Secular Idolatry of the "Coexist" Idea

There is an ongoing discussion regarding the topic of discrimination in the comment section of my previous post. You may want to read through them.  

When it comes to this particular subject matter, those who want to push the radical homosexual agenda on people simply think that tolerance is a one way street.  Their intolerance towards those who hold to Biblical teachings, strong religious beliefs, personal rights, and free speech rights do not exist in their push to not only normalize homosexual behavior, same-sex marriage, and the teaching of homosexuality to kids as young as 6 years old in public schools; but they also use the term to purposely target and attack Christians. 

Why? 


I think that it is because they want to criminalize Christianity.   It's at the point where they don't even try to hide their true intentions anymore!  The evidence of their goal to criminalize the practice of the Christian faith is all over the place these days! 

As was mentioned in my previous post, the truth is that the gay manifesto's goal is to establish a sodomite despotism.

It is an underlying goal and part of the nebulously entitled "coexist" movement.  Have you seen these bumper stickers on cars where you live?  They are a familiar sight here in California.  Saw one on a car on the freeway yesterday - it was plastered on the bumper right next to the Obama "2012' sticker.  You know - the one with "O" filled in with the commie artwork.

I have previously written about this "coexist" mantra in past posts.

Excerpts below from my former post on the subject "coexist."

A "Coexist" message made up with differing religious symbols that attempts to combine religious beliefs (which, in some cases are polar opposites of each other) cannot portray an honest type of message.

[...]

Another great read related to this subject:

Albert Mohler: Two Rival Religions?

Excerpts:

"The chief modern rival of Christianity is 'liberalism,'" Machen asserted. "Modern liberalism, then, has lost sight of the two great presuppositions of the Christian message--the living God and the fact of sin," he argued. "The liberal doctrine of God and the liberal doctrine of man are both diametrically opposite to the Christian view. But the divergence concerns not only the presuppositions of the message, but also the message itself."

Kainz offers a crucial insight here.  He is suggesting that one of the most important factors in the nation's cultural divide is that persons on both sides are deeply committed to their own creeds and worldviews--even if on one side those creeds are secular.

"This explains why talking about abortion or same-sex 'marriage,' for example, with certain liberals is usually futile. It is like trying to persuade a committed Muslim to accept Christ. Because his religion forbids it, he can only do so by converting from Islam to Christianity; he cannot accept Christ as long as he remains firmly committed to Islam. So it is with firmly committed liberals: Their 'religion' forbids any concessions to the 'conservative' agenda, and as long as they remain committed to their secular ideology, it is futile to hope for such concessions from them."

No wonder liberals hate true Christian believers so much! It competes with their secular IDOLATRY; and as Mohler states, "it is futile to hope for such concessions from them." Kind of destroys the idea of that "Coexist" propaganda...doesn't it?

The next segment explains the ObamaFRAUD mess and why he and his cohorts push their radical ideology upon an unwilling populace:

Looking back over the last century, Kainz argues that Marxism and ideological Liberalism have functioned as religious systems for millions of individuals. Looking specifically at Marxism, Kainz argues that the Marxist religion had dogmas, canonical scriptures, priests, theologians, ritualistic observances, parochial congregations, heresies, hagiography, and even an eschatology. Marxism's dogmas were its core teachings, including economic determinism and the "dictatorship of the proletariat." Its canonical scriptures included the writings of Marx, Lenin, and Mao Tse Tung. Its priests were those guardians of Marxist purity who functioned as the ideological theorists of the movement. Its ritualistic observances included actions ranging from workers' strikes to mass rallies. The eschatology of Marxism was to be realized in the appearance of "Communist man" and the new age of Marxist utopia.

Similarly, Kainz argues that modern secular liberalism includes its own dogmas. Among these are the beliefs "that mankind must overcome religious superstition by means of Reason; that empirical science can and will eventually answer all the questions about the world and human values that were formerly referred to traditional religion or theology; and that the human race, by constantly invalidating and disregarding hampering traditions, can and will achieve perfectibility."

Sorry ObamaFRAUD and cohorts - what you clueless people up there in Washington D.C. are doing is RUINING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC!!

*******
 
Albert Mohler expresses the reasons why the liberal/progressive/socialist/communist ideologues can NEVER tolerate or peacefully coexist with Christians.  Their propaganda may work on some unsuspecting people or groups, but they don't fool those who belong to Christ and follow genuine biblical Christianity.

