Listening to KLOVE and driving down Elliott Road to Acampo to Sue and David's ranchette --- NAME this TUNE: It's more like falling in love, than something to believe in. It's more like falling in love, than a pledge to alligance...the words to that song simply resonated to how I was feeling! At church on Sunday I heard these lyrics to a new song: What IF we pass the sentence on what we witness? What IF we judge those we see who over-indulge the world and bulge with sin? What IF our secrets were all exposed? Would it haunt you to see your sins retold? Skeletons feed on regret. Skeletons won't let us forget. Is there hope for a sinner like me? Will God forgive and truly forget? Can my past be erased? Will my ways be forever traced? No, No, seventy times NO! "Come to Me and be truly free." Freedom is NOT the work of soldiers alone, FREEDOM is a gift from God, the Creator of all that is. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 --- I know that the most miserable people in the world are NOT non-believers --- but Christians living with unconfessed sin. "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." Rev 3:19
KNOWING that the truth is NOT what is advertized! "What happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas" --- and the city of SIN most certainly seperates us from God --- for me -- guilt cannot be suffocated with a new relationship, an exotic vacation, food or a new dress! Believers indeed suffer more when they stubbornly remain non-compliant as we defiantly disobey the call on our hearts. What happens in my life, mind and heart is known by a holy God --- so I might as well confess it! We all want a revival in our hearts, in our bodies, in our lives without a change of mind, a change of habits, the surrendering of our will, or the admittance of our sin of pride, lies, porn, gossip, stealing the reputation of another, our unbelief, our doubts about God's Word, and selfishness. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8
I praise You God for the Holy Spirit Who convicts me to confess all the skeletons in my past. Your word is a lamp that lights the way to a FREEDOM to dance in God's glory and NOT hide from God who is holy. I pray Lord that You expand my capacity to give, that the Holy Spirit enables me to desire to do the will of God and the power to surrender all that I am to His care. I ask that the Holy Spirit hover over Doyle, Sue and Jason and that He transform them until their lives reflect Christ. Be it unto them Lord according to Thy will. Today July 4th my pastor preached the reality that we are all sinners --- Lord I ask that the housing You have provided be a place of comfort to those who need a good word and some rest. I AM PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN
and an AMERICAN who stands on
the infallible Word of God!
A VET IN NEED IN A PARKING LOT
ReplyDeleteAn old gentle man was bent over with his head underneath the hood of his car. A young man was pushing a cart full of goodies for a BBQ towards his new white Escalade. The Escalade was parked next to the older man's car. The younger man yelled "'You shouldn't even be allowed to drive a car at your age.' And with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and sped away to his July 4th party. I saw the older man pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow. His engine was smoking and it was a very hot day. I walked over and said 'Looks like you're having a problem.' He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood and said I have a AAA card, let me arrange for some assistance. Just across the street was a gas station and I saw three attendants working on cars. Approaching one mechanic I pointed across the street to the car with the hood up and to the steam rising and asked if they could help. I offered to pay them if they could come check out what repairs might be needed.
The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us he quickly straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I shook the older man's hand and he noticed that I wore a Marine Corps ring and he commented saying "I was a Marine too and I served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal ...As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the
mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I had put it on my AAA card. He then handed me a card from his wallet. I thanked him and without looking stuck it in my pocket.. Hands shook all around and I said my goodbye's to his wife.
I then followed the mechanics back to the staion. They had interrupted their own jobs to help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me. One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves too. I drove for about 2 blocks and pulled over to thank God for how He takes care of His children. I took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long,long time. The name of the older man was on the card in golden leaf and under his name- 'Congressional Medal of Honor Society.'
I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. Smiling with a few tears dripping, I marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. The man's humility moved me to tears.
Remembering that a Medal of Honor meant that he took a bullet while keeping FREEDOM in America possible ..Thanks to those who served....& those who pray for them.
Remember, Freedom isn't Free, thousands have paid the price so you can enjoy what you have today. "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
That’s a beautiful song and great lyrics, Barbara! Thanks for thinking of me and sending it. It’s different, too, than what I hear on KLOVE. I’m going to look him up and see about getting a CD. My current favorite song is “Know You More” by Casting Crowns; lyrics that make you think, as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a terrific long weekend! Mine was really nice. I’m looking forward to group tomorrow night. You always do such a great presentation and I really enjoy the fellowship.
Enjoy this blessed day!
Helen
Thanks Helen, I placed the LINK to that song on this website. CLICK the photo of Beth Moore to HEAR the song and read the lyrics. Yes I will seek a CD of this artist on ITUNES. LOVE IT!
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