KEEP THE FAITH

Have you ever felt we are in the center of a culture war and the
Christian side is losing? That is what our enemy wants us to think. We
are truly in a battle of good and evil but if you read the end of the
Bible you know the "good guy" wins.

God is supreme. He will not be mocked by a corrupt government. He will
not be "redefined" as His word is yesterday, today, yes, forever
unchanging. He will not be ruled "unconstitutional" as He is God. Many
may try to ignore Him trying to defend their way of life but He is
still here and He represents truth and forgiveness for those who
repent of their sins.

I drive home the point allot in my writings of how important it is to
know the word of God for in it lies truth and the answers to many of
life's issues. God is so much bigger and powerful than puny mere men
who try to legislate Him away.

When we ignore him doing our own thing and listen to the lies of the
enemy, Satan, he is sad.

A good Bible verse for this modern "do my own thing" era is found in
the book of Romans chapter 12 verse two and it says simply 'Do not
conform anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind then you will be able to test and approve what
God's will is.His good, perfect, and pleasing will.' In other words
you have to be a non conformist to things you know are not right. This
does not mean start fights but this means to speak up in love and do
not allow God's word to be mocked.

Galatians 6:7(NIV) says 'Do not be deceived. God can not be mocked for
whatever a mans sows that will he reap.'

Whose voice are you listening to today?

PRAYER: Today I pray for a soft pliable heart so that I do not become
desensitized to sins around me or in my own life. Keep my eyes opened
to your truth. Give me Holy boldness to speak the truth in love. In
Jesus' name, Amen.

Click on link for a powerful song.
http://youtu.be/MpWozyQ2QH4

ARE YOU LISTENING?

No I am not writing about the old Verizon spokesman whose famous line
was 'Can you hear me now' but I am wanting to know do you
listen,really listen to those around you? I would have to say I do
not always do such a good job of it having been blamed in college for
being spacey. But listening and showing you care are very important,
especially for the believer. If this is an area you are weak in it is
important to learn to focus and not let the distractions around you
cause you to not tune in to the person talking to you.

I have great news. I know someone who always listens and always cares!
His name is Jesus! Jeremiah 33:3(NIV) says 'Call to me and I will
answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you not
know.' God wants us to listen to Him and He listens to us when we
pray.

Proverbs 4:10(NIV) says 'Listen my son,accept what I say, and the
years of your life will be many.' In other words you "listen" to Him
by reading His word, the Bible, and He "speaks" to you through it's
pages. In Proverbs 1:8(NIV) we are told 'Listen, my son to your
father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.' Why
do you suppose that is? Maybe it is because their rules and things are
for your own good but when you rebel and go your own way you suffer
the consequences. Proverbs 19:27(NIV) says 'Stop listening to
instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.'

When you listen to wrong voices you may take the wrong path that will
lead to trouble and heartache. Staying in God's word and learning what
it says within it's pages will guide you and help you to discern wrong
from right, evil from good. Do the right thing. Listen to God!

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for the words in the Bible that are my
guide. Help me be alert to the still small voice and tune out
distractions that may keep me from you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WARNINGS

On a recent hike at a nearby state park there are dangerous cliffs and
warning signs are posted. Some read "Stay On Marked Trails".

Another says "Caution: High Bluffs". When I lived in Arizona, out in
the desert where it was mostly dry, an occasional downpour, called a
monsoon, would cause otherwise dry riverbeds to flood. Caution signs
would read "Flash Flood Area". In Northern Arizona, at the Grand
Canyon ,warning signs reminded tourists "Do Not Cross Barriers" . I hear an average of
five tourists a year plunge to their death by not heeding this warning

in order to step across the barrier for a better picture.

God provides many warnings in His word, the Holy Bible, if only we

would realize they are for our own good. Sin is very tempting. Satan
makes it that way. In Exodus 20 are ten "warnings" referred to as The
Ten Commandments. If you follow them you should be able to stay out of
trouble. We are warned about not having a "mouth problem" or in other
words talking too much and saying the wrong things. (See Proverbs
10:19). .

We are warned about the wrong kind of friends in 1 Corinthians
15:33(NIV). Proverbs 23:29-35 warns us about the dangers of too much
alcohol. Proverbs 6(Read it) warns about the dangers of "loose women"
and staying on the right path. Proverbs 1:10(NIV) warns against those
who knowingly sin when it says 'My son if sinners entice you, do not

follow them.' These are just a sampling of the many warnings within

the pages of the Bible.

If you listen to God He will keep you safe. John 15:7( NIV) tells us
'If you abide in me and my word abides in you, you can ask whatever
you wish and it will be done to you.'

Who are you following? Are you listening to the warnings of the still

small voice inside of you? Isaiah 30:21(NIV) says 'whether you turn to
the right or to the left , your ears will hear a voice behind you
saying, This is the way, Walk in it.'

Start today to make up your mind you will tune out Satan and tune into
God and live for Him.

PRAYER: Father I thank you that you are my Abba father, Daddy. Just
like an earthly daddy gives warnings to protect us from harm, you too
provide those through scripture. Forgive me when I have allowed Satan
to tempt me and lead me off the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name.
Amen.