The "coexist" propaganda is bad advice when one thinks about eternity.  Jesus Christ said He is THE way to eternal life and no one comes to God except through Him (John 14:6). The apostle Peter said there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).

The advice from this Christian blog author is to invest your whole heart in Jesus! You see, being single-minded (while necessarily discriminating against all other religions) is the key to new life in Christ! It is why Christians, in particular, are targeted through man-made laws which are meant to not only challenge our faith, but to crush our faith and stall any influence in this world.  They are ultimately meant to even go so far as to criminalize, one by one, each and every tenet of our faith.

Some people refuse to take God's warnings seriously.  They doubt God's sovereignty and question whether or not He will really judge people who reject His offer of salvation.  Well, Jesus seemed to think so!  His words, recorded in the Gospel of John, are that the judgment of God will rest on all who reject God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life.  It's not a threat, but it is a warning.  And it's a warning that I think every person should heed!

Accepting the gift of salvation puts one on the road to a new life in Christ.  There is nothing better in this world!  So don't let the naysayers who spew garbage through the propaganda of one-way "tolerance" of aberrant behaviors, or the "coexist" gurus who use the symbol in order to steer people away from the saving grace of Jesus Christ catch you in the snare of their not-so-veiled trap.

Hat tip: Albert Mohler blog

A Personal Story To Lift One's Spirit!

[Hat tip for graphic:  Network 54.com]


Christians are to emulate [meaning follow] Jesus.  Just as He was "not of this world," (meaning not being of the earthly "kingdoms" set up by man and avoiding the pitfalls of evil that surround us), so too are we to not be of this world system.  We are to work within the world,  for the specific and ultimate purpose of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is certainly a rewarding mission!  Yet, the distractions of this world can get any one's heart downtrodden and sad.

Recall the Scriptures, especially in Psalms, where the sons of Korah (temple assistants) ask the question, "Why are you cast down O my soul?"

One example:

Psa 43:5     Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Notice the answer in all three separate Scriptures at that link:

 "Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God."

These days, the turmoil and chaos happening in the Middle East,  and looming threat of  America getting involved in another war in Syria certainly highlight the truth of the prophecies that tell us "there will be wars and rumors of war" the closer we get to the end times.  While reading the following posts, I could not help but feel depressed!

Walid Shoebat

Conspiracy and Truth are upside down

 

 

Now The End Begins

Russia Sends Warships, Obama Blinks

 

 

Sultan Knish

How Obama Hugged the Brotherhood to Death

 

 

The Strata-Sphere

What Does Egypt’s Unrest Signal?

 

 

INFILTRATED NATION

Does Obama Know He’s Fighting on al-Qa’ida’s Side?

 

 

Klein Online

Iran, North Korea ‘running operations room in Syria.’ Russia also ‘aiding’ Damascus ahead of likely U.S., Western strikes

 

And, if those posts haven't confused you enough, read this one:

 

Answering Muslims

A Short Guide to the Middle East

 

*******

 However, the uplifting experience that I had last night makes such depression "blow to dust and fall away*."
 

You see, when I come back to Scripture, prayer, and worship songs,  I am gladly reminded that God's truth (see 1 John 2:27) provides the right path to follow, and God's light (see 1 John 1:5) provides the clear vision to follow it.  If you feel surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, follow God's light and truth!  He will guide you!
 

 Now, a brief recap of my uplifting experience last night.
 

The early evening began when I met a great friend for dinner. We chatted about some good news within our own families, but then we also got on the topics of the bad news going on in this world.  The threat of war in Syria, the terrible "Common Core" indoctrination into socialism that is happening in public schools, the fact that all the scandals happening are increasing and no one is being held accountable...you get the picture! 
 

My friend asked me if I would hold a Bible study in my home again like I did several years ago.  Great idea! Or, perhaps we could find an evening study to attend.


Staying in the Word of God helps alleviate the depression, fear, disgust, and anger at what is becoming of America and what is happening around the world!  No matter what...God wins in the end and our Savior and Lord - Jesus Christ - is totally victorious!
 

When I got back from having dinner and completing a quick run to the grocery store, it was already getting dark.  I wanted to walk my two dogs.  So with a flashlight in my pocket I started up the street.  My neighbor was outside, staring into the sky at the last remnants of a beautiful sunset.  She waved at me and yelled that she was praying.  I told her, "nothing like a gorgeous sunset and prayers being sent up to God to lift up one's spirit!"



