared respected or burned at the stake. Sadly, the situation today is not confined to the gypsy at the local fair, with everyone and his brother jumping on the bandwagon. Fools that rush in where angels fear to tread.

With our newly found Spirituality and all manner of meditation, visualization, channeling, spirit guides, goddess worship and Gaia, all we have succeeded in doing is throwing the doors open to every evil, despicable, diabolical force of the enemies of our God. We have openly invited evil to cross the threshold and one of these days the doors will be wide enough for them to make their move.

The church that should have been a bulwark against evil has, with many fools for leaders and a Biblically illiterate population, latched on to the coat tails of the world and come up with Christianized versions of venturing into areas strictly forbidden in Scripture. With contemplative prayer, meditation, labyrinths, yoga etc. we have endorsed the invitations and are along for the ride, and what a ride it’s going to be.

As Einstein once said "only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

God Almighty will descend one final time from His Holy Hill and one last clarion call will ring out and woe to the man who stops his ears... Let us never forget that this time around He will not come as God the Creator or God the Redeemer, but God the Destroyer and God the Judge. All our knowledge, all our technology, all our good works will not save us.

“her plagues will come in one-day death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.” (Revelation 18:8)

Come out of her lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Sacrificed Saints and Satisfied Sinners
By: M.E. Townsend

“IF My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Stain glass windows surround the chapels and cathedrals of the world. Pious parishioners faithfully line the halls each sabbath morn, reclining on padded pews in indifference and ambiguity. With hardened hearts they watch the clock, anxiously awaiting the stroke of twelve.

From the pulpit springs forth messages of encouragement and hope:

“God wants His people successful in all areas of their lives, especially financially and materially. God wants to increase you financially. Go further – get rid of the small-minded thinking and start thinking as God thinks. Think Big! Think Increase.”

Discontentment grows alongside dissatisfaction – they press on, continuing to believe:

“God wants this to be the best time of their life. Experience His goodness in physical, material and social ways – here and now.

Attempting to focus on all they have heard, struggling to teach their mind to think proper ‘success producing’ thoughts, being taught the desire for material blessing is pleasing to God, they seek more.

God did promise prosperity – to an “obedient” Israel.

God cares little if one lives in a cave or a condo – His desire is that those called by His Name obey His Word. His desire is that His children should bring glory and honor to His Name and that the true gospel be taught to others making disciplined disciples and conscious converts of many:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I AM – LORD, exercising loving kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

In his book: The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer stated:

“What you think, when you think of God, is the most telling thing about you. Your concept of God will do more to shape your thoughts and actions than any other single concept in your life. It is no wonder God used so much of the Bible to emphasize His attributes. He wants us to know what He is like so that we may live a proper life. If our view of God is flawed, it will necessarily lead to a life that is also flawed.”

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, you whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

Reaching out in an attempt to feel better about themselves, their circumstances or life choices, desiring to have ears tickled and egos stroked parishioners hang onto words of comfort coming forth from the "man of God" admonishing they to try harder, aim higher, give more.

The Bible teaches that a Christian is to separate from the world, from false teachers and disobedient brothers. Yet many within the church promote tolerance and love, failing to warn against false teachers or denounce false teachings. Refusing to discern the truth from the lie, the church of today compromises the fundamentals of the faith – the Word is watered-down, altered and bent to conform to individual circumstances. Scripture interprets scripture, scripture means what it says yet scripture continues to be misrepresented in order to fit man-made theologies until now the Word of God is unrecognizable to those who do not seek to know the truth, choosing instead to sit in contented ease amidst the error.

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our LORD Jesus the Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which comes envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain, From such withdraw yourself.” I Timothy 6:3-5

Friday, July 24, 2009

Dead Men Have No Rights
by: Darren Smith

Are we dead to sin and the world as scripture teaches or do we continue to hold tightly to what we see and what we hear?

This is a question the Body of the twenty-first century must ask. We should all stand back, and take a long, hard look at our walk with the Lord.

If we are dead why do we live within the boundries of the world system? Why does the world and all it offers continue to hold us under its power? Colossians 3:3 says for you have died and your life is hidden in Jesus the Christ with God. Do we realize the power this should unleash in all our lives? If we are dead we no longer have rights. A dead man cannot be offended, you can't kill a dead man, he is already dead.

The problem with the Church today is we have failed to recognize that we are dead and continue to live, holding onto this world with all of our strength - feeling we are entitled to most of what the world has to offer and if we don't get what we think we deserve then we are offended.

