How Does God Define A Family?

There is no doubt that in this country, as well as around the world, we have drifted away from God's design and purpose of the family. "And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" (Genesis 2:18) "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him: male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (Genesis 1:27-28) "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." (Epesians 6:1-3) I sat in a resturant not long ago, and watched a family enjoy a meal together. The parents and their children were laughing, and having such a great time together. In view of this, I said to myself, "This is the most beautiful thing to witness in the whole wide world."
I know that the world has it's definition of a family. There are a lot of situations where single parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are raising children today. Because of various circumstances, this is the way it must be. But there are definitions of a family that go against the teachings of the Word of God, and is nothing but clear perversion. My prayer is; that we in this nation, and all around the world, will allow the God of this universe, to help us to follow His pattern, and His purpose for the family. A loving protective, providing husband/father, a loving encouraging, nurturing wife/mother, and obedient, respectful children. is the Creator's design. You can call me old fashion. But as the saying goes: "If it's not broke, don't fix it!" GP
Photo from: www.freedigitalphotos.com

On The Same Page

If all Christians have the same Bible, and the same Holy Spirit, should not Christians be able to agree? The Apostle Paul writes to the Church at Ephesus: "...till we all come to the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:..." (Eph.4:13) This is the goal of the church of Christ. To come to unity on faith, and knowledge of Jesus, concerning our lives. There are several reasons why Christians are not on the same page concerning doctrine, and areas of Christian truth. But notice what Paul says at the beginning of v.13. "Till we all come" There are different levels of understanding of Scripture, and levels of maturity in the Christian faith and walk. And it is a process of obtaining unity in these two areas of maturity of the Christian life. Those who are stronger, must help those who are weaker. We must always "speak the truth in love" (v.15) We must always keep the conversation going. Keep striving to arrive at the same place in our interpretation of Scripture, and our believe, and practice of the Word of God. It is not to be a troublesome endeavor, that leads to dis-unity. But one that through love and respect, will produce a unity that cannot be swayed or broken (GP)
 Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 09 August 2011 www.freedigitalphotos.net

The Greatest Testimony

"This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)
Peter not only proved the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ by the Scriptures, but through the healing of the lame man.(Acts 4) And even though the proof was dynamic, those in authority laid hands on the apostles, and put them in custody (Acts 4:2,3) What proof do we have today, that Jesus is alive, and working in our lives, and the lives of others? And when called upon to do so, would we stand up for this truth? Things have not changed since the apostles brought forth this witness concerning our risen Lord. There are those who will not believe, and who want to silence this precious testimony. The greatest testimony is how we allow the Lord Jesus to be the cornerstone of our lives, and that we demonstrate everyday, that there is no other salvation other than what is found in Him. He saves us from our sins, and He helps us everyday, with the challenges of this life. The community where we live is waiting for this testimony, Will we boldly share it? GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 08 July 2012 www.freedigitalphotos.com

Set Your Mind!

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2,3)
There are several addictions that people have a hard time with. I am not going to list what they are, because you know what they are, and you know what addictions you have. If you don't have an addiction, I would say you are truly blessed, and I pray that you will never be gripped by one.The Apostle Paul gives us some great advice, not only for dealing with life, but how to deal with addictions. He says "Set Your Mind", just like you would set a clock, or pour a slab of cement, and let it "set" or let it harden. We are to determine in our minds, to always honor God, in the things we do. And that we are not going to let anything distract us, or overwhelm us, and cause us, to do anything different. Paul says, "Set your mind on things above" the things that are of God, the things that He provides for us, instead of the things of this earth, I read that a good way to overcome a bad addiction, is to substitute it with something that is more positive, healthier, and fulfilling. You won't feel bad after you followed through with the thought, or act, because you know that it was the right thing to do. When we became Christians we died to the old life, to the addictions that held us hostage. Our life is hidden in Christ, for security, so we will not be enslaved by the addictions of the world. We are to stay "in Christ" and do what He tells us to do. Hiding in Christ is truly a wonderful freedom, when you think of all the things that could hold us hostage, and gradually destroy us. (GP) Photo by Master isolated images. Published on 06 September 2011 www.freedigitalphotos.net

