Don’t Hold Back
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12KJV
Have you forgiven your debtors? You asked God to forgive you as you forgive others, is He answering you? Are you assuming that you are automatically forgiven without doing your part of the equation? What if you are wrong? Perhaps it is time to take a deeper look at what you have asked for and what you are wanting in return!
Matthew 6
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Do you truly believe in God? Are you resting on His promises? Consider what those promises are my friends! We mustn’t hold back! We mustn’t hold on to our anger or hatred! Those who have come against us will have to face God’s judgment just as we do. We must forgive, we must!!! If we do not we will not be forgiven either!
Matthew 18
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Acts 13:37-39
King James Version (KJV)
37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Matthew 18
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
I have heard people say “God will understand why I can’t forgive them right now”, but will He? Will He look at you and see how you held onto the anger and the hatred until it was a good time to give it up? Are you like the servant who takes the forgiveness from the Master and yet does not forgive the debts that are owed him.
Understand what you are praying for my friends. Forgive others as He forgives you!
One Attitude Required
by Steve Arterburn
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will life you up.” – James 4:10
Humility doesn’t save us, but it can save us a ton of grief. Humility doesn’t change your circumstances, but it helps you submit to God’s purposes no matter what the circumstances. Humility doesn’t speed up answers to prayer, but it accelerates the acceptance of God’s will. Humility doesn’t make decisions for you, but it inclines your heart toward decisions consistent with God’s plan. Humility doesn’t earn you more of God’s love, but it helps you experience God’s love at a deeper level.
For these reasons Scripture has a great deal to say on humility:
- Psalm 25:9 says, “God guides and teaches the humble.”
- Psalm 147:6 says, “The Lord sustains the humble.”
- Proverbs 11:2 says, “Wisdom belongs to the humble.”
- Proverbs 22:4 says, “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.”
- Isaiah 57:15 says that the Lord personally dwells with and refreshes the humble.
- Matthew 23:12 says that the humble with be exalted, and the exalted will be humbled.
- And James 4:6 says that God is gracious to the humble.
Rewards, sustenance, wisdom, guidance, intimacy, grace, renewal, and revelation—all hinge on an attitude that accompanies our faith. The early twentieth-century preacher and theologian, Oswald Chambers, called humility “the great characteristic of a saint.” For all its benefits and blessings, humility is the best way to go for God’s people. In fact, it’s the only way to go.
“Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.” ~ Italian proverb
William Lloyd Garrison’s “The Liberator” & Frederick Douglass via American Minute
William Lloyd Garrison published the Boston anti-slavery paper The Liberatorand founded the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833.
Suffering hundreds of death threats for his politically incorrect stand on the value of human life, William Lloyd Garrison died MAY 24, 1879.
He wrote:
“I desire to thank God, that he enables me to disregard “the fear of man which bringeth a snare,” and to speak his truth in its simplicity and power. And here I close with this fresh dedication:
Still to oppose and thwart, with heart and hand,
In W.P. and F.J.T. Garrison, 1885-89, William Lloyd Garrison wrote:
“Wherever there is a human being, I see God-given rights inherent in that being, whatever may be the sex or complexion.”
Former slave Frederick Douglass wrote in My Bondage and My Freedom, 1855:
“After reaching New Bedford, there came a young man to me with a copy ofThe Liberator…edited by William Lloyd Garrison…
His paper took its place with me next to the Bible…
It detested slavery…and, with all the solemnity of God’s word, demanded the complete emancipation of my race…
His words were…holy fire…
The Bible was his text book…Prejudice against color was rebellion against God.”
American Minute is a registered trademark. Permission is granted to forward and/or duplicate with acknowledgement to vwww.AmericanMinute.com
Where were you?
(KJV) 1631 Holy Bible, Robert Barker/John Bill, London. King James Version (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Job 38
King James Version (KJV)
38 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,
11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;
13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
14 It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
17 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?
18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
19 Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
21 Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?
22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,
23 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
24 By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;
26 To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
27 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?
30 The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.
31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say unto thee, Here we are?
36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
38 When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together?
39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,
40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
Job 39
King James Version (KJV)
39 Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?
2 Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?
3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows.
4 Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.
5 Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
6 Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.
7 He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.
8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.
9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?
13 Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her’s: her labour is in vain without fear;
17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
18 What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
19 Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
20 Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.
21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
22 He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.
23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.
24 He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet.
25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
27 Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
28 She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
29 From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.
30 Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
Job 40
King James Version (KJV)
40 Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
3 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,
4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.
6 Then answered the Lord unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.
15 Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
16 Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.
17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.
18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.
20 Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.
21 He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.
22 The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.
23 Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.
24 He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.
Job 41
King James Version (KJV)
41 Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?
2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
3 Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?
4 Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
5 Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?
6 Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?
7 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears?
8 Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.
9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
10 None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?
11 Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.
12 I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.
13 Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle?
14 Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.
15 His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.
16 One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.
17 They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.
18 By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
19 Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out.
20 Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron.
21 His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
22 In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.
23 The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved.
24 His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone.
25 When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.
26 The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.
27 He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.
28 The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.
29 Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.
30 Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire.
31 He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.
32 He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.
33 Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.
