"...a Christian's standing before God does not depend upon his standing before men. A high reputation does not make a man dearer to God, nor does the tongue of the slanderer influence God's attitude toward His people in any way. He knows us each one, and we stand or fall in the light of His perfect knowledge." ~ A.W. Tozer

This track is from an extraordinary time spent in worship one Wednesday night at The Sanctuary of Dublin. Nancy Clark played piano and I used a Yamaha WX-5 controller and VL70-m module to emulate the flute, clarinet, cello, violin, and harmonica that you hear on this unrehearsed, "play-as-we-go" melody. I added the sounds of an afternoon spring thunderstorm that I had recorded a few days earlier.

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I learned a lesson on repentance the other day when I was in the shower. Since none of you were there (at least I don't remember seeing any of you there), I thought I'd share it here with you.

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Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God's Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God's creation, says:

“I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

“Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire. Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

“The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they'll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God! —Revelation 3:14-19 (MSG)

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"Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next." —1 Timothy 1:4 (NLT)

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"But the most important issue we face today is the same the church has faced in every century: Will we reach our world for Christ? In other words, will we give priority to Christ's command to go into all the world and preach the gospel? Or will we turn increasingly inward, caught up in our own internal affairs or controversies, or simply becoming more and more comfortable with the status quo? Will we become inner-directed or outer-directed? The central issues of our time aren't economic or political or social, important as these are. The central issues of our time are moral and spiritual in nature, and our calling is to declare Christ's forgiveness and hope and transforming power to a world that does not know him or follow him. May we never forget this." —Billy Graham, (Christianity Today, from an interview with Sarah Pulliam Bailey)

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No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. —1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

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I will be posting messages here from a new series I've titled, "Realities of Our Redemption." It is absolutely essential for the believer to know what transpired when they invited Jesus into their heart. Unfortunately, many have not come to see the miracle of the new birth. It is my prayer that the eyes of your understanding might be opened to see the wonderful works of God.

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Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,the eyes of your understanding* being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty powerwhich He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. —Ephesians 1:15-23

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Hugh Downs once said, "A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes." So true. In this message I share some thoughts on how you can change your attitude to meet every challenge you face in life.

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"To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You..." —Psalm 251,2a (NKJV)

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." —Luke 21:25-28 (NKJV)

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And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. —1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV)

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God has many ways to communicate with us earthlings. Here's an unusual but totally true story of how He used a digital clock to speak a reassuring message of His grace to me. You'll also hear a really great musical rendition of "Amazing Grace" by singer, songwriter, and musician extraordinaire, David Payton. (Can you imagine what "Amazing Grace" would sound like by The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, the Eagles, or, how about Jimi Hendrix?) You won't want to miss this! (For more about David and his music, you can check him out here.)

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And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:9,10 (NKJV)

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, "This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying , 'Grace, grace' unto it." —Zechariah 4:6,7 (KJV)

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"I have had times in my life and ministry when the burdens and the pressures seemed to be too much. Sometimes physical weariness adds to our problems and our temptation to give in to discouragement and doubt. At these times it seems that even in prayer it is impossible to rise above the load. More than once, by faith that seemed to have been imparted directly from heaven, the Lord has enabled me to claim all that I needed for body, soul and spirit. On my knees I have been given freedom and strength to pray, 'Now, Lord, I have had enough of this. I refuse to take any more of this heaviness and oppression! This does not come from God—this comes from my enemy, the devil! Lord, in Jesus' name, I will not take it any longer—through Jesus Christ I am victor!' At these times, great burdens have just melted and rolled away—all at once.

"Brethren, God never meant for us to be kicked around like a football. He wants us to be humble and let Him do the chastening when necessary. But when the devil starts tampering with you, dare to resist him!" —A.W. Tozer, "I Talk Back to the Devil"

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Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. —James 4:7 (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. —1 Peter 5:8-10 (NKJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." —Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)

There’s a price to pay if you’re going to follow Jesus, and to tell you the truth, there will be some dark times. But, it’s through such times that God works to develop your character and bring forth the image of His Son in you. Welcome to “The Darkroom." I pray you'll see the light.

