Hello all!
Sorry for the long absence. I will try to be better about posting but I must admit I need more discipline in my internet affairs.
Discipline is often a trial. It involves giving a task your full focus on a regular basis. But the world is so full of stuff to see and do. It lures us away from things that need to be done with the promise that there is something better or more interesting over the next hill.
We've all had this happen at some time or another. This is not something to beat yourself up over. It's not so wonderful if it becomes the norm of our lives however. There is a joy and sense of accomplishment in reaching the completion of a goal. We cheat ourselves of it when we keep our eyes on what else may be coming around the bend and not on the work in front of us.
Just something to consider.
GOD Bless,
Freedom's Scribe
Friday, February 6, 2015
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Tolerance? More like Persecution
I tend to vary my news coverage. Some media outlets lean too much to the left and some too far to the right.(Though it seems the trend today is to lean left) I even check out BBC news to get an outsider's view on our nation.
So I was on Fox News website when I read one of their opinion pieces. a Christian bakery was closing because they refused to make a cake for a gay wedding(Fox News, Todd's American Dispatch, 9/3/2013) . Their shop was militantly boycotted afterwards by the LGBT community. Death threats were issued and vendors told not to do business with this bakery. All because the owners were practicing their faith. To make matters worse Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries are "looking" into the matter for "possible discrimination".(the Oregonian, 9/1/2013)
Todd Starnes goes on to make an excellent point...
Commissioner Brad Avakian told The Oregonian
that he was committed to a fair and thorough investigation to determine whether
the bakery discriminated against the lesbians.
“Everybody is entitled to their own beliefs, but that doesn’t mean that folks have the right to discriminate,” he told the newspaper. “The goal is to rehabilitate. For those who do violate the law, we want them to learn from that experience and have a good, successful business in Oregon.”
“Everybody is entitled to their own beliefs, but that doesn’t mean that folks have the right to discriminate,” he told the newspaper. “The goal is to rehabilitate. For those who do violate the law, we want them to learn from that experience and have a good, successful business in Oregon.”
In other words, Christians who live and work in Oregon must follow man’s law instead of God’s law. But in a show of benevolence, the state is willing to rehabilitate and reeducate Christian business owners like the Kleins.(Fox News, Todd's American Dispatch, 9/3/2013)
Todd goes on to mention several other similar cases. People who are being persecuted because they are following GOD's law rather than man's. We must realize we are in a war. Our rights to practice our faith are being eroded while we slumber. Somewhere the Christian community got fooled or lulled into the lie that tolerance meant surrendering our rights to practice what we believe and just accepting what the current culture chooses to foist upon us.
We must wake up from our daydreams of times past and witness this new reality. We must ask our LORD for HIS assistance in this for we do not just face these attacks here but in the Spiritual battlefield as well Then, in unison we must exert ourselves politically(an arena we are not fond of) and contact our elected officials. Persecution will come but for heaven's sake let's not make it easy on them.
Todd leaves us with quite the zinger, food for thought as it were.
The plight of the Klein family exposes the true nature of the left. Those who preach tolerance and diversity are the least tolerant and the least diverse of all.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
A warning
I am currently almost through the book of Ezekiel again in my private bible reading. This time through the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder about a certain passage.
Ezekiel 33:7-9
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O, wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his wicked ways, then the wicked man will die for his sin and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his sin and he does not do so, he will dies for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I have a warning. I see a darkening trend in console/computer games. The subject matter is becoming more and more evil. I see titles like The Darkness, Diablo 3, and Dark Souls. Games like Mass Effect 3 are applauded for having alternative lifestyles in them. Mature themed games which are dubbed such because of foul language, crudity, gore and sex are in demand. There is even a game that lets you play an antichrist like character(Lucius, indie, 2012) Games like the Binding of Isaac are distorting biblical truth in heretical and downright satanic fashion.
Thus I call on you to be mindful of what you are engaging in and what your kids are playing.
Luke 17 1-3
Jesus said to the disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves."
It may be "fun" but does it hinder someone else's growth in Christ? If so better to get rid of it.
The passage from Luke of course applies to game developers as well. We are held accountable for what we do in this life. I know I don't want to go before Jesus and have to say that my actions led to sin or worse. Rise above this darkening trend and you will be blessed.
