tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40219460236509809032024-03-13T11:00:50.698-07:00My Captive Thoughts Many thoughts come flying through my head ... some I like so much I won't let them leave.David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-66562344841534047362016-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:002016-03-17T10:45:04.827-07:00<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">People Need People</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Great week-end… packed from dusk to dawn every day. We finished the Marriage Seminar on Saturday and the response was everything we had hoped for. There were great questions being asked and we had some very strong and lively discussion times. A few people told us that this teaching could save their marriage. We reminded them that the teaching couldn’t save anything, but doing as the teaching taught could, because these are the words of the Holy Spirit. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT8l57S5Ick/VurskRYBzcI/AAAAAAAAk9I/H-h0QPq583Y5ng73yDzY0sVz9M38VO_FA/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT8l57S5Ick/VurskRYBzcI/AAAAAAAAk9I/H-h0QPq583Y5ng73yDzY0sVz9M38VO_FA/s640/IMG_3725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmfiZrfQaJI/VurskYmDh7I/AAAAAAAAk9E/wl2NLs-BrBE01_J2zt6q6GDvME3lmI1Zg/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmfiZrfQaJI/VurskYmDh7I/AAAAAAAAk9E/wl2NLs-BrBE01_J2zt6q6GDvME3lmI1Zg/s640/IMG_3727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
After dropping in the bed that Saturday night, it was up at 4:30 am for a 3 hour drive to Nairobi to speak at what looks to be our next StoneHouse church family and then on to pick up my beloved wife from the African Natural Medicine Seminar. We had a good safe drive home … thanks to our spiritual son Njeroge the Matatoo driver… and once again… we collapsed in bed. <span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The pictures in this post are from the church we taught at Sunday morning. The man pictured is 86 years old. After a few songs, he came to the front and began to introduce ‘his’ children from the orphanage he takes care of. One after another he brought them up stroking their faces, patting their heads and telling the unbelievable horror stories of what these children have suffered before winding up in his care. I cannot tell you how deeply his stories touched us. The teen girls and the little ones pictured here were horribly physically abused. I sat in my seat as the little one in the green and grey stripped shirt began to cry as their protector told of her horrifying life. My heart broke as I thought of the incredible need for people to come and minister to the hundreds of thousands of children just like these.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdfwCvELTeY/VursgE8cXsI/AAAAAAAAk88/lWDewA0kYUgPXlL26JVf6q4F3GygR_Ozw/s1600/DSC02537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdfwCvELTeY/VursgE8cXsI/AAAAAAAAk88/lWDewA0kYUgPXlL26JVf6q4F3GygR_Ozw/s640/DSC02537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rekCCK7NKyw/Vurshl9oghI/AAAAAAAAk9A/7l_GtGBp6KM_bUm-JgwO3VzP1seM6i_1A/s1600/DSC02536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rekCCK7NKyw/Vurshl9oghI/AAAAAAAAk9A/7l_GtGBp6KM_bUm-JgwO3VzP1seM6i_1A/s640/DSC02536.jpg" width="630" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
Being in Kenya has been an incredible eye-opening revelation. We have learned much. Here is a short synopsis…<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="s1"><b><i>People… need people</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">To begin with please do not interpret this as criticism to any person or organization doing active ministry. Our Father has called many people to many different things. Many missionaries are doing an incredible work of compassionate service to the people of Kenya. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">But, our personal observation of things going on around us lead us to wonder if those things have any lasting effect on the<b><i> advancement </i></b>of the Kingdom of God. As the incredible missionary to India, Amy Carmichael, once wrote in her courageous book ‘Things As They Are’ … all things are not as they appear.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">At first glance, East Africa seems to be inundated with Christian churches. It will even appear that many of these churches look like they are filled with zealous disciples of Christ. Sunday morning services are filled with emotion, exuberance, and stirring testimonies of how God has blessed them. Yet most of those blessings are centered around the accumulation of money or other physical enrichments. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Yet, is this what excited the early church? No! This is the testimony of the early Christians … </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; (col. 1: 3-6)</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles ’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (Acts 4: 32-35)</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It was the revelation of the Life of God that first century disciples excitedly wrote about and not how much God gave them. They’re hearts were set on the advancement of the Kingdom of God… not the advancement of the kingdom of stuff. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Secondly… Somehow we have imagined ourselves spiritually ahead of people who lived in the first 300 years of the church.. but sadly … we are not. They knew that when God had something to say to humanity… He didn’t do so through a book, track, or a teaching (much less Facebook). When God sent His word to humans in the early Church … He wrapped His word in a human. How else could they understand what is spoken? There is no substitute for human presence. It is how our Father designed the advancement of the gospel of the Kingdom of God. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Just trying to teach the meaning of the scriptures, fails to do much spiritually, without a living example demonstration of what is meant by those scriptures! Please don’t misunderstand me … we need bibles, books, tracks but we equally need people to demonstrate what they mean! It has taken years for the people listening to our teachings to understand what we mean when we teach them even the basic doctrines of the faith. And rarely is this is ever accomplished without living out what you mean in front of them. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It is revealing that Christ asks these questions to His disciples… </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? </i></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? </i></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>And how shall they hear without a preacher? </i></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>And how shall they preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14,15)</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The first two questions are answered by accepting the importance of the last two. Lost people don’t need materials and information as much as they need people who can <i>demonstrate</i> the message they bring. In the same way even saved people need gifted people who can <i>demonstrate</i> what they teach.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">People… need people. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">That is why Christ gave people to the church and not just learning materials.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><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; (Eph. 4: 11-13)</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Ask yourself… what am I doing with the majority of time in my life? Serving myself… or serving <i>God? </i>People … children… women… are (literally) dying for help. What am I doing to help them? If you are not actively involved in ministry please help us… help them!! </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Much grace…and love … the StoneHouse Family of Disciples.</span></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-75457901151679819352016-01-17T21:10:00.000-08:002016-01-18T01:10:51.027-08:00Donations?<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Should We Ask For Donations?</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7GjtYZQFUY/Vpu7CH4rWZI/AAAAAAAAkpk/yfytEY69OLk/s1600/IMG_1882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7GjtYZQFUY/Vpu7CH4rWZI/AAAAAAAAkpk/yfytEY69OLk/s640/IMG_1882.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I should begin this post by explaining that my opinions concerning asking for financial assistance with the work we do in Kenya has radically been altered over the past three years. This short message is for anyone wondering whether or not to financially help ‘missionaries’ with their work. I have put missionaries in quotes, because unfortunately not all missionaries are what they seem. Before you emotionally give to any request for funds … check them out. Enough said. </div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Before we pulled up stakes and moved to Nakuru Kenya to live in the slums, I had some rather naive views of missionaries asking for financial help. Here are some of those very narrow thoughts…</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Why can’t those sent out by God just depend on Him and not beg people for help? Why are they constantly asking for monetary assistance from those back home? Doesn’t God provide where He guides? Does every other correspondence have to include pictures of needy or dying children? </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W96a_53RevY/Vpu_qt_bAzI/AAAAAAAAkqE/H8AmfMklA_c/s1600/IMG_8380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W96a_53RevY/Vpu_qt_bAzI/AAAAAAAAkqE/H8AmfMklA_c/s640/IMG_8380.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Now to some of you, especially my missionary friends, that might seem pretty gross … and it is, but it is what I wondered and to my shame, sometimes even verbalised. When our Father sent my wife and I to Africa, we so desired (and still desire) to go in real faith and depend entirely on Him. We so wanted our work to glorify Him and not just be viewed as humanitarian efforts. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Not that there is anything wrong with humanitarian efforts, they help many deserving poor here in Kenya and throughout the world. Its just that we wanted our work be seen as primarily being about His Kingdom, His work, and His provision. I think the patriarch Abraham felt that same way, because he was very passionate about our Father’s honour. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJovH6AbCTQ/Vpu4H5XSIdI/AAAAAAAAkpQ/hJeS1LPTygU/s1600/IMG_1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJovH6AbCTQ/Vpu4H5XSIdI/AAAAAAAAkpQ/hJeS1LPTygU/s640/IMG_1852.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
After Abraham fought and rescued people from their captors he was offered a reward. He refused their offer and in so doing, revealed his single mindedness concerning the glory of God. Scriptures like this one made me jealous for God’s glory… </div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>“But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, “I have made Abram rich’—“ </i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>(Gen. 14:22,23)</i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
And yet, upon more closely examining the scriptures and the lives of the missionaries I admired, it was clear that most of the time God used His people to supply the needs of His workers and they let other people know what they were. See (1Tim. 5:17,18), (2 Cor. 11:9) etc. . </div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The second reality check that changed those naive thoughts came when coming face to face with the incredible scope of the needs in third world people and especially those living in slums. Hundreds and thousands of needs, so vast, so dire, that it can completely overwhelm a western mind. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiFPOuAdTcQ/Vpu74q26r3I/AAAAAAAAkps/16g5Ft4gTUg/s1600/IMG_2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UiFPOuAdTcQ/Vpu74q26r3I/AAAAAAAAkps/16g5Ft4gTUg/s640/IMG_2078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
Children die here for the lack of medicine costing the same price as a McDonalds happy meal. Widows with families are put out on the street for less than two trips to Starbucks. And yes… we know that we can cripple personal initiative by giving too much… but for God’s sake (literally), … should we let people become homeless or even die for less than five dollars? <span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Please understand… due to the corruption found in so much of the clergy here in Kenya, we don’t take one shilling from any of our churches or other ministries. We feel it important that Kenyans see we are not the ‘monetary benefactors’ of our ministries (see Luke 22: 24-27). That money goes back into the ministries. And yes, we know there are balancing scriptures that say a workman is worthy of his wages, don’t muzzle the ox as he threshes … etc., but the extent of leaders taking advantage of the flock in this area is enormous. As a result, all our support comes from God through family, friends and our Social Security checks. Sometimes if a personal need is beyond our ability to obtain, we will let other people know about it. Yet, it is important to us, that we know our Father is backing us up in whatever ministry we undertake. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">But… what should we do when we see children with such immense potential, desperately wanting an education and the parent/s, having tried everything, still can’t afford it? Or abandoned mothers trying so hard to take care of her family’s needs with little or no hope of employment? And all the while, knowing there are people back home having both the will and means to alleviate such hardships? </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxkyWGtvvE4/Vpu592lN0lI/AAAAAAAAkpc/IDJPBqk4_Cc/s1600/IMG_8313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxkyWGtvvE4/Vpu592lN0lI/AAAAAAAAkpc/IDJPBqk4_Cc/s640/IMG_8313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I will tell you what we’ve decided to do… we’re going to let those needs be known! </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Once I asked a dear Indian pastor friend of mine, what he felt about taking money from people who he knew were not being obedient to God. His ministry takes care of thousands of orphaned children and his reply was stingingly revealing. He said … I don’t care what those people do or don’t do… the blood of Jesus cleanses the money I receive … I need to take care of these children! I thought wow… perhaps that helps explain the second half of this proverb… “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children 's children, <b><i>But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous”. (Proverbs 13:22) </i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b><i></i></b></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Sometimes I’m not sure of the theology of such ideas, but I sure know and agree with the heart behind it. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB4FP25ZPls/VpvGP1CAFgI/AAAAAAAAkqk/vaviOMgtC4o/s1600/IMG_8831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB4FP25ZPls/VpvGP1CAFgI/AAAAAAAAkqk/vaviOMgtC4o/s640/IMG_8831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">So beloved friends and family… all that to say this… when we post a need on Facebook or put up a request for assistance through our website, blogs etc., know that it is with great trepidation that we do so. Should our Father move on your hearts to help us (or any true missionary) help His people or the lost and dying of this corrupt world… please do so. And remember… every cent you give to StoneHouse Ministries goes exactly where you designate it to go. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">May this New Year be the best you’ve ever had, and thank you so much for helping us... help them. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Much love from the StoneHouse Family.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-64460765573744651802015-03-31T10:51:00.000-07:002015-03-31T10:51:30.097-07:00Its time to be strong…<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Those who do wickedly
against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; <b>but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the
people who understand shall instruct many;</b> yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity
and plundering. (Daniel 11:32-33)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I engaged in a communication with a dear friend
about politics and speaking out against social evils. His concerns were centered
around taking stands and speaking out on what Christ’s teaches. Although I
believe there are times we should exercise restraint on public issues and
should always let what we say be tempered with mercy and grace, I also firmly
believe, this is not the time to remain silent. My response to him is below.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“The issue is not and
never has been about politics or ranting... the issue is about promoting what
our Master teaches through what we do and say. That Kingdom we want men to turn
to, is categorically against the teachings of this world and we must be seen as
standing with Him. (As He is in Heaven... aren't we to be in the earth?) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>American culture and
government has begun stating that Christians can believe whatever they want,
but will not be allowed to put those beliefs into practice. Walking in and speaking
what our Master teaches can land you in American prisons. His teachings will be
labeled as 'intolerance, bigotry, hate speech and a host of other derogatory,
inflammatory rhetoric. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Yet our choices will
become increasingly simple... follow the ideology promoted by American culture
and government or... follow Christ. If we choose to follow Christ then we will
be ostracized and persecuted. Because ALL who desire to be godly in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted. If all we offer our fellow human beings remains in
the realm of what we think and not what we do and say... then we offer them
nothing. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Consider American
beliefs on promoting such things as ....the validity of homosexual lifestyles
or pursuing the 'American Dream', etc. . Just as you can deny Christ by what
you do just as well as denying him with your mouth. You can also deny Christ by
what you don't say. If our lives aren't reflecting what we believe through what
we do and say, then again, we offer the world nothing. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>There is a vast
difference between warning the world of the coming judgment and 'ranting',
though many times they appear the same. Throughout history the Holy Spirit
spoke openly against public leaders and cultural evils from the religious ones
to the political ones and He always used His people to speak them. (see Ezek.
13:18, Zep. 2:5, Mat 23:13-29, Isaiah 23:13, Luke 13:32). If He is the same
yesterday and today then He will cause His people to speak against the social
evils of today as well. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This is not a time to be quiet. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The effects of
American Christianity remaining silent and enjoying the cultural norms are
being manifested today. May God have mercy on us all. I write this not wanting
to be argumentative, but because I know others will read this and I believe...
need to consider what it means. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>From your forever
friend, David.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The effects of Christians in America (or most Christianized
nations) remaining silent amidst the disintegrating condition of Christianity, while
enjoying the cultural wickedness in this age is now being manifested. Our
Father has always moved His people to address wickedness in every age and I
believe, even now, there are a few addressing this condition and it will cost
them dearly to stand with Christ. Yet progressively today’s Christians are
being told by culture and government … believe what you will, but don’t you dare
talk about it or put it into practice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is time to be strong, instruct many on the words of
Christ and do great exploits. The result will be persecution from government
and ostracized by our culture. (See Daniel 11:32,33) Yet… what is the
alternative? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like Joshua of old… our Father wants to lead us into the
next level of things and He is again telling us … only be strong and
courageous. We are to make disciples of the nations teaching them everything He
teaches us. May we never forget the fate awaiting those who ignore His word. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Be strong and of good
courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I
swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that
you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded
you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper
wherever you go. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your
words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and
of good courage." (Jos 1:6-7, 18)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The StoneHouse Family</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-3356188318740209652015-02-23T06:12:00.001-08:002015-02-23T06:12:40.427-08:00Dormant Gifts?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Dormant
Gifts?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Idolatry is
a divided heart. If in any particular the heart is divided, and the Lord does
not have the full and final place, that is idolatry. <b>A reservation, another consideration and influence from another
direction, an affection, ambition, possession, pursuit, indulgence, which
stands in the way of the utter will of God and His Glory is idolatry. Upon that
thing, and because of that divided heart the heavenly purpose will crash, the
vocation will break down, the servant be a disappointment, and the blessing to
the world be hindered. That servant will be set aside. </b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">T.
Austin Sparks. ‘The Servant of the Lord’.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"Many of those who once were so passionately in love with Christ now
run about pursuing their own interests. They're burdened down with stress and
problems, chasing after riches and the things of this world." David Wilkerson<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do not neglect the gift that is in you</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of
the eldership. <b>Meditate on these things;
give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. </b>Take
heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them<b>, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.</b> (1Timothy 4:14-16)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now we all know that Christ is our Salvation, but this verse
indicates, that there is a sense in which we must save ourselves and others.
(Don’t argue with me, argue with the above verse). Because if resting in Jesus
only means to you, living ‘<b><i>the wonderful, good life of your culture’</i></b>,
you have completely missed the very reason you were saved in the first place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Some of the hard questions we should be asking ourselves in
response to the present state Christianity is in and the above verse should be…
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do I so fully give myself in the exercising of my gift, that
it’s apparent to everyone around me? Am
I ignoring the gift God gave me? Am I meditating on the ramifications of what
will happen to me and others if I neglect that gift? Am I really serious about
the business of saving others and myself as well? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If you have been given new birth and consider yourself a part
of Christ then you have already been given your spiritual gift and have already
been called to live His life to the fullest, get in the fight and do great
exploits. And yes, we know that Mother Teresa said… “We cannot do great things,
but rather small things with great love”. But if that woman didn't do great
things… then no one has.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our message to our brothers and sisters who are patiently
waiting for God to reveal their gift and tell them what their calling is, is rather
simple… quit waiting… get up… and get into the fight! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight;
while children go<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">hungry, as they do now I'll fight; while men go to
prison, in and out,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is
a drunkard<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the
streets, while there<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll
fight, I'll fight<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">to the very end!" - William Booth<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Young people, do you love to read about Jim Elliot, Nate
Saint and others who devoted their lives
to the Kingdom? Have you heard what Jim
Elliot spoke to the youth of his generation?
He had some pretty stiff words for those who were ‘bored with the things
of God’. I think this applies to the youth of this generation as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“</span></i><a href="http://en.thinkexist.com/quotation/those-whimpering-stateside-young-people-will-wake/401181.html"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Those
whimpering Stateside (living in America) <b>young</b> <b>people</b> will wake
up on the Day of Judgment condemned to worse fates than these demon-fearing
Indians, because, having a Bible, they were bored with it - while these never
heard of such a thing as writing” .</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Jim Elliot<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our point is simply this… being fully saved, includes
working, fighting and even dying for our King. What are you doing with the
supernatural gift God gave you to increase His Kingdom? Have you even bothered
to find out what it is?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is a world of
lost, starving, dying, and freaking out people that need something more than
religious pat answers. I don’t know if
anyone has noticed … but things are going downhill pretty quickly in America
and the rest of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Do we really think we’re in this end time cosmic fight
because we go to religious concerts and wear Christian T-shirts? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"Radical Christians are not people who wear
Christian t-shirts.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Radical Christians are those who bear fruit of the
Holy Spirit...A<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">little boy, Andrew, a Muslim shot him five times
through the <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">stomach and left him on a sidewalk simply because he
said, 'I <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">am so afraid, but I cannot deny Jesus Christ! Please
don't kill <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">me! But I will not deny Him!' He died in a pool of
blood, and you <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">talk about being a radical Christian because you wear
a t-shirt!" <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-Paul Washer<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So the question we are asking our
readers is this … what are you doing? Not what are you discussing in your living
rooms… not what stimulating teachings are you listening to … but what, in this fallen
world … are you doing? Our brothers and
sister’s around the world are being persecuted and killed. Young people are
leaving the church. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Apathy and
complacency is growing exponentially. So our question is … what in the world
are you doing about it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Grace and Mercy from your StoneHouse brothers and sisters. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-22487860690869166252015-02-15T09:34:00.000-08:002015-02-20T06:43:11.453-08:00A Question of Timing...<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I received a letter from a dear saint in America,
requesting advice on entering the foreign mission field. Because I feel this
relates to anyone desiring to find God’s will for their life, I am publishing
it here. This is my response. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Question
of Timing…</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear …… ; I just realized that I hadn't sent a response to
your question concerning what to do about taking care of your parents before entering
the foreign mission field. The issue of family responsibilities conflicting
with the call to the mission field, is one that many disciples have had to
struggle with. I know I did. And although I know you are aware of what the
scripture states, but, I would like you to know what I think they mean. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all, finding
an answer will require much prayer, wisdom and single mindedness, in seeking God’s truth. Any true answer concerning how and when to follow the Lord, must
be based on what Christ taught, as revealed in the scriptures and not what is
dictated by our personal feelings, the culture we live in or the fear of the
opinions of others. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ was very clear about counting the cost before
becoming His disciple. His reason was and is simple. There are two major issues
that can potentially thwart the Lord’s will for our lives. Those issues being, … people and possessions. (Luke 14:26, 33)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those issues are why Christ stated in no uncertain terms,
that we must first examine (or count) the cost of following Him into the work
of the Kingdom. Then we must decide in
our hearts, no matter what that cost, to obey Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"> The Great
Feast</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Great Feast of Luke 14: 15-35 is not about consuming
great tasty food at some heavenly diner. It’s about eating the food that Christ
referred to after confronting the woman at the well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In the
meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." But He said
to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." Therefore the
disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?" Jesus said to
them, <b>"My food is to do the will of
Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.</b> (John 4:31-34)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The food of the ‘Great Feast’, <b><i>is to do the Father’s will and
finish His work</i></b>. Not just talk about it, or discuss it in living rooms. Please read the passage below and ask yourself… how does this,
apply to my situation. It deals with the difference between <b><i>the
feelings </i></b>of wanting to serve in the Kingdom and the reality of the
cost. He loves you and will gladly share His wisdom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now when one of those who sat at the
table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the
kingdom of God!" Then He said to him, <b>"A
certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at
supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now
ready.' But they all with one accord
began to make excuses.</b> The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of
ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' And another
said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you
to have me excused.' Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore
I cannot come.' So that servant came and reported these things to his master. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then the master of the
house, being angry</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, said to his servant, 'Go out
quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the
lame and the blind.' And the
servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.'
Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and
compel them to come in, that my
house may be filled. <b>For I say to you
that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' </b>" Now great multitudes went with Him.
And He turned and said to them, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"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. And whoever does not bear his
cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For which of you, intending to build
a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the
foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was
not able to finish.' Or what king, going to make war against another king, does
not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet
him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is
still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So likewise, whoever of
you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> "Salt is good; but
if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit
for the land nor for the dunghill, but
men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Luke 14:15-35)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">The Timing
of His Call…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Our
time to come to the great Feast (ie. doing His will)… is when we receive the
invitation. You cannot ‘eat’ (do His will), without that invitation. And the
timing of the Feast is not up to us either. It is determined by when we receive
the invitation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Notice
their ‘reasons’ for not attending the Feast (or not doing God’s will) are
completely valid (nothing sinful here and most reasons are good) … yet… their negative
response, angered the King. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">It was if they were saying to the King… Hey! You </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> consider what I’m currently doing!
The timing of this dinner engagement is just too inconvenient! It conflicts
with what I think is important. We would love to come but… not today… maybe
later. It </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> as though we don’t want
to come, but just … not now. This response insulted the King’s knowledge of
their circumstances … hence, His anger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The
punishment for not heeding the King’s voice, was and still is … </span><b style="line-height: 115%;">“<i>For
I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.”</i>
</b><span style="line-height: 115%;">They </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">weren't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> condemned to hell, nor even cast away… they simply would not
be allowed to eat (ie</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">. do His work).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Following
Jesus into Kingdom work demands absolute devotion to His will. Anything short of
absolute commitment will leave us vulnerable in the terrific spiritual battles
that will ensue when we begin His work. And trust me… they will come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">This
is why, when a disciple is confronted with God’s call (invitation to do His
will) and responsibilities toward loved ones, even that of family members in
great need, His will must come first. A serious moment of reflection will
remind us… that He is the God of the universe and has already taken in consideration all the
ramifications and problems involved in my decision to follow Him, before He
sent the invitation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He said to another, "Follow
Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."
Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and
preach the kingdom Then of God." And another also said, "Lord, I will
follow You, but let me first go and
bid them farewell who are at my house." But Jesus said to him, "No
one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom
of God." (Luke 9:59-62)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Now
having said all that … please listen to me, when I say this. I am in no way
trying to indicate what or when you should do, whatever it is you feel the Lord
is leading you to do. <b><i>That is completely between you and our King.</i></b>
But if you believe that He is asking something of you, take the time to be very
clear as to what it might cost before you respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">If
our Father has asked you to stay and take care of your parents …by all means do
so. Yet, if that is so… understand, He has not sent you His invitation to come
work in the foreign mission field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Kingdom will only advance by our obedience and not our socially acceptable ideas.
The only righteous thing to do in any given situation is … whatever He tells us
to do. The mission field or the home field, are both valid places to lay down
our lives, but only when it is at His bidding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Someone
asked me once when was we called to Africa? My response was… we were never
called to Africa… we were called to follow Him and do His bidding. W</span>hat we are saying is this… if He has told you to go or begin
preparing to go out into the mission field, do not hesitate. But like Peter in
the boat… wait for His command.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord,
if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." (Mat 14:28)</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">If
you don’t know what He’s saying, then… wait until you do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">This
is one of the reasons I hope (at some point) you can come and visit us, meet
some other missionaries and see what missionary work is all about. If,
presently, you are still seeking to know His will is in this matter then
seeking to hear clearly His mind is exactly what you should be doing… presently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Don’t try to ‘second guess’ whether you’re
ready or not… faith cannot be taken out of ourselves and examined to see if we
have it… but … in whatever He asks you to do …grace will be there when you need
it. You really can… walk on water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Ask
the Lover of your soul for wisdom regarding this issue and he will not reproach
you, but rather will delight in giving you His wisdom on the matter. Only, be
ready to do whatever He says to do when He says do it… and … and don’t look back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is
like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man
suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man,
unstable in all his ways. (Jas 1:5-8)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But Jesus said to him, "No one,
having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of
God." (Luke 9:62)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">In
Conclusion…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">So
in conclusion… take your time, expect Him to speak to you and be ready to be
obey Him regardless of the cost. If you are willing to do His will… you will
know what He is asking of you. This is a
spiritual principal to know anything spiritual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"></span></i><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the
doctrine</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, (what I teach) whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. (John 7:17)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Concentrate
on becoming completely His. His strong support will come to you, based on your loyalty
and not your qualifications.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the eyes of the LORD run to and
fro throughout the whole earth, <b>to show
Himself strong on behalf of those
whose heart is loyal to Him."
</b>(2Ch 16:9)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THE
RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ARE OPEN TO THEIR PRAYERS; BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS
AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL." (1Pe 3:12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Always
remember… He’s the Father and we’re the children. Like any good Father it’s the
Father’s responsibility to let us know His heart, and it should be ours … to
obey it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Much
love … the StoneHouse Family of Believers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-2534822408714998002014-12-26T07:48:00.002-08:002014-12-26T19:16:09.735-08:00A very good year....<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear brothers and sisters, family and friends;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">On behalf of the entire StoneHouse family, we wish you all a
very Blessed Christmas and an Anointed New Year! May they both be in the presence
of everyone you love and be filled with your passionate service to our Father. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Secondly, we want to thank you for your continued support
for Cynthia, myself and the staff of StoneHouse
Ministries International (SMI) here in Kenya. Your love is being felt
half way around the world and is having an effect in the lives of hundreds of
Kenyans.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It has been somewhat
of an explosive year for us, with so many opportunities opening up to both preach
and demonstrate the gospel of our beloved King. It has not been without its setbacks
and heartaches, yet God’s grace has prevailed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A few things happening this year are as follows... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-year-of-moves.html">a
very moving year</a> ! We moved the Sewing Center, we moved the school and Cynthia
and I were able to move to Ponda Mali and finally be among the people we serve.
This has been our desire ever since we first came to Kenya. Most of you know
that we moved to Milimani, a very secure environment following the traumatic
events happening to us two and a half years ago. We desperately needed that
time in Milimani to recover.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, by our Father’s amazing grace, we live in the midst
of our beloved church family. The cost of our rent is less than one fifth of
what it was living in Milimani, enabling us to focus more of our resources on the
ministry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="lhttp://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-cow-and-good-beginning.html">StoneHouse
Fellowship Nakuru</a> (our local church family in Nakuru) is now paying their meeting
place rent, electric, water and caretaker … all on their own! This is another
amazing accomplishment, given that most of our members live in extremely
impoverished areas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The church in Nakuru has grown and has begun raising up sister
churches, <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/09/kamwaura-revisited.html">Kmwaura</a><a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/03/egashura.html"> , Engasura</a>
, and Ndunyu Njero. There are plans to open up three more church families the
first of next year. These families are learning to take care of each other and
interact through the whole week. Our intent in each of these churches is to make
Disciples of Christ and train them to walk a holy and Spirit filled existence
as revealed in the scriptures. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We are currently raising up young men and women to become
servant/warriors who will, in the future, guide our church families. This last
year SMI enabled two of our young men to attend a Spirit filled bible college
just outside of Nakuru. Both these young men are working in establishing our
churches in between semesters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our <b><i>African Shepherds Alliance</i></b> (ASA) <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2013/08/asa-conference-nairobi.htmll">members</a>
are being awakened to the weakened condition of Kenyan churches, who have
little or no biblical foundation. We have had three teaching seminars with
pastors from all over central Kenya. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/11/graduation.html">primary
school</a>, <b><i>StoneHouse Academy</i></b> with its eighty-five students, is growing
and adding another grade level (grade 6) this year. We are very close to the
school to being able to meet all its own bills and obligations, which is a
major accomplishment, given its existence is in the slums. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The StoneHouse Sewing enter, is now teaching widows and
single women how to live self-sustaining lives, through being taught how to use
electric sewing machines. This year we moved out of James and Beatrice’s living
room into our own little one room building. Soon after, we added another room
to accommodate our growth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">SMI has almost fully acquired 3.5 acres for our <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/05/stone-hill.html"><b><i>‘Solid
Rock Christian Community’</i></b></a>. This
shamba (farm) will be a place where StoneHouse workers plan to live, work and
serve God together. There are plans to for a small conference center,
orphanage, teaching center and to become a full on self-sustaining farm. We
lack only four thousand dollars in owning it completely and being debt free. This
has totally happened by God’s sovereignty. Click here to read how our Father
provided this incredible blessing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">By God’s grace, SMI was able to pull off a wonderful
spiritual festival called the ‘Ingathering’. This is something Cynthia and I
have been desiring to happen for over five years. This was the first time all
our church families were able to come together and celebrate something wholly
for the Lord with no worldly additives. I am currently working on a pictorial post
for <b><i>‘StoneHouse
Chronicles’</i></b> that will be filled with three days worth of pictures. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>SMI</i></b> was able to put on <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/08/stonehouse-ministries-international.html">free
medical clinic</a> this year, in the midst of the Rhonda slums and was able to
see and treat over 200 people. This was done in concert with St. Mary’s
Hospital, a prominent hospital just outside of Nakuru and seven wonderful
nurses from America. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This year we visited and ministered to people of the <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/12/part-iii-marvelous-massai.html">Massai
tribe</a><b><i>.</i></b> It was something we hope will continue all the way to the
establishing of a local New Testament family near the <a href="http://www.maasaimara.com/">Massai Mara</a> .<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, this year was filled with <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/11/richard-and-beth.html">new
friends</a> and working relationships
with other missionaries and mission organizations working here in Kenya. With
all our different views and bents we are learning what it means to serve Christ
together while enjoying each other’s fellowship.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some of those ministries and missionaries are ….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The wonderful people of Heaven’s Family… <a href="https://www.heavensfamily.org/">https://www.heavensfamily.org/</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Deborra Darren of ‘Threads of Hope’… <a href="http://www.threadsofhope.com.ph/">http://www.threadsofhope.com.ph/</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Richard and Beth Kope…. <a href="http://projectroret.wordpress.com/">http://projectroret.wordpress.com/</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Louie and Rita Self… <a href="http://www.rmicf.org/">http://www.rmicf.org/</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Robin and Kerry Nail…
and a many other beloved friends and
workers who are currently laying their lives down for the people of
Kenya. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">On a personal note, it has been for Cynthia and I, a year
filled with many drastic changes and faith challenges. Moving to Ponda Mali,
experiencing <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/2014/11/alien-eye-invader-this-dear-friends-is.html">eye surgery</a> surgery in Kenya, losing and gaining local workers, facing overwhelming
needs, financial challenges and now going through four months of separation due
to our daughter’s thyroid surgery, to list a few. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet I know I speak for my beloved wife as well, it
has been one of the best years of our life. We have seen our beloved God meet every
need and bring miraculous answers to every challenge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If asked what we want for Christmas, it would be just this…
that we could have more time to continue serving Him and His gospel… and that
His grace would continue to uphold our children and grandchildren who are also
paying a price by us not being able to be with them. Pray for us, pray for them
and pray for this ministry to continue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In conclusion; This year has been an incredible year, filled
with challenges changes, new experiences. We are looking forward to the New
Year with a quiet confidence that it will bring even more opportunities, challenges, changes,
new experiences and accompanying them all … His amazing grace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> May God bless you all…
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The StoneHouse family. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where we are on the web….</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">For our new friends... here is a list of places you can visit to know
more about who we are, what we believe what we’re doing about it.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> StoneHouse Blog…
updates what we’re doing here in Kenya</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">StoneHouse L.E.A.R.N. Ministry Blog… updates educational
ministry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://kenyalearn.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://kenyalearn.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">StoneHouse teaching Blog… updates things we believe </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://noahscaptivethoughts.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://noahscaptivethoughts.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">StoneHouse Website… gives basic information</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.stonehouseinternational.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.stonehouseinternational.org/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">StoneHouse Facebook page… updates almost everyday</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stonehouseministries"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/stonehouseministries</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Facebook page…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidnoah.taylor"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/davidnoah.taylor</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gofundme…. <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/d2xrtw">http://www.gofundme.com/d2xrtw</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-28483994960277723812014-10-16T08:52:00.002-07:002015-02-13T21:15:47.324-08:00The Ten Commandments for Leaders.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 27.6000003814697px;">This is what we teach pastors and leaders here in Kenya. Today we taught a group of bible college students these concepts. They really, really liked it. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Ten Commandments… for Leaders<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Five things leaders
should always do and five things they should never do.…or</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> How Not to ‘Lord Over’ God’s People.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i> 1. Always keep your relationship with
Christ current and lead in spiritual unity with others of like heart. </i></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2<i>. Always lay down your life for the church family
and show them how to lay their lives down for each other through a
demonstration of your everyday life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<i>
Always seek the church family’s counsel
and opinion on all matters concerning the church and ask them how you are doing
as a shepherd. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<i>
Always walk in openness and honesty and
never hiding anything from them… let them see your weaknesses. Remain
vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5<i>. Always give them a chance to share their
hearts with each other and do your best to ‘work yourself out of a job’ and not
preach them to death.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6. <i>Never try
to lead God’s people by fear, force or intimidation, but lead them by way of your example. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7<i>.
Never ask the church to do something you
yourself aren’t doing.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8.<i>
Never say anything to the church other than what is from a motive of sincere love
and their up-building. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9<i>.
Never give them a ‘new word’ until they
begin obeying and ‘walking out’ the previous one. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10<i>.
Never leave the church with just your opinions, but rather show them what the
scriptures say and demonstrate what you mean in your teaching by the conduct of
your everyday life. <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For what we teach is
what we think… but what we do is what we believe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scriptural References;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"> Scriptural</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"> References...</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">1 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2Cor 13:5, Psalm 129:33, 1Cor. 11:31,
etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts 14:23, 15:2, 6, 22,23, 16:4, 20:17, 21:18, 22;5, 1Tim 5:17, James 5:14, 1 Pet. 5:1, 5:5… etc. etc. .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">2 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">John 10:11, 15: 12-13, 1John 3:16, …
1Cor. 4:16, 11:1, Heb 6:12, 2Cor. 12:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">3 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts 15:22-25, 6:4-5, … 2Cor 12:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">4 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1Cor. 2:1-5, 2Cor. 4:2, 2:4 …. All of 2 Corinthians<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">5 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1Cor. 14:23-26<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">6 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2Cor.1:24, 2Cor. 5:20… 1Co. 4:16, 11:1, Heb 6:12, 2Cor. 12:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">7 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1Cor. 4:16, 11:1, Heb. 6:12, 2Cor. 12:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">8 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2Cor. 2:4,14, 2Cor 7:12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">9 <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mat. 13:12, Heb. 5:11-14, Isa. 28:9-10, 1Cor.3:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">10<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isa.
8:20, 34:16, Acts 17:11, 2Tim. 3: 15-17, 1John 4:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-64190726657035044212014-09-12T06:51:00.000-07:002014-09-12T06:51:16.331-07:00One Day...<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> One
Day….</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 19.5pt center 3.25in; text-align: center;">
<b><i>A
short scriptural warning to all my fellow Facebook users.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This writing is not
meant to condemn anyone using Facebook, I use it myself. Yet, like the man who
said … guns don’t kill people … people kill people, so we must choose <b>how </b>we use <b>what</b> we use. I hope this writing serves as a reminder that posting pictures,
videos, likes, dislikes, desires, and affinities on Facebook can portray a very
wrong picture of where our hearts and loyalties reside. Being followers of
Christ we must never forget that every day we are in a spiritual war for the
souls of men, women and children. It therefore grows increasingly important to
remember the all inclusive command to <b>‘do
all for the</b> <b>glory of God’.</b> (1Cornthians
10:31) Those words are still in effect today, even when using … Facebook. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One Day…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">One day… I fear we may regret much of what we ‘Liked’ on
Facebook… knowing that in so doing we were encouraging people in things we know </span><span style="font-size: 27px; line-height: 30.6666641235352px;">aren't</span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> God’s highest
and best for their spiritual development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give
account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified,
and by your words you will be condemned."
(Matthew 12:36-37)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather expose them. (Ephesians
5:11)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret every time we held back and failed to
stand with Christ and what He teaches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called
to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows
twice, you will deny Me three times."<b>
And when he thought about it, he wept. (Mark 14:72)<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me
scatters abroad. (Matthew 12:30)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret posting things that we ‘love’ in this
world instead of revealing the love of the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you
are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world
hates you. (John 15:19)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret being ashamed of Christ and His
teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful
generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the
glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also
confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men,
him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. (Mat 10:32-33)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret our ‘selfies/profiles’ and our failure
to bring self to the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this
world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret our conforming to this world and our
fellowship with its darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what
fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light
with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14) <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret not being clear where we stand and
trying to straddle two worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the
Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7-8)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret our encouraging the humanistic sayings
of this world and not the teachings of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Where is the wise?
Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not
God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (1 Corinthians 1:20)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is
written, "HE CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR OWN CRAFTINESS"; and again,
"THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS OF THE WISE, THAT THEY ARE FUTILE." (1 Corinthians
3:19-20)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret desiring the ‘Likes’ of men rather
than the ‘Likes’ of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>…for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:43)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,
even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. (1 Th 2:4)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>…but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit,
not in the letter; whose praise is
not from men but from God. (Romans 2:29)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… we may regret the socially accepted way we chose to
live our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is
the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because
narrow is the gate and
difficult is the way which
leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One day… One day … maybe not this day… but make no mistake …
the day of regret is coming, burning like a furnace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>"For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all
the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is
coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave
them neither root nor branch. (Malachi 4:1)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">And then… all our excuses such as … “He </span><span style="font-size: 27px; line-height: 30.6666641235352px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> really mean
that” or “I really </span><span style="font-size: 27px; line-height: 30.6666641235352px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> mean that”… or even… “I </span><span style="font-size: 27px; line-height: 30.6666641235352px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> really know what He
meant”… will melt away like the morning mist in the noon day sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And then dear reader,
when there is no more time to change… no time to learn and practice what is
pleasing to God… we will regret these things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom 12:2)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>For this reason we
also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that
you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding; <b>that you may walk worthy
of the Lord, fully pleasing Him,
being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Col
1:9-10)<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then it will be what we did and not what we thought that will be all that matters… what will we do then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Consider these things… but consider them… <b><i>Today.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>…again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "TODAY,"
after such a long time, as it has been said: "TODAY, IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS
VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS." (Hebrews 4:7)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The StoneHouse Family,
Nakuru Kenya<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-26115950740260749592014-05-29T10:09:00.000-07:002014-06-06T22:33:07.112-07:00The Song of the Lamb<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The Song of the Lamb<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up yesterday
morning feeling unusually ‘happy’. Almost giddy, like nothing was expected of
me and I was on my way to some wonderful place to do some wonderful thing. It
was so very, very pleasant. Please don’t misinterpret me as saying I’m mostly sad
or don’t like what I do every day, because nothing could be further from the
truth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The peace and joy of our dear Father is with me constantly;
always lifting me above what seems to be threatening or fearful and always
calming my anxious heart, telling me that what I do, no matter how small…
matters to Him. Nor was this sudden manifestation of happiness the result of
all the wonderful things recently going on with us and the ministry. No; this
is very different.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are just some times when I simply feel … unusually happy.
