Two weeks ago today at 8:30 pm, I had a very serious heart attack. The odd part is that it did not hurt, I just felt different.
A quad bypass and two repaired valves, by the Grace of God I am recovering.
Two weeks from the computer, It is confusing to find in excess of 300 emails. Dozens of update notices, and no I don’t know all those people on FB.
I am finding it a bit difficult to get back into my laptop and blog. I can’t type.
Did you watch the Oscar Presentations last evening?
The Academy Awards are the premier entertainment event of the year. According to http://www.mediamarketjournal.com/, “Time-adjusted ratings have come out and it shows more of the same–pretty much flat numbers overall. The viewership was 39.4 million which was up 4% with less than 1% shrinkage in the 18-49 demo year-to-year as that rating currently stands at 11.7.”
Who do you glorify?
God or entertainers?
-What standards does the Academy Awards nomination committee set?
-How much does the Oscars influence the Nation’s entertainment viewing?
-How much does entertainment influence the Nation’s attitude toward God and morality?
-How much has the Church been influenced by: Entertainment? Advertising? Fashion?
-How do we draw the line between glorifying entertainment and glorifying God?
Twenty years ago, John Piper pondered these questions.
Has the Church Been Disarmed by the World?
December 9, 1992 | by John Piper | Topic: EducationReading 1 Samuel 13:19-23 this morning caused me to ask if the church has been disarmed by the world through becoming too dependent on the world.
19 Now there was no smith to be found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears”; 20 but every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle; 21 and the charge was a pim for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads. 22 So on the day of the battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan; but Saul and Jonathan his son had them. 23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.
Evidently the Israelites had allowed themselves to lose all their own blacksmiths to the Philistines. Now they had become accustomed to depending on the Philistines for sharpening all their tools.
This had not seemed a problem in peacetime. All seemed well. But in wartime there were no weapons and the Philistines had, in effect, disarmed the people of God because Israel had come to depend on them for all their sharpening.
Is this a picture of the church’s dependence on the world in many ways? Some are perhaps innocent enough—like sewer and water and light and a lot of other shared services and commodities. But the weapons of our warfare are not like that. The issue is truth and values.
Has the church become dependent on the world for the sharpening of the mind and the spirit? Which in fact only looks like a sharpening if we see life as a time of peace. But it is really a dulling and a disarming if we look at life as a time of spiritual warfare for the minds and hearts of men.
We have come to depend on the world for most of our education and most of our leisure and entertainment and most of the interpretation of the news and events of the world. In doing so I wonder if there are any weapons left?
It raises for me the question of schooling for God’s people. And all the dimensions of information and opinion and entertainment and advertisement that shape our minds. How shall we have ourselves well-armed if the Philistines have taken all the blacksmiths and made us depend on them to sharpen all our weapons?
Pastor John
By John Piper. ©2012 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org
“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4
It is the Lord who created me, it is the Lord who gave me life, that I could be His servant. That He might be my Joy.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” Psalm 28:7
God has created me, He has given all I need:
That I may communicate with Him.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18
That I may contemplate on God’s message, what is true and good.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
That I may speak words of comfort and peace, the Good News of Salvation and sing praise to His Holy Name.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
That I might read God’s word and know His direction for me.
“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22
“Jesus is the focus of the eyes of faith. “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
That I may hear the word of the Lord and my faith be renewed and strengthened each day.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
That I may do the work of the Lord our God.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21
That I may love the Lord my God and show His love to all He introduces, where all He leads.
“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 23,24
Words by: Edwin Hatch, 1878
Cross on Bible
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Pet 1:16 KJV)
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
(1 Pet 1:16 KJV)
What is the standard of Christian perfection?
In a series titled; “Interactive Gospel” by Paul and Sue Hazelden, one section “No-one is Too Bad” contains the following statement:
The Standard is Perfection
The only moral standard which makes sense is absolute perfection. Once you say that sin – breaking the moral code – is acceptable sometimes, you have to start explaining which sins are acceptable in which situations, and justifying why this sin is acceptable, while that very similar sin is not. The question of what is acceptable becomes a subject for discussion and modification. You are left not with a moral standard but a more-or-less useful set of guidelines for living in a generally moral way.