Watch out for one another, Brothers and Sisters. May the peace of Christ guard your mind and the love of Christ dwell in your heart. -- Freedom's Scribe
Ezekiel 33:7-9
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, 'O, wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his wicked ways, then the wicked man will die for his sin and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his sin and he does not do so, he will dies for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I have a warning. I see a darkening trend in console/computer games. The subject matter is becoming more and more evil. I see titles like The Darkness, Diablo 3, and Dark Souls. Games like Mass Effect 3 are applauded for having alternative lifestyles in them. Mature themed games which are dubbed such because of foul language, crudity, gore and sex are in demand. There is even a game that lets you play an antichrist like character(Lucius, indie, 2012) Games like the Binding of Isaac are distorting biblical truth in heretical and downright satanic fashion.
Thus I call on you to be mindful of what you are engaging in and what your kids are playing.
Luke 17 1-3
Jesus said to the disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves."
It may be "fun" but does it hinder someone else's growth in Christ? If so better to get rid of it.
The passage from Luke of course applies to game developers as well. We are held accountable for what we do in this life. I know I don't want to go before Jesus and have to say that my actions led to sin or worse. Rise above this darkening trend and you will be blessed.
Watch out for one another, Brothers and Sisters. May the peace of Christ guard your mind and the love of Christ dwell in your heart. -- Freedom's Scribe
Friday, December 21, 2012
Laying down one's life
There are times that a Christian is called to make the sacrifice mentioned in John 15:13, that of literally dying to save one's friends. There is no greater act of love that we as humans can do.
At this time of year we should remember our dear soldiers, police and firefighters. They daily place their lives on the line for us and some do indeed give that ultimate gift to us to keep us safe and free. And there are many more people who silently protect us than we will ever know but remain in the shadows to protect their identities. Thank you and GOD Bless you all.
I also want to call attention to another group of people. They lay down their ambitions, their dreams, their hopes to serve another. They help in the background not seeking praise or glory. These caregivers take care of their charges without complaint and with minuscule or no earthly recompense. They come in many shapes. The parents who won't give up on their children with cognitive or physical challenges. The son or daughter who cares for their parent with Alzheimer's. The friend who comes along side to help when there is no one else. There is usually little respite. Government assistance shrink daily. In some cases they are not even appreciated by the ones they aid. Yet still they take the task up gladly. All because of love.
Sacrificial love comes in many shapes and sizes. But there is always a cost. It may be time that could have spent in "fun" or very real physical and mental strain. For those who labor in this manner, may I say GOD Bless you as well. Remember this. Your deeds are not unknown. The LORD who sees all, rewards us for each good act we do even those that no one else will ever see.
Merry Christmas to all of you. Be safe and remember the reason for the season.
For to us a child is born... (Isaiah 9:6)
...and you are to give HIM the name Jesus, because HE will save HIS people from their sins.(Matt 1:21)
Oh and while you are with family, remember whose birthday it is we are celebrating and extend each other a bit of grace, patience and peace. It makes the day go smoother and brings a smile to HIS face.
At this time of year we should remember our dear soldiers, police and firefighters. They daily place their lives on the line for us and some do indeed give that ultimate gift to us to keep us safe and free. And there are many more people who silently protect us than we will ever know but remain in the shadows to protect their identities. Thank you and GOD Bless you all.
I also want to call attention to another group of people. They lay down their ambitions, their dreams, their hopes to serve another. They help in the background not seeking praise or glory. These caregivers take care of their charges without complaint and with minuscule or no earthly recompense. They come in many shapes. The parents who won't give up on their children with cognitive or physical challenges. The son or daughter who cares for their parent with Alzheimer's. The friend who comes along side to help when there is no one else. There is usually little respite. Government assistance shrink daily. In some cases they are not even appreciated by the ones they aid. Yet still they take the task up gladly. All because of love.
Sacrificial love comes in many shapes and sizes. But there is always a cost. It may be time that could have spent in "fun" or very real physical and mental strain. For those who labor in this manner, may I say GOD Bless you as well. Remember this. Your deeds are not unknown. The LORD who sees all, rewards us for each good act we do even those that no one else will ever see.
Merry Christmas to all of you. Be safe and remember the reason for the season.
For to us a child is born... (Isaiah 9:6)
...and you are to give HIM the name Jesus, because HE will save HIS people from their sins.(Matt 1:21)
Oh and while you are with family, remember whose birthday it is we are celebrating and extend each other a bit of grace, patience and peace. It makes the day go smoother and brings a smile to HIS face.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Jehovah-nissi
Jehovah-nissi means the LORD who is my Banner.