You see, were are MEANT to worship God ANYWHERE!  In a car, listening to a great praise song.  And, even at the sight of a gorgeous sunset near the end of a neighbor's driveway!

 

I was SO  blessed last night!!!  Why?  Because two simple signs of Christ's Presence with me came shining through!  While driving home, a favorite song came on from the Christian music station called, "The Message."  It was the Newsboy's song entitled, "It Is You."  Seeing my neighbor "coming to this place" [lyrics from the music video below] at the end of her driveway;  worshipping God and praying at the sight of His wondrous creation and beauty of a sunset, gave me Holy Spirit chills of joy!!


Yes, Jesus!  It IS YOU!  It's all about You!


Enjoy a great worship song, "It Is You" by the Newsboys!


In Christ,

~  Christine

 

 

 

As we lift up our hands
Will You meet us here?
As we call on Your name
Will You meet us here?
We have come to this place
To worship You
God of mercy and grace

It is You
We adore
It is You
Praises are for
Only You
The heavens declare
It is You
It is You

And holy, holy is our God Almighty
And holy, holy is His name alone, yeah
And holy, holy is our God Almighty
And holy, holy is His name alone

It is You
We adore
It is You
Only You

As we lift up our hands
As we call on Your name
Will You visit this place
By Your mercy and grace?

 

*******

 

 

*A lyric from Jars of Clay: World's Apart

Hat tips to all links.

1Jo 2:27

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will [fn] abide in Him.

(2:27) NU-Text reads you abide.

1Jo 1:5

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

Phillips, Craig & Dean - Great I Am (Lyrics)

I love this worship song!!  Heard it last night on Sirius XM's The Message channel while driving home from the grocery store.  The lyrics are so awesome and confirms God's love, promises and eternal life for His own!

~  Christine



"Great I Am"

I want to be close, close to Your side
So Heaven is real and death is a lie
I want to hear voices of angels above
Singing as one

[CHORUS]
Hallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the great I AM
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the great I AM

I want to be near, near to Your heart
Loving the world and hating the dark
I want to see dry bones living again
Singing as one

[CHORUS]

The mountains shake before You, the demons run in fear
At the mention of the name King of Majesty
There is no power in hell
Or any who can stand
Before the power and the presence of the great I AM

[CHORUS]
 

*******

Psa 90:2   Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.

Psa 119:133   Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

God Loves You and Wants You With Him Forever

This day we honor all of our Veterans, both those living and those who have passed on in their duty to help keep America safe, as a land of liberty, freedom, and justice for all. We must realize,  recognize, honor and give thanks to all of these heroes for all of  their sacrifices for our sakes.  When we remember and reflect upon all that has been done by our brave military men and women; it is only then that we know,  in our hearts, minds, and souls,  that they have dedicated their lives and sacred honor in order for ordinary citizens, like me and you,  to enjoy the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness here in the United States of America.  Let us thank them, in every way possible, for their service!

Today also happens to be Sunday - the Lord Jesus Christ's day - where we attend services all around the nation (and around the world) to honor our Savior, Lord and King.  One day, believers will be with Jesus.  We will also be with all the loved ones in Christ who have already passed on into eternity.

Today's message from Dr. David Jeremiah in his series called God Loves You - He Always Has and Always Will was truly awesome!

You can view the message at:

 David Jeremiah.org: God Loves You and Wants You With Him Forever | Week of November 11, 2012


After the disappointment that many family members, friends, and fellow Christians felt about the election on Tuesday, it is good to take our thoughts away from this temporal earth and see what God has in store for us In The Father's House.  Jesus told us that "in my Father's house, there are many mansions."

Here's the entire verse:

Jhn 14:2

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Dr. Jeremiah does a brilliant job of providing many Scriptures that whet our appetites for heaven!  There is a very good reason why we can never be completely satisfied here with life on earth.  And the biggest reason is because God has placed eternity upon our hearts.  We yearn and long for something else - other than what we experience in this world.  Knowing this makes the disappointment of the election absolutely pale in comparison.  At a time when many are grieving over the horrid direction our country is moving, it is so good to know that no matter what happens in politics, it is only temporary.  We grieve, but not as those who have no hope.

Rom 8:38

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

Rom 8:39

nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What's more, even though it is normal and natural to grieve deeply for those loved ones who have passed on, the hope of Jesus Christ gives us an eternal perspective which the secular world cannot.