In Philippians 4:11 Paul states that he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself - whether well fed or hungry. Paul could speak with conviction because he had become dead to the world.

Verse 13 tells us "I can do all things through Jesus the Christ who gives me strength."

Once dead to this world the sense of entitlement passes away, along with our old nature, and the reality of our eternal inheritance takes hold.

Inheritance from the Lord is far greater than entitlement from the world.

One of the saddest things our culture has done is increase the sense of entitlement. Entitlement programs have convinced people to trust their government instead of their God. There is little difference between the bondage of today and the bondage of Egypt that the Hebrews were under? When God took them out, at the first sign of trouble they wanted to go back.

Get out of Egypt, but most importantly, get Egypt out of you, and remember:

"If then you were raised with [the] Christ, seek those things which are above, where [the]Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The Re-Making of America
by: Bill Wilson - Daily Jot

The "remaking" of America continues at breakneck speed. The man who occupies the Oval Office (OOO) has made an appeal to the American people that the time for discussion is over and that socialized medicine in the form of so-called healthcare reform must be passed now. He said, "This is a problem we can no longer wait to fix."[sound familiar? Hurry, Hurry, Change, Change!]

Deferring reform is nothing more than defending the status quo - and those who would oppose our efforts should take a hard look at just what it is they're defending." Of course, there have been several news stories that the 1,018 page healthcare legislation has not even been read by the Congressmen who will vote on it.

If people would read the healthcare bills before Congress they would be astonished. The legislation mandates the use of taxpayer money to fund abortions. The legislation calls for a government tribunal of political appointees--not even elected officials--to determine who receives healthcare and under what conditions. This healthcare reform is tantamount to euthanasia for senior citizens. OOO told ABC News on June 24th that older people who didn't have much longer to live were maybe "better off not having the surgery, but taking the painkiller." Meaning that if you are no longer productive to society--translated, paying taxes--the government will decide you cannot receive life-prolonging treatment.

But that's not all the government will control with this brand of healthcare reform. Page 16 of the healthcare bill specifically outlaws individual private coverage. In other words, you will not be able to buy insurance apart from a government-approved plan. Indeed, if you do not want to participate in socialized medicine, you have no choice. The IRS will have authority to fine you thousands of dollars a year if you cannot prove you are insured by a government approved plan. Small businesses will be required to provide the government health insurance at a tremendous cost, resulting in price increases on goods or closing the doors at unprecedented job losses.

Killing the pre-born; Euthanizing the elderly; government appointed tribunals determining healthcare; forcing government healthcare upon reluctant citizens; destroying jobs and causing inflation--these are just a few of the results of HR 3200--America's Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

This healthcare bill is immoral. And we have a commission to stand for righteousness and morality. Let us speak boldly to all who will lend an ear, and having done all, stand.

Friday, July 17, 2009

A CALL to BOLDNESS-
by: Nanci Marshall

God is calling an army of holy warriors who are being prepared for the front lines of His battle.

There is a gap the size of the Grand Canyon between these holy warriors [minority] and the rest of the world/church [majority].

The church in Ephesus had left its first love, the church in Pergamos had not held to the truth of doctrine and teaching of scripture, the church in Thyatria allowed/tolerated false teachers and false doctrine, the church in Sardis had an appearance of being alive but was dead, the church in Laodicia was neither hot nor cold. Only two churches were spoken of, Sardis and Philadelphia, that had a good word spoken by the Holy Spirit, but they too had work to be done.
Revelation 2 and 3

We are not to be afraid..!!...

Remember in Numbers 13 and 14, when Moses was commanded by God to send 12 spies to scout out the area surrounding the Promised Land - 10 returned frightened to the point of recommending they not try to take the Land Promised by God, only Joshua and Caleb were fearless (see Numbers 13:30)

Numbers 13:30-32 - "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be notable to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel..."

Joshua, Caleb and their descendants were rewarded for their courage while the remaining 10 spies (the vast majority) were severely punished as were their descendants.

So be encouraged - if you feel frustrated, fearful, discouraged or defeated take heart and walk in the fullness of your calling:

"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9)

Remember we are the called - ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE (Ephesians 1: 7-13; 1 Timothy 1:9; Romans 8:28)

WE ARE BLESSED.!.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

I pray you will take the time to listen to this brief message by John Macarthur.

http://www.ltwleadstory.com/

"See that ye refuse not He that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from Heaven." Hebrews 12:25

By faith, Noah being warned by God.....we can do no less.