The story behind the name comes just after the Exodus. A people called the Amalekites made the very bad mistake of attacking the children of Israel at a place called Rephidim(Exodus 17:8). Joshua led the people into battle while Moses went up the hill. There he raised the staff, a symbol of GOD's authority and power in the air. As long as he held this staff in the air the Israelites would continue to win. But when his arms grew tired they would be pushed back. Finally, his brother and Hur helped Moses to hold the staff steady till sunset. Thus the Israelites triumphed.
Some of you may wonder about the present day significance of this.
Consider this...
Jesus was lifted up for us. HE is our banner and from whom we get our strength and authority on this earth. It is by the power of HIS Holy Spirit that we are empowered to the acts of GOD that HE has prepared beforehand for us.When we look up to him and raise HIM as LORD over our lives we can go forth as the victors that HIS shed blood made us.
...in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.(Rom 8:37)
Are you in a battle today? Then look up to HE who is your Banner, Jesus. Raise HIS banner high and live victoriously.
The story behind the name comes just after the Exodus. A people called the Amalekites made the very bad mistake of attacking the children of Israel at a place called Rephidim(Exodus 17:8). Joshua led the people into battle while Moses went up the hill. There he raised the staff, a symbol of GOD's authority and power in the air. As long as he held this staff in the air the Israelites would continue to win. But when his arms grew tired they would be pushed back. Finally, his brother and Hur helped Moses to hold the staff steady till sunset. Thus the Israelites triumphed.
Some of you may wonder about the present day significance of this.
Consider this...
Jesus was lifted up for us. HE is our banner and from whom we get our strength and authority on this earth. It is by the power of HIS Holy Spirit that we are empowered to the acts of GOD that HE has prepared beforehand for us.When we look up to him and raise HIM as LORD over our lives we can go forth as the victors that HIS shed blood made us.
...in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.(Rom 8:37)
Are you in a battle today? Then look up to HE who is your Banner, Jesus. Raise HIS banner high and live victoriously.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
"Old Testament GOD"
I have run into this expression a lot in my life. "He went all Old Testament on X...", or "He's more like the GOD of the Old Testament..." Let's think about this now...
They are one and the same GOD.
HE was just as loving, good, righteous and holy then as HE is now.
Even as HE ejected Adam and Eve from Eden, GOD hinted that HE had a plan for their redemption.(Genesis 3:15) A plan HE had conceived of before they had even sinned. A plan that included HIS beloved SON going to the cross. Seems to me that the love we sing about was there from before the beginning...hmm?
What people get uncomfortable about is how quick GOD acted on sin in the Old Testament.
But even there... let's look at David.
He conspired to murder one of his most faithful men and sleep with that man's wife.(2 Sam 11) Nathan confronted David with his guilt. David confessed his sin and ...was forgiven?(2 Sam 13)
But wait the Old Testament GOD did this?
Yes. HE forgave David. Just like us when we confess our sins in the New Testament era.
Boys and Girls, just because you aren't zapped from on high in the New Testament era immediately when you sin does not mean there are not consequences. They may not be as flashy as the fall of Jericho but they are just as devastating to our faith journeys.
Sin always causes death. (Romans 6:23) Perhaps not literal death(though that too can be a consequence) but death of relationships, opportunities, and our utility to GOD. Moreover it damages a Christian's joy.
Let me hammer this into our heads. The GOD of all creation is unchanging. HE can not tolerate sin because of HIS holiness. There is always a cost when we sin.
GOD's character did not change between Testaments. What has changed is our ability to see more of HIS salvation plan.
To those who think that JESUS will act any different than the FATHER did let me show you a peek from Revelations...
It is JESUS who opens the seals on the scroll for the final judgments on mankind and sin.(Rev 6) And anyone who is not written in the LAMB's Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire.(Rev 20:11-15)
GOD is always willing to forgive but HE always judges sin. Always. HE is a loving GOD but HE is also our Judge and our King. Forget this at your peril.
They are one and the same GOD.
HE was just as loving, good, righteous and holy then as HE is now.
Even as HE ejected Adam and Eve from Eden, GOD hinted that HE had a plan for their redemption.(Genesis 3:15) A plan HE had conceived of before they had even sinned. A plan that included HIS beloved SON going to the cross. Seems to me that the love we sing about was there from before the beginning...hmm?
What people get uncomfortable about is how quick GOD acted on sin in the Old Testament.
But even there... let's look at David.
He conspired to murder one of his most faithful men and sleep with that man's wife.(2 Sam 11) Nathan confronted David with his guilt. David confessed his sin and ...was forgiven?(2 Sam 13)
But wait the Old Testament GOD did this?
