March 30, 2009

“Walk!”

Blessings Folk!!

Are you growing in righteousness?
Are you growing in holiness?
Are you pressing on in trusting the Lord?
Or, are you trusting self?
Are you “handling things” until such a time that you will “let God take over.”?

I become more convinced everyday...beyond any shadow of doubt...that we as believers are in a time of training.

Evil is increasing.

The things that are occurring within the nation that most of us live are amazing.

Serious, serious social uprising is about to occur.
Serous, serious panic, rioting and chaos are soon to be manifest.

If you are not trusting the Lord with all things...now, today, this moment...then you will not be prepared for that which lies ahead.

We do not “turn our trust in the Lord” on and off.

We either trust and live by faith, or we trust not and live by sight.


2 Cor 5:7
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sightHappy
KJV

Therefore, let us walk in a manner worthy of those who profess complete faith in the Most High God…

Rom 6:4
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
KJV

Rom 8:1
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
KJV

Rom 13:13-14
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
KJV

2 Cor 10:3-6
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holdsWinking
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
KJV

More later…

Meanwhile…

Walk in newness of life.
Walk without condemnation. (The enemy condemns. The Lord convicts.”
Walk honestly.
Walk in the Spirit

My latest grandson...Tai Dale Wilson...born last Friday...already praying… Happy





Pray for those on Prayer page...especially Leah…
Pray for

New Podcast…
Vertical Vision

New Bible study beginning this week...book of Joshua...email for details…

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consist of pp. 502-508.

March 25, 2009

“...things written aforetime...one mind…”

Blessings Folk!!

We saw earlier that we are to have “one mind” as the Body of Christ.
Read the following to learn more…

Rom 15:1-7
15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

KJV

How do we walk in one mind?

  • Receive the empowerment from God for patience and consolation. The Lord provides what we need.
  • Bear the infirmities of the weak
  • Seek not to please ourselves
  • Please our neighbors...do what is edifying for them
  • View Christ as our example
  • Give heed to the Word of God. The “whatsoever things were written aforetime” refers to the Word of God. The Scripture was written for our learning. Through the Word of God we will have hope.
  • Patience from the Word.
  • Comfort from the Word.

God has given us His Word and His Presence that we might be of one mind...that we might glorify Him with one mouth.

We are to walk with one another in this manner...as Christ does with us...to the glory of God.

Let us do so!!

New Podcast has been posted…
Vertical Vision
http://www.dalemoore.tv
/

Also, we are beginning a new course in our local Bible studies - a 7-week study on the book of Joshua. Work begins this week. Let me know if you would like to participate. If you live afar, get the workbook…

https://secure2.convio.net/pmi/site/Ecommerce/474118011?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=4325&store_id=1101

...and we can chat about what we are learning.

Blessings!!

"...You are always on my mind..."

March 24, 2009

“...You are always on my mind…”

Picking up on our theme yesterday...and you thought Willie was around? Happy

The mind factors in on one of the greatest truths in the Word.

Read the following encounter carefully.
Place close attention to the response of Jesus.


Matt 22:35-40
35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
KJV

The religious leaders were seeking to cause Jesus to stumble.
They were trying to set Him up.

What is the greatest commandment?
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

We should do such.

With all our mind, we will trust in the Lord.
With all our mind, we will love one another.
With all our mind, we will rest in the Lord.

Have had several ask about my China comment on my Facebook status.

I have thought for years...decades now...that China would be very important in the events that would lead to the 70th Week of Daniel. I have felt that tremendous economic chaos would be part of the rise of the man of lawlessness - the antichrist.

China holds a huge portion of the debt of the united States of America.
Our government has been encouraging this for years.

Remember what the Word says...

Prov 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.
NASU

We are enslaved by debt.
Out economic system is established upon debt.
It hasn’t always been that way.
Congress abdicated its constitutional role and authority with the creation of the Federal Reserve.
Since 1913 the economy has headed the wrong way.

Yesterday, China announced plans to pursue a “new currency” under the auspices of the IMF - the International Monetary Fund.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7851925a-17a2-11de-8c9d-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

China is seeking to steer nations away from using the dollar as the de facto currency of international trade.