This standard of perfection, of course, needs to cover every aspect of our lives. It is not enough to reel off a list of sins you don’t commit – the things you don’t do don’t make up for the things you do do. If the nice policeman catches you speeding down the road and pulls you over, he will not be too impressed if you say it doesn’t matter because you keep to the speed limit most of the time.
The point is this: the law is not something where you aim for a ‘pass mark’. It is no defense to tell the court you did not commit fraud 80% of the time, or 90%, or 99%. With the law, you either keep it perfectly, or you are guilty. It’s as simple as that.
So you may not commit murder – that’s good. But if you hurt people by the way you speak, you fall short of being morally perfect. Harming people – or failing to help them – because of greed, selfishness, insensitivity or ambition – that is the kind of thing the Bible means when it says we all fail to meet God’s standard of perfection.And this standard – God’s moral standard – is not the target we are supposed to aim for. It is the minimum acceptable, the starting point. God wants us to be good, creative, loving and happy people. Not sinning is not the objective, it is simply what is required if we are not to destroy the good He wishes to build. Not sinning means not going backwards: what He wants for us is that we go forward with Him. We could meet the standard of never sinning, and still only be ‘unprofitable servants’ – not actually contributing anything positive.
“Harming people – or failing to help them – because of greed, selfishness, insensitivity or ambition – ”
The Law as given to Israel set a standard of conviction, to let us know that we all are sinners in the eyes of God. Jesus set the standard that much higher. It is now not just what we have done but, those things which we have left undone. We are to set our hearts and minds on perfection – Holiness.
(1 Th 4:3 KJV) ” For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, ….. To live, no longer for ourselves but for Him…” Then we will bear abundant and lasting fruit.”
(2 Cor 5:15 KJV) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
That we might live, no longer for ourselves but for others. God sent the Holy Spirit as his first gift to those who believe, so that we may complete his work on earth, and to bring us the fullness of His grace! The Holy Spirit, our creative helper, will give us many opportunities daily to express our love for needy humanity in our homes, our neighbourhoods, our places of work, our churches and the whole of God’s world.
I am a rich man I am a very rich man. Although my income places me in the bottom 20% in North American living standards, I am in the top 11% incomes in the world.
Lepton –
Widow’s mite
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
– Mark 12:41-44
Was Jesus setting a standard by drawing attention to the widow’s offering?
Got up this morning, let the dog out and there it was. A “freshly fallen silent shroud of snow”.
I have always remembered that line. A perfect example of alliteration. Beautifully written to capture the very essence of a quiet Sunday morning after a snowfall. Written by Paul Simon for a song called “I Am A Rock”.
After enduring quite a long winter this year we in Northern Alberta haven’t seen the ground or grass for over three months now. During the past week, the winds have blown pine needles and other debris over the surface of the snow making it quite an ugly sight. Now, a fresh inch of snow has fallen and the landscape is clean again. Pure white, a symbol of Christ. The morning sun has poked through the clouds and the rolling mounds in the fields next door are really beautiful. Praise the Lord for small blessings.
Lyrics; I Am A Rock
I know little about Paul Simon, the author of the poem and he has never explained the meanings behind these lyrics. Like all good poets, he has left the interpretation to the reader. Many see a darkness here, prospects of loneliness, of suicide, of shutting out the world. Perhaps they are right. Perhaps it is about pining over lost love or opportunity. There are countless people we encounter every day who are trying to shut out the world and life. They are hurting, they are lost. They see only the dark side of life They are in need of a Savior.
OK Paul Simon, you left the interpretation to the reader, here’s mine:
I have my books
(The collection of books known as the Holy Bible. I have access to the truth and I am free.)
And my poetry to protect me;
(Poetry is harmony, there is harmony in a life with others in Christ)
I am shielded in my armor,
(The best shield we can don is the armor of God)
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
(We are hidden in Christ’s Temple room, safe, but ready for a rebirth from this womb into a whole new life and work each and everyday.)
I touch no one and no one touches me.
( I can reach out to the one in need, but I need not come into contact with his demons. They can’t touch me, I am Christ’s)
I am a rock, I am an island.
(Jesus has told us all, “I am the Rock of your Salvation, the safe island in the storms of life.)
And a rock feels no pain;
(Jesus is our healer, He has taken all our pain.)
And an island never cries.
( In God our tears shall reap in joy, our mourning shall be changed into dancing)
Upon being met with a fresh snowfall some may say, “Oh No, More Snow, Again.” But, in every turn, in every season, there is a reason, an underlying beauty to all God has given and created. Give thanks and enjoy for the Lord is Good.
