National Religious Freedom Day!

  Sunday, Jan.16th is National Religious Freedom Day. That is one of the main pillars our country was founded upon. The Pilgrims were tired of being persecuted for not following the rules of the Church of England that basically did what the king told them to. They gathered together what they could and began to find ways to get to the "New World".
   It is vital to us to protect this freedom! We all have the freedom to worship or not as WE choose, not as the government chooses. We don't have to worry about being forced to join one group or abandon another. There are not a lot of countries where this is possible outside of Western Europe, Japan, S. Korea, Australia & New Zealand!
   We do not need the Muslims sharia law, or any other tenets from any religion including Christianity, forced upon us. That is what makes us a great country in spite of the various problems we wrestle with from day to day.
    Exercise your prayerful spirit.Please remember to pray for our continued religious freedom. As we get further into the "last days", Christians will be persecuted more & more in the West as they already are in quite a few places around the world. There are a great many martyrs in Christiandom, that we may be unaware of here in our somewhat  insulated lifestyles!
    In conclusion PRAY....pray for our continued freedom, pray for those who do not enjoy our level of freedom, pray for those suffering around he world from hunger, disease, persecution, Some of these people could be your close neighbors or friends. "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit." 1st Thessalonians 5:17-19.

What A Start! -- We Need To Pray!

 

   What a start to the New Year! Just prior to the anniversary of the earthquake in  Haiti, we have the news of the Tucson, AZ shootings! Not to ignore tensions all across the globe, wars and rumors of wars, pestilence, mass bird and fish kills, you name it. Oh & don't forget genetic manipulation of the food supply .... I believe we are a bit further into the "end times" than most people realize. It is vital that we pray for the people and situations  around us in Christ Jesus' name! God has brought us victory in Jesus Christ of Nazareth!!
  Why does the world look so dark? That is the way it is supposed to get as the "end of days" nears.
However, we are reminded in Mark 13:32 "No man knows the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."  It is trust in the true and living God, Yahweh through His Son Jesus, and prayer in the Holy Spirit that will bring us through. " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

                    
   Way too many people, Christians included, get carried away with the material side of this holiday (holyday)
season. Let us all pause and take time to reflect on the incredible mercy and grace of God in providing a way for
we as humans to approach Him in all His Holiness. "Jesus said to him, I  am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6.
   Our nature as humans, is to give in to the desires and lusts of the flesh. We want to be first, not last. We want to be at the head of the line of traffic, waited on first at restaurants etc.
   It is commendable to give gifts to those we are fond of at this time of year. Let's make sure that the real gift we give is one of friendship, love and compassion, and if we would but try to make an effort to extend that beyond this Christmas season. It will do honor to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and the name of God our gracious Father, not to mention the change it will bring to our respective areas and lives!
   "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be on His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty, God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6.
 

Between the Holidays

Thanksgiving has come and gone - now the anticipation of Christmas is here! Traditionally at our home, we change from Thanksgiving to Christmas overnight! The Christmas tree, with gifts underneath, the outside lights are up, and soon it will be Christmas. We can never forget what Christmas is truly about though. Jesus Christ, Our Lord, is alive and with Our Father in Heaven! We need to remember to help those that are having a hard time this year. To pray for our families and our friends, our soldiers still fighting for our freedom! The good tidings, the joy, needs to continue all year long - We need Christmas to continue in our lives, our hearts!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Prayerful Spirit: Thanksgiving & The Giving of Thanks!

Prayerful Spirit: Thanksgiving & The Giving of Thanks!

Thanksgiving & The Giving of Thanks!

                                                                          

 We have so much to be thankful for these days, in spite of the state of things throughout our nation and our world. Though there are wars, disease, famine and the like, we must still be grateful to God that we have life!
We should work to protect and nurture our life as well as the lives of those we come in contact with. The cholera epidemic in Haiti, the attack today on South Korea by North Korea, continued persecution of the Jews, especially by the Muslims....all theses instances need to be battled against by PRAYER! We can give money, our time etc., but prayer to the Lord God Almighty, Yahweh, through our intercessor Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that is what will turn the tide!
   The power is in God and His Son Christ Jesus. By our faith in Him we are saved. So don't focus on the negative circumstances around us, focus on Him, and stay in His Word, the Bible.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.
    Remember to thank God this Thanksgiving Day, and each successive day thereafter.

Let's Go Forward!

   Praise God from whom all blessing flow! The elections are over, and it looks like there are quite a few people going to Washington that will hopefully stand up for the principles this country was founded upon!
  Freedom and liberty, to pursue our lives as God has given us vision to providing we don't trample on the
rights of others.
  The Judeo-Christian ethic is such as important force in the world through Gods' Holy Spirit. Think of all the people and places our country has helped out and led in the spread of freedom and democracy throught the world!

                                           

  When things look dark remember God is still ultimately in control. He will protect and provide for His children. "The Lord is my sheperd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1.
   As we go further into the fall anticipating winter, let us emanate the warmth of His love to those around us.
I know that can be hard with some people, and when we determine to do good Satan will try to trip us up, but our God is GREATER!
  "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 8:18.