34 He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.
ob 42
King James Version (KJV)
42 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,
2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, You Lead Me
There are many who are broken-hearted today. Some who have lost loved ones and others who simply are hurting because they do not know what to do and who to turn to. There is only one who is there with hope and love. Only one who answers prayers and only one who takes our lost into His arms so that we may see them again when we join them on the other side. Thank God that we have the hope of His promise and that His promise is never broken.
Related articles
Clara Barton and the American Red Cross via American Minute
She distributed relief supplies to wounded soldiers and, at the request of President Lincoln, aided for nearly four years in searching for missing soldiers.
After attempting to carry a wounded soldier off the battlefield of Antietam, September 17, 1862, Clara Barton wrote:
“A ball had passed between my body and the right arm which supported him, cutting through the sleeve and passing through his chest from shoulder to shoulder. There was no more to be done for him and I left him to his rest.
I have never mended that hole in my sleeve. I wonder if a soldier ever does mend a bullet hole in his coat?”
Clara Barton was present at some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War: Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Antietam, and Fredericksburg.
The National Park Service recorded thatClara Barton first visited Chatham or “Lacy House” in early August 1862, bringing food and hospital supplies to help “her boys.”
She returned during the Fredericksburg Campaign, December 1862.
Clara Barton helped care for the wounded soldiers of both sides that were brought into the house. 
A physician requested her help in the city, which required her to cross a pontoon bridge over the river.
As she stepped off, an officer offered her his hand.
Suddenly a shell passed under their arms, tearing away part of her skirt and his coattail. He later died.
Clara Barton set up a soup kitchen at the Lacy House, which became a makeshift hospital for the Union 2nd Corps.
With doctors too busy to keep medical records,Clara wrote in her diary the names of the men who died and where they were buried. Her diary is at the Clara BartonNational Historic Site in Maryland.
On December 13, 1862, the day of the heaviest fighting,Clara was in the doorway of the Lacy House when an exploding shell severed a soldier’s artery. She applied the tourniquet that saved his life.
Crossing the river again, a Union provost marshall thought she was a civilian and volunteered to escort her to safety, but looking at the thousands of Union soldiers, she politely declined the offer saying she was the best protected woman in the world.
When a shell struck the door of the room she was in, ‘she did not flinch, but continued her duties’ assisting the doctors.
The next two weeks at Chatham, Clara saw ‘hundreds of the worst wounded men I have ever seen,’ occupying every room of the house.
They ‘covered every foot of the floors and porticos’ and stair landings. A man ‘thought himself rich’ if he laid under a table where he would not be stepped on.
Clara saw five men stuffed onto four shelves of a cupboard. Others shivered in the cold muddy yard on blankets, waiting for someone inside to die so they could be brought in.
Clara set up a soup kitchen in a tent in the yard to help them.
The Library of Congress has the letter Clara Barton wrote to her cousin from the Head Quarters of the 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps-Army of the Potomac Camp near Falmouth, Virginia, December 12th, 1862, 2 o’clock a.m.:
“My dear Cousin Vira: Five minutes time with you; and God only knows what those five minutes might be worth to the many-doomed thousands sleeping around me. It is the night before a battle.
The enemy, Fredericksburg, and its mighty entrenchments lie before us, the river between – at tomorrow’s dawn our troops will assay to cross, and the guns of the enemy will sweep those frail bridges at every breath. The moon is shining through the soft haze with a brightness almost prophetic.
For the last half hour I have stood alone in the awful stillness of its glimmering light gazing upon the strange sad scene around me striving to say, ‘Thy will Oh God be done.’
The camp fires blaze with unwanted brightness, the sentry’s tread is still but quick – the acres of little shelter tents are dark and still as death, no wonder for us as I gazed sorrowfully upon them.
I thought I could almost hear the slow flap of the grim messenger’s wings, as one by one he sought and selected his victims for the morning sacrifice. Sleep weary one, sleep and rest for tomorrow’s toil. Oh! Sleep and visit in dreams once more the loved ones nestling at home…”
Clara Bartoncontinued:
“They may yet live to dream of you, cold lifeless and bloody, but this dream, soldier, is thy last, paint it brightly, dream it well.
Oh northern mothers, wives and sisters, all unconscious of the hour, would to Heaven that I could bear for you the concentrated woe which is so soon to follow, would that Christ would teach my soul a prayer that would plead to the Father for grace sufficient for you. God pity and strengthen you every one.
Mine are not the only waking hours, the light yet burns brightly in our kind hearted General’s tent where he pens what may be a last farewell to his wife and children and thinks sadly of his fated men.
Already the roll of the moving artillery is sounded in my ears. The battle draws near and I must catch one hour’s sleep for tomorrow’s labor.
Good night, dear cousin, and Heaven grant you strength for your more peaceful and less terrible, but not less weary days than mine. Yours in love, Clara.”
Clara Barton wrote of the soldiers:
“What could I do but go with them, or work for them and my country? The patriot blood of my father was warm in my veins.”
Clara Barton then went to Europe during the Franco-German War, where she worked with Henri Dunant, founder of theInternational Red Cross.
Henri Dunant was the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Henri Dunant founded the Geneva chapter of the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) and proposed Jews repopulate Palestine, being one of the few non-Jews to attend the First Zionist Congress in Basel, 1897.
Theodore Herzl first used the term, “Christian Zionist” in reference to Henri Dunant.
