No matter how high the mountains God is bigger than that. No matter what we are facing God is able to deal with it. As a nation it is time to once again call upon the Name of the Lord for help and salvation. Unless of course you like the way things are going.
This week’s DODO bird award winner is Anchor Assembly of God Church in Bayou La Batre, Ala. It is not bad enough that non-Christians are always looking for someone to blame for their problems, now we have a church teaching “disciples” of the Lord how to do the same thing. Perhaps if they spent more time on their knees in prayer and repentance before God, God would find a way to bless them in spite of their circumstances.
Let me quote someone greater than myself on this issue:
1 When one of you has a complaint against another, how dare you go to court to settle the matter in front of wicked people. Why don’t you settle it in front of God’s holy people? 2 Don’t you know that God’s people will judge the world? So if you’re going to judge the world, aren’t you capable of judging insignificant cases? 3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels, not to mention things in this life? 4 When you have cases dealing with this life, why do you allow people whom the church has a low opinion of to be your judges?
5 You should be ashamed of yourselves! Don’t you have at least one wise person who is able to settle disagreements between believers? 6 Instead, one believer goes to court against another believer, and this happens in front of unbelievers. 7 You are already totally defeated because you have lawsuits against each other. Why don’t you accept the fact that you have been wronged? Why don’t you accept that you have been cheated? 8 Instead, you do wrong and cheat, and you do this to other believers. 1 Cor 6:1-8 (GW)
This church would do well to heed the words of the Apostle Paul. It would be far better for this church to preach forgiveness and to judge their own hearts. Where does forgiveness come in? When does turning the other cheek apply? Where does loving our neighbors as ourselves apply? How about applying the lessons of the good Samaritan and offer help and hope to BP, they surely could use some divine intervention don’t you agree?
Yes definitely this one belongs in the cuckoo’s nest.
BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. – God only knows what will happen to churches and other nonprofit organizations who say they are struggling for survival because of the Gulf oil spill crisis.
Months after the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and its well started gushing oil, the British petroleum giant says it has yet to decide how to handle claims filed by religious groups and other charitable organizations that are endangered because people can no longer afford to contribute.
Pastor Dan Brown prays BP PLC comes up with a solution quickly: He said he filed a $50,000 claim last month over lost revenues at Anchor Assembly of God. His small, storefront church outlived Hurricane Katrina and is now struggling because of the oil crisis.
Shrimpers and oystermen left jobless by the oil spill in this seafood town can barely afford to feed their families and pay their boat loans, much less give money to their church, Brown said. Giving and tithing is down by $12,000 over the last few weeks, he said, and the oil spill will cost another $38,000 in lost revenues over the next year, making up the total of the church’s claim.
via Church files claim against BP for spill revenue loss (OneNewsNow.com).
A View from the Nest
Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor
Insight from the Journey across the Sky
Heb 12:26-27 (GW) When God spoke to your ancestors, his voice shook the earth. But now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the sky.” The words once more show clearly that God will change what he has made. These are the things that can be shaken. Then only the things that cannot be shaken will remain.
Are natural disasters signs of the “end of the age” spoken of in Scripture, or simply just natural occurrences? Would it be proper to associate the apparent increase in seismic activity, and volcanic eruptions with an ‘angry God’ punishing the earth? Or are these just the start of more to come? Is it possible to tell the ‘signs of the end’ from day-to-day occurrences? Is there a difference?
In the past several years we’ve seen many significant natural disasters in many places across the globe. For thousands of years there have been earthquakes, famines, and plagues which have brought havoc to mankind.
Are the events of these past few months breaking new ground (forgive the pun) in the global shaking that has increased over the past century? Is there really more seismic activity or are we just more aware of them because of the nature of the news cycle? Could it be the 24 hour a day news programs are adding to the perception that the world is crumbling at the seams?
There have been doomsday prophets for as long as time existed. Since the first century after Christ’s crucifixion there have been those who said the world was coming to an end even before we got to the 21st century. Yet the world still remains. Does this mean Christ’s return is never going to happen? Should we simply ignore these earthquakes or is there something we can learn from all this?
