Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Let Us Lift Up Our Brother Alec As He Travels to a Prayer Conference in India...the birthplace of the CPU!
Brothers and Sisters,
I have taken a few minutes this morning to read back over the dozens of posts that have been placed on this blog which began with a simple and sincere goal 7 years ago. I am embarrassed to admit how far I have drifted from the crystal-clear focus that the posts reveal here. I am seeking anyone who visits here to do what I have done and "examine yourself" and especially, examine your heart's desire as it relates to revival...personal and corporate.
As an introduction back into this Union, I'm posting a recent email I received from Alec in which he requests prayer for an upcoming trip. Please lift up our brother and consider becoming involved again here in the Canton Prayer Union.
Dear Steve,
Greetings to you in the name of the Lord Jesus.
I am sorry it is such a long time since I corresponded with you, but I hope you are well and rejoicing in the Lord in spite of the world and the churches getting worse. I still remember our time together at Canton, Ohio, and the prayer time before it. Our God is still the same.
You may remember that two years ago I went to India at the invitation of Joshua Daniel, a true man of God. I went to the national prayer convention in Chennai of their organization, which is called the Laymen's Evangelical Fellowship International. I had a wonderful experience, which I think I told you about.
Joshua has again invited me to go to the convention this year, and Samuel, a preacher connected with our prayer network, has also invited me to visit him in Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, which is much further north, near Mumbai.
Having been to the Chennai convention, the situation there is now slightly familiar, but the trip north is far more daunting both as regards it being completely unknown territory, and also the fact that Samson is expecting me to speak at different meetings, but I have no idea who the people are, nor what to speak about. I think we are also going out to some villages, which, again, will be a completely new experience. So I would really appreciate it if you, and maybe others, such as Bill, could pray for me at this time.
My trip starts on May 13th and goes through to June 4th. I am sorry I didn't inform you before this. Please forgive me.
Hopefully, you will be able to back me up, so I attach a detailed itinerary.
I know your prayers are effective, so I covet them at this time. I will send you a report about the trip afterwards.
Yours for the glory of the Lord
Alec
Saturday, December 26, 2009
John Hyde Shares His Secret...Extraordinary or...the Normal Christian Life?
This post will be rather long, but, it is critially important. The following paragraphs are taken from the book, The Life Story of John Hyde, edited by E.G. Carre. pp.58-61 This account picks up the story when a mature John Hyde has been asked by a fellow missionary what had led him to consecrate his life so absolutely to the Lord, and how he had been taught the secret of this prayer-life. Hyde responds:
Brothers and Sisters,
As we enter 2010, pray with me that the Lord would allow us to clearly see the state of our own salvation and what kind of a testimony we profess by the lives that we live.
Your brother, Steve
"My father was a minister - a Presbyterian minister - and my mother a very devoted Christian with a beautiful voice which had been consecrated to the Lord. I was determined when I was a youth, to be a missionary, and a "good missionary." I wanted to shine as a great missionary. I passed through college and did very well. I graduated, and was a little proud of the "B.A." after my name. I was determined to master the Indian languages that I would have to learn, and I resolved not to let anything stand in the way that would hinder my becoming a great missionary. That was my ambition. This was not altogether perhaps of the flesh, but most of it was. I loved the Lord and I wanted to serve Him, and serve Him well, but "self" was at the foundation of my ambition.
My father had a dear friend - a brother minister - who had a deep desire to become a missionary, but his desire was not fulfilled. He was greatly interested in me, and was delighted that the son of his great friend was going out as a missionary. He loved me and I loved him and greatly admired him.
When I got onboard the steamer at New York, bound for India for my life work, I found in my cabin a letter addressed to me. It was in the handwriting of my father's friend. I opened it and read it. The words were not many, but the purport of them was this: "I shall not cease praying for you dear John, until you are filled with the Holy Spirit." My pride was touched, and I felt exceedingly angry, and crushed the letter and threw it into a corner of the cabin and went up on deck in a very angry spirit. The idea of implying that I was not filled with the Spirit! I was going out as a missionary, and I was determined to be a good missionary, and yet this man implied that I was not fitted and equipped for the work! I paced up and down that deck, a battle raging within. I felt very uncomfortable; I loved the writer,I knew the holy life he led, and down in my heart there was a conviction that he was right and that I was not fit to be a missionary. I went back after some time to my cabin and got down on my knees to hunt for the crushed letter. Finding it, I smoothed it out, and read it again and again. I still felt annoyed, but the conviction was gaining on me that my father's friend was right and I was wrong.
This went on for two or three days until I felt perfectly miserable. This was the goodness of the Lord answering the prayers of my father's friend, who must have claimed a victory for me. At last, in a kind of despair, I asked the Lord to fill me with the Holy Spirit, and the moment I did this, the whole atmosphere seemed to clear up. I began to see myself, and what a selfish ambition I had. It was a struggle almost to the end of the voyage, but I was determined long before the port was reached, that whatever would be the cost, I would be really filled with the Spirit.
The second climax came when I was led to tell the Lord that I was willing to even fail in my language examinations in India, and be a missionary working quietly out of sight, that I would do anything, but the Holy Spirit I would have at any cost.
On one of the first few days spent in India, while I was staying with another missionary, a brother of some experience, I went out with him to an open-air service. The missionary spoke, and I was told that he was speaking about Jesus Christ as the real Savior from sin. When he had finished his address, a respectable looking man, speaking good English, asked the missionary whether he himself had been thus saved. The question went home to my heart; for if the question had been asked me, I would have had to confess that Christ had not fully saved me, because I knew that there was a sin in my life which had not been taken away. I realized what a dishonor it would be on the Name of Christ to have to confess that I was preaching a Christ that had not delivered me from sin, though I would be proclaiming to others that He was a perfect Savior.
I went back to my room and shut myself in, and told the Lord that it must be one of two things: either He must give the victory over all my sins, and especially over the sin that so easily besets me, or I must return to America, and seek there some other work. I said that I could not stand up to preach the Gospel until I could testify of its power in my own life. I was there for some time, facing the questions, realizing how reasonable it was, until the Lord assured me that He was able and willing to deliver me from all sin, that He had planned work for me in India. he did deliver me, and I have not had a doubt of this since. I can now stand up without hesitation to testify that He has given me victory, and I love to witness to this and tell all of the wonderful faithfullness of Christ my Lord, my Savior."
Brothers and Sisters,
As we enter 2010, pray with me that the Lord would allow us to clearly see the state of our own salvation and what kind of a testimony we profess by the lives that we live.
Your brother, Steve
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thoughts from 2009
I notice that the last posting was Feb.2009 and now the year is through. For me, it was a busy year...just as I'm sure it was for everyone. The curse of North American life in the 21st Century....we are all so busy. Even the homeless guy on the street is busy...just ask him!
Tonight as a family we were meditating and reciting Psalm 103:1-4 together. What a great way to close out this year.
Bless the Lord O my soul, and all this is within me, Bless His holy name! Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquitites,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
I recognize these blessings talk about our eternal destination, but it is amazing how God has blessed our family this past year. He certainly has crowned me with his lovingkindness and tender mercies...Thank you Father!
I have a deep hunger to draw near to Him in 2010 and learn more of His nature, His heart...what He wishes for His children. Distractions are many but focus on His Word and discipline will win the day. I will continue to blog here as long as God stirs my heart to do so. I would love to hear your thoughts as 2009 draws to a close.
Your brother, Steve
Tonight as a family we were meditating and reciting Psalm 103:1-4 together. What a great way to close out this year.
Bless the Lord O my soul, and all this is within me, Bless His holy name! Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquitites,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
I recognize these blessings talk about our eternal destination, but it is amazing how God has blessed our family this past year. He certainly has crowned me with his lovingkindness and tender mercies...Thank you Father!
I have a deep hunger to draw near to Him in 2010 and learn more of His nature, His heart...what He wishes for His children. Distractions are many but focus on His Word and discipline will win the day. I will continue to blog here as long as God stirs my heart to do so. I would love to hear your thoughts as 2009 draws to a close.
Your brother, Steve
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Are We Watching For That Small Cloud?
There has been little activity on the blog these past months for several reasons. Life (in the flesh) has a way of distracting and pulling one away from a focus on prayer.
I started the blog prior to Canton's Revival Conference and it was a great tool to unify a group of believers spread out across North America and beyond. As I read the past posts I wonder if many times I am not like Elijah's servant who kept being told (7 times) to go and look for the clouds of coming rain.
1 Kings 18:41-44
And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain. So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. Go and look toward the sea, he told his servant. And he went up and looked. There is nothing there, he said. Seven times Elijah said, Go back. The seventh time the servant reported, A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea. So Elijah said, Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”
If Elijah had stopped after 5 or 6 times, would God still have sent the little cloud that brought the torrent of rain to end the drought? I feel that the neglect of prayer in my own life has made me dull of hearing. I have spoken recently with my brother in the Lord, Bill, who was with me and several others at Canton. We both sense the Spirit's patient call to return to the prayer room. Should the Canton Prayer Union be revived? I look forward to hearing how God is leading you in these days. Please comment on what the Lord is revealing to you in these days.