1Th 4:13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ******* The following is the outline from the message.  I pray that you will take the time to view the video of this message here [Note: Click on the green box that states "WATCH NOW - This Week's Broadcast.] I promise - the message will truly bless you, encourage you,  and give you joy and peace this day! ~  Christine

Here is the outline:

GOD LOVES YOU: HE ALWAYS HAS—HE ALWAYS WILL

Dr. David Jeremiah

“God Loves You and Wants You with Him Forever”
John 14:1-3

November 11, 2012

John 14:3
John 17:24
Luke 23:43
2 Corinthians 5:8
Philippians 1:23
1 Thessalonians 4:17

I. A Place of Ultimate Residence – John 14:2 Psalm 11:4

II. A Place of Ultimate Rejoicing – Psalm 16:11 2 Thessalonians 1:9

III. A Place of Ultimate Recognition – 1 Corinthians 13:12 Matthew 8:11

IV. A Place of Ultimate Relationships Hebrews 12:22-23

V. A Place of Ultimate Responsibility – Matthew 25:23 Revelation 22:3

VI. A Place of Ultimate Reality John 14:6

The Question of Goodness

An "Anonymous" blogger has been quite bothered by the blog post of September 21, 2010 entitled: What Yes on CA Prop. 8 & Restore Honor Rally Have in Common

You can read the comments at the link to catch up on the controversy.

In Anonymous' latest comment, he/she wrote:

Anonymous said...
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering ("without bending"-Vines); (for he [is] faithful that promised;)

"Without wavering" means "without bending". It is talking about picking up some other hope. Like picking up the hope of Glenn Beck instead of keeping Jesus.

1 Peter 1:3 ¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled and fadeth not away. Glenn Beck is not my hope.

September 30, 2010 9:47:00 PM PDT

My response:

Christinewjc said...
Anonymous @ September 30, 2010 9:47:00 PM PDT (That you, Sothenes?)

You seem highly bothered by this post. I thought that I explained WHY I included Dr. Garlow's article very well. It is NOT because I agree with his conclusion about Beck being a born again Christian. It is because the CAUSES that evangelical Christians, and Mormons, and Jews etc. see as important (e.g. the Prop. 8 issue and the need to restore out nation back to the Constitutional Republic that our Founders intended) are political/social/moral issues that we can all agree on.

You ended your comment with two sentences that I agree with - and I would guess most people who genuinely follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior would also agree with:

Quote: "Our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled and fadeth not away."

Absolutely true.

Quote: "Glenn Beck is not my hope."

Beck isn't my hope, either! Jesus Christ is the only true hope in this world and in eternity.

October 1, 2010 9:57:00 AM PDT

*******

One of the reasons why I cannot personally support Dr. Garlow's conclusion that Glenn Beck is genuinely saved is because:

1. Only God knows for certain - but we can "know them by their fruits."
2. Beck continually says that "most people are good."

But then again, I could be wrong.

Now, this post will not be an extensive expose' on "the question of goodness." That would take many pages. However, what I want to share here may help explain why what man regards as "goodness" within himself, may not be in line with what God describes as Good in His Word.

I realize that Beck's claim of people being good may be more of a socially acceptable, politically correct motivated comment which is meant to bring people together in a positive way. I mean, people DO good things in this life. However, the Bible says something very different about our "goodness."

Please see The Good Test in order to understand the details about our spiritual condition without Christ.

This week, I started reading Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God written by Francis Chan. I have only completed reading chapter one, but the message fits with this post.

Chan encourages us to stop talking at God for a while and instead, take a long, hard look at Him before you speak another word.

I read that section on Wednesday night. By Thursday evening, I was on my way, in traffic and in the rain, to pick up something that I would much rather have picked up on another day. The situation was such that I was told that I must get these items today. [Grrr....!]

During the drive, I said to myself, "If the person asks me 'how are you today?' I thought about saying, 'Do you want a typical response of fine or the truth about how I'm really feeling?'" I had a complete diatribe ready to be unleashed towards the unfortunate person who would be handing me the items that I really didn't want to pick up in the first place.

