Wow! It seems like a while since we've seen some sunshine! We've had much needed rain and I'm so thankful for it but now that it has stopped raining, I think I'd like to see the sun. How about you?
Sometimes life is like that. Sometimes it seems to be an endless string of "cloudy" days. But in the same way that I know that the sun is behind all these real clouds, I know that the Son is behind any strings of seemingly cloudy days in my life.
How do I know the sun is behind the clouds? I've flown on cloudy days and in the plane, I've risen above the clouds and been amazed at how bright and white and beautiful it is looking down on those clouds.
How do I know the Son is behind the cloudy days of life? I've flown to Him in prayer many times and have been amazed at how bright and white and beautiful things are when I look down on them from Heaven's point of view.
Amid the cloudy days of life, I have chosen many times to believe with all my heart His promise that He would never leave me nor forsake me. Concentration on His presence in my life and my cloudy circumstances has brought joy in the place of gloom, peace in the place of turmoil and hope when I was about to give up.
Don't let the cloudy days get to you. Keep your head and your spirit and your prayers up. He is behind every cloud, just waiting to shine on you with the bright light of His love and care. Trust me, He's real. And He really, really cares.
Pray for revival. Please.
And Merry Christmas.
In His Love
Walter
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
It's Coming
It's coming! Christmas, that is. In just a few short days stores and offices will be closed and people all around the world will be celebrating. When Wanna and I were in Zurich, Switzerland for Christmas a few years ago, you could hardly tell that you weren't in a large U.S. city.
Christmas is celebrated almost everywhere, but what is it people celebrate?
For many around the world, they just celebrate the time off from work, or the opportunity to be with family. Some celebrate the feasting associated with major holidays while others drink themselves into oblivion.
What will you celebrate? How will you celebrate?
It is my prayer for you that your focus will be on Christ this year, perhaps more so than ever before.
There will be many opportunities for distraction. Presents, shopping, concerns about money, decorating, family issues like which in-laws get the actual Christmas Day visit...all these things can cause us to lose our focus on the True Reason For The Season, Jesus.
What could ever take the place of what Christ has done for many and made possible for many more if they will only come to Him in humble repentance?
What gift, made by the hands of men, purchased from some place of business, wrapped and presented on Christmas Day could have the impact of that One Baby Boy born in a stable, laid in a feed trough, wrapped in rough cloths while surrounded by animals has had on the hearts and lives of men? On your heart and life?
NOTHING.
Celebrate Him! He alone has already or will take away your sins! He alone is the Way Of Reconciliation To The Father! He alone is Comfort to hurting hearts, Peace to troubled minds and The Bringer of Joy to those who are down-hearted or bereaved.
He alone is worthy! Let Him be praised and celebrated forever!
Make up your mind now. It is Christ this Christmas or there will be no Christmas at all. Tell your children. Tell your neighbors. Tell friends, foes and strangers. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.!!
Merry Christmas.
In His Love
Walter
Christmas is celebrated almost everywhere, but what is it people celebrate?
For many around the world, they just celebrate the time off from work, or the opportunity to be with family. Some celebrate the feasting associated with major holidays while others drink themselves into oblivion.
What will you celebrate? How will you celebrate?
It is my prayer for you that your focus will be on Christ this year, perhaps more so than ever before.
There will be many opportunities for distraction. Presents, shopping, concerns about money, decorating, family issues like which in-laws get the actual Christmas Day visit...all these things can cause us to lose our focus on the True Reason For The Season, Jesus.
What could ever take the place of what Christ has done for many and made possible for many more if they will only come to Him in humble repentance?
What gift, made by the hands of men, purchased from some place of business, wrapped and presented on Christmas Day could have the impact of that One Baby Boy born in a stable, laid in a feed trough, wrapped in rough cloths while surrounded by animals has had on the hearts and lives of men? On your heart and life?
NOTHING.
Celebrate Him! He alone has already or will take away your sins! He alone is the Way Of Reconciliation To The Father! He alone is Comfort to hurting hearts, Peace to troubled minds and The Bringer of Joy to those who are down-hearted or bereaved.
He alone is worthy! Let Him be praised and celebrated forever!
Make up your mind now. It is Christ this Christmas or there will be no Christmas at all. Tell your children. Tell your neighbors. Tell friends, foes and strangers. JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.!!
Merry Christmas.