Your brother in Christ, Steve
I started the blog prior to Canton's Revival Conference and it was a great tool to unify a group of believers spread out across North America and beyond. As I read the past posts I wonder if many times I am not like Elijah's servant who kept being told (7 times) to go and look for the clouds of coming rain.
1 Kings 18:41-44
And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain. So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. Go and look toward the sea, he told his servant. And he went up and looked. There is nothing there, he said. Seven times Elijah said, Go back. The seventh time the servant reported, A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea. So Elijah said, Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”
If Elijah had stopped after 5 or 6 times, would God still have sent the little cloud that brought the torrent of rain to end the drought? I feel that the neglect of prayer in my own life has made me dull of hearing. I have spoken recently with my brother in the Lord, Bill, who was with me and several others at Canton. We both sense the Spirit's patient call to return to the prayer room. Should the Canton Prayer Union be revived? I look forward to hearing how God is leading you in these days. Please comment on what the Lord is revealing to you in these days.
Your brother in Christ, Steve
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Paul wahser
hey did anyone listen to pal washer sermon ?
he gave a few days agao
It was really good
God bess
charlene
he gave a few days agao
It was really good
God bess
charlene
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thanks
it is amazing how time goes by.
The last 7 month have been a hard road
I have fallen on my face as one who pray's
God by grace has picked me up.
I have struggled with my health and desire to give up many times
I was sad there was no prayer meeting at my Church
But I pressed on. trusted God and kept in prayer.
God one by one has been meeting my needs
he will answer when we cry out to Him.
Just this last week, he brought to place of seeing I need to seek
Him again, to go back to the place of prayer, thanks for
reminder we need press on in prayers and trust in Christ
I do hope everyone is good, I too will be praying for you all
In Christ we can
Charlene
The last 7 month have been a hard road
I have fallen on my face as one who pray's
God by grace has picked me up.
I have struggled with my health and desire to give up many times
I was sad there was no prayer meeting at my Church
But I pressed on. trusted God and kept in prayer.
God one by one has been meeting my needs
he will answer when we cry out to Him.
Just this last week, he brought to place of seeing I need to seek
Him again, to go back to the place of prayer, thanks for
reminder we need press on in prayers and trust in Christ
I do hope everyone is good, I too will be praying for you all
In Christ we can
Charlene
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Preparing for the Coming Revival?
Greetings Brothers,
I listened to a David Wilkerson message several years ago and he made a shocking statement that has stayed with me. It has been on my mind ever since we started praying for revival. I am going to paraphrase his statement as I recall it.
"There can be no revival in America until there is a complete collapse of the economy and the Church of Christ is forced to abandon their idols (materialism), repent and truly seek God." (my recollection)
With the economy here in the U.S. unravelling at a horrific rate, our confidence and trust in our god (money) is being shaken to the core. The experts are wringing their hands and saying , "The sky is falling!" What is our response?
In the days leading up to the Revival Conference in Canton, our group was intensely focused and hungry....starving for a glimpse of the power of God to be revealed. Hungry for personal revival and a true revival within the Bride of Christ.
This year feels so very different. I seem powerless to break the numbing complacency that deadens my prayers and blurs my focus. Is anyone else feeling this way? By the lack of responses to my past posting I have to conclude that this is not just my own experience. I have been following the reports from the Tue. evening prayer meetings that are going on weekly in preparation for the conferences. The numbers are dismally small. We may have over 1100 registered for Atlanta but if we are all completely distracted and complacent, can we really expect a move of God in our midst?
I left Canton somewhat disappointed that the Creator of the Universe didn't respond on my schedule. I was looking for a dramatic display of God's power and instead I heard a message of repentance and preparation of the heart. That was God's message for 2007. What will we hear from Him in 2008?
Scripture confirms that God does not work according to man's timetable. Nineveh was ripe for judgement and had persecuted and abused the Jews mercilessly...and yet, when the people accepted the prophecy of Jonah, they repented and God stayed His hand of judgement for many years. Jonah was just like me. Disappointed that God didn't work like Jonah thought He should.
We must realize that the preparation, the prayers, the tears at Canton are incense before the throne of God. (Rev.5:8) God's agenda is not our agenda so we must be faithful and always looking forward, prayed up and expectantly looking for the next great message and next great move of God. The cracks in the foundation of our self-centered, materialistic world are widening. We may be on the brink of revival!
When prayer is hard, I don't want to pray. When I don't pray I am at the mercy of the enemy. Adam Clarke said,
"Apostasy begins in the closet. No man ever backslid from the life and power of Christianity who continued constant and fervent in private prayer. He who prays without ceasing is likely to rejoice evermore."
These are such interesting times. The possibility of another terrorist attack gets more and more likely, the closer we get to our election. The economy is unravelling. Our southern states have been decimated by tropical storms. We are so vulnerable...the richest country on the face of the earth. And yet...
"Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—" Rev. 3:17
Let us encourage one another as we get closer to Atlanta. Let us be aware of our great vulnerability, and our great need for revival.
Please let us lift one another up in prayer!
Your brother in the battle, Steve
I listened to a David Wilkerson message several years ago and he made a shocking statement that has stayed with me. It has been on my mind ever since we started praying for revival. I am going to paraphrase his statement as I recall it.
"There can be no revival in America until there is a complete collapse of the economy and the Church of Christ is forced to abandon their idols (materialism), repent and truly seek God." (my recollection)
With the economy here in the U.S. unravelling at a horrific rate, our confidence and trust in our god (money) is being shaken to the core. The experts are wringing their hands and saying , "The sky is falling!" What is our response?
In the days leading up to the Revival Conference in Canton, our group was intensely focused and hungry....starving for a glimpse of the power of God to be revealed. Hungry for personal revival and a true revival within the Bride of Christ.
This year feels so very different. I seem powerless to break the numbing complacency that deadens my prayers and blurs my focus. Is anyone else feeling this way? By the lack of responses to my past posting I have to conclude that this is not just my own experience. I have been following the reports from the Tue. evening prayer meetings that are going on weekly in preparation for the conferences. The numbers are dismally small. We may have over 1100 registered for Atlanta but if we are all completely distracted and complacent, can we really expect a move of God in our midst?
I left Canton somewhat disappointed that the Creator of the Universe didn't respond on my schedule. I was looking for a dramatic display of God's power and instead I heard a message of repentance and preparation of the heart. That was God's message for 2007. What will we hear from Him in 2008?
Scripture confirms that God does not work according to man's timetable. Nineveh was ripe for judgement and had persecuted and abused the Jews mercilessly...and yet, when the people accepted the prophecy of Jonah, they repented and God stayed His hand of judgement for many years. Jonah was just like me. Disappointed that God didn't work like Jonah thought He should.
We must realize that the preparation, the prayers, the tears at Canton are incense before the throne of God. (Rev.5:8) God's agenda is not our agenda so we must be faithful and always looking forward, prayed up and expectantly looking for the next great message and next great move of God. The cracks in the foundation of our self-centered, materialistic world are widening. We may be on the brink of revival!
When prayer is hard, I don't want to pray. When I don't pray I am at the mercy of the enemy. Adam Clarke said,
"Apostasy begins in the closet. No man ever backslid from the life and power of Christianity who continued constant and fervent in private prayer. He who prays without ceasing is likely to rejoice evermore."
These are such interesting times. The possibility of another terrorist attack gets more and more likely, the closer we get to our election. The economy is unravelling. Our southern states have been decimated by tropical storms. We are so vulnerable...the richest country on the face of the earth. And yet...
"Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—" Rev. 3:17
Let us encourage one another as we get closer to Atlanta. Let us be aware of our great vulnerability, and our great need for revival.
Please let us lift one another up in prayer!
Your brother in the battle, Steve
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Where did we go and what have we been doing?
Greetings Brothers,
I see that the last post on this blog was Jan/08. Wow...how time flies by! I was reminded by a recent email from Alec, that our primary focus on prayer has not been addressed by anyone in the group, despite the fact that the two revival conference planned for this year are just a few weeks away.
So I asked myself, "Well, what have you been doing since Jan. 08, and (more importantly) what are you currently doing to prepare your heart for Atlanta in Oct.? Sadly, I must confess that I have been distracted and disorganized in so many areas for the past months. My last post in Jan. hinted (or maybe screamed) a growing disatisfaction with the established institution that we call "church". That uneasiness continues to this day and I can't help but think that somehow this institutional structure has become more important than our true calling as the Bride of Christ.
I wish I had answers but as of this date I do not. I know the ONE that has the answers but for now we see through this glass darkly. What would authentic fellowship and relationship and community look like as Christ envisioned and intended? Surely it can't be anything remotely similar to the disjointed and fractured mess that we currently call "the church".
I hope some brothers (or sisters) from the CPU will sign in and get us moving in the right direction as we prepare for the coming events. Time is short and I feel that there is still so much that the Holy Spirit want to do in and through us...but we must be vessels that are usable for His service...and that requires holiness and a focused intensity on hearing that "still small voice."
I hope to hear from you soon.
Your brother, Steve
I see that the last post on this blog was Jan/08. Wow...how time flies by! I was reminded by a recent email from Alec, that our primary focus on prayer has not been addressed by anyone in the group, despite the fact that the two revival conference planned for this year are just a few weeks away.
