"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19
I believe this verse is one of the most doubted verses in the Bible for Christians today. You show what you believe by what you do. Belief inspires action. If you believe God supplies all your needs, you will depend on him; if you do not believe that God supplies all your needs, then you will seek to supply your own needs. Belief inspires action.
I know that until I leave my fathers home, I can depend on being able to eat here. I know that the need of my stomach will be filled with groceries from this house as long as I live here. My action based on that belief is that I will eat here and not worry about it. If I was worried about it constantly, I would be showing my belief that my father was not sufficient in providing groceries by going out of the way to provide for myself.
I see people on a regular basis acting as though God does not see their needs, when the truth is, their "needs" are not what God sees as needs, but wants. Why does our lack of faith take over a situation that is simply God's job? Why do we act as though the need is not going to be supplied by our heavenly father? If my earthly father is faithful in supplying earthly needs to me, how much more is my heavenly father capable of supplying my needs? Not only does he supply my needs, he has an advanced knowledge of my grocery list! I do not even need to tell him what I need for him to know. He already does. Before I even ask for it, he is preparing to provide it.
Are his riches in glory ever going to be insufficient? Will he bounce the check of heaven on my little problems? There is no way, and it would be mad to suggest it! However, modern Christianity lives in an independent lifestyle that seeks a faithless provision to our needs by seeking to meet them through fleshly means. Do you realize that Satan is waiting for your independence from God's way so he can attack you with vices that you alone cannot handle?
Your self-dependent attitude makes you completely vulnerable to situations that only the power of God can help you through! Do not become self-sufficient and self-dependent, thinking that you can somehow manage this Christian life without the help of Christ, who was the ultimate example. Do not think that you can live a supernatural Christian life, following his steps, without Christ' power. That is simply mad!!
So that brings me to the point of this post.
Let God supply your needs. I am in a situation right now that requires ultimate dependence on God. I have no control, and therefore I am naming and claiming Phillipians 4:19. I need him to supply the need. I could make a knee-jerk decision to try to handle it myself, but that will only make matters worse. I need to depend on God!
Do you need money? Does God know that? Of course he does!! What doesn't he know? The answer is not to take matters into your own hands! If you're right with the Lord, pray and ask God to take control, admitting your incapability to handle the situation.
Now, God is not a bell-hop either! God does not watch his children muddle around and mess up a situation, only to run and bail them out when they realize what a mess they've made. If you have not honored God, do not expect him to save you from the consequences of your sin. That is not what is being written about in this post! I am talking about you being in situations that you cannot control and allowing God to do his job as your father.
Do you need a husband or wife? Who would know best when and who you need? Of course, God would!! If God knows best when you need to be married, and he knows best who you need to marry, shouldn't you just claim the promise of Phillipians 4:19 that God will supply that need?
When it's time, God will give you who you need, when you need them. And trust me, he knows best. I believe that. I personally have asked God to pick me out a wife! I'm not smart enough to know how to do that, and so God is in charge of it. He is well able!!
If I believe that promise, why should I try to "help" God out by taking steps outside of his guidance? Why would I flirt with someone, knowing that God has a very special young lady that he has chosen for me? Why would you? Is God not able? If he is able, and he has not given you direction on it, then you should not be meddling; it is obviously not the right time!
The best part is, when God supplies, you know it was God! When my financial situation pans out just fine, I know who to thank! "Thank you, Lord, for your help!"
And when God puts his approval on Miss Wonderful and says, "Psst! She's it!" I'll know it's God's doing. Because, after all, isn't it he that supplies these needs?
It's as simple as this: Let God be God! Let God supply your needs! He's surely worth trusting.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Outside Work!!
I am an outdoors guy! Though I spend much of my time at computers, desks, and tables, I would much rather be in the sun, sweating real hard, and wearing myself out. Actually, manual labor is like a stress-reliever for me, and the last two days have been full of it. Here are a few pics.
This is me cutting a tree up for fire wood. Excuse the finger in the camera shot, it was a 7-year old. =D
After Aaron got done, I spent the next 2 hours with 8 boys from the Academy hoeing, planting, and covering 5 rows of butter beans and 14 rows of corn. Tomorrow I will be planting about 10 more rows of corn, 3 or 4 rows of squash, and a couple of cucumber. This adds to what my dad already did yesterday, which was about 6 rows of okra and 12 rows of green beans in a separate garden.