“You can overcome all life’s demons, because no matter what you are confronted with, it’s not something that isn’t common to man.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) paraphrased
It matters not what social group you belong to or frequent, be it church, sports club, charity foundation, school, whichever, if you are making meaningful or personal relationships you are coming into contact with people with problems. Most people are seeking a confidant with whom to confide in or to relate their problems to. They are in need of help. Not all social groups are able to, are willing to, nor can they, have the resources to mentor every problem that face today’s society. There is only one social grouping which can, or should be able, the Church, the agent for Christ.
There may be a few mega-churches that have the resources and ministries to directly handle near all societal problems, but that is not the norm. Most churches are of the under 500 member size. Is it unrealistic for smaller Churches to be the end all mentor? The main jobs or purpose of the Church is to worship Christ, to bring souls to Christ and disciple the members in Christ.
We are not left shocked and tongue tied
Within those three disciplines of the Church though, will lay all the problems society faces. The marital problems, the family upheavals, persons with disabilities, drug and alcohol abuse, money management, sickness, care of the dying, bullying, home assistance, income assistance, to categorize several. A Church who are evengelizing, bringing souls to Christ, and is discipling the members will have to face and mentor to these needs. The only way for the Church to avoid these problems is, do not evangelize, do not disciple. But then, are they truly in Christ?
No Church should expect the pastor to mentor or handle these incidences, challenges or cases on his own, although many a pastor is left to do so. Peoples struggles and difficulties and circumstances and various needs is why the Church has lay ministries and Spirit lead talents and gifts within each member of the congregation. That we may minister to each other as the Holy Spirit leads us so to do.
A local church will not, dare I say, cannot grow without the members exercising the ministry of of each of these gifts and talents. God, through His Holy Spirit, has placed these in His church. (I Corinthians 12:28) Are we not to encourage, generously, with all diligence, cheerfully, that which God bestows? (Romans 12:8) ” to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness in the hope of eternal life,” (Titus 1:1-2)
Are we not to take the ministry of these gifts and talents out into our neighborhoods, our work places, our recreations? “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, … So wherever you go, make disciples of all peoples:” (Matthew 28:19) Did not Jesus minister in the streets and in the hill sides and on the sea shore? Was not Jesus confronted with all of societies problems and the demons of the age? If so, why then should not we be, if we are of Christ as we profess, be likewise so confronted? We have Christ; why then would we be afraid?
One final question. It is Saturday evening, you have a family problem. Whom do you call? To whom do you turn for counsel?
“I can overcome all life’s demons, because no matter what I am confronted with, it’s not something that isn’t common to man and Jesus has already won the victory for me.”
Was a compromise on gay issues inevitable, even in most churches? Conservatives have not succeeded in the argument against accepting gay sex or tolerating gay marriage by mainstream culture. Canada has made the “rights” of homosexuals the official law of the land and the United States of America are doing the same, state by state, with little effective opposition. President Obama has made the Gay agenda a priority of his administration according to his inaugural address.
Barack Obama giving inaugural address
Excerpts:
Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”We, the people, still believe that every citizen deserves a basic measure of security and dignity.
It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm.
That is our generation’s task – to make these words, these rights, these values – of Life, and Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – real for every American. Being true to our founding documents does not require us to agree on every contour of life; it does not mean we will all define liberty in exactly the same way, or follow the same precise path to happiness. Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time – but it does require us to act in our time.
Many church denominations have capitulated and now endorse the legitimacy of gays and lesbians and have given full rights of membership even to ordination into the priesthood. Orthodox Biblical teaching became lost as more and more clergy were entering the church through liberalized university studies instead of scripture based seminaries.
How long will it be before all churches will be prohibited from “anti gay” teaching by law and be forced into accepting the homosexual lifestyle and practice? This could easily be done by withholding tax exemption status from churches who do not conform to government regulations. Would the laity of most churches except holding out against the monitary impositions imposed on them? I have doubts that there are enough scripturally sound church congregations.
Most larger cities hold Gay Pride days in their communities each year. These events are a source of much needed income for many businesses in proximity to the events. Many of these businesses are owned or managed by Christians who welcome the increase in sales and business. There are some holdouts but, very few. Many a professing Christian will join in the festivities for a day of fun. This could be the sign of a change in Church / State relationship. Perhaps the trend for house churches will become the norm, who knows.