And those times seem to be coming more frequently. Yesterday was one of those
times. The day was filled with taxing responsibilities and problematic concerns.
I came home that night totally exhausted but … unusually happy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During these sudden and unprovoked attacks of happiness all of
creation seems to be amplified. The Sun is more radiant and golden, the trees
suddenly seem to be alive, the clouds are beckoning me to join them, and the
wind… becomes simply… intoxicating. I feel completely in sync with the whole of
creation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can I describe this wonderful feeling? When it comes
it’s as if I have suffered amnesia and forgotten all my past mistakes, all my present
faults, all the problems, challenges and future worries. Even the idea of entertaining
those concerns feels alien and not a part of me. They seem ridiculously irrelevant.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the duration of this mysterious bliss… I cannot fathom
worrying about anything or anyone… not even about myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have also learned
that when this strange mood comes over me never to try and make it last or
understand it. I just… enjoy and surrender to it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said… I’m relatively sure if this feeling
lingered too long, I would become totally useless to everyone around me and
might even appear… delirious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>For if we are beside
ourselves (being insane), it is
for God; or if we are of sound mind, it
is for you. (2Co 5:13)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only thing that accompanies this blissful emotion is the
presence of an exotic worship and adoration of God. This is not the praise or
worship of received blessings or deliverance's. This is a spontaneous, effortless
adoration that seems to be coming from somewhere deep inside me… much, much
deeper than where my own mind or emotions reside or for that matter… even my
consciousness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s as though this happiness doesn't even belong to me…
like someone is sharing his feelings through me, yet at the same time it feels
as if this is how I was always meant to feel. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm beginning to think I know what it is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This feeling has much the same effect on me as listening to an old
song that has the power to take you back in your past, while conjuring up
previous joys and experiences. For a little while it has the power… to
translate me somewhere I otherwise (at this present time) could never be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I think about it, I am sure that this wonderful
feeling of bliss must be as a result of hearing a song being sung by the Lord
Jesus Himself. This song is much too powerful and pure to be sung by anyone
else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It reaches deep inside of me where only He can go. This
song… doesn't take me to the past … it lets me ‘taste’ my future. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>… for those who were
once enlightened, <b>and have tasted the
heavenly gift</b>, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have
tasted the good word of God <b>and the
powers of the age to come,… </b>(Heb 6:4-5)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think this song and resulting mysterious happiness are
part of the ‘tasting’ the powers of the age to come and that we are supposed to
be experiencing here and now. This song is His song… being sung inside of me to
His Father… a preview of a concert that will be sung by all heaven and earth and
will never end. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think this mysterious feeling of bliss and its accompanying
worship is teaching me and a host of others to sing a new song that we will
sing with Christ and all creation. It is His song and His praise… it’s the Song
of the Lamb.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>They sing the song of
Moses, the servant of God, and <b>the song
of the Lamb,</b> saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! <u>Rev_15:3</u> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've not always heard this song or maybe I didn't know I was
hearing the song but I knew every time I felt that mysterious happiness my
heart wanted to start singing along. Now I know I am here on this earth for no
other reason than to learn the words of that song. Now, not later in heaven, is
the time to learn the words. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And one day soon we will sing not only with Him…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>They sang as it were a new song before the throne</i></b><i>, before the four living creatures, and the
elders; <b>and no one could learn that song
except the hundred and
forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.</b> <u>Rev_14:3</u> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But … to Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>And they sang a new song,
saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You
were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood </b>Out of every tribe and
tongue and people and nation, <u>Rev_5:9</u>
<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So if you wake up tomorrow and begin to feel
that mysterious attack of ‘heavenly happiness’ … don’t be late for choir
practice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_MailAutoSig"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";"><br /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_MailAutoSig"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">David
'Noah' Taylor<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">StoneHouse Ministries International</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-38264924326106965572014-05-19T05:19:00.002-07:002014-05-19T05:19:57.664-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 28.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Patience</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Endurance and Constancy<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">He who endures to the end shall be saved…</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me begin this post with my own admission. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many things our Lord Jesus has made very clear in
the scriptures concerning how we should be spending and <b><i>not wasting</i></b>… His Life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He did not leave our daily existence up to our own imagination.
It seems we are living our current life one of two ways. Either this life is
for our enjoyment and self gratification or… it is primarily for His desire and
preparation for the next. If we agree this present life is mainly preparation
for the life to come, then there are important mandates how we should live it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Father has been dealing with me on a few of those mandates that I have not completely come to terms with in my actual experience.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Commands such as ….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>Therefore you shall be perfect</u>, </i></b><i>just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Mat. 5:48<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>...but as He who called
you is holy, <b>you also be holy <u>in all your conduct</u></b><u>, </u> <u>1Pe_1:15</u> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Therefore, whether you
eat or drink, or<b> <u>whatever you do, do
all to the glory of God.</u> </b><u>1Co 10:31</u> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have lived my life trying to fulfill those commands for the
last forty-four years and yet they still trouble me. I suspect they probably will, till I see
Him face to face and my final sanctification takes place. Understand, those verses
are not just about our conduct here on earth … they’re about our spiritual growth
and future usefulness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now… please don’t confuse what I’m saying concerning our soul's spiritual growth with our gift of Eternal Life. We are talking about salvation,
which is more encompassing than just possessing Eternal Life. Being born again
is a gift from God that we had no part in obtaining nor can we in any way
improve upon. It is His finished work of redemption for all those that truly love Him. He alone can give new birth. We all start out heavenly infants.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet, when you reach heaven… is the life of an infant all you
want? Or have you fallen for the unspoken, false but widely believed<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> 'Poof' </span></i></b>doctrine. You know... though our entire lives were spent on earth seeking temporal self-gratification God will one day wave His hand over us and Poof!... we're spiritual! Poof! we're reigning with Christ. Poof!... all our carnal thoughts and desires are changed into the very thoughts and desires of God. Poof! Poof! Poof! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Father’s desire was and is, like any good parent, to
have fully spiritually matured sons and daughters and that never... in heaven or earth... comes form dad waving his hand over our heads.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>…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></b><i> <b>that we should no longer be children</b>, tossed to and fro and carried
about with every wind of doctrine (or Facebook platitudes), by the trickery of
men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting… (Eph
4:13-14)<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Christ Himself learned obedience (hearing and doing the will of God) through suffering... do we think our heavenly Father made a shortcut for us?<br />
<br />
<i>...though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Heb 5:8)</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am sure there are
those, upon hearing this exhortation, will quickly rush to the false feelings of
safety that comes from a wrong understanding of <b><i>who</i></b> these verses were
written to….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>But we all</u></i></b><i>, with
unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, <b><u>are being transformed into the same
image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord</u></b>. (2Co
3:18)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But consider the <b><i>‘we all’</i></b> in the above two passages and similar
verses are not written to just anyone. Rather, they are written to those who
daily seek His maturity to be accomplished in their lives. It is written to
those who daily give themselves to God and not seeking their own temporal
gratification or conformity to this world’s system.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, <b><u>that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,</u> holy,
acceptable to God, which is
your reasonable service. </b>And <b>do not
be conformed to this world, but be <u>transformed by the renewing of your mind</u>,
</b>that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom 12:1-2)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without this <b><i>transformation (metamorphosis)</i></b> we will not know His
will for our lives, and concerning that <b><i>transformation</i></b>… <b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">you</span></u></i></b> really will reap
…what <b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">you </span></u></i></b>sow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; <u>for whatever a man sows, that
he will also reap</u></i></b><i><u>. <b>For he who sows to his flesh will of the
flesh reap corruption, </b></u><b>…</b> (Gal
6:7-8)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet, even those seeking the path to spiritual maturity will
find it fraught with misconceptions, difficulties and trials.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like the Apostle Paul, <i>before
</i>his conversion, I have found so much of my desire <b><i>‘not be a part of this world’</i></b>
and to <b><i>‘fervently do God’s will’</i></b> was expressed through the nursery school
of abstention or practicing of outward religious things instead of practicing
the patience (endurance and constancy in seeking spiritual truth) that leads to
inward spiritual revelation and thus maturity in the seeker. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like, David the Psalmist, I too have repented earnestly
while praying for mercy and forgiveness in the zealous religious sins of my
youth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me</u></i></b><i>, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD. <u>Psa_25:7</u></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have tried to live
my life in pursuit of what is His good, acceptable and perfect will while
resisting the powerful conforming forces of a world ruled by Satan. There is a
direct link between cultural conformity and lack of spiritual growth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>And do not be conformed to this world</u></i></b><i>, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom 12:2)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i>
<i>We know that we are of
God, and <b><u>the whole world lies under the sway</u></b></i> <i>(or power)</i> <b><i><u>of</u></i></b><b><i><u> the wicked one.</u> </i></b><i>1Jn_5:19
<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have come to realize that without daily resisting these
innate urges (to be accepted, to be liked, to look good, to ‘succeed’ in the
eyes of my peers, to conform to cultural norms or to avoid alienation and
persecution, there will never come the transformation of the soul (will,
emotions and mind) that allows a person to see what Christ <b><i>meant</i></b> by what He <b><i>taught</i></b>.
I realized if I continued seeking the acceptance and approval of men… I would
always remain a spiritual infant. Being born again… is not enough… nor was it
ever meant to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-style: italic;"><u>And do not be conformed to </u></b><i>(or
shaped by) </i><b style="font-style: italic;"><u>this world</u></b><i>, but </i><b style="font-style: italic;"><u>be transformed by the renewing of your
mind,</u></b> <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">that you may prove what
is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.</u> <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></u><i> (Rom 12:2)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am also fully aware that the fulfillment of these commands
requires both faith and patience. Patience in the New Testament means endurance
and constancy not a willingness to wait. Without our endurance and constancy in
seeking the knowledge of His will, His virtues will never become an integral part
of our nature. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are things we must do in addition to our faith.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your
faith</u></i></b><i> virtue, to virtue
knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to
perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly
kindness love. (2Pe 1:5-7)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Patience (endurance and constancy) is part of the salvation
of our souls. Being born again… is not enough… nor was it ever meant to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<b><i><u>By your patience</u> (endurance and constancy) possess (acquire or
win) your souls</i></b><i>. <u>Luk_21:19</u> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that in some mysterious way the patience and faith that
I must daily exercise… is not even really mine … but is found inside of Christ.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Now may the Lord
direct your hearts into the love of God and <b><u>into the patience (endurance and constancy) of Christ.</u></b> <u>2Th_3:5</u> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Yet the
warning is clear</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">.</span></b>
For those who would say "I'm not worried … it’s all been
done for me… I just need to believe". Understand the word <b><i>sluggish </i></b>in the verse
below means we can become dull, lazy and stupid. This letter was written to born again Christians. In other words… though Christ
has given us everything we need to preserve and develop our souls, if we don’t daily
exercise those things we will become … dull, lazy and stupid. Asking Jesus into
our heart years ago and professing we’re a Christian… will not assure us our inheriting
the promises. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>That you <u><b>do not become</b> <b>sluggish</b></u>, <b>but imitate those
who <u>through faith and patience inherit the promises.</u> </b><u>Heb_6:12</u> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Make no
mistake</span></b>… acquiring our souls and having the transformed into something,
that is perfect, complete and lacking nothing … requires <b><i>daily</i></b> focus in this life.
Do we desire to be perfect … as our heavenly Father is perfect? There will be no Poof in heaven! It will require
our daily endurance and constancy (patience) in pursuing the things of God in the here and now. It
is <b><u>His patience and faith</u></b> <b><i><u>being
daily worked out in your daily life that brings spiritual maturity</u></i></b>.
Don’t waste His Life! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>But let patience (endurance and constancy) have <u>its</u> perfect work</i></b><i>,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. <u>Jas_1:4</u> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So… you might be asking … what are you getting at? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I’m trying to get across is this… we cannot pursue spiritual
maturity and temporal gratification at the same time. Every day through our
complacency or diligence concerning spiritual growth we are being conformed
into one of two images. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Either that image will reflect (knowingly or unknowingly)
the self-gratifying, self-serving, self-exalting image of an infant or … the self-less
spiritually mature image of Christ. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never think that your diligent obedience doesn't matter
concerning the salvation (or preserving and developing of your soul). It is neither
those who merely hear His word that will be justified… nor those who fail to
endure to the end that will be saved… but rather those who persevere in the
things of God. This requires faith and <b><i>patience</i></b> (endurance and constancy). That’s why patience (endurance and constancy) are needed for our soul (mind,
will and emotions) to be preserved (saved).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>But he who endures to the end shall be saved</u></i></b><i>. (Mat 24:13)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
<b><i><u>Here is the patience</u> of the saints</i></b><i>; <b><u>here are those who keep the commandments
of God and the faith of Jesus</u></b>. (Rev 14:12)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May the Holy Spirit illuminate our heart to see and pursue the
maturity our good Father desires for all His children… and may we not <b><i>waste
</i></b>the precious gift of Life He died for, that we might obtain the
fullness that is found in Christ. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The StoneHouse Family</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-16513406732342937972014-05-07T07:55:00.001-07:002014-05-07T07:55:55.660-07:00Faith<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Here is a letter that is as deep as the ocean and written
by one of God’s older and trusted servants. Be encouraged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">God
has been talking to me for a while about the Life he gives us when we are His
own. It takes a while for it to sink in - at least as deep as He intends.
I think I'd be satisfied with less honestly, but there are the bents (inherent tendencies)
we live with from birth and He intends that we be free- and not overshadowed by
anything that smells of fear or death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUlYll19mjw/U2pD9GevsJI/AAAAAAAAhAk/tVR69A1O_Pc/s1600/DSCN9126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUlYll19mjw/U2pD9GevsJI/AAAAAAAAhAk/tVR69A1O_Pc/s1600/DSCN9126.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> I like birds & enjoy watching them feed
but always notice how they must watch while they eat- always the eye out. I
wonder what they'd look like if they could just relax and not fear the
predator, how much of their habits would change. I know we have an enemy too
that we must always be on guard for, but sometimes I get just plain afraid or
anxious, and I know that is not what He intends. Afraid of all the what ifs - about
spiritual things even more than physical. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I
know He wants me in tune to Him and not relying on myself to war. I've been
thinking of late about how He gave us His life when He saved us- that death
would have no part and we would never be under its power again. No stench, no
creeping mortality and decay- in anything. Only Life. No living under its
shadow or threats, as we did in our former life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Until now, even saved, I have lived like that
wasn't completely true. Always suspicious of possibilities. But He
is teaching me about what He did for us - and how good He really is. Not
being </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">naive… but
believing. It means that no matter what happens that I can expect Him to
bring Life from it for me. Not because of anything but that He is
committed to the seed of His Word. That He brought me from death to Life
in all things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He is also
talking to me about giving Him all my worship - and admiration. If I am afraid
- especially when watching people or circumstances - in a way I am
admiring the power of sin and the enemy. I have a Father I can turn to and who
has Life… and He is to be worshipped above all else. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8RmV3p2UfI/U2pECFmwNJI/AAAAAAAAhAs/Ix4oKmLLklo/s1600/DSCN8806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8RmV3p2UfI/U2pECFmwNJI/AAAAAAAAhAs/Ix4oKmLLklo/s1600/DSCN8806.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All this probably doesn't make sense
without knowing the practical side. Sometimes when I watch the spiritual
growth of people - or myself- I get to feeling like I did when I was a young
woman and planted a garden.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I'd dig
things up occasionally to see if there really was any growth or if the seed was
holding to true to its genetic nature. Silly, I know. But I did it.
I dug green onions up when they were only the size of a toothpick -- and
yes they were there and growing and smelled like green onions, to my amazement.
But I saw the heat of the FL sun and the bugs etc and knew the possibilities
of thwarted plans.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BIkf86LijY/U2pELQcY04I/AAAAAAAAhA0/neFchnDwz1U/s1600/DSCN0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BIkf86LijY/U2pELQcY04I/AAAAAAAAhA0/neFchnDwz1U/s1600/DSCN0279.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now I watch
over the things that are precious to us in Christ and feel like I'm watching a
toddler cross the room with a full glass of water when the floor is cluttered
with toys. Yikes! God is talking to me about not looking at the toys on
floor, or how full the glass is, or how young the toddler is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> I do
not know how He has survived all these centuries investing in humans!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> But then, that is because my mind is on the
humans & their flaws and the enemy… not on Him. In comparison - which
is crazy to do anyway - it is comical. In a weird way I have begun to
"admire" or be more mindful of their "stuff" and He wants
me to give all of that energy towards Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7PKtR4lyz4/U2pEU2ndpJI/AAAAAAAAhA8/NLW2kT30Vc8/s1600/DSCN2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7PKtR4lyz4/U2pEU2ndpJI/AAAAAAAAhA8/NLW2kT30Vc8/s1600/DSCN2521.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Be
faithful with His word, and believe in His seed and plant where He says to
plant - for He knows the good soil. And to let it rest and take root. He sees
what is happening all around, and underground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">I hope this
encourages you as much as it did us. This was not written by a newcomer to the
faith… It was written by one of our dearest and most trusted friends. It is a precious revelation of … Faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">Much love
Dave and Cynthia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-40679587335176737162014-03-28T07:57:00.002-07:002014-03-28T07:59:00.038-07:00My Wife...<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, Ok … I cannot hold it back any longer. I have a
declaration of praise to make and I will make it here and now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Proverbs 31:10 asks a
really valid question… ‘Who can find an excellent wife?’ Good question. I want
to declare my answer… I did! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUIretcgiSo/UzWMwt5zK2I/AAAAAAAAV_E/GO4IgQzw5Hw/s1600/IMG_7679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUIretcgiSo/UzWMwt5zK2I/AAAAAAAAV_E/GO4IgQzw5Hw/s1600/IMG_7679.JPG" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I found her because the Almighty had broken me … He opened
my eyes and led me to her. He did so because He knew how desperately I needed
her. How much I needed to be complete and prepared for the work He would give
us to do. During those frightful days she alone dared to believe in me and
through her eyes the Almighty gave me hope. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What kind of woman would
put up with the kind of problems we would face when we started our life
together? A dying child, no hope of a secure
financial future, friends and family members who would misunderstand our devotion to the Lord and with
little or no hope of any worldly acceptance wherever we went? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the very onset of our life together it was clear that there
would be nothing ahead but a life fraught with difficulties and hardships. Yet
she said… ‘Lead me’. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had nothing to offer her but trials and troubles. No white
Knight, no palace, no American dream, little if any rest… only a cross on a
hill and a God whose name is Faithful and True. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who else would give up every material thing she possessed or
ever would possess, to serve Christ and follow this broken, faulty man? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me… not the ‘white knight’ I wanted to be, but rather me the
loser I was. Me… the loser as a provider, a father, a husband and even a
Christian leader. Me… full of fears and doubts… me broken and weak. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who would dare look at
a future without rose colored glasses and see what seemed to be a most
difficult </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
life that lie ahead and say… “I will follow you” wherever God our
Father leads you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who would surrender any possibility of financial security, social
acceptance, or even human sympathy in this life to follow the vision of a
broken down man? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who? I will declare to you who this day… my wife! A woman who was fashioned by the Lord God
Almighty… A broken woman of simple faith and possessing great love for her God…
A woman who could see what others had missed… A woman’s whose worth exceeded any amount of wealth in this world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would ever progress and never suffer to move forward!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I declare to all of you who seek an excellent wife, look
for the hand of God in your life to break you … pray to be broken and for Him
to open your spiritual eyes. You may have lived with your wife for many years
and yet…never ever seen who she really is. She is your greatest help! She is your
HELPMEET! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is the answer to your request for help to do God’s will.