I just love this time of the season. It must be something about life, and the way things grow that intrigues me...I don't know. Whatever the case, we'll be seeing lots of black, cold soil, weeds, young plants, grown plants, harvest, canning, etc., etc. over the next few months. I'll try to get a few more pics tomorrow for you when I'm done, and I'll certainly keep you posted as the season progresses.
This is me cutting a tree up for fire wood. Excuse the finger in the camera shot, it was a 7-year old. =D
This is Aaron in one of his favorite places, on the tractor tilling up the garden for crop planting.
After Aaron got done, I spent the next 2 hours with 8 boys from the Academy hoeing, planting, and covering 5 rows of butter beans and 14 rows of corn. Tomorrow I will be planting about 10 more rows of corn, 3 or 4 rows of squash, and a couple of cucumber. This adds to what my dad already did yesterday, which was about 6 rows of okra and 12 rows of green beans in a separate garden.
I just love this time of the season. It must be something about life, and the way things grow that intrigues me...I don't know. Whatever the case, we'll be seeing lots of black, cold soil, weeds, young plants, grown plants, harvest, canning, etc., etc. over the next few months. I'll try to get a few more pics tomorrow for you when I'm done, and I'll certainly keep you posted as the season progresses.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Letter From The Boss
I received this over email, and thought it was very good. It is definitely worth reading as it describes the economic situation of America quite well. Please take the time to read it; you won't regret it.
A letter from the Boss
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country. However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You saw my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don't see is the BACK STORY:
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you. My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, someday, I too, would be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 a.m., mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 p.m., I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the Back Story and the sacrifices I've made. Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bailout all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business and employing you is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why: I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation taxes, unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my"stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch. The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child by a different man waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously,government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country. The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree, which is why your job is in jeopardy. Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy.
Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep. So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I'll fire you and your coworkers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more. Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
THE BOSS
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of otherpeople's money." Margaret Thatcher
The sad part of this fictional letter is, that is exactly what many business owners have done. There is little to no farm community or agricultural community in America anymore because of the taxes, forcing us to supply the demand through imported goods. It is not our business world anymore, it is the businesses of other countries that gets our money through imports. When they finally get sick of minimum wage laws, and the taxes upon taxes mentioned in the above letter, they leave. Thus, our economy is deflated, and President Obama spending more of someone else's money will not solve it; it will only make it worse. Because one day he will wake up with the rest of the United States government and find a people unwilling to give them another dime to waste on foolish programs such as Social Security, Global warming, etc. or to spend frivolously on useless people that come to America to live off of my job.
America, WAKE UP!
A letter from the Boss
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country. However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You saw my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don't see is the BACK STORY:
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you. My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, someday, I too, would be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 a.m., mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 p.m., I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the Back Story and the sacrifices I've made. Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bailout all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business and employing you is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why: I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation taxes, unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my"stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch. The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child by a different man waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously,government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country. The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree, which is why your job is in jeopardy. Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy.
Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep. So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I'll fire you and your coworkers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more. Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
THE BOSS
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of otherpeople's money." Margaret Thatcher
The sad part of this fictional letter is, that is exactly what many business owners have done. There is little to no farm community or agricultural community in America anymore because of the taxes, forcing us to supply the demand through imported goods. It is not our business world anymore, it is the businesses of other countries that gets our money through imports. When they finally get sick of minimum wage laws, and the taxes upon taxes mentioned in the above letter, they leave. Thus, our economy is deflated, and President Obama spending more of someone else's money will not solve it; it will only make it worse. Because one day he will wake up with the rest of the United States government and find a people unwilling to give them another dime to waste on foolish programs such as Social Security, Global warming, etc. or to spend frivolously on useless people that come to America to live off of my job.
America, WAKE UP!
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Fight Is On
Sometimes, I seem to inhale blessings and triumphs, while exhaling spiritual findings and insight. These have often been called "mountain top" moments. It's the time in your Christian life where you are walking with the Lord, the devil is firmly planted between your heel and the floor, and all inside seems still, quiet, and serene. The victories are being won, the flesh is in total subjection, and you are ready to charge all of hell itself with faith that overcomes the world! It is at these times that you wonder if you will ever go back again. Back to where the struggles take place. Back to where the flesh is formidable, the foe advancing, and your spirit is struggling to breathe. Those times of fighting the devil are a distant memory from the mountain top.
