The devil wants to keep us in the wilderness, but God will lead us on to the Promised Land.
It's hard to imagine that the people of Israel went around and around in the wilderness for 40 years. It's a journey that should have taken only a few days, but their stubbornness and unbelief kept them from entering the Promised Land. They had to keep going around that mountain for 40 years.
Aren't we that way, too, sometimes? I admit that I can be stubborn. (I know that's hard to believe.) It's our stubbornness that can keep us from going forward in our walk with God.
The Bible says we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. It's a decision we must make every day. If we don't, we find ourselves slipping back into our old habits instead of moving toward our Promised Land.
We need to learn from our past mistakes (or sins) or we'll be destined to repeat them. We'll keep going around and around that mountain. The devil has a trap for each of us, and he wants us to keep falling into that same old trap so that we don't move forward in our Christian walk. A friend of mine calls it the "merry-go-round effect," where we seem to keep going around in circles.
For me, I know I have to be careful to make the right choices every day, or I'll end up falling back into my old habits and hang-ups. I'll have to make another lap around the mountain. I've made quite a few trips around that mountain!
The good news is we don't have to stay in the wilderness. God made a way for us through Jesus. If we will deny ourselves and make the decision daily to follow Him, we will reach the Promised Land.
God will lead us, but we have to be willing to follow. The directions are found by reading His Word daily and by seeking Him with all our hearts. He WILL show us the way.
I don't want to be like the people of Israel, whose stubbornness kept them from entering in. I don't want to stay in the wilderness. I want to be open to listen to God's voice and obey His directions. The journey may be long, but if we won't give up in our walk with God, there's nothing that can stop us. We will reach our destination!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Politicking!
For political news junkies like me, this week is like the Super Bowl of Politics. I've been glued to the TV for the Republican National Convention. It may be boring to most people, but I love it. I love the speeches. I love the commentary by analysts. I love it all.
The speeches have a lot of partisan rhetoric and political baloney, but I was encouraged by the speakers last night. Senator Kelly Ayotte, Ted Cruz and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley fired up the crowd, talking about the power of the American Dream. Rick Santorum had a great speech, too. Then, Ann Romney had a powerful message about love as she talked about her husband, Mitt.
Chris Christie's speech was the highlight of the night. The boisterous governor of New Jersey put on quite a show. I expected him to take more potshots at Obama, though. Christie is often blunt and fiery about Obama's failed presidency. Christie is the perfect person to go after Obama. He hardly even mentioned our incompetent president. I think it was a missed opportunity. You know the Democrats are all going to attack Romney at their convention next week!
The Republicans will have its heavy hitters tonight. Condoleeza Rice, Marco Rubio and Paul Ryan are all speaking tonight. Then, Mitt Romney will accept the nomination and give his speech Thursday night.
When this convention is over, the choice will be clear. Romney and Ryan are the best ones to lead the country. I pray people will wake up and see we only have one chance to turn our country around. It's Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.
******
I hope to get some new readers to my blog posts.... A lot of people read them on Facebook. Now, I will be a contributor on my church's Web blog at http://briarwoodchurch.org . I'm also contributing some articles to The Pampa News in its religion section. They will be appearing periodically on the church page on Wednesdays. I hope you'll check them out!
The speeches have a lot of partisan rhetoric and political baloney, but I was encouraged by the speakers last night. Senator Kelly Ayotte, Ted Cruz and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley fired up the crowd, talking about the power of the American Dream. Rick Santorum had a great speech, too. Then, Ann Romney had a powerful message about love as she talked about her husband, Mitt.
Chris Christie's speech was the highlight of the night. The boisterous governor of New Jersey put on quite a show. I expected him to take more potshots at Obama, though. Christie is often blunt and fiery about Obama's failed presidency. Christie is the perfect person to go after Obama. He hardly even mentioned our incompetent president. I think it was a missed opportunity. You know the Democrats are all going to attack Romney at their convention next week!
The Republicans will have its heavy hitters tonight. Condoleeza Rice, Marco Rubio and Paul Ryan are all speaking tonight. Then, Mitt Romney will accept the nomination and give his speech Thursday night.
When this convention is over, the choice will be clear. Romney and Ryan are the best ones to lead the country. I pray people will wake up and see we only have one chance to turn our country around. It's Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.
******
I hope to get some new readers to my blog posts.... A lot of people read them on Facebook. Now, I will be a contributor on my church's Web blog at http://briarwoodchurch.org . I'm also contributing some articles to The Pampa News in its religion section. They will be appearing periodically on the church page on Wednesdays. I hope you'll check them out!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Who Are You?
We know about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, but who are Ashkenaz, Riphath and Togarmah?
In my Bible reading this week, I've been stuck in the book of 1 Chronicles. It's a hard book to read. The first nine chapters are long lists of names and genealogies. It's the "Who's Who" list in the history of Israel.
As I read this, I wondered why I needed to read all these names! Why do I need to know the sons of Gomer are Ashkenaz, Riphath and Togarmah? I can't even pronounce their names. I doubt I'll remember any of their names when I meet up with Gomer on the streets of heaven some day to ask him, "How's your son, Togarmah?"
