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Please Don't Sit This One Out!

10/28/2010

As I recall my history, a free America was born out of a discontent toward an unresponsive government.

When words failed, more drastic measures were enacted.

Freedom to worship, freedom from taxation without representation and liberty to self-govern were at the heart of the Revolutionary War. Freedom was the cry back then.

Many cry freedom today.

Where do you stand on the issues? Are you of the opinion that the government is the solution to our problems? Or do you often view government as the problem?

May I ask you a few questions?

Have you ever spent your way out of debt? Or does more spending tend to make your debt worse? What happens when those debts are called in and you cannot pay?
If you put in more time at work, but don't get paid for that extra time, would you keep doing it? According to many officials, the more you make the more you should be taxed. How does that affect your motivation to work harder?
The average U.S Senator makes over $174,000 per year, not including perks. They have a completely separate health care plan and retirement benefits you and I will never see. They get every holiday off and take 5-week paid vacations. Does that seem right to you? How about the un-elected czars who make over $100,000 per year? Are you okay with that?
Are you comfortable with your tax dollars going to pay for abortions, NPR, lavish vacations even during tough economic times, art exhibitions that promote homosexualtly and an educational system that demeans America's Christian heritage?
Do you think legislation should be read, understood, and made clear to the public by lawmakers before or after it gets voted on?

The people who put their lives on the line in the 1700's really put their lives on the line. They weren't risking their iPod or their car. They risked everything! Under supplied, out gunned, out manned, under fed and some without shoes battled seasoned soldiers for a chance to determine their own destiny. To decide their own faith. To pursue their own dreams.

They viewed government as a necessary evil – but an evil nonetheless. They envisioned a limited government with set, specific authority. Today, I believe this evil has grown so far beyond it's intended boundaries that if it is not checked and rebalanced in this election cycle, the opportunity to do so peacefully will be past.

Are you voting or are you sitting this one out? Are you content with inaction or are you willing to inconvenience yourself for a few minutes to get to the polls and cast your say as to who will be at the helm of our country?

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. (Proverbs 29:2)

If I claim to be a Christian, yet do nothing to stop unrighteous leadership, am I living what I profess? I think not.

I don't like our two party system, but I tend to agree with the Conservative position on issues more often then not. But this isn't about a party; it's about our country as founded!

Please be involved. Please pray for a righteous change of direction for America! Please get out and vote for candidates who have common sense and real-life experience in the workplace. People with wisdom and an understanding that life is precious and our rights and liberties are not for sale to unions or extreme special interest groups.

Please vote!

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Remember Noah?

10/24/2010

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What comes to your mind when you think of Noah and the ark? Do you see colorful pictures of a huge boat with happy animals aboard? Is there a colorful rainbow hanging in the sky? Those old Sunday school wall decorations are the images that enter my mind at first. But then the rest of the story comes into view and it's not quite as cheery.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. (Genesis 6:-7)

Because Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, God warned Noah of the coming judgment and commanded him to build an ark of wood. That ark would be the salvation of all who were in it. For 120 years Noah prepared the ark and preached righteousness. What was his message? “God is going to destroy the earth with a great flood. Repent and be on the ark!”

Can you imagine the ridicule and mocking Noah must have gone through? The wicked wouldn't give him the time of day I'm sure, but what about his friends, neighbors or even his family...

      “Noah, stop! You're scaring the children.”

      “A flood, huh? Where's the water coming from?”

      “Why do we have to be on your ark? Why can't we build our own?”

      “Noah, you need to be more tolerant of other people's beliefs.”

      “Do you have a permit to build this ark?”

But at the time appointed, God told Noah to get his family and the animals on board. Seven days later, God shut them in and it began to rain.

And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. (Genesis 7:23)

The scriptures don't go into detail about what was going on outside of the ark as the water rose. The screaming, the begging, the pleading. Souls who used to mock and shake their heads at Noah now scratched and pounded their fists against the gopher wood sides of the only way of escape from complete destruction. The longsuffering of God waited for over a century, but man would not turn. Their end was swift and certain.

