tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47140631501396684702024-03-17T09:21:57.738-04:00Signs & Wonders Blogweekly views beyond the pewT. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.comBlogger657125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-4180713012143649422024-03-17T09:21:00.002-04:002024-03-17T09:21:09.130-04:00Good Luck?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW44EGlVc3B6Yi0Z8pYuuJfa_Q0pSUyRocvZV2PlOrbBM_MtFNA8cgHN6ZJrqiP-BAb0_y9DhtIIBJu1DAMPDD_BgpvF47jNv-Nkz7mMT3T7x-qL7GuXnSmtiLd4azJYQ91rUB5PCx3YPc5x7qcbdEnpd9U9bHg2DC5jl7rpsmOrmNYAXVwV1gdB6gYU/s220/220px-Irish_clover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="220" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW44EGlVc3B6Yi0Z8pYuuJfa_Q0pSUyRocvZV2PlOrbBM_MtFNA8cgHN6ZJrqiP-BAb0_y9DhtIIBJu1DAMPDD_BgpvF47jNv-Nkz7mMT3T7x-qL7GuXnSmtiLd4azJYQ91rUB5PCx3YPc5x7qcbdEnpd9U9bHg2DC5jl7rpsmOrmNYAXVwV1gdB6gYU/w400-h398/220px-Irish_clover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #16191f;"><span style="font-family: arial;">T</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-family: arial;">oday is St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday celebrated by Irish and non-Irish alike. It originally began as a Christian holiday but became more secularized like Valentine's Day, Christmas and Easter. One symbol often associated with St. Patrick’s Day is the shamrock. Saint Patrick was a missionary who reportedly used the three-leaved clover to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In recent years, someone finding a four-leaved clover represents good luck. Wikipedia defines luck as “a belief in good or bad fortune in life caused by accident or chance.” Many people believe good luck charms such as a rabbit’s foot or horseshoe will attract positive things in their lives.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then there are things associated with “bad luck” like black cats and Friday the 13th. My birthday is on the 13th day of January. One of my most memorable birthdays that landed on a Friday was my 14th in 1978. While nothing really terrible happened to me, one of my aunts was injured in a car accident that day. Ironically, she was driving on Highway 13 in a thirteen-year-old car.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Christians don’t need “luck” to succeed in life. For one thing, good luck charms are really idols. 1 Samuel 15:23 in the Amplified Bible says, <i>“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim (household good luck images)…”</i> Circumstances in your life can be changed for the better if you obey God’s word and believe in His promises. So the next time somebody tells you “good luck”, you can reply, “I don’t need luck…I am blessed.”</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”</i> - Jeremiah 29:11</span></b></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><b></b><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-37156010239547552292024-03-10T06:09:00.004-04:002024-03-12T08:03:03.355-04:00Basic Training<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZqpkwTFhFF8y3JQ84B9Kh5JUoBLnT3X3Wi2WFtOqdAwg1qzhjJUYaTUCByQ0612FBKSaP9P1aqQBxGk3GI4fA3nKbKGmDJR4H-TMnFj6C9yr4MUq6GHYV-LSwfCc2N1f2R2oC81MJmZuMzs6fwFtmiN8wAn9BFZUfnsMgBTjY26VfUr_xTM8wC8wBFM/s400/CheckpointCharlieCrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZqpkwTFhFF8y3JQ84B9Kh5JUoBLnT3X3Wi2WFtOqdAwg1qzhjJUYaTUCByQ0612FBKSaP9P1aqQBxGk3GI4fA3nKbKGmDJR4H-TMnFj6C9yr4MUq6GHYV-LSwfCc2N1f2R2oC81MJmZuMzs6fwFtmiN8wAn9BFZUfnsMgBTjY26VfUr_xTM8wC8wBFM/s320/CheckpointCharlieCrop.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><br />March 10th is a memorable anniversary for me. It was 39 years ago today when I started Basic Training. Weeks before I enlisted in the Army National Guard. Dissatisfaction with my life prompted a visit to the local recruiting office. I found out my college background made me eligible for increased pay and other bonuses. Since the Army would also cover my housing and meals during my active duty time, I could save up most of my paychecks for a planned move to <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-fall-of-minneapolis.html" target="_blank">Minneapolis</a>.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was flown from Fargo, North Dakota to Columbia, South Carolina, and then driven to nearby Fort Jackson. For the first three days, I went through processing, which included getting my head shaved, receiving <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/12/should-christians-vaccinate.html" target="_blank">vaccinations</a>, and being issued army clothing. Initially, the sergeants weren’t too hard on us. I remember one in particular who was quite funny. When a couple of soldiers didn’t line up properly in formation, the sergeant compared them to Sesame Street characters.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The atmosphere drastically changed when my group of recruits was transported to a section of barracks called Tank Hill. That’s where the real training began. The drill sergeants constantly yelled at us and dropped us for pushups. I was warned by my National Guard unit that drill sergeants would play a lot of mind games with us. It taught me to be mentally alert.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Boot camp wasn’t exactly like that displayed in movies such as “An Officer and a Gentleman” or “Stripes.” We couldn’t leave Fort Jackson at all even on weekends. Trainees were mostly confined to their company area except when marching to PT (Physical Training) and various classes. On Sunday mornings we were allowed to go to church, call home on a pay phone, and read the newspaper. Otherwise, we had little time to ourselves. On weeknights, we might have an hour or two to write letters and shine our boots before lights out.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Another restriction we had was our diet. Sweets were forbidden except for breath mints. At the time my mother had a job selling candy and mistakenly sent me a box. My drill sergeant chewed me out thinking I was responsible for the unauthorized shipment and threw away the candy.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a pop music fan, one restriction that impacted me was the prohibition of personal radios. On the Sunday before graduation, our drill sergeant was gone but left his office open. We turned on his radio and heard a portion of “<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-prayer-for-casey.html" target="_blank">American Top 40</a>.” It was strange for me not to recognize some of the songs played.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A bigger concern I had was meeting the requirement of doing 30 push-ups within two minutes. Around the halfway point of basic training, I wasn’t close to reaching that mark. So I practiced doing push-ups during my spare moments. I dreaded the possibility of repeating Basic Training. For the final PT test, I did 36 push-ups.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Basic training was harder than expected but I don’t regret going through it. It taught me much-needed discipline and gave me a greater sense of self-confidence I didn’t have before. In addition to being in better physical shape, I accomplished new things like navigating obstacle courses and shooting a rifle.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Until we’re promoted to heaven, every Christian should always remember we’re in a spiritual war. To prevent Satan from taking advantage of us, we need to keep the armor of God on (Ephesians 6:10-18) and avoid worldliness. 2 Timothy 2:4 says, <i>“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Due to changes such as the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”, I’d be leerier about joining the U.S. Army today. Nevertheless, I go out of my way to thank current military personnel and fellow veterans for their service to our country. Then I give them gospel tracts saying I’m in the Army of the Lord. That’s one way of staying on the offensive spiritually: obeying the Great Commission.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i>“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” </i>- 2 Timothy 2:3</b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-17003567476730920792024-03-03T09:55:00.015-05:002024-03-07T04:34:05.965-05:006 Reasons I Unfollow Friends on Facebook<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs01cvVAaH9k2KoXlvH-lomWlGXbLCEWXe6ElRriBTgkrsTCvi4921nOU4vzvVrf1xFKe37ALwXpI92GTQzV_iUJNrDMS_B-xVrszl3LT_MjS4Ma6b49bmQmrVWMcHLah4DzXf03yslQbEDnxlOFMXCRjIoa_uXmHrwudqxb9a8liL35di9e-jIQgAZ2k/s720/unfollow%20the%20world.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="720" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs01cvVAaH9k2KoXlvH-lomWlGXbLCEWXe6ElRriBTgkrsTCvi4921nOU4vzvVrf1xFKe37ALwXpI92GTQzV_iUJNrDMS_B-xVrszl3LT_MjS4Ma6b49bmQmrVWMcHLah4DzXf03yslQbEDnxlOFMXCRjIoa_uXmHrwudqxb9a8liL35di9e-jIQgAZ2k/s320/unfollow%20the%20world.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p>Social media is a powerful tool I use for ministry. It has also been a distraction. Many of us will admit to spending hours scrolling through our news feeds. I enjoy the occasional humor and cute pet photos. Still, a lot of frivolous things appear I don’t care to see and read. A few are insulting, such as saying I’m “old” if I recognize a particular item.</p></span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don’t mean to be critical of what people post on their social media pages. That’s their business. Fortunately, there’s a way to stay connected with select individuals without unfriending them and having their posts appear in my news feed. I’ve been unfollowing Facebook friends who repeatedly do the following:</span></p>
<ol>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Make too many posts. I’ve seen as much as <span style="text-decoration: underline;">forty a day</span> by some folks (rarely do I exceed two or three). I don’t need the same individuals overwhelming my news feed. There are other friends I want to hear from.</span></li>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Post <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2017/05/break-every-christian-chain.html" target="_blank">chain letters</a>, hoaxes, and memes that contain <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2011/01/swearing-to-god.html" target="_blank">profanity</a>.</span></li>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Make requests for money. Some ministers send me friend requests with dollar signs in their eyes. They need to <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2019/02/believing-vs-begging.html" target="_blank">look to God as their source</a>.</span></li>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Post a bunch of political stuff but little spiritual content. One can stay up-to-date on current events but focus more on heavenly matters. Colossians 3:2 says, <i>"</i></span><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Set your mind on things above, not on things on the </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">earth."</span></span></i></li>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Criticize ministers I like such as </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2018/06/why-i-like-jesse-duplantis.html" target="_blank">Jesse Duplantis</a>, <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-response-to-copeland-critics.html" target="_blank">Kenneth Copeland</a>, and <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-defense-of-joel-osteen.html" target="_blank">Joel Osteen</a>.</span></li><li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Preach unscriptural doctrines like <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2011/03/universal-reconciliation.html" target="_blank">universal reconciliation</a>. When necessary, I’ll <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2022/11/to-friend-or-unfriend.html" target="_blank">unfriend </a>and block individuals who persist in pushing their opinions on my pages and through private messages.</span></li></ol>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Internet provides a sounding board in response to things happening in the world and our lives. Nevertheless, Christians should be mindful of how they represent God on social media. I hope my list will inspire folks to be prayerful about what they post online. Let’s seek to build up the brethren and share more things with eternal value.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” </i></b><b>- Philippians 4:8</b></span></p><div><b><br /></b></div>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-13942702578068038202024-02-25T04:43:00.008-05:002024-02-26T03:39:50.788-05:0011 Christian Movies I Recommend<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguacFh_KvG6a27pGP8lLTtAbhXqq-A9O9YcDwSQ2ZovN2wisYAPiPap248pwmXBZXOeCG9NcWVAZwrNJoqP112DG7sqZ-xzmonUodVs8Iopggm0abIHCwbixGTRloHq7hvjD81xsYxBpsb-upfe3QslYjzuC3nBF3_pKHTtRzFVKR36LQ81knH7YC3WWI/s1500/War%20Room.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguacFh_KvG6a27pGP8lLTtAbhXqq-A9O9YcDwSQ2ZovN2wisYAPiPap248pwmXBZXOeCG9NcWVAZwrNJoqP112DG7sqZ-xzmonUodVs8Iopggm0abIHCwbixGTRloHq7hvjD81xsYxBpsb-upfe3QslYjzuC3nBF3_pKHTtRzFVKR36LQ81knH7YC3WWI/w400-h225/War%20Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scene from "War Room"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">During February I usually return to Virginia to spend a few days attending <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/09/my-connection-to-campground.html" target="_blank">Calvary Campground</a>’s Winter Campmeeting in Ashland and at a friend’s place in Fairfax. <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2023/06/happy-birthday-jim.html" target="_blank">Jim</a> is a retired government worker who owns a large collection of DVDs. Over the years, I’ve watched a few with him and by myself. During a recent stay at his house, Jim asked me for a list of Christian flicks to show at George Mason University where he also teaches a class. That inspired another article for my blog. This list is in order of when I first saw these movies (some of which I’ve previously written reviews). I tried to select productions from a variety of filmmakers.</span></span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“A Thief in the Night”</b> - Months after committing my life to the Lord in 1991, I developed an interest in bible prophecy. The following year, I rented a videotape of this 1972 classic plus its three sequels: “A Distant Thunder”, “Image of the Beast”, and “The Prodigal Planet.” This series produced by Mark IV Pictures gives a graphic scenario of what people will likely go through during the seven-year tribulation period before Christ’s return. The first film is low-budget but still worth watching.