So why are these lists even in the Bible and what's their relevance to us today?
These lists may be dry and boring to read, but they show us that God cares about us. He knows our names, just as He knows all the people who lived in Bible days. God knows each one of us personally, even down to the number of hairs on our head.
The Bible says God knew us before we were born. Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
It's amazing to think that who we are and what we do is written forever in God’s book. And if we belong to Him, our names have been recorded in the Lamb’s book of Life!
God knows who YOU are today! He knows where you've been and what you're going through right now. He knows it all. And He loves you and cares about your situation. You can call on Him in your time of need, and He WILL be there.
I'm glad I know God today, and I'm so thankful that He knows me!
In my Bible reading this week, I've been stuck in the book of 1 Chronicles. It's a hard book to read. The first nine chapters are long lists of names and genealogies. It's the "Who's Who" list in the history of Israel.
As I read this, I wondered why I needed to read all these names! Why do I need to know the sons of Gomer are Ashkenaz, Riphath and Togarmah? I can't even pronounce their names. I doubt I'll remember any of their names when I meet up with Gomer on the streets of heaven some day to ask him, "How's your son, Togarmah?"
So why are these lists even in the Bible and what's their relevance to us today?
These lists may be dry and boring to read, but they show us that God cares about us. He knows our names, just as He knows all the people who lived in Bible days. God knows each one of us personally, even down to the number of hairs on our head.
The Bible says God knew us before we were born. Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
It's amazing to think that who we are and what we do is written forever in God’s book. And if we belong to Him, our names have been recorded in the Lamb’s book of Life!
God knows who YOU are today! He knows where you've been and what you're going through right now. He knows it all. And He loves you and cares about your situation. You can call on Him in your time of need, and He WILL be there.
I'm glad I know God today, and I'm so thankful that He knows me!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Which Candidate Is Smarter Than A Fifth-grader?
The stage is set in the presidential election. "America's Comeback Team" Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan is up against "The Amateurs" Barney Fife Obama and Goober Biden. This race shouldn't even be close, but since so many Americans aren't paying attention to what's happening in the country, Barney and Goober could win another term. What a disaster that would be!
Since most voters don't care enough to watch the debates, we should make the candidates face off on "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-grader?" The winning team would win the presidency.
The Obama-Biden team might have trouble with some of the quiz questions. For example, the second-grade Geography question: "How many states are in the U.S.?" Thinking back to his 2008 campaign tour, Obama would remember that he traveled to "57 states" and say the answer is "57."
Let's hope Obama doesn't get a grammar question and have to distinguish between "corpsman" and "corpse-man." He'll flunk out for sure!
Math isn't his strong subject either. With a $16 trillion debt in the country, Obama can't even answer a first-grade math question. That might explain why he hasn't been able to pass a budget in the four years he's been in office.
Obama's worst subject, though, is religion. He obviously believes in evolution because he has "evolved" into thinking same-sex marriage should be allowed. His voting record as a senator supported the killing of unborn babies. He has tried to ban Bibles at Walter Reed Military Medical Center and supports gays serving openly in the military. Obama deserves an 'F' in religion.
Obama is definitely NOT smarter than a fifth-grader and therefore not qualified to be president! The Romney-Ryan team can pass the test. If anyone can fix the financial mess in America, it's Paul Ryan.
Romney and Ryan are smarter than a fifth-grader, and they're both smarter than Obama!
Since most voters don't care enough to watch the debates, we should make the candidates face off on "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-grader?" The winning team would win the presidency.
The Obama-Biden team might have trouble with some of the quiz questions. For example, the second-grade Geography question: "How many states are in the U.S.?" Thinking back to his 2008 campaign tour, Obama would remember that he traveled to "57 states" and say the answer is "57."
Let's hope Obama doesn't get a grammar question and have to distinguish between "corpsman" and "corpse-man." He'll flunk out for sure!
Math isn't his strong subject either. With a $16 trillion debt in the country, Obama can't even answer a first-grade math question. That might explain why he hasn't been able to pass a budget in the four years he's been in office.
Obama's worst subject, though, is religion. He obviously believes in evolution because he has "evolved" into thinking same-sex marriage should be allowed. His voting record as a senator supported the killing of unborn babies. He has tried to ban Bibles at Walter Reed Military Medical Center and supports gays serving openly in the military. Obama deserves an 'F' in religion.
Obama is definitely NOT smarter than a fifth-grader and therefore not qualified to be president! The Romney-Ryan team can pass the test. If anyone can fix the financial mess in America, it's Paul Ryan.
Romney and Ryan are smarter than a fifth-grader, and they're both smarter than Obama!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
'I Didn't Build That'
Our president tries to tell us if you have a successful job or a business or a good life, "you didn't build that" on your own. He wants you to believe the government is responsible for your success. He wants you to be totally dependant on the government.
I can't take credit for anything I've achieved in life, but it's not because I had help from the government. The government didn't provide me with a job or a salary or a place to live. The government doesn't supply all my needs.... GOD DOES!!