My trip already started out bad. First, the road to the freeway was jammed and backed up. Who leaves their house at 5:00 p.m. during rush hour traffic and expects not to hit traffic? Then, it started to rain again on the way there. Next, the sun started to break through the clouds and the glare into the car and on the wet pavement as I was driving west on a side road made it difficult to see. I proceeded to turn left again and traveled the speed limit of 25 mph around a park playground area. My final turn approached and I headed up the hill to my destination. I had just about completed what I was going to say in my mind, but became absolutely awestruck when I witnessed one of the most beautiful (and complete!) rainbows I have ever seen! I chuckled to myself. My heart melted my pride, anger, and annoyance that had built up over the 35 minute ride to my destination. I got out of my car and tried to take a picture of the rainbow with my old and crappy cell phone camera (small voice: complaining again, Chris?) Of course, I could not capture the beauty in a photograph that I was witnessing! A man approached and was saying how awesome the rainbow looked! He asked me my name and went inside to get the items that I came to pick up.

When he and an assistant came back out to the car to put the items in my trunk, he asked, "so how are you today?" "How is your family?" My planned diatribe turned into a confession that some individuals in my family were experiencing difficulty, but God is so good! Look at that rainbow! It is a symbol of His eternal promises for us."

God -- He's something isn't He??? He keeps teaching me every single day. That rainbow was a gentle reminder that I am slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry.

Francis Chan writes:

The wise man comes to God without saying a word and stands in awe of Him. It may seem a hopeless endeavor, to gaze at the invisible God. But Romans 1:20 tells us that through creation, we see His "invisible qualities" and "divine nature."

I realize that how a rainbow forms can be explained scientifically. But can its beauty be explained? Or, is it a representation of God's "invisible qualities" and "divine nature?"

Chan goes on to describe how God is holy, God is eternal, God is all-knowing, God is all-powerful and God is fair and just. He quotes Colossians 1:16 - which tells us that everything was created for God: "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

Chan asks:

Can you worship a God who isn't obligated to explain His actions to you? Could it be your arrogance that makes you think God owes you an explanation?

Wow. That gives each of us a verbal whoopin' - doesn't it?!

But the Bible takes it even further:

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" - Daniel 4:35

Chan asks:

Do you really believe that compared to God, "all the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing," including you?

These are hard sayings. But some might wonder, can it get any worse?

Answer: yes. Just take a look at Chan's section about God is fair and just:

One definition of justice is "reward and/or penalty as deserved." If what we truly deserved were up to us, we would end up with as many different answers as people who responded. But it isn't up to us, mostly because none of us are good.

Let's hold up here for just a moment. Going back to Anonymous' concern over my post about Glenn Beck, we can see here that Chan disagrees with Beck's claim that "most people are good." Again, it is possible that Beck was simply using the term "good" as a political term and not in the moral or spiritual sense. We all want to perceive ourselves as good, but compared to Holy God, we are not good.

Chan:

God is the only Being who is good, and the standards are set by Him. Because God hates sin, He has to punish those guilty of sin. Maybe that's not an appealing standard. But to put it bluntly, when you get your own universe, you can make your own standards. When we disagree, let's not assume it's His reasoning that needs correction.

It takes a lot for us to comprehend God's total hatred for sin. We make excuses like, "Yes, I am prideful at times, but everyone struggles with pride." However, God says in Proverbs 8:13, "I hate pride and arrogance." You and I are not allowed to tell Him how much He can hate it. He can hate and punish it as severely as His justice demands.

God never excuses sin. And He is always consistent with that ethic. Whenever we start to question whether God really hates sin, we have only to think of the cross, where His Son was tortured, mocked, and beaten because of sin. Our sin.

No question about it: God hates and must punish sin. And He is totally just and fair in doing so.

In the final segment of Chapter One, Chan describes the reactions of both John in the book of Revelation and Isaiah who saw God on His throne. We learn that there are many facets of God that expand beyond our comprehension. God cannot be contained in this world, explained by our vocabulary, or grasped by our understanding.

I would imagine that each and every one of us will be speechless at first - admiring the King of the Universe with awestruck silence when we see Him! Both John and Isaiah found it difficult to describe seeing God in mere words. They tried to describe Him and the experience in ways that they, and we, could relate to and understand. For example - in Revelation, John describes the One seated on the throne with two gems, "jasper and carnelian," and the area around the throne as a rainbow that looked like an emerald.

Isaiah describes the seraphim appearing above and said they called out to one another saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Yes! It certainly is! And we only get just a glimpse of His glory in all that He has created!

Recall that Isaiah's reaction was, "Woe is me...I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

Isaiah didn't feel worthy. But as the Scriptures report, one of the seraphim touches Isaiah's mouth with a hot coal and tells him that his guilt is taken away.

Mercy is God withholding what you (we, I) deserve.