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“The Ride”</b> - During the late 1990s, I worked for <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2018/02/remembering-brother-billy.html" target="_blank">Billy Graham</a>’s film ministry World Wide Pictures. My job was calling pastors to schedule one of our movies to be shown in their churches as part of an outreach event. “The Hiding Place” (about Dutch holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom) is probably their best-known production, but “The Ride” is my personal favorite. The latter film stars Michael Biehn as a rodeo star who gets into trouble with the law and performs community service at a Christian-run boy's ranch. I got to attend the world premiere in Phoenix and meet some of the actors including Michael. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“Revelation” </b>- Between 1998 and 2001, Canadians Peter and Paul Lalonde produced an eschatological film franchise (separate from the better-known “Left Behind” series). I bought a VHS copy of the first release titled “Apocalypse”, and later watched the sequels “Revelation”, “Tribulation”, and “Judgment” while staying in various homes. “Apocalypse” is okay, but I’d start with “Revelation.” It’s the first where virtual reality headsets force individuals to take the Mark of the Beast or get killed. That might be prophetic. Earlier this month, Apple released their Vision Pro spatial computer goggles that could eventually be used for the same purpose. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“The Omega Code”</b> - Produced by the Trinity Broadcasting Network in 1999, I first saw this movie at a theater in Pensacola, Florida. Ironically, Casper Van Dien (who plays a Tony Robbins-like motivational speaker) was born in nearby Milton, Florida. The subject matter is the hidden Bible codes that became news during the 1990s. A sequel titled “Megiddo: Omega Code 2” was released in 2002. I got to watch that the following year while visiting the TBN headquarters in Santa Ana, California.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“The Cross and the Switchblade”</b> - I started hearing about this 1970 movie during my employment at World Wide Pictures. Occasionally we received calls from people who thought it was one of our productions. Directed by actor Don Murray (who recently passed away at 94), Pat Boone stars as <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2011/05/crossing-into-eternity.html" target="_blank"><b>David Wilkerson</b></a>, a Pennsylvania pastor who went to New York City and eventually started Teen Challenge. I first read David’s book of the same name and later saw the movie at a friend’s house. One of my favorite scenes is David's open-air preaching after being temporarily stopped by a policeman and then dealing with a crowd that initially persecutes him.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“Time Changer”</b> - This 2002 science fiction flick is about a Bible college professor from the late 19th century. A colleague played by Gavin MacLeod uses a time machine to send him to the year 2000. The professor realizes something he wrote in a soon-to-be released book could contribute to the moral decay of society. Other well-known actors in the film include Hal Linden, Paul Rodriguez, and Jennifer O’Neill (who also starred in “The Ride”).</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“God’s Not Dead”</b> - Named after a Newsboys song performed by them at the end, this film franchise by Pure Flix has done fairly well at the box office. The most successful of which was the 2014 original. A college student takes on a challenge from his atheistic professor (played by Kevin Sorbo) to prove God’s existence. Three sequels have since been released with a fourth now in production. Previously, I’ve written reviews of the <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/04/gods-not-dead-2-review.html" target="_blank">first</a> and <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2018/04/gods-not-dead-light-in-darkness-review.html" target="_blank">second</a> sequels. The original is still my favorite.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“War Room”</b> - Alex and Stephen Kendricks are two brothers from Georgia who have produced a variety of successful Christian movies. I’ve watched a majority of them several times. They include “Facing the Giants”, “Fireproof”, “Courageous”, and “<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2019/08/another-sleeper-hit-review-of-overcomer.html" target="_blank">Overcomer</a>.” However, I’m highlighting 2015’s “War Room” since it became one of the few Christian films to hit #1 at the box office. This film is about the power of prayer.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2019/04/unplanned-review.html" target="_blank">Unplanned</a>”</b> - This 2019 release is based on the memoir of Abby Johnson, a Texas woman who previously worked at Planned Parenthood. During her tenure there, Abby went through a divorce and two abortions before remarrying and giving birth to a daughter. She later left Planned Parenthood after watching a client’s abortion on ultrasound. Abby has since helped others leave the abortion industry. “Unplanned” is rated R for “disturbing bloody images” (reminiscent of what happened to “The Passion of the Christ” fifteen years before).</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-still-believe-review.html" target="_blank">I Still Believe</a>”</b> - I watched this romantic drama film on TV in 2020 while movie theaters were closed due to the coronavirus lockdowns. This is about Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp who married a woman with terminal cancer and soon dies. The movie demonstrates that true love involves sacrifices and sometimes suffering. Even when our prayers appear to go unanswered, God is still on the throne and has a good plan for our lives.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>“<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2023/03/jesus-revolution-review.html" target="_blank">Jesus Revolution</a>”</b> - Jim and I saw this one last year in a theater when it was the third largest-grossing movie in America. The movie is about the Jesus Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It focuses on three California men who went on to have nationally known ministries: Chuck Smith, Lonnie Frisbee, and Greg Laurie. One scene I identified with was seeing believers hand out tracts.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Perhaps you thought of other Bible-based movies I didn’t mention such as “The Ten Commandments.” Until the Lord comes back, I want to continue seeing Christian movies that entertain but also inspire believers to reach out more to sinners with the Good News.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>“Lord we need a generation of believers who are not ashamed of the gospel. We need an army of believers, Lord that hate to be lukewarm. And will stand on your word above all else raise them up, Lord raise them up.”</i> – Miss Clara from “War Room”</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-38423966111398303002024-02-18T05:31:00.008-05:002024-02-27T04:55:41.856-05:00Foot Washing Furor<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G5WP_55JT03a4-sHbX9Q2HyTkCK129Vj9jp_AV1d2SD-aF0k9LgbldwnrXHH2EA5OKJI-BR6XG8L6a-Ag0QHmsXANYIsQndjtPMCPw1POaw-_xVeZngXwK9oiEHpWUAX8driy9Ms3jYy9cpGFe5HFq4EPpL-YDwDb7GAlZyeIk0Hu9p4o7T7uqBOiE4/s2048/Foot%20Washing%20Ad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G5WP_55JT03a4-sHbX9Q2HyTkCK129Vj9jp_AV1d2SD-aF0k9LgbldwnrXHH2EA5OKJI-BR6XG8L6a-Ag0QHmsXANYIsQndjtPMCPw1POaw-_xVeZngXwK9oiEHpWUAX8driy9Ms3jYy9cpGFe5HFq4EPpL-YDwDb7GAlZyeIk0Hu9p4o7T7uqBOiE4/w400-h266/Foot%20Washing%20Ad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Last Sunday, Super Bowl LVIII was the most-watched television broadcast in U. S. history. I started watching it in the middle of the 3rd quarter but turned the TV off after seeing four camera shots of Taylor Swift. I also got grieved in my spirit by some of the commercials. I waited until the game was over and then watched the highlights on YouTube to bypass all the media hype.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One commercial aired that I later viewed online showed various individuals washing another person’s feet while a remake of the old INXS hit “Never Tear Us Apart” played in the background. That was produced by an organization called He Gets Us. Because of the exuberant cost of Super Bowl commercials (the going rate for a 30-second national slot was $7 million), some complained the money used for the foot-washing ad could have been spent on feeding the poor. One of Jesus’ disciples made a similar gripe in John chapter 12:</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>4 </b><i>But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, </i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>5 </b><i>“Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” </i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>6 </b><i>This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Religious folk are often jealous of other people’s blessings. They need to be reminded that God has unlimited resources.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I first saw the commercial’s claim, “Jesus didn’t teach hate”, I thought of what He said in Luke 14:26, <span style="color: #e6000e;"><i>“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”</i></span> In this verse, “hate” would be more accurately rendered as “love less.” However, the Bible has examples of <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c-qCfNoV9f0lt5H46nmegM0yTnX2UFh6Cwwrb6UX0hY/edit" target="_blank">holy hatred</a>. Proverbs 6:16-19 says, <i>“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”</i></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Worship leader Sean Feucht and his wife got blessed with Super Bowl tickets after ministering on the Las Vegas strip. He later posted this comment in response to the “He Gets Us” ad:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn’t wash the Pharisees feet</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn’t wash the Sadducees feet</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn’t wash the feet of Sanhedrin</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn't wash the feet of the demoniac of Gadara</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn’t wash the feet of Herod</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn’t wash the feet of his mother</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn't wash the feet of his earthly father</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus didn’t wash the feet of Satan</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">JESUS ONLY WASHED THE FEET OF HIS DISCIPLES.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Feet washing isn’t spa treatment! Repent and then be washed!</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Other comments posted by opponents of the ad were a bit more harsh. One man tweeted: “God has NO love for those who continually reject Him...” Romans 5:8 says, <i>“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”</i> Several believers witnessed to me before I finally committed my life to Him.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The controversy over the foot-washing commercial reminded me of an incident that happened ten years ago. I temporarily resided at a country home in central Florida. An evangelist who drove me there had talked of us doing outreaches in nearby Orlando. That never happened. Instead, this evangelist was more interested in me and another missionary cleaning a filthy bathroom to be a witness to other people living there. I disagreed with his comparing that to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. As far as I could tell, most of the residents weren’t serious about the things of God. Many were smokers and drinkers. The homeowner told us NOT to go in that bathroom because the sewer system was broken.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Foot washing was more common in Bible times but as a form of hospitality, not for spiritual reasons. People’s feet got dirty because they often walked on unpaved surfaces wearing sandals instead of shoes. During His earthly ministry, Jesus said in John 13:14, <span style="color: #e6000e;"><i>“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”</i></span><i> </i>Nowadays, foot washing isn’t considered an essential Christian doctrine like communion. However, I’ve seen it occasionally practiced. There were a couple of times while staying in people’s homes, my host wanted to honor me by washing my feet. Before an outreach at a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, the organizer had us wash each other’s feet as a reminder to have the mindset of a servant.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At best I thought the foot-washing ad was a seed-planting opportunity. Unfortunately, the He Gets Us website is too ambiguous with its gospel message. One of their web pages offers “A Prayer As You Begin Your Relationship With God.” Here’s what the prayer says:</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Father God, I want to know You and experience my life with Your presence and purpose in it. Please bring me knowledge about who You are and guide me toward learning that helps me love you more and more each day. Amen.”</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This prayer neglects to acknowledge the need to receive forgiveness and call on the name of Jesus to be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). Other prayers on the website also omit praying in the name of Jesus. That is essential to answered prayer (John 14:14).</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A YouTuber named Jamie Bambrick posted a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV3AnTUPiDY " target="_blank">video</a> titled “The Christian Super Bowl Ad They SHOULD Have Made | He Saves Us”, which I thought was much better than the original. God can still use the foot-washing ad to draw people closer to Him. But again, hegetsus.com should give a more concise presentation of the gospel. Just as <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/01/must-we-baptize.html" target="_blank">water baptism</a> doesn’t bring salvation, neither does foot-washing. Sinners need to hear the Good News to be saved.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”</i> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: arial;">- Romans 10:14</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-22584822019163031032024-02-11T07:21:00.003-05:002024-02-18T05:24:33.629-05:00The Last Shall Be First<p><span style="color: #0d0d14;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S-OP2ckkGfmdKVRmsYp3kEqSTzIf-sFBu8ggXe6EP7mAWjwo_2PApnxf6oGsfvyq7CK8ECmf6uB7D-M7904PFuNcVOyC2XcfXBv7QK6UB_4D4dxIOXvg7WpK67PYe_ZfHjtRGi3kEk1x2PifbdfGxB39gpK5RdgAIMZaY9C2IzIPuMeyJCK7oTOEJNo/s940/Brock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="940" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-S-OP2ckkGfmdKVRmsYp3kEqSTzIf-sFBu8ggXe6EP7mAWjwo_2PApnxf6oGsfvyq7CK8ECmf6uB7D-M7904PFuNcVOyC2XcfXBv7QK6UB_4D4dxIOXvg7WpK67PYe_ZfHjtRGi3kEk1x2PifbdfGxB39gpK5RdgAIMZaY9C2IzIPuMeyJCK7oTOEJNo/w400-h300/Brock.