God is my source of help, not the government. I am totally dependant on Him. God can do things that the government can't do!
When I graduated college and started looking for a job, it seemed hopeless. Most employers looked at my disability and weren't willing to take a chance. But GOD provided! He put the right people in my life at the right time, while I was still in college, so that I got the right job. I landed my dream job. The government could never orchestrate something like that.
After I got the job, I needed a place to live. I didn't have a car or any way to get around in Amarillo. Again, it was GOD who came through for me. He provided the perfect place to live, just blocks away from my job.
Time after time, I've seen GOD show up and do things for me that seemed impossible. I am where I am today because of Him, and the government had nothing to do with it.
This government will fall some day. I can't rely on it to take care of me, but I can always trust in God to help me. God never changes. He is my source, and He will provide!
I can't take credit for anything I've achieved in life, but it's not because I had help from the government. The government didn't provide me with a job or a salary or a place to live. The government doesn't supply all my needs.... GOD DOES!!
God is my source of help, not the government. I am totally dependant on Him. God can do things that the government can't do!
When I graduated college and started looking for a job, it seemed hopeless. Most employers looked at my disability and weren't willing to take a chance. But GOD provided! He put the right people in my life at the right time, while I was still in college, so that I got the right job. I landed my dream job. The government could never orchestrate something like that.
After I got the job, I needed a place to live. I didn't have a car or any way to get around in Amarillo. Again, it was GOD who came through for me. He provided the perfect place to live, just blocks away from my job.
Time after time, I've seen GOD show up and do things for me that seemed impossible. I am where I am today because of Him, and the government had nothing to do with it.
This government will fall some day. I can't rely on it to take care of me, but I can always trust in God to help me. God never changes. He is my source, and He will provide!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
What's on My Mind
People think it's a bad thing that Mitt Romney is rich. I'd like to have that problem! It's not a bad thing to be rich. It shows that Romney has worked hard and is successful. Who cares if he releases his tax returns? I'd rather see Obama and Congress release a budget.
****
The word is out... Dirty Harry Reid lives in the land of make-believe. But we already knew that.
****
Everyone wants to know who Romney will pick as his running mate. There are all the usual suspects: Rubio, Christie, Pawlenty, McDonnell, etc. I'll go out on a limb. I hope he picks Congressman Allen West. That would sure shake things up! After the way the media went nuts over Sarah Palin in '08, just imagine their reaction to West!
****
Call it a "Major" mistake. My hometown newspaper is making a lot of changes. In the last few months, it has hired a new publisher, a new editor and at least one new reporter. It's only natural that they would make a few mistakes. But you'd think they could get the mayor's name and title correct. Twice last week, the paper identified Mayor Brad Pingel as "Major Pingle." I sent the new reporter a friendly e-mail about the mistake. Apparently, a lot of other people did too.
****
I can't be too hard on the new reporter. I can relate. As a former copy editor, I made plenty of dumb mistakes, too. I even botched the name of Amarillo's first female mayor. But at least I didn't call her a "major."
****
Best wishes to the new publisher and new editor of our newspaper. He probably doesn't remember me, but the editor, Ben Tinsley, and I worked together at the Globe-News for a short time. In fact, I think we started work there on the same day in June 1992. He was a police reporter, and I was on the copy desk. Welcome to Pampa, Ben!
****
The heat wave continues, causing several area towns to issue water restrictions. This has confused a lot of people. Even-numbered addresses can water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Odd-numbered houses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Even-numbered houses occupied by odd people are simply out of luck!
****
The word is out... Dirty Harry Reid lives in the land of make-believe. But we already knew that.
****
Everyone wants to know who Romney will pick as his running mate. There are all the usual suspects: Rubio, Christie, Pawlenty, McDonnell, etc. I'll go out on a limb. I hope he picks Congressman Allen West. That would sure shake things up! After the way the media went nuts over Sarah Palin in '08, just imagine their reaction to West!
****
Call it a "Major" mistake. My hometown newspaper is making a lot of changes. In the last few months, it has hired a new publisher, a new editor and at least one new reporter. It's only natural that they would make a few mistakes. But you'd think they could get the mayor's name and title correct. Twice last week, the paper identified Mayor Brad Pingel as "Major Pingle." I sent the new reporter a friendly e-mail about the mistake. Apparently, a lot of other people did too.
****
I can't be too hard on the new reporter. I can relate. As a former copy editor, I made plenty of dumb mistakes, too. I even botched the name of Amarillo's first female mayor. But at least I didn't call her a "major."
****
Best wishes to the new publisher and new editor of our newspaper. He probably doesn't remember me, but the editor, Ben Tinsley, and I worked together at the Globe-News for a short time. In fact, I think we started work there on the same day in June 1992. He was a police reporter, and I was on the copy desk. Welcome to Pampa, Ben!
****
The heat wave continues, causing several area towns to issue water restrictions. This has confused a lot of people. Even-numbered addresses can water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Odd-numbered houses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Even-numbered houses occupied by odd people are simply out of luck!
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