Grace is God giving you (us, me) what you don't deserve.

As Isaiah believed in God the Father and was waiting expectantly for the Savior of the world, he reminds us of what our only response to God's provision for our salvation - Jesus Christ should be!

The Gospel According to Job

Before I get to Dr. David Jeremiah's lesson in the series on the book of Job called "Tried, Tested, and Triumphant", I want to share a personal story.

Many years ago, I gave my mother (who, at the time was a devout Catholic) the NIV Bible which had study notes at the bottom of each page. I thought that it would help her understand the passages better. This was shortly after I had re-dedicated my life to the Lord back in the 90's. I wanted to be sure that my family members were saved through the Cross of Jesus Christ.

When I gave her the Bible, I suggested that she start reading the book of John. That was the book that I was studying with a women's Bible study group in my neighborhood. Shortly after finishing that study, I stood up in the church I was attending and re-dedicated my life to Jesus Christ. This led to a turning point in my life. I became very active at the church and an avid Bible reader. I attended many Bible studies - including Bible Study Fellowship intensive studies on The Life of Moses, and the writings of John. But I did not have any in-depth study on the book of Job.

Back to my mother's story.

Instead of reading the book of John, she decided to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Well, she didn't get very far. She stopped at the book of Job. Apparently, what happened to Job so disturbed her, she decided not to continue reading and studying the Bible. My heart sank when she told me that. Ever since, I have tried to share the Gospel with her, hoping and praying that she would be saved. When my father became born again just months before his death from terminal cancer in 1995, my mom was in the room and prayed the prayer of salvation with us. But only God knows whether or not her decision was genuine. I pray that it was. She now suffers from Alzheimer's disease and the last time that I shared the Gospel during my visit with her (and my Aunt Alex), she fell asleep at the table.

Have you ever encountered someone who couldn't understand why God allowed what happened to Job? Have you ever bristled at the tragedy of Job's life while he was being afflicted by Satan? Have you ever questioned God's mercy because of all that was allowed and done to Job?

My partial answer might be that's what evil does. But of course, that statement does not include the most important part of the answer.

Each of us could probably ask those same questions about your own life or someone you love. Why did they have to go through that suffering? It's a question that we all would like to have the answer to, I'm sure. I can't say that I have all the answers. I don't. But God DOES have all the answers, and if we just seek out those answers in Scripture, the AH HA! moments will be quite amazing - and even startling.

We get a hint about my recent "startling moment" in the introductory paragraphs about Tried, Tested, and Triumphant - The Book of Job.

When someone we know is going through a time of suffering and trial, a reference to Job is often mentioned in some context. We feel comfortable referencing Job as the ultimate example, but do we really know his story? Do we really understand the circumstances of his suffering? Job is a complex story of one man's journey from blessing to despair, from affluence to poverty, and respect to ridicule. Dr. Jeremiah unfolds this story verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter allowing us to witness every aspect of Job's challenging journey. In the end, we leave with not only a shining example to encourage us in our faith--we come away with the peace of knowing that God is in control of all things and that He will use every circumstance in our lives to reveal His grace and glory.

I had one of those AH HA! moments while watching and listening to Dr. Jeremiah's sermon today. I sincerely hope that readers here will take the time to view the sermon. You WON'T be disappointed! It is so powerful - and could change your perspective about the book of Job forever.

If you are pressed for time, the message introduction (which is crucial to see) starts at @ 17:50. It includes how you can get the resource [Tried, Tested and Triumphant - The Book of Job] that may be very helpful for you - or anyone you know - who is currently going through any type of suffering today.

When times are tough we often lean on our friends for support, love, and understanding. Job was not so fortunate in this matter because his group of friends ended up criticizing and condemning him instead of encouraging him. But instead of offering a defense to his friends, Job offered up his defense to God. In turn, he revealed what a majestic, holy, and all-powerful God that he served then--and that we still serve today.

View the video at this link:
David Jeremiah.org: This Week's Message - The Gospel According to Job

When you view the video, the title of the sermon becomes so evident that you will wonder how you ever missed it (if you were like me - who did miss that important point) in your personal studies on Job!

God's Changelessness

During the hour long round trip that I took to the eye doctor today, I saw two old, beat-up vehicles with worn-out and fading "Obama '08" stickers on them. On the way home, I spotted an SUV with a sign tacked to the inside of the back window which read, "So...how's that hopey, changey thing workin' out for ya?"