Inspired by Henri Dunant’s International Red Cross, Clara Barton established theAmerican Red Cross Society, MAY 21, 1881, serving as its head until 1904.
Clara Barton stated:
“An institution or reform movement that is not selfish, must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering, or diminishing the sum of happiness.
I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them. I am well and strong and young – young enough to go to the front. If I cannot be a soldier, I’ll help soldiers.”
Clara Bartonhelped in hospitals in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.
She wrote:
“In time of peace we must prepare for war, and it is no less a wise benevolence that makes preparation in the hour of peace for assuaging the ills that are sure to accompany war.”
President William McKinley stated regardingClara Barton in his Second Annual Message, December 5, 1898:
“It is a pleasure for me to mention in terms of cordial appreciation the timely and useful work of theAmerican National Red Cross, both in relief measures preparatory to the campaigns, in sanitary assistance at several of the camps of assemblage, and later, under the able and experienced leadership of the president of the society, Miss Clara Barton, on the fields of battle and in the hospitals at the front in Cuba.
Working in conjunction with the governmental authorities and under their sanction and approval, and with the enthusiastic cooperation of many patriotic women and societies in the various States, the Red Cross has fully maintained its already high reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exercise the noble purposes of its international organization, thus justifying the confidence and support which it has received at the hands of the American people.”
President McKinley continued:
“To the members and officers of this society and all who aided them in their philanthropic work the sincere and lasting gratitude of the soldiers and the public is due and is freely accorded.
In tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and His safe guidance, for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble prayer for the continuance of His favor.”
President Woodrow Wilson mentioned the Red Cross in his Proclamation of a Contribution Day for the aid of stricken Jewish people, January 11, 1916:
“Whereas in the various countries now engaged in war there are nine millions of Jews, the great majority of whom are destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; and…have been driven from their homes without warning, deprived of an opportunity to make provision for their most elementary wants, causing starvation, disease and untold suffering; and
Whereas the people of the United States of America have learned with sorrow of this terrible plight of millions of human beings and have most generously responded to the cry for help…
Now, Therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States…do appoint and proclaim January 27, 1916, as a day upon which the people of the United States may make such contributions as they feel disposed for the aid of the stricken Jewish people.
Contributions may be addressed to the American Red Cross, Washington, D.C., which will care for their proper distribution.”
Opening the Second Red Cross Drive in New York City, President Woodrow Wilson stated, May 18, 1918:
“Being members of the American Red Cross…a great fraternity and fellowship which extends all over the world…this cross which these ladies bore here today is an emblem of Christianity itself…
When you think of this, you realize how the people of the United States are being drawn together into a great intimate family whose heart is being used for the service of the soldiers not only, but for the long night of suffering and terror, in order that they and men everywhere may see the dawn of a day of righteousness and justice and peace.”
On December 8, 1918, in an appeal of support for theAmerican Red Cross just a month after the fighting in World War I had ceased, President Woodrow Wilson stated:
“One year ago, twenty-two million Americans, by enrolling as members of theRed Cross at Christmas time, sent to the men who were fighting our battles overseas a stimulating message of cheer and good-will…
Now, by God’s grace, the Red Cross Christmas message of 1918 is to be a message of peace as well as a message of good-will.”
On May 1, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt greeted the chairman of theAmerican National Red Cross, Norman H. Davis, in Washington, D.C.:
“The greatInternational Red Cross organization, founded 76 years ago to bring mercy to the battlefield…
I am confident that whatever may be the problems which intensification of warfare may bring, the American people will respond to any appeal for funds when the Red Crossdeems it necessary to call upon them for additional aid.
By such response we can aid in sustaining the spirit and morale of those in distress abroad until the happy day we all pray for, when hostilities shall cease.”
Update from Pastor Kerry Mauldin
Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
PRAISE THE LORD Please Note ::- Sir, Kindly Pray for my health as my legs are still paining due to effect of the accident , I visit many village while Preaching and spreading the Word of God , I don’t stop myself even if I feel uneasy due to the paining legs , nut my God’s is strengthening me and helping me to move forward , please Pray for me – also please Pray for the Church requirements , Thanking you …!!1. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Allampuram village – visited Ramullamma’s house, she is living a disturbed life , she was upset to see her children’s lives effected by her husband’s bad influence , she’s depressed and shared her fear of her children following the wrong path seeing their bad lifestyle – I comforted her with Prayers and Preached Gospel to her family , she hopes her husband and children change their way of living for better after listening to the Word , she request Rev. Kerry Sir to Pray for her family…
2. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Tuesday ) :- Peddatekurru – visited few members houses to Preach Gospel , later in the evening called for a Prayer meeting , not many could manage to join us in Prayers due to lack of proper place for Worship – Prayed for the ongoing Church construction work – from here lately Ratnamma , Obbulessu and Subbaraidu were given Holy Baptism , please Pray for more members to be added to this congregation …
3. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Wednesday ) :- Karrimadela – Preached Gospel at Napullayya & Balachenchu house – after listening to the Word Preached they removed idol images from their house and swore not to turn back to them ever , please Pray for them as they still need to grow strong in Faith …
4. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Thursday ) :- Lingapuram – Along with members of the congregation we worked at the construction site , for a while we spent in Prayers and meditated over ” how Nehemiah rebuild the walls of Jerusalem ? ” referring from the Book of Nehemiah from the Holy Scriptures …
5. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Friday ) :- JC Palem village – conducted cottage Prayer meeting at Lakshmi Swaramma’s house , few non believers gathered there to listen to the Preaching , Preached to them about Salvation and Faith – among them Nagalaxmi has requested to Pray for her to know and understand more about the Word , please Pray…
6. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Saturday ) :- Karrimadela – conducted Thanks Giving Prayer Service at Pullamma’s house as her son Nagapullayya has gave up drinking and had a change of heart – we gathered and thanked God for releasing him from his bad addiction , please Pray that he might turn towards the Lord completely…
7. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Sunday ) :- Visited few non believers’ houses who have stopped coming to attend Prayer Service because of some activists who tried to tempt them to turn away from God and believing in the Real Savior, visited every member’s house and reprimanded them for being so weak in Faith , encouraged them with Prayers and brought them all together and conducted Sunday Prayer Service for them – please Pray for these people…
8. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Durrdhala village – majority of people here are washer men by occupation , they shared of meeting Rev. Kerry Sr on his previous visit to them , they were delighted how Rev. Kerry Sir spemd time with them by Preaching and Praying for them – there’s no Church in this place , they convey their request to Rev.Kerry Sir about it and ask to Pray for them , please Pray…
9. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Tuesday ) :- Allammurru village – People here were disappointed when Rev. Kerry Sir couldn’t make it to visit them on his previous visit , they request Rev. Kerry Sir to meet them on his next visit , they are eagerly waiting to hear Gospel from Rev. Kerry Sir – I spent some time with them Preaching and Praying for them , please Pray …
10. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Wednesday ) :- Veeralapuram village – I couldn’t come to this village after my accident , this had an adverse effect over the people here who were once obedient followed my teachings and left serving idols , I was upset to see them turn towards their past ways – I met them all , and once again Preached Gospel to them and asked them not to leave their Faith in Christ , taught them never to leave Hope in the Living God in this way – I even assured to send any Evangelists or Pastors to them , who will keep encouraging them in my absence anytime in future – please Pray for them as they are still weak in Faith…
11. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Thursday ) :- Karrimadela – Visited Issac’s house and Preached Gospel to his family and to the non believers who gathered at his place to listen to the Word , Prayed for everyone present – Issac’s daughter is studying B.A , please Pray for the girl…
12. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Friday ) :- Karrimadela – Conducted Prayer meeting for the Women – Preached to them about ” how bravely did Esther save her people ” referring to the Book of Esther from the Holy Scriptures – whole night we Prayed for the Church and for the unity of its members and for the political leaders of our State …
13. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Saturday ) :- Karrimadela – Conducted cottage Prayer meeting at Chinna Vankat Reddy’s house, many among the gathered congregation were idol worshipers , Preached to them the difference between serving lifeless idols and trusting the Living God , they listened to the Preaching attentively – Prayed for their Salvation please Pray…
14. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Sunday ) :- Lingapuram – Conducted Sunday General Service – later in the evening visited tribal people whose occupation is to weave baskets , Preached to them about Faith and Prayed for their Salvation ….
15. Apr. ‘ 13 ( Monday ) :- Pedda devullapuram – few people gathered at Ramana Reddy’s house – Preached Gospel to them from the Book of Isaiah from the Holy Scriptures and Prayed for everyone present….
Yours in Christ,
Evangelist K.C.Govind Reddy.
“CARES OF THE WORLD”
Like 8:14 “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”
The challenge of such cares of the world was always real enough, even in the so-called Christian world in decades past. Today, though, these worldly cares comprise particularly profound challenges in a secular setting: they make no apologetic intrusion, but instead present themselves as if they were all of life itself.
For one reason, it is unfashionable to be spiritual. A genius possessed of religious faith is sometimes tolerated among colleagues in the business, academic, or political world. His bilingual ability to converse in the language of his professional realm and in the realm of faith is noted but not often applauded.
Unsurprisingly, when life is seen solely by the natural eye and not at all by the eye of faith, the framework for living is, at once, shifted markedly, if not irrevocably. And the natural eye is so naturally attuned for viewing the cares of the world.
It is useful at times, therefore, for the Christian beset with the cares of the world to be reminded of some of those good individuals who have lost that precious perspective of faith for a season.
What of that mess of pottage now, for which Esau was willing to sell his birthright? (SeeGenesis 25:29-34.) Not understanding his birthright, Esau “despised” it. Later he despised Jacob too, and thought to murder him when Jacob officially received the birthright blessing (see Genesis 27:26-41). But, my, how gracious Esau grew to be, as evidenced when his and Jacob’s caravans met in the desert many years later!
And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands. (Genesis 32:6-7.)
As a present for Esau, Jacob sent on ahead several hundred of his domestic animals. Finally the two brothers met.
And [Esau] said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.
And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.
And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou was pleased with me. (Genesis 33:8-10.)
Where are those synagogues now in which it was once so desperately important for some to maintain their place rather than to confess publicly their belief in Jesus? (See John 12:42-43.) Later, some of those who hesitated may have acquired the necessary courage.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
The list of such bracing and reminding questions could be multiplied almost indefinitely.