She is the fulfillment of all you need. Look at her again… through the eyes of
the Lord… She is … your wife!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An ever grateful servant of God… for the matchless gift of
my wife Cynthia (Amma) Taylor ….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
David Noah Taylor</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-12795471912059276842014-02-24T09:35:00.003-08:002014-02-24T09:36:12.117-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Next
Adventure…Shifting… (About our Move)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me try and explain the when, where and whys concerning
our up and coming move (called our ‘the next adventure’ by my lovely wife on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stonehouseministries">StoneHouse Facebook</a>). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is true we are shifting (Kenyan for moving) April 1st…
and it’s no April Fool’s Day joke. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are selling some of our furniture and moving to a guest
house (servant’s quarters) behind the main house of some missionary friends of
ours from South Africa. The area is called Pipeline and it’s approximately 10
miles from where we currently live. It’s only ten minutes more travel time to
our church and school than where we currently reside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We began having questions about the current house we live in
for three main reasons. First… because it’s too big for just two people. Secondly…
because it cost more than what we want to pay. And lastly… because it projects
an image to those we work with that we don’t particularly like. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we first moved to this house in Milimani, we so needed
what it would provide. Amma and I were both somewhat traumatized by the trouble
and concurrent persecution from two local pastors. It seemed all our sacrifices
to establish God’s family had gone up in smoke. We felt majorly alone. We
desperately needed some place to at least feel safe and secure. When we moved
to Milimani, there were flowers to take care of and real grass in the front
yard. It was like a heavenly sanctuary from the terrible storm we were
experiencing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Furthermore, when we moved into this house, Doug and the two
girls (Nikki and Suzie) were with us and we needed a place for them to stay as
well. We also were able to bring Patrick's family out of the slum and the
terrible dangers it presented to their children. They would live in the guest
house (servants quarters) out back and help take care of us and the compound. It
was a win, win situation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even after Doug left, there was the thought that Doug and his
family might be coming here soon, so we continued thinking we would need the
extra rooms. We even thought that more people might come to visit from the
Village, but neither of those things panned out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing how our supporters back home sacrifice for us to be
here in Kenya we wanted to find a way we could help contribute to the ministry.
We are already using every available source of income (social security etc.) we
have, so this seemed to be the only thing we could actually do. Our bank account goes down to zero each week.
Not complaining… we live by faith and not by the numbers. :-)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two of the biggest hindrances to this plan were… One; … where
to go? And two; …what to do with Patrick
and his family? Within a week of our praying some South African missionary
friends (Lydia and Wilco) approached us and asked us to come and live with
them. They had seen the ‘It Takes a Village’ DVD and loved it. They told us
they have 5 adopted African children that desperately needed grandparents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They told us they had a two bedroom servant's quarters back
of their house and that we would be welcome to come and live there. Well… we
went to check it out and seeing it was very adequate for Amma and me, we said… “Yes!”
Their kids seemed ecstatic that we would come and live with them, so it seemed
to be the answer we had been praying for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet, there still remained the issue of where Patrick and his
family could go. We were not open to just leaving them and they’re winding up
back in the slums … so again we prayed. Within a couple of weeks we met some
wonderful missionaries that were moving to Nakuru named Jess and Janet from
Texas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems that they needed to move into a big house to
accommodate visiting church members from America (they are part of a mega
church back in the States). They told us about needing someone to take care of the
house and compound but didn’t know anyone they could really trust. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we told them about Patrick and they asked us if he and his
family could come live with them to help maintain their house and compound.
It was nothing short of a miraculous answer to our prayer. Patrick and family are
now there and living in a much bigger house than when they lived with us and
closer to the children’s schools. Actually,
it’s much bigger than where we are moving to, and they are very happy. For </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Patrick’s moving pictures click <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/109559318371822927693/albums/5984015662971501281?banner=pwa">Patricks
Move.</a> So that was answer number two.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last troubling issue was, when we told our current
landlord we were moving he almost cried. He said he didn’t want us to move and
said we were the best tenants he ever had. He then asked if we could please
find some Mzungus (white folks) like us to take our place. He was a dear old
man and a good landlord. We prayed and again our Father heard our prayers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our South African missionary friends called us two weeks
later and said they had just met another young missionary family moving to
Nakuru and they needed a place to live. To make a long story short we
corresponded with them and they are moving into this house when we move out.
They said this was an answer to their prayers. Needless to say our dear
landlord was very grateful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So on April first we will be shifting (Kenyan term for
moving) to a place called Pipeline just outside Nakuru with our South African
friends. It will free up some of our money to be put toward our schools and the
new churches that are beginning. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though we are fully aware that there will certainly be
adjustments along the way, we are looking forward to being with our friends and
using our considerable Grand-parenting skills. ;-)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. There are still
details that must fall in place even yet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-34548373562841241822014-02-16T07:36:00.001-08:002016-01-17T21:27:06.943-08:00KNEE DEEP IN THE MIDST OF THE SECOND MOST DEVASTATING CULTURAL STORM IN RECENT AMERICAN (WORLD?) HISTORY<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>At the approach of danger there are always two voices that speak that
speak with equal power in the human soul: one… tells a man the nature of the
danger and the means of escaping it; the other… says that it is too depressing
and painful to think of the danger… and it is better to disregard what is
painful till it comes, and to think about what is pleasant. Leo Tolstoy</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must confess that I am neither a historian nor an expert
in cultural changes. The opinions expressed in this post are decidedly … my
own. Yet, I think that few Christians would disagree that the last 50 years
have seen incredible and degrading changes to the American (World?) culture. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just sure hope that my fellow Christians are awake to the
fact that we are again… knee deep in the second wave of a contemporary cultural
disintegration in U.S. (World?) history and that this disintegration is not
only reshaping our nation, but the rest of the entire world as well. I can see
the reverberating effects here in Nakuru, Kenya.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first wave began somewhere around 1964 and was called the
… ‘Hippy Movement’, of which I was, most regrettably, an active participant.
Some might ask …. Just what was that ‘Hippy Movement’? Here is the Wikipedia explanation and can be
found by clicking… <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_hippie_movement">Here</a> . </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The term for the
participants of this movement was called hippies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>hip·pie</i></b><i> also <b>hip·py</b> (hĭp</i><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">′</span></i><i>ē)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>n.</i><i> pl. <b>hip·pies</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>A person who opposes and rejects many of the conventional standards and
customs of society, especially one who advocates extreme liberalism in
sociopolitical attitudes and lifestyles.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This movement,
perpetuated by the greatest information spewing technology of the time (that
would be television with its advanced psychological marketing techniques that
were used to brainwash young minds worldwide) undermined and weakened thousands
of years of collected human wisdom. And the changes it advocated have been
devastating to the proven and sustainable concepts of human decency, integrity,
morality, family and so forth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The moral revolution with its ‘Free love’ proved to be very
costly. The ‘Do Your Thing’ mindset of the sixties and seventies produced a
narcissistic society. The setting aside of time tested societal standards and
customs with nothing reliable to replace them, has created a moral black hole
that American youth are constantly falling into. The result has been the
downward spiral of culture that most American people are experiencing. Does <b><i>that </i></b>really need any further an
explanation? Isn’t it <b><i>obvious</i></b>?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now a good argument from skeptics could be made by saying that
many of those standards and customs needed to be replaced… and that is also regrettably
true. Yet, shouldn’t those standards and customs have been replaced with
something more socially sustainable and morally better… and not decidedly
worse? And just who is to blame for the
decline of moral values and integrity… the government? … Hollywood? Come now… America is supposed to be at least eighty
percent ‘Christian’. The ones responsible are the ones who are supposed to have
the light.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last fifty years all these elements came together
to form … a perfect cultural storm that has been steadily blowing away biblical
Christianity in America.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Perfect
Cultural Storm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Recently, a dear brother from America wrote us and said… “<b><i>I
sense there is a major storm brewing and we will need to lean even more heavily
on one another to get through it.”</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If he was referring to what’s happening in his country …then
what he said should win an award for being the biggest understatement of this
New Year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We wrote back and said… “<i>Living
away from the United States and its cultural norms has given us a much clearer
perspective of America and her spiritual condition. You mentioned a great storm
brewing. From our perspective the storm is not just brewing... it has already
hit. The damage has already been devastating and this is just the storms outer
edge.<b> It will get much, much stronger and
the effects on America’s Christian youth will be spiritually catastrophic.”<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a page from a book called… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>‘Why Christianity has
Failed in America’</b>, by Philip Neal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Duin, who has spent
much of her career researching Christianity in America, writes: “It’s no secret
that the percentage of Americans in church on any given Sunday is dropping
fast.” …”According to Duin, <b>research
suggests that, at current dropout rates, only about four percent of American
teens will end up as Bible-believing adult churchgoers</b> (compare this to 35
percent of baby boomers and 65 percent of their World War II-era grandparents).<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>As a lead researcher for Christianity Today,
Drew Dyck writes that the May 2009 Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life
reports that <b>“young Americans are
dropping out of religion at an alarming rate of five to six times the historic
rate.” Dyck also notes that, according to Rainer Research, approximately70
percent of America’s young people drop out of church between the ages of 18 and
similarly, the Barna Group estimates that 80 percent of those reared in the
church will be “disengaged” by the time they are 29.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This storm will not only require each of us to lean on each
other, we had better run to the storm shelter of leaning on Christ Himself as He
is revealed the scriptures.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Hurricane
Sandy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
When Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the United States
everyone could feel it coming. There were constant warnings posted to the
public by every conceivable means. People boarded up their windows and battened
down the hatches. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it finally did hit, with all its fury and rage, people
were saying they could hear outside its terrible power and see its destructive
force. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even so, most people had little or no idea of how much
damage was really taking place…that is… <b><i>until the winds stopped</i></b>. Then the terrible
extent of the damage became known.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sandy caused 250 deaths, billions of dollars of damage,
displaced thousands of people and America is still trying to recover from its
rage. It turned the peaceful Atlantic Ocean from a wonderful place to vacation …into
a devastating and deadly monster. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kind of like what the current spiritual storm is now doing
to America’s culture. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We believe the spiritual storm our friend alluded to is more
deadly in terms of human development and society than any other moral storm
recorded. The spiritual storm that has been going on for the last fifty years has
already destroyed America's moral leadership among the nations and caused
irreparable damage to the moral infrastructure of its own culture. And unless
America’s Christians wake up…<b>its effects
will devastate America’s future, because this storm… is just getting started. </b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">They Eye of
the Storm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Let me correlate some similarities between Hurricane Sandy
and the current moral storm raging in the United States. Having lived on the
coast of Florida I experienced several direct hits by Hurricanes and their destructive
power. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me explain a little known fact about how the winds of a
hurricane utterly devastate things near the ‘eye’ or center of the storm and then
apply it to what’s happing in the United States. We believe that America has currently
been in the eye (center) of this storm for the past ten to twenty years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the leading winds of a hurricane hit land everything is
blown in a certain direction and becomes very weakened or destroyed by the
forceful winds. But when the center or ‘eye of the storm’ passes over a
particular location, there is a strange occurrence. The hurricane’s winds will
stop blowing and sometimes the sun will even come out. To those in the ‘eye’ it
seems as if the storm is over. I have watched during this occurrence inexperienced
surfers head down to the beach to surf the big waves produced by the storm. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tempting, yes… but a major mistake. Twenty or thirty minutes later the sky darkens
again and suddenly the winds begin blowing from the other direction. Everything
already weakened by the initial winds constantly blowing in one direction are now
blown from the opposite direction and in their weakened condition snap back and
are completely destroyed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the initial effects of the Hippie Movement died down,
the worst seemed to be over. But in reality, the last five to ten years the
winds have been coming back with a vengeance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just a few of those destructive winds are… the rise of
homosexual activists backed by Hollywood and the government, the legalization
of marijuana, the proliferation of
atheistic terrorism and the governmental antagonism toward Christianity through
eradicating all things Christian… are now reshaping society.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These winds of hell are ripping off the already weakened
roofs of most American family’s spiritual dwelling places. Leaving the
inhabitants nowhere to seek shelter from the pouring rain of immorality or the
destructive winds of cultural pollution that howl through Christian houses from
the open ‘windows’ of the internet and television. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within Christianity’s own ranks there are highly sought
after false teachers armed with anti-Christ self-gratifying teachings that blow
through thousands of family friendly churches and tear down the pillars that
supported the reality of the Christian faith. Godliness, holiness, sacrificial
love (taking care of one another) and standing up for biblical truth…
irrespective of the repercussions… are fast becoming things of the past. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet, all the while this storm is happening… many (not all of
course) Christians are still outside flying religious kites and enjoying the
wind. Life goes on as usual. What will it take before the majority of
Christians wake up and see what’s going on? </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">A History
Lesson from the Second World War</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I have some good Christian friends that wish I would shut
up and only speak about the positive things and not be such a ‘prophet of doom’.
Maybe they’re right and maybe I should. They argue that there are still some
good things happening in Western contemporary Christianity and I couldn’t agree
with them more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, in retrospect, there were some wonderful things
happening with Christians and Christian churches in Germany during the Hitler
regime. There were even a few people and churches that knew exactly what was
happening and responded by laying down their lives to warn others and save whomever
they could. Dietrich Bonheoffer is one of my favorite Christian teachers and in
my estimation is right up there with Jim Elliot and Amy Carmichael. But those
few churches and people did not reflect the norm. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the German churches and Christians were outside
flying quaint religious kites and had no idea what was really happening… that
is… <b>until the winds stopped…</b> <b>(or the war was over)</b> <b>and the damage was done. </b>Then they were
made to face the horrible destruction of six million Jews along with the other
equally devastating effects of war and try to reconcile in their hearts the
validity of a church that did little or nothing to oppose it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same thing happened in Kenya with the Post Election
Violence of 2007/2008. The storm hit and ‘Christians’ began slaughtering ‘Christians’
of different tribal affiliations. Those affiliations trumped Christian unity. The
country was almost lost.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The storm we face … is worse yet. During these stormy years that
we are talking about… approximately 49 million babies have been killed by
abortion. Click ... <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_statistics_in_the_United_States">Here</a>
for the facts. Yet, we have been
desensitized to that horrible reality. Let’s focus on the good things they say.
Do Christians really think that sitting in their living rooms doing bible
studies is going to make a difference in an all out spiritual war?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So… are things really hopeless? No they are not. Yet,
without God’s intervention through enlightenment of what’s real in our lives, we
too, without even knowing it… will be blown away while enjoying the wind and
flying our kites. Spending our lives pursuing the same things that the world’s
inhabitants pursue and expecting significant change … is ludicrous. Nominal
Christianity will not survive this storm. And to keep thinking …</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>“… That it is too depressing and painful to think of the danger… and it
is better to disregard what is painful till it comes, and to think about what
is pleasant.” Leo Tolstoy </i></b>… is worse.<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have lived with people who allowed the Kingdom of God to
invade their personal lives and remove them and their families from the
darkness of their culture. The promise is to every born again person.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Who hath delivered us
from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Col 1:13)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The power given them from Heaven to live detached and
undistracted lives while seeking the Kingdom of God and His Culture… was off
the scale. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During that time there were plenty of problems and many
mistakes made; but with an undivided heart they sought and found refuge from
the defiling darkness of their culture. And in Christ, they tasted the powers
of the age to come. And they are not the only ones…we believe that there are
other Christians in the West currently experiencing that same power and for the
same reasons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We would like to make it clear that we are not advocating
selling everything and creating a Christian community as we did. The answer to
this and every storm is in knowing what He wants to do with you and join Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But… we are very much advocating that there come a radical
seeking of His Kingdom and His values. We are very much advocating through
thorough <a href="http://noahscaptivethoughts.blogspot.com/2014/01/spiritual-self-examination-secret-to.html">Examination</a>
of our everyday lives finding out which culture we are trying to emulate and
seek shelter from this storm in Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May all of us reel in our kites… rise up and oppose the dark
storm winds while saving whoever we can.</div>
<br />
Here's a link to another post asking all the right questions. Doesn't seem to be any kite flying here. Click <a href="http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/in-the-line-of-fire/42808-who-changed-things">Here</a> .<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The StoneHouse Family </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nakuru, Kenya<br />
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-10004235680372933402014-01-27T09:16:00.001-08:002014-01-27T09:19:56.858-08:00Stepping Out<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Dead Faith</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">To
me… nothing is as unnatural or unpleasant to look at than a lifeless body. No
disrespect intended to anyone who has suffered that kind of loss, but if you
have attended an open casket funeral of a loved one, you know exactly what I
mean. No matter how much you try to make a lifeless body look like it was when
it was alive, it simply cannot be done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">I
remember, just minutes after our little 14 year old daughter passed out of my
arms and into the arms of her Heavenly Father, it was difficult for my wife and
I to look at her body. Why is that, some may ask? Because all that was really her,
all that made her so beautiful and wonderful to be with, had left that little body.
Even so, praise the Living God, we know where she lives and one day we shall
join her there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The
scriptures state that faith in God without resulting works is dead. We believe
in the same manner </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">physical bodies without life are unpleasant to us… so our
faith void of action is repulsive to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">You see then
that a man is justified by works,</span></i></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"> and not by
faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot <b>also justified by works</b> when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? <b>For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also.</b> (Jas 2:24-26)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">What does it profit, my brethren, <b>if someone says he has faith but does not have works? </b>Can (that
kind of) faith save him? <b>If a brother or
sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them,
"Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the
things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have
works, is dead</b>. (James 2:14-17)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">If we
desire to have our Father’s strong support in our churches and ministries this
New Year, we must not only; … <b><i>examine ourselves in His light</i></b><i>… <b>develop
courage by seeing what God sees</b>… <b> we must also step out and act (obey)</b>. </i>In
other words our hearts must be completely loyal to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">For the eyes of the LORD run
to and fro throughout the whole earth,</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <b><i>to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him… </i></b>" (2Ch 16:9)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"> </span></i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"> Peter’s Experience</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">These
three principals can be seen in Peter’s experience of walking on the water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Now in the fourth watch of
the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw
Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!"
And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"<b>Be of good cheer (have courage)!
It is I; do not be afraid.</b>" And Peter answered Him and said, <b>"Lord, if it is You,</b> <b>command me to come to You on the water</b>."
<b>So He said, "Come."</b> <b>And when Peter had come down out of the
boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus</b>. (Mat 14:25-29)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Notice
</span><b style="line-height: 115%;">they were all afraid </b><span style="line-height: 115%;">(Peter included)</span><b style="line-height: 115%;"><i> </i>…</b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
“</span><b style="line-height: 115%;"><i>they</i></b><i style="line-height: 115%;"> were troubled, saying, "It is a
ghost!" And <b>they</b></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">cried out for fear.” </i><span style="line-height: 115%;">A real disciple’s walk
after the Spirit sometimes will include becoming afraid. Yet fear can sometimes
become the environment where over-comers are created. Now watch the order of
things in Peter’s experience.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Self-examination.</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">First;
Peter questioned his natural senses and beliefs… <b>He was examining himself. </b>So He asked Christ to examine what he thought
he had seen and heard. <b><i>"Lord, if it is You …”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Like
Peter; for us to accomplish God’s extraordinary will… the first thing we should
do is develop humility and a healthy kind of questioning of ourselves and what
we think we know. This means questioning what we have always assumed to be true
about ourselves, about others, our circumstances and even what we think we know.