As we witness the groaning of creation, are they the literal birth-pangs of the “Day of the Lord” or just a wake-up call for Christians to be ready for the coming harvest? As things grow increasingly more confused and more lives are affected by one natural disaster after another I can see a great need arising upon the Earth for something more dependable. As the very foundations are shaking beneath the feet of many, there remains a solid rock upon which we can place our hope and trust, that rock is Jesus Christ, the only sure foundation.
As fortunes fall and the earthquakes of life challenges continue with greater frequency the world is becoming ripe to solutions, something real. They have heard all the lies and have trusted in others only to see their foundations shaking and their lives crumbling. Are we ready to offer something other than ‘just words, just speeches?” Is there a place of refuge for those whose lives have been shaken? Is there a place of rest from the constant uproar of the world around us? Is there a safety net for those falling into despair and panic?
The answer to all the world’s needs is the same as it has always been. No matter how hard man tries to remove God from their lives He is still a force that needs to be reckoned with. Accounts need to be settled, debts need to be paid, a man’s choices need to be judged, evil dealt with. As our scripture reference explains, there is coming a shake-up from God, the purpose of which is to shake everything that can be shaken so that the only thing remaining is that which can not be shook. And that sure foundation is trusting in the Lord thy God.
As the great architect of all things, God is the only one capable of mapping out an exit strategy. Trust in the Lord and you will be able to withstand the shakin’ that’s goin’ on. So is it going to be the ‘Rock’ or do you prefer to roll? The choice is yours, I however say along with the Psalmist:
Psalms 62:6-8 (NKJV) He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)
Along for the journey
Joe Wright is the pastor of Central Christian Church in Wichita, KS. On January 23, 1996, He was asked to be the guest chaplain for the Kansas State House in Topeka. He prayed a prayer of repentance that was written by Bob Russell, pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. According to an article in the Kansas City Star from January 24, 1996, his prayer stirred controversy, and one member of the legislative body walked out. Others criticized the prayer.
The controversy didn’t end there. Later that year in the Colorado House, Republican representative Mark Paschall angered lawmakers by using Joe Wright’s prayer as the invocation. Some members there also walked out in protest.
Paul Harvey got a hold of the prayer and read it on his program. He got more requests for copies of it than any other thing he had ever done. Here’s what he prayed:
“Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, “Woe to those who call evil good,” but that’s exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that:
We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism.
We have worshiped other gods and called it multi-culturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it a choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem.
We have abused power and called it political savvy.
We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the airwaves with profanity and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by You, to govern this great state. Grant them Your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your will… Amen
Today not much has changed, in fact an argument could be made that things may have gotten worse since 1996. How much more should we the people be praying for our nation. The next National Day of Prayer will be on May 6, 2010. This year’s focus is “for such a time as this” based on the story of Esther and her bravery in thwarting the evil intentions of Haman the Amalakite, who was outraged that Mordecai would not bow down and worship him. Haman was so outraged that he wished for the extermination of all Jews from the kingdom and made it his mission in life to accomplish just that.
Nothing is new under the sun what once was will be again and what now is already was to paraphrase Solomon. It is no secret that Haman, Hitler, and all those who despise God’s presence in the world symbolized by the nation of Israel and the Jewish people, have been around for all time. There has been a spirit of anti-Christ at work in the world even from the foundations of the earth itself. Therefore the things we face in America, the systematic attempt to remove anything that resembles worship of God from our culture, has presented itself in different forms, in different cultures, at differing times in history, only to be repeated again and again. Satan has not given up his quest to be worshiped in place of God and like Haman or Hitler, he will not rest until all of God’s people are eliminated from the world, because he sees them as a hindrance to his goal of being worshiped.
Like Esther we who are called by God’s name are to seek His face and pray for the well-being of our fellow Christians. Esther, although Queen at the time, would not have been spared from the wrath of Haman anymore than we will be spared the wrath of the anti-Christ today.
We have been preserved as a nation, and a people perhaps for exactly a time like this. Will you pray with me and Rev. Wright for a national repentance and renewal? Unlike the other Rev. Wright who proclaimed with a loud voice for God to dam America, I stand with the other Rev. Wright in proclaiming God bless America!