If, over the decades, one could have been agelessly situated on a space platform and could have thus watched the recurring human drama from a distance, among the strongest impressions he would have acquired would be the dull repetitiveness of human folly. He would see the almost childish intensity with which each new set of players on this planet pursues the cares of the world.
The age-old drama goes on, with each group pursuing the cares of the world as if they were pioneers in the process instead of constituting just another legion of lemmings marching to the secular sea.
How does the adversary get away with it? Mostly by darkening the human mind. Who, after all, would purchase his wares in the bright light of day, when their shoddiness and pale imitativeness could be more clearly seen—to say nothing of the appalling consumer consequences flowing from use of his wares?
Among other things, the adversary also induces new jargon to describe old sins. He also provides new rationalizations to justify old vices. Mostly, however, he can count on new crops of greenies!
The adversary cleverly uses the tight time frame of mortality against morality to undercut the purposes of mortality. Thus he is able in a variety of ways to persuade many mortals to believe of this life, “This is it! This is all there is!” “Go for the praise and honor of men, because that is all there is!” “Seek sensations while they last, to verify that you are really alive.”
By cleverly steering people away from the reality of immortality and accountability, he uses endless variations in the same, basic, recurring theme: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die. Hence each new generation not only acts out the drama but does so with a prideful provincialism—as if there were nothing to be learned from the past. Moreover, if the permissive generation still prefers to believe at all in a God, they will believe in a permissive God.
A Thousand Years
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Revelations 20:6-7
The First Ressurection
What an interesting time that we live in! Not a good time as we see more and more persecution of the followers of Christ across the world. And yet a time that must occur in order to fulfill the prophecies laid out in the Bible. And yet with the horror of seeing those who are killed, we must as well remember the promise. Always looking to God and not to man, to the future and not to relive and renew the past. What has gone before is not what He has plans for in the future and it is the future that we desire to be a part of.
English: Resurrection of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Revelation 20
Good News Translation (GNT)
4 Then I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given the power to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been executed because they had proclaimed the truth that Jesus revealed and the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image, nor had they received the mark of the beast on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and ruled as kings with Christ for a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first raising of the dead. 6 Happy and greatly blessed are those who are included in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them; they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they will rule with him for a thousand years.
State of Israel born – ‘I deplore any attempt to take it away from Israel’-Truman via American Minute
A homeland for the thousands of Jews who were persecuted and displaced during World War II, Israel was attacked the next day by the Transjordanian Army, the Arab Legion, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.
Against all odds, Israel survived.
The Armistice between Israel and her enemies was negotiated by Ralph Bunche, the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
On November 29, 1948, President Harry S Truman wrote to Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel:
“I want to tell you how happy and impressed I have been at the remarkable progress made by the new State of Israel.”
Truman added:
“I remember well our conversations about the Negeb…and I deplore any attempt to take it away from Israel.
I had thought that my position would have been clear to all the world, particularly in the light of the specific wording of the Democratic Party platform…
I have interpreted my re-election as a mandate from the American people to carry out the Democratic platform – including, of course, the plank on Israel.”
President John F. Kennedy remarked opening the Ouachita National Forest Road at Big Cedar, Oklahoma, October 29, 1961:
“We take our lesson…from the Bible and the story of Nehemiah, which tells us that when the children of Israel returned from captivity they determined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, in spite of the threats of the enemy.
The wall was built and the peace was preserved. But it was written, ‘Of them that built on the wall…with one of his hands he did the work, and with the other he held the sword.’”
In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson stated:
“America and Israel have a common love of human freedom and a democratic way of life…
Through the centuries, through dispersion and through very grievous trials, your forefathers clung to their Jewish identity and their ties with the land of Israel.
The prophet Isaiah foretold, ‘And He shall set up an ensign for the nations and He shall assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from all the four corners of the earth’…
History knows no more moving example of persistence against the cruelest odds.”
In April 3, 2002, House Majority Whip Tom DeLay stated in a speech at Westminster College:
“No one can ignore the horrible aggression in the Middle East.
A democratic government is fending off an orchestrated onslaught of death. The State of Israel has been targeted by groups committed to her complete elimination.
And on the basis of our shared principles and democratic values, America has an undeniable obligation to stand squarely with our democratic ally against those attempting to end the State of Israel…
Israel and America are kindred nations. The founders of both countries were profoundly influenced by faith. Both countries drafted governments that practice religious tolerance.”
Tom DeLay continued:
“Both countries are filled with immigrants summoned by dreams. For people fleeing the storms of persecution, both countries have been safe harbors…
No one should expect the people of Israel to negotiate with groups pursuing the fundamental goal of destroying them…”
Congressman Tom DeLay concluded:
“America has a clear duty to stand beside a democratic ally that is besieged by terrorists…The terrorists attempting to destroy the State of Israel should know that America will never allow that to happen.”
Related articles
UN urges people to eat insects to fight world hunger | KurzweilAI
While I admit that I am a bit of a coward when it comes to trying different foods, I am always amazed at evidence of God’s consideration in everything that exists on the earth. God provides in amazing ways and knowing that there are options like this for the hungry of the world just reinforces the word of God and His promise to provide for us. King James Version
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-8
UN urges people to eat insects to fight world hunger | KurzweilAI.
The report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organizationsays that eating insects could help boost nutrition and reduce pollution, BBC News reports.