Our unreality about what we think we know will stop God’s support as quick as
our sin. Ask for His illumination. The scriptures say … ‘In <b><i>Your </i></b>light
… we see light.’ (Psalm 36:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Developing Courage<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Secondly…
Peter began asking to believe (or see) what Christ believed (or saw), and that was
that Peter could walk where Christ walked! ‘Be of good cheer literally means’… <b>have courage!</b> Seeing what Christ sees
is where our courage will come from. <b>This seeing through the eyes of Christ produced
for Peter startling new possibilities and created</b> <b>courage in Peter that made him bold</b>. <b>“</b>…<b><i>command me to come to You on the water</i></b><i>." </i>We must learn not to trust what we think we see, hear or
feel through our natural senses and develop the courage that comes through beholding
what Christ sees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Stepping Out<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Thirdly…
Peter then united that courage with his knowledge of God’s will (what he knew
God wanted) and acted on it. Then and only then did he hear Christ say… “Come!<b>” … and immediately Peter acted on it.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">“And when
Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus</span></i></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">. “<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">We
miss so many possibilities for ministry. So many believers never examine
themselves to see if their walk is still pleasing to God, even though Christ
demands us to do so (2 Corinthians 13:5). So they remain deceived about
themselves and their circumstances. (Proverbs 26:12, Galatians 6:3) Fewer still
ever deny their own natural opinions, feelings, fears while asking Christ what
He sees or hears in fearful circumstances. So they remain without the courage
to act. Remaining cowardly can have serious consequences. (Revelations 21:8) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Yet
sadly, even among those who do both; many, many disciples fail to act and never
step out from the safety of the boat, so they remain… unfruitful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Stepping
Out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">This
third principal… <b>Stepping Out</b>… is
paramount to us having Christ strongly support what we want to do as a church in
2014. Once we know where we stand with
Christ, and He infuses us with His Courage… we then must immediately act on
what we know. Faith is not completed until we move on what we believe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Was not Abraham our <b>father justified by works</b> when he
offered Isaac his son on the altar? <b>Do
you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was
made perfect (completely loyal)</b>?
(Jas 2:21-22)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Do not </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">wait to understand… <b>act.</b> The understanding we seek will
come after we act.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">The
fear of the LORD is</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"> <i>the beginning of
wisdom; <b>A good understanding has all
those <u>who do …</u></b></i> (the words His commandments are not in the
original… it’s just do!) <b><i><u>His
commandments</u></i></b><i>.</i><i> His
praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:10)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">The
boat Peter and the other disciples were in represents… safety. It represents
the comfortable way of doing things. It stands for the spirit of …‘none of the
other disciples are doing it’… are they? ‘Let someone else do it.’ ‘This is the
way we have always done it’; ‘We could lose everything if we tried that.’ ‘We’re
too afraid, too poor, too old, too young, or too busy’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Get
out of the boat! <b><i>Better to drown in the raging sea than to miss an opportunity to walk
where He walks</i></b>. Yet even so, we know He won’t let us drown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">When
my wife and I decided to come to Kenya, some said … you’re too old, too unprepared,
you have no secured support, etc. ... and they were right. The moment we
‘stepped out of the safety of the boat’ and decided to move to Kenya, the
storms of hell broke out and the waves and winds were threatened to swallow us
up. We became afraid and wondered if it was really Christ’s will that we move to
Kenya. Yet… Christ had said, ‘come!’ Since the moment we decided to step out …
we have lived a life of walking with Him on the water and Him taking our hands
when we became afraid. (Mat. 14:31)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">There
is a time to examine ourselves. There is a time to pray for courage… and then…
there is a time to <b><i>move.</i></b> There is so much
work to be done. We need ask ourselves… are there no more lost or lonely people
in this world? Are there no more poor or distraught? Is there no one in need of
wisdom, comfort, reassurance, food, clothes, or shelter? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">All
global ministries began with a single act of kindness. All churches begin with someone
sharing the love of Christ with someone else. All sorts of extraordinary things
can and will happen… if we will just ‘<b><i>step out’</i></b> of the boat. Let’s get out
of the boat and make 2014 an extraordinary year. The tree of life and the gates
to our home are just ahead! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Blessed are those who do His commandments, that
they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates
into the city. </span></i></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">(Rev 22:14)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-85381239470994723592014-01-17T04:51:00.004-08:002014-01-17T04:51:49.684-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Courage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">‘Overcoming vs. Being Overcome’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Last week our Father spoke to us as a church some very
challenging words. We have been crying out to Him to lead us this New Year in
the way of true spiritual growth and ministry. Or how to overcome fear and not be overcome by fear. We feel He told us to examine
and test ourselves that we might begin this NewYear in <b><i>faith and courage.</i></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We are currently individually and corporately taking the time to do just that and have
come to realize that we should never take our fellowship with our Father for
granted or even assume that we are still walking in His faith. The painful
truth is not only can we lose our fellowship with Him… we, as a church, can
also lose our position and support from Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are very obvious scriptures that state that we can not
only lose our fellowship with God but fall into His vengeance as well. Here are
just a few…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the
<i>testimony of two or three witnesses. <b>Of how much worse punishment, do you
suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot,
counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing,
and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS
MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE
HIS PEOPLE."</b> (Heb 10:28-30)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>For it is impossible <b>for those who were once enlightened</b>, and have tasted the heavenly
gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good
word of God and the powers of the age to come, <b>if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they
crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. </b>(Heb 6:4-6)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Just as an individual can lose his fellowship with God a
church can lose God’s support. Without God’s support we will neither grow nor
increase our ministry.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Lamp-Stands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
A true biblical church is a gathered group of born again disciples who possess and walk in the light (truth) of God. In this manner they hold up (support) the truth for all to see. Like a lamp-stand holding up a candle. Not just reading the scriptures or even just studying the scriptures but receiving revelation concerning those scriptures and walking in that light they give. In this way
the church is likened unto that lamp-stand which holds (supports or lifts up)
the Light (truth) of God. An obedient church is viewed by heaven as a lamp-stand. The lamp-stand holding up the light (ie, walking in its light) is its heavenly validity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The mystery of the
seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands:
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, <b>and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.</b> (Rev
1:20)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lamp-stand does not give light itself … it just ‘holds or
supports’ the light. Christ is our light. We hold Him and His Word up by obeying it. That is
why the scriptures state that the church is the pillar and support of the
truth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>…but if I am delayed, <b>I
write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the
house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground (support) of
the truth. </b>(1Ti 3:15)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A church that no longer walks in the light (revelation) of
God given it, will no longer be allowed to support (be a pillar) of the truth.<b> </b>A church not walking in the light given it … is not
a church at all. In other words a gathered people must not only contain the
light, it must walk in that Light (revelation) or it’s people will walk in
darkness thus having no right to proclaim truth. This ability to support or uphold the truth is a church’s heavenly
credentials and its credibility in the earth. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If a church refuses the admonitions and exhortations of the
Lord it can lose its heavenly credentials and thus it’s reality before men. If
a church no longer walks in what they proclaim, they will have their ability to
support or uplift the truth (their Lamp-stand) removed from them. If this
happens… their credibility as a church is removed and they will quickly become
just another group of well meaning believers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left
your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do
the first works, <b>or else I will come to
you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.</b> (Rev 2:4-5)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is why, the previous week, our Father spoke to our church
about self-examination and testing ourselves to make sure not only our salvation but whether we are still walking in faith. We believe because we are doing
as He has asked… He is now speaking the next word of preparation for the New Year…. <b><i>Courage</i></b>!
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Courage</span><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
There will only be two types of Christians left in the earth
as this current and terrible spiritual demonic invasion continues. Those who
see’s with God’s eyes and those who see with their own. If you don’t know what
I am talking about when I say ‘this current spiritual demonic invasion’ or feel
that 21rst century Christianity is doing just fine… you are already blinded and
deceived. Our advice to you would be to cry out to the God of Light for new
spiritual eyes. Only those who have let Christ change the way they see things
will escape their own destruction by fear. As things progress there will be those who are overcome by fear, worldliness, ungodliness and <b><i>those, who</i></b> <b><i>by their faith and courage, overcome these things and prevail with God’s strong support.
</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the
victory that has overcome the world—our faith</i></b><i>. (1Jn 5:4)</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Two
Over-Comers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">In
the book of Numbers 13:17-20, we find a story about two such over-comers. Here
we see Israel poised to cross the Jordan and claim their inheritance. Moses had
asked for twelve representatives of the twelve tribes of Israel to go and spy
out the land that God had promised them. They did so and ten of those men came
back with discouraging reports that disheartened Israel. Two of those twelve men
came back filled with confidence and encouragement and stated that Israel, with
God’s support, could surely <b><i>overcome</i></b> and take the land that God
promised them. These two men were God’s Overcomers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Notice
both groups of men… those who were overrun by fear and those who overcame fear physically saw the same things. Yet because of the condition of their hearts (spiritual
eyes), they each saw two very different conclusions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Then they told him, and
said: "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and
honey, and this is its fruit. <b>Nevertheless the people who dwell in the
land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.
The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and
the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by</b> the sea
and along the banks of the Jordan." Then Caleb quieted the people before
Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are
well able to overcome it." <b>But the
men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the
people, for they are stronger
than we." And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land
which they had spied out, </b>saying, "<b>The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom
we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the
giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants);</b> <b>and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their
sight</b>." (Num 13:27-33)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">and... </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Then Moses and Aaron fell on
their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of
Israel<b>. But Joshua the son of Nun and
Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were
among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to
all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: "The land we
passed through to spy out is an
exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this
land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.' </b>(Num
14:5-8)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The
secret of the over-comer's positive assessments was in the names of the two men. Caleb’s name means …strength and Joshua’s name, who stood with Caleb in
his assessment, means… ‘Yahweh is Salvation’. His name is the same name as Jesus (Joshua,
Yehoshua or Yahshua). To overcome with spiritual eyes we need to be strong and
know that it is our Father who will deliver us. This is where Courage comes
from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">These
men were over-comers, because when God’s people become fainthearted God always
raises up Over-comers to do His will. Over-comers are always found in and with
God’s people (the church) they are not lone rangers. They are called upon when
courage is needed to prevail in accomplishing God’s work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">God
always uses over-comers because they have been trained to see with spiritual
eyes and their eyes have become spiritual because their heart is set on the
will of God not their survival! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Yet, even now our Father’s eyes are scouring the earth to find those whose
hearts are completely His, that He might strongly support them and give them a
heart of courage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">For the eyes
of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong
on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.</span></i></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> (2Ch 16:9)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">A
completely loyal heart results in spiritual eyes… spiritual eyes that sees what God
sees and that always results in courage and obtaining God’s full support! That is why we must
test and examine ourselves to see if in every area of our lives we are still living
in faith… ie. pleasing to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">There
has never been a time in history that over-comers are so needed in the
churches. Quit waiting around for everyone else to change… search your own
heart, let God tell you how He sees things and become courageous! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">In Conclusion….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">When a strong man, fully
armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than
he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which
he trusted, and divides his spoils. (Luk 11:21-22)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The ‘strongman’(the devil) has for too long
berated God’s people. Like Goliath of old he stands and taunts the army of God
and blasphemes our Father as well. He hold captives the hearts of our youth and
makes good men’s hearts tremble. Where are the David’s? Where are the people
that would rather die than let this berating continue? It is time for the
stronger man (overcomers) to rise up over come him. Rise up, oh beloved of God, and
overcome with the courage that comes from a loyal heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">You
say you don’t have what you need? God is ready to provide His company of loyal
hearts with weapons and food for the right and left hand. Here is just some of what's available to
all over-comers….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"He
who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. <b>To him who overcomes I will give to eat
from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."</b> (Rev
2:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"He who has an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. <b>He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death</b>." (Rev 2:11)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"He who has an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. <b>To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I
will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one
knows except him who receives it</b>." (Rev 2:17)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">And he who overcomes, and
keeps My works until the end, <b>to him I</b>
<b>will give power over the nations— 'HE
SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON; THEY SHALL BE DASHED TO PIECES LIKE THE
POTTER'S VESSELS'— as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him
the morning star.</b> (Rev 2:26-28)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">He who
overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name
from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before
His angels.</span></i></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> (Rev 3:5)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">He who
overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go
out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of
My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.</span></i></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> (Rev 3:12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">To him who
overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat
down with My Father on His throne. </span></i></b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">(Rev 3:21)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What
do you see happening? Christianity appears to be declining, atheist and
paganism is on the rise, persecution of the faith is increasing, many young
people are leaving the faith, the enemy has become overwhelming? Don’t stand
around, wringing your hands saying … ‘What shall we do?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Let
God open our eyes and see what is even more true. Like the young man whose
fearful heart only let him see the presence of the enemy instead of the strong
support of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><i>And when
the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army,
surrounding the city with horses and chariots<b>. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master</b>! <b>What shall we do?"</b> <b>So he answered, "Do not fear, for
those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha
prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then
the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain
was full of horses and chariots
of fire all around Elisha.</b> (2Ki 6:15-17)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Those
magnificent promises are made to any and all that would dare become an over-comer…
now. They are not for the ‘twin-souled’ (double minded) sometime in the distant
future. These enablements are needed … and being given to people… right now. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Remember our Father doesn’t use everyone around you… Sometimes His eyes are
searching and waiting … for you! </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">This
is going to be a good year!</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-21624193483707688622014-01-07T08:31:00.000-08:002014-02-16T05:43:23.343-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 33px;">Spiritual Self-Examination<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 33px;">(The Secret to Beginning a Strong New Year)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This is part one of a three part series that we feel the Lord gave us concerning this New Year. For part two click... <a href="http://noahscaptivethoughts.blogspot.com/2014/01/courage-overcoming-vs.html">Here.</a> For part three click ... <a href="http://noahscaptivethoughts.blogspot.com/2014/01/stepping-out.html">Here </a></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All of us want a strong and spiritually prosperous New Year. All of us hope 2014 will be greater than 2013. Our heavenly Father desires this same thing for us. There is a way to ensure that this year will be better and stronger than the previous one. There is a way to ensure that, God Almighty, will not only be with us, <b><i>but strongly support us in all that we do</i></b><i>.</i> It is assured if begin our new year with …. <b><i>Spiritual Self-Examination</i></b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Examine</i></b><b><i> yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test</i></b><b><i> yourselves. </i></b><i>Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—<b>unless indeed you are disqualified </b></i>(fail the test<i>). (2Co 13:5)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Apostle Paul tells us that we should examine ourselves to see if we are really still in the faith… or not. If Christ is still in us … or not. Strange …isn’t it? Remember this is written to believers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So why should I have to examine myself? I mean… if when I asked Jesus into my heart and the deal was sealed how could I ever possibly leave Him. Why should I waste my time examining myself? Why? Because <b><i>it is</i></b> possible to depart from Him and the scriptures make that incredibly plain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God</i></b><i>; (Heb 3:12) See Heb 10:31, Isaiah 33:14<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">David had a healthy fear of God and knew that even though he had a lot of confidence in his walk with God… he could be missing something vital.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>A Psalm of David.</i></b><i> Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip. <b>Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.</b> (Psa 26:1-2)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me</i></b><i>, And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psa 139:23-24)<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>King David and the Apostle Paul knew that if we examine and judge ourselves rightly we will not be judged along with the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. (1Co 11:31)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So… we believe that here in Africa, our Father is showing us six places we should examine ourselves to see if we are indeed still in the faith and that Christ Jesus is still with us. We really want His strong support in what we're doing. Should He be showing you something different by all means listen to Him, but if not… these are six good places to start the new year.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 33px;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 33px;">Five Don’ts and Five Do’s</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Number 1… <b><span style="line-height: 31px;">Don’t </span></b>drift! Son’s and daughter’s of God rarely ever walk away from God. They always drift away as a result of neglecting what He has already spoken to them.<b><span style="line-height: 31px;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Therefore<i> we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard<b>, lest we drift away.</b> For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, <b>how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, </b>which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, (Heb 2:1-3)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If I had a stick and threw it into a pond … it would stay right in front of me. It wouldn’t even move an inch. Yet if I threw that same stick into a river it would begin to leave me. Not because it did so on it’s own power, but because of the current in the river. The stick cannot move of it’s own will, but of the power of the river will take it where the river is going. This world we live in is like a river, there is a strong current in it. All you have to do in this world to drift away from God is … nothing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you remain passive in this world it's current (the spirit of the age) will carry you away from God. We must always on purpose be learning and moving toward our Father and His will lest we drift away from Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Number 2… <b><span style="line-height: 31px;">Don’t </span></b>‘hang’ with people who are not of like heart!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?</i></b><i> For you are the temple of the living God. (2Co 6:14-16)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Bad company corrupts good morals</i></b>. If you ‘fellowship’ with unbelievers or believers with ‘worldly’ hearts, you will find yourself leaving God and you won’t feel a thing... till its too late.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Number 3… <b><span style="line-height: 31px;">Don’t </span></b>waste your time!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are many things in this life that will consume your energy and resources.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "<b>I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead</b>. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, <b>for I have not found your works perfect before God</b>. (Rev 3:1-2)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are many things in our Christian life that are getting weaker. They are dying because we do not commit our life to ‘strengthen them’. We see all the time Christian things that are disappearing from the faith. What are we doing about it? Do we validate them with our lives? Or do we just let them die? We must ask ourselves if what we say we believe is really what we live.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble</i></b><i>; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2Pe 1:10-11)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 31px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 31px;">Do… be a part of the Body of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Number 1… <b><span style="line-height: 31px;">Do </span></b>be an active member of the Body of Christ. Are you a living, breathing part of the Body of Christ? Or are you just a visitor? Visitors ‘attend’ church services. Visitors are very religious. Visitors can stop ‘coming to church’ anytime they so desire. No commitment, No loss.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The questions we need to be asking ourselves are… if my brother or sisters is suffering … do I feel it? If my brothers or sisters are honored do I feel honored with them and rejoice with them? If not… you may need to ask yourselves am I really organically connected to the Body of Christ? Or just visiting?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">And if one member suffers, <b>all the members suffer with it</b>; or <b>if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.</b>Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (1Co 12:26-27)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do I feel I am so connected to my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ that if they do not make it … I don’t make it either? That I desperately need them to function? Are we a one man band or part of an orchestra?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."</i></b><i> No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary . (1Co 12:21-22)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Number 2…<b><span style="line-height: 31px;">Do </span></b>invest in the Kingdom of God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Being temporal creatures we have just so much time and resources to work with. This is your time. Your eternal history is now being written. Many things will compete for your energy but only one pursuit brings eternal benefit. When your time is up… that’s it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." <b>' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'</b> "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luk 12:18-21)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">With Your hand from men, O LORD, (deliver me) <b>From men of the world who have their portion in this life,</b> And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. <b>They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.</b> (Psa 17:14)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Number 3…</span><b><span style="line-height: 31px;">Do</span> </b>put people around you that will push you toward God and His will. It is not always helpful to hang around people who don’t forward me in the things of God. Some people are fun to be with, some even never say anything I don’t want to hear… but they are not always beneficial. We need to seek out those who can help us go forward in our pursuit of God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, <b>whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.</b> (Heb 13:7)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, <b>but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.</b> (Heb 6:11-12) See also 1Cor 4:16, 11:1, Phi 3:17,1Thess 1:6, 2Thess 3:7,9.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 33px;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 33px;">In Conclusion…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The answer to a stronger and better new year is not always working harder or even more wisdom in your pursuits. It’s making sure that our hearts are perfect (loyal, honest, dedicated) before Him. We believe that 2014 will be a year full of revelation and support from heaven. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we desire a strong year we need God’s strong support. Therefore our hearts need to be… completely His. Should you want to succeed in any area of your life … see to it in that particular area your heart is completely set on pleasing Him. Otherwise you will spend your time in frustrating fights you can't win. He is ready to give His full support. In fact, He’s looking the whole world over for you right now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal (perfect) toward Him.</i></b><i> In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars." (2Ch 16:9)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Learn what we're doing for the children of Kenya and the history of our School ... StoneHouse Academy by clicking this... <a href="http://kenyalearn.blogspot.com/">LEARN </a></i></span></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-570368342437774292014-01-02T06:47:00.000-08:002014-01-02T06:48:26.287-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Happy New Year! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We hope all of you and your families had a wonderful
Christmas and New Year’s celebration. Ours was wonderful. Even our fellow
missionaries were saying how much they enjoyed our time together and how the
Christmas Celebration helped them with their feeling of being so far away from
home. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a very good time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Although, sometimes we wonder if people look at our posts
and think that everything is just fine here. We do so love showing the happy
times. Yet, to be truthful, things are not always the way they appear. In the
midst of our fun and celebrations there is a lot of hidden suffering going on.