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Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. —Hebrews 13:20,21 (NKJV)

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:3-6 (NKJV)

"Strange as it may seem, we often win over our enemies only after we have first been soundly defeated by the Lord, Himself." —A.W. Tozer

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So, you've prayed and nothing has happened. What do you do from the time you've prayed and the time you receive the answer? Well, here are some thoughts on that question. I pray that God will open your heart to receive His Word as you listen to this message that I ministered Sunday, November 14, 2010, at The Sanctuary of Dublin, in Dublin, Georgia.

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Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. —Hebrews 10:35,36 (NLT)

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I receive an email devotional from Rusty Howser. Rusty pastors a church in Vidalia, Georgia, where they grow those deliciously sweet Vidalia onions.

But, I digress.

Rusty always has an encouraging word to share, but, his thought for today is especially timely, as many believers have decided that they can pretty much "go it alone," when it comes to living the Christian life. I encourage you to take a moment and think on these things. The fact is, we need one another to fulfill our purpose and destiny as God's people. There are many more things that I could say about this, but, for now, I'll just let Rusty take it from here...

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" —Hebrews 10:24,25

"A lot of people are in the habit today of not meeting with other Christians. What a mistake this is! Some say, 'I don't have to go to church to be saved,'and they're absolutely correct. But that's not the point of gathering together. We gather together to encourage one another for starters. If you were to read the two preceding verses you would find out that it's to encourage one another,' to hold fast to our confession of hope,' and, 'to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.' Wow! Those things are vitally important to our growth as Christians.

"We need people around us that  are going to encourage and lift us up all the time. We need to have people that we encourage and lift up. It's a body that's stimulating each other to do the best it can so that the whole body works efficiently. That's what it's all about. Ezekiel called it, 'an exceedingly great army!'

"Some people sit home and are members of the bless me club. You know, 'I want to receive a blessing,' but you're not worried about anyone else. You turn on your favorite TV Evangelist and you get your socks blessed off. That's wonderful! But if the foot is blessed but the big toe is broke, the foot's function is going to be limited. It won't function properly.

"So, assembling together is not about us, it's about family. God needs a strong healthy family more then ever, so what are you waiting for? Getup off your posterior and go find a bunch of believers that you fit into and become the vital part that you were called to be! You'll be blessed, but, better yet, others will be blessed because of you!" —Rusty Howser

UPDATE: Here are some thoughts inspired by Rusty's post that I shared at The Sanctuary of Dublin, Sunday, November 21, 2010.

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"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." ~1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV)

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." ~Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

"Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" ~Luke 18:8 (NKJV)

Mary discovered "it." Have you discovered "it," yet?

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won't take it away from her.” —Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

Part One: "Show Me Your Glory"

When Jesus performed His first miracle of turning the water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, it is recorded in John's gospel, that, He "manifested His glory and His disciples believed in Him." When I read this a number of years ago, I stopped and thought that, maybe if God's people would manifest—or reveal—the glory of God, folks might be more inclined to believe in Jesus.

This is the first of a series of messages to help you manifest the glory of God. I pray that God will speak to your heart as you listen and that by His Spirit you would begin to shine the light of His glory in the darkness of this world.

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This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was Jesus’ first display of his glory. And his disciples believed in him. —John 2:11 (NLT)

So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. “So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. “Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”—Exodus 33:17-23 (NKJV)

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"If you desire more of God, you might try giving Him more of you." —RG

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“He must increase, but I must decrease." —John 3:30 (NKJV)

A few years ago, I was awakened early on a Sunday morning, picked up a notebook and pen, and began writing. Maybe something here will speak to your heart.

It’s true that the mind is a spiritual battleground. But it could be thought of as a playground, too—and the devil has his favorite rides.

Be aware of the times in which God speaks to you. For me, it is often in the waking moments.

God loves you, not for what you do, but for who you are.

The devil is not a creator—he is a perverter of the good things God has made.

It took the Apostle Paul a while to figure this out, too—it’s all about trusting in the grace of God.

Just about the time you think you’ve arrived...

Without God, you can do nothing of eternal consequence.

Find one person consumed with a vision for God and I’ll show you a thousand who couldn’t care less.

Seek not sympathy from the crowd. The suffering of others is great sport for the masses.

There’s always at least one Judas in the crowd—that’s true of Jezebels, too.