This Nation Is Your People

"Remember that this nation is your people" (Exodus 33:13) 
Instead of finding excuses to not go and be the leader God wanted Moses to be, he asks God to help him maintain the favor, or the good relationship he has found with Him. And He reminds God, which in essence, he is reminding himself, that the nation of Israel belongs to God, and to no one else. Today we are called to remember all those who laid down their lives to protect and maintain this wonderful nation, that first and foremost belongs to God. We have developed the mindset, that this nation belongs to us. And because it belongs to us, we can maintain an immoral lifestyle, and profess and practice those things that are contrary to the will of God. There are those who would love to have the words "...one nation under God..."taken out of our pledge. We want to be under ourselves, not under God. But the consequences of our selfishness and disobedience is evident in our society today. We are a nation out of control, when we should be a people who are exercising self-control, because we love God, and want to please Him with our lives. Today as we are called to "remember" and to "honor" those who have served, and are serving, our precious land, let us also remember that this land, and this people belong to the Lord. GP ID 26439066 © Daniel Thornberg | Dreamstime.com

More Than A Name On A Wall

A Tribute To Our Veterans:
They Are More Than A Name On A Wall!
(Written By Jamie Dailey, Darren Vincent, And Jimmy Fortune)
I saw her from a distance, as she walked up to the wall.
In her hand she held some flowers, as her tears began to fall.
She took out pen and paper as to trace her memories.
She looked up to heaven, and the words she said were these.

She said, "Lord my boy was special, and he meant so much to me.
And Oh, I'd love to see him just one more time you see.
All I have are the memories and the moments to recall.
So Lord could you tell him that he's more than a name on the wall!"

She said, "He really missed the family, being home on Christmas day.
And he died for God and country in a place so far away
I remember just a little boy, playing war since he was three.
And Lord this time I know, he's not coming home to me"

She said, "Lord my boy was special, and he meant so much to me.
And Oh, I'd love to seen him but I know it just can't be.
So I thank you for my memories and the moments to recall.
But Lord could you tell him that he's more than a name on the wall."
Lord could you tell him that he's more than a name on the wall."

The nation of Israel had forgotten God. They were involved in such
extensive idolatry. When God punished them through the Babylonian
captivity, they felt that God had forgotten them.
In Isaiah 49:14-16 the Prophet speaks to the people concerning God's
love and faithfulness. No matter where we are, or what we are going
through. God never forgets us, nor forsakes us:
1. The Complaint (Isaiah 49:14)
2. The Consolation (Isaiah 49:15)
3. The Cause (Isaiah 49:16)
God is near. What He wants us to do, is to turn to Him, and allow
Him to care for us. Yes with God, we are more than a name on a wall!

The Help Of The Holy Spirit

"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:" (John 16:8) I am afraid that as a Christian, I have given the Holy Spirit a very difficult time. He has tried to guide me in the way of the Word of God, but I have gone my own way, several times. Can you relate to that? And as James 4:17 tells us: "Therefore to him who knows what is good and does not do it, to him it is sin." The Holy Spirit will always point us to do what is good, but we have to make the choice to follow through. If we don't, than we sin against God, and place ourselves in conflict with Him, and His will for our lives. To answer the question of how we can be constant in our obedience to the Word of God, the Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 5:16 that the key is to "walk in the Spirit." In other words, we are to daily submit to the Holy Spirit's control in our lives. "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (v.16) We are to be determined, to be in the Word of God everyday, and put into practice what we have read.In so doing we will overcome the desires of the flesh. The battle with self, is a hard fight to win. But being controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will be as Paul said in Romans 8:37 "...more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Thank God we have the help of the Holy Spirit to be faithful to all that God wants us to be, and to do! GP
 Photo ID 8469788 © Kimmit | Dreamstime.com