This celebration was a new thing to most of our Kenyan brothers and sisters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The truth is... most of the Kenyan's you see at our
Christmas Celebration, with the exception of the white missionaries, have never
been to a Christmas gathering… ever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are no
Christmas presents, trees, lights, decorations, stockings for the poor here in
Kenya. And for some, not even time off from their work during the ‘holidays’.
Many of the clothes you see our members wearing are the only good ones they own
and many live in houses that we would not feel safe to even store our presents
in overnight. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Past Christmases for the poor here in Nakuru have meant sitting
home and resting from the usual exhausting seven day work week. Many of the
children don't even know the full story of the birth of Christ. Many have never
tasted a 'store bought' cake in their lives, nor tasted such a sumptuous meal
throughout their entire year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps… we should tell more of the other side of things. Like how apart from
the daily stress of just putting food on their tables... there are things like
sickness and death that are the constant companions of most of our people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just during the month of December alone, our church members suffered
the death of five of their family and friends. None of our immediate church
family died, but they did lose family and friends. In fact, many of our
families were not even present for the festivities Christmas day because of
attending the various funerals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Death is an ever present fact of daily life here in Kenya. A
death in the family also means helping them travel to the funeral and then helping
them with expenses while they’re there. And most of the time, beloved readers,
that is a very difficult thing to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">We don't have a lot of resources, but somehow we always
manage to find something to help each other by combining our resources together.
For those living and working in the city far away from their tribal homes,
funerals are the only time families come back together again. So… if you miss
the funeral of a close friend or family member you are looked upon as a social
outcast. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our desire has been and always will be, to bring our people together as a
family and to teach them how to live as the spiritual family of God. It is in this
demonstrating of His Life of loving oneness, that the gospel of Jesus Christ can
really testifies to men that the Christ is truly God’s answer to the world’s
problems and that we are truly His followers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that
they also may be one in Us<b>, that the
world may believe that You sent Me. </b>(John 17:21)<br />
<br />
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved
you, that you also love one another<b>. By
this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another</b>."
(John 13:34-35)<br />
</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And we think much of the StoneHouse family is beginning to get it. The
StoneHouse family is becoming actively involved in each other’s daily lives and
working hard at trying to assist one another with their meager incomes. They’re
really doing it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Christ's gospel is being glorified, marriages are being
healed, children are finding 'safe' friends to be with, and fathers and mothers
are beginning to take their rightful place of responsibility at home. Orphaned,
homeless, and impoverished children are getting an education they would not otherwise
get. And the people living on our side of town have begun to take notice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cynthia and I primarily live on my social security check, the sacrificial gifts
from our immediate family, the sacrificial generosity of the brothers and
sisters of Rose Creek and others who know what we are doing. We are living as
simply and prudently as we possibly can. Our bank account goes to zero at the
end of each week and sometimes below zero.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently we have been praying for ways to stretch our
resources so we can put more money in the ministry. Therefore… we feel the need to leave our beautiful house in Milimani. Because of the cost of living in our present
location we have decided to move into a small two room guest house behind the
house of one of our dear missionary friends. Its ten minutes further away than
we presently are from the church and just outside of Nakuru proper. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet this move will create a little more money for the
ministry. And at this point every cent matters. There is so much more needed to
keep things going and progressing forward. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This New Year’s request of ours is a cry for intense prayer
and more involved friends to help us and show us what we need to do. Should you
know of any businesses, individual Christians or Christian Churches wanting to
help fulfill Christ’s desires to find and disciple His people here in Kenya,
please tell them about what we are doing and to send us their email. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, with regards to our giving… we have discovered that
what impresses heaven concerning giving is not about our giving out of what we
have extra, but rather giving out of what comprises our life. This is what
impressed Christ concerning the widow’s small amount placed in the treasury. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Now Jesus sat opposite
the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. <b>Then one poor widow came and threw in two
mites, which make a quadrans</b>. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly,
I say to you<b> that this poor widow has
put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in
out of their abundance, <u>but she out of her poverty put in all that she had,
her whole livelihood.</u>"</b> (Mar 12:41-44)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">For us, this moving into a smaller place is the only area that
we can see that will be giving out of our livelihood. Darkness is growing! Times
are growing more critical each day. May our God give us grace to see the
urgency of the times we live in and help us to buy up every opportunity to
advance His Kingdom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">These are some of the
things we feel God leading us to do this year:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->StoneHouse Fellowship – </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Helping members with daily needs; </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Completing our meeting hall;</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Helping StoneHouse Guardians – our young people –
with the Coffee Shop outreach for youth in Nakuru</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Engasura – Is our newest church family. We have
the land and we want to build a place for them to meet in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->L.E.A.R.N – Educational adoption for children
desiring an education by sponsoring their school fees.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->StoneHouse Academy – our school needs:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Desks and chairs for students and teachers</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Textbooks and school supplies</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Work on the facility – painting the building
inside and out; building a playground for the children; repairing the fence for
security.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Helping our teachers continue their education</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->StoneHouse Sewing Center</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->We need a facility for the center. We will start
by renting a space and hope to build our center at StoneHouse Fellowship </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sewing Machines</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tables and chairs</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Shelving </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sewing supplies – scissors, pins, thread etc</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Establishing new industries for the employment
of our members.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year from your Kenyan Missionaries …David,
Cynthia, James, Beatrice, Thomas and Pamela and the entire StoneHouse family.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>“It's not how much we give but
how much love we put into giving.”</i></b> ― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/838305.Mother_Teresa">Mother Teresa</a></span><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<!--[endif]--></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-51139143024951584872013-11-01T06:07:00.001-07:002013-11-01T06:09:25.923-07:00Frog Ministers!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Part 2</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;">What does yelling and screaming
(croaking?) at people in your “audience” (church attendees) or everyone falling
down when you blow on them, or rolling around on the floor, got anything to do
with the way the Son of God ministered His Spirit to people? They surely are not under the influence of the
Spirit of Christ, seeking a blessing from His Holy Spirit, or for that matter,
standing on any solid scriptural ground.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">People in the scripture who convulsed,
fell to the ground, rolled around or acted like they were dead, were demon
possessed, at least according to the scriptures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>Then one of the crowd answered
and said, “Teacher I brought you my son, who <b><u>has a mute spirit and whenever it seizes him , it throws him down</u></b>…Then
they brought him to Him, and immediately <b><u>the
spirit convulsed him, and he fell to the ground and rolled around</u></b></i>” (Mark
9:17, 18, 20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There are times in the scriptures
when people fall to the ground because of showing humility or worship. There
are times when they fall down because of being scared to death by the
appearance of messengers from another realm. But never are we told, they are then
convulsed, and start rolling around on the ground like they were being
electrocuted or acted like they had just suffered a stroke. Dead people usually
can’t tell which hand is reaching for what side of them or that they are even being
addressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>And when I saw him, I fell at his
feet as dead. And <b><u>he laid his right
hand upon me, saying unto me</u></b>, Fear not; I am the first and the last</i>:” (Revelations 1:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>And,
behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; <b><u>and when he saw him, he fell at his feet</u></b></i>,”
(Mark 5: 22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>For
a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, <b><u>and came and fell at his feet</u></b></i>:”
(Mark 7:25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> “<b><i><u>And I fell at his feet to worship him</u></i></b><i>. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I
am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:
worship God</i>” (Revelations 19: 10) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">How can “supposed” followers of
Christ, not see, or at least sense the difference, between what happens when
your demon possessed and being filled with the God’s </span><b style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><u>Holy</u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> Spirit?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">That is
completely absurd. Why can’t they see?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The scriptures call it a mystery; then reveals
the truth of how long this has been going on, who deceived them, how they were blinded
….. and even
why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>For <b><u>the mystery of lawlessness</u></b> is already at work; …. <b><u>The coming of the lawless one is in accordance with the
working of Satan, with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all
unrighteous deception </u></b>among those who perish, <b><u>because they did not receive that love of the truth, that they might
be saved</u></b>. And for this reason God will send them a <b><u>strong delusion</u></b>, that they should believe the lie that they
be condemned <b><u>who did not believe the
truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness</u></b></i>.” (2
Thessalonians 2:7-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The Strong Delusion
of Ministering Frogs<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Notice it says <b>the coming of the lawless one</b>. It has been coming for a long time now. A
lawless spirit that works wonders and miracles in the realm of the <b>Christian</b> religion. A lawless spirit;
coming from the mouth of Satan’s unholy trinity; the dragon, the beast and the
false prophet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A lawless spirit, making people feel euphoric
and godly with the “chills of God” while not having to change their carnal life
at all. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> A lawless spirit stealthily working it’s tens
of thousands subordinate teaching spirits, right into mainstream Christianity.
Seducing spirits using men to teach a more “manageable” Christ, by a false (frog)
spirit (posing as the Holy Spirit), through a weak and false “Christian gospel”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>For if he who comes preaches <b><u>another Jesus</u></b> who we have not
preached, or if you receive <b><u>another
spirit</u></b> which you have not received, or <b><u>a different gospel</u></b> which you have not accepted… you actually
listen!...<b><u>For such are false
apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. </u></b>And
no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing <b><u>if his
ministers also transform themselves</u></b> <b><u>into ministers of righteousness</u></b>.</i> (Which is really
unrighteousness in disguise) …. (2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He said they would come, didn’t
He? They came in response to an ungodly desire to see miracles, and circumvent
a life of faith. Christ then and now refuses to give in to man’s carnality. The
righteous shall live and be justified by faith, not by signs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> “<i>And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, <b><u>this is an evil generation: they seek a
sign</u></b>; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the
prophet</i>.” (Luke 11:29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>For false (versions of) Christ and false prophets shall rise, <b><u>and shall show signs and wonders, to
seduce, if it were possible, even the elect</u></b>. But take ye heed: behold,
I have foretold you all things.</i>” (Mark 13: 22, 23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If Christ won’t give signs to
this (wicked and hungry for signs) generation; the wonderworking frogs will.
Their purpose is to ridicule and change the grace of God (what is needed to
live a godly life) into… you guessed it, carnal living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>Beloved, when I gave all
diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to
write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith
which was once delivered unto the saints. <b><u>For
there are certain men crept in unawares</u></b>, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation, <b><u>ungodly
men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (carnal living), and
denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.</u></b></i>”(Jude 3, 4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This lawless religious spirit of
the frog, with his “ministers of righteousness” has been hard at work <b>creating another kind of righteousness</b>
through the teaching of devils. One that isn’t righteous at all. Slowly
seducing millions of people to believe the same thing those evil spirits taught
the Jews to believe, right before the first appearing of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">That being, religious traditions and practices
(no matter how scriptural or outrageous), outweigh the commandments of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A lawless religious spirit that
if followed will cause all your religious experiences and ministries to be
judged by God as one big lawless life;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>Not every one that says to me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will
of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, <b><u>have we not prophesied in your name</u></b>?
And <b><u>in your name have cast out devils</u></b>?
<b><u>And in your name done many wonderful
works</u></b>? And then will I say to
them, I never knew you: depart from me, <b><u>you
that work lawlessness</u></b>.</i>” (Matthew 7:21, 22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Further notice that all those </span><b style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">miraculous works</b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> are being performed
for a people who think they’re Christians but have refused truth so that they
can take pleasure in the unrighteousness of their worldly pursuits. Worldliness
is unrighteousness.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In other words; there are the real
people of God walking in truth while abstaining from unrighteousness, and there
are false people of God who, rejecting the truth become inundated with false religious
wonders, that gives them a fake sense of righteousness. These pseudo disciples
hold to a form of righteousness (Christian traditions and practices) that has
no power in which to change their life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>But know this, <b><u>that in the last days perilous times
shall come</u></b>. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without
natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce,
despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, haughty, <b><u>lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God;</u></b> <b><u>Having a form of
godliness (righteousness), but denying the power: from such turn away</u></b></i>.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> The power of the ‘strong delusion’ is that no
one knows that they are doing those terrible things. The “form of godliness” (Christian
traditions and practices) they hold to, allows them to think there’s nothing
wrong…. Till it’s too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The power of real godliness is
that it changes the one practicing it. It requires you staying close to God and
considering God’s heart in all you do. Sound doctrine is no more than
“wholesome words of Christ” that teach us godliness, that all must hold on to,
or be swept away by the “strong delusion” of the Ministering Frogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Anyone’s teachings that do not
instruct you to deny ungodliness or worldliness are probably coming from a
“frog spirit” and should be avoided …. At all cost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The minds of men who are
listening to those “frog spirits” have been corrupted and are just trying to get
something from you. Don’t be fooled by their theatrics; they want your money. Just
walk away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<b><i><u>If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words,
even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teaching of godliness,</u></i></b><i> <u>he is proud, knowing nothing, but is
obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, </u>from which come envy,
strife, reviling, evil suspicions, <b><u>useless
wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that
godliness is a means of gain (money). Get away from them.</u></b></i>” (1Timothy 6:
3-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Instead of denying themselves,
picking up their cross and following Christ, they have found an easier way. They
have found a more tolerant Jesus. Outwardly
it looks like the narrow way, just a little wider. Not so confining or
restricting; plenty of room to bring your desires and opinions into the
Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Moving and grooving in the power
of God minus that awful self crucifying cross. What a great deal. A faith requiring no real sacrificial works. Just go Sunday to receive the latest bestselling
“Christian teaching” or your portion of the “whamo” of the “Holy Spirit” and
walk away feeling “spiritual”. This new form of righteousness (which is
unrighteousness in a new package) allows people to believe that they can keep a
little darkness around. After all they know the hottest teaching, don’t
they? They were slain in the Spirit
every Sunday for two years weren’t they? They’re not lovers of this world; just
“friends” with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">They have swallowed the lie that religious
practices or traditions can substitute for a godly life. Their “faith” is dead;
having no real works. This allows them
to believe that they can keep a little darkness in themselves,
even though they claim to be living “inside” God. They have disbelieved a most important
message about God. It has escaped their notice that <b>God doesn’t allow <i><u>any</u></i>
darkness inside of Him</b>. …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<i>This then is the message which we
have heard from him, and declare to you, that <b><u>God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we
have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth</u></b></i>:”
(1 John 1:5, 6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It doesn’t matter if you speak in
tongues, are slain in the spirit, are entertained weekly by an “on fire preacher”,
been healed of cancer, or raised from the dead; if you don’t <b><u>practice</u> righteousness</b> and <b><u>love</u> your brother</b>…. you are not
of (inside) God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It doesn’t matter if you attend
church regularly and teach Sunday school or become a preacher, missionary or TV
evangelist; if you don’t <b><u>practice</u>
righteousness </b>and <b><u>love</u> your
brother</b>…. you are not of (inside) God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It doesn’t matter if you have
written a bestselling Christian book, speak all over the world, support all the
orphanages in China, or have a ministry that feeds thousands; if you don’t <b><u>practice</u> righteousness</b> and <b><u>love</u> your brother</b>…. you are not of (inside) God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It doesn’t matter if you live in
a Christian community, half way house, or
attend a Home church, mega church or any of the 10,000 divisions that
Christianity has divided itself into; <b>if
you don’t <i><u>practice righteousness</u></i>
and <i><u>love your brother</u></i>…. you
are not of (inside) God. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“<b><i><u>In this the children of God and the children of the devil are
manifest; whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who
does not love his brother</u></i></b>.” (1 John 3:10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The scriptures say that believers
will turn away from truth (sound teaching) to believe “fables”. I think if
Christians are going to believe fables, there is appropriate one about a
Princess and a Frog. The fable says that if the princess will just do as He asks,
and (bows down) to kiss the frog; he will turn into a handsome prince and they
will live happily ever after. The Fable is a lie. The frog is from hell. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">May our true Prince of peace
reveal to us His princess bride; … and that the other frog really is a prince ….The
prince of Darkness. May God lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from the Flood and Frogs coming from Satan’s
mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">StoneHouse Ministries
International<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">David Noah Taylor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-21959661401746735102013-08-06T04:36:00.001-07:002013-11-01T06:02:14.211-07:00Floods and Frogs...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the past 2 hours, I have
been watching the many weird (and I do mean weird … look the word up in the dictionary to
know what I fully mean) religious programs flooding (and I do mean flooding)
the living room and passing themselves off as authentic Holy Spirit filled Christian
ministries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is something for everyone floating by in this great body of fast
moving water. 'Christian' rappers dressed like L.A. gang members grabbing
themselves and giving gang signs, TV evangelist, that missed their real calling
in life as comedians or actors, and of course, the miraculous 'faith' Healers.
All of them claiming to have 'wonders from God', coming from this flood of
'Christian' 'revelations and resulting ministries.' </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most of which, in my opinion,
are </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">from the same source as that flood
in the 12</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: large;"> chapter of Revelations. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the serpent cast out of
his mouth water as a flood</u></b> after the woman, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood…</u></b>.
and the earth opened her mouth, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>and
swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth</u></b></i>.”
(Revelations 12:15, 16) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think there are many unsuspecting people who are being
swept away by this flood. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">A flood of books, teachings, CDs,
DVDs, singers, concerts, conferences, ministries, retreats, speakers,
councilors, educators, and entertainers. All offering some miraculous “whatever
you need” for a small love offering to help their ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
most floods you can also expect a major increase in the amount of frogs that
will surely take advantage of all that water lying around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And I
saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and
out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>. For they are the spirits of devils,
working miracles,</u></b> which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the
whole world …</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Revelation16: 13,
14)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Frogs and
Their Ministry</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">The word ‘miracle’ in the above passage can be
defined as; ….. “A wonder or miracle performed to validate a person and a
person’s teaching.” (See Strong’s Concordance) I think America and the rest of
the world, for the last hundred years, has been being plagued with miraculous,
wonder working... spiritual frogs. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Frogs hopping from denomination
to denomination, church to church, and preacher to preacher. They are unclean Frog spirits that work ‘wonders’ through corrupt and carnal men. These
lying signs and wonders “validate” corrupt men and their carnal practices. It’s
enough to make you want to croak!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’re wondering whether I think there may
be exceptions to such a harsh assessment, the answer is; of course there is. There
are always exceptions. I earnestly believe, that floating down the
prideful, swollen banks of this false, flooded river of contemporary revelation
and resulting ministries, there are some very sincere and well meaning people. They can
be found on both the giving and receiving end of the frog agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having said that, let me also say that those
exceptions do not negate the fact, that most of these inner tube floating performers,
with all their Hollywood theatrics bobbing down that river are sincerely wrong
and deceptively dangerous. Not only are they wrong but they cause millions of
believers with little or no discernment to drown in the fast moving currents of Christian paraphernalia.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">The flood of new Christian ministries and
information has dramatically increased, spilling over its banks into every
aspect of the Christian life. And its growth is directly proportional to the decrease
of real practical Christian Love. With the rise of false “Christian” teachings and
ministries; deception and lawlessness has exploded. The scriptures speak clearly
to the time we find ourselve in;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And many false prophets shall
rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound,</i></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the
love of many shall grow cold</u></b>. But he that shall endure unto the end,
the same shall be saved</i>.” (Matthew 24:11-13)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the time will come when they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>will
not endure sound doctrine; but after their own desires they will heap up for
themselves teachers, having itching ears</u></b></i> (wanting so badly to hear
what they desire to hear)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>; they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned aside to fables.</u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2 Timothy 4:3,4)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">'Christian' ministers with 'frog
spirits' teaching people to believe in fables (lies) through the powerful
influence of technology and 'Christian' theatrical wonder working. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am constantly amazed how anyone
with any intelligence could believe anything that Christ taught, if it meant they had to believe in the validity of these “actors” found on 'Christian Television'. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">If
I had to believe that the “god of the three ring religious circus” on
television was Almighty God; I would most certainly be going to hell. (I am
relatively sure; there undoubtedly exist, more than a few holding that conviction anyway) <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don’t regularly watch TV in the States, but I would
imagine it’s not much different in America; though Americans would tend to be just a little
more “cool” about it and a little more 'up to date.' <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">What in heaven’s name does young
men grabbing themselves, dressed and singing exactly like the vulgar secular
rappers do, while flashing gang signs, have in common with Christ or His Holy
Spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is nothing at all.