You’ll not know if your life has been successful until you hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

True faith is not a leap in the dark, or a step out onto thin ice. True faith rests firmly on the unchanging, eternal Word of God.

Make sure your dreams are God's dreams for you—your thoughts, God's thoughts about you.

It’s not only what you do for God that's important—but why you do it.

If you are led by the Spirit of God many will not understand you, some will applaud you, a handful will admire you, and a few may want to kill you.

There are some things that God will speak to you or show you that are for you alone. Treasure them in your heart.

If God has spoken it, He will bring it to pass—but most likely not when or how you think He should.

As you grow with God, you will be amazed that the more you come to know, the more you’ll realize how little you really do know.

The world buys opinions—the wise seek Truth.

Following Jesus is an adventure of faith.

It’s true...if you don’t use it, you will lose it.

To grow, eat. To grow strong, eat and exercise.

The most profound truths are really very simple.

“If” is the biggest word in the Bible.

There’s always a reason people act the way they do.

One of the scariest thoughts for the public speaker is, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

Give most of your time to the most important things.

Being led by the Spirit is the surest way to success and prosperity—and persecution, too.

There is one sure guarantee in this world—God’s love.

It’s one thing to believe in God—another to trust Him.

Many people find the way—only a few walk in it.

Criticism can hurt—but praise can prove deadly.

There’s always time to do the things God wants you to do.

The two most important things in life are knowing God's will and doing it.

Never make lists of pros and cons. Instead, be led by the Spirit of God.

God is not influenced by opinion polls—and you shouldn’t be, either.

If you think God’s not watching or listening, well, you just don’t know God.

The gifts that God has given you are not for you—they are for you to give to someone else.

The highest calling in life is that of a servant.

It’s not how you learn, but what you learn that’s important.

There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you—and that’s probably a good thing!

Change is not always for the better.

Things that seem of little importance to you may be very important to someone else. Take time to listen.

I am convinced that nothing in life happens when you think it should or ever turns out the way you imagined it would.

I ministered this message Sunday, July 4, 2010, on the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I hold in high esteem the 56 men who put their names to this document, and for their courage and commitment to the cause of freedom. If not for their conviction, sacrifice, and dedication, this nation would be a far different place than we know today.

There are lessons that can learned here that are relevant to the Church, also. It will take a similar dedication for God's people to fulfill the mission to which she has been called. It is my hope and prayer that she will rise up and give herself to the cause of Christ, even as these brave men did for freedom.

I began this message by reading the entire Declaration of Independence to the congregation. I have not included that portion of the message here, but, encourage you to follow this link and read it for yourself before listening to the audio file.

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"We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America,in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved;and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." —from the Declaration of Independence

"Until and unless the Church fully commits herself to the cause of Christ with the same type and measure of dedication and determination held by the signers of the Declaration of Independence, she shall remain powerless and of little or no consequence in the world. Either she will find within herself this courage of conviction, or she will acquiesce to the will of the oppressor." —Randall Gearhart

"You need not be defeated by anything unless you consent to be. If you throw your will on the side of victory, then the whole of the Universe of reality throws itself behind your will, releases it, reinforces it, redeems it—and you. You are caught up in a tide of victory, and nothing can stop it except your refusal to cooperate." —E.Stanley Jones

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For any of you who once lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, back in the late 70s and 80s (and for the rest of you, too), you might want to check out Kevin Grady's, "The Gospel According to Music" Facebook page. Kevin was a pioneer with his GAM radio show "back in the day." I know this will bring back some memories for some of you as you revisit contemporary Christian music's early days with some of it's most innovative artists and bands. Enjoy!

"The gospel as preached by good men in our times may save souls, but it does not create worshipers.

"Our meetings are characterized by cordiality, humor, affability, zeal and high animal spirits; but hardly anywhere do we find gatherings marked by the overshadowing presence of God. We manage to get along on correct doctrine, fast tunes, pleasing personalities and religious amusements. How few, how pitifully few are the enraptured souls who languish for love of Christ....