This is not the first time a county has sought to do this, but, China has the best chance to date to accomplish it.

This would detrimental to the united States.
It would add to the self-executed destruction taking place. The latest thing today is that the Treasury department wants the power to confiscate any company they want...if the company “collapse would damage the broader economy”.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302830_pf.html

Fascism run amok.

So many thought they were being so “thoughtful, progressive, insightful, edgy”.
They will live to regret their vote.

Therefore, pray.
Keep your mind upon the Lord.

I’ve updates several items on the webpage… http://www.dalemoore.tv

  • Several new Prayerline episodes
  • News
  • Prayer
  • Added a “Joshua Resources” for the upcoming Joshua study.

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consist of pp. 466-471



"...on my mind..."

March 23, 2009

“...on my mind…”

Blessings Folk!

What is your mind doing?
Racing? Rejoicing? Rejecting? Receiving? Rebelling?

What is your mind reflecting upon?
Situation? Circumstance? Desires? Wants?

Where is your mind? Happy
On yourself? Upon the Lord?

The Word has much to say ‘bout the mind.

A couple of points…

We as true believers are to be of “one mind”...regardless…


Phil 1:27-28
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
28 in no way alarmed by your opponents — which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.
NASU

(apparently these two had been in conflict)

Phil 4:2
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
KJV

We are to “be renewed in the spirit of our mind.”

Eph 4:21-24
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
KJV

We have a promise. Peace. Yes, peace.

Isa 26:3-4
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
KJV

If you are a true believer…
If you are not in perfect peace…
Then, your mind is not stayed...focused...consumed...on the Lord.

Confess it...repent...then press on...ask the Lord...He will grant…
Yes!! It is a practice.
One second your mind will be upon the Lord...then it will stray...get back on the path! The more we keep our mind stayed, the more it will occur…duh!!

Keeping our mind upon the Lord does not mean that we can not be “thinking to do my job”, etc.

It is laying every thought, skill and the like before the Lord and allowing Him to move through us.

In keeping our mind “stayed on Him” we will…

  • put off the old man
  • put on the new man
  • grow in true holiness which is the fruit of the creation of God in true righteousness
  • conduct ourselves in a worthy manner...worthy of the gospel
  • stand firm together in one spirit
  • strive together in the spirit
  • trust in the Lord.

It begins in the mind.

More later...

Pray for the Cole family today...the family patriarch, Jay, went to glory this weekend.

Also, we are beginning a new Bible study...the Biblical book Joshua. Come join us.
If you like, you can procure a workbook, do the study, and we will chat online!!

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consist of pp. 461-465. Press on.


Arise!

March 20, 2009

Arise!!

Blessings Folk!!

Let us arise and give thanks to the Lord for the wonder of His creation, especially related to seasons. Happy

One really does not appreciate the cycle of the seasons until one lives where they do not exist!

The Lord has told us some things about the seasons…

The Lord spoke the following after the Flood…


Gen 8:21-22
21 And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
KJV

Then…

Ps 74:16-17
16 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.
17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.
KJV

So, let us rejoice!

Song 2:11-13
11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell.
KJV

The Lord has been good to us…

Acts 14:16-17
16 "In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways;
17 and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."
NASB

Give thanks to the Lord.
Rejoice.
As with the season, allow the Lord to renew you…

Blessings!!

Oh, Give Thanks...!

March 16, 2009

Oh Give Thanks…!

Blessings Folk!!

At the beginning of this new “work week”, let us remember the Word of the Lord released through his prophet King David.

David had brought the ark into the tent that had been prepared for it.

It had not been easy.

People had died transporting the ark.

They had not sought the counsel of God.

But, now the ark was in place and praise broke forth.

In the excerpt, pay close attention to the things that we are called to do.


1 Chron 16:8-16
8 Oh give thanks to the Lord , call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.
9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.
10 Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.
12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,
13 O seed of Israel His servant, Sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
14 He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth.
15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,
16 The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac.
NASU

Here is what we are called to do...it is always helpful to make a list!!