Many generations later, Jesus Christ preached of the last days to come comparing them to the days of Noah...

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:38-39)

The time of the return of Christ are upon is. The description of his second coming is wonderful and comforting to believers, yet horrifying to the ungodly and disobedient.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3)

Hellfire and brimstone preaching seems to be lost to a bygone era. We don't call sin “sin” anymore because it might offend. But friend, God has not changed. Sin is still sin to him and carries this same rock solid guarantee:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Whoever was not in the ark when God shut the door was doomed. In like manner, those who are not in Christ, who have not made themselves ready, will not rise to meet the Savior in the air when he returns. They will be left behind to reap the wrath of God intended for the ungodly and disobedient. Let us not be counted among those!

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
(2 Peter 3:10-12)

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Thanks, Lord!

10/20/2010

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The other evening, my wife called me from a parking lot in Phoenix telling me that her car battery was not only going dead - it was dead. Fortunately, she was able to get a jump from someone and would be home soon.

My first response to the situation sounded a lot like a grumble as I headed out the door to go get another battery at about seven o'clock in the evening. But while I was driving, my perspective changed and I started to thank God. Why? Here's why...

1. The call was from my wife, about a dead battery. It wasn't about an accident.

2. She couldn't start her car just as someone parked right next to her who as able to give her a jump.

3. We live close to places that carry batteries. In fact, the first store didn't have the right one, but the large store next to it did.

4. I was able to replace the battery without any problems and the car started up like a champ. That is a big deal since I'm not mechanically inclined. At all. Really.

I have a master's degree in whining, but in this case I looked at everything that was good or workable about the situation and thanked God for it.

Colossians 3:15 says, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Griping is way too easy, but offers no reward. Being thankful takes more effort, but God gets the glory and we'll feel better for it. I'm convinced God pays attention to our attitude and blesses us if we have a grateful heart.

Paul wrote to Timothy about the perilous last days. Here's part of his description...

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (2 Timothy 3:2)

Ingratitude is something to guard against. We has the people of God, who've been forgiven of much, should be the most thankful people on the planet. Ever wondered what the will of God has been in any given situation? Check this out...

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) There is always something to be thankful for. Always.

In conclusion, I just want to say thank you for reading and leaving a comment!

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Why Are You Asking For Money?

10/17/2010

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Does it seem to you that most ministries today are broke or on the edge of collapse if they don't get your “seed offering” by Friday afternoon?

“Tune in next week to see if Pastor Smith is still on the air...”

I find this troubling really.

Many times over the years I've been the one behind the pulpit asking people to give. I taught others what I was taught and used the same verses from Malachi chapter 3. But upon further examination of the scriptures, I teach something else today. Church was never, ever meant to be an expensive proposition.

If God has told you specifically to ask for money from people to build a ministry, then so be it. Obey the Lord. Just please make sure it was God speaking and not your own inner voice based on traditions and not the scriptures. See, I find it interesting that in the New Testament, tithing isn't commanded and more often than not, Paul supported himself while fulfilling his ministry. Here's how he put it:

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: (2 Thessalonians 3:8)

In my opinion, some church leaders sound too much like politicians. “We need your money to pay for our programs,” “XYZ Church needs a love offering to keep broadcasting” or “The new Fellowship Center won't be completed on time if we don't have your generous donation this week!”

Did Jesus preach that? Uh...no.

I wonder how many business people shake their heads at how churches operate today. Organizational leaders ask or beg for offerings to build facilities that on average, only get used a few times per week. Does that seem wise? Is that biblical? Let's review the words of Christ...

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)

Do you read anything about building buildings in that verse? How about creating 501(c)(3) Charitable organizations? Or are we commanded to give to the latest, greatest church fundraiser idea? I don't see it either. However, I do see teaching and baptizing others to teach and baptize. None of which requires great expense.

Giving should come from our hearts cheerfully to where we see needs, and not out of guilt or because a TV preacher tearfully pleads for it. If a “ministry” folds because of a lack of funds, it probably should have – long before it did. That may sound cold, but folks, God isn't in some of our endeavors of faith. The church of Jesus Christ becomes much more true and real when money and prestige are taken out it.