The main argument for the legitimacy of homosexuals is; “I was born this way”. I won’t and can’t argue with that because it is true. It is also true for peaodophiles, kleptomaniacs, pyromaniacs, and alcoholics just to name a few “gene” based human traits. All persons were born into sin. “But, homosexual activity is between consenting adults and therefore is not hurting anybody.” Again, by law, that is true, but morally, a sin is still a sin. A lie is still a lie whether it is a whopper or just a consoling of oneself. Homosexual practice is contrary to God’s moral standard. God loves the gay or lesbian person, he just hates the practice of homosexual behavior. God even loves the peaodophile, the alcoholic, the kleptomaniac, the pyromaniac, the sexual predator, the murderer. God even loves you, – and me, as wretched as I am.
Thank you Jesus for being the propitiation for our sins.
A concern I have is that one day a “smart” lawyer in making a name for himself will take the arguments of the gay community and use the fact that peaodophiles should warrant the same rights as homosexuals. Since peaodophiles were born that way they cannot be held accountable for their “natural” or “God given” behaviors.
Photo Credit – familysecuritymatters.org I do not necessarily endorse this website for all content.
FMV James Sinclair – Only photo I could find.
Several years ago I worked as the Chief Steward, cook, on a small ship. The whole crew knew of my Christian beliefs and I did have many conversations with crew members, mostly they tried to test or disprove my theology. Never-the-less I persevered and prayed for the crew every morning and night asking for wisdom or a word that I could share with them.
One morning it came. There it was, a Bible scripture that I absolutely knew was from God Himself and God also told me where and when I was to deliver it. The Captain and Engineer both stayed after lunch in the galley where they talked of many things, mostly gossip and worldly topics but, knowing my place I would never butt in and give an opinion unless asked. Today I would seize upon the opportunity knowing that God had my back.
Lunch came and was over, The Captain was there, the Engineer was there and after I had finished my cleaning the moment arose. They even called me over to deliver an extra cup of coffee. How perfect was that? Coffee pot in hand, I confidently strolled over and blurted out the scripture message I was to deliver to them.
They both glared at me, turned to each other, and basically laughed.
Very embarrassing!! Not what I expected.
Um, God, you have let me down here.
I finished up the last of the clean-up and retreated back to my cabin to have a little deliberation time with God. What happened here? Did I get the message wrong? Wrong persons? Wrong time? Did my over exuberance get in the way? Please, I need an answer.
After about an hour, still feeling a bit dejected, I made my way to the rear deck to take in some of the grandeur of the North B.C. coast. I was joined after several minutes by another crew member.
“Do you really believe what you said to the Captain in the galley earlier?” he asked.
Apparently, just as I sashayed over to the Captain’s table with the coffee, he had entered the galley behind me and I didn’t even notice he was there. The message was for him.
I was able to share the Gospel message with him but, at that time I wasn’t able to lead him through the sinners prayer and lead him directly to Christ. It wasn’t till our next tour, some three weeks later, that he came to me and said that during his time off he gave his life to Christ and was baptized.
A little embarrassment is but a very small price to pay for another man’s salvation and glory for Christ. Could the message have been initiated in another way, perhaps, but, this was the way of God’s choosing. For me the lesson was, be obedient but, don’t take God for granted. It is all God’s work and God’s timing, – not our own.
For we are God’s own handiwork, His workmanship, recreated in Christ Jesus, born anew, that we may do those good works which God predestined and planned beforehand for us, that we should walk and live in them.
Ephesians 2: 10 (Paraphrased)Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, for our failures, and find grace for appropriate and well-timed help, coming just when we need it.
Hebrews 4: 16 (Paraphrased)Living prudently and with discretion in your relations with the non-Christians of the outside world, making the very most of the time and seizing the opportunity to work God’s blessings.
Colossians 4: 5 (Paraphrased)
It has been often said of the Bible, “The Greatest Book I Ever Read”. So very true.
Better for every Christian to make the Bible, “The Greatest Book I Ever Lived”.
Better yet; for the Church to say, “The Greatest Book We Ever Lived“.
For although Faith is personal, Faith can only be of value if demonstated in community within the whole of society.
James 2: 14-24 on Faith and Deeds:
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
The Chistian life is one of action, a life of ‘Doing’. Doing What? Doing the will of God.