So I asked myself, "Well, what have you been doing since Jan. 08, and (more importantly) what are you currently doing to prepare your heart for Atlanta in Oct.? Sadly, I must confess that I have been distracted and disorganized in so many areas for the past months. My last post in Jan. hinted (or maybe screamed) a growing disatisfaction with the established institution that we call "church". That uneasiness continues to this day and I can't help but think that somehow this institutional structure has become more important than our true calling as the Bride of Christ.
I wish I had answers but as of this date I do not. I know the ONE that has the answers but for now we see through this glass darkly. What would authentic fellowship and relationship and community look like as Christ envisioned and intended? Surely it can't be anything remotely similar to the disjointed and fractured mess that we currently call "the church".
I hope some brothers (or sisters) from the CPU will sign in and get us moving in the right direction as we prepare for the coming events. Time is short and I feel that there is still so much that the Holy Spirit want to do in and through us...but we must be vessels that are usable for His service...and that requires holiness and a focused intensity on hearing that "still small voice."
I hope to hear from you soon.
Your brother, Steve
Monday, January 21, 2008
25 and Counting...Is doing "Church" bringing revival?
I believe at times it is helpful to be completely honest and critically evaluate the things that I do simply out of habit and ask, "is this profitable?" This is done in the business world all the time. The Canton Prayer Union is committed to praying for revival so, in light of our stated goal I must ask, "is what I am doing now leading towards revival?" I want to first examine this thing we call "going to church".
Yesterday I fulfilled my Christian duty and went to church. My family has regularly attended church all of our lives but for some reason, we can now count 25 churches that we have attended for different periods of time. Some changes were necessitated by a physical change in residence but, the majority of these moves are the result of an unsettled searching for some small glimpse of the abundant life that Christ promised to His disciples.
Yesterday a traveling evangelist brought his introductory message for a week-long series of meetings on prayer. I have been looking forward to this series of messages since I long for a deeper and more powerful prayer life. His opening message came from Romans 1 and, in kindness, I won't go into any more detail. He preached the Word but did it in such a way that I was constantly looking at my watch and battling to pay attention. He spoke passionately about the importance of the upcoming election and the importance of coming back for all the meetings to show your love and commitment to God. I don't plan on going back. If I was going to preach a full week of messages I would definitely make sure that my first message was my 'A" game. If this was the "A" game I don't have much hope for the others.
Is the church preparing the soil for revival in America? I say "No". It is my experience that the vast (99+%) majority of Christians in North America have never experienced revival and probably never will in their lifetimes. The few that have experienced revival have probably left the established church and are living in revival somewhere in the world where the Holy Spirit is not being quenched by the twin evils of materialism and complacency. I read blogs from Christians in other parts of the world and it looks remarkably like the Book of Acts. I go from church to church and it looks remarkably like a book of bedtime stories lulling me back to sleep.
What is the church supposed to be doing? I feel like my Christian life is an endless elementary school where for over 40 years I have attended, sitting in class and hoping graduation day would arrive. But, it never arrives. I sit in the pew week after week and hear sermon after sermon and sing song after song but what is the purpose? Am I learning all of this for some purpose or is the reason I go to church the same as the reason I went to school...to learn and gain knowledge. What am I supposed to do with this knowledge? Is it not reasonable to expect that at some point I am to graduate and go "out into the world?" In North America it seems perfectly acceptable to spend ones entire life in school and never leave...just keep learning, keep praying, keep singing....just stay in kindergarten for your entire life. Naps every day and snacks! Is this what Christ envisioned for His bride?
I can hear some right now saying that I just need to get off my blessed assurance and get out and impact my world for Christ...my workplace is my mission field, my co-workers, my neighbors etc. I guess what hinders my zeal in getting "out there" is the nagging suspicion that I have never really seen or experienced the abundant life that Jesus promised. Jesus connected the abundant life directly to the overflow of the indwelling Holy Spirit. If I haven't experienced what Christ promised, what is wrong? There are only a couple of possibilities:
1. I am not truly saved, therefore I am not entitled to receive the abundant life. (I discount this based on the testimony of the Holy Spirit in my life)
2.Something I am doing or not doing is quenching the Holy Spirit. (This seems very likely to be the cause.)
Read John MacArthur's definition of the mission of the church:
There is only one reason the Lord allows His church to remain on earth: to seek and to save the lost, just as Christ’s only reason for coming to earth was to seek and to save the lost. “As the Father has sent Me,” He declared, “I also send you” (John 20:21). Therefore, believers who are not committed to winning the lost for Jesus Christ should reexamine their relationship to the Lord and certainly their divine reason for existence.
Fellowship, teaching, and praise are not the mission of the church but are rather the preparation of the church to fulfill its mission of winning the lost. And just as in athletics, training should never be confused with or substituted for actually competing in the game, which is the reason for all the training.
(see MacArthur's complete article here:http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/01/16/inward-upward-or-outward/
Are we stuck in training? How do we get in the game? Should we continue to endlessly go to school (church)? What is quenching the Spirit who wishes to impart the abundant life? If the church no longer prepares one to get in the game should we continue to attend? When do we leave the church and enter the playing field? Is it enough to just cover all the basics and be a good Christian husband/wife, father/mother, and employee or, does God expect more?
Sorry I don't have many answers today...but, maybe if we start to honestly ask some questions we can avoid the greatest tragedy of all....a wasted life and regret when we meet our Savior.
If we are not moving in circles that are preparing us for revival, are we in the right circles?
Prayerfully moving forward, Steve
Yesterday I fulfilled my Christian duty and went to church. My family has regularly attended church all of our lives but for some reason, we can now count 25 churches that we have attended for different periods of time. Some changes were necessitated by a physical change in residence but, the majority of these moves are the result of an unsettled searching for some small glimpse of the abundant life that Christ promised to His disciples.
Yesterday a traveling evangelist brought his introductory message for a week-long series of meetings on prayer. I have been looking forward to this series of messages since I long for a deeper and more powerful prayer life. His opening message came from Romans 1 and, in kindness, I won't go into any more detail. He preached the Word but did it in such a way that I was constantly looking at my watch and battling to pay attention. He spoke passionately about the importance of the upcoming election and the importance of coming back for all the meetings to show your love and commitment to God. I don't plan on going back. If I was going to preach a full week of messages I would definitely make sure that my first message was my 'A" game. If this was the "A" game I don't have much hope for the others.
Is the church preparing the soil for revival in America? I say "No". It is my experience that the vast (99+%) majority of Christians in North America have never experienced revival and probably never will in their lifetimes. The few that have experienced revival have probably left the established church and are living in revival somewhere in the world where the Holy Spirit is not being quenched by the twin evils of materialism and complacency. I read blogs from Christians in other parts of the world and it looks remarkably like the Book of Acts. I go from church to church and it looks remarkably like a book of bedtime stories lulling me back to sleep.
What is the church supposed to be doing? I feel like my Christian life is an endless elementary school where for over 40 years I have attended, sitting in class and hoping graduation day would arrive. But, it never arrives. I sit in the pew week after week and hear sermon after sermon and sing song after song but what is the purpose? Am I learning all of this for some purpose or is the reason I go to church the same as the reason I went to school...to learn and gain knowledge. What am I supposed to do with this knowledge? Is it not reasonable to expect that at some point I am to graduate and go "out into the world?" In North America it seems perfectly acceptable to spend ones entire life in school and never leave...just keep learning, keep praying, keep singing....just stay in kindergarten for your entire life. Naps every day and snacks! Is this what Christ envisioned for His bride?
I can hear some right now saying that I just need to get off my blessed assurance and get out and impact my world for Christ...my workplace is my mission field, my co-workers, my neighbors etc. I guess what hinders my zeal in getting "out there" is the nagging suspicion that I have never really seen or experienced the abundant life that Jesus promised. Jesus connected the abundant life directly to the overflow of the indwelling Holy Spirit. If I haven't experienced what Christ promised, what is wrong? There are only a couple of possibilities:
1. I am not truly saved, therefore I am not entitled to receive the abundant life. (I discount this based on the testimony of the Holy Spirit in my life)
2.Something I am doing or not doing is quenching the Holy Spirit. (This seems very likely to be the cause.)
Read John MacArthur's definition of the mission of the church:
There is only one reason the Lord allows His church to remain on earth: to seek and to save the lost, just as Christ’s only reason for coming to earth was to seek and to save the lost. “As the Father has sent Me,” He declared, “I also send you” (John 20:21). Therefore, believers who are not committed to winning the lost for Jesus Christ should reexamine their relationship to the Lord and certainly their divine reason for existence.
Fellowship, teaching, and praise are not the mission of the church but are rather the preparation of the church to fulfill its mission of winning the lost. And just as in athletics, training should never be confused with or substituted for actually competing in the game, which is the reason for all the training.
(see MacArthur's complete article here:http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/01/16/inward-upward-or-outward/
Are we stuck in training? How do we get in the game? Should we continue to endlessly go to school (church)? What is quenching the Spirit who wishes to impart the abundant life? If the church no longer prepares one to get in the game should we continue to attend? When do we leave the church and enter the playing field? Is it enough to just cover all the basics and be a good Christian husband/wife, father/mother, and employee or, does God expect more?
Sorry I don't have many answers today...but, maybe if we start to honestly ask some questions we can avoid the greatest tragedy of all....a wasted life and regret when we meet our Savior.