In His Love
Walter
Monday, December 15, 2008
A Lesson In Thankfulness
"I have so much to be thankful for!"
I hear people say that so often, but on the few occasions that they've been challenged to begin to list some of all that "so much," they get hung up after five to seven things.
The truth is, we take so much for granted that sometimes we need a lesson in thankfulness for all the little blessings that are ours each day.
I have been in the midst of just such a lesson and want to recommend this to you if you would like a refresher course in remembering to thank God for the little things: get yourself a badly congested nose.
It doesn't matter if it's from a common cold or a sinus condition. There is nothing like it to remind one of all the things we take for granted, like the ability to breathe freely and easily.
I have sniffed and snuffed and gasped for air and been forced to suffer the indignity of "mouth-breathing" for several days now and I tell you I miss good, old-fashioned nose-breathing. You know. The way God intended breathing to be.
I have also realized that it is something that I have taken for granted for far too long and I am going to be much more careful to thank my Heavenly Father for this and many other "little things" that aren't so little when they are gone.
Like the fact that my heart beats so well and regularly every day. And the fact that I don't have any ingrown toe-nails. Like the fact that far more works in my life than doesn't. And that I have a mind that is still able to think. And a mouth that is capable of thanksgiving and praise if I'll just get on with the business of truly counting my blessings, especially the "small" ones.
I think what my stuffed up nose has taught me (after 56 years of lessons on the subject, you wonder how I could be so dumb for it to take that long) is that there are no "small" blessings. Every one is a precious gift from God. It's just that we don't miss them or even become aware of them until they are not there.
Celebrate every gift. Even the small ones. I can assure you that I'll be thanking and praising God when I can breathe freely again. I'm already thanking Him for the memory of when I could.
Pray for revival. Pray fervently. Pray consistently and insistently. Be humble, but let God know you mean business about wanting revival in our nation so much that it would even be all right with you if He chose to start with you.
In His Love
Walter
I hear people say that so often, but on the few occasions that they've been challenged to begin to list some of all that "so much," they get hung up after five to seven things.
The truth is, we take so much for granted that sometimes we need a lesson in thankfulness for all the little blessings that are ours each day.
I have been in the midst of just such a lesson and want to recommend this to you if you would like a refresher course in remembering to thank God for the little things: get yourself a badly congested nose.
It doesn't matter if it's from a common cold or a sinus condition. There is nothing like it to remind one of all the things we take for granted, like the ability to breathe freely and easily.
I have sniffed and snuffed and gasped for air and been forced to suffer the indignity of "mouth-breathing" for several days now and I tell you I miss good, old-fashioned nose-breathing. You know. The way God intended breathing to be.
I have also realized that it is something that I have taken for granted for far too long and I am going to be much more careful to thank my Heavenly Father for this and many other "little things" that aren't so little when they are gone.
Like the fact that my heart beats so well and regularly every day. And the fact that I don't have any ingrown toe-nails. Like the fact that far more works in my life than doesn't. And that I have a mind that is still able to think. And a mouth that is capable of thanksgiving and praise if I'll just get on with the business of truly counting my blessings, especially the "small" ones.
I think what my stuffed up nose has taught me (after 56 years of lessons on the subject, you wonder how I could be so dumb for it to take that long) is that there are no "small" blessings. Every one is a precious gift from God. It's just that we don't miss them or even become aware of them until they are not there.
Celebrate every gift. Even the small ones. I can assure you that I'll be thanking and praising God when I can breathe freely again. I'm already thanking Him for the memory of when I could.
Pray for revival. Pray fervently. Pray consistently and insistently. Be humble, but let God know you mean business about wanting revival in our nation so much that it would even be all right with you if He chose to start with you.
In His Love
Walter
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Heartbroken
It has been a tough morning and it's just a bit past 8. My heart has been broken twice by one of the things I look forward to most every day; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Let me explain.
One of the front page headlines read, "LOTS OF RAIN, LITTLE RELIEF." It just wipes me out that these folks can't focus on some gratitude for the rain we are getting instead of pointing out that it's not enough to relieve the drought situation we are in. Believe me, if it rained enough over the next few days to refill Lake Lanier, which seems to be their current definition of enough rain, they would be decrying the flooding and the monetary losses caused by that flooding.
It seems to be an almost universal mindset today that, unless something is received or relieved or completed at once, then it is not enough. We are so impatient. We must realize that God did not create a world of instant gratification. He still works over time.