"If Bible Christianity is to survive the present world upheaval, we shall need to recapture the spirit of worship. We shall need to have a fresh revelation of the greatness of God and the beauty of Jesus. We shall need to put away our phobias and our prejudices against the deeper life and seek again to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He alone can raise our cold hearts to rapture and restore again the art of true worship."  —A.W. Tozer, "That Incredible Christian"

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The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”—John 4:19-24 (NKJV)

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As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'' They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, `You will be made free'?'' Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." —John 8:30-36 (NKJV)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. —Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)

"The ideal Christian is one who knows he is free to do as he will, and wills to be a servant. This is the path Christ took; blessed is the man who follows Him." —A.W. Tozer

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The truth be told, you can talk yourself into or out of the blessings of God. Faith-filled words produce life and dispel the darkness. Words of doubt and unbelief will keep you from enjoying God's best. Fact is, there is no greater compliment that you can pay God than to take Him at His Word. Only believe—all things are possible to the one who believes.

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"Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?'' Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'' —John 6:28,29 (NKJV)

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"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you....For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." —2 Timothy 1:6,7 (NKJV)

"David said it all: 'I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he's right by my side. I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope.'" —Acts 2:25,26 (The Message)

“We who have lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked though the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from man but one thing: the last of the human freedom—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstance—to choose one’s own way.” —Viktor Frankl, "Man's Search for Meaning'

"I am convinced that God is more interested in our service to Him and to others, than He is in our church services."  —RG

If lovin' God is wrong, then I don't wanna' be right. —RG

Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. "Let's put a catchy message on our Dixon-Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils to help kids remember to stay away from drugs." And so they did.

The upstate New York pencil pusher made their point by stamping the slogan, "Too cool to do drugs" on their writing sticks, and they were sent throughout the land. This was thought to be a noble idea. But, alas, 'twas not.

One day, an observant fourth-grade student noticed that as he sharpened his pencil, the message changed from "Too cool to do drugs" to "cool to do drugs" to"do drugs!"

D'oh!

This is a great example of "The Law of Unintended Consequences"at work.

In an article from The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics, Rob Norton defines the law this way:

"The law of unintended consequences, often cited but rarely defined, is that actions of people—and especially of government—always have effects that are unanticipated or 'unintended.' Economists and other social scientists have heeded its power for centuries; for just as long, politicians and popular opinion have largely ignored it."

Yes, choices have consequences. Take those pencils for example—what a wonderful way to get a positive message into the hands and in front of the eyes of young, impressionable children. Uh, erase that! Maybe that wasn't such a good idea after all. Maybe somebody should have thought this through a little more. Just maybe...just sayin'.

Now with this unfortunate misstep in mind, everyday we make decisions that affect our lives and the lives of others, and it's impossible to anticipate or predict the resulting outcomes of our choices. What seemed like a good idea at the time can yield disastrous consequences in the long run. That's sobering and even scary! That's why we need God's wisdom to make the right choices. When we seek, ask, trust, and obey, God has this amazing way of making "all things work together for our good."

You may be facing a major decision in your life today. I encourage you to seek God first—and don't make a move until you've heard His voice.

"Remember the Ticonderoga!"

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If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. ~James1:5-8 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ~Romans 8:28 (NLT)

"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." ~adapted from a line in "To a Mouse," by Robert Burns

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For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time. ~1 Timothy 2:5,6 (NLT)

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that great, perfect sanctuary in heaven, not made by human hands and not part of this created world. Once for all time he took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever. Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people's bodies from ritual defilement. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our hearts from deeds that lead to death so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. ~Hebrews 9:11-14 (NLT)

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. ~Hebrews 9:24-28 (NKJV)

Played: 691 | Download | Duration: 00:35:29

In this message you will discover how determined faith can place a demand on the life-changing power of God.

think on these things...
And there was a woman in the crowd who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors through the years and had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she was worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched the fringe of his robe. For she thought to herself, "If I can just touch his clothing, I will be healed." Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel that she had been healed! Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" His disciples said to him, "All this crowd is pressing around you. How can you ask, 'Who touched me?' "But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and told him what she had done. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. You have been healed." ~Mark 5:25-34 (NLT)

One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord's healing power was strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to push through the crowd to Jesus, but they couldn't reach him. So they went up to the roof, took off some tiles, and lowered the sick man down into the crowd, still on his mat, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." ~Luke 5:17-20 (NLT)

Everyone was trying to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and they were all cured. ~Luke 6:19 (NLT)