If we are not moving in circles that are preparing us for revival, are we in the right circles?
Prayerfully moving forward, Steve
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Recent Edits in an effort to focus this blog
Greetings friends,
I have made the difficult decision to delete several posts from this blog in an effort to get this blog back into focus. I notice that post-Canton, we started to drift and general discussions started to creep into our posts. I know there is benefit in having discussions about things that concern all of us but this is something that did not happen in the many days that we prepared for Canton. So I ask, why is this happening now?
I will confess that I was looking too much towards Canton as an "event" where something dramatic would happen to change the course of my life, or, at least, give me some specific direction. Therefore, my prayers and posts in the months leading up to the conference were clearly focused on preparing my heart to hear from God. God did not disappoint us. God spoke His word clearly. I found some notes from the conference and I was shocked at the clarity of the message that screamed from the pages.
Perhaps it would be helpful to go back and listen again to what God spoke to us in Ohio. It has now been over 80 days and the memory is already fading. Thanks to Sermonindex we can go back and listen again to what God said through His messengers. I for one am going back to listen again. I expect the Holy Spirit will reveal much to me that the enemy has already pushed to the background. Looking at my notes, I see that I probably need to start with Keith Daniel and learn again the dangers of living the compromised life.
God Bless You All....Let's move FORWARD!
Steve
I have made the difficult decision to delete several posts from this blog in an effort to get this blog back into focus. I notice that post-Canton, we started to drift and general discussions started to creep into our posts. I know there is benefit in having discussions about things that concern all of us but this is something that did not happen in the many days that we prepared for Canton. So I ask, why is this happening now?
I will confess that I was looking too much towards Canton as an "event" where something dramatic would happen to change the course of my life, or, at least, give me some specific direction. Therefore, my prayers and posts in the months leading up to the conference were clearly focused on preparing my heart to hear from God. God did not disappoint us. God spoke His word clearly. I found some notes from the conference and I was shocked at the clarity of the message that screamed from the pages.
Perhaps it would be helpful to go back and listen again to what God spoke to us in Ohio. It has now been over 80 days and the memory is already fading. Thanks to Sermonindex we can go back and listen again to what God said through His messengers. I for one am going back to listen again. I expect the Holy Spirit will reveal much to me that the enemy has already pushed to the background. Looking at my notes, I see that I probably need to start with Keith Daniel and learn again the dangers of living the compromised life.
God Bless You All....Let's move FORWARD!
Steve
Monday, December 17, 2007
grace of God
Quick Update....
What struggle we face but should I be suprise at them?
What praise will I sing? What song is in my heart?
Although the pain does not stop, I am I to stop praising His name?
Although there is no call for prayer, will I stop praying?
Although few will gather will my fire die?
Although few will gather and few will come. Few will understand and few will weep. Will I then stop my tears? Is this it I would ponder, we came we met and wept we left? But if then our fire dies then it was in vain? But if we are stired and will not give up until in he Comes then Amen.
For hearts that are stired to praying yet I have seen soon fire fades. But why? Life seems to be answer. We come busy and caught up in other things. Oh may it never be, but this day our would grow hoter for love of Christ. Our depth and understanding of prayer would grow.
Indeed there there is a greater meeting still. Who is eager for such a day?
Eager for God can and will do today in our lives? What grace he has given us, praise his name. He is worthy of our lives. our ways our hearts. Our everything, why then hold back, but give all and die at the cross..
So wherever you are, prayer meeting or not, don't give up press on.
Whom do we pray too? Is he able to make a praying Church?
But don't give up, but learn to wait and pray alone. Or maybe this what God keeps telling me. I have struggle what part do I have here at this Church? All I know for the last three years was prayer, and serving the Church in that manner. But they in some ways to hold off for big prayer meeting. I was upset and didn't understand the reason in it all. I still struggle with this, trusting God is more then able. And just need wait and pray.
My heart so heavy, if I be here please let there be a few I can meet with and pray.
And indeed today he blessed my prayer. and brought three lady who will meet on Saturday at 10 am. but before and even now, sometimes I fail to see Gods grace working. There is hope. I find my the best place to be is to thanking God, and praiseing him for what he will do and is doing now.
God has been showing the real and applyable ways to encourage my Church family to prayer. But the task seem hard and I am weary just thinking about it. But God grace can help me. I need his grace to walk and obey and to see what is he doing.
I read some great verses...
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" 1 Corn 9:24-27
Two keys things for me.. Self- Control .. and discipline. With what I eat.
Some times I think I have the right to eat what I want. Or I can as long as I do in under control. I seen that the lust of my flesh for sugar and other things I shouldn't eat all, has taken over and given birth to sin and lack of self - control. I know the facts and effects of even slipping once here and there. ( Note I am not eating it everyday. But even once is deadly in some ways) Why I say one time can be deadly is it open the door for more times, and soon it grows.
As John Owen says "" you must always be at it while you live; do not take a day off from this work ; always be killing sin or it will be killing you."
As part of my reason, just a rest here and there, but putting to death my ways it seems it needed everyday.
This hits home in such a real way. My sin of eating these food here and there I sure will not kill me this day, but the cause and effect it can have my body can be big. So idea or thought of sin killing us. Is so real to me this week. What I sometimes call little or not important is in fact big.
"When sin lets us alone, we may let sin alone; but sin is always active when it seems to be the most quiet, and its waters are often deep when they are calm." John Owen
This again is so true for me this week. I can't give up. I must be at war always. but I am always thankful God showed that I can't do this with out Christ.
"Sin’s expression is modest in the beginning but, once it has gained a foothold, it continue to take further ground and presses on to the greater heights. This advance of sin as it continues to grow." John Owen
" To neglect of this duty makes the inner mad decay instead of renewing him" John Owen
So I reason that I can eat this if I give more Med. What wrong thinking. a cover up for what I shouldn't have in the frist place. For some reason, if I could make so My blood sugar dosn't go up then I can eat. But I fail to remeber that is hurts others things that sometimes can't be seen. Same in my life I can't sin and use grace to cover it up. The heart motive is still there.
Anyways I had made a cake thing. I left in the house I was going to eat the next day. But brother gave it to the dogs. I was upset at frist then saw Gods grace for me. How weak we are at times.
Blessing in The Lord
charlene
What struggle we face but should I be suprise at them?
What praise will I sing? What song is in my heart?
Although the pain does not stop, I am I to stop praising His name?
Although there is no call for prayer, will I stop praying?
Although few will gather will my fire die?
Although few will gather and few will come. Few will understand and few will weep. Will I then stop my tears? Is this it I would ponder, we came we met and wept we left? But if then our fire dies then it was in vain? But if we are stired and will not give up until in he Comes then Amen.
For hearts that are stired to praying yet I have seen soon fire fades. But why? Life seems to be answer. We come busy and caught up in other things. Oh may it never be, but this day our would grow hoter for love of Christ. Our depth and understanding of prayer would grow.
Indeed there there is a greater meeting still. Who is eager for such a day?
Eager for God can and will do today in our lives? What grace he has given us, praise his name. He is worthy of our lives. our ways our hearts. Our everything, why then hold back, but give all and die at the cross..
So wherever you are, prayer meeting or not, don't give up press on.
Whom do we pray too? Is he able to make a praying Church?
But don't give up, but learn to wait and pray alone. Or maybe this what God keeps telling me. I have struggle what part do I have here at this Church? All I know for the last three years was prayer, and serving the Church in that manner. But they in some ways to hold off for big prayer meeting. I was upset and didn't understand the reason in it all. I still struggle with this, trusting God is more then able. And just need wait and pray.
My heart so heavy, if I be here please let there be a few I can meet with and pray.
And indeed today he blessed my prayer. and brought three lady who will meet on Saturday at 10 am. but before and even now, sometimes I fail to see Gods grace working. There is hope. I find my the best place to be is to thanking God, and praiseing him for what he will do and is doing now.
God has been showing the real and applyable ways to encourage my Church family to prayer. But the task seem hard and I am weary just thinking about it. But God grace can help me. I need his grace to walk and obey and to see what is he doing.
I read some great verses...
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" 1 Corn 9:24-27
Two keys things for me.. Self- Control .. and discipline. With what I eat.
Some times I think I have the right to eat what I want. Or I can as long as I do in under control. I seen that the lust of my flesh for sugar and other things I shouldn't eat all, has taken over and given birth to sin and lack of self - control. I know the facts and effects of even slipping once here and there. ( Note I am not eating it everyday. But even once is deadly in some ways) Why I say one time can be deadly is it open the door for more times, and soon it grows.
As John Owen says "" you must always be at it while you live; do not take a day off from this work ; always be killing sin or it will be killing you."
As part of my reason, just a rest here and there, but putting to death my ways it seems it needed everyday.
This hits home in such a real way. My sin of eating these food here and there I sure will not kill me this day, but the cause and effect it can have my body can be big. So idea or thought of sin killing us. Is so real to me this week. What I sometimes call little or not important is in fact big.
"When sin lets us alone, we may let sin alone; but sin is always active when it seems to be the most quiet, and its waters are often deep when they are calm." John Owen
This again is so true for me this week. I can't give up. I must be at war always. but I am always thankful God showed that I can't do this with out Christ.