Instead of choosing someone already alive and adult and ready to go, which He certainly could have done, He chose Moses and started preparing him from birth. His people still needed to be rescued from Egypt but God did it over time. He will do the same for our drought.
Let's not be guilty of following the lead of the writer/editors at the AJC. Let's be grateful and express gratitude to God for the rain we are getting even as we continue to pray to Him about more so that our drought will soon be over.
Otherwise, He may just decide to stop the rain altogether. He can do that, you know.
Heartbreak #2 was learning that the AJC is going to stop circulation in 22 counties including Habersham. I have read this newspaper for 50 years and I don't know how I'm going to get along without it. But I'm sure that I will.
In His Love
Walter
One of the front page headlines read, "LOTS OF RAIN, LITTLE RELIEF." It just wipes me out that these folks can't focus on some gratitude for the rain we are getting instead of pointing out that it's not enough to relieve the drought situation we are in. Believe me, if it rained enough over the next few days to refill Lake Lanier, which seems to be their current definition of enough rain, they would be decrying the flooding and the monetary losses caused by that flooding.
It seems to be an almost universal mindset today that, unless something is received or relieved or completed at once, then it is not enough. We are so impatient. We must realize that God did not create a world of instant gratification. He still works over time.
Instead of choosing someone already alive and adult and ready to go, which He certainly could have done, He chose Moses and started preparing him from birth. His people still needed to be rescued from Egypt but God did it over time. He will do the same for our drought.
Let's not be guilty of following the lead of the writer/editors at the AJC. Let's be grateful and express gratitude to God for the rain we are getting even as we continue to pray to Him about more so that our drought will soon be over.
Otherwise, He may just decide to stop the rain altogether. He can do that, you know.
Heartbreak #2 was learning that the AJC is going to stop circulation in 22 counties including Habersham. I have read this newspaper for 50 years and I don't know how I'm going to get along without it. But I'm sure that I will.
In His Love
Walter
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Things To Do Today
As I was driving in to the Church this morning, I was thinking about all the things I felt I needed to do today. And I'm going to guess that most of you had similar thoughts at some point after getting up to get your day started.
Let's see, I thought of buying a newspaper, doing this blog, checking with the pharmacy for a prescription I hope the Doctor has called in, reviewing my notes for Prayer Meeting tonight, some visits I needed to make, some bereaved families to pray for, what to get Wanna for Christmas, how to get ready for my daughter's approaching delivery of her third child, what to do for lunch and on and on and on.
In the midst of all that thinking about what to do today, I stopped and asked myself what was missing from my list. Actually, I believe it was Father making me ask what was missing. And I immediately knew.
I was listing all the things to do today to live my life for me rather than for Him.
Sure some of the things to do are religiously connected but the focus of my plans as I was making them was not pleasing God or living my life for Him. And that is what my life is supposed to be all about; living for Him.
If Jesus is your Savior, then your life is to be lived for Him, too. After all, when we surrendered our souls to Him for salvation, didn't we understand that that meant surrendering our lives as well?
His example is that He lived His life for us, died for us, rose for us and now wants the very best for us and from us. We are to follow His example, right? Therefore, we must live our lives for Him.
He is to be our focus. He is to be the author, the impetus of all the things we do today. He is to be our goal. Pleasing Him should receive our very best efforts.
So each day, as you plan your day, first acknowledge Him and His right to first place in every aspect of your life. Then plan your daily things to do around living for and pleasing Him. It's the least we can do for the One who died to give us life abundant and free, don't you think?
And pray. For revival. Pray and pray and pray and pray some more. God will send it. I know He will.
In His Love
Walter
Let's see, I thought of buying a newspaper, doing this blog, checking with the pharmacy for a prescription I hope the Doctor has called in, reviewing my notes for Prayer Meeting tonight, some visits I needed to make, some bereaved families to pray for, what to get Wanna for Christmas, how to get ready for my daughter's approaching delivery of her third child, what to do for lunch and on and on and on.
In the midst of all that thinking about what to do today, I stopped and asked myself what was missing from my list. Actually, I believe it was Father making me ask what was missing. And I immediately knew.
I was listing all the things to do today to live my life for me rather than for Him.
Sure some of the things to do are religiously connected but the focus of my plans as I was making them was not pleasing God or living my life for Him. And that is what my life is supposed to be all about; living for Him.