It notes than over 2 billion people worldwide already supplement their diet with insects.
Wasps, beetles and other insects are currently “underutilized” as food for people and livestock, the report says.
The authors point out that insects are nutritious, with high protein, fat and mineral content. Read the rest at UN urges people to eat insects to fight world hunger | KurzweilAI.
HAPPINESS
Happiness in this world, when it comes, comes incidentally.
Make it the object of pursuit, and it leads us on a
wild-goose chase, and is never attained. Follow some
other object, and very possibly we may find that
we have caught happiness without dreaming of it.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Update from Pastor Kerry Mauldin
Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Your prayers are being answered in the villages!! Much more prayers needed!!
Below is a list of church plaques, we just got list today, to go on churches that we gave for in Feb-March.
We gave 59 Prayer Sheds and churches. We took offerings you gave and in some cases added to them with money that was given as a matching contribution of $25,000.
So many villages churches are being planted and growing! It is joy especially as we are teaching those in India to tithe and give and we join beside them to build and drill…
Thank you all so so much! These are just some of the 59 churches given. Please, now pray that churches be complete and we go in Oct to dedicate!
Prayer works and we count on your prayers!
Thank you all so so much for encouraging and standing beside us with investment! It is such a joy to work together and touch lives for Christ!! Urgency!!
Kerry and Melody Mauldin
PO Box 140402
Broken Arrow, Ok 74014
Dear Kerry sir
these are the information of plaques for Feb 2013. one church from Atipamula you told that you will send the plaque information for that you also said it is some Baptist Church so please send the information.
i thank you for all your prayers and encouragement
convey my greetings to Melody Madam.
with much of regards and prayers.
CHERLAGOURARAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ALTUS AG & SNYDER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
PITTALAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
STIGLER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
GORENKALAPALI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
Z.V.GUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
PICKENS AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DHERAVAT THANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
PANAMA ASSEMBLY OF GOD & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
INDLURU
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
SOULS HARBOUR CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
HALIYA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY OF PASTOR NOTCHIE TWIST & SHULTER AG& MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SANTOSH NAGAR
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
HASKELL AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
MANDARAJAPALLI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
BROKEN BOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
PALAVARAM THANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
SPRIT LIFE CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NEREDCHERLA COLONY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MEEKER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
VENGANAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
OOLAGAH AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SALARJUNGPET
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
GROVE AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ALAGNUR CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ROUND UP COW BOY CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NARAYANGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
ROUND UP COW BOY CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KODAD X ROAD
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
OKEMA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DAIDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
WINSLOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KESHVAPURAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
JUDY HENRY FAMILY& MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NEREDCHERLA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MIAMI APOSTOLIC CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
BOTHALAPALEM CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
HOME STYLE ASSISTED LIVING & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SAVALAGUDEM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
THOMAS CHURCH & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
GUDIBANDA
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
TULA ROSA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
NARSAPURAM CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GOD
BY
TULA ROSA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ANTAGIRI CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
POTEAU AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
UTHLAPALLY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
VANITA AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ENABAMULA CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
FAITH AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
KOTHATHANDA CHURCH
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MT. SHERMAN AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
DASARI NEMALLIPURAM
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
STIGLER AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
UPHALAPHAD
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
FAIR VIEW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
MIDTANPALLI
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
CANYON DELORO AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ARVAPALLY
BUILT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
RED OAK AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
ALFANAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
MOUNTAIN HOME AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIE
THRIPPRARAM
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN HONOUR OF HEROLD AND ROSE HULL 50TH ANNIVERSARY & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SRINIVASA NAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY OF OLEN TAYLOR & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
HAMU THANDA
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
IN MEMORY CF & OLLIE MAULDIN & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
AMBADKER NAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
BROKEN BOW AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
SAGAR
DRILL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
BY
WEBBERS FALLS AG & MAULDIN MINISTRIES.
Ministering
Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herid’s steward, reminds me of many women in the church today. These are the women that don’t have time to get out and actively minister but they minister in many other ways. Luke 8:1-3 tells us:
Luke 8
21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
8 And it came to pass afterward that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who ministered unto Him from their substance.
So many women today spend so much of their time taking care of their children, working so that they may provide for the household, taking care of the physical aspects of the house, and yet still find time to minister in their church, either by teaching Sunday School, or helping in the Women’s Ministry, volunteering when their is a death to provide meals or support for the family, and in so many other ways. Even when they can not provide in any other way, they are often the ones that find the extra money to add to the offering when there are missionaries, or even provide them with a place to stay when they visit.
These are women that take the time to come in on days when they might rather be at home, often when they themselves are hurting, to organize for the choir, for benefits, for children’s projects or to greet visitors. Look around your own church and I am sure that you will find that there are many women who spend much more time taking care of the needs of the church than you realize.
We feed around a hundred to a hundred and fifty children at our church on Wed. nights, and we have a wonderful husband and wife team that is in charge of it. Both these people have regular jobs, and yet they find time to come in early, we start serving at 6pm, so they have to be there by 5pm at the latest, they fix the meal, feed the children, and then clean up afterwards. Usually we have other volunteer’s to help them but sometimes it is a challenge. There are also people who watch the children while they eat, check them in, watch them before and after the meal when they are on the playground and in the gym. And then there are the wonderful teachers who take the time to teach all of these children during the church service. Many of these are women who miss out on the lesson from the Pastor and from visiting missionaries. And most of them are Mother’s, or even Grandmother’s.
