My Take

Proverbs 24:11-12 says: If thou forbear   to deliver  them that are   drawn   unto death,   and  those that are   ready   to be slain ;  If thou sayest,   Behold, we knew   it not; doth not he that pondereth   the heart   consider  it ?  and he that keepeth   thy soul,   doth  not   he know  it ?  and shall  not   he render   to  every   man   according to his works ? I believe that the Lord set an example for us all when he said: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Certainly, the teaching is multi-faceted. The primary teaching is concerning what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross of Calvary. Praise God for such a precious gift that brought about our forgiveness and redemption. But the second application is that we ought to be willing to lay down our lives for others. To be living sacrifices that they...

Today is our anniversary. I thought I'd share something that I mentioned on our 30th Anniversary concerning marriage and the importance of right foundations in marriage. God's Word has stood the test of time, and husband and wife who completely depend on God and His Word will also stand the test of time because of the Lord's Help. What do you say or – how do you repay a lady that has spent 30 years of marriage with you? God has truly blessed me with my wife Stephanie. She married a young guy (I was 21 she was 20) who didn’t have a solid future, looking go get out of the service with his only education past Highs school was Marine grunt training (not very marketable back then). Yet she did and has been a blessing to me for 30 years. She has borne the hardest work, bearing three beautiful daughters whom we love; staying at home and raising them for the majority of our marriage, and serving God with me since day one and trusting her husband’s leading her halfway around t...

There is a thought that has come into my mind in the past and especially around Christmas that is not quite ever defined accurately.  The thought or question is simply what is the spirit of Christmas or what is Christmas Spirit?” We hear it used all the time, but what does it mean?  Can it be biblically defined? Is something that God wants from us?  All of these are good questions (at least, I say that to myself because I’m the one asking them).       Everyone has their own opinion as to what Christmas spirit is.  If you watch any of the “Hallmark” type Christmas movies (I endured one the other day for my lovely wife) – they will tell you, and I quote: “Christmas, it is about a feeling, a feeling you can’t put into words” (that’s deep), or “it is peace, joy, and doing good for others.” Others will say it is about Santa Clause or a multitude of other explanations.    If you look up Christmas you will find that its...

After my devotions each morning I try to work on my memory verses.  Today, in succession, two verses came up that relate a great and important truth that a spoke to me.  The two verses were: Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.  & Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Adversity, in a simplified definition, means "trouble."  Certainly no one looks for trouble.  Sickness, accidents, mishaps, and the resulting distress happen in everyone's lives and are often unforeseen.  They can at times be daunting.  God teaches us not to faint in the face of adversity; not to stop doing what we are supposed to and performing our vows and service to God, family, and community.   I think that we have expanded our definition of adversity in our generation to include words like "tiredness" and even "opportunity." We usually aren't dealing with troubles as much as distractions a...

Pied Piper (compote.slate.com) You may recall the story of the Pied Piper who led away the rats from the town of Hamelin (Germany) to save the town from a plague.  Later, because he was not paid for his services – the Pied Piper came back playing his pipe and led the children away in retaliation. The story dates back to possibly 1200 A.D. (yes, I still use A.D. & B.C.).  The story is a metaphor for someone who through their charisma, talent, or even lies attracts a following to use or abuse. But there is actually an earlier metaphor than that which teaches a different and more important truth. It is found in Matthew 11:16-17 and also Luke 7:32  where Christ says:  But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. That piper was not a “pied piper” (pied meant multicolored outfit...

There is a hymn that I used to hear as a special at church when I was younger, the lyrics were basically a question that we need to ask ourselves and it went as follows: Do you really want revival? Do you really want God’s power? Do you really want His Spirit To control your life this hour? Oh, repent and turn to Jesus, Seek his face and humbly pray. Do you really want Revival? Are you willing to obey? If we really want revival and for God’s help in our lives, family, church, community, and nation it is going to start with:  1.     Turning back to God with complete repentance of sin and full dependence on Him.  ( James 4:10 ; 1 Peter 5:7 ) Don’t depend on yourself, your reasoning, your strength, your abilities. Look to and trust in the Lord. Ask forgiveness for your wayward and backslidden condition. Quit excusing yourself and come clean with God and turn from your sin or disobedience. 2.     Obeying God ( John 14:15 ) Thi...

Have you ever felt like God wanted you to serve Him in some greater capacity? Then you considered yourself and decided that you were not up to the task? That is how most people feel as well. There are a couple of issues here though. First, we need to get our eyes off of ourselves and then we need to realize that God will enable us and anoint us to do anything He calls us to.  Let's consider David in this subject. In all David was anointed three times in his life. Each time he was anointed there was an escalation of blessings as well as responsibilities. The carnal man wants blessing without responsibility - but God looks for those He can use that are willing to help bear the burden of ministry and that He can bless as a result. The blessing I'm talking about is not of material goods, though God provides such things for us, but the blessing is to be use of Him in His service in a greater way for His kingdom and for His glory. David, even in his youth, was already serving and bea...