If Jesus is your Savior, then your life is to be lived for Him, too. After all, when we surrendered our souls to Him for salvation, didn't we understand that that meant surrendering our lives as well?
His example is that He lived His life for us, died for us, rose for us and now wants the very best for us and from us. We are to follow His example, right? Therefore, we must live our lives for Him.
He is to be our focus. He is to be the author, the impetus of all the things we do today. He is to be our goal. Pleasing Him should receive our very best efforts.
So each day, as you plan your day, first acknowledge Him and His right to first place in every aspect of your life. Then plan your daily things to do around living for and pleasing Him. It's the least we can do for the One who died to give us life abundant and free, don't you think?
And pray. For revival. Pray and pray and pray and pray some more. God will send it. I know He will.
In His Love
Walter
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
I Love A Good Mystery
I love a good mystery. It doesn't have to be a thriller or a shoot-em-up. Just a good, old fashioned mystery. When I was in school, I devoured every Sherlock Holmes story I could find. I love a good mystery.
This morning, I realized that I am living one of the greatest mysteries of all time. I am a central character. There are many other players in this mystery, but Jesus is the star and God the Father is the writer.
I have come to realize that living this mystery is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. A I live it, I am filled with wonder, overwhelmed with joy, elated beyond my own understanding of happiness and eager to start each day that God gives.
I have come to realize that each hour of every day is a new page in this mystery. Each day is another chapter. I am not supposed to know the details. I'm just supposed to trust the author.
As I live this mystery, I am to watch, listen and seek the daily "clues" that God the Author puts there to guide me along to the end of the story.
What exactly is this mystery? It is the fact that God loves me!! I can follow the clues, enjoy the days and live the mystery. But what will remain a mystery to me is how God can love me. I can understand His love for you. But I know all the reasons He should not love me.
But He does!! Praise His Name, He does!! He loves me with an everlasting love that does not change from day to day. He loves me with a faithful, patient love that does not depend on whether I'm good or bad today.
He just loves me!! Because He wants to. Because He has purposed in His heart to love me and nothing can ever change that.
He loves me so much that He came to earth 2000 years ago in the most humble way He could. In the Person of Jesus, He lived a sinless, perfect life so that He could be sacrificed as the Ransom to pay my sin debt. And He freely offered His saving power to me.
O, Gift of all gifts, Wonder of all wonders, Mystery of all mysteries, God loves me.
And guess what. He loves you, too. Just like He loves me. I pray that each one who reads this message has responded to His love by receiving Christ and what He has done so that His great love for you results in your salvation.
It's up to you. Open the gift, receive Christ and live the continuing mystery of His love every day. It's the greatest mystery of all. I bet you love a good mystery, too.
Please pray. For revival. You know my mantra by now. We need a national revival more than we need anything else in this nation. Pray for it. Continually. Insistently. Passionately. Pray.
In His Love
Walter
This morning, I realized that I am living one of the greatest mysteries of all time. I am a central character. There are many other players in this mystery, but Jesus is the star and God the Father is the writer.
I have come to realize that living this mystery is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. A I live it, I am filled with wonder, overwhelmed with joy, elated beyond my own understanding of happiness and eager to start each day that God gives.
I have come to realize that each hour of every day is a new page in this mystery. Each day is another chapter. I am not supposed to know the details. I'm just supposed to trust the author.
As I live this mystery, I am to watch, listen and seek the daily "clues" that God the Author puts there to guide me along to the end of the story.
What exactly is this mystery? It is the fact that God loves me!! I can follow the clues, enjoy the days and live the mystery. But what will remain a mystery to me is how God can love me. I can understand His love for you. But I know all the reasons He should not love me.
But He does!! Praise His Name, He does!! He loves me with an everlasting love that does not change from day to day. He loves me with a faithful, patient love that does not depend on whether I'm good or bad today.
He just loves me!! Because He wants to. Because He has purposed in His heart to love me and nothing can ever change that.
He loves me so much that He came to earth 2000 years ago in the most humble way He could. In the Person of Jesus, He lived a sinless, perfect life so that He could be sacrificed as the Ransom to pay my sin debt. And He freely offered His saving power to me.
O, Gift of all gifts, Wonder of all wonders, Mystery of all mysteries, God loves me.
And guess what. He loves you, too. Just like He loves me. I pray that each one who reads this message has responded to His love by receiving Christ and what He has done so that His great love for you results in your salvation.