On Christ - the solid Rock I stand. met

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Spiritual Darkness and
Counterfeit Connections
by: M.E. Townsend

Spiritual darkness and counterfeit connections loom bigger and brighter in churches and meeting rooms across our nation and around the world. Heretical teachers filled with goody gospels offer little hope for the hopeless, with truth too often, nowhere to be found. False prophets speak messages they claim come through inspiration of the Holy Spirit – their words ring true, yet never come to pass.

Remember according to scripture - a prophet must be 100% correct 100% of the time.

We have become a nation of perplexed and bewildered pilgrims trudging through life the best we can; so many without hope, without joy, without fear or reverence for God. We are ships without a rudder; we are boats without an oar.

Many a weary pilgrim has forgotten that our LORD told us:

“You are the light of the world, a city set upon a hill...”

He spoke clearly saying: “You are salt of the earth…” Matthew 5

We must grasp and hold tight the Truth – weighing all that we hear and see with the Word of God. We must put our faith, our hope our future in the Hand of our Creator. Who better would know the creation than the Creator?

Is what we are hearing what God has spoken or has man twisted and turned the message to fit his own program and agenda? Do not be deceived; remember that whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Lies breed lies, deception produces more deception – but when we know the Truth, the Truth will set us free.

Jesus the Christ prayed for all who would believe on His Name –

“I have revealed You to those whom You gave me out of the world. They were Yours; you gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word. Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. For I gave them the words You gave Me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours. All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine. And glory has come to Me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your Name—the Name You gave Me—so that they may be one as We are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that Name You gave Me. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." John 17

Read carefully the Words of our LORD. Lean not upon your own understanding. Do not trust in the teachings of man but trust in the faithfulness of HE who is faithful. Hold fast to the hope that is within you and mark well that -

“There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3




Thursday, July 2, 2009

“And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me: “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings.” Revelation 10:10-11

Each day grows darker. Clouds gather across this vast expanse of land we call home. Each day we are confronted with wars and rumors of wars, ‘men’s hearts failing them for fear’- daily it appears we are on the edge of loosing one more precious freedom. Struggling with feelings of depression, hopelessness, anger and pain, attempting to balance all that is happening in our world -

We are un-prepared to meet our Master -

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you, as though some strange thing has come upon you. I Peter 4:12

We are un-prepared to greet our King –

“But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’ sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” I Peter 4:13

Many reach for the good times instead of the good news, the bottle instead of the Bible to cover their scars – wounds left to fester, scab over and fester again – but never to heal. Where is the good news? Where is hope to be found - ABC, CNN, Fox?

GROW UP! Refuse to live on milk; reach for the meat, the pure meat of the Word. Anyone who lives on milk is still an infant and is not acquainted with the teachings of Truth and Righteousness.

Cry out - "Restore us to You, O LORD, renew our days as of old." Lamentations 5:21

Do not remain as children in your thinking, take your place alongside those who have gone before.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1

...and grow in grace and knowledge of our LORD and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. To Him be glory and honor now and forever. 2 Peter 3:18

HOPE! Here is our hope:

“Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” I John 3:2-3


Scripture has been so Americanized that we believe God owes us a place in His kingdom – we deserve to receive blessing and honor and the praises of men. The gospel has so long been watered down that whether spoken from pulpit or television it is scarcely recognizable as “good news” by those who would have ears to hear.

We have taken as “gospel” all that we have seen and heard and must face the sad reality – we know neither our God nor His Word.

Who are we but sinners saved by grace through the death, burial and Resurrection of our LORD, Jesus the Christ.

What are we but sinners saved by grace through the death, burial and Resurrection of our LORD, Jesus the Christ.

“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man – and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things.” Romans 12:22-23

Look around – see how the incorruptible God has been changed in the twenty-first century to fit the corruptible mindset of modern man. Man-kind no longer worship birds and four-footed beasts or creeping things – but instead worship the works of their hands. While false teachers who preach and teach heresy are leading the world astray, the church seeks experience rather than relationship and many have exchanged the truth for a lie, worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator.

We must stop putting our selfish interest above all that is God. If man will not worship God as God, God will leave man to his own devises and man will drown in a sea of misplaced loyalties, surrendered freedoms, apostasy and lies.

“IF My people who are called by My Name [He is talking to the church – not the world] will HUMBLE themselves, and PRAY and SEEK My face and TURN from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Israel has not followed these teachings, but neither has His church, His body, the grafted in ones, but we as individual believers can -

The time to begin is NOW.