But, one day...there I find myself. There in the valley. I'm not alone, it's just so dark sometimes with the smoke of the battle that I can't see. My flesh is raging with desires, appetites, and carnal lusts. The spirit of God advances, its forces even greater than the former. But the victor, in the end, will be who I endorse. The one who gets my nod of approval, the one I allow to take center stage, on the throne, making decisions, he will take the victory. That could be the fleshly man, if I take his side. As powerful as the spirit of Christ is in me, my will alone can repel him and send him into silence. The greater one that is in me has seen that corner of my complete rejections far too many times, watching my flesh take me captive while the plan of Satan since the garden of Eden is accomplished yet again. The serpent has his advantages. My flesh is on his side, and it strives for the destruction that he proposes. The beautiful delicacies of this world, poisoned by the diseases of sinful consequences and bitter aftertaste, allure me in these times of weakness, where, like Eve, I long for the taste that brings what I presume to be greater pleasure...only to be blinded and hurt once again by the sting... I know the tempter is near, I can see the temptation coming, I know the result, and yet I still struggle with the decision.
Paul faced the same thing.
"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I...Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not...I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me...O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7
It is an inevitable, irresistible fight that you as a Christian will face. When Salvation took place, the devil devised a plan to make you useless for God. He can no longer take you to Hell, but he can put you on a spiritual shelf, rendering you incapable of serving God. To do this, he uses the flesh. He drives you to decisions of impulse so that you are fleshly, without God's power as a Christian, and without the capacity to succeed as a Christian. You will have taken the reigns of your life from Almighty God and begun making decisions on your own. You will never fail at failing when you behave this way.
I have found myself in the battle of my life recently. A battle that will never end until I get to my heavenly home, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this mortality shall put on immortality.
I thank God that victory is possible, though. Over the past couple of weeks, I have fallen flat on my face multiple times. But God is faithful!! I'm so glad my Salvation is not based on my faithfulness! Aren't you?
Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
What a wonderful verse that is!! What a privilege to carry everything to the Lord in prayer. All our anxiety, all our care, bring to the mercy seat, leave it there!! Hallelujah!
I have adopted an attitude of victory. I've fallen, granted. But the war is not over. I have a commander that will never give up on me, no matter who else does, and based on the grace of the faithful one, I can go on!! I will not quit!!! He did not quit on me!!
I love second chances. It's not everyday you get a second chance anymore, let alone meet someone who gives you a second chance every day!!!
After reading Romans 7, I was feeling pretty down, but then the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "Read the next chapter..,"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
What a great book I'm reading! That means I don't have to have condemnation because I don't have to walk in the flesh! Through God I can do valiantly!!! Through God I can be different! And through God, I can walk right out of this valley!
I find out now looking back just how close he was to me in that valley. I just didn't see him. I didn't realize all of the help that was there, just waiting to be called upon. When the smoke cleared I saw. God doesn't always show you everything. He just wants you to remember in the dark times what you saw in the light, and keep walking... It's called faith. Faith that God is true.
Christian, defeat is not something we can afford in this latter day. The fight is on, and I'm here to stay. I'm not quitting, and I'm not backing out. I'm in this fight until the end...until God calls me home. Maybe you're struggling now with the flesh, and you can sympathize with what I wrote here. Just stick in there...when the battle is the hottest, victory is just around the corner! Hold on! And furthermore, God knows exactly what you're going through. He's been where you're at. I'll save that for another post I'm working on.
It's worth it at the end of the battle, friend! Stay in the fight!
But, one day...there I find myself. There in the valley. I'm not alone, it's just so dark sometimes with the smoke of the battle that I can't see. My flesh is raging with desires, appetites, and carnal lusts. The spirit of God advances, its forces even greater than the former. But the victor, in the end, will be who I endorse. The one who gets my nod of approval, the one I allow to take center stage, on the throne, making decisions, he will take the victory. That could be the fleshly man, if I take his side. As powerful as the spirit of Christ is in me, my will alone can repel him and send him into silence. The greater one that is in me has seen that corner of my complete rejections far too many times, watching my flesh take me captive while the plan of Satan since the garden of Eden is accomplished yet again. The serpent has his advantages. My flesh is on his side, and it strives for the destruction that he proposes. The beautiful delicacies of this world, poisoned by the diseases of sinful consequences and bitter aftertaste, allure me in these times of weakness, where, like Eve, I long for the taste that brings what I presume to be greater pleasure...only to be blinded and hurt once again by the sting... I know the tempter is near, I can see the temptation coming, I know the result, and yet I still struggle with the decision.
Paul faced the same thing.