It's up to you. Open the gift, receive Christ and live the continuing mystery of His love every day. It's the greatest mystery of all. I bet you love a good mystery, too.
Please pray. For revival. You know my mantra by now. We need a national revival more than we need anything else in this nation. Pray for it. Continually. Insistently. Passionately. Pray.
In His Love
Walter
Monday, December 8, 2008
Cheerful Givers
This year is tough, or so the experts say, and from a national standpoint, I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of their gloomy reports. But I have a good news reminder for God's Cheerful Givers.
2 Corinthians 9:6 tells us that God's people who are willing to trust Him and not the reports of so-called experts are not necessarily controlled by regular laws of economics. God's Word says, "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
There is nothing there to imply that good times or bad times influence God's promise. God's promise of bountiful reaping to those who practice bountiful sowing is solely dependent on God's character and ability to keep the promises He makes.
Verse 7 goes on to encourage us by saying, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
God does not want us to give out of guilt or even need. He wants us to give freely to Him as we purpose in our hearts to do so that we are free and joyful when we give. And what wonderful rewards await those who are His cheerful givers.
Thanks to so many of you who gave freely and cheerfully yesterday. Together, as you each purposed before God what He would have you give, you gave $1291.00 for our bus children, over $1800.00 toward our goal of $9000.00 for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and nearly $7000.00 in General fund giving. The Bible says that God loved you very much yesterday as you so freely and joyously give.
It is refreshing to know that Christians can trust God and give even in tough times. I can promise you that He will provide and reward those who trust Him when circumstances seek to distract us from trusting anyone or anything at all.
Thank you so much. You are a blessing and an encouragement to me and I love you all. Please continue to pray. We are so in need of revival in our world. Pray and do not stop praying until God sends it. Be faithful. He will send it.
In His Love
Walter
2 Corinthians 9:6 tells us that God's people who are willing to trust Him and not the reports of so-called experts are not necessarily controlled by regular laws of economics. God's Word says, "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
There is nothing there to imply that good times or bad times influence God's promise. God's promise of bountiful reaping to those who practice bountiful sowing is solely dependent on God's character and ability to keep the promises He makes.
Verse 7 goes on to encourage us by saying, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
God does not want us to give out of guilt or even need. He wants us to give freely to Him as we purpose in our hearts to do so that we are free and joyful when we give. And what wonderful rewards await those who are His cheerful givers.
Thanks to so many of you who gave freely and cheerfully yesterday. Together, as you each purposed before God what He would have you give, you gave $1291.00 for our bus children, over $1800.00 toward our goal of $9000.00 for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and nearly $7000.00 in General fund giving. The Bible says that God loved you very much yesterday as you so freely and joyously give.
It is refreshing to know that Christians can trust God and give even in tough times. I can promise you that He will provide and reward those who trust Him when circumstances seek to distract us from trusting anyone or anything at all.
Thank you so much. You are a blessing and an encouragement to me and I love you all. Please continue to pray. We are so in need of revival in our world. Pray and do not stop praying until God sends it. Be faithful. He will send it.
In His Love
Walter
Thursday, December 4, 2008
How Important Is Jesus?
The title I've used for today may seem a bit odd, but bear with me. As a matter of fact, bear with me while I ask the whole question I want to address today; "How important is Jesus to Christians?"
Wow! Even as I type it, it sounds like a question that should not even be asked. But wait a moment before you judge me too harshly for asking it.
I've been reading, studying, preparing for our International Missions Study here at the Church this Sunday night. And one thing has become clear; resources for missions are getting harder and harder to come by.
And that prompts my question, "How important is Jesus to Christians?" On the face of it, the answer is easy. Jesus is central, highly important, even indispensable to Christians. Why, without Jesus, there would be no Christians or Christianity!
But, how important is He really? How many Christians adapt their lives to what God has taught us is to be true in the life of one who has been washed in the blood of Jesus? How often do Christians truly sacrifice for the cause of Christ anymore? When is the last time you suffered to enable God's work to go on?
Most people today seem to want to be saved from the sentence of Hell, that is, separation from God for all eternity, but don't seem to want to be saved to the point of living lives of total surrender and sacrifice for His Name's sake.
For example, in difficult economic times, Christians pull back on their giving to their local church, to special causes like the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions, and other areas that need financial support to continue the work of God.