  • Give thanks unto the Lord
  • Call upon the name of the Lord
  • Make known the deeds of the Lord among the people
  • Sing to the Lord
  • Sing praises to the Lord
  • Speak of the wondrous ways of the Lord
  • Glory in His Holy Name
  • Let your heart seek Him
  • Be glad in Him
  • Seek the Lord and His strength
  • Seek His face continually
  • Remember the wonderful deeds He has done
  • Remember His marvels
  • Remember the judgments out of His mouth
  • Remember He is our Lord
  • Remember His covenant is forever

Much of that which distresses and distracts us comes about due to our lack of doing that called for in this portion of the Word.

We praise man rather than God.
We seek our own way rather than God’s.
We make known our deeds rather than God’s.
We exalt our deeds “in the name of God” rather than the Lord Himself.
We glory in our lives, our stuff, our pursuits, our “blessings”…

Oh saints of the Most High God, let us keep our eyes upon the Lord...seeking Him...He alone, and watch the wonder of what He will do!!

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consists of pp. 421-426.

Blessings!!

Compromise

March 12, 2009

Compromise

Blessing Folk!!

Here is a sampling of what is crossing the news wires today related to the Body of Christ...most are in the secular media…

“Kentucky presbytery votes to overturn ban on gay ministers”
Kentucky Presbyterian leaders vote against ban on gay clergy - Faith & Values - Kentucky.com

'Sex-y' sermons cause stir at rural Alabama church
'Sex-y' sermons cause stir at rural Alabama church : Nation : TCPalm


Todd Bentley Begins Restoration Process
MorningStar Ministries : Special Bulletin #17 - Todd Bentley Begins Restoration Process


With these three items we see some of the things with which the Body of Christ is struggling.

  1. Many, many portions of the “church” are absolutely compromised when it comes to the Word of God. They do not accept the Word as of the Lord. “Mainstream” denominations are crumbling due to this. The “gay” issue is an example. The Word is clear.

Rom 1:24-27
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
KJV

Lev 20:13
13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
KJV

According to these folk, “times have changed...there’s more willingness to recognize and accept the diversity.”

In other words, we will over look the Word of the Lord.

  1. Then, the “sexy” sermons...this is nothing new...the Word is full of all sorts of accounts that often cause me to blush. That is not the issue. What is the issue with me is this. Anytime that what you are doing “for the Lord” receives greater adoration and attention than the Lord Himself, then beware.

Now, let me hasten to say that I understand this is the report of the secular media. It is to be handled carefully. They will report with an eye skewed. But anytime that an individual, program, buildings, etc. are the focal point care must be taken. Usually one will hear the same type of language from the believers involved…”our church”, “our pastor”, “our programs”, “our music”, “our Starbucks”.

Let me share a truth.

God does not need our “help” in creating a debate to draw attention to the world so that they will be intrigued and enticed to “come to church” so that they might discover Him.

God does expect our obedience.
Within obedience, the Lord will work.
In dying to self, the true believer allows the Holy Spirit to do His work, at His pleasure, In His way, in His time.

  1. Lastly, restoration. Many of you will not be aware of this situation. Don’t worry. Just catch the principle. A couple of things related to it.

We are to forgive and restore the brother who repents from sin.

Gal 6:1
6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
KJV

We are to do so in meekness and humility. An example is given in 1, 2 Corinthians.

We do not do this.
It has been rightly said that the church is the only army that executes its wounded.

Yet, this example provides insight into how much we exalt the processes of man. Look at all the buzz words…

  • “faith level”
  • “ministry”
  • “restoration process”
  • “release”

The good thing about this situation is that the three men mentioned are God-fearing.

I personally know Jack and trust him without reservation in this type of situation.
He will speak forth the truth.
He will demand truth by word and deed.

Yet, when I read Rick’s account, I was struck at how far away from the simplicity of the gospel we have strayed. Just allow the Lord to reveal His truth to you.

The Lord call us to:
  • trust in Him
  • abide in Him
  • rest in Him
  • be obedient to Him
  • love one another
  • to exalt Him above self
  • die to self
  • I could go on and on… Happy

1 Thess 4:9-12
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
KJV

In conclusion, seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Do not be distracted by the trials and difficulties of the day.
Do not be distracted by evil.
Do not be distracted in doing “good” for the Lord.