"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I...Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not...I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me...O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7
It is an inevitable, irresistible fight that you as a Christian will face. When Salvation took place, the devil devised a plan to make you useless for God. He can no longer take you to Hell, but he can put you on a spiritual shelf, rendering you incapable of serving God. To do this, he uses the flesh. He drives you to decisions of impulse so that you are fleshly, without God's power as a Christian, and without the capacity to succeed as a Christian. You will have taken the reigns of your life from Almighty God and begun making decisions on your own. You will never fail at failing when you behave this way.
I have found myself in the battle of my life recently. A battle that will never end until I get to my heavenly home, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this mortality shall put on immortality.
I thank God that victory is possible, though. Over the past couple of weeks, I have fallen flat on my face multiple times. But God is faithful!! I'm so glad my Salvation is not based on my faithfulness! Aren't you?
Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
What a wonderful verse that is!! What a privilege to carry everything to the Lord in prayer. All our anxiety, all our care, bring to the mercy seat, leave it there!! Hallelujah!
I have adopted an attitude of victory. I've fallen, granted. But the war is not over. I have a commander that will never give up on me, no matter who else does, and based on the grace of the faithful one, I can go on!! I will not quit!!! He did not quit on me!!
I love second chances. It's not everyday you get a second chance anymore, let alone meet someone who gives you a second chance every day!!!
After reading Romans 7, I was feeling pretty down, but then the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "Read the next chapter..,"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
What a great book I'm reading! That means I don't have to have condemnation because I don't have to walk in the flesh! Through God I can do valiantly!!! Through God I can be different! And through God, I can walk right out of this valley!
I find out now looking back just how close he was to me in that valley. I just didn't see him. I didn't realize all of the help that was there, just waiting to be called upon. When the smoke cleared I saw. God doesn't always show you everything. He just wants you to remember in the dark times what you saw in the light, and keep walking... It's called faith. Faith that God is true.
Christian, defeat is not something we can afford in this latter day. The fight is on, and I'm here to stay. I'm not quitting, and I'm not backing out. I'm in this fight until the end...until God calls me home. Maybe you're struggling now with the flesh, and you can sympathize with what I wrote here. Just stick in there...when the battle is the hottest, victory is just around the corner! Hold on! And furthermore, God knows exactly what you're going through. He's been where you're at. I'll save that for another post I'm working on.
It's worth it at the end of the battle, friend! Stay in the fight!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Wedding!
Hello! I am as tired as a guy could possibly be, but hey, I'm used to it. I've slept about 6 hours since I woke up Thursday morning, and today is the big day. A dear couple in our church is getting married today! It is always an exciting time, and coupled with the preparation involved, it is just down right tiring. I've been helping cook alot, mostly.
My mom is the wedding manager, the wedding caterer, and the decorator. Mrs. Cindy Noles, a lady in our church, is the photographer, Russell and Bro. Bob May are the ushers, My dad is the officiating minister, Mrs. Kelli Unger is the seamstress for all of the dresses, and I am the pianist. So, all that to say Truth Baptist Church is a fine place to want to get married from!!
In light of playing the piano, I am nervous. But, I'm always nervous, so that's nothing new. I had to learn more new songs for this one than I have previously. I'll be singing a song as well with my brothers. I am excited and priveledged to be a part of this wedding! This is my 3rd wedding, but it's still very neat!
The service is today at 1 p.m. If you find yourself thinking about it, please pray that I won't lose focus amongst all of the music going on; I'm playing for every music event listed.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
My mom is the wedding manager, the wedding caterer, and the decorator. Mrs. Cindy Noles, a lady in our church, is the photographer, Russell and Bro. Bob May are the ushers, My dad is the officiating minister, Mrs. Kelli Unger is the seamstress for all of the dresses, and I am the pianist. So, all that to say Truth Baptist Church is a fine place to want to get married from!!
In light of playing the piano, I am nervous. But, I'm always nervous, so that's nothing new. I had to learn more new songs for this one than I have previously. I'll be singing a song as well with my brothers. I am excited and priveledged to be a part of this wedding! This is my 3rd wedding, but it's still very neat!
The service is today at 1 p.m. If you find yourself thinking about it, please pray that I won't lose focus amongst all of the music going on; I'm playing for every music event listed.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Correction
I have reviewed the results from Master Clubs competition, and decided that I covered it plenty in the previous 2 articles on the event. I will not bore you with more on this subject. So....I said I would post those stats, but I've changed my mind. :)
In Christ Alone,
Clay
In Christ Alone,
Clay
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