Daily Take Away

Psalm 21

2009-11-19T08:21:00.001-08:00

When I read this chapter I can feel the confidence that David has in God, after all, it was the Lord Almighty that saw him through so many trials and brought him victory. With a heart of thanksgiving, David casts one eye back on his life to see where God had mercifully saved him and rejoices about it. And yet at the same time, the spirit of prophecy works through him to cast the other eye firmly into the future and gaze upon the figure of Jesus Christ.

For just a moment David catches a glimpse of the promise that will save not only him but all of mankind. He did not know how or who exactly but he knew that God's word is true and he trusted that truth to hold firm. David had confidence in God then, so we should have even more confidence in the Almighty today! After all, Jesus in you IS the victory!

This chapter is held together by the bookends of "prayer" and "praise". When I read the first two verses I immediately thought of the prayer of Jesus in John 17:9,20; as He prayed for, first the disciples and then for the church. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and then hold onto that promise with all our might, nothing can snatch us out of our Father's hands, all because "THE" King prayed. Now all we need to do is praise Him for all He has done for us, and let hell know who has the Victory!

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ( 1 Cor 15:55 )

Robert MacPhee Jr

Psalm 20

2009-11-19T08:20:00.003-08:00

We are so blessed. We are so blessed to know the Lord. To know his name. To know the truth and to be able to walk with the master. The love of the Father is so great and he hears us when we call. He knows every desire, every hurt, every need and every thought. He is the good shepherd. His strength is perfect.

There is no other way. There is no other truth. There is no other life. O how blessed we are. I'm thankful this morning to be apart of this truth and I never want to take it for granted. Take time today and remember the love of the father. Remember how he takes care of the sparrow. Remember how he has blessed you over the years. Blessed your family, your friends, and your church and even if today you feel like your "going through it" remember Psalms 20:7.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Jesus!

Chase Potter

Psalm 19

2009-11-19T08:20:00.001-08:00

Chapter 19 of Psalms starts out telling us how the heavens declare God's glory and the work of His hands, and displaying His knowledge. There is no speech or language that does not hear their voices. Their words stretch to the ends of the world. This shows me that no man will not hear the praises of the Lord and all that He has done for us.

We are told that the Lord's law is perfect reviving the soul and that His statutes are trustworthy making what is wise, simple. His precepts bring joy to the heart, His commands are radiant and bring light to the eyes, and that He is all together righteous. This lifts me up knowing that God is all these things, and so much more, just knowing that He is everywhere and He doesn't walk in time but time walks in His will, and that He isn't subject to fate, but yet fate and destiny is decided by my God, the God I trust, the God that is my rock and my redeemer.

This poem lifts up my spirits, and is amazing to read, and it warns us of our sins. God knows that we have an imperfect perception of sin, and that we know not of all the sin's that we commit. But in this psalm it lets us know that our hidden sins are forgiven, and that we must stay away from willful sins. It tells us to keep our servant also from willful sins: may they not rule over me. then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

Ending that chapter with O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer truly is what God is to me and I know that I can lay all my doubts, fears, and concerns on Him that He will be my rock in the storm and my redeemer when I stumble.

Bro. Denver Birchfield

Psalm 18

2009-11-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

Being chased by your enemies, like David experienced? By Saul? The Cush? Maybe even your own son?

In this Psalm, I relate in a personal way. As I am sure we probably all can.

First in verses 1-3, The way it starts off, is the same way I start my prayer and my praise, I can’t think of a better way. I love you, O Lord, my strength. He is my rock, my shield. He is worthy of all my praise. I draw my strength from him.

Verses 4-5&6
Many times I have been in a situation and couldn’t see my way out, completely overwhelmed by circumstances where I had no control. But having the confidence in knowing the Lord hears me when I cry out for help, that he will deliver me, gives me a sense of peace. The Lord has delivered me so many times. Thank you, Lord!

