Defending the Heart

In today's modern American society, corruption continues to be on the rise. From wicked law makers to the extreme liberal leadership and lobbyists, in both state and federal, waiting to sink their teeth into the very heart of all that is moral and right. Our nation needs prayer more than ever as we enter a new chapter of leadership. We are at a turning point not only nationally, but also globally, where Christians must stand together to be the beacon of light to a world falling deeper into darkness. We must continue to share the Good News of Christ and broadcast the seeds to the un-sewn fields. Whether one chooses to believe in Christ, His death and Resurrection, or not; whether one chooses to ignore or acknowledge Him - every knee will bow to Jesus. Therefore, continue to stay strong as you go and tell.

Phillipians 2:9-11 (ESV) says:

^"9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, you will be persecuted. Jesus said we would be for His names sake.

"¹¹Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." -- Matthew 5:11-12, ESV

Persecution, at many levels, happens daily. America has not seen the extremes of persecution as in other countries. Liberal extremists and other depraved hearts and minds that hold political office will bring us closer to persecution with hate tactics, as their history shows. We will be seen as intolerant and hateful for standing what is right. So, it is with strength, courage and honor that we stay strong and protect the Word of God, and be a light to this world for both each other and non-believers. Knights, draw your sword, which is the Word of God and don your armor of God so that you will be ready to defend and stand for the King. Keep your eyes to the King, and do not waiver them. May the Holy Spirit fill your cup overflowing.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." --Joshua 1:9b ESV

May the love of Christ be with you always. May He receive all glory and praise. Amen.

An Eye for the Significant

You see them just about everywhere you go. In your work ... in schools ... in hospitals ... in your church. You see them in the big cities ... in the rural towns ... maybe even next door to you. Chances are, you may never have taken a close look them...

They take out your trash, they vacuum and clean your floors, they clean your water fountains and bathrooms. These are the people that get overlooked 99.999% of the time. Have you ever gone out of your way to give a wholesome "Hello, how are you doing?" to someone you would otherwise overlook?

As I have walked through the grand halls of several large corporations in America, I have seen how some companies saturate their walls by hanging pictures of their founders and executives on every wall of every building on the corporate campus. It seems a form of worship to these highly esteemed individuals to the extent that famous quotes are there to accompany every picture. I don't doubt that some have great quotes and are great contributors to the community, but their daily "celebration" is over-exalting. What about these people that keep the place clean? Have you really ever heard an executive give thanks for the cleaning staff at the company's annual event? Chances are, you have not. It would be considered absurd in today's culture. Regardless of where you are or what you do, lead through Love. Shine for God!

In the past few years, I have taken to heart people who are typically overlooked in our everyday lives. I have walked up to several to simply ask how they were doing. Nine out of ten were nearly stunned that someone was assertive towards them in conversation JUST to see how they were doing. Does this bother you in the least? IT SHOULD. Recall what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-40:

34 Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 For I was hungry
and you gave Me something to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in;
36 I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you took care of Me;
I was in prison and you visited Me. '

37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?'

40 "And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me. '

I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to take some time out of your day to shake hands, hold a door open, or even better, look someone in they eyes and truly ask how they are doing. They are significant! Maybe you are walking through the halls of your workplace. Tell them hello and show that you care. I assure you that if you do, you will be glad you did! We are all God's children. There's only one Vine Keeper and we are the branches. Not one branch can inhibit the fruit that another may bear. If we are all part of the vine (Jesus Christ), then we bear fruit for Him. Let us start treating those who get overlooked with the same respect. Hebrews 13:2 says "2 Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it." Did that bring a smile to your face?

Pray God will lead you to someone in need of genuine attention. Let them know that you care and that God loves them :-). Be salt and light in their life.

Grace

I have pondered the grace of the Lord in my life. And to this very day, I cannot claim to know any one word to describe how wonderful it is.

During a year of Bible Study Fellowship on the book of Romans, my eyes were opened as to the magnitude of grace in our lives. We learn from the apostle Paul that the law shows us those things which are deemed wrong. Knowing the law, and breaking it, is sin. But, not knowing the law, and committing the same act would not be sin. Therefore, as the law increases, our sin increases as we are not perfect. HOWEVER... for those who have accepted Christ and His free gift of salvation which is given by grace through faith, we are under grace and not the law. Where the law increase, so does the grace of God.

Take some time out of your day to realize the grace in your life. And remember the cost that it required. The King's life for ours. Are you living under the His grace? Think and pray over that which you can give back to God...make it happen.