American Priorities

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, And the people whom He chosen as His own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)
If you do some historical research, you will find that the people who founded this land, had a desire to submit themselves under the lordship of our creator, and recognize themselves as God's chosen people. We are a treasure to God, and He longs to bless us. But how can He bless us when we have our priorities all wrong in this nation. By rebelling against His word, and disobeying His will, we have a society that is out of control. For example, we have been on the path of rebellion against what God says about marriage for awhile. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother (true marriage) and be joined to his wife (not to one of the same sex) and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24) This is God's design! This is God"s will for marriage! How are we missing it? We're missing it, because we want to miss it! We want to legalize our passions, instead of submitting to the lordship of Jesus Christ. We are like a little boy, who was told to sit on a chair, after he had disobeyed his parents. His response: "I may be sitting on the outside, but I'm standing on the inside" American priorities, are Christian priorities. And when we have a close relationship with the Lord, we are going to want to do His will most of all. Is living for the Lord, and serving Him faithfully a priority of yours? By repenting of our sins, and being baptized for the cleansing of our sins (Acts 2:38) we will be in the position of receiving the blessings that come from knowing Jesus Christ. Life is never easy, but it is easier, knowing that our Lord is with us, helping us in every aspect of our lives. Make Jesus a priority in your life. You won't be disappointed. (GP) 
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When Life Turns On A Dime

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) 
Have you ever heard someone say that "Life can turn on a dime?" It is a way of describing how life can change in a hurry, and not always for the best. What do we do, when life changes, come so suddenly, so unexpectedly? Do we panic? Do we fall apart? Or put our heads in the sand? For those who do not have a relationship with the Lord, it is very hard to walk in hope. That is why it so important that we come to the Lord, and accept Him, as Savior and Lord, and trust Him in every aspect of our lives. Just as the Lord had a plan for the nation of Israel, (who were captives in Babylon) He has a plan for us. The changes in our lives, may be a surprise to us, but they are not a surprise to the Lord. He knows what is around the corner. So the best think for us, when life turns on a dime, is to rest in the Lord, and trust that He has everything under control. Somehow, things will work out, the way that He knows is best. If we are called to walk by faith, then we must walk with our hand, in the hand of the Lord, trusting that He will see us through, the storms of change. Let's trust in Him today! GP
 Photo by Salvatore Vuono. Published on 06 March 2011 www.freedigitalphotos.net

A Little More Money

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
"If we could just make a little more money, than things would be better!" I have heard those words a lot in my life, and have even said those words. It is true that money is a necessity to take care of the needs, and obligations we have in our lives. And yes, in certain situations, having more money, would make it better. But when money and material wealth is all we focus on, and it becomes the main priority in our lives, than making more money, will never satisfy the craving, we have in our hearts. Just a little bit more money, will never be enough. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) Where do we want our heart to be? Indulging in the pursuit of material wealth that will never satisfy? or focusing on the blessings that only God can provide? It comes down to finding contentment. Being happy with the blessings of God, verses the treasures on earth. The Bible is our spiritual bankbook, let's check it everyday, and see just how blessed we are! GP Photo by sheelamohan. Published on 10 November 2011

Unity Leads To Maturity

"...that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of man, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive..." (Ephesians 4:14) In order for the church of Jesus Christ, to have maturity, and stability, they must have unity in what they believe and practice. We are to have unity in our faith and knowledge of the Son of God.(Eph.4:13) The more we come together to study and encourage one another in the teachings of Christ, the more we will be mature in Christ, and will not be deceived by the various ideas and doctrines that present themselves to us today. And as the church, once we join together on the truth concerning Christ's teachings, we are to stand together on that truth. If there are disagreements, that cannot be resolved, than separate in love. We are to remember that the Apostle Paul taught that we are to "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in the lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3) It is not to be a war over who is right and who is wrong. In our disagreements, may love reign, and point us in the way we must go. Selfishness and pride, will always lead down a path of destruction. I am sure the Lord never intended for that! GP Photo by hywards. Published on 06 August 2014