Verses 7-15.
When we rely on God, any “situation” or “enemy” we are dealing with, will tremble at God’s Might and Power. How wonderfully David describes God here, I can just imagine in my mind’s eye the incredible way God uses his Strength to overcome what comes against us! The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.

Verses 16-19
What a great way to describe just how God does rescue me(us), when faced or confronted with something to big for me to deal with! Out of his love, He will intervene. He rescued me from my powerful enemy from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. … he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Verses 20-24
Here David states why God has delivered him, from this we should take note how we must conduct and model ourselves and our lives. The Lord will “deal” with us according to our actions, and the way we live. And knowing the great reward that is before us is truly worth it all! The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

Verses 25-29
These verses show me that through faith, humility and purity- God rewards us! That having faith I know he will turn my darkness into light. With faith, and His help all things are possible! You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

Verses 30-45
In these verses, David reiterates the way God strengthens and enables him. I too, know with God on my side I can accomplish anything, overcome any situation. It may not happen today, but as long I keep my faith, continue to seek him, I can overcome. I pursued my enemies and overtook them…You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

Verses 46-50
As David did in the beginning of this Psalm exalting and praising God, He ends it with Praise. Every day we should begin our day Praising God and end it with Exaltation to Him. Thanking God for the victory in which we in Him. Not just to ourselves, but to everyone we know. The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O Lord; I will sing praises to your name.

Larry Birchfield

Psalm 17

2009-11-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

Even though David was known for slaying his ten's of thousands, he still called upon the Lord to defeat his enemies. Chapter, after chapter he asks God to confound, scatter, and even slay those that would seek to do him harm.

David was a strong and valiant warrior in his own right, but he knew his limitations. He knew God was with him - verse 6 says "I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear my speech". He had already reminded God, "Thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing". Surely David's confidence would occasionally waiver when he was facing defeat, but he knew he was the apple of God's eye. Verse 8 says "Keep me as the apple of the eye"- not make me.

We as REAL Men should always know where we stand in God's sight! David rarely spoke of the here after, but verse 15 shows us exactly how David viewed himself after death. "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness".

This should be the ultimate goal of all REAL Men.

Bro. Morrison

Psalm 16

2009-11-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

When David wrote this chapter he was doing three things. He was acknowledging that without God, he was nothing. He was putting that nail in a sure place by proclaiming that he would serve the only living God. He was declaring his right to cry, Abba Father,0 and claim his eternal heritage in the promise of Jesus Christ.

I did not choose Psalm 16 as a take away, brother Joe assigned it. In other words it fell to me. I did not choose brother Russo's message for him this past Sunday as he talked about the anchor of truth, it simply fell to me. As we all stood around the altar at the end of that wonderful service, I held that line that has mercifully fallen to me in my hand and was filled with the same realization that David had. I am not worthy to hold onto that line in this most pleasant of places but I am determined to never let it go.

For the past few days I have tried to do justice to the feelings I have about this chapter, and all that God has done for me my entire life, but words fail me. As I sat on my couch reading through the Bible, an old hymn book that is sitting on our coffee table caught my eye.. Without really knowing why, I started to flip through the pages. Suddenly a song that I have never heard caught my eye. It paints a picture of the way I feel about the church I love and the heritage that I am now a part of.

The Family Of God

I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, for I'm part of the family, the family of God. ( I like verse two the best )

From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King, no longer an outcast, a new song I sing, from rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong, I'm not worthy to be here, But Praise God I Belong!!

Robert MacPhee Jr

Psalm 15

2009-11-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful promise of safety and security in God!

The commission of Micah 6:8:
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

…lines up beautifully with Psalm 15.
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent.

These are all the answer to the questions found in verse 1:
1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

It’s not easy in our present world with all the junk that’s going on to stand. But if we hold to the word, doctrine, prayer and the Holy Ghost, He will see us through. Walking right, talking right, staying faithful and obedient will pay off and the reward will be greater than we can ever imagine.