Isn't it a test of our faith to surrender what we have and give, even sacrificially, in difficult times? Doesn't it mean more to God when we continue to give in lean times, depending on Him to care for our needs and obligations than to give generously only when times are good and we have plenty from which to give?
I remind you of the widow's mite which meant more to Jesus because she had given all she had out of her poverty than the gift of many dollars given by one who had many and more to give.
So, how important is Jesus to us as Christians? Important enough to surrender and sacrifice and trust Him? Or only important enough to trust when times are good and trust is easy because of what we have rather than who we know?
Just thought you'd like to think about it.
Please pray for revival. Holy Ghost given, ground shaking, Christian awakening revival for our church, our community and our nation. We are going to die without it. Please pray.
In His Love
Walter
Wow! Even as I type it, it sounds like a question that should not even be asked. But wait a moment before you judge me too harshly for asking it.
I've been reading, studying, preparing for our International Missions Study here at the Church this Sunday night. And one thing has become clear; resources for missions are getting harder and harder to come by.
And that prompts my question, "How important is Jesus to Christians?" On the face of it, the answer is easy. Jesus is central, highly important, even indispensable to Christians. Why, without Jesus, there would be no Christians or Christianity!
But, how important is He really? How many Christians adapt their lives to what God has taught us is to be true in the life of one who has been washed in the blood of Jesus? How often do Christians truly sacrifice for the cause of Christ anymore? When is the last time you suffered to enable God's work to go on?
Most people today seem to want to be saved from the sentence of Hell, that is, separation from God for all eternity, but don't seem to want to be saved to the point of living lives of total surrender and sacrifice for His Name's sake.
For example, in difficult economic times, Christians pull back on their giving to their local church, to special causes like the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions, and other areas that need financial support to continue the work of God.
Isn't it a test of our faith to surrender what we have and give, even sacrificially, in difficult times? Doesn't it mean more to God when we continue to give in lean times, depending on Him to care for our needs and obligations than to give generously only when times are good and we have plenty from which to give?
I remind you of the widow's mite which meant more to Jesus because she had given all she had out of her poverty than the gift of many dollars given by one who had many and more to give.
So, how important is Jesus to us as Christians? Important enough to surrender and sacrifice and trust Him? Or only important enough to trust when times are good and trust is easy because of what we have rather than who we know?
Just thought you'd like to think about it.
Please pray for revival. Holy Ghost given, ground shaking, Christian awakening revival for our church, our community and our nation. We are going to die without it. Please pray.
In His Love
Walter
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Manners In Politics
The election process is finally over in Georgia. Mr. Chambliss defeated Mr. Martin for one of Georgia's Senate seats and so it is done. Finally. At last. And I can't imagine how long it is going to take to clean up all the mess from the mud-slinging that this political race produced.
I don't know about you but the proliferation of attack ads sickened me more and more as the campaign slogged on and on and on. I have never missed an opportunity to vote since I turned 18 but I was tempted to skip this one. Not that I did not prefer one candidate over the other. I did and I voted that way. But I did get so disheartened by the whole attack thing that I almost had no stomach for being part of the process.
Let me say again, I voted anyway. But if I could get this message to either candidate for their future consideration, I would point them to God's Word, I Peter 3: 8-9, which says, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." KJV
As a matter of fact, I would like to get that message into the heart of every candidate in every race for every office in the governments of all cities, counties, municipalities, states and the federal government so that we might have, once again, the opportunity to select a man on his merits rather than select him because of his opponents failures or lack of merit. I would rather see a candidate sell himself than watch him seek to destroy his opponent.
After all, didn't God teach us to be kind and tenderhearted and loving toward one another? Wow! When we stop listening, we really stop listening, don't we?
Another reason to pray. And pray. And pray. For revival. For you. For me. For them. For us. Oh, Heavenly Father! How we need an outpouring of your Power and Spirit and Love today. Grant it please, we humbly ask in Jesus name.
Finally, congratulations to all who won in the elections this year. I hope it was worth it.
In His Love
Walter
I don't know about you but the proliferation of attack ads sickened me more and more as the campaign slogged on and on and on. I have never missed an opportunity to vote since I turned 18 but I was tempted to skip this one. Not that I did not prefer one candidate over the other. I did and I voted that way. But I did get so disheartened by the whole attack thing that I almost had no stomach for being part of the process.
