Sunday, May 29, 2011

The Fallen

My town like many is decked with American Flags this weekend. I am fortunate, of all the men in my family who served our country during war time came home to their families. I personally know 1 person who died serving our country. I was 4 years old when my dear neighbors' son Tony was killed in Viet Nam. He was such a nice young man. He let me "help" wash his car and played Fish and Battle with me while our parents prepared dinners on the patio during the summer. I can't really see his face anymore, just his smile and his hands dealing cards.

I ask you to remember the families who've lost loved ones defending our freedom in your prayers. Freedom is not free - men and women make the ultimate sacrifice daily just as our Father in Heaven did when He gave His Son as a sacrifice to save us.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Memory Verses

It's so odd how I can memorize some memory verses so easily and struggle to memorize others. I still mess up a verse from March 1.

My current verse is John 5:4
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I've seen in my life and ministry the lack of fruit at certain times because I had wondered away from God and could not even reach the vine much less discern God's will for me. I think it's a common problem for Christians upon occasion.

If you feel you cannot reach the Vine, remember Jesus has His arm extended to you and wants you to grab hold of His hand. If you are not sure how to find your way back, Revelation tells us: Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.

Remember the joy you experienced when 1st saved? Return to the things you did back then. Get back into the Word, spend time in prayer and praise. Before you know it - you will know you are abiding in Him and you are a branch on the Vine.

Monday, May 2, 2011

War on Terror

While I do not celebrate the death of anyone, Bin Laden's death brings a certain sense of relief. I am glad he was buried at sea and his grave will not become a shrine to fanatics. I was shocked how quickly the jokes about Saddam welcoming him to hell began. No matter what, hell is no joke in my opinion.

I am thankful for the CIA and our SEALS for doing an extraordinary job, but the War on Terror is not over by a long shot. I hope Christians continue to pray for the safety of the US, our allies and Israel. I hope Christians continue to pray protection over our military. It can be easy to slack off a bit when we breath a sigh of relief over a situation when in fact we need to step up prayers because the enemy will retaliate.

Lord God, I ask You to protect the USA and our allies from all terror attacks. I ask You to thwart the evil plans of our enemies. I ask You to protect our military and our allies' military personnel as well.

Lord God, I pray for you to reveal Yourself as the Great I Am to the terrorists. Please reveal Your love for them, remove the blinding scales of deception from their eyes. I pray they come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I pray for the US Govt to make decisions which are righteous in Your sight and I pray we return to our Christian roots. I pray this in the Mighty Name of Jesus.