"Sin’s expression is modest in the beginning but, once it has gained a foothold, it continue to take further ground and presses on to the greater heights. This advance of sin as it continues to grow." John Owen
" To neglect of this duty makes the inner mad decay instead of renewing him" John Owen
So I reason that I can eat this if I give more Med. What wrong thinking. a cover up for what I shouldn't have in the frist place. For some reason, if I could make so My blood sugar dosn't go up then I can eat. But I fail to remeber that is hurts others things that sometimes can't be seen. Same in my life I can't sin and use grace to cover it up. The heart motive is still there.
Anyways I had made a cake thing. I left in the house I was going to eat the next day. But brother gave it to the dogs. I was upset at frist then saw Gods grace for me. How weak we are at times.
Blessing in The Lord
charlene
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Priorities and the Mysteries of God
Christians everywhere are locked in battle over the proper view of the end times, the proper interpretation of the millenium, the pros and cons of the charismatic gifts etc., etc., etc. I have struggled over the past year with how much time and energy should be expended in searching out answers on these issues. In the closing months of this year it became painfully obvious that I could dig my heels in on any one of these issues and spend huge volumes of time trying to discern answers to so many of these questions. While I fret and study and pray for enlightenment, I am blissfully unaware that I am neglecting the Great Commission that stands apart from these divisive arguments and commands that we simply share the "good news" of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us and, when this seed takes root and regenerates the lost, we are simply to be about the business of discipleship.
It believe Satan is quite happy and content to have us spend hours and days and months and years trying to search out the mysteries of God. Every hour spent in this pursuit keeps us away from the lost who are headed to eternity with him in hell. We have the one thing they need to be saved. The following quote by Spurgeon sums this up quite well.
Preaching on the subject of the "Second Advent" at The Metropolitan Tabernacle in December of 1884, he stated this:
"Some Christians are very curious, but not obedient. Plain precepts are
neglected, but difficult problems they seek to solve. I remember one who used to be dwelling upon the vials and seals and trumpets. He was great at apocalyptic symbols; but he had seven children, and he had no family prayer. If he had left the vials and trumpets and minded his boys and girls, it would have been a deal better.
I have known men marvelously great upon Daniel and specially instructed in Ezekiel, but singularly forgetful of the twentieth of Exodus, and not very clear upon Romans the eighth. I do not speak with any blame of such folks for studying Daniel and Ezekiel, but quite the reverse; yet I wish they had been more zealous for the conversion of sinners in their neighborhoods, and the more careful to assist the poor saints. I admit the value of the study of the feet of the image of Nebuchadnezzar's vision, and the importance of knowing the kingdoms
which make up the ten toes, but I do not see the propriety of allowing such studies to overlay the common-places of practical godliness. If the time spent over obscure theological propositions were given to a mission in the dim alley near the good man's house, more benefit would come to man and more glory to God.
I would have you understand all the mysteries brethren, if you could; but do not forget that our chief business here below is to cry, "Behold the Lamb!" Charles H. Spurgeon
Your brother in this battle, Steve
It believe Satan is quite happy and content to have us spend hours and days and months and years trying to search out the mysteries of God. Every hour spent in this pursuit keeps us away from the lost who are headed to eternity with him in hell. We have the one thing they need to be saved. The following quote by Spurgeon sums this up quite well.
Preaching on the subject of the "Second Advent" at The Metropolitan Tabernacle in December of 1884, he stated this:
"Some Christians are very curious, but not obedient. Plain precepts are
neglected, but difficult problems they seek to solve. I remember one who used to be dwelling upon the vials and seals and trumpets. He was great at apocalyptic symbols; but he had seven children, and he had no family prayer. If he had left the vials and trumpets and minded his boys and girls, it would have been a deal better.
I have known men marvelously great upon Daniel and specially instructed in Ezekiel, but singularly forgetful of the twentieth of Exodus, and not very clear upon Romans the eighth. I do not speak with any blame of such folks for studying Daniel and Ezekiel, but quite the reverse; yet I wish they had been more zealous for the conversion of sinners in their neighborhoods, and the more careful to assist the poor saints. I admit the value of the study of the feet of the image of Nebuchadnezzar's vision, and the importance of knowing the kingdoms
which make up the ten toes, but I do not see the propriety of allowing such studies to overlay the common-places of practical godliness. If the time spent over obscure theological propositions were given to a mission in the dim alley near the good man's house, more benefit would come to man and more glory to God.
I would have you understand all the mysteries brethren, if you could; but do not forget that our chief business here below is to cry, "Behold the Lamb!" Charles H. Spurgeon
Your brother in this battle, Steve
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Another Year Draws to a Close
Brothers and Sisters,
As another year draws to a close and we contemplate and evaluate the activities of the past 365 days, I wonder how many more holiday seasons we have left. Don't worry, I have no doomsday prophecy for our blog but, I have attended numerous funerals this year for men and women who, last year at this time, had no idea they would be in eternity today. What would they say if they could speak to us this day?
Will our group be intact for another year or will 2008 be the year that someone in our union, or in our immediate family will enter eternity? There are no guarantees and when I evaluate the past 12 months, I am so thankful for the way each one of you have challenged me to press on and press in. The let-down after Canton was inevitable but should this be so? Do we not have a far greater event and a far greater reunion coming? 2008 could be the year that I meet my Savior face-to-face. It could be the year that one of my brothers or sisters in this union will make that final journey. Since we poured out our hearts in prayer and fasting leading up to Canton, how can we slip back into the "ordinary" now, knowing that a far greater meeting is on the horizon?
In the same way that we would have been embarrassed to show up in Canton unprepared, let's press on and challenge each other to greater and greater faithfulness in 2008, as this could be the year we make our own journey into eternity. How embarrassing it will be to stand before our Savior and confess we were just too busy to pray, too busy to share the gospel, too busy to read the Word, too busy to love our spouses and children. Let us strip away anything that is weighing us down in this fight.
My prayer for 2008 is that I would finally begin to love Christ more than I love my own flesh. I pray that I would care more for the gospel than for my own beloved image in the eyes of sinful men. I pray that I would invest in the priceless treasure of souls that walk by me every day, blissfully unconcerned that they are headed to an eternity in hell.
Let us continue pressing on and pressing in!
Your brother, Steve
As another year draws to a close and we contemplate and evaluate the activities of the past 365 days, I wonder how many more holiday seasons we have left. Don't worry, I have no doomsday prophecy for our blog but, I have attended numerous funerals this year for men and women who, last year at this time, had no idea they would be in eternity today. What would they say if they could speak to us this day?
Will our group be intact for another year or will 2008 be the year that someone in our union, or in our immediate family will enter eternity? There are no guarantees and when I evaluate the past 12 months, I am so thankful for the way each one of you have challenged me to press on and press in. The let-down after Canton was inevitable but should this be so? Do we not have a far greater event and a far greater reunion coming? 2008 could be the year that I meet my Savior face-to-face. It could be the year that one of my brothers or sisters in this union will make that final journey. Since we poured out our hearts in prayer and fasting leading up to Canton, how can we slip back into the "ordinary" now, knowing that a far greater meeting is on the horizon?
In the same way that we would have been embarrassed to show up in Canton unprepared, let's press on and challenge each other to greater and greater faithfulness in 2008, as this could be the year we make our own journey into eternity. How embarrassing it will be to stand before our Savior and confess we were just too busy to pray, too busy to share the gospel, too busy to read the Word, too busy to love our spouses and children. Let us strip away anything that is weighing us down in this fight.
My prayer for 2008 is that I would finally begin to love Christ more than I love my own flesh. I pray that I would care more for the gospel than for my own beloved image in the eyes of sinful men. I pray that I would invest in the priceless treasure of souls that walk by me every day, blissfully unconcerned that they are headed to an eternity in hell.
Let us continue pressing on and pressing in!
Your brother, Steve
Monday, December 10, 2007
please pray
sorry I am writing again.
I just wanted to ask for prayer for my health
I have been in lots of pain this last week.
It was a really hard day.
Please pray that doors for the Gosple will be open
and God will use to speak of Christ wisly and fearless
I will have much joy in this trail.
Also those around would have a heart to pray, I was in tears today
who wants to come and pray?
Please pray my faith will be strong and my eyes on Christ
thanks
charlene
I just wanted to ask for prayer for my health
I have been in lots of pain this last week.
It was a really hard day.
Please pray that doors for the Gosple will be open
and God will use to speak of Christ wisly and fearless
I will have much joy in this trail.
Also those around would have a heart to pray, I was in tears today
who wants to come and pray?
Please pray my faith will be strong and my eyes on Christ
thanks
charlene
Saturday, December 8, 2007
no rest
A friend sent this to me. I have been battle my health for some time. I have in out of this trail. This really was a blessing. To know in heaven there will such perfect rest.