Now, playing devil's advocate, it is a biblical principle to give to those who have helped us to grow spiritually, but let's have the right heart about it like Paul...

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:11-12)

I wonder how many ministries would keep going if offerings stopped coming in. If they did keep going, I wonder how many would run more efficiently.

My fellow ministers, let's keep our eyes on serving the body of Christ as best we can for as long as we can whether others give or not. Let obedience to our Master and future heavenly rewards be enough incentive for us to labor on until he comes.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 15:58)

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The Life Changing Power of Praise

10/13/2010

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     Bill wanted to clear out a few trees in his back yard, so he went next door to ask his neighbor if he could borrow his chain saw.
     “Sure, you can,” Fred said. “Good luck.”
Saw in hand, Bill went back to his house to get to work.
      Four hours later, a very tired and sweaty Bill went back over Fred's house.

     “I can't believe how long this is taking,” Bill said trying to catch his breath. “Something must be wrong with this.”
     Fred took the chain saw from his weary friend. “Let's have a look.”
     After a few pulls on the starter rope, the saw roared to life.
     Surprised, Bill asked, “What's that noise?”

                                    This Article Was Reprinted by the Pagosa Daily Post!

New and amazing experiences await all of us in our walk with God if we have ears to hear and hearts to perceive. As dramatic as that noise coming from the chainsaw was to Bill, so was the subject of praise to me some years ago.

My mother and I infrequently attended Catholic masses on Sunday when I was a little kid. Then when I was about twelve, we visited a Pentecostal church. Talk about culture shock! It was like going from a somber library to a home coming pep rally. The singing and loud praise to God was amazingly different.

Many years later, I heard Don Gossett preach about praising God and I purchased three of his books on the subject. Those books completely changed my understanding about praise. When I began to praise God more actively, my life changed.

Is vocally praising God something you do regularly or hardly at all? Have you ever been around others who praise and worship openly? I can understand how some might feel uncomfortable about openly praising God if they've never been taught from the scriptures about it. Everything new to us seems a bit strange at first, doesn't it?

Praising God isn't some “odd” topic. It should be front and center in our lives because the Bible is full of instruction, examples and even commands to us about praising God. To say it bluntly, if we're not comfortable praising God now, then we'll feel really out of place in heaven where praise is offered up eternally.

Psalms 113:3: From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.

I think praise is a very misunderstood part of our spiritual lives. Some feel that quiet reverence is how we should approach God. They feel that those who openly praise and worship the Lord are a little “off.” But what does the Bible say?

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (Psalms 100:1-2)

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Psalms 47:1)

There is a time and place for everything. Approaching the Lord should be with reverence and respect, but it should also be with obedience to how he wants to be approached. Praising, singing, shouting, and clapping our hands should be part of our walk with God. If it isn't, why isn't it?

There is an attention getting story about one of King David's wives. As we know, David was called a man after God's own heart. He was a praiser! And when the ark of the covenant was being returned to Jerusalem, David removed his kingly apparel and danced before the Lord with all of his might. Here's what happened:

    And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
    Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!
     And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
     Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
(2 Samuel 6:16, 20-23)

Free Side Note: Be very careful in criticizing someone else in how they praise God. If you have despised others in their worship, and your life is barren, you might now know why.

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Praising God isn't what we do for each other, it's what we do unto our Lord. But the benefits we receive are many, joy and peace for starters!

If praise isn't part of your day, may I encourage you to rethink it? Consider reading that book from Don Gossett. It might open your eyes and change your life like it did mine.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

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Unplug

10/8/2010

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Does anyone else out there suffer from GCMEOMT also known as Gotta Check My Emails One More Time?

Or I must know the latest on Fox News or the Drudge Report?

Who's on Facebook???
What are my stocks doing? YouTube?
Or all the above?
Repeat?

Remember when sending or receiving mail took days? Yet somehow we survived. Calling a friend happened after school or work and we managed to wait. But not now! We can do it all! At the same time!

How efficient we can be! Or my, how little I've gotten done today!