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Today is <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/02/super-sunday.html" target="_blank">Super Bowl Sunday</a>. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs will battle against the San Francisco 49ers. Four years ago, those same two teams played for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. I rooted for the Chiefs because of a <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/02/pigskin-prophet.html" target="_blank">prophecy promising revival</a> would occur when that team wins the big game. Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. That prompted many pastors to close down their churches. Around the time the Chiefs won the big game again last year, the Asbury Outpouring in Kentucky happened but got shut down after a couple of weeks. I’m still expecting a greater end-time harvest of souls to manifest before the Lord’s return.</span><p></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Minnesota Vikings</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> (</span><a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2018/01/memories-from-cautiously-optimistic.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">my favorite team</a><span style="font-family: arial;">) won’t be playing, I don’t care who wins Super Bowl LVIII. Often I don’t watch the game live, but catch the highlights later on YouTube. I prefer to avoid seeing all the pregame hype, commercials, and the halftime show. I’m also repelled by the </span><a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2021/08/nfl-no-fans-left.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">increasing wokeness</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> in professional sports. The NFL had a “Night of Pride” this past Wednesday.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There is one reason I don’t want to see the Chiefs win today’s game. I’m tired of the extra attention given to Taylor Swift, the girlfriend of tight-end Travis Kelce. During the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago and the subsequent Lamar Hunt Trophy presentation, multiple close-ups were done of the singer. In 2019, Swift had a hit with “You Need to Calm Down”, which criticized believers speaking out against the LGBT agenda. However, owner Clark Hunt (Lamar’s son) is an outspoken Christian who has glorified God for his team's success.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The 49ers are among my least favorite teams. Usually, I would root against them, but want to see their quarterback play well. Brock Purdy is also a believer who’s unashamed to speak out about that. If his team wins, I hope he receives the MVP award. It’s worth noting Purdy was picked last in the 2022 NFL Draft. That earned him the title “Mr. Irrelevant” (that brought back memories of how I was often chosen last during athletic contests in school). Purdy originally started that season as the 49er's third-string quarterback but eventually became the starter due to injuries to his teammates. </span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus said in Matthew 20:16, <span style="color: #e6000e;"><i>“So the last will be first, and the first last.”</i></span><i> </i>God has a supernatural way of elevating people who display humility and play for His honor. I hope that happens during today’s Super Bowl and inspire football fans to get right with Him. Unlike an NFL game, most people won’t have a <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-two-minute-warning.html" target="_blank">two-minute warning</a> before the clock runs out on their lives. Life can suddenly end without an opportunity to prepare for eternity.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”</i> - James 4:10</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-64626691016682964002024-02-04T07:21:00.006-05:002024-02-13T09:53:51.009-05:00A Cat Lover and a God Chaser<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvGREXGbsV2YTxVl1zMU3Nq6N0kHLU_j94Ji1oT7dmueip_CHO2AboDfuFCNr0aqXuFUg_V2n90V626VMFX0NRGzFZPQn_oe7m5uSxKwmbg2b2SJD0Yt3eOttM5X6cqAks8yIRwTRDN65VVBaVf0WgKowFEbdJaompaNHjIU3-MljXRHkit93W_FAkhs/s2384/IMG_3187.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1788" data-original-width="2384" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvGREXGbsV2YTxVl1zMU3Nq6N0kHLU_j94Ji1oT7dmueip_CHO2AboDfuFCNr0aqXuFUg_V2n90V626VMFX0NRGzFZPQn_oe7m5uSxKwmbg2b2SJD0Yt3eOttM5X6cqAks8yIRwTRDN65VVBaVf0WgKowFEbdJaompaNHjIU3-MljXRHkit93W_FAkhs/w400-h300/IMG_3187.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />All my life I’ve liked cats even though they are typically not as friendly as dogs. Before I became a teenager, there was usually a cat in the household. One that I loved dearly was a black-and-white critter named Yo-Yo. While in sixth grade, I came home from school one afternoon and received terrible news. My mother informed me Yo-Yo got hit by a car and died. I cried heavily for the next two days. A decade passed before my parents got another cat. By that time, I had moved out. I’ve never owned a cat, but enjoy playing with other people’s pets. </span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For over twenty years now, I’ve occasionally stayed at a missionary house in Tampa, Florida. A few stray cats hang around the property. A neighbor woman comes by twice a day to feed them. Many of these cats run away when I try petting them, but some have warmed up to me. There’s one that occasionally comes up wanting affection, but will become vicious if I accidentally touch his backside. I’ve gotten scratched a few times.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then there’s Nico. This cat will sit by the door or run up to me meowing when I go outside, but almost always walks away when I first attempt to pet him. I get annoyed but have tolerated that. When I’m able to grab Nico, he allows me to hold him and starts purring after being petted for a while. That reminds me of something I read in Tommy Tenney’s book “The God Chasers.” Here’s a portion from the first chapter:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">“It’s like playing chase with my daughter. Often as she arrives home from a day of school, we play this little game that countless fathers and children play around the world. When she comes and tries to catch me, even with my hulking frame, I really don’t have to run. I just artfully dodge this way and then that, and she can’t even touch me, because a six-year-old can’t catch an adult. But that’s not really the purpose of the game, because a few minutes into it, she laughingly says, “Oh daddy,” and it’s at that moment that she captures my heart, if not my presence or body. And then I turn and she’s no longer chasing me, but I’m chasing her, and I catch her and we tumble in the grass with hugs and kisses. The pursuer becomes the pursued.”</span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also remember this incident the late Reggie White wrote in his autobiography “In the Trenches.” The “Minister of Defense” played with the Philadelphia Eagles for eight years before becoming a free agent. For days, Reggie prayed about which NFL team he should sign with but couldn’t discern a clear answer. Suddenly, the Green Bay Packers offered a lucrative contact. God soon told Reggie that He had wanted him to seek Him more and he should go to Green Bay. During his fourth season with the Packers, Reggie achieved his dream of winning a <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/02/super-sunday.html" target="_blank">Super Bowl</a>.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Isaiah 55:6 says, “<i>Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”</i> God can do awesome things in your life, but He wants to be sought after. May this article inspire you to pursue Him more.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”</i> - Hebrews 11:6</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-63855019842326618302024-01-28T09:27:00.006-05:002024-01-29T02:57:43.756-05:00What is a Christian?<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ZRGsqxIX6QS_i3_oj7vcHavUQgJ44ODWN6JcwYHlWzCr4tp8DCLmmNaUfLR1y3EXkb-43YxkP4-n0nzd1oXbMPR8H1sCSu-xfkmB606_ek8c_5ZEqH3MJdcDUUompuR1X-OQ_ecFaTRqxvPN5Aq7EyEzZDknBmJDWHQKgFBiZbR-A8TFUdumA0gdE4/s2707/brock-wegner-0S8UecyRMos-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2707" data-original-width="2707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ZRGsqxIX6QS_i3_oj7vcHavUQgJ44ODWN6JcwYHlWzCr4tp8DCLmmNaUfLR1y3EXkb-43YxkP4-n0nzd1oXbMPR8H1sCSu-xfkmB606_ek8c_5ZEqH3MJdcDUUompuR1X-OQ_ecFaTRqxvPN5Aq7EyEzZDknBmJDWHQKgFBiZbR-A8TFUdumA0gdE4/s320/brock-wegner-0S8UecyRMos-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some people can get hung up on semantics especially religious folk. One of my Facebook friends recently posted this on his page: “I want it to be VERY known. I’m NOT a Christian. I repented of that in 2009. I became a disciple. There is a difference.” </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I posted this comment in response: “I’m not ashamed to call myself a Christian. What’s your definition of one?” </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My friend replied, "An Antioch baby. An infant unwilling to grow up. Happy to be in diapers being bottle fed, and catered to.” This man went on to write a diatribe about so-called Christians enslaving his ancestors. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Webster’s 1828 dictionary gives several definitions of the word Christian. One of them is: “A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.”</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, not every professing Christian is officially one. While evangelizing, I occasionally meet people who claim to be a Christian. I ask them, “How did you become a Christian?” Some reply, “I was born into a Christian family.” I then ask, “If my parents were satanists, would that make me one?” They usually answer, “No.” That is to point out salvation is a gift one must choose to receive. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Others have told me they are Christians because of wearing a cross around their neck. I then ask, “If you put a leash around your neck, would that make you a dog?”</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If a Christian prefers to call himself a disciple, that’s his choice. It’s worth noting that “Disciples” are also the name of a black gang (<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/04/princely-encounters.html" target="_blank">Prince</a> sang about them in his 1987 hit “Sign ‘O’ the Times”). I know other believers who refer to themselves as “Christ followers.” Regardless of what God-fearing people label themselves, they won’t get through the <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/08/st-peter-and-pearly-gates.html" target="_blank">Pearly Gates</a> unless their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. </span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>“and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” </i></b><span style="color: #18191b;"><b>- Acts 11:26 (NIV)</b></span></span></p><p> </p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-29777392559392949822024-01-21T07:19:00.000-05:002024-01-21T07:19:36.556-05:00Too Much Information<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n1aKFyuz4QYWALYzijYWRoR_Hwve-o3uivGBi5O5Rhe6V5FQzT8GoCgXA-52YR26oEt3pSD_tlOFMyJGsau-EXKntFJLOOvt_9m6hc5qcgKejFSGN_Ki1Ht5Natjz3VTSy6NSHFXNEu86xTZjOxL7N97Vfk48b1PTBTx0ZcdDJw8pkhRw7uklU0XZmQ/s443/multitasking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="443" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n1aKFyuz4QYWALYzijYWRoR_Hwve-o3uivGBi5O5Rhe6V5FQzT8GoCgXA-52YR26oEt3pSD_tlOFMyJGsau-EXKntFJLOOvt_9m6hc5qcgKejFSGN_Ki1Ht5Natjz3VTSy6NSHFXNEu86xTZjOxL7N97Vfk48b1PTBTx0ZcdDJw8pkhRw7uklU0XZmQ/w400-h299/multitasking.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It’s often been said the gospel is so simple it takes the mind of man to complicate it. While evangelizing with other Christians, I’ve seen some give too much information. One night, I hit the streets with a woman who preached a sermon to everyone she approached. That wasn’t necessary since some of these people were already saved.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another time before an outreach I led, the pastor’s wife (who didn’t even go out with us) suddenly showed up and insisted we hand out large flyers promoting the church plus “Our Daily Bread” devotionals. Although two people got saved during this outreach, we could have seen more if our focus hadn’t been diverted to handing out all the extra literature. We already had gospel tracts, mini-Bibles, and business cards from the church. I usually give out gospels of John or Bibles only to people who don’t have one. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then there was the time a man who I had dinner with showed me booklets he hands out when witnessing. In response, I showed him the “<a href="https://www.nkinn.net/goodnews.html" target="_blank">Good News</a>” tracts I use. That was a polite way to point out my tracts are simpler. In our fast-paced Western society, most people are busy and won’t take time to absorb lengthy theological explanations. Gospel tracts should take no more than a minute to two to read.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One exception would be the cartoon tracts put out by <a href="https://www.chick.com/products/category?type=tracts&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnrOtBhDIARIsAFsSe52YMFm252j2N15wzPgrF9Nzcji9I7NZk0afkMNq2mBjAXHAq5nK07saAi7sEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Chick Publications</a>. While I don’t agree with some of Jack Chick’s beliefs (such as his “<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-fallacy-of-king-james-onlyism.html" target="_blank">King James Only</a>” stance), I do agree with his website’s assertion that “Chick tracts get read.” I once evangelized at a college fair with a friend who brought an assortment of Chick tracts. Some of the students came back to us asking for more. They were collecting different ones like baseball cards.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nevertheless, a fisherman wouldn’t put a bunch of lures on a hook to catch one fish. Likewise, “fishing for men” doesn’t require overloading people with information. Unless the Lord leads otherwise, it’s best to find out quickly what a person’s spiritual beliefs are, review the gospel if they aren’t sure about going to heaven, and then lead them to salvation if they are ready. By that time, I’ve usually given them only a gospel tract. Church info is handed out after they get saved or if they are already a Christian but don’t have a fellowship they regularly attend.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Evangelism should be kept as simple as possible.