Together Forever

(Jesus' words)"...and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:5-6) "Canada geese (and swans) do mate for life. Mated pairs not only raise and protect their young together, but also look out for one another over the course of their lives. One mate will stay by the other's side if injured or dying, even if the rest of the flock is moving on. They are extremely devoted to one another." (canadageese.org/faq4.html)
God's Word is not the only source for God's intent for the marriage of a man and woman. Nature shows us that God intends for a man and woman to join together for life. "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." (Matthew 19:6b) My grandparents and my parents took their vows seriously. They stayed together all through the years of their married life, Today, selfishness takes its toll on marriage relationships. If it is all about me, and all about what I want, then marriage becomes one-sided. It is the balance of love and compromise, and the desire to be obedient to the will of God, that helps a marriage to endure through the years, and yes, for life! GP Photo by imagerymajestic. Published on 10 June 2012 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Teaching & Learning

"My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching." (Proverbs 6:20) My heart goes out to children who haven't had parents who were good examples to follow. The commandment is to honor our father and mother, and yet that is hard to do when there has been abuse, neglect, and a failure to exhibit a good example. I hope, and pray in those cases, that someone steps in and fills the gap, and becomes a Godly example to look up to. Parents have an awesome responsibility to teach and to be an example of God's Word, before their children. It is not easy, but not impossible. With God help we as parents can do it. But we as children need to show obedience, and respect, for the teaching that our parents have given us. It is a two way street. The teaching and the learning. Although with parents and children, no one is perfect, and there are times when we must admit our failures, and go on. But still we must take our responsibilities seriously, and do the best that we can. As children what we have learned from our parents, will be building blocks for a future that is waiting for us to develop, and to enjoy. The Word of God is workable, if we will work it, and not lay it aside! GP Photo by stockimages. Published on 18 June 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Lying: It Is A Big Deal

"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight" (Proverbs 12:22) 
I watched a news program where they were talking about a famous football player who had lied about something he did. One of the people who was interviewed, made the comment:"It's no big deal, in time it will be forgiven!" In our text, lying is an abomination to the Lord, and that is a very big deal. But it never came up in this news feature about what God says about lying. I don't want to point fingers at this football player, because we have all done it. None of us are perfect, and as Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" But James 4:17 says: "Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." When has lying ever been something good. Never! It is Satan's tool against the virtue of trust. How many relationships have been damaged because of lying lips? As it has been said for years: "Honesty is always the best policy" and it is a delight to the Lord. Which is better to improve our character, or our selfish pursuits? GP
 Truth Sign Indicates No Lie And Correct Stock Photo Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 12 November 2014 www.freedigitalphotos.net

If He Doesn't Know You, He Can't Grow You!

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23) Of all the words that one would hear, these words will be the most tragic of all. To hear the words of our Lord saying to us; "I never knew you" would be most devastating.
 My mother-in-law is very good with plants. She knows the different variations, the leaf or flower that each produces. And she knows how to care for each of them, which is a challenge, because they are different, in how much water, and sunlight they need. The will of the Heavenly Father, is that we come to know His Son. Not everyone who says to Jesus, Lord, Lord, will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who submit to the wisdom, authority, love and care of the Savior (or divine gardener) will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven." If He doesn't know you, He can't grow you" He can't do the work that is necessary, to help us be ready when He calls us home, for eternity. Let's not only receive Jesus into our lives, but let's really let Him get to know us! When we do, our lives will be truly blessed, today, and forever! GP
 Photo by Mister GC. Published on 08 September 2011 www.freedigitalphotos.net

When We Are Sick

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14) 
I have heard these words spoken before concerning what to do when a sickness or trial comes our way. "Well, at least we can pray!" Of all the things we can do in response to a trial, prayer is not the least thing that we can do, it is the best thing we can do.
We pray in faith that in this time of sickness, or trial, that God's will be done. God is wanting to see faith. He is wanting to see how far we will go to trust Him. In our text, James emphasizes prayer, and says to go to the elders of the church, and have them pray, and anoint with oil. The anointing of oil was not only a physical treatment that was traditionally done in the days of the early church, but also a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence, in the process of healing. When we are sick, or going through a severe trial, the best thing we can do, is give it all over to the Lord. To rest our soul in His presence, and in the comfort of His Word. To cooperate with the professional people, who we depend on for treatment and care.
To be an example of love and faith as we endure this great challenge in our lives. To never give up hope, because that is the gift our Lord gave to us, when He came to this world, and left victorious.GP

Photo by David Castillo Dominici. Published on 19 March 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net