Okay, time for prayer and the Word – oh wait! - Joe sent me that funny video...
http \\: Ican'tBelieveHowStupidThisIsButI'mStillLaughing/Replay/Replay/Don'tClickThisAgain.

Finally, Marty's online to play Dork Attack III...

Lord, I'll spend more time with you tomorrow or the next day...

But the next day the videos will be even more crazy. Someone else will be available to chat. The headlines will be even more sensational.

Computer Distractions.
The easiest way to mouse-click your life away and not mean to.

Seeking the Lord first (or at all) and waiting on him with my undivided attention is more difficult now than any other time I can remember – hold that thought while I check my email.

During the late 80s, I was stationed in Germany in the Army's 1st Armored Division “Old Ironsides” in Germany. Unlike most other occupations, you are a soldier 24 hours a day. Just because you were dismissed, didn't mean you couldn't be called back. Obviously, that can put a strain on life, especially if you're trying to keep a marriage and family together overseas.

The Army created “Iron Family Time” to improve morale. Every Thursday we were let go from our duties at 1600 hrs (4:00 PM) which was at least an hour earlier than usual. We had to be out of our work area by that time or we were in trouble. Married soldiers were encouraged to spend time with their families. Unmarried soldiers relaxed. Put simply, we were forced to unplug.

Some of us are electronically connected somehow (TV, computer, iPod, iPad, etc.,) almost all day and into the night. We're online and available to almost anyone in our chat list. But are we that way with Jesus? Can he “blip” on the screen of our heart and mind and get a quick response from us? Or will he see me as “Away” or “Do Not Distrub?”

I have to admit that he's gotten that from me lately. Every other little thing was more important at that moment. And the next. And the next. And how did it get to be 11:15 PM already?

But won't it be a day just like today when Christ will call his church home?
---Let me text my buddy - BRB.

Aren't these the world conditions spoken of by prophets of old that would precede the days of our Lord's return?
---LOL

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. (Luke 21:34)

I had to literally tell myself to “UNPLUG!” and get away from the computer the other evening. Finally, instead of staying glued to an HD screen, I invested some time in prayer and praise to God. And a couple of funny things happened:

First, I was at peace and smiled on the inside.

Second, my emails were still there, no one died because I didn't chat, and the news was still the news – most of which had nothing to do with me or my family.

But I'm closer to God now and have a clearer mind. What a concept!

I wrote about this before in Linger For The Blessing but we can all benefit from a reminder now and then. Making some God time happen everyday is going to be more and more important as the days unfold, because there's absolutely nothing more important in life than being right with Him.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

Just as spyware, viruses and other harmful things can collect on our computers, so too they can collect on our soul. In time we're running sluggish, having more carnal thoughts and “spamming” our friends and family in conversations with things we didn't mean to say.

Unplug soon, okay?

--- writer is offline with Jesus ---

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Why God Doesn't Always Deliver

10/5/2010

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Now is my soul troubled;
and what shall I say?
Father, save me from this hour:
but for this cause came I
unto this hour.

John 12:27

“Help!”
“Please save me!”
"Why aren't you helping, God?”

Our God is in the deliverance business! Most of us have testified to friends and family about how God has rescued us or delivered us out of terrible situations. Those great testimonies get the headlines in the church don't they? Hallelujah!

Then there are those other times. Times when we're wondering if God has just earned enough travel points to take a long vacation, right? Some comfortable place just out of ear shot when we need him most. Well, we're not alone! We're in good company...

Abraham waited 25 years for an important promise to come to pass. Bet he wondered where God was a time or two.

Then there's Job. Now that's a big box of misery! He had no idea what was going on in the spirit world.

I love the honesty of the scriptures like the first few verses of Psalms 22...

...why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent...All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him...

The writer of that Psalm was intimate with discouragement. He clearly wondered where God was and wrote prophetically about Jesus too. Those are valid feelings and emotions. And lest we forget, our bleeding, dying savior didn't shout, “I love my job!” Rather, he cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

I'd prefer immediate deliverance from trouble, but it doesn't always work like that. Why not? I don't have all the answers, but I might have stumbled upon a few for consideration. Here's an important verse that is often misquoted...