Yet Christian kids everywhere, are so grateful not to be left out of what’s
happening on the latest musical scene they will believe anyone…..
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or anything. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will tell you what those
rappers, evangelists, gyrating, screaming (or suave and debonair) preachers and
all other Christian personalities have in common with each other. They
are all <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><em>actors on a stage.</em></b> This
seems to be what Satan’s ‘frog spirits’ have been working<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on for the last 2000 years. Today, seducing
minds has never been easier, thanks to the wonderful advances of technology and
'Christian' theatrics. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now the Spirit explicitly says
that in the latter times</i> (that would be now) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">some will depart from the faith, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>giving
heed</u></b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> (paying attention) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to seducing spirits and teachings of devils…speaking
lies in HYPOCRISY, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>having their
CONSCIENCE seared with a hot iron;</i></u></b>….” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Timothy 4:1, 2) <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you know what the original word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hypocrisy</b> means in the above passage? It
is the word, {Hupokresis} which can mean ….the acting of a stage player on a stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let that sink in for a minute; ….Men communicating spiritual lies
through <em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">acting on a stage</b>.</em> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">There will be people who fall away from the faith
by paying attention to evil spirits and devil’s teaching; that will be
accomplished through Christian ministers with defiled consciences,
<em>'<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ministering like actors on a stage'. <o:p></o:p></b></em></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paul’s letter to Titus even
reveals why they defiled and seared their conscience…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers</u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">;</i> whose<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> mouths must be stopped, who
subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not,<u> for the sake of
MONEY</u></i><u>”</u></b><u>. </u>(Titus 1:10, 11) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(This exhortation is about “Christian
ministers”; see the preceding verses 5-9)<u> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty much says it all, doesn’t
it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d say it’s pretty right on; ….for then….
and even more so ... for now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is no greater “mentor” on
this planet than a television set. If you have trouble believing that; just
discover where your children’s, style of clothes, way of talking, music they
listen to, who and what they admire or even where their values come from. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why do you think the advertisers
spend billions each year? People who constantly watch television tend to
believe most anything that parades itself across its screen; that is if the
acting and storytelling are good enough. With the right showmanship and technology
you can now 'Christianize' whoever or whatever you want. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">I heard someone say once, that
history is not written according to facts or truths but by who can tell the
best story. I believe that’s mostly true. Television and movies have become the
best story tellers in the world ….. Hands down.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Part 2 of Floods and Frogs to be continued next week.</em></strong></span></span></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-59647750562879924232013-07-26T04:21:00.000-07:002013-07-26T04:35:10.934-07:00Have you ever been to a biblical church or known a biblical pastor? <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Recently I
spoke to a group of Christian ‘business persons’ in one of their offices,
surrounded by their typical business accompaniments. There were 25 ‘business
types’ present in their typical business type garb. We began the our time together with
the usual ways of beginning such meetings… you know…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>prayer… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a song or two… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you get to teach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Now in the
United States, where I was born, the above description would conjure up certain
mental pictures of what that meeting might have looked like… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> well dressed people, </span>high tech computers, suits, ties, desk and
chairs etc. . <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">But this was
not the United States. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This was Kenya</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Their place
of business was in the middle of the ‘town market place’ and their ‘office’ was
the slaughtering room where they processed chickens. Except for two of them,
all people present wore clothes that were stained by their ‘professions’ and
full of holes from years of hard work. There were a few broken chairs and the
only light came from one small ‘window’ and the 'door'. The whole room smelled distinctively of chicken guts and was filled with
stains from the killing and ‘gutting’ of those poor unfortunate creatures. Although, I might add,
there are never any remains of the chickens left lying around because the
Kenyans eat everything … head, feet, claws and bones … everything. Nothing is
left but the feathers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mCIvfHLMz4/UfIKuM7pURI/AAAAAAAAUck/6ZfxGEr5EJA/s1600/DSC08560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mCIvfHLMz4/UfIKuM7pURI/AAAAAAAAUck/6ZfxGEr5EJA/s640/DSC08560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrWbVay4nYI/UfIKwlOJn7I/AAAAAAAAUcs/BbdZGY7x_X0/s1600/DSC08554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrWbVay4nYI/UfIKwlOJn7I/AAAAAAAAUcs/BbdZGY7x_X0/s640/DSC08554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Here is an actual picture of our meeting place. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Now don’t
misunderstand me; we love teaching these people where they work … because
unlike so many other meetings we've been to, these people actually come to
learn. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">We have
always believed that a real ‘thinking’ Christian is, in a good sense, one of the
most dangerous people alive. Dangerous in a great way like Martin Luther, Jim Elliot, T.
Austin Sparks and especially … Jesus Christ. Problem is… most Christians don’t really
think. They just follow traditions. That
particular day we wanted to challenge their perceptions of biblical
Christianity, so I spoke on some pretty strong and controversial things. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The reason
we are telling you this is… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we want to challenge
your perceptions as well and stir you to biblical thinking</b>. If we succeed… you might
become <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘dangerous’</i></b> too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I began by
asking them if there were any new Christians present to which everyone replied
no. The average Christian in the room had been following Christ from ten to
fifteen years. There were even two ‘pastors’ present who seemed to be eagerly
awaiting for some stimulating revelation from the scriptures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then told everyone that since there was no
‘infants’ present I would not be offering them ‘milk’ today but rather… ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">meat’</b>. They seemed excited. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I began by
asking two questions. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The first
was… had any of them ever been to a biblical church? Their eyes grew wide. This
question was somewhat confusing, as all of them do the ‘Sunday thing’ every week.
When they all nodded yes, I asked the second question… ‘How do you know it was
a real church?’ Or more specifically, by what or whose definition was it a biblical
church? If the first question confused them a little, the second left them
quite perplexed. They had never ever really considered such a question and I highly suspect not
many Christians do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As they
struggled to answer the second question, their answers ranged from … “That’s
where people go to worship!’, or “The pastor said it was a church” to “Everyone just knows
it’s a church”. Sad to say none of their answers ever mentioned anything from the
scriptures. Not one of them used any scriptures to validate their perceptions or describe, biblically, what the church is. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">So I began
to describe a biblical church as portrayed by a few scriptural pictures. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">A biblical church
consists of a people who have been brought together and given up their individual way of thinking to
having their thoughts conformed to the corporate mind of Jesus Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Rom 12:16), (2 Cor. 13:11), (Php. 1:27, 2:2),
(1 Pet. 3:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">A biblical church is made up of people who joyfully share their food, possessions, even selling
their possessions to meet the needs of the people they were with. (Acts 2: 44-45) </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Because of
this wonderful sharing… everyone’s needs were met. (Acts 4:34,35)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They felt
each other’s pain and shared each other’s joy. (1Cor. 12:25-26),<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Cor. 12:21)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They were
one heart, one mind and intent on one thing. That one thing being; going deeper into the
fellowship of God and revealing the Life of His Son to the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Acts 4:32), (2 Cor. 3:18)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Their Life
together made them like Jesus Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1
Cor. 12:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">All of them
were misunderstood, persecuted, and viewed by the world as fools. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">(2 Tim. 3:12), (1 Cor.1:27-29)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">But because of
this <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abundant
Life</i></b> they were living together, the apostles were filled with power in
their preaching of the resurrection and the church was filled with extraordinary
empowerment (great grace). With only a few exceptions they all were filled with the Holy
Spirit and were continually experiencing His provision and joy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Acts 4:33)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Some of our slaughter house bible study members
began looking a little depressed, some member's eyes grew a bit misty and one even smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So I asked them again</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">… by these scriptural snapshots of a biblical
church … had any of them ever been in a church? Most in the room just hung
their heads and some even shook their heads no. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I then went
a little further and asked if any of them knew a biblical pastor? That
was met with the same response as when I asked if any had been to biblical
church. They anticipated something was coming. The only exceptions to that
response were the two pastors who began visibly squirming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I then began
to describe a shepherd as revealed in the scriptures.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">A shepherd
is a man called of God from the midst of the congregation to lead by example
the people of God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1Tim. 5:15) (1 Tim.
3:2) (Titus 1:6) In the scriptures they are called Elders, Bishops, Overseers or
sometimes even pastors. They will lay down their lives, everyday, for the
people they lead. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They make
mistakes but repent when they are confronted. The church holds them to a higher
degree of accountability than anyone else in the church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Tim. 5:20)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They do this
with other men of the same calling. They work in unity with other shepherds so
as to be an example of mutual accountability. (1 Pet. 5:1) Almost every time
the word elder is used it’s used in the plural. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Acts 14:23, 15:4, 6,
23, 20:17, 21:18 etc.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They're motivation for this work is not income or a profitable career, for to do so would be to become a hireling …
they lay down their lives, hopes and dreams for the sake of the sheep because they
love them. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">They personally know who their
sheep are and the sheep know them.</b> (John 12:10,13)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They protect
the flock with their lives and would rather die than see harm come to the flock. (John 10:11) They work hard to see the flock prosper and take care of them even at their own expense. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They will
become the servant and slave of all they lead and are not afraid of
doing any job that enables him to help the church. The Apostles first job
was being a waiter for the people of God. (Acts 6:2) <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <strong>So </strong></span><strong>I asked
them again</strong>… did anyone of you in this room know a biblical pastor? Their
response, again, was the same as their response to the first question I asked about
the church… even the pastors. One of those pastors was visibly uncomfortable and
bordering on being angry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Everyday
prominent Christian leaders spout their opinions on how bad things are in
Christianity and how we need to return to the bible. Yet, most only mean to return to whatever their brand of Christianity believes in. Or worse, they
give answers that demand no real sacrificial change. If we really believe the
scriptures are the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rule and precedent </i></b>of our Faith, then perhaps we need to return to the scriptures and start practicing what they actually say. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">There are
questions that need answering. Have you ever been to a biblical church or ever
known a biblical pastor are two questions needing biblical
answers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">My last question,
dear reader, is directed to you and it is this…. What would be your biblical response to those two questions?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">StoneHouse
Ministries International<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-26058851289707342342013-07-08T06:26:00.000-07:002013-07-08T21:21:01.462-07:00Renewal!!<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend and co-worker of mine
revealed to me that he was feeling discouraged with himself and his walk with
Christ. So I wrote back trying to ‘stir him up’ with a spiritually dumb macho
question like … ‘where is that spiritual man I knew that was full of fire and
zeal for the Lord?’ He wrote me right back and said… “Sometimes I wonder where
that man went too!” This post is dedicated to him and all of us who … sometimes feel just like him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">I also want to tell everyone exactly where those men and women of fire and zeal went… they went to the emergency room with acute adrenal fatigue! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The problem grows when those men and women get to feeling better they again try to drum up that zeal … so they can light up that fire again… so they can…. can … revisit the spiritual emergency room again! Each time they come to the spiritual ER they stay in recovery longer and longer, till one day they refuse to leave and stop serving God all together. The weary <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in</i></b>well doing becomes the weary <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of</i></b> well doing.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Over the last two years I can finally say … something else is beginning to happen within me. I am beginning to experientially understand what the scripture means when it says … it is God who both causes me to want to do His will and then empowers me to do it. </span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">First of all I want to remind him and everyone else… that
every one of us actively engaged in the service of the Lord at times get
discouraged and depressed. From the greatest to the least of us, we sometimes
feel defeated, spiritually bankrupt and sometimes even completely abandoned. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Most all of us already know that. Most of us even know that passing
through those things are necessary for spiritual growth. Those situations and
the feelings they cause are actually part of the advanced training for Christ’s
disciples. Though knowing those things doesn’t make one feel any less terrible,
knowing what’s happening to us, can help us not miss the benefit going through such
things offers.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful;</b> nevertheless, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">afterward it yields</b> the peaceable fruit of righteousness </em><u><em><strong>to those who have been trained by it</strong></em></u>. (<em>Heb 12:11)<o:p></o:p></em></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Even the Apostle Paul, concerning himself and the men who served
with him, stated at times they felt as though the yoke wasn’t easy, the burden
wasn’t light and they wanted to give up…</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">For we do not want you
to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that we were burdened beyond measure, above
strength, so that we despaired even of life</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2Co 1:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Like Paul, sometimes we feel worthless ….</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">... <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We have been made as the filth</b></i>
(excrement)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> of the world, the offscouring </i></b>(scum) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of all things until now.</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (1Co 4:13)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Like Paul, sometimes we feel exhausted, distressed and even
afraid…</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">For indeed, when we
came to Macedonia, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">our bodies had no
rest</b>, but we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">were troubled on every
side</b>. Outside <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">were</span>
conflicts, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>inside <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">were</span> fears</u>. </b>(2Co 7:5)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">And sometimes like Paul, we feel very alone…</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">This you know, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that <u>all </u>those in Asia have turned
away from me</b>, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (2Ti 1:15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">And again…</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">….<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for Demas has forsaken me</b>, having loved this present world, and has
departed for Thessalonica—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Crescens for
Galatia</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Titus for Dalmatia.</b>
(2Ti 4:10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Yet none of those situations and the resulting feelings they
brought, stopped Paul from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">being in, or doing</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the will of God</i></b>. Whether he was actively engaged in the work of
God or seemed to have been placed ‘on the shelf ‘…didn’t have any bearing on
their pleasing God. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Paul came to know, like all of us must come to know, that
all their determination, all their zeal and all their strength to do God’s will,
had to come from God working <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in </i></b>us and not us working <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i></b>
Him. Sometimes feeling useless, depressed, discouraged, or even abandoned is
not synonymous with being out of His will. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Whether what we are doing
involves speaking to kings in front of thousands, or watching someone tear down
everything you worked so hard for….it all requires the same thing… it takes
grace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Whether ‘on fire for God’ and doing some ‘great work’ for
Him or suffering the depressive onslaughts of the enemy in a cold, dark, damp
jail cell, feeling deserted… the determination and strength to remain
faithful... comes from God.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">His </span>good pleasure. (Php 2:13) <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I formerly knew that it was Him who gave the grace (power) to do His will … but I never really considered it was Him who even created the desire within me to do His will as well. In other words my zeal and determination comes from Him and not from me. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Everything we need; the desire, zeal, and strength has
already been given to us … and is already inside of us. We just need practice in
learning to be still and believing in what we can’t see or feel. </span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Grace and peace be
multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">as His divine power has given to us all
things that <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">pertain</span> to life and
godliness,</b> (2Pe 1:2-3)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">It’s His divine power, and not my ‘drumming it up’ that I
need to believe in. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">…for it is God who
works in you both to will and to do for <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">His</span>
good pleasure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Php 2:13)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Peace will come as I believe that the state I presently find
myself in is all part of His training program.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Every so often every single child of God uses up <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his
allotted amount of zeal, strength and even willingness to go on</i>.</b> When
that condition occurs, I am not ‘out of His will’ or spiritually dead…I just
need to be renewed. Renewal is part of a disciple’s life and its not just starting
over its being … recharged. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Recharged<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">When cell phones first came out the batteries needed proper
maintenance to function properly. Every so often, you had to let them run all
the way down and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">then be fully charged.</i></b> If you just plugged it in every time it
was a little low, it ‘got used’ to being charged at that level and started to
lose its capacity to hold a full charge. I’m not an electrician but I think
that’s a close approximation of what really happens. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">We, as disciples of Christ, are very much like that. If God
were always ‘plugging us back in’ the moment we got a little low we would lose
our capacity to endure. Sometimes, for our own good, He lets us … bottom out. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">I have discovered that these times of waiting on the Lord,
while I am fully discharged, makes me ready to be fully recharged. The promised
recharging will come and then just like the ‘EverReady Battery Bunny’, each
time we are recharged we last a longer time.</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">But those who wait on
the LORD Shall renew <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">their</span>
strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be
weary, They shall walk and not faint. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Isa
40:31)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">And that recharging will not just help us run faster…. It
will enable us to fly. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">StoneHouse Ministries International </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">SMI Nakuru, Kenya</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-75631103477359631752013-06-27T06:13:00.000-07:002013-06-27T06:13:00.258-07:00Children in America
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">If we had to do it all over again, knowing what we know now,
we might have raised our children here in Kenya instead of America. Yes, we
know, things are bad everywhere, that’s true, but sometimes I don't know how American
children morally survive their culture. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">For all the 'advantages' America offers children in terms of
technology and education, the overwhelming disadvantages to parents trying to
raise their children in the Faith far outweigh the advantages. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">We honestly do believe that there is a special program from
hell directed toward American children. Perhaps it’s because they will inherit
the most advanced and powerful nation in the world, perhaps because America
leads the youth culture of the world, or perhaps because the present ruler of
this world knows his days are numbered. We don’t know. But what we do know is that
this program from hell is spreading all over the earth, including Kenya. Our
only advantage here is that we are 30 to 40 years behind the immoral
bombardment that is presently going on in America. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">How can children escape the rebellious and immoral diseases
spewed out by the mentors of the social media? If you keep your kids from the
internet you are labeled; cruel, socially backward, living with outdated values
and even out of step with reality. But whose reality is this? The Lords?
Decidedly Not! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">If we truly care about our children we mustn’t live any
longer in what is referred to as 'normal American lives’. Normality has morphed
into immorality and rebellion over the past 25 years. It is now ‘normal’ to
view what was considered pornography just 30 years ago. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">What is currently called the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sexual revolution </i>that took place 40 years ago is an accurate
description of what actually happened. A revolution is perpetrated to overthrow
one system of ruling and establish another. American culture went from
nominally obeying one ruler (God) to wholeheartedly obeying another (Satan). To
escape pornography and sex inundation in America you almost would have to live
in a cave ...or do what we tried to do 25 years ago and completely leave
society. Yet even for us that only worked for a short while. The reasons why it
only worked out for a while are still being debated. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">This is not a pitch to pull up stakes and move to Kenya or
return to the days of homemade clothes and semi-isolation. Yet it is an
observation concerning the destructive effects of the American culture on
children from someone who is no longer blinded by living in it. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">We do believe there are answers for people living in the
U.S., but they will not be found without a radical departure from ‘normal
American Christian living’. We say ‘Christian’ because there is little
difference in results found in the children of the average person with
conservative values and the results in children of an average person going to
church. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">There is a major war going on for the lives and souls of our
children and there has been a tremendous increase in the demonic seduction of
children’s minds in the last 20 years. Not through Harry Potter or witch
doctors and such, but through <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cultural impacting technology</i></b>. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The only good thing about this terminally progressive
condition is that culture is pushing us to make up our minds just who we are
going to follow… contemporary cultural values and political correctness or....