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i></i></b><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>- </i>1 Corinthians 2:2</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-85889434407181782832024-01-14T07:43:00.007-05:002024-01-15T03:50:00.520-05:00The Fall of Minneapolis: A Must See Documentary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIZ6fCBLI1v4vGn98eOO76tMGghYZIwAYkGJfOjFS4hRzAcrFAoOL_JnCnvfhVfajMzjOMBpmB_kxdRtphd1qmrjb3muWDMLkzLfGGk2XCZgP3Z1D92yKPuqhKHIBVeTA4XFXlIVpJ15s79MehkKAz-Jlzcd7-8XTJjCncQazxk6ceuhwGdAoNfgSEnY/s2000/MV5BNzQ0NjhhMjMtY2MxMC00ZDIyLTllN2EtMDgwZGMxYTliOTIyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTcyOTE0ODMx._V1_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIZ6fCBLI1v4vGn98eOO76tMGghYZIwAYkGJfOjFS4hRzAcrFAoOL_JnCnvfhVfajMzjOMBpmB_kxdRtphd1qmrjb3muWDMLkzLfGGk2XCZgP3Z1D92yKPuqhKHIBVeTA4XFXlIVpJ15s79MehkKAz-Jlzcd7-8XTJjCncQazxk6ceuhwGdAoNfgSEnY/s320/MV5BNzQ0NjhhMjMtY2MxMC00ZDIyLTllN2EtMDgwZGMxYTliOTIyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTcyOTE0ODMx._V1_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In 1985, I moved to Minneapolis to pursue a secular music career. I was excited to finally live in </span><a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/04/princely-encounters.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Prince</a><span style="font-family: arial;">’s hometown. For the next fifteen years, I resided in various parts of the Twin Cities area. During that time, I became a Christian and eventually answered the call to full-time ministry. For over two decades now, I’ve traveled around the United States as a missionary. In recent years, I’ve gone back to Minnesota for extended visits (usually when the weather is warmer). However, a recent film has decreased my interest in ever settling there again.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many of us remember what happened in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. A black man named George Floyd was arrested for passing a counterfeit $20 bill. He subsequently died while in police custody. It set off riots there and in other cities. I happened to fly out of Minneapolis two days before Floyd’s death to meet a friend in Denver and then went on a road trip to Virginia. I returned to Minnesota on June 13th with another missionary. We visited the spot of Floyd’s death, which had become a memorial. It was eerie seeing familiar sites in Minneapolis spray painted, burned down, and boarded up including the 3rd Precinct police station.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While it’s tragic what happened to George Floyd, I find it more troubling to see people treat him as a martyr. Last year while riding a bus in south Minneapolis, I noticed a church with a banner “honoring” Floyd and even had a halo drawn above his head. Further research would reveal Floyd was not a saint. He had an extensive criminal record. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This past Monday, I watched a documentary by Alpha News titled “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFPi3EigjFA&t=3s" target="_blank">The Fall of Minneapolis</a>.” It confirmed my suspicions regarding George Floyd’s death and the subsequent trials of the four arresting police officers. Body camera footage revealed Floyd repeatedly resisted arrest. He also had a high dosage of fentanyl in his system that would kill most people. Floyd shouldn’t have been behind the wheel to begin with.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sadly, the details regarding Floyd’s health at the time of his death weren’t allowed in the courtroom. The suppressed evidence should have exonerated Derek Chauvin and the other officers of murder charges. The jury was probably fearful of what would happen to them if they issued “not guilty” verdicts.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite it being almost two hours long with unedited profanity, I believe “The Fall of Minneapolis” is worth watching. It exposes the hypocrisy of decision-makers such as Governor <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/05/an-open-letter-to-tim-walz.html" target="_blank">Tim Walz</a>, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Mayor Jacob Frey. I hope it inspires more Americans to pray for their leaders and vote out the godless ones this November.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”</i> - Proverbs 29:2</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-29545413412800228082024-01-07T06:46:00.004-05:002024-01-07T07:23:13.375-05:00Let No One Deceive You<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGADYkL-HcU0dqn5L1HDpNUukMXhjNpiV2Ahnm0YyXipKDeJlWfOlif8_zQQlatF_gLIu59hmkMKvwBCed3dWVrkD4AbYGKiLrmBuRuEzqUpRrSx-c2TnvUufUecPEMdG9zhtNqirTJs_FqLXqpwb_MdlACvZlYVIxk9bCx3xRRTRyUui6AGEw5xFA1A/s1218/Screenshot%202024-01-03%20at%207.47.55%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1218" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGADYkL-HcU0dqn5L1HDpNUukMXhjNpiV2Ahnm0YyXipKDeJlWfOlif8_zQQlatF_gLIu59hmkMKvwBCed3dWVrkD4AbYGKiLrmBuRuEzqUpRrSx-c2TnvUufUecPEMdG9zhtNqirTJs_FqLXqpwb_MdlACvZlYVIxk9bCx3xRRTRyUui6AGEw5xFA1A/w400-h400/Screenshot%202024-01-03%20at%207.47.55%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Criminals continue to come up with new schemes to steal money from people. One way is through hacking social media accounts. Before leaving the house this past Wednesday to get my morning coffee, I briefly went on Facebook with my iPhone. I saw this question from a fellow missionary’s page: “My cousin is looking for an old-fashioned name for her baby girl! What is a classic grandma’s name for a shot at $2,500?” </span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Although most online giveaways I’ve seen are phishing scams, I decided to participate in case this was legitimate. I typed “Ethel” in the comments section. Moments later, “Sandy” replied, “Inbox me right now for your payment.” My suspicions increased because another woman had posted a claim this wasn’t a scam and included a screenshot of receiving over $2,200. I examined Denise’s Facebook page and noticed questionable posts, including her own giveaway. I waited a few minutes to see what else might happen. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Sandy” soon inboxed me asking for my CashApp info. I waited another few minutes before sending this reply: “Why are you offering to send me money when it appears you’ve already done that for someone else?” </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“Sandy” then claimed, “It’s a blessing for new year. You’re qualified for the giveaway.” By this time, over twenty other people had “qualified.” </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Think about this: How many missionaries freely give away money like that, especially to people they don’t know? I’ve never met Sandy personally, nor had other online conversations with her since accepting her friend request in 2017. Therefore, I reported the post to Facebook plus posted warnings about this to my Facebook friends and followers. A few individuals I didn’t know immediately wrote posts offering computer services. I blocked them and then posted a warning to discourage other solicitors.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Internet is a powerful tool. Unfortunately, it gets abused a lot. Christians must be watchful and not accept everything they see online as gospel. Three of Sandy’s friends had commented her account got hacked, but others posted more women’s names. “Sandy” replied to most of them: “Inbox me for your payment now.” </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next morning, I noticed that dubious post was no longer on Sandy’s Facebook page. Two days later, more “giveaways” were posted but were soon removed again. This morning, another one got posted. It’s possible the real Sandy isn’t aware of what’s happened with her account. She had regularly posted spiritual stuff on her page, but then stopped at the end of last October.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Remember if something looks <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2023/04/too-good-to-be-true.html" target="_blank">too good to be true</a>, it probably is.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.”</i> - 1 John 3:7</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-57877651011580804542023-12-31T07:15:00.003-05:002024-01-01T08:47:00.802-05:00A Place Called There<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlQtRoviIX-IVq0hBnkRAIqTtPcRX5cmVOxWBbU_nRgPBcEd0e6CKXZMeywle0TIm5412wULzkt1sY4ZQLOgj3chdueo5u0D-lnXc7d9-z6OEkaKaeUtUxxbhLogJ1nD5YrrDZI6olujCdaCSOkI4Jx20UpZ-NcbD7FY2MbaJIw9ambre_5XH_DCGeKQ/s921/Elijah%20by%20Brook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlQtRoviIX-IVq0hBnkRAIqTtPcRX5cmVOxWBbU_nRgPBcEd0e6CKXZMeywle0TIm5412wULzkt1sY4ZQLOgj3chdueo5u0D-lnXc7d9-z6OEkaKaeUtUxxbhLogJ1nD5YrrDZI6olujCdaCSOkI4Jx20UpZ-NcbD7FY2MbaJIw9ambre_5XH_DCGeKQ/s320/Elijah%20by%20Brook.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Sometimes I’ve ministered to homeless people who told they were forced onto the streets because of moving to take on a job that didn’t work out. In response, I testify about the time I got stranded in Pittsburgh and spent the night in a homeless shelter. The next morning, a man I met in a church offered to let me stay with him for a few days. Two days later, a friend offered to wire me money to buy a bus ticket. That allowed me to travel to a friend's place in Minneapolis. Had I insisted on staying in Pittsburgh, I might have found myself back on the streets.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I share that story for three reasons. First, I know what it’s like to suddenly not have a roof over my head, but God’s been faithful to provide. What He’s for me, He can do for them. <i>“...God is no respecter of persons.”</i> (Acts 10:34 KJV)</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Second, God often uses other Christians to bless His people. Where will you find believers gathered together? In the house of the Lord. I encourage the homeless to get plugged into a church. That gives Him more channels to work through. The pastor will likely have housing connections.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last but not least, we need to be where God wants us. That’s where His provision is available. Look at this example in 1 Kings 17:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">1 And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”</span></i></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>2 </i></b><i>Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, </i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>3 </i></b><i>“Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. </i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>4 </i></b><i>And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>5 </i></b><i>So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. </i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>6 </i></b><i>The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. </i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now look at the next two verses 7 and 8:</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>7 </b><i>And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>8</b> <i>Then the LORD said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Had Elijah remained by the brook, he would have died of thirst. We can also assume the ravens stopped bringing food to him. By nature, ravens are scavenger birds.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As a traveling missionary, my place called “there” regularly changes. Therefore, it’s important for me to be in the right place at the right time. Three years ago, I spent part of the winter in San Antonio but prepared to return to Virginia in February 2021. I almost bought a plane ticket to leave for Washington DC on the 16th but perceived a check in my spirit. Therefore, I scheduled my departure date on the 13th. A cold snap eventually hit Texas, causing parts of the state to lose power. On February 16th, I learned that most of the flights going in and out of San Antonio that day were cancelled. God prevented me from getting stranded at the airport.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While in grade school, I remember singing this song in music class:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, you can't get to heaven on roller skates</span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You'd roll right past those pearly gates</span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, you can't get to heaven in a rocking chair</span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Cause the rocking chair won't get you there</span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ultimately, you will get to heaven if you know the Lord. Doing good works or just believing God exists won’t get you there.</span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #18191b; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”</i> - Ephesians 2:8-9</span></b></p><div><b><br /></b></div></div>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-68813549703806109732023-12-24T06:17:00.002-05:002023-12-24T06:17:42.232-05:00Wise Guys<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EMjqZEQwgD9rhwfh_02GlyZvaEdqn9E3X79TQPVPWnHCf3sC2dBNlSB0sHQ5_jMXAzw0I3CwypmNdp2v_E7EgcdWPyaa2sYLlLfag6m_OpufyKYyKBdlM9rktFjBVIB_zzSXmnN3rlteV6ZFbYk7bUCQ172bBw9qhw2V_Ypkx7L_QVbaYwlHL2E5qAc/s1280/snHMALF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EMjqZEQwgD9rhwfh_02GlyZvaEdqn9E3X79TQPVPWnHCf3sC2dBNlSB0sHQ5_jMXAzw0I3CwypmNdp2v_E7EgcdWPyaa2sYLlLfag6m_OpufyKYyKBdlM9rktFjBVIB_zzSXmnN3rlteV6ZFbYk7bUCQ172bBw9qhw2V_Ypkx7L_QVbaYwlHL2E5qAc/w400-h225/snHMALF.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I appreciate preachers with a sense of humor. Many Christians (including myself at times) tend to take themselves too seriously and need to lighten up more. Proverbs 17:22 says, <i>“A merry heart does good, like medicine…” </i>I also enjoy listening to comedians as long as their material is clean and don’t contain profanity. To this day, I still laugh while watching old Three Stooges films. Who could forget all the crazy sounds made by Curly Howard, plus his various catchphrases? One of which sometimes used by the other Stooges was: “Oh, a wise guy!”</span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was once married to a woman whose maiden name was Kerley. Although that short-lived marriage ended acrimoniously, one fond memory of my late ex-wife was her calling me a “wise guy” when I said or did something funny. To which I replied, “What do you expect? I married a Kerley!”</span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">God wants all of us to be “wise guys”, or in other words, have wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) says, <i>“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” </i>The New Living Translation of this verse reads, <i>“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” </i>One dictionary defines <b>wisdom</b> is “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.” Knowing facts and figures won’t do much good if they don’t help individuals improve their lives.