The end of verse 5 tells us: He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Don’t be moved, be REAL MEN.

Tim Jacobs

Psalm 14

2009-11-19T08:09:00.002-08:00

Verse 1 starts out - The fool hath said in his heart “there is no God.” Wow, what a strong statement.

In this chapter we see that the men of that day had turned from God, and were following after their own evil desires and lusts. There was no knowledge of God because they did not seek Him for guidance. They had become corrupt in their thinking, and looked at those that were followers of God as poor and unlearned.

When I look at our world today I see a people that are saying that very thing by their self centered lifestyles and actions, “there is no God”. They lean to their own knowledge, and do whatever it takes to get them the things they desire in this life. They say that everything is relative, and that there are no absolutes, (which in itself is an absolute), so you should do whatever you want.
The media makes fun of Christians, (at breakfast, lunch and dinner), considering us as poor and unlearned. This is due to their ignorance of Truth, and the lack of a relationship with Jesus Christ. They do not understand that we Christians are the richest people on this earth, and lead the most wonderful lifestyle known to mankind.

Let us continue to be REAL Men that have a daily walk with Jesus Christ trusting in Him to lead us, (Proverbs 3:5,6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; and lean not unto thine own understanding In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths), lest we too fall into the trap of the fool.

Blessed of God,

Billy Potter

Psalm 13

2009-11-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

Feelings, Foes, and Faith…..Lamentation, Prayer, and Rejoicing!

David in all likelihood wrote this psalm in a dark period of his life. Although he had been promised the throne, Saul was pursing him to take his life. He first deals with his feelings in verse 1 and 2. He is in a state of lament as he feels God is distant and not at all concerned with his situation. Men, how often do we find ourselves in David’s shoes, feeling alone and distant from the Lord as we struggle with what seems to be the trials of a lifetime? We must not deny our feelings and pretend that everything is going well, and there is no sin in asking, "How long?" But at the same time, we must realize how deceptive our feelings are and that God is greater than our hearts and can lift us above the emotional storms of life.

David then transitions to a moment of prayer and request from the Lord as he focuses on his foes. His prayer to God first was to be considered as he felt the Lord was not looking on him and his situation. Second, his prayer was that God hear his words and send him some encouragement as he believed that he had be abandoned and that his prayers accomplished nothing! Men, have we all not been in this place at one time or another in our lives? I know I have! Thirdly, David prays for the Lord to give light to his eyes, that he could receive not only spiritual enlightenment, but also physical and emotional vitality and strength. In his prayer, he lastly asks the Lord to prevent his enemy and adversary from gloating over his sunken state. For the glory of God, he prayed that his enemies would not be able to claim victory, for it was God who appointed him to be king in the first place. If God has given us a promise, we must be like David, and understand it is not about us. We should pray that God’s glory would be the result of the outcome of our trial.

Finally, David centers his attention on the joy from Lord. He transitions from fear to faith, and from questioning to claiming God’s promises. While David’s feelings and emotions had been on a roller coaster, God was still on the throne and in control! His great character had not changed. David realized that God’s love was all that he needed because it never fails. We as God’s people never live on explanations; we live on promises, and those promises are as unchanging as the character of God. Even though David’s circumstances did not immediately change, the Lord changed him. That occurred when David stopped looking at his feelings and his foes, and by faith started looking to the Lord. None of us are exempt from lamentation, but if we pray and seek the Lord, we will no doubt be led to a place of joy only found in Him. Let’s be REAL Men like David, and encourage ourselves in the Lord when the storms of life begin to blow in our direction!

Dwight Chandler

Psalm 12

2009-11-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Sheminith: in the titles of Psalms 6 and 12, has been explained as "bass," complementary to Alamoth. Almoth as: musical term, unknown in meaning, although some have guessed "soprano," connecting it with a word for "maidens." It occurs in First Chronicles and in the title of Psalm 46.

