Dear Lord,
Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best
when they were called upon to serve and protect their country.
We pray that you will bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service
in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety,
and our country’s heritage, for all of us.
Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced,
for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions
to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression.
We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them,
and we pray that you will watch over these special people
and bless them with peace and happiness.
In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.
By Joanna Fuchs
ACCOUNTABILITY
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902). The historian and moralist, who was otherwise known simply as Lord Acton, expressed this opinion in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887. It is my belief that men do not set out to become corrupt, but time and again, we see all across the world, leaders who fall from their positions due to a lack of accountability. CIA Director Petraeus is the most recent victim, but there are many. If we all will be held accountable for the words we speak (Matthew 12:36) then why would we think we would not be held accountable for all our actions? 1 Peter 4:5 tells us we all will be held accountable, but especially those who do evil. How does it happen, good people becoming corrupt? It happens one step at a time. We all must have someone who holds us accountable for our actions, and especially our Christian Walk. One who will call us down on those “minor” offenses which no one really cares about, or those little things that no one knows about. We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, but it all begins with accountability- How about you? Who is your accountability partner? Don’t have one? Get one- Your life depends on it.
Returning to the old Ways
This Weekend was a time of enjoyment for those who attended the Fall Festival; yet many did not attend. We understand that this life is full of things which occupy our time, things which don’t require a commitment from us, things which may not be church related- after all we go to church on Sunday…. How much should one person have to go to church????
If we want the things of the past, such as seeing the powerful move of God, then we often must do the things of the past which brought those things to pass, like fasting and praying. In like fashion, we often say people are just too busy today- never taking time to fellowship. Then, when the opportunity arises, we must participate.
In order to move forward, we must do as Phillipians 3:13 says,”…but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” I have heard so many people speak of the Glory Days of this church- when the youth group was huge and the Services spectacular, and special events were always packed out….Yada, Yada, Yada… But what have you done for HIM lately?
Forget what used to be, and focus on what God wants for us now; however, reflect back on what got the church to where it was then- and see if it is present in the your life today. If not, then renew your commitment to attaining the “Prize.” Just Food for Thought-
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
Isn’t it amazing that our politicians have gotten to the point where they believe us to be so stupid, that we can’t see the truth….believing instead that if they repeat a lie long enough we will eventually believe it? What is worse, many do….So too is the efforts of the devil…We just completed an amazing healing event, where many were touched, and if you listen to the liar, he will tell you that you aren’t healed, despite the pain being removed, backs no longer being locked and immobile, but the question is- who are you going to believe God or satan?
In like fashion, when God promises you something, and you are walking in His light, following His ways, but your body appears to be falling apart- it gets more difficult, but who are you going to believe? We know satan is the father of lies, and we also know God cannot lie, so who are you going to believe? Just as Joshua had the children of Israel renew their commitment to God at Shechem (Joshua 24), He reminded them of the things God had already done, then in Vs 15 he stated, ”But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose this day whom you will serve……But as for me and my Household, We will serve the Lord.” Healing begins with faith in whom you serve- CHOOSE WISELY- life or death, healing or infirmity, joy or misery…..food for thought. Pastor Tim.
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