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are many wise guys in the Bible. Among them include:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Joseph</b> – <i>“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.’” </i>(Genesis 41:39)</span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Temple Craftsmen</b> – <i>“And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you:” </i>(Exodus 31:6)</span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Joshua</b> - <i>“Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.”</i> (Deuteronomy 34:9)</span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>David</b> – <i>“And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him”</i> (1 Samuel 18:14)</span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Solomon </b>(often considered the wisest man who ever lived) - <i>“And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt.”</i> (1 Kings 4:29-30)</span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Daniel and his three Hebrew friends</b> - <i>“As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”</i> (Daniel 1:17)</span></li></ul>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Regarding our Lord’s earthly ministry, Luke 2:52 says, <i>“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”</i></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i></i><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, we cannot forget the wise men from the East who traveled to see the Lord in Matthew 2. Nativity scenes often show them with the shepherds looking at the newborn baby Jesus. By the time the wise men reached Jesus, He was in Nazareth (not Bethlehem) and referred to as “the young Child.” That’s why Satan influenced King Herod to kill all the male children two years old and under in an attempt to wipe out the promised Messiah.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also, there were probably a multitude of wise men who came to see Jesus. Most people assume it was a trio (as in the Christmas carol “We Three Kings”) because three specific gifts for Him are mentioned: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Magi probably had a caravan to protect them from bandits while transporting their treasures by camel across the desert. Armored cars didn’t exist then.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you have a pressing situation but don’t know what to do? James 1:5 says, <i>“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” </i>One great way to cultivate wisdom is to share the gospel and lead others to salvation:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”</i> - Proverbs 11:30</span></p>
<p style="color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #16191f; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.”</i> - Daniel 12:3</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you’re serious about progressing in your Christian walk, be a consistent soul winner and surround yourself with like-minded believers. God wants all His children to be wise guys (and gals).</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” </i>- Proverbs 13:20</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-57886335716926987252023-12-17T07:18:00.007-05:002023-12-17T08:03:00.659-05:00Fat City<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXcUcngaabRWNZ5zC1H8HNbWtcQrzyZmPOlycio0air4cRgupWqLixMlI1PN4M-bfNWhMxvk8YSMSbpgDk4S9NYOlQsfSk2NxQ92bl2EQ3SPKc_2-COdNtDfEaOPIOtvFhQDT2axN4jWVXEgukbPOvv90Abb8Q6WMCTIU_RBNc1I2pNF2vBIWUuVrOkE/s271/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="271" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXcUcngaabRWNZ5zC1H8HNbWtcQrzyZmPOlycio0air4cRgupWqLixMlI1PN4M-bfNWhMxvk8YSMSbpgDk4S9NYOlQsfSk2NxQ92bl2EQ3SPKc_2-COdNtDfEaOPIOtvFhQDT2axN4jWVXEgukbPOvv90Abb8Q6WMCTIU_RBNc1I2pNF2vBIWUuVrOkE/w400-h275/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At the Lutheran church I attended during my childhood, comic strips from the local newspaper were posted on a bulletin board. One I remember was <span style="color: #1c1c1c;">Hägar the Horrible </span>sitting at a table with his first mate Lucky Eddie. They had the following conversation:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Eddie: “Is gluttony a sin?”</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c;">Hägar: </span>“Is it fun?”</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Eddie: “I think so.”</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c;">Hägar: </span>“It’s a sin.”</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, God is not against us having fun. 1 Timothy 6:17 says He <i>“...gives us richly all things to enjoy.”</i> That would include food. But like most other things, eating can be abused when done in excess. Scripture has a few things to say about those who eat too much:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“So that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah (which means ‘graves of gluttony’) because there they buried the people who had craved meat from Egypt.” </i>- Numbers 11:34 (NLT)</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; You grew fat, you grew thick, you are obese! Then he forsook God who made him, and scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.” </i>- Deuteronomy 32:15</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”</i> - Proverbs 23:20-21</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“<i>For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.” - </i>Philippians 3:18-19</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We’ve all probably heard preaching against smoking and drinking. I heard one Christian comedian point out how some preachers put down men with long hair but the preachers have weight problems. When was the last time you heard a sermon on gluttony?</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One website for skeptics has a page titled “What the Bible says about Fat People” in an attempt to point out contradictions in Scripture. The King James Version’s use of the word “fat” doesn’t always refer to overweight people. Sometimes it describes God’s blessing. For example, Proverbs 13:4 (KJV) says, <i>“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”</i> The New King James Version renders the second part of that verse, <i>“...the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” </i></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i></i><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">God’s word does not contradict when rightly divided. Luke 15:23 mentions killing a fatted calf to celebrate the prodigal son’s return. On the other hand, Leviticus 3:17 and 7:23 commands us not to eat the fat itself.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have friends who would be considered “fat” by most people’s standards. Therefore, my intent with this article is not to bring condemnation but to remind everyone of the importance of taking care of our bodies. 1 Corinthians 3:17 in the New Living Translation says, <i>“God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”</i> Verses 19 and 20 from Chapter 6 go on to say, <i>“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”</i></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Organizations such as the American Medical Association have labeled obesity a disease. I disagree with this assertion. More people today eat too much of the wrong types of food and don’t get enough exercise. I’ve been guilty of this and put on extra pounds partially due to sitting around for hours while working on my computer. One thing that helps me keep the weight down is biking and going for prayer walks (during which I often evangelize). <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-iWr-33zSqQyMk8zd0mE5rcLIsBs4gix4CEIpzehmXU/edit" target="_blank">Fasting</a> also helps the body eliminate unnecessary fat and toxins.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nevertheless, one airline is now rewarding obesity. Southwest Airlines announced a policy to give a row of seats to “passengers of size” for free (even if the flight is full) and allow them to pre-board before others. <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2023/07/why-i-fly-on-southwest.html" target="_blank">I regularly fly on Southwest</a> and oppose this practice. Ultimately, the cost of extra seats taken by fat people will be absorbed by other customers. Airlines charge extra money for overweight baggage. Doing that with overweight individuals might inspire some to get serious about slimming down.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By the grace of God, all of us can exercise self-control and enjoy the fat of the land (Genesis 45:18) without being fat ourselves. Let’s remember that this holiday season. We can resist the temptation to overeat the many Christmas goodies.</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”</i> - 1 Corinthians 9:27</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-56200415291063226162023-12-10T06:39:00.008-05:002023-12-10T07:23:28.628-05:00Running from the Devil?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioThLuSkatXQmXHy5tfY1uxU-JfyvoXJdu9v2CVrm0JXjq5vt8lupYDGsQP9jd1v94afP2IOTB_6dhre4wq8He02MT4Mv67ggvMCdn1eu1E-uxXDUiIfAF4FiNaIzwPrnwyV0uwskfRIf2hIL_a0tJDEV_idBhDPxrO7R21PSuJy9jHsqDO2CZowl4WNk/s921/lil-nas-x-1-76f70b3f84a84165a4a9c3ffe2166964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="921" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioThLuSkatXQmXHy5tfY1uxU-JfyvoXJdu9v2CVrm0JXjq5vt8lupYDGsQP9jd1v94afP2IOTB_6dhre4wq8He02MT4Mv67ggvMCdn1eu1E-uxXDUiIfAF4FiNaIzwPrnwyV0uwskfRIf2hIL_a0tJDEV_idBhDPxrO7R21PSuJy9jHsqDO2CZowl4WNk/s320/lil-nas-x-1-76f70b3f84a84165a4a9c3ffe2166964.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shortly after giving my life to the Lord in 1991, I got involved with Toastmasters. This organization helps individuals develop their public speaking skills. One talk I created for a humorous speech contest was titled “Crap Music.” It was inspired by a coworker who jokingly talked of mixing country music with rap. That speech came to my remembrance after reading about a rapper claiming to embrace Christianity.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lil Nas X burst onto the national scene with a huge hit in 2019. “Old Town Road” set an all-time record by logging 19 consecutive weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100. That song combined elements of country and rap, plus featured an appearance by Billy Ray Cyrus (of “Achy Breaky Heart” fame). Lil Nas X also gained notoriety for coming out as gay and creating “Satan shoes.”</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now the rapper claims to have entered his “Christian Era.” In a teaser clip for a yet-to-be released song, he sang these lyrics:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Father stretch my hands</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The lonely road seems to last the longest</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Help me with my plans</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Everything seems to go nowhere</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Free me from worry and wanting pity</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't want these feelings</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I call on angels</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m tryin' hard to face my pain, yeah</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Give me hope when I feel less. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Angels, I’m trying hard to keep my faith.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I want to believe this is a sincere prayer to our Heavenly Father. However, the rapper posted this message on X (formerly Twitter): “Y’all see everything I do as a gimmick...When in reality I’m just an artist expressing myself in different ways. Whether I’m a cowboy, gay, satanic, or now Christian, y’all find a problem! Y’all don’t police nobody else art like mine. Y’all hate me because I’m fun, cute and petite.” He made other offensive remarks when called out by Christians who know what Scripture says about mocking God.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I read Lil Nas X’s tweet, I thought of 2 Timothy 2:19, <i>“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” </i>It’s one thing to put on an act. Shock rocker Alice Cooper (who’s father was a preacher) committed his life to Christ but still performs some of the songs that made him famous. “Alice” believes his job is to warn people about the devil. He said, “The world belongs to Satan. We're living in that world, bombarded with that every day. If you don't have Christ in your life, you're a victim to that.”</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lil Nas X claims Christianity and the LBGTQ lifestyle “are not mutually exclusive.” That’s like saying one can be a Christian fornicator or adulterer. The two don’t mix. The Bible has <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V-73v_x1dw-5nznYOQKfmAVcePYV5F3hRnaEZD80t08/edit" target="_blank">many verses against homosexuality</a>. I once pointed that out to a Facebook friend who professed to be a gay Christian. Sadly, he blocked me.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I pray Lil Nas X takes time to study the Bible and pursue a lifestyle pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:15 says, <span style="color: #e6000e;"><i>“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”</i></span> That includes His standards for sex. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”</i> - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10</span></b></p><div><b><br /></b></div>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-59224534205580013032023-12-03T07:41:00.002-05:002023-12-03T07:48:03.741-05:00Clap Happy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzVFAAuAGACcfxw7ABLkij52-jnFqOGXYSp-nOSvhkyIZt0gOAKX-umq8WM5AFyNuJulC2n9RueEf563FB4UsShPxfaVnwO02SAd0khLMcd0oBId2pyEd591ERtWUEn2gFusNM2awdd3skEmsRg-FgSvFy6qSJqMbsMM05qqPPOqhZQ-7xmOLXAznoyE/s2102/chris-liverani-YBR-AWm1HQ4-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2102" data-original-width="2102" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzVFAAuAGACcfxw7ABLkij52-jnFqOGXYSp-nOSvhkyIZt0gOAKX-umq8WM5AFyNuJulC2n9RueEf563FB4UsShPxfaVnwO02SAd0khLMcd0oBId2pyEd591ERtWUEn2gFusNM2awdd3skEmsRg-FgSvFy6qSJqMbsMM05qqPPOqhZQ-7xmOLXAznoyE/s320/chris-liverani-YBR-AWm1HQ4-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Every church has traditions. Some are good if they draw us closer to the Lord. Then there are </span><a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2018/05/bad-habits-to-break.