Let me say again, I voted anyway. But if I could get this message to either candidate for their future consideration, I would point them to God's Word, I Peter 3: 8-9, which says, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." KJV
As a matter of fact, I would like to get that message into the heart of every candidate in every race for every office in the governments of all cities, counties, municipalities, states and the federal government so that we might have, once again, the opportunity to select a man on his merits rather than select him because of his opponents failures or lack of merit. I would rather see a candidate sell himself than watch him seek to destroy his opponent.
After all, didn't God teach us to be kind and tenderhearted and loving toward one another? Wow! When we stop listening, we really stop listening, don't we?
Another reason to pray. And pray. And pray. For revival. For you. For me. For them. For us. Oh, Heavenly Father! How we need an outpouring of your Power and Spirit and Love today. Grant it please, we humbly ask in Jesus name.
Finally, congratulations to all who won in the elections this year. I hope it was worth it.
In His Love
Walter
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Heaven
With the recent deaths taking place around me, I've been thinking a lot lately about heaven. Even the singers at our fifth Sunday night singing sang several songs about heaven. I guess it's safe to say I've got heaven on my mind.
And that's okay.
Please don't misunderstand, I'm very blessed and happy here in my earthly home and ministry. It's just that the Bible and the voice of Holy Spirit in my heart have so convinced me that heaven is better than here that I spend a lot of time thinking about what it will truly be like.
I know that it is more beautiful than my earthly mind is able to even contemplate and as I realize that, I don't really focus on the beauty of it. I do, however, think a lot about the sounds. I did a Bible Study once by a man who said that the Lord had given him a vision of Heaven and one of his greatest impressions of that vision was the musical sounds that permeated his whole vision so completely.
I can hardly wait for the singing.
But what I think about most of all when I have heaven on my mind is Jesus. I want to see Him. I want to hold Him and experience Him holding me. I want to fall on my face before Him and thank Him for my salvation and the forgiveness of my sins. I want to weep tears of gratitude and shout exclamations of joy.
I don't have a lot of questions and I don't need a lot of answers about things I don't understand. I settled in my heart long ago that everything God does is right and good and perfect whether I understand it or not.
I just need Jesus.
I have His Presence, Power, Provision and Peace with me everyday here but I just feel that it will be gloriously different when I'm living right in the middle of His Heavenly home. Through Calvary, He has made it possible for His home to be my home and I'm so glad He did.
Just as I needed to be saved and even now want more of Jesus in my heart and life, so there are millions all around us who need Him. Pray for revival. Pray that God's power and Holy Spirit will sweep our land. Pray that His people will turn again to Him so that He will heal our land and forgive our sin. Pray. Earnestly. Fervently. Persistently. Humbly.
Pray. As we await the time when He will call us to His blessed heaven, there is nothing more powerful that we can do to see the world around us changed to glorify Him.
In His Love
Walter
And that's okay.
Please don't misunderstand, I'm very blessed and happy here in my earthly home and ministry. It's just that the Bible and the voice of Holy Spirit in my heart have so convinced me that heaven is better than here that I spend a lot of time thinking about what it will truly be like.
I know that it is more beautiful than my earthly mind is able to even contemplate and as I realize that, I don't really focus on the beauty of it. I do, however, think a lot about the sounds. I did a Bible Study once by a man who said that the Lord had given him a vision of Heaven and one of his greatest impressions of that vision was the musical sounds that permeated his whole vision so completely.
I can hardly wait for the singing.
But what I think about most of all when I have heaven on my mind is Jesus. I want to see Him. I want to hold Him and experience Him holding me. I want to fall on my face before Him and thank Him for my salvation and the forgiveness of my sins. I want to weep tears of gratitude and shout exclamations of joy.
I don't have a lot of questions and I don't need a lot of answers about things I don't understand. I settled in my heart long ago that everything God does is right and good and perfect whether I understand it or not.
I just need Jesus.
I have His Presence, Power, Provision and Peace with me everyday here but I just feel that it will be gloriously different when I'm living right in the middle of His Heavenly home. Through Calvary, He has made it possible for His home to be my home and I'm so glad He did.
Just as I needed to be saved and even now want more of Jesus in my heart and life, so there are millions all around us who need Him. Pray for revival. Pray that God's power and Holy Spirit will sweep our land. Pray that His people will turn again to Him so that He will heal our land and forgive our sin. Pray. Earnestly. Fervently. Persistently. Humbly.