I would like to take this moment and say thank you to all of these who volunteer behind the scenes doing jobs that we often take for granted. If you have time, and are not already doing it, why not look around your church. There are always needs to be met. Perhaps this is something that God has in mind for you. A Minister is not just a formal job, but it is also an outreach to all who they come in contact with.
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Fair and Just
Psalm 19:9
9 Reverence for the Lord is good;
it will continue forever.
The judgments of the Lord are just;
they are always fair.
Do you ever stop to consider the words “fair” and “just”? We use them everyday, our children bring them to our attention when we reprimand them. How often have you heard “that’s not fair?” But what does it mean to be fair, or what does it mean to be just? We sometimes link them together, and in ways they have similar meanings, but they are not the same are they?
The dictionary tells us that Just means:
- Honorable and fair in one’s dealings and actions
- Consistent with what is morally right
- Law Valid within the law, lawful
- Suitable or proper in nature, fitting
- Based on fact or sound reason, well-founded
Some of the related words to Just, are:
- fair
- honorable
- right
- righteous
- impartial
- reasonable
Being Just leads to Justice and yet Justice does not always lead to Fair because justice is supposed to treat everyone equally. Treating everyone equally is to hold people accountable for their actions. Lawfully you are bound to obey, irregardless of the circumstances.
“Justice is a certain rectitude of mind, whereby a man does what he ought to do in the circumstances confronting him.” Thomas Aquinas
The definition of Justice is:
- the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments
- judge
- the administration of law; especially: the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
- the quality of being just, impartial, or fair
- the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action: conformity to this principle or ideal: righteousness
- conformity to truth, fact, or reason: correctness
When Solomon was confronted with the decision of who the baby belonged to in 1 Kings 3:16-27, the fairness of his decision was evident and justice prevailed.
1 Kings 3:16-27
King James Version (KJV)
16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
17 And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
19 And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
21 And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.
22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
23 Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
And yet unlike our children, most of us know that life itself is inherently unfair. The definition of fairness is:
The quality of making judgments that are free from discrimination.
And yet everything in our lives makes us biased to a degree. Sometimes to a degree that what we do is unfair to everyone involved. Take children’s games for instance. We don’t want to see one child hurt, so we decide that they all are winners. In doing this we encourage the idea that all life has to be fair. The child who wins, loses because he can not claim the mantle of winning, the child that loses, loses more than the race because he loses the ability to understand the value of trying hard and failing. Life is not perfect and what we don’t learn as children is much harder to accept as an adult. It breeds resentment on the part of the child who wins, and an attitude of being owed on the part of the child who lost.
It is neither fair nor just to teach our children that all must be winners and that all must be equal. I am not saying that we shouldn’t teach our children to try to be fair, or that we should not be as fair as possible ourselves. What I am saying is that we need to teach our children to handle life as it is and not as we would like it to be. Nothing on this earth is perfect and never will be until our Lord returns and ushers in His kingdom.
When the Lord comes to rule the earth. He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness. Psalm 96:13
What we think of as fair is not always what is fair. In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus gives us the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20
King James Version (KJV)
20 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
This example of unequal work for equal pay would make heads spin today. And yet there is a valuable lesson here that is that value is not seen the same way by all, and what is valuable to the owner of the vineyard was getting the harvest in. People who think everything has to be fair would be very disappointed and yet it is one of the most important lessons that all of us need in life. The ones that come in last are just as important to the job getting done, as those who are there from the beginning. It is the same lesson that we learn in the Prodigal Son and many of the other parables.
True fairness and justice will not come into the world until He returns and we are being unfair and unjust to our children if we do not teach them this. I am not saying that we should not teach them to be fair and just, only that utopia on earth is impossible and that we must do our best, but that it is naive to expect that from others. We need to teach them that all men have free will and that there are those that choose to do evil. To expect them to believe that everyone is good and does there best is to expect them to believe in fairytales. We can not protect our children all the time, nor can we keep them ignorant. We need to teach them to protect themselves and to rely on God. We need to teach them to have the complete armor that God has given us.
Let me end with this:
“God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now He commands all of them everywhere to turn away from evil ways. For he has fixed a day in which He will judge the whole wold with justice by means of a man He has chose. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising this man from death!” Acts 17:30-31 GNT
― Dennis Wholey
― Svetlana Alexievich, Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster
Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist for Religious Tolerance Policy
Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist for Religious Tolerance Policy.
“Today, we face incredibly well-funded gangs of fundamentalist Christian monsters who terrorize their fellow Americans by forcing their weaponized and twisted version of Christianity upon their helpless subordinates in our nation’s armed forces.”
Those words were recently written by Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), in a column he wrote for the Huffington Post. Weinstein will be a consultant to the Pentagon to develop new policies on religious tolerance, including a policy for court-martialing military chaplains who share the Christian Gospel during spiritual counseling of American troops.
Weinstein decries what he calls the “virulent religious oppression” perpetrated by conservative Christians, whom he refers to as “monstrosities” and “pitiable unconstitutional carpetbaggers,” comparing them to “bigots” in the Deep South during the civil rights era.