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">practices I don’t care for</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. One is a preacher telling the congregation to “turn to your neighbor” numerous times to say something. Another is excessive clapping during services. A couple of evangelists I respect often encourage believers to “give Jesus a handclap.” I heard another one exhort us to “give the Bible a clap offering.” Although these are sincere gestures to honor God, I avoid doing those things.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In his book “Plans, Purposes, and Pursuits”, Kenneth E. Hagin stated: “We’ve just gotten ‘clap happy’ in Charismatic circles, and it grieves the Holy Spirit.” He gave a detailed explanation of why clapping is not worship (<a href="https://ngozikaa.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/which-would-jesus-prefer-hand-claps-or-lifted-hands/?fbclid=IwAR2lkL7RFxSwgfvBUO3MfmYTdN-R1wv3gR3LEcUG72wNrokgkL7oXbzQaC8" target="_blank">this article</a> shares more excerpts from Brother Hagin’s book). Applause shows appreciation to man. 1 Timothy 2:8 says we are to lift holy hands to the Lord.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve sat in meetings when someone started to clap while the rest of us were listening to a prophetic utterance or basking in His presence. It was disruptive.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I recently wrote about that on my social media pages, a few friends quickly pointed out Psalm 47:1, <i>“Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” </i>I’m not saying clapping in itself is wrong. There is a time and place for that. I’ll do so with the beat of an uptempo praise song or when a guest speaker comes to the pulpit. Clapping is mentioned a few other times in the Bible, but they are all in the Old Testament. We are under the New Covenant.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether or not someone claps to the Lord won’t affect their eternal destiny. However, if Brother Hagin (who I esteem as a father in the faith) heard directly from Jesus about this matter and backed it up with Scripture, then I believe it’s something to take seriously. I won’t dismiss this as a “theological theory” as one friend suggested. We can enter into deeper realms of worship when doing it in ways that pleases Him.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #e6000e; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”</i></b><span style="color: black;"><b> - John 4:24</b></span></span></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-46669480312001924422023-11-26T03:59:00.002-05:002023-11-26T04:08:50.339-05:00Don’t Be Fuelish<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVhzfrjLblLASzH1jXsX6ks8WHLsOXU27xREcHma9aSsLz_G934mmS3mBfSnejSQy0Y6_lpqf7F_s8RryF9WeEqt1X0y3J_C8unERr8CtDCFluS9vMWiRtoJsgSLJxcFtYN9IV0ZYFQ9blhBjfLnmMBe12xKkbybvg-tndhH15bhXHzN42HZsjSkf1xU/s2048/401852661_10160040981990794_4377977407069821340_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVhzfrjLblLASzH1jXsX6ks8WHLsOXU27xREcHma9aSsLz_G934mmS3mBfSnejSQy0Y6_lpqf7F_s8RryF9WeEqt1X0y3J_C8unERr8CtDCFluS9vMWiRtoJsgSLJxcFtYN9IV0ZYFQ9blhBjfLnmMBe12xKkbybvg-tndhH15bhXHzN42HZsjSkf1xU/w400-h266/401852661_10160040981990794_4377977407069821340_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p>In 1973, the Ad Council started releasing a series of public service announcements urging Americans to “Don’t Be Fuelish.” In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpdB8b24blM" target="_blank">one of them</a>, actor James Garner complained of numerous cars on the highway with only one person in them because of a purported gas shortage. Fran Tarkenton made similar remarks in another TV ad. Although the <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2018/01/memories-from-cautiously-optimistic.html" target="_blank">Minnesota Vikings</a> quarterback was my favorite player then, I disagree with this propaganda. We still have plenty of fuel fifty years later. Unfortunately, we have an <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2021/01/an-open-letter-to-joe-biden.html" target="_blank">occupant in the White House</a> hindering American oil production in the name of “climate change.” </p></span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Those old PSAs came to my remembrance after an incident that happened two weeks ago. While walking home one night, a man parked at a gas pump asked if I needed a ride. Thinking this might be a blessing from the Lord, I answered, “Yes.” He then asked how far I live from there. I said, “About a mile.” He then requested a couple of bucks for gas. As I pondered what to do, this man suddenly asked for $4. I walked away but heard him say, “How about $3?” It then occurred to me that man might have needed gas in his car. Regardless, I was turned off with him suddenly asking for more money. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s possible the man used an “empty gas tank” as a ruse to extract money from people. I’ve seen this happen before. Once while I walked by a self-serve gas station in Tampa, Florida, two men standing by a car asked me for money to help them get home. I didn't have much on me, but was willing to put $2 worth of fuel in their tank. After I went into the station, the cashier informed me those men had been mooching money all day. I then left without making a purchase.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another time during a street evangelism outreach in Minneapolis, a man approached my team with a gas can and asked for money. He claimed his car got stalled on the freeway a short distance away. A pastor with me offered to fill up this man’s can if he followed us to a nearby gas station. He hesitated, and then claimed the gas wouldn’t be enough to get him home. This beggar wasn’t honest with us.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Christians should be willing to help the needy, including stranded drivers. However, that doesn’t include con artists the devil uses to try to steal money from us.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.”</i> </span></b></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">- Proverbs 21:6</span></b></p><div><b><br /></b></div>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-73884751974287756812023-11-19T03:19:00.003-05:002023-11-30T08:22:47.458-05:00Street Fisher: A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1d1YaE3QJgg14mcq7e56wp2VUO02tP4gG2hVmVK-ETXMqGcSHuOuC6tbo0pIWxKeUc9czEVU9lezbIg3pyZsS1dWwyEAHedChpQgQ9UAysqcLerkiZrGp7oq2E4Nw6UsiOD9ZDfhUpAcKxU_dc1HV4HpKCRA7fVUQZkH1evejSTU41HfG4wSTBtX-kM/s284/Street%20Fisher.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="177" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1d1YaE3QJgg14mcq7e56wp2VUO02tP4gG2hVmVK-ETXMqGcSHuOuC6tbo0pIWxKeUc9czEVU9lezbIg3pyZsS1dWwyEAHedChpQgQ9UAysqcLerkiZrGp7oq2E4Nw6UsiOD9ZDfhUpAcKxU_dc1HV4HpKCRA7fVUQZkH1evejSTU41HfG4wSTBtX-kM/s1600/Street%20Fisher.jpeg" width="177" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Evangelism is a continuing education. As long as we remain teachable, we can always learn new ways to approach people and respond to certain situations. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Men-Techniques-Effective-Soulwinning/dp/1312273674" target="_blank">I’ve written a book</a> on the topic, but take time to read those by other evangelists like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Have-You-Heard-Good-News/dp/B00GDGT06A" target="_blank">one</a> by my mentor <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2021/08/honoring-nick-kinn.html" target="_blank">Nick Kinn</a>. This past week, I read another book about soul-winning.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last Monday, I went to a church service in Arcade, New York. Guest minister Kevin Riordan had a table filled with copies of his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Street-Fisher-Living-Mission-God/dp/B096D21TZ4" target="_blank">“Street Fisher: Living on Mission for God.”</a> At the end of the meeting, I asked Kevin if electronic versions are available to download. He offered me a complimentary printed copy. I soon learned from his book that we come from similar backgrounds. Kevin and I were 27 when we committed our lives to the Lord. Both of us received salvation in March (although his conversion happened nine years after mine). </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many tips shared in “Street Fisher” are similar to what I teach in my evangelism seminars. Kevin includes many of his experiences. Two of which stood out to me. One was when God used a Guns N’ Roses song to minister to someone. The other was the time he witnessed to a homosexual at a gay pride parade. Instead of blasting sinners with the gospel, Kevin first looks for common ground before bringing up the need for salvation. The book also has chapters about deliverance, something not done enough in our Western churches. As Jesus said in Mark 16:17, <span style="color: #e6000e;"><i>“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons...”</i></span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There were a couple of things in the book I disagree with. In the chapter “How to Not Love Your Life Even Unto Death”, Riordan wrote against a “false American gospel” and stated, “Christianity is not about living your best life now.” The latter comment was likely a response to the best-selling book by <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-defense-of-joel-osteen.html" target="_blank">Joel Osteen</a>. Yes, someone living for the Lord will encounter persecution and other challenges. At the same time, God desires us to prosper (3 John 2) and enjoy ourselves on earth (John 10:10) as long as He’s first place in our lives.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Riordan also criticized churches using fog machines, laser light shows, and state-of-the-art video backdrops that make some services resemble rock concerts. I agree those devices cannot take the place of God’s presence. Still, they can be tools to enhance a meeting and reach people who might not walk into a church otherwise. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:22, <i>“I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”</i></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Differences aside, I believe “Street Fisher” will be helpful to experienced evangelists and those who are about to step out in obeying the Great Commission.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“...the devil is not afraid of Christians. Nor is the devil afraid of Christians who know they have authority. The devil is afraid of Christians who know they have authority and use it! You will see the sick healed and demons leave when you start praying like you believe that sickness and demons must do what you say in Jesus' name.”</i> - Kevin Riordan</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-60835940835328128292023-11-12T08:11:00.007-05:002023-12-20T08:32:20.170-05:00Banning a Banner<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JGw4bSVNwrgLLyJeU_scHN7-oIqvE8oFCcqBWMn1C7b7ujNrVoOBIUKrev1kD6JaIuVESqdjTq23qrJ3L_TW_F4G6h1NAeWfB53du6bmt8N2QJJTLI-FDxEhqPr-G1c2Z2hyphenhyphenjhIBCn9keNcjf__UsdaC1yHmtVA59Wh1VVzU_0NSM9pIbfy_AegVgpg/s1920/Flag_of_Minnesota.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1920" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JGw4bSVNwrgLLyJeU_scHN7-oIqvE8oFCcqBWMn1C7b7ujNrVoOBIUKrev1kD6JaIuVESqdjTq23qrJ3L_TW_F4G6h1NAeWfB53du6bmt8N2QJJTLI-FDxEhqPr-G1c2Z2hyphenhyphenjhIBCn9keNcjf__UsdaC1yHmtVA59Wh1VVzU_0NSM9pIbfy_AegVgpg/s320/Flag_of_Minnesota.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For most of my life, I’ve lived in Minnesota. I grew up in Moorhead and moved to Minneapolis at 21. Eventually, I left the Twin Cities area when the Lord called me to travel as a full-time missionary. In recent years, I’ve returned to Minnesota for extended visits in the spring and summer. I prefer avoiding their brutally cold winters.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another thing I don’t like is the state’s political climate. <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-law-of-love.html" target="_blank">Minnesota legalized same-sex marriage</a> before the U. S. Supreme Court did. One of their congresswomen is Somalian-born Ilhan Omar, who supports the BDS movement, <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2021/04/8-reasons-not-to-support-black-lives.html" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter</a>, and defunding the police. Current governor Tim Walz got reelected despite the <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/05/an-open-letter-to-tim-walz.html" target="_blank">lockdowns he imposed</a> during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some locals have called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” the “Land of 10,000 Taxes.” Minnesota has one of the highest taxation rates in America and ranks third on welfare spending per person.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Minnesota has become known for protests, including the ones that erupted after the deaths of George Floyd and <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2021/12/rough-justice.html" target="_blank">Daunte Wright</a>. Advocates have also called for changing the names of landmarks such as Lake Calhoun </span><span style="font-family: arial;">by the Uptown area of Minneapolis. That body of water had been named after a U. S. vice president who defended slavery. In 2018, the lake was renamed Bde Maka Ska. Certainly I don’t condone slavery, but I disagree with renaming places and </span><a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-new-name.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">sports teams</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> because it offends a tiny percentage of the populace. I still refer to it as Lake Calhoun.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The state flag is now about to be changed. The Minnesota Seal features a Native American riding on horseback to symbolize their heritage. Because the rider is facing the other direction, some have interpreted that to mean American Indians were chased away by European settlers. As a result, a new flag will be adopted next year, chosen from many contest submissions. I prefer keeping the flag as is.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I wish more God-fearing people would take a stand against the politically correct. Voter apathy has contributed to the decline of Judeo-Christian values this nation was founded upon. There’s an old saying: “Give the devil an inch, and he will take a mile." A humanist in Minnesota once <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2021/06/an-obscene-book.html" target="_blank">tried to get the Bible banned</a>, but a large turnout (including yours truly) at a school board meeting </span><span style="font-family: arial;">hindered that fro</span><span style="font-family: arial;">m happening. Pushback makes a difference especially concerning spiritual issues.