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

That's NOT what that verse says. Here's the actual verse (John 8:32):

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

There's a big difference between being set free and being made free. Let me use this real world example to explain.

How many of us would love to win the $10 Million Dollar state lottery? How would that change our lives? Would we be better off? We'd like to think so. But according to Chelmsford wealth counselor Szifra Birke, roughly one-third of lottery winners find themselves in serious financial trouble or in bankruptcy within five years of turning in their winning ticket.

Birke says, "For many people who come into wealth suddenly - whether they win the lottery, receive an insurance settlement or an unexpected inheritance - if they have not acquired good money skills prior to this windfall, often they struggle and make poor choices. If someone is in trouble financially, if they're spending more than they are making or are relying emotionally on the lottery to bail them out, then that's a big problem." Click here to read the whole article.

We may want sudden deliverance like winning the lottery (set free), when God wants wise financial stewardship (made free). The difference is that we become more usable and responsible members in the Kingdom of God.

We may be praying to be delivered from a lousy job, while God is using that lousy job to teach us to be better employees who are worth promoting into a better job.

We may pray to be delivered from recurring sin, when God wants us to learn to make better choices to avoid temptation altogether.

We might want immediate healing, when God sees a greater glory coming later from our pain now. See John chapter 9 for more on that.

God wants us to be overcomers. He wants us to have the mastery over our flesh, the world and the devil. That won't happen if he hovers like an over protective soccer mom. Pain and disappointment are important teachers. We don't do some things anymore because it hurt the last time we did it, right? That's valuable!

Our Heavenly Father will never put on us more than we can bear. We tend to do that all by ourselves. If we're feeling overwhelmed, overburdened or stuck and we're praying for deliverance, let's ask him for wisdom and understanding about where we're at and what to do next.

Jesus Christ is in the deliverance business. It's just not the only wrench in his toolbox.

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2 New Bible Studies Added!

10/3/2010

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Open thou mine eyes, that I
may behold wondrous things
out of thy law.

Psalms 119:18

The Free Bible Studies section is one of the most visited pages on the website, and I'm glad to see it! If you haven't had a chance to check out and download these free Bible resources, please do so.

Don't be fooled by their simplicity and lack of commentary. The Word of God doesn't need extra fluff or my input to make them potent to the soul. Rather, the scriptures need to be read, studied and memorized in their undiluted purity. In the end, it's not our opinions, preferences, or theories that will save us. Pastor, Dr., Rev., Bishop Smith didn't die for our sins. Aunt Martha may make the most mouth watering apple pie, but she doesn't hold the keys to death, hell and the grave. It is the Word of God that saves us if we believe it and obey it.

The first three Bible studies are about the scriptures themselves. Every time I go through them, I'm reminded of the awesome power contained within the Bible. I'm struck by its perfection and in terror of it's warnings. God doesn't kid around about his Word. His promises are true, his judgments are certain, his benefits are real and his percepts are eternal. Societies and cultures may change and evolve but the Word of God abideth for ever!

The two new additions touch on what believing is, and on the benefits of serving God. You might be surprised to see what the scriptures have to say about these topics.

In my travels, I've rarely heard the connection between believing and obedience preached. More frequently I've heard that "Christ has done all the work and we don't have to do anything." Interesting doctrine...but is that what the Bible says? See for yourself.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved..." Ever heard that? That's in the Bible, but did you know that's not the end of the verse or the chapter? There's a lot more to that story. Have a look for yourself in that Bible study on believing.

I'll close with a short poem that was embedded in my heart many years ago...

All God's words we should obey,
Every hour of every day.
Only those have cause to fear,
Who do not heed the words they hear.

Please share your comments and pass it along to someone else! Thanks!

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Please Don't Sit This One Out!

Remember Noah?

Thanks, Lord!

Why Are You Asking For Money?

The Life Changing Power of Praise

Unplug

Why God Doesn't Always Deliver

2 New Bible Studies Added!

Patrick Sipperly

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