The Answer....A Rap

   9/28/14                                  

If no one is coming down to set us straight

Then man alone must stop the hate

Just more of man’s laws to get fair and just

Yet our coins say “In God We Trust”

Hopeless man tries from his birth

To make Heaven right here on Earth

Try to make everything fair & square

Impossible for him, he doesn’t stand a prayer

Now if life here is all there is

Then at the end, there’ll be no pop quiz

Don’t stress, just pleasures be our goal

Let’s chop up the babies for birth control

But how can we all live as brothers?

Well righteousness and peace kiss each other          Psalm 85:10

Not everyone will serve the Lord

Jesus said "Sell your coat & buy a sword"                 Luke 22:36

War raged within me till the Prince of Peace             Isa. 9:6

Held my soul and gave me release

Victory every time, I’ve found the key

I just let God do the fighting for me

Now Shadrack, Mesach and Abednego

Dragged to Babylon, a long time ago

Had cool names and let me tell you mo

Fire couldn’t burn these three home bro                    Dan. 3

You may be believe you can up from the slime

And cleaned yourself up over time

Some like me are no accident

Created in His image, I was a blessed event

Brothers, sisters be it known

This big blue marble is not our home

Cause His eye is on the sparrow

Even on us when we’re down & low                         Matt. 10:29

Peace and justice can be real thin

When you’re looking for the answer blowing in the wind

Love flows out like hot fudge sauce

For those who are not ashamed of the cross

Today’s the day, let us sing & shout

Our troops are in and Satan is out

Shouts of joy for the Perfect Lamb                            John 1:29

What a great day to be an American

No need to be angry & full of despair

And go out cursing like Madeline O’Hare

Real peace and joy will overflow your cup

Just give it all to Jesus & keep looking up                Psalm 118:9

Written by
Luana Layton
    © 2002

HIS HOLY NAME

September Writing

A recent joy filled visit from our little granddaughters reminded me of the fact that my husband and I used to kneel down with our children each night and pray The Lord's Prayer with them. I think, as parents, we used this prayer with our children as a teaching tool. We felt that the rote nature of this prayer also brought comfort and security to our youngsters. Lingering over this memory caused me to realize that the “Our Father” is no longer a part of my everyday prayer life.

As I contemplated the text of the Lord's Prayer, I was drawn to the phrase “Hallowed be Thy name.” Essentially it is a plea that the Lord's name be kept holy, revered, respected, and cherished. It came to me that over the last 40-50 years many have been dishonoring God's precious name. In fact, with worldly television programs, licentious movies, ungodly rap music and internet entries, never has there been a time in history when the Lord's name has been so frequently and disgracefully blasphemed. And never has there been a time when so many millions of people have heard and internalized this profanity either willingly or with reluctant tolerance.

It does seem that the recitation of the Lord's Prayer used to be much more common among the members of the Body of Christ. We have progressed so far in the area of teaching on prayer, that I fear we have neglected the old tried and true basics. I feel impressed to attempt to, at least occasionally, reincorporate the “Our Father” into my prayer time. I wonder if any one else is feeling so led. It would be extraordinarily powerful if the Church would, in unity, pray that God's name would once again be honored, and that the desecration of His name would cease. It grieves my heart that God's name is so widely profaned. It must break our Heavenly Father's heart because He loves us so dearly and has sacrificed the life of His precious Son that we might all be saved and sanctified.

My hope is that we would all regain our sensitivity to the sacredness of that “Name which is above all Names.” May we once again uplift and reverence the title of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain;

 for the Lord will not hold him guiltless

 that taketh his name in vain.” 

(Exodus 20:7)

Written By Cathy Friberg

NEW REVELATIONS

August Writing #1

Recently I have been praying a new prayer before I read the Bible during my devotional time. I have been asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate my heart. I have been asking God to show me what He is clearly communicating in Scripture. Since praying this prayer it seems that I am seeing something brand new to me in the Word every day.

I have read the story of Paul and Silas in prison in the book of Acts many times. I have always been inspired by the fact that these two devoted servants of God managed to praise and worship the Lord in the midst of their suffering. Being beaten, bruised and incarcerated did not stop them from praying and singing praises to God. According to the book of Acts their worship was followed by an earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison. Paul and Silas' chains fell off and the prison doors miraculously opened. I am soundly familiar with this account. I call it to mind when I feel imprisoned by negative circumstances in my life. On numerous occasions I have followed the example of these mighty men of God. I have thanked the Lord and praised and worshiped Him in the midst of personal pain. And time and time again circumstances in my life have turned around for my good and for God's glory. However, this time when I read Acts 16 I saw that not only did Paul and Silas' chains fall off but the chains of “all” the prisoners fell off. It allowed me to see that when we praise and worship, not only are we set free from bondages or evil circumstances. Those around us and within our sphere of influence are also set free. I saw that when we seek the Lord that there is greater purpose than for merely our own sanctification, redemption and blessing. Paul and Silas used their freedom to bring salvation to the jailer and his family. Likewise we can use our spiritual liberty to restore others.