So as we look at this particular instruction of King David regarding this Psalm we should look at it as coming for men. That is because I don’t know of any women that sing bass. So with that in mind look at the first two words of this chapter:

Help, LORD.

If anyone should know how to call on the Lord for help it should be the REAL Men. The fallacy of this world trying to tell boys, and men that they should be self sufficient is a lie. We know where all lies come from.

Verse 2 talks about flattery and speaking proud things. It is said that “Flattery is the sign where duplicity is the host.” Meaning that to one’s face, one thing is said; but to the back, a different type of statement is made. Verse 3 The LORD shall cut them all off.
So what are we to do then? The promises of the Lord are yea, and amen.

Look at verses 6,7: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.”

Prov 24:16 “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. “

So if we are tried in the furnace seven times, or if we fall seven times, we have promises that He shall preserve us. He also tells us that if we fall seven times, we can still rise up again. So now let us allow the Lord to try us in the furnace in order for Him to preserve us.

David DeTar

Psalm 11

2009-11-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful message is relayed to us again, the Lord knows where we are, and what we are about. He knows the thoughts, and intent of our heart.

V 5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
V7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Men, be Real, and be righteous through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He knows where you are, and he cares. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Jesus. He has a plan for each, and every one of you, and if we will do our best to seek, and do his will, he will see us through.

Ralph Cain

Psalm 10

2009-11-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

When I read this Psalm, it talks about how bad the wicked are, and how they hurt you, and bring you down. Then it talks about how God hears the afflicted, and how he will help you and put down the wicked; it really means a lot.

When you think of God, and who he is, you realize that God doesn't have to hear our needs, but rather he chooses to because of his love for us. The One that made something out of nothing actually listens to our needs; the King of Kings actually hears you, and I just think that that is so awesome. So every need you have, just have faith because the one who hears your need is the King of Kings.

Marshall McGee

Psalm 9

2009-11-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

How great is our God! In the ninth psalm I was ministered to by the Name. “I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High” (v2) “they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (v10)

We know in the Hebrew culture a name was of great significance. It was your identity. When Isaac names his son Jacob, He put on him the identity of a supplantor, a little rotten scoundrel if you will... no wonder the Lord blessed him with a new name. When we fully understand and know His name we understand all that He is in our lives.

Daniel 11:32 says “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” When we live rejoicing not in our circumstances or situations, but in who He is we will be strong. When we learn to step out in faith believing not in our own abilities but rather in His we will do great exploits.

Walk today in victory. Rejoice in who He is and live like He is fighting your battles and ensuring ultimate victory in the Holy Ghost. “Be strong in the Lord and in His might power” (Eph 6:12)

Jason Ouellette

Psalm 8

2009-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

I can just imagine the psalmist having some time all to himself as his mind begins to dwell on God. With his pen in hand and his heart full of praise, Psalm 8 is born:

1: O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
3: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5: For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
9: O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

When we think of how big He is and how small we are, this should be our praise. There should never be anything in our lives that causes us to put ourselves above the majesty of God. He loves us in spite of our sinful nature. He visits with us unlike anything else in all of creation. We are so blessed with the possibility of having the indwelling of His spirit—something the angels can never experience. We must always remember that: He must increase, I must decrease.

Tim Jacobs

Psalm 7

2009-11-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

Psalms 7 was possibly written while Shimei was cursing David in 2 Samuel 16: 6-8. It is an example of how we should react and respond when we feel that we have been wronged. Ask God, “search me and show me if I have done any wrong.”

If we have then let us accept what has been dealt to us as David in verses 3-5. If we have not done anything wrong, then let God be the judge and let His will be done (verses 8-16).

This is a poignant reminder not to attempt to take matters into our own hands but turn them over to God and let Him handle the situation.