Blessing in Christ
charlene
This is not your resting-place(Thomas Brooks, "A String of Pearls" 1657)This life is full of trials, full of troubles, and full of changes. Sin within, and Satan and the world without, will keep a Christian from rest, until he comes to rest in the bosom of Christ. The life of a Christian is a race--and what rest have those who are still a-running their race? The life of a Christian is a warfare--and what rest have those who are still engaged in a constant warfare? The life of a Christian is the life of a pilgrim--and what rest has a pilgrim, who is still a-traveling from place to place? The fears, the snares, the cares, the changes, etc., which attend believers in this world, are such that will keep them from taking up their rest here. A Christian hears that word always sounding in his ears, "Arise, for this isnot your resting-place, because it is polluted." Micah 2:10.A man may as well expect to find heaven in hell--as expect to find rest in this world! Rest is a jewel very desirable on earth;but we shall not wear it in our bosoms until we come to heaven.
Man's sorrows begin when his days begin, and his sorrows are multiplied as his days are multiplied; his whole life is but one continued grief:
labor wears him,
care tears him,
fears toss him,
losses vex him,
dangers trouble him,
crosses disquiet him,
nothing pleases him.
he rest reserved in heaven for believers is a universal rest--
a rest from all sin;
a rest from all sorrow;
a rest from all afflictions;
a rest from all temptations;
a rest from all oppression;
a rest from all vexations;
a rest from all labor and pains;
a rest from all trouble and travail;
a rest from all aches, weaknesses, and diseases.
"Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from all their toils and trials!" Rev. 14:13
Blessing in Christ
charlene
This is not your resting-place(Thomas Brooks, "A String of Pearls" 1657)This life is full of trials, full of troubles, and full of changes. Sin within, and Satan and the world without, will keep a Christian from rest, until he comes to rest in the bosom of Christ. The life of a Christian is a race--and what rest have those who are still a-running their race? The life of a Christian is a warfare--and what rest have those who are still engaged in a constant warfare? The life of a Christian is the life of a pilgrim--and what rest has a pilgrim, who is still a-traveling from place to place? The fears, the snares, the cares, the changes, etc., which attend believers in this world, are such that will keep them from taking up their rest here. A Christian hears that word always sounding in his ears, "Arise, for this isnot your resting-place, because it is polluted." Micah 2:10.A man may as well expect to find heaven in hell--as expect to find rest in this world! Rest is a jewel very desirable on earth;but we shall not wear it in our bosoms until we come to heaven.
Man's sorrows begin when his days begin, and his sorrows are multiplied as his days are multiplied; his whole life is but one continued grief:
labor wears him,
care tears him,
fears toss him,
losses vex him,
dangers trouble him,
crosses disquiet him,
nothing pleases him.
he rest reserved in heaven for believers is a universal rest--
a rest from all sin;
a rest from all sorrow;
a rest from all afflictions;
a rest from all temptations;
a rest from all oppression;
a rest from all vexations;
a rest from all labor and pains;
a rest from all trouble and travail;
a rest from all aches, weaknesses, and diseases.
"Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from all their toils and trials!" Rev. 14:13
Thursday, December 6, 2007
be watchful on praying
Why do people not prayer? Others things have taken there time. Sin is what keeps from praying? If a man has a right veiw of sin, he will have a right veiw of God. Therefore he will
desire to pray. I am starting think revile and sin go together in many ways. Without turning from it we stay in the place, but with hunger and turning we grow and go deeper. Maybe it really is as easy as that, the hunger in our hearts for holiness? I guess I still have many questions. Do you think what was written off track, may I ask why?
But as for my Church and the struggle I see with prayer, really is a deeper root. Being I can't call a prayer meeting. But I can go to one house at a time and pray with them. I can pray for them. I can speak of Gods words with them. I have been meeting with two sister alone and praying. I have talked with the pastor. There are things that keep people from praying.
I am finding that speaking and praying on the matters of Holiness, from it comes a deeper heart for prayer. I agree we must be praying, but if they don't then go to them. Have people in or Homes. Don't give up.
Blessing Charlene
Watchful PrayingBy Dave Butts
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2).Devotion to prayer was one of the marks of the early Church. In Acts 2:42, Luke lists four areas of devotion that marked the Jerusalem church: Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The rest of Acts demonstrates their devotion, as a praying Church breaks out of Judea and embarks upon its mission to the world.God’s call to His people today is for nothing less than that demonstrated by the first believers. Through dependence upon His power through prayer, we establish His kingdom in the lives of men and women everywhere, seeing Christ’s kingdom advance among the nations.In Colossians 4:2, Paul’s command for us to be devoted to prayer is sharpened by the phrase, "being watchful." Watchful praying is a more intense, more kingdom-focused type of prayer. All too often our prayers can be a reflection of an unfocused, bland faith. We ask little, expecting little, and what we do ask for is more about our own desires than the purposes and plans of God.Watchful praying takes effort. It is an aggressive sort of prayer life, recognizing that life is lived out in the midst of a battleground. Watching and praying is a lifestyle focusing on seeing the kingdom of Christ advance and knowing that our prayers are a vital part of what God is doing on planet earth.To watch and pray first of all means that we watch God. As we draw near in intimacy and see how God is moving, we pick up divine cues from Him as to how we should pray. Scripture speaks much of keeping our eyes on the Lord:
• "O my Strength, I watch for You; You, O God, are my fortress…" (Psalm 59:9).
• "But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me" (Micah 7:7).
• "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint" (Habakkuk 2:1).
• "It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’" (Mark 13:34-37).God’s Word also tells us to watch what is happening around us, and sometimes even within us. There is to be an awareness of our surroundings and what God might be doing in them, so that we can pray with greater effectiveness. Here are just a few of the Scriptures that point to this way of watching and praying:
• "Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told" (Habakkuk 1:5).
• "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42).
• "Then He said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.’ Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’ Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with Me for one hour?’ He asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak’" (Matthew 26:38-41).
• "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them" (Deuteronomy 4:9).One of the most fascinating aspects of watchful praying is how closely it ties us to the very nature and activity of God Himself. God is a watcher! Again and again in the Bible we read of how He watches over the affairs of both nations and individuals. He calls us to join Him on His watch…to devote ourselves to watch and pray that we might participate with our Lord in His purposes. What an amazing privilege! Carefully consider these Scriptures that point to God on His watch:
• "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Genesis 28:15).
• "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8).
• "He rules forever by His power, His eyes watch the nations – let not the rebellious rise up against Him" (Psalm 66:7)
.• "The LORD will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (Psalm 121:7-8).
• "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).Would you today join with a watching God? He is calling His people to such an intimate place with Him that we begin to see some aspects of what He is seeing as He allows us that privilege. Our watching is for the purpose of praying into our world the purposes and plans of God. How amazing is the grace and calling of God that He would grant us the joy and favor of laboring alongside Him through watchful praying!
desire to pray. I am starting think revile and sin go together in many ways. Without turning from it we stay in the place, but with hunger and turning we grow and go deeper. Maybe it really is as easy as that, the hunger in our hearts for holiness? I guess I still have many questions. Do you think what was written off track, may I ask why?
But as for my Church and the struggle I see with prayer, really is a deeper root. Being I can't call a prayer meeting. But I can go to one house at a time and pray with them. I can pray for them. I can speak of Gods words with them. I have been meeting with two sister alone and praying. I have talked with the pastor. There are things that keep people from praying.
I am finding that speaking and praying on the matters of Holiness, from it comes a deeper heart for prayer. I agree we must be praying, but if they don't then go to them. Have people in or Homes. Don't give up.
Blessing Charlene
Watchful PrayingBy Dave Butts
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2).Devotion to prayer was one of the marks of the early Church. In Acts 2:42, Luke lists four areas of devotion that marked the Jerusalem church: Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The rest of Acts demonstrates their devotion, as a praying Church breaks out of Judea and embarks upon its mission to the world.God’s call to His people today is for nothing less than that demonstrated by the first believers. Through dependence upon His power through prayer, we establish His kingdom in the lives of men and women everywhere, seeing Christ’s kingdom advance among the nations.In Colossians 4:2, Paul’s command for us to be devoted to prayer is sharpened by the phrase, "being watchful." Watchful praying is a more intense, more kingdom-focused type of prayer. All too often our prayers can be a reflection of an unfocused, bland faith. We ask little, expecting little, and what we do ask for is more about our own desires than the purposes and plans of God.Watchful praying takes effort. It is an aggressive sort of prayer life, recognizing that life is lived out in the midst of a battleground. Watching and praying is a lifestyle focusing on seeing the kingdom of Christ advance and knowing that our prayers are a vital part of what God is doing on planet earth.To watch and pray first of all means that we watch God. As we draw near in intimacy and see how God is moving, we pick up divine cues from Him as to how we should pray. Scripture speaks much of keeping our eyes on the Lord:
• "O my Strength, I watch for You; You, O God, are my fortress…" (Psalm 59:9).
• "But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me" (Micah 7:7).
• "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint" (Habakkuk 2:1).
• "It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’" (Mark 13:34-37).God’s Word also tells us to watch what is happening around us, and sometimes even within us. There is to be an awareness of our surroundings and what God might be doing in them, so that we can pray with greater effectiveness. Here are just a few of the Scriptures that point to this way of watching and praying:
• "Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told" (Habakkuk 1:5).
• "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42).
• "Then He said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.’ Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.’ Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with Me for one hour?’ He asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak’" (Matthew 26:38-41).
• "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them" (Deuteronomy 4:9).One of the most fascinating aspects of watchful praying is how closely it ties us to the very nature and activity of God Himself. God is a watcher! Again and again in the Bible we read of how He watches over the affairs of both nations and individuals. He calls us to join Him on His watch…to devote ourselves to watch and pray that we might participate with our Lord in His purposes. What an amazing privilege! Carefully consider these Scriptures that point to God on His watch:
• "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Genesis 28:15).