Yes. HE forgave David. Just like us when we confess our sins in the New Testament era.
Boys and Girls, just because you aren't zapped from on high in the New Testament era immediately when you sin does not mean there are not consequences. They may not be as flashy as the fall of Jericho but they are just as devastating to our faith journeys.
Sin always causes death. (Romans 6:23) Perhaps not literal death(though that too can be a consequence) but death of relationships, opportunities, and our utility to GOD. Moreover it damages a Christian's joy.
Let me hammer this into our heads. The GOD of all creation is unchanging. HE can not tolerate sin because of HIS holiness. There is always a cost when we sin.
GOD's character did not change between Testaments. What has changed is our ability to see more of HIS salvation plan.
To those who think that JESUS will act any different than the FATHER did let me show you a peek from Revelations...
It is JESUS who opens the seals on the scroll for the final judgments on mankind and sin.(Rev 6) And anyone who is not written in the LAMB's Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire.(Rev 20:11-15)
GOD is always willing to forgive but HE always judges sin. Always. HE is a loving GOD but HE is also our Judge and our King. Forget this at your peril.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Birthday
I just celebrated another birthday yesterday and that blessing has prompted some thoughts. Before I was born, my parents were told that I should not be brought to term. When I was born my parents were told that I would not live to adulthood. As I grew I was told that I would lose the ability to walk long before now.
Because of GOD's grace I am thirty-seven years old. I walk with a cane but I still walk. I have my days of considerable pain but even there HIS grace provides. I have been blessed with doctors who didn't limit their sight to the muscular dystrophy but were challenged to help me live a normal life no matter what. I have been watched over by friends who knew my limits and didn't walk away. They drew nearer and shared in my struggles, indeed helping me bear my burdens.
I also have a family who walks daily with me, lifting me up in prayer and loving me where I am at. GOD knew exactly what HE was doing when HE placed me with this family. They care, hold me accountable, and encourage.
Ultimately I have GOD HIMSELF who stands with me and carries me when I can't carry myself. HIS promises help me hold it together when it hurts too much to think let alone move.
Some may ask why GOD has not taken the disease away. It is fruitless to ask such questions. HE is the I AM. His wisdom trumps mine every time. I do know that HE comes alongside in every circumstance. As Paul was told when asking about his thorn, the LORD's grace is sufficent.
Lest you think I'm over the top, I too have my days of asking why. I'm right there in line for a new body as we are promised and I too ask how long till Jesus comes.(And pretty please could HE hurry up)
I am who I am because of the grace of GOD. I am still here because of HIS mercy. And I have eternity because of HIS love.
I shouldn't be here according to man but by GOD's incredible and awesome power, I Stand.
All glory, majesty, honor and power to our Father who sits on the throne, Jesus the Lamb who was Slain, and the Spirit who makes us one. Thank you again my GOD for another year of life.
--- Freedom's Scribe
Because of GOD's grace I am thirty-seven years old. I walk with a cane but I still walk. I have my days of considerable pain but even there HIS grace provides. I have been blessed with doctors who didn't limit their sight to the muscular dystrophy but were challenged to help me live a normal life no matter what. I have been watched over by friends who knew my limits and didn't walk away. They drew nearer and shared in my struggles, indeed helping me bear my burdens.
I also have a family who walks daily with me, lifting me up in prayer and loving me where I am at. GOD knew exactly what HE was doing when HE placed me with this family. They care, hold me accountable, and encourage.
Ultimately I have GOD HIMSELF who stands with me and carries me when I can't carry myself. HIS promises help me hold it together when it hurts too much to think let alone move.
Some may ask why GOD has not taken the disease away. It is fruitless to ask such questions. HE is the I AM. His wisdom trumps mine every time. I do know that HE comes alongside in every circumstance. As Paul was told when asking about his thorn, the LORD's grace is sufficent.
Lest you think I'm over the top, I too have my days of asking why. I'm right there in line for a new body as we are promised and I too ask how long till Jesus comes.(And pretty please could HE hurry up)
I am who I am because of the grace of GOD. I am still here because of HIS mercy. And I have eternity because of HIS love.
I shouldn't be here according to man but by GOD's incredible and awesome power, I Stand.
All glory, majesty, honor and power to our Father who sits on the throne, Jesus the Lamb who was Slain, and the Spirit who makes us one. Thank you again my GOD for another year of life.
--- Freedom's Scribe
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