In Matthew 7:21, Jesus says, “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. …”
The action therefore is in doing the will, discovering the will of God for our lives is the important factor. The verse goes on to say,
“… 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’”.
Just professing that we believe in Jesus is not enough. Jesus says we must do “the will of My Father in heaven”, if we expect to be with Him in Heaven. Our faith must be an obedient faith by doing the will of God if it is to be a saving faith; otherwise it is not a saving faith.
A Holy Experience
“What Does a bit of Radical Christianity Really Look Like?”
This was asked by Ann on her blog, “A Holy Experience” (Logo Right) and who goes on to say:
“The poor have made me rich and telling the stories of those who need a voice — has changed mine.”
She was relaying the story of Katie – kissesfromkatie.blogspot.ca
“Katie is with the dirty and lovely in Uganda — forsaking the American dream for God-sized dreams. .. everyday she simply wakes up and just says yes to what God gives her wherever she is ”
“Because all radical Christianity is first rooted in relationship Christianity — with Christ and His children. Right where we are.”
Matthew 28:16-20, The Great Commission
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go you 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 whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.”
Jesus has spoken to His disciples, GO. Are we not all His disciples? Do we not all desire to be disciplined by Christ? To say yes is to be one who is committed to spreading the Word of salvation to all people. That can only be done by doing, doing in faith; doing because of our faith.
Because of our faith in the salvation that Christ bought for us, we are partakers of salvation and therefore doers of the Will of God. The main will of God being that all people worship Him in spirit and in truth. The second job, actually in conjunction with worship, is to love. Love who? Our neighbors. As James is saying in chapter 2, We show our faith by our deeds.
“observe all things whatever I have commanded you:”
The Sermon On The Mount (Matthew 5-7), the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), and Parables make up the bulk of Jesus’ teachings for us to be advocates for.
First Jesus asked each of us to be fully ware of our limitations, put God then others first, and purify our hearts and minds.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught about: comforting, feeding, showing mercy, peacemaking, fair wages, unjust trade, oppression of widows, economic injustices, political corruption, morality, adultery, divorce.
Matthew 5: 16, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Not only are we, the Christian Community, to be advocates, we must be seen for what we believe in. Involved, Active and Vocal.
Matthew 5: 24, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
For too long we have allowed secularism to steal God’s Thunder.
Words and music by Richard Tilley
Psalm 119:133, “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”
Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Exodus 15:2 “The LORD is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation.”
Thanks be to God we don’t have to be brave or bold on our own. Our strength is in the Lord.
Taking a step, going out,
Show the world that Jesus loves you,
Reflect the love of Jesus in your life
Taking a step, you must be brave,
To live the life Christ leads you,
Letting Jesus be the master of your life.You will be brave, for God will lead you;
You will be strong, for God will feed you;
You will be bold for God will never let you fall.
Step out in faith, the Lord has told you;
Step out in faith, the Lord will hold you;
Step out in faith as you answer Jesus call.Taking a step, you’ve been called
To be the Lord’s disciple.
Carry His Word to the world far and near.
Taking a step, walk in faith
as one of God’s own people;
The Lord has blessed your life
and now you hold Him dear.You will be brave, for God will lead you;
You will be strong, for God will feed you;
You will be bold for God will never let you fall.
Step out in faith, the Lord has told you
Step out in faith, the Lord will hold you
Step out in faith as you answer Jesus call.Taking a step, now go in peace
as one of God’s own chosen.
What God has bound, He will never part.
Taking a step, filled with love,
The Lord’s own joy your token.
He gave His life for you, give Him your heart.You will be brave, for God will lead you;
You will be strong, for God will feed you;
You will be bold for God will never let you fall.
Step out in faith, the Lord has told you
Step out in faith, the Lord will hold you
Step out in faith as you answer Jesus call.I will be brave, for God will lead me
I will be strong, for God will feed me;
I will be bold for God will never let me fall.
Step out in faith, the Lord has told me
Step out in faith, the Lord will hold me
Step out in faith as I answer Jesus call.
I have a MIDI file with the music. WordPress won’t allow me to place it on the page.
Leave your email and I will send it to you then cancel your reply so your email won’t be visible.
MIDI can be opened in a program called: Musescore – http://musescore.org/
The program allows printing in sheet music.
Best of all, it’s free.
Humble Dogs 