• "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8).
• "He rules forever by His power, His eyes watch the nations – let not the rebellious rise up against Him" (Psalm 66:7)
.• "The LORD will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (Psalm 121:7-8).
• "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).Would you today join with a watching God? He is calling His people to such an intimate place with Him that we begin to see some aspects of what He is seeing as He allows us that privilege. Our watching is for the purpose of praying into our world the purposes and plans of God. How amazing is the grace and calling of God that He would grant us the joy and favor of laboring alongside Him through watchful praying!
Lets get back to REVIVAL PRAYER
Brothers and Sisters,
This blog is a Prayer Union. Remember the purpose. Remember the agreements you have made to participate with this blog.
Sin is sin.
Jeremiah 32:38,39 "They will be my people,and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart AND ACTION, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them."
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Are we still praying for revival ?
I have waited for a while to put my thoughts into this blog. I have read of concerns over the conference and discussions on sin. Our job is to be on our knees. The men who organized the conference and spoke were men of God with a great passion for revival. If revival has not started in your area, ask God to start with you. Are you still praying ? Many times at the conference when several of us went to prayer, many of our "union" were no where to be found. Corporate or group prayer or individual prayer will all be heard by God. Be responsible for what YOU must DO !!
It has been 10 weeks now since a "revival Prayer meeting" was started at my church. We are still yet to see the pastor or any of the elders or leaders of the church attend. We start at 8:30 am and pray untill the early service starts at 9:30. The pastor has "popped in" twice. I am so fustrated , angry and bewildered. We have only 3 of us who show up. One is only 14 yers old. I am praising God for the promise that where 2 or 3 are gathered.... God is teaching me to trust Him. I should not be frustrated. He is at work. I should not be angry. He is at work. I should not be bewildered. He is at work. God is faithful, and will continue to be at work. I believe God will bring revival. Gods promise and instructions come from His word.I am constantly brought back to:
2 Chronicles 20:17 "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions: stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you,..."
1. It is not my battle (or yours)
2. My position is on my knees (and yours)
3. My job is to stand firm (and yours)
4. The result will be that we will see God work ( is that your desire ?)
I must continue to pray. Let us get back to what we (GOD) started. Let us get back to sharing what God is teaching us in regards to revival. The one thing that I can tell you is that God has told me that He has heard my prayers. That is what I KNOW. Revival will come at Gods time and place. "when His people who are called by His name...."
Your brother, still in the battle,
BILL
This blog is a Prayer Union. Remember the purpose. Remember the agreements you have made to participate with this blog.
Sin is sin.
Jeremiah 32:38,39 "They will be my people,and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart AND ACTION, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them."
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Are we still praying for revival ?
I have waited for a while to put my thoughts into this blog. I have read of concerns over the conference and discussions on sin. Our job is to be on our knees. The men who organized the conference and spoke were men of God with a great passion for revival. If revival has not started in your area, ask God to start with you. Are you still praying ? Many times at the conference when several of us went to prayer, many of our "union" were no where to be found. Corporate or group prayer or individual prayer will all be heard by God. Be responsible for what YOU must DO !!
It has been 10 weeks now since a "revival Prayer meeting" was started at my church. We are still yet to see the pastor or any of the elders or leaders of the church attend. We start at 8:30 am and pray untill the early service starts at 9:30. The pastor has "popped in" twice. I am so fustrated , angry and bewildered. We have only 3 of us who show up. One is only 14 yers old. I am praising God for the promise that where 2 or 3 are gathered.... God is teaching me to trust Him. I should not be frustrated. He is at work. I should not be angry. He is at work. I should not be bewildered. He is at work. God is faithful, and will continue to be at work. I believe God will bring revival. Gods promise and instructions come from His word.I am constantly brought back to:
2 Chronicles 20:17 "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions: stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you,..."
1. It is not my battle (or yours)
2. My position is on my knees (and yours)
3. My job is to stand firm (and yours)
4. The result will be that we will see God work ( is that your desire ?)
I must continue to pray. Let us get back to what we (GOD) started. Let us get back to sharing what God is teaching us in regards to revival. The one thing that I can tell you is that God has told me that He has heard my prayers. That is what I KNOW. Revival will come at Gods time and place. "when His people who are called by His name...."
Your brother, still in the battle,
BILL
a talk about moives
So from the question I ask, I went to talk a with the leader for prayer at the Church, Him and my friend met two days ago.
This what was brought up. Got me thinking.
Frist the talk of sin was brought up.
*Talk about the deceifulness of sin, and how many can be deceitive by sin.
* How men think little of Sin, will show how we think about God
* So the question was brought how should one think about Sin?
*If " Sin is a daring rebellion aginst the majesty of heaven and would is it were possible, pluck the eternal God from His throne! Every particale of sin contains an infinity of evil, and deserves everlasting damnation! Sin transformed the angels of light into demons of darkness. Sin rendered the happy pair in Eden wretched outcasts in a owrld of woe.
* So it was said that sin was a rebellion to God
* then James brought up, talking of how sin gives brith to death.
C.H Spurgeon.
Sin is a defiance of God to his face a stabbing of God so far as ma can do it to the very heart! Sin is a monster, a hideous thing a thing which God will not look upon, and which pure eyes cannot behold but with the untmost destesation. A flood of tears is the proper medium through which a Christain should look at sin,
* So the questions was how does God see sin?
* then brought again how are we to see in the light of How He see it?
* then the talk of fleeing from sin, and being at war
"be killing sin or it will be killing you"
It was from John Owne whcih it was talked about, that we are to moritify sin. The indwelling lust and desires.
Then the talk of discipline and staying away from things that are not honoring and pure.
To renew our minds
* then it was said that you cant take any days off alway have to be active in putting to death sin. To go war against it.
Then Holiness brought up
what does it mean to be Holy as he is Holy?
are we to see if we are holy by what others are doing, or to be like Christ?
So the question was is the things in the moives or the people in the moive doing sin, to show sin, there one is part of it, by watching it?
Is taking joy in what God hates sin?
Then the question came where in the Bible does it say we can't watch moives? Show me!
Then one brought up, Stop! Lets stop trying to find a reson to but to see if watching moive grows our walks with Christ, If they are the best thing for us.
Then this was brought out, Does Moive do this? If not why are wasting our time?
Do the bring glory to God name and he is honored.-- Do you walk away think about how great God is?
Does his holiness reverenced--- To they go againt what is God law, liying...
is the Greatness of God admired--- or is it look down, by his name being used in a wrong way
The power of God praise__ or it look down on and mocked.
Is the truth of God sought---- do you get worldy wisdom?
Is the beauty of God treasured- do we walked loving God more?
Is the Goodness savored
Is his faithfullness trusted?
promises Shown true?
Desire to keep and know the commadments of God, showing what happens when sin?
Justice of God fought for, love and desire
a fear for God
Loving the Gift of God, grace the cross, Jesus Christ
Desiring to go read the bible go share your faith, pray or love others
most to love God more..
It was a good time hearing what was said.
Good things to think about, I think will might meet next week..
It seems moived is a huge thing to many people I can understand it so part of our lives in many ways.
In Christ
charlene
This what was brought up. Got me thinking.
Frist the talk of sin was brought up.
*Talk about the deceifulness of sin, and how many can be deceitive by sin.
* How men think little of Sin, will show how we think about God
* So the question was brought how should one think about Sin?
*If " Sin is a daring rebellion aginst the majesty of heaven and would is it were possible, pluck the eternal God from His throne! Every particale of sin contains an infinity of evil, and deserves everlasting damnation! Sin transformed the angels of light into demons of darkness. Sin rendered the happy pair in Eden wretched outcasts in a owrld of woe.
* So it was said that sin was a rebellion to God
* then James brought up, talking of how sin gives brith to death.
C.H Spurgeon.
Sin is a defiance of God to his face a stabbing of God so far as ma can do it to the very heart! Sin is a monster, a hideous thing a thing which God will not look upon, and which pure eyes cannot behold but with the untmost destesation. A flood of tears is the proper medium through which a Christain should look at sin,
* So the questions was how does God see sin?
* then brought again how are we to see in the light of How He see it?
* then the talk of fleeing from sin, and being at war
"be killing sin or it will be killing you"
It was from John Owne whcih it was talked about, that we are to moritify sin. The indwelling lust and desires.
Then the talk of discipline and staying away from things that are not honoring and pure.
To renew our minds
* then it was said that you cant take any days off alway have to be active in putting to death sin. To go war against it.
Then Holiness brought up
what does it mean to be Holy as he is Holy?
are we to see if we are holy by what others are doing, or to be like Christ?
So the question was is the things in the moives or the people in the moive doing sin, to show sin, there one is part of it, by watching it?
Is taking joy in what God hates sin?
Then the question came where in the Bible does it say we can't watch moives? Show me!
Then one brought up, Stop! Lets stop trying to find a reson to but to see if watching moive grows our walks with Christ, If they are the best thing for us.
Then this was brought out, Does Moive do this? If not why are wasting our time?
