“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. ” 2 Cor. 6:17

Thoughts inspired by David Barton  (www.wallbuilders.com):

The real intent of the secularists is to keep Christians out of the civil arena. But Christians can not be silent. We are salt and light.

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in a time of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality." Dante-(circa 1315 A.D.)

"Reverend" Barry Lynn is a great opponent of Christians getting involved in civic matters. He is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. (The same denomination of which Barack Obama is a member). It is the most liberal and the fastest declining denomination in America. With over 200 homosexual ministers, the UCC was the first denomination to embrace homosexual marriages and ministers. The UCC was a strong advocate of abortion years before the Roe v. Wade in 1973. They opposed the ban on partial-birth abortions and do not believe the Bible is literal. They reject the idea of absolute truth.

The Westminster confession says, “Nothing contrary to scripture can ever be true. Nothing unclear in scripture can ever be binding, and the believer is responsible to study the scriptures for  themselves” When political or denominational leaders drift from God’s commandments, believers are compelled to speak up.

Nearly all of Jesus’ disciples were martyred. Had they been a bit more politically correct, they would have enjoyed a greater  acceptance. But as true followers of Christ they would not be silenced. As sin darkens the land, true believers stand in contrast to that darkness. Like candles on the table at setting sun, the light shines brighter but makes righteous seem out of step with others.

But your instructions are to “come out from among them…” not blend with them. When we take a stand, we shine. Those seeking truth can Him. He is the True Light. His name is Jesus. He lives through us.

Success to you and success to the Kingdom!

Pastor Don and Debbie

“Give us day by day our daily bread.” Luke 11:3

                The wilderness was a hostile environment. The Children of Israel would depend upon God to provide manna new every day. God only permitted them to take enough for the   present day. Tomorrow they must trust Him again for fresh manna. Without it, the harsh desert would overtake them.

            You and I are no different. We live in a spiritually   hostile environment. Our spirit man must be fed daily or we become spiritually malnourished and/or die. Although God  provided their manna daily, the people were required to do the gathering. They either gathered daily or they went hungry. Our spirit man is the same. God provides daily His Bread of Life which is the Word, but we are responsible for doing the “gathering”.  That’s called daily devotions. In a world such as ours, it is highly likely that by default our flesh man will be fed daily. But our spirit must depend upon us to get up, get out of the tent, bend down and pick up the fresh bread that we are  going to need to victoriously make it through each day.

            I encourage us all once again. Use The Word for You Today devotional we have provided you this year. Let it help you find fresh manna. We are in a carnal world and we are at war with the appetites of  our flesh. Whichever side is best fed will also be the strongest. And strength matters in a war!

Selah (Think about it),

Pastor Don and Deb

Success to you and success to the Kingdom,

Pastor Don and Deb

“He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”

Proverbs 11:28

Here we have God’s instructions for establishing priorities.  It is a “values” call. Christians are constantly called upon to prioritize and balance opposing issues in their lives. Both issues may be       important, but only one may be most important! We have one minute, one dollar, and one vote all of which may only be spent once. Such is the case with our vote. We have the freedom and responsibility to vote. No excuses! Rarely does one candidate have every thing right.     However, as believers we must promote and strive for purity. One politician may be more charismatic. He may even be more promising financially or politically, while the other is more Godly and          committed to Biblical morality. In such cases we are compelled by scripture to vote morality. Obedience to God is the key to His     blessings. Most moral issues are clear in scripture. The marriage bed, protecting the unborn, and appointing Godly and righteous judges, all matter to God. It needs to matter to us as well. “Righteousness exalts a nation”  Proverbs 14:34. God’s favor on a leader who is committed to leading Biblically should get our support. Granted, it is difficult to determine who truly will do the right thing once elected. That most certainly is a challenge. But having established the one who most aligns himself with scripture, we then should lend that candidate our support.

I will no longer vote politics - Republican or Democrat.  Neither will I vote for race or gender. Nor will I vote for financial or political gain. - “What’s in it for me tax or program wise?” I intend  to vote for the candidate that I determine will lead this nation in   righteousness. If he does, then God promises to prosper us once again.

Success to you and success to the Kingdom,

Pastor Don and Deb

“Some (seed)  fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no   deepness of earth: 6  And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.”

                In this passage, Jesus warned us that every life is going to be tested. “The heat of the noon day sun” will bear down on everyone sooner or later. Those with healthy roots will be able to stand. But what are roots, and how do we grow them? Take a look at the giant oak trees of rural California. There are codes in this state against paving, planting, or watering under their “drip-line”. The drip-line is anywhere the branches of the tree can drip rain or dew. You see, the roots of the tree spread out as far under ground as its branches reach above ground. Disturbing the roots means a slow death for these majestic, hundred year old trees.  You and I need to be as strong  below ground as we appear above ground.”  Our roots are crucial! Here are three keys to becoming deeply rooted in God.

     1.) Stay put.– Every time a tree gets transplanted it takes 4-6 years  

     to reach its full fruitfulness. If we run or change every time we

     catch a little pressure, we will not live fruitful lives.

     2.) Stay in the sun light. - We provided you a devotional guide

     this year because we want every person in our body to develop the

     discipline of daily study time with Jesus and the Word.  (All ages)

      3.) Give out. – With the law of photosynthesis, all plants take in

     and give out something.  A tree’s fruit is actually the way it       

     discharges the excess food it has taken in from its surroundings. 

     We need to take in more of God than merely what it takes for us to

     survive!

                In summary, we are all going to be tested in life. With strong roots we will make it through. And last, strong healthy believers will add value to the lives of those around them.

Success to you and success to the Kingdom,

Pastor Don and Deb