The Lord will keep in peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him.

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consists of pp. 396-401.
Have had several inquire as to where they can procure a copy...and what it is!
This is a Bible arranged in chronological order. Many of us are reading through the Word this year using this particular resource. Very useful. An example...if you are reading an account from the life of David, the appropriate Psalm that David wrote during that time is included.

so that's why bible - Christianbook.com Search

Blessings!!

Putting on the Skits...

March 11, 2009

Putting on the skits…

I’m certain that you have heard of the tragedies of the day...11 killed in south Alabama, 16 killed in a school in Germany.

We pray for those who remain that have been so grievously harmed.
We pray for those who will soon spout forth foolishness...I know that soon they will say it was “the evil gun” that did it…

One particular event demands the attention of the true believer in the Most High God.

This past Sunday a pastor in Illinois was murdered.

He was killed in the midst of a corporate gathering. He was speaking. A young man approached him, spoke to him, then began to shoot.

We know that these kind of events have been a part of the faith from the beginning.
We know that such continue.
We know that there will be an increase in attacks.

I believe that the day is here that being of the faith will be considered to be detrimental to society and the country.

Jesus warned us of such…


John 16:1-4
1 "These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling.
2 "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.
3 "These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.
4 "But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you bat the beginning, because I was with you.

NASU

An hour will come, and is here, when attacking True Believers will be considered as service to God.

This is occurring! Whether their god be the True God (religionist attacking in the name of the Lord) or the false gods of man...false religions, government.

But, there was something else that was manifested this past Sunday at the church where the pastor was killed.

This is something that I have seen many times through the years.

I believe that it reveals a problem within the body of Christ.

Many comments were made by the folk that experienced the Sunday tragedy. Several mentioned that...well...first let me say this.

When such events happen there is confusion.
Initially, we don’t know what is happening.
We don’t believe our eyes.
This I know.
It is natural.
There is a moment of processing that occurs.
We must move beyond the natural.
True Believers immediate response must be something different...

Yet, the witness stated that when the pastor was shot…when the first bullet hit the pastor’s Bible and the Word exploded into confetti, many of the people thought it was a skit...play-acting.

This is understandable, because, in practice, the Body of Christ is being deceived.

My longstanding concern is that we have structured/orchestrated “our worship services” in such a way that the natural response of the people is that a play, a skit, etc. is occurring.

I think this speaks much.

Let me give you a couple of personal examples…

Several years back I was meeting with a group of young men and women aged 12-19. Their “youth” pastor and I would meet with them from time to time and have a “tag-team” time of questions and answers.

Someone asked a question about viewing a movie...I believe it was related to the initial “Harry Potter” movie. We talked of the demonic activity in the movie, etc. I asked them “which is of greater service for the Kingdom of God?...what is more exciting?...watching a depiction of such on a screen, or having lunch with a friend at school..praying for him...proclaiming the truth over him and watching the demons let go of him?”

They were taken aback in silence.

Then I said, “I know why you react like that. You’ve never considered such. You had rather “watch it on a screen.” That is what you know of faith. You watch. You watch the choir sing. You watch the pastor preach. You watch the “service.”

Most of the Body of Christ is like that.

Where are the believers that will instantly arise and proclaim to evil “in the name of the Lord be gone!!!”?

Most who profess faith do not even know that such is an option.

Most think that such things are skits...not real...only for the past...

Most believers are trained to respond in the natural, not in the Spirit.

We can command evil to leave. Here is an example.

Acts 16:18
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
KJV
(Read the entire account sometime)

One more quick example.

Sometime shortly after the previous encounter I was a local church at a music program…a seasonal event…

Choirs, instruments, video clip excerpts...

But something bothered me (no joke! Happy)

The varied video clips shown between the songs were good, but why clips? One particular video vignette could have been done by me and my wife. It spoke of a particular situation with a child...how God walked them through, etc. etc. It was good, but why not the personal, public proclamation of God’s redemption from those within the local Body.

I think I know some reasons why…

We prefer the distance of “the show”…a personal example of failure and redemption from family and friends within the Body would be “too much.”...
We prefer the “plausible deniability” of truth modeled in fiction...
We prefer to walk in ignorance as to what is really happening with one another…
We prefer false intimacy…

We do the same thing with God.