How much things change in the world of politics.

The candidate who had the saying, "Change you can believe in" is now working furiously with his cohorts and lawyers in an attempt to cover up The Sestak Scandal.

Conservative radio talk show hosts were the ones who originally asked the question, "what kind of change" was Obama's campaign proposing? The lies that were told to get Obama elected are quite evident now. Those who voted for him were completely duped. Many regret their votes - especially the Christians who didn't bother to vet Obama before going into the voting booth!

People are sinful. They have the character to change - either for good or for bad - at any turn in life. But there is One who does not change - and that's God. God's changelessness is evident in Scripture:

For I am the LORD, I do not change. Malachi 3:6

In his book, Knowing God, Dr. J.L. Packer tells us that Bible study helps us because the God who interacted with the characters of Scripture is the same God who cares for us today. "The God with whom they had to do is the same God with whom we have to do," wrote Packer. "for God does not change in the least particular." His character does not change; His truth does not change; His ways do not change; His purposes do not change.

"God does not change," said Dr. Packer. "Fellowship with Him, trust in His Word, living by faith, standing on the promises of God, are essentially the same realities for us today as they were for the Old and New Testament believers. This thought brings comfort as we enter into the perplexities of each day." 1

You can count on this--it's as predictable as God Himself: He is unchanging. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Because the Lord does not change, we know that He will keep His eternal promises.
We can have confidence to trust in Him completely!

All change must be to the better or the worse. But God cannot change to the better, since He is absolutely perfect; neither can He change to the worse, for the same reason. - Henry Thiessen

1 J.I. Packer, Knowing God (Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 1973), quotes from chapter 7.

Hat Tips:

The Right Side of Life..."But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good." — 1 Thes. 5:21

Turning Point Magazine and Devotional, May, 2010

Glenn Beck's "We Surround Them"

I am a big fan of Glenn Beck's radio show and his new television show on the Fox News Channel. With all of the craziness that surrounds Resident Obama and his neo-Marxist policies, it is a breath of fresh air to discover that there are many people across America who profoundly reject what this new administration is trying to do to America.

Read all about We Surround Them at Glenn Beck's website. Take special note of the nine principles and 12 values.

The Nine Principles

1. America is good.

2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.

3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.

4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.

5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.

6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.

7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.

9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.

12 Values

Honesty
Reverence
Hope
Thrift
Humility
Charity
Sincerity
Moderation
Hard Work
Courage
Personal Responsibility
Friendship

You Are Not Alone

Now THAT'S a very comforting statement in the midst of all the turmoil and liberal left lies that we are experiencing on a daily basis today!

Glenn's site states:

If you agree with at least seven of those principles, then you are not alone. Please send a digital version of your picture to: wesurroundthem@foxnews.com and then stay tuned to the radio and television shows over the coming weeks to see how we intend to pull back the curtain.

We Surround Them-The Unveiling
March 13th on FOX News 5pm ET

HT: Glenn Beck.com

Also see article about this at WorldNetDaily:

OBAMA WATCH CENTRAL
Will 'We Surround Them' launch revolution?
Glenn Beck warns about falling for 'Wizard of Oz lie'

Wonderment and Awe

Thursday, June 19

Wonderment and Awe

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.
Psalm 89:7


Recommended Reading
Psalm 93


Every week, thousands of worshippers flock into the great cathedrals of Europe to feel a sense of the majesty of the architecture—the high ceilings, massive pillars, stained windows, and reverberating sounds. The ancient builders wanted to inspire us with a sense of the majesty of worship, and they designed their cathedrals with that in mind.

Every week, thousands of visitors flock to the National Parks of America for the same reason. We're awestruck by the vast desolation of Big Bend, the immensity of Grand Canyon, and the sheer cliffs and plunging waterfalls of Yosemite. The towering peaks of the Tetons and Rockies are a wonderment. The human heart is hungry for a sense of God's majesty.

Yes, we are God's friends who, in prayer, can call Him, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15); but He is also clothed with majesty and girded with strength (Psalm 93). Our worship should be warm and personal, but we shouldn't forget the awe and reverence due His name.

Let's meditate on the "majesty" passages of Scripture and sing the old hymns that uphold the Lord's greatness. Remember that bowing before Him in fear and reverence is an important part of worship.


It is always true that an encounter with God brings wonderment and awe.
A. W. Tozer

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Psalm 90:1 - 95:11

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In Wonder - Newsboys