Pray. As we await the time when He will call us to His blessed heaven, there is nothing more powerful that we can do to see the world around us changed to glorify Him.
In His Love
Walter
Monday, December 1, 2008
Recruiters
Death has been active around us for a few days. Wanna's Aunt Myrt passed away last week. Another aunt, Ruby, is near death in South Georgia. And this morning an older Pastor who is a member of our church went home to his reward in Heaven. The two who have died and the one who lingers have all been strong Christians all their lives.
My point is that the ranks of God's earthly army are rapidly being depleted.
Statistics reveal that these ranks of Christian soldiers are being depleted more rapidly than they are being refreshed with new, eager recruits. That is a very disturbing fact to consider, especially in light of the fact that every saved person living on the face of the earth is called to be a recruiter for God's army.
I know that the word "recruiter" is not used specifically to describe the saved, but the Great Commission at the end of Matthew certainly implies it very strongly. We are commanded by Christ Himself to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." We are also taught by Father through His servant Paul that we are ambassadors for Christ.
So, in the face of the rapid depletion of Our Father's Earthly Host, I ask you to consider this; Are you a recruiter for the kingdom of God? How effective as an ambassador for Christ are you? It's important for you to know.
Do your words reflect the glory of Christ as you interact with the people God places around you every day? Do your responses to adversity demonstrate the strength of Christ? Do the storms of life bring out panic or complaint in you rather than the peace that only Christ can give?
It is imperative that we live lives that show just what happens when Jesus has control. The lost of this world need to see what Jesus gives, how Jesus changes, how Jesus strengthens those who belong to Him. Only when they see the strength, power, joy and peace He gives will they ever desire to become one of His, a member of His Holy Army.
We are all called to be recruiters. Let's get busy showing, sharing and telling others about Jesus so that the ranks of His army can be replenished. Many are falling, going home to their eternal rewards. But the battle here rages on. We must stand up, stand out and win the battle for the souls of men to the glory of our Lord and Savior.
So pray. Please pray. For yourself. For the Kingdom. For His army. For revival among all God's people. Pray for revival that will sweep our nation as it has never been swept before. Pray for a revival that will make the Great Awakening Revivals of former times seem small by comparison. One thing is for sure...if we don't ask for it, we won't get it.
I want to see a revival like that. Don't you? And be a recruiter. The Commander-in-Chief is counting on you.
In His Love
Walter
My point is that the ranks of God's earthly army are rapidly being depleted.
Statistics reveal that these ranks of Christian soldiers are being depleted more rapidly than they are being refreshed with new, eager recruits. That is a very disturbing fact to consider, especially in light of the fact that every saved person living on the face of the earth is called to be a recruiter for God's army.
I know that the word "recruiter" is not used specifically to describe the saved, but the Great Commission at the end of Matthew certainly implies it very strongly. We are commanded by Christ Himself to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." We are also taught by Father through His servant Paul that we are ambassadors for Christ.
So, in the face of the rapid depletion of Our Father's Earthly Host, I ask you to consider this; Are you a recruiter for the kingdom of God? How effective as an ambassador for Christ are you? It's important for you to know.
Do your words reflect the glory of Christ as you interact with the people God places around you every day? Do your responses to adversity demonstrate the strength of Christ? Do the storms of life bring out panic or complaint in you rather than the peace that only Christ can give?
It is imperative that we live lives that show just what happens when Jesus has control. The lost of this world need to see what Jesus gives, how Jesus changes, how Jesus strengthens those who belong to Him. Only when they see the strength, power, joy and peace He gives will they ever desire to become one of His, a member of His Holy Army.
We are all called to be recruiters. Let's get busy showing, sharing and telling others about Jesus so that the ranks of His army can be replenished. Many are falling, going home to their eternal rewards. But the battle here rages on. We must stand up, stand out and win the battle for the souls of men to the glory of our Lord and Savior.
So pray. Please pray. For yourself. For the Kingdom. For His army. For revival among all God's people. Pray for revival that will sweep our nation as it has never been swept before. Pray for a revival that will make the Great Awakening Revivals of former times seem small by comparison. One thing is for sure...if we don't ask for it, we won't get it.
I want to see a revival like that. Don't you? And be a recruiter. The Commander-in-Chief is counting on you.
In His Love
Walter
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