'Pop Goes the Gospel'
Welcome to the April 2010 edition of Pop Goes the Gospel blog Carnival. This I am happy to introduce a couple new contributors. I am amazed at the quality of articles I get each month and I would like to give credit to the fine bloggers who make this carnival one worth reading each month.
I decided that this month I was going to take the advice of our feature poster and keep SILENT and allow the posts to SPEAK for themselves, so without any further blather from me on with the Carnival.
Aaron Travis presents the sound of silence posted at themuse(ic)ian. Aaron must have been reading my journal because his article this month mirrors thoughts and musings I had on the very same subject. Taking time to listen to the sound of silence. Aaron makes the case for the importance of silence in our noise filled world. Now take time and be quiet as you read this month’s feature post.
Jim Edwards presents A Godly Principle: Would You Buy This Barrel of Apple Juice? posted at EverydayChristianFamily.com, Jim presents and interesting illustration which vividly portrays his point, that God is pure and therefore we as His children should honor Him by giving our best to the Lord and not that which is tainted or polluted. Good post Jim!
Jeff presents The Spirit World: Introduction posted at ReturningKing.com, Jeff brings another theological gem to this month’s edition. This time Jeff tackles Heaven and Hell and other places in-between. Yes you heard me right. Now quick rush on over to Jeff’s blog and read it for yourself. You will certainly learn something by spending some time with ReturningKing.com.
BWL presents 3 Things Moses Teaches Us About Money posted at Christian Personal Finance, This week the Christian Church celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord the culmination of the Season of Lent. While at the same time our Jewish brethren celebrate Passover. What a perfect time to reflect on Moses and the lessons we can learn from his leadership.
Andrew Hawkes presents hawkes – hfl – What’s Important? – What’s Important? posted at hawkes – hfl, Excellent question. It all depends on your perspective. The perspective gained from this 22 yr old missionary to Haiti may just make you pause long enough to thank God for what is important in your life. Thank you Andrew and welcome to the carnival. THIS IS A MUST READ BY EVERYONE!
NCSue presents A lesson from a skunk? posted at IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. What happens when a skunk stops for a peanut butter snack and gets his head stuck in the jar? Well head on over to NCSue’s blog and find out. This one will make you smile and think. I promise no animals where hurt in the posting of this article.
Trent Cotton presents Confessions of a Converted Catholic: Justification posted at Christian Men-Christian Warriors, Trent presents biblical insights from a reformed Catholic‘s perspective. This modern day Martin Luther is penning some theses of his own. Whether you are Catholic or not see what you think of this post on Biblical Justification.
Joe Plemon presents Declare Who You REALLY Are: A Winner posted at Personal Finance By The Book, Joe Plemon a first time contributor to this carnival challenges us to confess who we are in Christ rather than who we used to be before Christ. AD versus BC. If you are a child of God then you have been made new, old things passed away and everything was made new. Imagine if the butterfly kept thinking of himself as he used to be… a worm. Not too many worms I know can fly so beautifully as a butterfly can. Great post Joe and I hope you continue to contribute to this carnival. Thanks!
Siobhan McGirr presents Even Super Moms Need God’s Help posted at A Christian Mommy. There are many things we can learn as adults if we listen to the words of a child. This Super Mom learned a lesson we all should heed. Well done Siobhan and welcome to “Pop Goes the Gospel“.
Allen Scott presents Hillary to Israel: Don’t Count on Me! posted at Journey Across the Sky, saying, “Robert wrote an very insightful article concerning the Israeli and American relationship and the dependency upon Governments for defense and protection. Today’s world SCREAMS for someone or something to come and stop all the madness. The trouble is if we look to MAN for our help then we end up with the mess we currently have and open the door for the eventuality of inaugurating the ANTI-CHRIST. Take heed and learn a lesson from Israel.”
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Pop Goes the Gospel using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
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"...that where I am you may be also." Jn.14:3
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)
Daily Bible verse plus a picture of God's creation following Wayne Cordeiro's "The Divine Mentor" format.
"Come and hear, all you who fear God. Let me tell you what he has done for me." - Psalm 66:16
Daily Thoughts and Meditations as we journey together with our Lord.
Sermons and Devotions
Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor
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