“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19

Randal Sheppard

Psalm 6

2009-11-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

Ps 6:1-7 David's Complaints

To the chief musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, a Psalm sung of David.
1 O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? 4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

These verses speak of a heart truly humbled under humbling providences, of a broken and contrite spirit under great afflictions, sent on purpose to awaken conscience and mortify corruption. Those people who heap up wrath who cry not when God binds them; but those who are getting ready for mercy who, under God's rebukes, sow in tears, as David does here.
Ps 6:8-10

Confidence in God

8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. 9 The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. 10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

What a sudden change is here for the better! He that was groaning, and weeping, and giving up all for gone (v. 6, 7), here he looks and speaks very pleasantly. Having made his requests known to God, and lodged his case with him, he is very confident the issues will be good and his sorrow is turned into joy.

Real men learn to make their requests known to God and rest not on personal accomplishments – Good or Bad. They learn to trust in Gods great mercy, which is fresh every day.

Bro Luis Morga

Psalm 5

2009-11-04T04:20:00.001-08:00

The God who “hears” our prayer and meditation!

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

David realized the importance of morning prayer and meditation. Prayer and meditation is a time of positioning ourselves in a proper relationship with our God and King. Notice in this chapter that David made note of what God likes and what God dislikes. In our prayer and meditation we are to position ourselves into God’s plan for the day that we are facing. God does have a plan and direction for our daily walk with him.

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

Notice that David used the words “my voice shalt thou hear in the morning”. Prayer often is us doing all the talking and not giving God a chance to “speak” to us. Direction is received by someone besides “me” doing the talking. David asked that God would consider his meditation. Meditation is important in our “noise polluted” world. We have so many electronic devices at our disposal that it is difficult to find a “quiet” time to meditate. I was very blessed to be raised on a farm where in the corn field there was just me and the Lord.

Men, let us position ourselves in a right relationship with our God and listen for His direction for our daily lives. God knows the end from the beginning!

Bob Gougler

Psalm 4

2009-11-04T04:19:00.001-08:00

Psalm 4 verses 3 –5 exhort us to live Godly lives, that He may set us apart and hear our prayers, to meditate on the Lord, offer righteous sacrifice and to trust in the Lord.

Righteous sacrifice in our time means something different than it did in King David’s time. The ancient sacrificial offering was to be perfect. I imagine it was watched closely to ensure nothing would injure or contaminate the offering. Though we no longer offer lambs for atonement, we still offer righteous sacrifices. Romans 12 exhorts, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Our righteous sacrifices are a pure mind, a clean heart, and trusting in the Lord.

Offering perfect sacrifice is not done accidentally. It is done intentionally and on purpose. Let us zealously guard our minds, our hearts and our trust, just as the men of old guarded their offering. We must strive to offer, each day, a life in which He is magnified.

Just as Christ lived His life, not for Himself, but for us, we do not live our lives for ourselves. We are examples. Merriam-Webster defines example as “one that serves as a pattern to be imitated.” We live our lives so that others may see what Christ looks like with flesh. We have to guard our righteous sacrifice so that our children will know how to keep their sacrifice acceptable. We MUST live our lives intentionally and on purpose so that those following us can see the cross.

Keith G. Mathews

Psalm 3

2009-11-04T04:18:00.000-08:00

This to me is one of the most uplifting passages to read. In the midst of one of the lowest times in King David’s life, he managed to have comfort and rest through the Shield of his life. His very own people had risen against him, turning their hearts to a rebellious Absalom, who sought to take the kingdom from his father’s hands.

So David fled to a road of nowhere, aimlessly walking as he wept and mourned. But through all this mourning he began to remember of the times past, when it seemed he was cornered in on all sides awaiting his death, until the Shield of his life stepped in to defy all odds. And so he began to cry out to God, to hear His voice from Mount of Olives, speaking peace into his life. Even though an army had come against him, it was the Lord who had granted him rest for the night.