I am thankful that the Lord has prompted me to pray for His revelation as I read His Word. I am looking at Bible passages from a fresh perspective. Each parable, discourse, or excerpt takes on unique nuances and implications. I am seeing answers to questions which have puzzled me in times past. I am able to make new applications from Scripture in my own life. Most of all I am grateful for the Bread of Life Himself who constantly enlightens, renews, refreshes, and restores.

“The friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father
will send at My request, will make everything plain to you.” 

John 14:26

(The Message Bible)

“His anointing teaches you about all things 

and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit 

~ just as it has taught you, remain in him.”
1 John 2:27 
(NIV)

By Cathy Friberg

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

This is the July writing from Cathy Friberg...July

During the month of July the United States of America will be celebrating its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Our freedom from the then oppressive rule of our mother country came at a great price. In 1775 we began a battle with Great Britain. This war continued on until 1783 when Britain finally acknowledged our independence. Many lives were given up in order to achieve our freedom as a nation.

The great sacrifice which our forefathers made reminds me of the sacrifice which Jesus made to purchase our liberty. Jesus willingly gave up his life that we might be made free. God Himself underwent such intense suffering that we might escape the punishment of hell and the bondage of sin, bitterness, guilt, and condemnation. Christ's victory on the cross profoundly impacts our self image. To serve a God who would humble himself to that degree for our salvation elevates the worth of the human soul to the ultimate level.

We are all aware that we must continue to preserve our country's freedom. Praying and fasting concerning our laws, leaders, and the spiritual condition of our citizens, educating ourselves about current events, speaking up in truth without fear, and being diligent to vote are all steps we can take to help maintain our liberties. Likewise the Bible admonishes us to preserve our freedom in Christ. 

Galatians 5:1 warns us...
“So Christ has really set us free.
Now make sure that you stay free,
and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

(NLT) Galatians 5:13 states...

 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.
But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; 

rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

(NIV) Hebrews 2:3 reminds us...
 “So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore
 this great salvation that was first announced
by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by
those who heard Him speak?” 

As we celebrate our nation's freedom this year may we set aside time to pray for a great revival in the land, for an outpouring of God's Spirit, and a return to the morality and values on which we were founded. May we thank Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross from which all freedoms emanate.

By Cathy Friberg

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW..JUNE 2, 2014

I am an avid gardener. My results may not be that impressive, however I absolutely love the process. Being outdoors, weeding, trimming, and watering is one of my most enjoyable and therapeutic pursuits. Recently I was trimming a bush in front of my house. Much to my amazement I discovered a carefully woven nest cradling two adorable baby birds and a stunning tiny blue egg. As I hovered over the nest, the fledglings stretched up their necks and opened their beaks wide in anticipation of food. After my initial feeling of delight at this precious finding, a flood of dismay and remorse came over me. What had I done? With no more leaves and branches covering their home these newborn chicks were exposed and vulnerable.

Would their mother return to nuture and care for them? 

I went into the house to search on line for advice. Interfere as little as possible was the main recommendation. Watch to see if the mother returns within two hours. I immediately went into prayer mode. “Lord, not a sparrow falls to the ground without you knowing it,” I reminded the Father. (Matthew 10:29) I must admit I had a good deal of anxiety until the mother bird did return. Also that night as I lay in bed I could't help but think how much colder it must be for mama that evening tending to her babies, with no foliage to shelter her from above. I continued in prayer, asking God to let her stay on task and not give up. The next day she was sitting faithfully at her post. I continued to petition our Creator as I knew it would be much hotter during the afternoon for the family without the covering which I had clipped away. I kept checking each day, ecstatic to find that all was well, until finally the nest was totally vacated. I had a peace that the youngsters had matured enough to venture out on their own.

The lesson I came away from this experience with was that often times we make mistakes which cause harm to others. Even as believers, ignorance or weakness in our own character can cause us to do things which we truly regret. An unkind word, a thoughtless action, forgetfulness, or even a moment of apathy can hurt those we love. 

Sometimes we are the victims of such unintentional wrongdoings. However,  when we bring our missteps to God in prayer, 

He can make all things right. He will never leave us or forsake us.  

(Hebrews 13:5) 

He gives us wisdom and doesn't rebuke us for asking for it. 

(James 1:5) 

God abounds with creative and innovative ideas to bring restoration and healing. He can touch the hearts of those we have offended, giving them grace to understand and forgive. Our Heavenly Father can and will even turn the whole situation around for everyone's good and for His glory. We are so blessed to have a merciful and all powerful God who will come to our aid no matter how hopeless the circumstance appears. He is our redeemer and His love never fails.