God. This is what we were trying to convey in our recent post ... </span><a href="http://noahscaptivethoughts.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-great-divorce.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The
Great Divorce</span></a><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> . <br />
<br />
People living in America (and eventually everywhere else) are progressively
going to have to make some very unpopular stands with their children and teach
them that it's OK to be un-cool, different, unpopular, and out of step with
societal values and peer pressure. This can only be effective if the parents are
walking what they talk. And this should be done in their children’s lives as
early as possible. We believe to do that successfully will require creating
another ‘mini’ culture within a local gathering of believers. This is best done
with people of like minds and hearts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
takes culture to fight culture. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Ultimately we know that the only lasting change will happen
when Christ gains control of a person’s heart. But sometimes culture can damage
(set it on such a disastrous course) a young heart that it grows so hard it
becomes preprogrammed against hearing anything about God whatsoever.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">We should have very little, if anything, in common with the
ungodly and immoral culture that surrounds us. Not avoiding people… just their
values. Yes, we have to make a living and yes our children need an education
and yes, they and we need some kind of good recreation. But if the only differences
our children see in our goals, core values and in the desires we pursue is found
in what we say and not what we do, then we can expect the same results others
are having with their children. In fact, the results will probably be a lot
worse. Do as I say and not as I do always produces rebellion.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">There are some who would call us dreamers to think we can
fight culture and win. And if we are merely the kind of ‘dreamers’ who are not
ready to pay the cost of a radical departure from status quo...then we are not
just dreamers… we are fools. We must be willing to examine every option even if
it means sailing off into the unknown like those who left England for America
to avoid the same destructive and oppressive culture/governments that they
lived in. Selah.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">To see what we are up to … click <a href="http://stonehousegospel.blogspot.com/">here</a> .</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">StoneHouse Ministries International<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">(SMI) Nakuru Kenya<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-77718965841770925452013-06-16T23:21:00.000-07:002013-06-16T23:22:50.667-07:00The 'Great' Divorce<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Reason to Rejoice
in a… ‘Great Divorce’! </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">In the midst of so much double-mindedness in churches and
amid the disparaging differences between the shared spiritual Life of local
churches revealed in the scriptures and the independent self-seeking life of
most Christians today… there are still reasons to rejoice in what’s going down!
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Over the last ten to twenty years you would have had to live
in a cave not to know there has been an exponential rise in the opposition to authentic
Christian faith. Even though much of the reaction from the world has been as a
result of the terrible conduct of people who <em>claim </em>to walk in authentic Christian
faith… but don’t. Yet, all the while our non-flesh and blood adversary has been
taking full advantage of the situation. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Hardly a day goes by that there isn’t some shameful event
splashed across the headlines of the major news networks concerning Christianity.
Whether what’s reported is true or just made to look true, the overall effects
are the same… disdain for Christ and His Church. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Articles heralding the decline of the Christian faith and
the rise of the religion called humanism are rampant. It’s definitely not cool anymore
to say you are following Christ. (For those truly walking with Christ… it never
really was.)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">As we have stated in previous post, this horrifying <a href="http://noahscaptivethoughts.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-failure-of-21rst-century.html">failure of Contemporary Christianity </a> was foretold in the scriptures and even more
recently by great men of God fifty or sixty years ago. Men like T. Austin
Sparks, A. W. Tozer, and Watchman Nee to name just a few,
warned that the ‘great falling away’ already had begun. Keep in mind those warnings were
said half a century ago…just where do we think things are today? </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">So that’s the bad news… what’s the good news? We believe it
to be this…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Two things seem to be happening at once and the first one is
causing the second.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The first is… inadvertently a line of fidelity is being
drawn in the sand by the cultures and governments of the West. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The second is...
because of that line being drawn, people are having to make decisions about where
their loyalty really lies. In other words … its going to become a lot easier to see who really believes and who is pretending! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Many times in the past God has used governments and cultures
to force His people to ‘choose sides’. Consider the stories of Ruth, Daniel and
others.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Whether the issue is homosexuality, validity of the
scriptures or the relevance of the church, everyone is going to have to come clean
with what they actually believe. Why? Because the culture we live in is going
to force us to do so. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Decade’s back, to be a patriotic American and a devout
Christian looked to nonspiritual eyes synonymous (Though it never
really was, it appeared so). To so many Americans, the enemies of America were the enemies
of God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">That viewpoint developed because of the marriage relationship
Christianity had developed with Western culture and that mindset created a great evil in the minds
of non-believers all over the world. The non-believing world assumed that
whatever America did was what their God was doing as well. A wonderful treatise
on this subject can be understood through the book entitled <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">‘The Myth of a Christian Nation’</b>, by Gregory
Boyd. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">But in the last forty or so years a divorce has been taking place
and Americans will now have to decide which ‘parent’ they’re going to live with.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason for this divorce is ‘irreconcilable
differences’. Which by itself should be encouraging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The cause of this divorce lies
with the weakened European Christianity America started with and the terrible
spiritual unreality that is produced when Christians mix politics with religion. This caused ‘American
Christianity’ to never be clear (never even understood?) about its previous
marriage to Christ. Growing apart was inevitable. The result of the growing discontent with each other has
produced … ‘The Great Divorce’.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Now, as with any divorce, begins the awful business of seeing what and who belongs
to whom. It seems as though the American government and culture is determined to throw Christianity
and her children out of it's house despite her reluctance to leave.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our profound hope
that it does just that … throws her out… and that Christianity comes to its senses. The outlook looks promising. Click
these links to see some of the things happening in the military. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/congressman-there-is-a-war-on-religious-belief-in-military.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/congressman-there-is-a-war-on-religious-belief-in-military.html</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/congressman.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/congressman.html</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Don’t think these situations are isolated. They aren’t. The
government will continue to purge religion out of anything it controls. Having absolute
control of the military the purge shows up quickly but whatever the government
has the slightest influence over will be purged as well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Think of how
culture is making it odious and the government making it illegal to mention of Christ in public schools. Culture and government always work hand in hand. Think again
how any mention of God has been removed from government property. It would
probably be a good idea if churches began rethinking their addiction to their
501 C 3 relationship with the government.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">We are not in favor of Todd Sterns, Fox News, the
Liberal or Conservative side of things. Nor do we want to be associated with any of their agendas,
but we do strongly believe that there should be a clear line of separation
between fidelity to God and responsibilities to secular government. True disciples of Christ have only one Commander-and-Chief and the differences between Him and Obama are becoming more apparent every day.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Again; we do not believe Christians should be passive and we do believe cultural and societal change can come when
God’s people start doing what they are supposed to do and not relying on the government for that change. Remember the outcome of
the stories about Ruth and Daniel. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">From our very beginning there has always been a sharp line of
demarcation between true spiritual followers of God and the agendas of
world governments/cultures. Just a quick look at early church history will reveal what happens when God's people are clear that their loyalty is with God and not secular governments. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Having suffered through the devastating effects of divorce
on everyone involved, I can only think that this ‘divorce’ is the only
exception to it's terrible consequences. Although this divorce will be painful as any divorce is,
this separation can give all involved a chance to know who they are following and what they
really believe. <strong><em>Remember</em></strong> … what you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">say</i></b> is only what you think … but
what you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do </i></b>is what you really believe.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">So … Hallelujah…and bring it on! This is our time to shine. It
may cost us our jobs, homes and even our lives but in the words of a great uncompromising
leader serving in a similar day of compromise and mixture… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Choose this day whom you will serve!</i> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Now therefore,
fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the
River</u></b></i> (or ocean) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and in Egypt.</u></i></b> <em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serve the LORD! And if it seems
evil to you to serve the LORD, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>choose
for yourselves this day whom you will serve,</u></b> whether the gods which
your fathers served that <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">were</span>
on the other side of the </em><em>River</em> (or ocean)<em>, or the gods of the Amorites, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>in whose land you dwell.</u></b></em> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>But as for me and my house, we will serve
the LORD</strong>."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Joshua
24:14-15)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4021946023650980903.post-10687464047406553612013-06-08T05:13:00.000-07:002013-06-09T05:16:15.304-07:00Why Doesn’t God Do Something?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rescue me and deliver
me from the hand of foreigners, Whose mouth speaks lying words, An</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">d whose right hand <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> a
right hand of falsehood—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That our sons <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">may be</span> as plants grown up in their
youth; <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That</span> our daughters <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">may be</span> as pillars, Sculptured in palace
style; <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That</span> our barns <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">may be</span> full, Supplying all kinds of
produce; <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That</span> our sheep may
bring forth thousands And ten thousands in our fields; <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That</span> our oxen <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">may be</span>
well laden; <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That there be</span> no
breaking in or going out; <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">That there
be</span> no outcry in our streets.</b> Happy <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> the people who are in such a state; Happy <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> the people whose God <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> the LORD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Psalm 144:11-15)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t the above
passage what all of us desire? That we and our children would be delivered from
this ever defiling, ever encroaching fallen world… and from the deceptive lying
spirits that have become its prophets? That our children would be established and
built up in an authentic faith and that we could prosper enabling us to help
others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The problem comes when we find we’re not in that ‘happy
state’ and we begin lifting up pious prayers hoping that God would miraculously
appear and deliver us. Then when that doesn’t happen, we sink into the depths
of despair and begin complaining that we just don’t understand why God doesn’t
move. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Yet the truth is; it’s not God who should be moving. There
is a reason why God hasn’t moved and we should start asking Him the right
questions if we expect to get any answers.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The first question we need to start asking ourselves is ……<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">where
is God’s man? <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Co-workers with God</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">God has predetermined that if His will is to be done on this
earth as it is done in heaven then He must work through man. So, should
something need to happen on this earth (or in our backyard) and God desires to
bring change … He will first find a person. And not just any person either …but
a person whose heart is loyal to Him and His interest. Upon finding such people,
the scriptures promise that God Almighty will both assist and support those
people.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the eyes of the
LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to show Himself strong on behalf of <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">those</span> whose heart <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span>
loyal to Him</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2Ch 16:9</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Sometimes it only
takes only one man to change the direction of events for an entire city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">"Run to and fro
through the streets of Jerusalem; See now and know; And seek in her open places
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you can find a man, <u>If there is <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">anyone</span> who executes judgment, Who
seeks the truth</u>, And I will pardon her.</b> (Jer 5:1)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <strong>The 7<sup>th</sup> Day Decision<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the 6</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> day God reached the zenith of His
Creation…He created man. On the 7</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> day contrary to popular opinion,
God didn’t become tired, fatigued or weary (the word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rest </i></b>can also be translated
celebrate). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God is still working</i></b> but does so in a different way. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">But Jesus answered
them, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Father has been working
until now,</b> and I have been working." (John 5:17)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God didn’t stop
working but He did stop working the way He had previously worked and made a
very determined and far reaching decision on how He would continue working on
earth. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">That decision was this… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">from that day forward He would work with and
through man.</i></b> Today if God does a work on the earth, He first secures a
man (or woman) to work through. God chose to work through man. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">What we must begin to see is; if God has something to do in
this earth (or our neighborhood), He will look for a man (or woman) He can move
through. This is His 7</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> day decision. This shift in how He works addresses
two issues. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">First; if we want God to move, then the first thing we
should do is offer ourselves to Him to work through us. Second; if God has
raised up someone else to move through we should follow him. Either way God
will find a person to work through.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore men who say they won’t listen, won’t submit to or
obey a man… will neither find God’s will nor be able to accomplish His work. Why?
Because on the 7</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> day God determined that when he works in the earth,
He will work through man. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">And here’s something else very interesting… though He takes great
pains to form and ready that man to be His co-laborer, rarely is that man aware
of it. In fact, long before they were born, God started preparing them for that
task. Take for example John the Baptist.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">John the Baptist’s parent’s names were a prophetic
announcement of what God had been planning to do and also as you will see, gave
a little indication of just how long He had been planning it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Christ came
and before John was born John the Baptist’s mother was given the name <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elizabeth</i></b>
which came from the Hebrew word (Strong’s H472)…‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s promise or oath</i></b>’
and John’s dad Zechariah’s name came from the Hebrew word (Strong’s H2148) meaning…
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘God
remembers’. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">When God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">remembered</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His promise </i>to speak again to Israel
after 400 years of silence … <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s promise </i></b>(Elizabeth) got
together with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God remembers</i></b> (Zechariah) and gave birth to John the Baptist.
John would be the man who would prepare the way for God’s Word (Jesus) to come!
Why? Because God needed to get people ready for the coming of His Word and John
was the man chosen to make that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>happen. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The names given to John’s parents before he was born spoke
of God’s prearranged plan to use their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yet
to be born</i> child to break His silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The reason for all that is that God wants us to know … <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
has predetermined to work through man of His choice.</i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">From
Genesis to Revelation …God finds a man!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">All of biblical history reveals when God wants to do
something He finds a man. God wanted to save His creation… so he found Noah. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then</i></b>
because Noah was loyal to God’s interest, he found grace (power and ability)
from Heaven. Why? Because… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God has determined to work through man.</i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">God wanted to deliver His children from the bondage of Egypt
so He found Moses. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then </i></b>Moses found power from on High. There must be men who will
cooperate with Him. Men who care about the things <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Himself cares about.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As with John the Baptist’s life, God starts working on those
men before they are born so at the right time He can… “empower them”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because….<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God has determined to work through man.</i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The Israelites …. God wanted to construct a place He could
meet with humankind so he found Moses and the Israelites. If God created the
heavens and the earth He certainly could have constructed a place to meet with
men. But He didn’t do it that way. Men built the tabernacle. Why?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because…God has determined to work through
man.</i></b> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">And when no man can be found to work through… God became
one. God needed someone to perfectly reflect His thoughts and feelings to
redeem mankind… someone absolutely loyal to God’s interest. Yet there was no
one qualified, so God became a<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> man</i></b>. Why? Because… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
has determined to work though man. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Satan knew about God’s seventh day decision and tempted
Christ in the wilderness <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to do the work of God as the Son of God
instead of the Son of Man.</i></b> But Christ identified with humanity and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b>answered
him… "It is written, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<u>MAN</u> </i></b>SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD
ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD." (Matthew
4:4)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">God could have easily healed Paul’s eyes and led Paul on the
Damascus road but He didn’t. He chose Ananias to help Paul… why? Because….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God has determined to work through man!</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">OK! I know I’m being repetitive but do we really understand
that God’s decision on the 7</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> day still stands? That decision was
for God to work through man to do His work here on this earth or not do it at
all. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">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? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And how
shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are
sent?</b> As it is written: "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO
PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Rom
10:14-15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Whether that’s in Selmer, Tennessee or half way around the
world in Nakuru, Kenya. Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> God
has determined to work through man. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Point
of All This</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The point of all this is that God wants to do things right
where you and I live and so He is asking…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">“Is there any devoted to Me and My interest that I can work
through?” The prophet Isaiah heard God speak this and responded with the
correct response.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Also I heard the voice
of the Lord, saying: "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Whom shall I
send, and who will go for us?" </b>Then I (Isaiah) said, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"Here <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">am</span> I! Send me." </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Isa
6:8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The reason why the church is in such a mess, isn’t because
God doesn’t desire to correct things, but because He doesn’t have people in
whom He can work through. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, even so, God will not resend his 7</span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> day
decision. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">We live in a very wicked time and it is obvious to most
everyone that so many believers are possessed by unbridled selfishness. Too many
Christians are engrossed in self-gratification, too many occupied with the
cares of this life, advancing their careers, and enslaved to the pursuit of
pleasure. They have no heart or time for preaching the gospel, building the
Church or doing any of God’s work and yet… when things get bad and they are no
longer in that ‘happy state’ those same people wonder… where is God? Why won’t
He work for us? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Far, far too many people remain unsaved and when they do become
‘saved’ they are never taught to change their carnal behavior. It isn’t because
God doesn’t have a will to change things, but rather because <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
can’t find anyone to</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cooperate with Him. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">What do you think would happen if all who call themselves
Christians became willing to cooperate with God, presented themselves
sacrificially to be made into someone God could trust and fill with His power? The
world around us would change.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">The reason God’s work is being held back is simple… He does
not have a man. Do let us realize that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Lord must have you and me</i></b> before
He will accomplish what He wants to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">God’s Interested in
Your Fidelity… Not Your Ability<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">We look at ourselves and say… I can’t do anything. I’m too weak,
unspiritual, ungifted. Understand that God is not interested in your abilities
or lack of abilities. He is looking for the heart that is seeking to serve Him.
He watches to see who is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">developing</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fidelity</i></b> for Him… those who
will be loyal to His interests and not their own. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">To those people, no
matter who they are, no matter how they feel, He will give Light (revelation of
what the problem is and what to do about it) and Power (the strength and
ability) to accomplish His will. Therefore understand from our side of things
that spiritual power depends upon fidelity and consecration. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Remember it was the Samuel’s mother’s consecration that produced
Israel’s first prophet Samuel and John the Baptist’s parent’s dedication to the
purposes of God that produced Israel’s last prophet… John.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Remember also that it was Samson’s consecration (as
symbolized by his hair) that allowed God’s supernatural power to flow through
him. When he allowed His carnal (selfish) desire (Delilah) to cut his hair
(consecration) it ended his strength. Lesson learned? Cut the consecration… cut
the power.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Do others seem to have light and power from God and we don’t?
Is God using others and not you? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Revelation</b>
(what’s the problem and what to do about it) and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Power</b> (the strength to do it) begins with our fidelity and consecration.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then,</i></b>
and not until then, like Noah and Moses, will we find the power to accomplish
God’s will. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we cry out and
offer ourselves to fulfill His purposes right where we live, He will show us
what is lacking in our consecration and empower us to change. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">That is of course unless we just want to fool ourselves and
wear a hat (religious traditions) to cover the lack of hair (consecration).
Then rest assured, we will be filled with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">great
</b>darkness.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">God has chosen to need you and me to accomplish His
spiritual work. That is why you and I are hearing this word right now… because
God has chosen us to do something right now, right where we’re at.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to me to
take infinitely more power, resulting in infinitely more glory, for God to work
through man than for Him to just do it Himself. But it is what He has chosen to
do so that we might see the greatness of His power toward us who believe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">And He is waiting for us to discover… just how glorious and
powerful <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His inheritance</i></b> is in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us.</i></b> Yes… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His inheritance</i></b>. Not our
inheritance in Him… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His inheritance in us</i></b>! Oh… how blessed we would feel if we knew
how protective God is of His inheritance in us.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">…that the eyes of your
understanding being enlightened; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that
you may know what is the hope of His calling, <u>what are the riches of</u> <u>the
glory of His inheritance</u> in the saints, and <u>what <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe</u>,</b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>according to the working of His
mighty power </u></b>(Eph 1:18-19)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Yesterday I read a little story from T. Austin Sparks that illustrates
what we think it will take to open our eyes.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Some long
time ago, when I returned from my last visit to America, I told you a story.
I'm going to repeat that again, you may have forgotten it, but it is very, I
think, apropos of what I am trying to say now. I was at a conference and one of
the other speakers was the son of a very well known servant of God in America,
a man whose name I had known, of whom I had read much, and I was very glad to
meet his son and to ask, like the king asked Gehazi about the works of Elisha,
to ask for first-hand information about this great servant of God. He told me
quite a lot of things, amongst them were this. His father was very interested
in the American Indians in a certain settlement, and the government was very
anxious that that Indian settlement should be developed and modernized, and
provided with all the up-to-date accessories of civilization, modern life. And
they asked this man what he thought would be the best way of introducing these
things to these people who were ignorant, and very suspicious, and unbelieving,
not prepared to accept anything at its face value. They wanted to be very sure
of everything.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The man
said, "Well, I think the only way in which you'll do it will be to get one
or two of the most influential and intelligent of the Indians, and bring
them <i>out into</i> city life here and let them see it."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">"All
right," they said, "Well, you go and find the men." <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">So he went
back to the Indian settlement, and stayed there a little while, watching and
talking, until he found a man who had more influence than anyone else, and
seemed to have more intelligence and was at least willing to come and have a
look for himself. So he took him away up country to one great city, took him
into a hotel, a modern American hotel. And it was night, late in the evening,
and getting dark quickly. And as they went into their room, the man who was
conducting the Indian put his finger on the electric light switch and on came
the light.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">And the
Indian was startled, "How did that happen? What did you do?" </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">"Oh,"
he said, "I simply put my finger on that little button there." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">"I
don't believe it. I don't believe it. Do you mean to tell me that all that is
just in that little button? You have only just got to touch that little thing
and all this comes on? I don't believe it!" <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">"Very
well," said the man. Switch off. He switched it off. "Stand on that
table." And he took out the bulb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">He said,
"Put your thumb up inside that socket."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">And he went
to the door and the next moment the Indian was picking himself up from the
corner of the room, very shaken and very bruised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The man
said, "Do you believe it now?"<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">"Oh
yes, I believe it now, I believe it now!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;">So in conclusion…. So ... start experiencing the power…. quit complaining,
get up off the floor of despair and … stick your finger in the socket!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Greg Dickerson … I know you can relate!) <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
David Noah Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574301519420938787noreply@blogger.com1