He cites Dr. James Dobson—the famous Christian founder of Focus on the Family—as “illustrating the extremist, militant nature of these virulently homophobic organizations’ rhetorically-charged propaganda.” Regarding those who teach orthodox Christian beliefs from the Bible, Weinstein concludes, “Let’s call these ignoble actions what they are: the senseless and cowardly squallings of human monsters.”
Weinstein then endorses the ultra-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), who publishes a list of “hate groups.” Alongside truly deplorable organizations like the KKK, the SPLC’s list includes a host of traditional Christian organizations (for their support of traditional marriage) and Tea Party organizations (for supporting limited government). Weinstein says SPLC correctly labels them all as “hate groups.”
Floyd Lee Corkins—the first person ever convicted of domestic terrorism in federal court under the laws of Washington, D.C.—told the FBI that he chose his intended shooting spree targets from the SPLC website’s map. Corkins was arrested at the offices of the Family Research Council (FRC) after shooting a security guard in August 2012. His court documents state that Corkins intended to kill as many people as possible.
Weinstein also supports Lt. Col. Jack Rich, the Army officer who wrote to subordinate officers that soldiers who hold traditional Christian beliefs agreeing with organizations on SPLC’s “hate group” list are incompatible with “Army values” and should be carefully watched and excluded from military service.
According to Weinstein, “We should as a nation effusively applaud Lt. Col. Rich.” He adds that the nation should “venture further” than Rich’s recommendations, saying, “We MUST vigorously support the continuing efforts to expose pathologically anti-gay, Islamaphobic, and rabidly intolerant agitators for what they are: die-hard enemies of the United States Constitution. Monsters, one and all. To do anything less would be to roll out a red carpet to those who would usher in a blood-drenched, draconian era of persecutions, nationalistic militarism, and superstitious theocracy.”
Many media outlets are silent on this disturbing new alliance between fanatical secularists and leaders in the Pentagon appointed by President Barack Obama and Secretary Chuck Hagel, under which the U.S. military would officially consult with someone with such foaming-at-the-mouth passionate hostility toward traditional Christians, including Evangelicals and devout Catholics. The military—America’s most heroic and noble institution—includes countless people of faith, and this represents a radical departure from the U.S. military’s warm embrace of people of faith in its ranks.
Yet the little coverage this story is getting is positive, such as this Washington Post columnthat somehow manages not to carry any of these frightening quotes from Weinstein and instead actually endorses the Pentagon’s meeting with him. Sally Quinn’s Post column also approvingly quotes MRFF Advisory Board member Larry Wilkerson as saying, “Sexual assault and proselytizing, according to Wilkerson, ‘are absolutely destructive of the bonds that keep soldiers together.’”
Did you get that? They say having someone share the Christian gospel with you is akin to being raped. Weinstein makes sure there are no doubts, being quoted by the Post as adding, “This is a national security threat. What is happening [aside from sexual assault] is spiritual rape. And what the Pentagon needs is to understand is that it is sedition and treason. It should be punished.” Read the rest at: Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist for Religious Tolerance Policy.
Shame
Stained glass at St John the Baptist’s Anglican Church http://www.stjohnsashfield.org.au, Ashfield, New South Wales. Illustrates Jesus’ description of himself “I am the Good Shepherd” (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11). This version of the image shows the detail of his face. The memorial window is also captioned: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of William Wright. Died 6th November, 1932. Aged 70 Yrs.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
To accept Jesus in our lives there is one requirement and that is to be ashamed of our past and to repent of our sins. If you go in with an attitude that you are inherently good and sinless and that you can go on with your life as before, you are fooling only yourselves and not Jesus. For those who teach that your salvation is their road to salvation and that therefore you must choose to follow what they teach, I only feel a great sadness. These will never truly know God because they are not sorry for their own actions, they are sorry for yours. Perhaps they truly believe that they can force you to be sinless and that they will profit in Jesus eyes because of that. That is not what Jesus teaches, nor is it anywhere in the Bible. Nothing that we do can get us into heaven except of accepting Jesus Christ into our lives and repenting of our actions, not the actions of others.
We can and should be ashamed of the actions of others that we see when they preach sin and ignorance and lead others astray. We should correct them when we can, and most of all we should pray that God reveals to them the error of their ways. Especially knowing that the final destination for those is coming with the judgment and return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Only with the support of Jesus and the armor provided by God can we withstand what is coming. Only with the blood of Jesus can we reach heaven and the sight of God. When we accept Jesus into our lives and repent of our sins, He enters in and it is His blood that redeems us. Not our own actions, not our effort, but the sacrifice that He made. But if we believe that we can continue to sin without regards to the sacrifice that He gave, we are denying that He was worthy and that we are new. Instead we are clinging to the old and it shows that we do not love Him.
How can we stop this deadly cycle? By continually immersing ourselves in Him. With prayer, with reading His word, with congregating with others who share our belief. Faith grows with practice, our armor is strengthened with use. Like the sword that is hardened with dipping it in fire and hammering it to withstand the blows of others. God bless you and please take time to open your Bible. If you don’t have one, check out sites like Bible Gateway, you can read online and there is no charge.
Hebrews 9:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Hebrews 10:11-13
King James Version (KJV)
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Hebrews 10:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
King James Bible (Photo credit: freefotouk)