By Cathy Friberg

We are not BRAIN-WASHED, but we do choose to WASH our BRAIN

This was written by Karl Hirsch who is the Dean of Students at Charis Bible College in San Jose. It was submitted by Kathryn Hansen...our devotional writer for Thursdays.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been meditating the on cautionary message found in 

Colossians 2:8-10

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Many of the ‘outsiders’ to Christianity have a worldview of Christians as being ‘brain-dead’, ‘mind numb’, ‘religious preacher controlled robots’.  These self-professed intellectuals believe that they have attained sufficient mental ascendancy on their own human power to not need anything or anyone else.  This so-called ‘Progressive’ philosophy is believed by them to be the NEW and IMPROVED order for society, when it is in reality older than Moses.  They think they are ‘free’ but in reality they are ‘bound’ by the deceit and lies foisted upon them by the world (secular education, main-stream-media, etc.), the flesh (selfish desires) and the devil (spiritual forces leading them in destructive tendencies). 

Because these ‘outsiders’ do not have a relationship with the author of the Bible (Father God/Holy Spirit/Jesus), they do not understand how to embrace the truth of His love for them.  Take for example the wisdom found in 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

And lean not on your own understanding; 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

And He shall direct your paths.

A ‘Progressive’ would immediately pounce on a Christian, make the accusation that God wanted them to completely abandon reason and blindly follow an invisible (non-existent to them) being.  But we know that God created us a with a brain to be put to use – not leave on our bed pillow.  The wisdom from God, as written by Solomon, is to not “LEAN ON” (put our total trust in) our own reasoning.  Many other scriptures get miss-interpreted by these intellectuals as describing a hateful sovereign.  But we know by the revelation from the Holy Spirit that the truth is GOD IS GOOD!

One of the biggest ways the Holy Spirit wooed me to a belief and confession in Christ was because I pondered the question, “Who is telling the truth and what is the real truth?”  The problem I have with ‘Progressives’, main-stream media, religious con artists, and even some close friends with good intentions is that they all can describe what they think is the correct view of life.  But how can one human claim they have “THE ONE TRUTH”.  So, I made the choice to believe and adhere to one source of truth – the “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” (Bible).  And I know some would argue that there are many man-made interpretations of the scriptures.  But I have confidence that the inward working of the Holy Spirit who I invited into my life is able to lead and guide me into all truth.  As he will do for you also.  Our part as Christians is to follow the guidance of Romans 12:1-2 to keep our brains cleansed (renewed).

 Romans 12:1-2 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, 

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, 

which is your reasonable service. 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.

I leave you with a word of encouragement to not shrink back from these so called ‘Progressives’.  Continue to be bold with your belief in the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus.  We should never be offended in any way by their disdain for our beliefs – rather, we should rejoice.  

As it says in 

Luke 6:22

Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, 

And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake.

Blessings

Karl Hirsch

Dean of Students,

Charis Bible College of San Jose, CA

Who Am I Following?

This morning as I hurried up the escalator, hoping to reach the train platform before the train doors closed; I realized that I was watching the feet of the people ahead of me.  I was trying to keep my steps in sync with theirs, trusting their rhythm to get me where I needed to be, when I needed to be there. 

Now, I knew they were rushing to catch the same train I wanted to catch.  There is only one train that departs from my starting point, so following these folks will get me going where I need to be – this time.  But what about the times I am somewhere else?  How often have I rushed to catch up to folks, only to discover that the train or bus they were running for was headed in a direction I did not want to go?

This got me thinking about all of the years I spent following different people in one sort of relationship or another; only to find out that we had different destinations in mind?  I am so grateful that the things that could have lead to physical and emotional damage were stopped before I truly fell.  My whole life could have taken a path that kept me from knowing the Lord.  I could have missed finding true salvation,  indescribable joy and the promise of eternity.  I could have lived not knowing the love of the One Who Loves Me Best!

How many of the people around us are one step of faith away from their next and greatest victory?  Have the misguided or misunderstood words of a well-meaning teacher kept them from really understanding the enormity of God’s love?  Hurt feelings and the rejection of those who said, “I love you.” created issues that many are just beginning to recognize.

“These are the people who divide you, who follow

 mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.  But you, dear friends, 

by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”  

Jude 1:19-21  NIV

Sometimes it is hard to have to step off the well-worn path that takes us to the popular places.  I want to know what folks are talking about in the break room at work. Or even some family members who have bonded over books, movies or TV. shows that I know would not be good for me.  So I do my best to seek out those who will allow me to share in activities that will keep my perspective from going too far from the one that follows God’s expectations for me.

I also need to work on listening more to the source of the message and not becoming dazzled by the person who is the messenger.  God’s Word is truth for each of us.  Listening to, reading and studying  His instructions more and more will draw us forward so we can prepare for what comes next.

“Whoever serves me must follow me;

 and where I am, my servant also will be. 

My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  

John 12:26  NIV

Thank you, Father God, for giving me the Holy Spirit, who helps me find my way every day.  I would be lost in a ditch, if I did not have this gift.  Please help me remain humbled, so I do not ever believe that the good I do is about me.  I want today to be one that uses each of us to show the world how very much You love to love Your children.  I am choosing to follow You, in gratitude for all that You have given me.  I thank and praise You.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen!

Written by

Lynda Kinnard