Do the bring glory to God name and he is honored.-- Do you walk away think about how great God is?
Does his holiness reverenced--- To they go againt what is God law, liying...
is the Greatness of God admired--- or is it look down, by his name being used in a wrong way
The power of God praise__ or it look down on and mocked.
Is the truth of God sought---- do you get worldy wisdom?
Is the beauty of God treasured- do we walked loving God more?
Is the Goodness savored
Is his faithfullness trusted?
promises Shown true?
Desire to keep and know the commadments of God, showing what happens when sin?
Justice of God fought for, love and desire
a fear for God
Loving the Gift of God, grace the cross, Jesus Christ
Desiring to go read the bible go share your faith, pray or love others
most to love God more..
It was a good time hearing what was said.
Good things to think about, I think will might meet next week..
It seems moived is a huge thing to many people I can understand it so part of our lives in many ways.
In Christ
charlene
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Movies and Sin...My Perspective
Brothers and Sisters,
I used to love movies...all types of movies. Though I claimed to be a Christian and had said "the magic prayer", I was entertained by the things God hates and I often ignored or was bored by the things God loves. Was I truly "saved"? By the test of God's Word, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation...," I certainly hungered for all the things of the old man of the flesh. I acted like a Christian, and had gone forward and prayed the sinners prayer, and I had the decision card that proved I was a card-carrying Christian, but the desires of my heart were inclined towards evil, immorality and lust. Oh, I still felt sorry when I sinned, but in my police career I saw that even the most evil reprobate still will usually feel sorry when caught in his sin.
What does all of this have to do with the question of movies? About 1 year ago I was finally ready to get honest with God. I went to Him in sorrow and frustration and admitted that I was a phony...I was simply playing the Christian game. I loved many things that God hates and hated many things that God loves. Don't get me wrong. I appeared to be everything that a "good Christian" man is supposed to be, and yet my heart was far from God and desperate for the truth. When I finally got honest with God, that was the start of a process that I can only describe as revolutionary. It was as though my conscience was magnified many times and I was suddenly very aware of God's presence in my life and how my words, actions and thought life affected my relationship with Him. Almost overnight, I found it grieved the Holy Spirit to watch most shows on T.V. and to attend movies. My wife and I have always enjoyed going out to movies but we became convinced that even relatively tame PG or PG-13 movies offended the Spirit and really hurt our relationship with Christ and quenched the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Within a couple of months, cable TV was disconnected and this was an extreme adjustment for our family. That one decision has had a dramatic effect on the spiritual life of everyone in our home. Obviously, getting rid of T.V. did not eliminate all of the challenges.My teenage boys often want to see some movie that all of their friends are raving about. The standard in our home has become consistent with Phil. 4:8:
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
When you apply this standard, the decision on most movies and T.V. in general is pretty simple. Another tool we use when deciding what media is acceptable is to ask the question, "Would I be comfortable watching this with Christ in the same room?" That test will also clear up many gray areas. When we discuss these things my boys will often roll their eyes and complain, "With that standard we can't watch anything." I tell them that the day is soon coming when they will build their own homes and it will their responsibility before God to determine the standard in their own home. Until then, unfortunately for them, it is my standard that determines the entertainment in our home.
In closing I will share one recent example that illustrates the nature of this war we are fighting. A Baptist pastor friend of mine recently remarked that he wanted to share something and get my opinion. He said that whenever the Victoria's Secret Christmas commercial comes on the T.V., his 4-year-old son would run to the screen and touch the screen. The pastor and his wife think that the boy just loves the music...I beg to differ. We are raising children who are losing their innocence at extremely young ages. We recently saw in the news the story of two boys (I think they were 6 or 7) raping a girl on the school bus. I told the pastor that I thought that he should be very concerned, not only about why his young son was running to touch the screen, but also why he was comfortable watching Victoria's Secret commercials. In our grandparents' day, these commercials would have been considered X-rated.
I hope others in this union will weigh in on this issue regardless of how you feel. The standard of holiness is a foreign concept to 21st century Christians...but it remains God's standard for His people.
Your brother, Steve
I used to love movies...all types of movies. Though I claimed to be a Christian and had said "the magic prayer", I was entertained by the things God hates and I often ignored or was bored by the things God loves. Was I truly "saved"? By the test of God's Word, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation...," I certainly hungered for all the things of the old man of the flesh. I acted like a Christian, and had gone forward and prayed the sinners prayer, and I had the decision card that proved I was a card-carrying Christian, but the desires of my heart were inclined towards evil, immorality and lust. Oh, I still felt sorry when I sinned, but in my police career I saw that even the most evil reprobate still will usually feel sorry when caught in his sin.
What does all of this have to do with the question of movies? About 1 year ago I was finally ready to get honest with God. I went to Him in sorrow and frustration and admitted that I was a phony...I was simply playing the Christian game. I loved many things that God hates and hated many things that God loves. Don't get me wrong. I appeared to be everything that a "good Christian" man is supposed to be, and yet my heart was far from God and desperate for the truth. When I finally got honest with God, that was the start of a process that I can only describe as revolutionary. It was as though my conscience was magnified many times and I was suddenly very aware of God's presence in my life and how my words, actions and thought life affected my relationship with Him. Almost overnight, I found it grieved the Holy Spirit to watch most shows on T.V. and to attend movies. My wife and I have always enjoyed going out to movies but we became convinced that even relatively tame PG or PG-13 movies offended the Spirit and really hurt our relationship with Christ and quenched the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Within a couple of months, cable TV was disconnected and this was an extreme adjustment for our family. That one decision has had a dramatic effect on the spiritual life of everyone in our home. Obviously, getting rid of T.V. did not eliminate all of the challenges.My teenage boys often want to see some movie that all of their friends are raving about. The standard in our home has become consistent with Phil. 4:8:
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
When you apply this standard, the decision on most movies and T.V. in general is pretty simple. Another tool we use when deciding what media is acceptable is to ask the question, "Would I be comfortable watching this with Christ in the same room?" That test will also clear up many gray areas. When we discuss these things my boys will often roll their eyes and complain, "With that standard we can't watch anything." I tell them that the day is soon coming when they will build their own homes and it will their responsibility before God to determine the standard in their own home. Until then, unfortunately for them, it is my standard that determines the entertainment in our home.
In closing I will share one recent example that illustrates the nature of this war we are fighting. A Baptist pastor friend of mine recently remarked that he wanted to share something and get my opinion. He said that whenever the Victoria's Secret Christmas commercial comes on the T.V., his 4-year-old son would run to the screen and touch the screen. The pastor and his wife think that the boy just loves the music...I beg to differ. We are raising children who are losing their innocence at extremely young ages. We recently saw in the news the story of two boys (I think they were 6 or 7) raping a girl on the school bus. I told the pastor that I thought that he should be very concerned, not only about why his young son was running to touch the screen, but also why he was comfortable watching Victoria's Secret commercials. In our grandparents' day, these commercials would have been considered X-rated.
I hope others in this union will weigh in on this issue regardless of how you feel. The standard of holiness is a foreign concept to 21st century Christians...but it remains God's standard for His people.
Your brother, Steve
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
how see sin?
Maybe some of you could help me.. I have been pondering these questions. I have been talking with others about it too..
I think answer in this matter will make a big difference in moives and
watching things in our lives.
Maybe someone has some verse to back this up
In we are to be Holy as he is holy...
But what does that look, in manner of life in America?
My question is with how someone see sin.I was talking with someone and they said that a movie that has sin in it is not sin, just reflecting sin. But the sin is in our hearts.Now as I was thinking I have some question on this and maybe someone help with Gods word on this.In a movie that has sex, is that not sin? But because it not real one might say. But is lust sin?
because I am sure those in movie may have lust?
don't those in the movie do sin, to show sin. So it would then be sin you are agreeing with?
Or is it that it is only sin, by the heart I have when I watch and reason I am going to watch it?
If we one say that movie is wrong because of sin it in, therefore say away.then they would say school books have sin in them, so how do you go to school and read?
Other thing that was said pron is for sure wrong and is sinful for all who watch.reason, would be that it cause lust in a man.. But there are other movies that may cause the same sin, on a lower leave. It is still sin?
so is sin, in it. Or is it in only in our hearts?
Thanks charlene
I think answer in this matter will make a big difference in moives and
watching things in our lives.
Maybe someone has some verse to back this up
In we are to be Holy as he is holy...
But what does that look, in manner of life in America?
My question is with how someone see sin.I was talking with someone and they said that a movie that has sin in it is not sin, just reflecting sin. But the sin is in our hearts.Now as I was thinking I have some question on this and maybe someone help with Gods word on this.In a movie that has sex, is that not sin? But because it not real one might say. But is lust sin?
because I am sure those in movie may have lust?
don't those in the movie do sin, to show sin. So it would then be sin you are agreeing with?
Or is it that it is only sin, by the heart I have when I watch and reason I am going to watch it?
If we one say that movie is wrong because of sin it in, therefore say away.then they would say school books have sin in them, so how do you go to school and read?
Other thing that was said pron is for sure wrong and is sinful for all who watch.reason, would be that it cause lust in a man.. But there are other movies that may cause the same sin, on a lower leave. It is still sin?
so is sin, in it. Or is it in only in our hearts?
Thanks charlene
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