My brothers, know this, in the hardest times of your life, when the enemy has you surrounded on all sides, your Shield is waiting for a cry to sound out from those who put their trust in Him. And he will come to you and grant you the peace that you have so fervently sought after. Then is the time that you will say, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about..” No, but the Lord will deliver you, bringing rest into your hearts, smiting the enemy who has rose against you.

Mike Creel

Psalm 2

2009-11-04T04:14:00.001-08:00

If we were to summarize this Psalm it would be best summarized as "The Psalm of Messiah the Prince." David gives us a duo-fold character of the Messiah and the King here, both in a literal and an allegorical sense. This Psalm is best divided into four parts verses 1-3 the Nations raging, 4-6 The Lord condemns them, 7-9 The Son proclaims the decree, and 10-12 advice is given to kings to yield in obedience to the Lord's anointed. But verse 4 says "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. Derision: (noun) - ridicule; mockery: But the summary of the whole matter is wrapped up in the last three verses.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Serve the LORD, what greater opportunity do we have then to testify and serve him in our day to day life. Then Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

• Trust-faith that believes to such an extent that the outward conduct is governed by implicit confidence and dependence on the goodness of God
• Integrity uprightness, virtue, honesty

These are two key words that I carry the definitions in my Bible all of the time. Trust when it seems to go against all common sense. Integrity is a word that when properly applied gives a greater weight to its proper owner.

Our Messiah, or Lord, is the one who will judge us in our thoughts and attitudes and actions. So as Real Men let us comply with what David wrote here, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

David A. De Tar

Psalm 1

2009-11-04T04:12:00.001-08:00

To start with, please let me reminisce a little. The fondest things that I remember about my dad, was his love for good preaching, and early morning prayer. Waking up early myself and hearing him praying always touched me at a young age. One cold wintry day we had killed hogs and I was outside by myself cooking the pork rinds when my dad walked out to where I was and started talking about the Lord and the first chapter he learned to quote. I soon learned to quote it myself and it has stuck with me for many years, the first chapter of Psalms. I will paraphrase. Happy is the man that does not take counsel of the wicked people, nor associates with sinners, nor sits with those that find fault with everybody.

But he is joyful that he has the word of God to guide him, and he studies and follows the teachings of the word of God. He shall be like a tree that was planted in a special place and had plenty of nourishment and water, who does not shed his fruit early, his leaf shall not either, and whatsoever he sets his heart to do will be prosperous. The ungodly are not so (happy and prosperous) but are like the chaff that is blown about with each and every small wind that comes their way.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment and nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, and will not hear "Well done my good and faithful servant". For the Lord knows all about those who have kept his commandments and done what is pleasing in his sight, and we shall be with him forever, but the way of the ungodly shall perish, away from God forever.

Ralph Cain

Malachi 4

2009-11-04T04:10:00.001-08:00

The Day of the Lord

This is the last chapter in the Old Testament and one of the shortest.
But to me is one of the most powerful. Depending on which side of
the fence you are on, it could be the best or worst day of your life.
God cuts straight to the heart for the evildoer in verse 1. “Surely
the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and
every evildoer will be stumble, and that day that is coming will set
them on fire." says the Lord Almighty.

And for the righteous He says in verse 2. But for you who revere my
name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.
And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Now if that doesn't spur you to stay strong and finish the race, I
don't know what will. What a Day of Celebration that will be for the
children of God!

Stay REAL brothers,
Rick VanderZanden

Malachi 3

2009-10-28T05:57:00.001-07:00

Stewardship

The coming messenger was John the Baptist, followed by Jesus the Christ. Jesus started by telling them of their biggest sin, greed, not giving back to the church. "DO NOT ROB GOD"

In answer to the people's skepticism Malachi emphasizes the certainty of the Messiah's coming.

The day of His coming when He will purify and judge all of us. Believers are obligated to give, in order to support the work of the Lord at home and on the mission field.

The Hebrew word for "Tithe" (ma'ser) literally means a tenth part.

Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall be room enough to receive it.