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”)</i> - Exodus 17:15 (NLT)</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-30797636108892701792023-11-05T04:16:00.006-05:002023-11-05T06:50:52.771-05:00Remember Their Sacrifices<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxw4qrHzrhS5-ZSTPYUDyWJQV9N6i2jf0WfMXoo55IGGBV7n8BAtomJ8ig1LEjxMy5JN7PJcnBYRRGy4DGBXw_Md365GFVWrnYsPLS4qLvkCi3g-JzYVspvRJPJ5ZFDDy89wNu2j5h5QZK7p3MsIFdGrUGnW08qKjfVUmDsuv0fvA_rN1FvUGdPXJWQ8/s100/th.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="70" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxw4qrHzrhS5-ZSTPYUDyWJQV9N6i2jf0WfMXoo55IGGBV7n8BAtomJ8ig1LEjxMy5JN7PJcnBYRRGy4DGBXw_Md365GFVWrnYsPLS4qLvkCi3g-JzYVspvRJPJ5ZFDDy89wNu2j5h5QZK7p3MsIFdGrUGnW08qKjfVUmDsuv0fvA_rN1FvUGdPXJWQ8/w224-h320/th.jpeg" width="224" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />This Saturday is Veterans Day (federal buildings will observe it by closing on Friday). Many Americans take their freedoms for granted. That includes celebrities making empty threats of leaving the country if <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-ride-on-trump-train.html" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> becomes President again. Over the years, countless U. S. soldiers shed their blood so we can enjoy this prosperous nation God blessed us with.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s tragic to see veterans begging on street corners. I go out of my way to minister to them as well as others wearing caps indicating they fought in specific wars. First, I approach these men by thanking them for their service. Then I mention my having spent time in the <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2019/03/basic-training.html" target="_blank">Army National Guard</a>. If they’re hungry, I offer these veterans a snack and then a gospel tract explaining I’m now a soldier in the army of the Lord.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One memorable encounter happened during a <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/11/happy-birthday-living-word.html" target="_blank">Living Word</a> City Blitz in Brainerd, Minnesota. My team went shopping for souls at a Walmart in the nearby town of Baxter. One man I prayed with was a 99-year-old survivor of the Bataan Death March during World War II. As far as I know, Walt is the oldest person I’ve ever led to the Lord. Two years later, I was channel surfing at a friend’s house and happened to catch a TV news report that Walt had died at 101.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When David volunteered to take on Goliath, he received many rewards. That included not <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2017/04/pay-your-taxes.html" target="_blank">paying taxes</a> (1 Samuel 17:25). Our veterans should receive similar benefits, especially those who fought in combat. Many of us never experienced the danger of enemy soldiers firing upon us.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So the next time you see a veteran, thank him for his sacrifices to our country. But don’t neglect to share the Good News about the One who sacrificed His life so that all of us can receive the benefits of eternal life.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”</i> - Romans 5:7-8</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-37928785351068737952023-10-29T02:40:00.005-04:002023-10-29T09:04:40.829-04:00A Grimm Reminder<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxWEgWAFAzwQ57s72SYl58RIR8XSawCNNb9bq8fRsdTmruA-_HZaQRYSSsgNYXyy6vKV1x9CxNhXF9vZvWzkHIMHP8btIrjwiFLMbh3dp6Go1YxTBHBOyoSvkhnOK3Cii45bbs_OnYlYnWsGIBcNrnzvRR-3p_q0Gdc0WmiqPSlOXXjf-d9_s1f98v7Y/s260/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="194" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxWEgWAFAzwQ57s72SYl58RIR8XSawCNNb9bq8fRsdTmruA-_HZaQRYSSsgNYXyy6vKV1x9CxNhXF9vZvWzkHIMHP8btIrjwiFLMbh3dp6Go1YxTBHBOyoSvkhnOK3Cii45bbs_OnYlYnWsGIBcNrnzvRR-3p_q0Gdc0WmiqPSlOXXjf-d9_s1f98v7Y/w298-h400/images.jpeg" width="298" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Every year around this time, Christians post numerous memes and rants against observing Halloween. I get somewhat tired of seeing those warnings. For me, it’s <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2015/10/redeeming-halloween.html" target="_blank">another day to share the gospel</a>. Nevertheless, we should heed the Bible’s commandments in avoiding demonic influences. Ephesians 4:27 tells us not to give place to the devil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, <i>“Abstain from every form of evil.”</i></span></p><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Among the characters associated with Halloween are witches. The world often tries to portray them in a positive light. A pastor’s wife I know once watched a school play by first graders called “Groovin’ with the Grimms.” It featured well-known fairy tale characters created by the Brothers Grimm. One of the songs performed was “Three Un-wicked Witches.” Here’s a portion of the lyrics:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We’re three un-wicked witches, what trying times we’ve had.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It really burns our britches when people say we’re “bad.”</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We’re three un-wicked witches, we try hard to be good.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, we have our glitches but we’re just misunderstood.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many of us probably watched “The Wizard of Oz” when we were little. The movie not only had the infamous Wicked Witch of the West but a “good witch” named Glinda. My kindergarten teacher read books to us about “Dorrie the Little Witch.” I also remember watching cartoons of Wendy the Good Little Witch. There are even real life witches who practice “white magic” (which is supposedly the use of supernatural powers for selfless purposes). I dated one before committing my life to the Lord.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Witchcraft is now more commonplace than ever before. There are now more witches in America than Presbyterians.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span>Recently, I came across the website of a “Christian witch.” That’s a contradiction in terms. Adding a Christian label to a sinful practice doesn’t sanctify it. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Bible has many warnings against witchcraft:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer”</i> - Deuteronomy 18:10</span></b></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft....” </i>- 1 Samuel 15:23</span></b></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“And they caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.”</i> - 2 Kings 17:17</span></b></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers” </i>- Micah 5:12 (KJV)</span></b></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>“</i></b></span><b><i>Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft,...they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” </i>- </b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)</b></span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i></i></b><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”</i> - Revelation 21:8 (NLT)</span></b></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Depending on the translation, “sorcery” is sometimes used instead of witchcraft. The Hebrew word for sorcery and witchcraft is <b>qesem</b>, which also means divination. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines divination as “seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.” One attempting to access divine guidance apart from the Holy Spirit opens doors to deception.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Christians can also practice witchcraft with prayers against God’s word and another person’s will. Years ago, I knew a woman who prayed for a particular man to become her husband. Eventually, I found out this man was already married. I believe those misguided prayers played a part in my friend being committed to the psychiatric ward and then dying at a young age.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Revelation 9:21 (NASB) says, <i>“and they did not repent of their murders, nor of their witchcraft, nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts.”</i> The Greek word for witchcraft is <b>pharmakeus, </b>which means “the use or the administering of drugs.” That is where we get our English word “pharmacy.” Is it any wonder why there are so many messed up people today because of legalized drug usage?</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Witchcraft is not something anyone (especially children) should play around with. Revelation 21:8 warns, <i>“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”</i></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m not advocating we go on modern-day witch-hunts like what happened in New England and Europe during the 1600’s. Still, Christian parents need to take a stand against the hypocrisy practiced in our public schools. Most learning institutions won’t allow our children to pray, bring Bibles, and talk about Jesus. Yet they encourage reading books about fictional characters such as Harry Potter who practice witchcraft. I’m sure it’s frustrating for God-fearing parents who either cannot afford private schools or have the resources and freedom to homeschool their children. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nevertheless, all of us can be part of the solution by voting in local elections and speaking out against ungodly legislation. We should also pray for revival to happen in our communities. School board members encountering God could change things faster than Christians simply holding up picket signs.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?’”</i> - Isaiah 8:19</span></b></p><div><b><br /></b></div>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-19135440123088725952023-10-22T03:33:00.005-04:002023-11-06T08:42:38.512-05:00Sounding Off on Self-Checkouts<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAbfzVteCqHD20BoMj9S_Wqa-a4NRRxTcmAIqz9xUJut27SC_weaZoobGDW_6IJBxjTgpKyzSttagIV3hh6jtv2BzFzs4zpLGwuq_Vl1Af1wzIHymAEUMHKZsqDA2HomD2x0EJCzuNf9k7QQYCXA1cL9zFJwW7dRzK3YX6uIr7B0f-L1Fr8RHJY0p05g/s282/Self-checkouts.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="282" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAbfzVteCqHD20BoMj9S_Wqa-a4NRRxTcmAIqz9xUJut27SC_weaZoobGDW_6IJBxjTgpKyzSttagIV3hh6jtv2BzFzs4zpLGwuq_Vl1Af1wzIHymAEUMHKZsqDA2HomD2x0EJCzuNf9k7QQYCXA1cL9zFJwW7dRzK3YX6uIr7B0f-L1Fr8RHJY0p05g/w400-h254/Self-checkouts.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Before I was old enough to drive, self-serve gas stations became popular. The days of attendants filling up your tank, checking your oil, and cleaning your windshield were fading into history. One summer, I briefly worked at a gas station that wasn’t self-serve. Despite being by the freeway, few customers stopped for gas because the prices were higher than at convenience stores. Full-service stations are now almost non-existent. Oregon recently lifted a ban on self-service stations. New Jersey is now the only state where customers cannot pump fuel for themself.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It wouldn’t surprise me if similar laws get passed concerning self-checkouts at stores like Walmart. They have become more common during the last few years. As a result, I regularly see complaints about them on social media. Many gripe, “I don’t work there!” So? Didn’t these customers put their groceries in the shopping cart instead of an employee doing that? Whether or not a human cashier is available, they still have to take their stuff out of the cart to get scanned and then carry them out the door.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Others argue self-checkouts take away jobs. As technology advances, some jobs disappear, but new ones are needed. Many tasks still require humans. One cannot buy <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2023/09/a-moral-and-biblical-case-against.html" target="_blank">alcohol</a> or <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2010/10/holy-smoke.html" target="_blank">cigarettes</a> at a self-checkout because their age needs to be verified. Cashiers usually are required by their employers to perform other duties. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you prefer a human being to do transactions with, that’s your prerogative. I like self-checkouts since they help me get out of the store faster. It’s similar to using an ATM instead of waiting for a bank teller, using an E-ZPass instead of lining up to pay a toll collector, or buying something from a vending machine. Occasionally, I’ll seek out a live cashier when needing to return an item, wanting a particular combination of change back from my purchase, or feel led to share the gospel with someone.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you don’t like using machines to checkout at the store, you could shop someplace else. Regarding eternity, there won’t be a self-checkin aisle at the Pearly Gates. Everyone still needs to go through Jesus to be saved. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">You cannot buy a stairway to heaven.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #e6000e; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”</i></b><span style="color: black;"><b> - John 14:1</b></span></span></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-45893965023784222512023-10-15T08:04:00.005-04:002023-10-15T10:52:27.066-04:00Church and Coffee: Do They Mix?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfWYcnkdW8ANZPRM2MawZRcoE4_KSZlBohDD5Ma6xOuC1rgXRmAJnGJ8XC0KNrH2_ZD76XaLbknQlCxl0y4HFFQ9liA_85jX6_u9mnT_Dn7MNyC4nyh298_-N1XexYKPLdZjA6K-WPNDJl2G6eFMxtGeVLaCwE_YR5c4RTDudHTGRtrs4C2Y9nz-xr5k/s104/Coffee%20Jesus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="78" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfWYcnkdW8ANZPRM2MawZRcoE4_KSZlBohDD5Ma6xOuC1rgXRmAJnGJ8XC0KNrH2_ZD76XaLbknQlCxl0y4HFFQ9liA_85jX6_u9mnT_Dn7MNyC4nyh298_-N1XexYKPLdZjA6K-WPNDJl2G6eFMxtGeVLaCwE_YR5c4RTDudHTGRtrs4C2Y9nz-xr5k/w240-h320/Coffee%20Jesus.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">As <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2019/09/confessions-of-coffee-drinker.html" target="_blank">previously stated in this blog</a>, I’m a regular coffee drinker. This past Monday, I posted this question on my Facebook page: “Do you approve of drinking coffee during Christian meetings? Why or why not?” It generated many responses on both ends of the spectrum. Some want to have their cup of Joe at church. A couple of my friends argued that Jesus drank wine during gatherings. Therefore, He would be tolerant of coffee.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Others expressed opposition. Some called it a distraction from worship. I think it would be disrespectful raising your hands to the Lord with a coffee cup in one of them. One friend admitted to being “a coffee addict.” Just like other things, it can be an idol. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another friend who attends <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/11/happy-birthday-living-word.html" target="_blank">my former home church</a> pointed out coffee drinkers sometimes leave messes behind. During the mid-1990s, I briefly served as an usher at Living Word before they moved into their present building. Back then, they didn’t allow food or drink in the carpeted sanctuary. In recent years, they have been more tolerant of that since there’s a coffee shop in the lobby. Parts of the sanctuary no longer has carpet.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I like the option of having a cup of coffee during church, but will respect house rules. For awhile, I attended another fellowship in Minnesota where the pastor sold tumblers with the church’s name on it. He's okay with coffee in the sanctuary if the container has a cover to prevent spills on the carpet and padded pews. On the other hand, The River at Tampa Bay only allows water in their sanctuary. Pastor <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2020/04/why-i-stand-with-rodney-howard-browne_5.html" target="_blank">Rodney Howard-Browne</a> often jokes about skinny preachers drinking lattes. Nevertheless, they sell coffee on the property and permit drinks during meetings under their pavilion.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many Christians drink coffee while studying the Bible to help them stay alert. Nevertheless, you should respect your pastor’s wishes if he doesn’t want that going on in his church. Coffee didn’t even exist until hundreds of years after the Lord walked the earth. If necessary, one should be able to get by without drinking it during meetings.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”</i> </span></b></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">- 1 Corinthians 10:31</span></b></p>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-67532835513097008952023-10-08T03:23:00.001-04:002023-10-08T08:37:57.455-04:00Miracles Are For Today<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUROiU1RJ5kI-RNeqbfdai0uUTD9iyEiRHXk4J_w5JdwxkFYsZeqtp-3Ejn5VXwN9mpBC_PT5xSWIeDZ7RkwB0qX9cNxiGzAjBgmFw7mBegA7j_4WZA_o0wixzwUw_72zyGTscImUgQCkehVlwtCuT_q9J2JYvt2Fz-z3qcVGWJYPrfJ-__KUZLhrm1GQ/s1280/2024-Cessationist-Con-with-pics.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUROiU1RJ5kI-RNeqbfdai0uUTD9iyEiRHXk4J_w5JdwxkFYsZeqtp-3Ejn5VXwN9mpBC_PT5xSWIeDZ7RkwB0qX9cNxiGzAjBgmFw7mBegA7j_4WZA_o0wixzwUw_72zyGTscImUgQCkehVlwtCuT_q9J2JYvt2Fz-z3qcVGWJYPrfJ-__KUZLhrm1GQ/w400-h225/2024-Cessationist-Con-with-pics.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />One thing that unites Christians is knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Unfortunately, doctrinal differences continue to divide us. Some religious folk called cessationists insist the gifts of the Spirit are not in operation today. They believe speaking in tongues, prophecies, and healings passed away when the original apostles died.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A well-known pastor in California named John MacArthur has scheduled a cessationist conference at his church for next October. One of the other speakers is Justin Peters, an outspoken opponent of the so-called “<a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2019/09/redefining-prosperity-gospel.html" target="_blank">health and wealth gospel</a>.” Yet they are charging $299 for this event. If they are against prosperity, why the high <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/09/putting-price-on-ministry.html" target="_blank">registration fee</a>? Isn’t that being hypocritical?</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can understand how some Christians doubt God doing miracles today if they’ve never seen any. I grew up attending a traditional Lutheran church that didn’t make room for the gifts of the Spirit to operate. There were occasions when the pastor practiced hypnosis on my fellow <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2016/08/critiquing-confirmation.html" target="_blank">confirmands</a> during weekend retreats.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1 Corinthians 12 lists these nine gifts of the Spirit: </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, </span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, </span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.</span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cessationists will cite 1 Corinthians 13:8 as their proof text these gifts are no longer in effect: <i>“But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”</i> Knowledge hasn’t vanished. If anything, we need divine guidance when making important decisions like where to live and where to work.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can testify from experience God is doing supernatural things today. Over the years, I’ve seen many healings manifest through the laying on of hands (Mark 16:17-18). A few weeks ago, I spoke at a Christian recovery group. I talked about being <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2023/02/healed-of-deviated-septum.html" target="_blank">healed of a deviated septum</a> and God using me to heal others suffering that ailment. A man in the audience had breathing difficulties and planned to ask me for prayer, but experienced healing before the meeting concluded!</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cessationists claim the Bible is enough to receive spiritual guidance. God also speaks to us through dreams and visions that confirm His word. I have a friend who works full-time as a teacher but occasionally goes out evangelizing. She sees fish in her spirit when it’s time to hit the streets. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:19, <span style="color: #e6000e;"><i>“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”</i></span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don’t want to demonize cessationists because they are my brothers in Christ. Still, it’s disturbing for them trying to convince Christians to reject God doing supernatural things today. Mental knowledge of the Scriptures isn’t enough to live victoriously. Discernment will help one avoid disastrous situations such as marrying the wrong person. It may even save your life. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In these last days, we need the gifts of the Spirit.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #060606; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”</i> - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5</span></b></p><div><b><br /></b></div>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714063150139668470.post-68842960752255470682023-10-01T08:45:00.004-04:002023-10-02T06:21:19.864-04:00Take Me to Church<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNNCvs4l-p3Ix_D8ZWlM-_t3nwG07yU_yBO5sk8opIBQYfB7NOulZXkqAsYGXHwvA2Ye9um1aOLE0UOVYRNOmXWes13KiLEbFdT47dAoaggqMLEQTu7IQd8EpSoP-7x6XPC-P_KPvQuD3B6i1EB6WcVUUNGrBAROTiDuDDKzKttBNPzr1n-BxFbfQiqQ/s394/GospelLifeCenter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="394" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNNCvs4l-p3Ix_D8ZWlM-_t3nwG07yU_yBO5sk8opIBQYfB7NOulZXkqAsYGXHwvA2Ye9um1aOLE0UOVYRNOmXWes13KiLEbFdT47dAoaggqMLEQTu7IQd8EpSoP-7x6XPC-P_KPvQuD3B6i1EB6WcVUUNGrBAROTiDuDDKzKttBNPzr1n-BxFbfQiqQ/s320/GospelLifeCenter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gospel Life Center in Munich, Germany</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When I’m evangelizing and find out someone is already saved, often I’ll ask where they go to church. Some reply, “I used to go to such and such church.” Others will say, “I have church at home” or “church is in my heart.” Sadly, many who give answers like that tend to act very unChristlike. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One time at the Florida State Fair, I saw two men handing out brochures. I offered one of them a gospel tract in exchange and discovered they were Christians. When I asked this man which church he went to, he defiantly replied, “I am the church!” I then knew there was going to be trouble. He then tried giving me another brochure about all the “corruption” going on in various churches. Not wanting to read stuff like that, I responded by quoting 1 Corinthians 2:2, <i>“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” </i>Acting like a spoiled child, this man returned my tract saying he didn’t want to read it.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A friend once shared an article on her Facebook page critical of “organized religion” and suggested ten reasons why one should stop going to church. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons for <a href="https://trpost.blogspot.com/2021/05/when-not-to-go-to-church.html" target="_blank">not attending a particular fellowship</a>. Nevertheless, that article inspired me to put together this list of ten reasons why one would want to go to church:</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>1. We are commanded not to forsake <i>“the assembling of ourselves together”</i></b> (Hebrews 10:25). Some Christians insist they don’t have to meet inside a building. I agree a church would be defined more as a body of believers than an actual meeting place. Then again, Psalm 122:1 says, <i>“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’”</i> Jesus often taught in the synagogues. So did the Apostle Paul.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2. Mentors help us mature spiritually. </b>Ephesians 4:11-13 says, <i>“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”</i> Until the Lord returns, He will continue using ministers in the church to bring instruction...and correction when necessary. The late John Paul Jackson said, “We are life long students of the ways of God; trouble starts when we think we have graduated.”</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>3. God usually assigns His people to a particular place.</b> Unless you’re a traveling minister like myself, it’s best to consistently attend one church you consider “home.” Instead of selecting “the church of your choice,” ask God where He wants you connected. 1 Corinthians 12:18 says, <i>“But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.”</i> If you live in an area without a Christ centered, biblically balanced church, I would prayerfully consider moving or starting a new fellowship.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>4. Our lives will bear more fruit.</b> While it’s good to see what God is doing in different parts of the body of Christ, Psalm 92:13 says, <i>“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.”</i> I heard John Bevere compare “church hoppers” to a plant that will die from constantly being dug up. We grow stronger when our roots are allowed to sink deep somewhere.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>5. It keeps us accountable.</b> One could argue the Apostle Paul didn’t attend a fellowship for a season after coming to Christ. He wrote in Galatians 1:16 <i>“...I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood.”</i> However, Hebrews 13:17 (which many Bible scholars believe was also written by Paul) says, <i>“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>6. It will decrease the possibility of backsliding. </b><i>“Iron sharpens iron”</i> says Proverbs 27:17. Numerous individuals I know fell back into old sinful habits after they stopped going to church. Too much time away from other believers makes one prone to deception.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>7. It helps us stay sensitive to recognize and reject false doctrine.</b> One minister I used to live with talked about being kicked out of numerous churches as if he was proud of that. He soon started preaching profanity-laced messages online from his home. Proverbs 18:1 says, <i>“A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>8. The Body of Christ suffers when we don’t take our place. </b>Church shouldn’t be a minister running a one-man show behind the pulpit. All of us have gifts and talents that will bloom when we are rightly connected with the brethren. Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) says, <i>“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>9. Blessings will manifest.</b> Isaiah 1:19 says, <i>“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”</i> Countless times provision came to me inside the house of the Lord. One night as I was leaving a church sanctuary in Tulsa, a woman I didn’t know wrote me a check for $50. At the time I needed gas money to leave town. Another time I found myself stranded in Pittsburgh without a place to stay. I walked into a church where after the service, a man offered to let me stay in his apartment until I had the funds to travel to my next destination.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>10. We will be victorious when spiritual warfare occurs.</b> Often I’ve noticed a greater anointing in a corporate setting as opposed to watching or listening to sermons by myself. Deuteronomy 32:30 says if one can chase a thousand, two can put ten thousand to flight. Jesus told us in Matthew 16:18 <span style="color: #e6000e;"><i>“...I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”</i></span></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve had Christians tell me they don’t need to go to church because we are all temples of the Holy Spirit. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary gives eight different definitions for the word “church.” Not one of them refer to an individual. Regardless if you meet in a cathedral, shopping mall, home, tent, barn, or outside, a real church is a body of believers gathered to fulfill God’s purposes, not someone’s personal agenda. One cannot serve the Lord without serving others.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">Unfortunately</span>, mistreatment by ministers and other Christians have prompted many people to give up on church altogether instead of locating a better one. It’s often been said if you find the perfect church, it would no longer be perfect once you become part of it. God uses imperfect people to carry out His perfect plans.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Just going to church in itself doesn’t automatically make one a stronger Christian. It’s going to Jesus and then obeying His word. Still, greater things will happen when more believers get over past offenses and take their place in the Body of Christ. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where and with whom has God called you to?</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #e6000e; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”</i></b><span style="color: black;"><b> - Matthew 18:20</b></span></span></p><div><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></div>T. R. Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07648160105697528323noreply@blogger.com0