We prefer to worship...from a distant...not too intimate...an observer standing off...
We prefer to live “before the Lord” in the same manner.

We then bear the fruit of such in our lives and in our children.

Such “believers” will not be prepared for the days to come.

We will think that things are a “skit”.

We will be useless for the Kingdom and those of the world.

Where are the ones whose mind and spirit are trained through intimacy with God to immediately arise and say “be gone!!” to the demonic?

Where are the ones whose initial reaction to evil...to disease...to sickness...etc. will be “in the name of the Lord...!!”?

Determine to pursue such…to the praise of the glory of His grace…

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consists of pp. 351-356.

Blessings!!


March 6, 2009

R.I.P.

Blessings Folk!!

Usually when we see the above acronym we know what it means.

Not in this case.

Today, I’m rejoicing in the home-going of a mighty man of God - Jess Roberts.

Jess is not “resting in peace.”

Jess is “Rejoicing In Person”... in the Presence of His Lord, the Most High God.

Here is truth…


Ps 116:15
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
KJV

This is a precious, holy time in the eyes of the Lord.
It is such for us also.

Yes, we will grieve due to our temporary separation from Jess. We will miss him.
Yes, we will rejoice because we will be with him before the Throne of Grace soon and very soon.

A couple of things ‘bout Jess..

He was hungry for the Word...even more importantly...he was hungry for the Lord.

Jess truly manifested the mark of those who are disciples of the Lord Jesus…

John 13:35
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
KJV

Jess professed his faith in the Lord Jesus.
Jess performed his faith in unerring, unceasing, unlimited love.

...just learned that I will opportunity to say more at the celebration time...in the meantime...may we live in the manner of the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us.

Jess is one!

Well done Jess! Well done!!!

Matt 25:23
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
KJV

Pray for Jess’ wife Mary and the balance of family and friends.

Blessings!!

Because We Have Turned Aside...

March 5, 2009

Because We Have Turned Aside…

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading in the “So That’s Why” Bible consist of pp. 357-362...1 Samuel 12-14.

I believe that the Word of God has all we need for lives of righteousness and holiness.

I believe that the Word of God gives principles and insights for anything which the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ might face.

I am convinced that we are undergoing the current “economic crisis” due to our turning away from the Lord.

A couple of things have struck me of late.

Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel:
every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
KJV

The Lord God was to reign over Israel.
The Lord God was to be Protector, Provider.

The people of Israel rejected the leadership of the Lord. God would then discipline them. The people would cry out to God. He would send a leader (a “judge” ) who would lead the nation in the way of righteousness. The nation would then turn away from God. The cycle continued.

Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

Much of what is happening today is because folk are doing what is right in their own eyes.

They have rejected the counsel of the Lord.
They have rejected that God even exists!!
How many of our “leaders” are actually God-fearing and seek Him? Very, very few.
We know by their fruit.

So, every man did what was right in his own eyes, and there was no king in Israel.
God’s design/desire was not for a king, yet the people demanded one.
Most know that the demand from the people came because they wanted to be like the nations around them.

1 Sam 8:19-22
19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord .
22 And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.
KJV

The people did not want God to be judge over them.
The people did not want God to go out before them.
The people did not want God to fight their battles.

They wanted a King. OUR KING!
They wanted to be like the world.

But there is more to this.

Seriously more.

Why did the people want a king?
Why did they reject the leadership of the Lord?
Why did they come to Samuel and demand a king?

This is a sad, sad truth.

Give heed. Read carefully. Ask the Lord to reveal…

1 Sam 8:1-5
1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.
3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
KJV

The people turned from God to the way of the world (King) due to the actions and deeds of the “servants” of God!!

Samuel was a true servant.
His sons were not.

The sons refused to walk in the ways of the Lord.

The sons turned aside...away from God...toward lucre...money!! Money was their god.

The sons took bribes.

The sons perverted judgment.

Therefore, the people decided to have no part and demanded a King.

The sin of the upcoming “leadership” turned an entire nation away from God!

The same occurs today.

I believe that many turn away from God because of what they see in the “sons” of God.