Played: 713 | Download | Duration: 00:40:02

think on these things...
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness. ~Ephesians 4:17-24 (NKJV)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you also once walked when you lived in them. But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. ~Colossians 3:1-11 (NKJV) 

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised as he was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also share his new life. We are sure of this because Christ rose from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. He died once to defeat sin, and now he lives for the glory of God. So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. ~Romans 6:4-11 (NLT)

Played: 660 | Download | Duration: 00:41:33

It seems that Christians have a tendency to identify themselves with everything and everyone BUT Christ—race, gender, doctrines, rituals, traditions, personalities, causes, organizations and denominations. But, until we see ourselves as God sees us—as new creatures in Christ—we will struggle to be the people He has called, chosen, and created us to be. Really, there are only two races of people in the world—those who are identified with Adam and those who are identified with Christ. Those who have received Christ have become a new breed of people, born in the image and likeness of God. I pray that God will help you embrace these life-changing truths as you listen to this message, "A Case of Mistaken Identity."

think on these things...
So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now! What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did.  ~2 Corinthians 5:16-18 (NLT)

For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift. And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins. The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. ~Romans 5:15-17 (NLT)

It doesn't make any difference now whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people. May God's mercy and peace be upon all those who live by this principle. They are the new people of God. ~Galatians 6:15,16 (NLT)

Played: 683 | Download | Duration: 00:45:04

"I have had times in my life and ministry when the burdens and the pressures seemed to be too much. Sometimes physical weariness adds to our problems and our temptation to give in to discouragement and doubt. At these times it seems that even in prayer it is impossible to rise above the load. More than once, by faith that seemed to have been imparted directly from heaven, the Lord has enabled me to claim all that I needed for body, soul and spirit.

On my knees I have been given freedom and strength to pray, 'Now, Lord, I have had enough of this—I refuse to take any more of this heaviness and oppression! This does not come from God-this comes from my enemy, the devil! Lord, in Jesus' name, I will not take it any longer—through Jesus Christ I am victor!' At these times, great burdens have just melted and rolled away—all at once." ~A.W. Tozer, "I Talk Back to the Devil"

think on these things...
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." ~James 4:7 (NKJV)

"So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper." ~James 4:7 (The Message)

What a different world this would be if we saw ourselves as God does. Sadly, few have had a revelation of who they are in Christ. The enemy of our faith works to keep the sons and daughters of God in the dark, knowing that, if we were to discover our true identity, the very foundation of his kingdom would be shaken. Get ready to see yourself in a whole new light! (This message was recorded LIVE! at The Sanctuary of Dublin, Dublin, Georgia, November 29, 2009.)

Played: 723 | Download | Duration: 00:49:20

"The Bible is the locus of God’s self-revelation and self-disclosure. The Scripture is God’s self-expression, his authoritative speech, and describes how we can have a saving relationship with him through Jesus Christ.

"By Scripture we know who we are, who God is. We know how to think and act in the world.  We know where we are going, that we are free, and that God loves us.  We know that God desires all men to be saved, that we can do nothing to save ourselves.  We know that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, and that Christ paid the penalty for us, and that he is coming back." ~Patrick Schreiner

think on these things...
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." ~2 Timothy 3:16,17 (NLT)

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." ~Romans 15:4 (NKJV)

When it seems that it's all over—when there's nothing left to say;
Remember "BUT GOD..." in those times—He always makes a way.

Played: 665 | Download | Duration: 00:41:40

Okay, I know my sin's forgiven, but, sometimes those things I did way back then still make me feel guilty. What's up with that? Learn how to deal with the memories of your past so you can move into the future God has for you. (This video is from a message I ministered at Life of Faith Fellowship in Port Huron, Michigan, January 11, 2000.)


think on these things...
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." ~Colossians 1:13,14 (NKJV)

"As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." ~Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  ~Phillipians 3:13,14 (NKJV)

"There is no point dwelling on all the foolish mistakes we have made in our lives. For one thing, it can be very time-consuming." ~Thomas Sowell

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say: 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

think on these things...
"Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work." ~Colossians 3:23-25 (The Message)

"According to the teachings of the Bible, life on earth will have eternal consequences. Our earthly belief determines our eternal destination. Our earthly behavior determines our eternal compensation." ~Ralph Doudera, "Wealth Conundrum"