July 13, 2006

• "i think if any of us actually sat down and thought about all the things going on in the world today, we'd all have nervous breakdowns." - alana graham

  
  
  "it
  can be depressing, it really can be depressing. but the only way to
  make sense of all the crazy and scary things going on in this world
  today, is this.." -rabbi steve

  

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  "Israel has a right to defend herself," Bush said.

  

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  "Fire descends from on high in the shape of a Lion
  Burn the sacrifice of pride and ride on to Mount Zion." -Matisyahu

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  justified racism? you are succumbing to the things that you fear

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  Hebrews 11- Heritage
  

  I think that all too often we take for
  granted the heritage we possess as Christians, as servants of the
  Living God. One reason why I love the book of Acts is because there
  were so many heroes of the faith doing amazing things during the
  post-resurrection period. I mean wow, from the Pentacost to Stephen the
  first martyr to Saul's conversion to Paul and his subsequent ministry
  to Peter's persecutions for preaching the Gospel unashamed. If we think
  that's an awesome heritage in
  itself, how much more when we consider our history and heroes that date
  way further back? Hebrews 11: "By faith
  Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of
  Pharaoh's daughter. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the
  people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Noah,
  Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Gideon. Just thinking about passing this
  heritage onto my own children brings a smile to my face. And the power
  that they had to subdue kingdoms, attain righteousness, obtain
  promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench violence with fire, escape
  the edge of the sword, be made strong out of weakness, wax valient in
  flight, and make armies flee (verse 34).. this is the self same power
  we have today. But there is another thing we inherit, and that is the
  persecution Jesus Himself also had to endure. They were tortured,
  refusing deliverance that they might attain a better resurrection; they
  endured cruel mockings and scourgings, bonds and imprisonment; they
  were stoned, sawed asunder, tempted and slain by the sword; they were
  destitute, afflicted, tormented, wandered and hid in dens and the caves
  of the earth (verses 35-38). I mean what faith this bretheren knew. In no way, shape, or form does anyone wish this kind of life for us Christians today, but the point is: we are called to the same perseverance.
  Especially here in the United States (I'm sure you hear this a lot, but
  it's true), our persecution for our faith is little to nonw. Yet how
  much do we complain and murmer, and how much are we doing for our Lord
  and Savior? It brings tears to my eyes to know how much God cares for
  us, despite what we sometimes have to endure. Verse 38: "of whom the
  world was not worthy." Of whom the world was not worthy! And another
  thing that binds all these heroes together is the hope that
  they shared. This world is not our home as Believers, we're just
  passing through. Verse 16: "But now they desire a better country, that
  is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
  for he hath prepared for them a city."

  1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not see.
  6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him

  In describing Abel: "he was righteous,
  God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." In
  describing Enoch: "he had this testimony, that he pleased God." I pray
  that our lives, our testimonies, can be founded and rooted in faith,
  for the glory of God, which is our calling as we take part in the
  awesome heritage He has given to us.

  "Oh may all who come behind us, find us faithful
  May the fire of our devotion light their way
  May the footprints that we lead, lead them to believe
  And the lives we live inspire them, to obey

  Oh may all who come behind us, find us faithful."
  - steve green

  • 12:59 pm
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