There is tremendous corruption within the professed church….especially with leadership.

Leaders turn aside from God toward lucre.
They do not teach the full counsel of the Word of God...afraid they will “lose their jobs.”
They would rather turn to the pattern, program and counsel of man...the King...than God.
They pervert judgment.
They pervert the Word of God...many, many deny the Word!
They are far more concerned with status, “success”, comfort, than they are with the Truth of the Lord.

The leaders do this.
The people likewise.

This drives people away from God directly into the awaiting arms of Leviathan.

May the Lord have mercy on us.

Today, repent of such.
Rehearse these things in the ear of the Lord.
Then, listen.

Let us determine to live before the Lord in such a manner that folk will be drawn toward Him...not driven away.

A couple of new Podcasts are available - Vertical Vision
Several new news articles - News
Pray for - Pray for...

If you have not done so yet, check out the beta versions (songs 1-4) of the upcoming Freedom worship project...had a good work session last night...more this afternoon… pray! Yes! We are available to come and worship, etc. etc.
FREEDOM on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

One last thing…

Encourage the worship leadership (and worshippers) in your local portion of the Body of Christ to attend the Adore 2009 Worship Conference. Details...



Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., then Night of Worship, 6:30 p.m.
Place: Faith Church, Florence, Alabama

The group discount (6 or more) is $30.

Just received the breakdown for workshops…send the pianist/organist/keyboardists...we will have fun!

8:00-8:30 a.m. Registration

8:30-10:00 a.m. First Session (1 hour 1/2)
"Insights in Songwriting" - Lenny
"Applying Electric Guitar in a Worship Context" - Scott Todd
"Bassics of Worship" - Brad Hanback
Drums/Percussion Workshop - Doug Stokes & Carlos Torres
Acoustic Guitar Workshop - Shane Baker
Vocals - Cindy Walker & Kat Holder
"Heart of Worship" - Brian Holden
Sound/Audio - Tim Wright
"Help! I'm A 'Classical' Musician!" (Keyboards) - Dale Moore

10:00-10:15 a.m. Break

10:15-11:45 a.m. Second Session (1 hour 1/2)
"Business of Songwriting" - Lenny
"Applying Electric Guitar in a Worship Context" - Scott Todd
"Bassics of Worship" - Brad Hanback
Drums/Percussion Workshop - Doug Stokes & Carlos Torres
Acoustic Guitar Workshop - Shane Baker
Vocals - Cindy Walker & Kat Holder
"Heart of Worship" - Brian Holden
"Ok, I know the Keys are Black and White....." (Keyboards) - Dale Moore

11:45 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Third Session (Rehearsal/Q&A) - Lenny, Lindell and Worship Team

6:30 p.m. - Worship Concert.


Blessings!!

Beggin'

March 4, 2009

Beggin’

Blessings Folk!!

Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consists of pp. 351-356.

Well, we made it back...a day delayed...but back home.

Our local Precept Bible classes will resume next week...regular schedule...Lesson 13!!

Let me take us to a passage that we have looked at several times through the years… one of my favorites...Psalm 37. Read the entire Psalm today. It is a blessing.

It is very easy to take our eyes off the Lord and give undue heed to the situations that are in the world.

Many of us are unemployed or underemployed.
Many have lost much “value” related to house, investments and the like.
Many are fret-filled, worried, anxious.

Believers are not to fear.

Hear the Word of the Lord…


Ps 37:25-28
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
KJV

David was reflecting upon what he has seen in his life...young, now old.
He had seen evil-doers prosper.
He had wondered if God would avenge.

David knew this truth - the righteous of the Lord will never be forsaken.
Their children will not lack for food.

Keep this in mind.

Walk in the righteousness of the Lord.
Walk in obedience.
The Lord will provide.

Remember...always...the Lord is good!
The Lord always lends.
We are blessed in the Lord.

So, here is what we are to do…

  • Turn away from evil.
  • Do what is good.
  • Dwell/abide forever in the mercy of the Lord.

Fear not!
The Lord thy God is with you...if you are one of the righteous...if not, today is the day of salvation...confess, repent, call upon the name of the Lord and He will save!!

Blessings!!