I have been blessed with so much in the passed months, you would not believe it if I told you, but I will find a way to give back to my Lord.

The blessings that accompany faithfulness in financial giving will come both in this life and in the hereafter and I don't want to miss the hereafter just for some petty thing in this world.

We are stewards of what God owns nothing more. God promises that if we practice good stewardship He will bless us greatly. But, if disobeyed, He will allow the devourer to destroy what we produce. Real men especially must remember that we do not own anything; we only manage God's resources.

So…like my mother once said "Why don't you be a real man and serve God".

Gene Wells

Malachi 2

2009-10-27T07:54:00.001-07:00

The priests had also lost all fear of the Lord in accepting substandard sacrifices, which in turn jeopardized the life and peace of Israel, since they were appointed to administer the duties of the priesthood to meet God's requirements for sin and in applying the law as it related to sacrifices, feasts, and temple maintenance. Likewise, it is not much of a stretch to infer that the relaxation of standards in the typical Christian church today reflects their lack of fear for the Lord. Few Pastors today could meet the requirements of verse 6: speaking the word of truth, turning many from iniquity, and living a pure life walking with God.

The last part of the chapter deals with God's displeasure with the Jews' intermarriage with pagan women and the divorcing of their Jewish wives. Judah was specifically called out, but this was a direct consequence of the priests' lackadaisical attitude toward following the law, as well as the ignorance of their history (Samson, Ezra, Ahab, etc…), which clearly exposes the folly of being unequally yoked. But since they also chose to destroy what God brought together through divorce, they put their Godly seed at risk.

We know that he was also referring to Jesus coming out of the tribe of Judah, and the danger the intermarrying posed to his fleshly ancestry remaining untainted. But God was also dealing with the destruction sin was having on the Godly homes and their offspring.

These same attitudes towards marriage are reflected in the way most pastors will marry any two people regardless of their beliefs, lifestyle or motivations for getting married. Modern standards for marriage and remarriage are so low as to question whether certain churches even pose any to potential newlyweds. But in God's eyes in this chapter, they lead a nation down the road to ruin.

Paul Pixley

Malachi 1

2009-10-27T05:46:00.001-07:00

Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

Let me say I am forever thankful that Jesus Christ became that perfect sacrifice that eliminated our need for animal sacrifice. I am not worthy of His blood, but I am thankful he was willing to die for me.

Although we may not offer animal sacrifices anymore, we can be guilty of doing the same thing that verses 7 and 8 are talking about here. How many times have we been guilty of giving an imperfect offering to the LORD? And, it's not always cheating the LORD of His money, but sometimes it is in cheating the LORD of his time by not praying or partaking of the Word. Or, perhaps it is cheating the LORD by not spending time with family and mentoring them in His ways. Sometimes, we cheat him by not allowing Him to use our talents for the reasons that he gave them to us.

I do not want to be found guilty of offering an imperfect sacrifice to the LORD and pray the LORD would guide me in balancing my life in making sure He gets the first fruits.

Thom Creel

Zechariah 14

2009-10-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

Well, I have to say that when I realized what I had signed up for; I was not real excited. This is prophecy and I am not a Bible scholar but then I read Zechariah 14 and some commentaries. And I have to say, to my shame, that in spite of my attitude I found something that really spoke to me. So I will try to put it in words and hope that others will be blessed also.

Zechariah 14 speaks of events surrounding the Lord's return but what spoke to me are verses 18 & 19. I had to ask "What is the Feast of Tabernacles"? Many on you probably know but I did not. The Feast of Tabernacles is a feast of the harvest and I just began to try and imagine that final great feast celebrating the harvest of souls. But I was awestruck when I realized that the Feast of Tabernacles was instituted thousands of years ago with a purpose. It was not just something that God said "You have this celebration of the harvest because you need something to celebrate". No, there was a reason, a purpose through the passage of time until that day when the final feast is celebrated. There was great joy during the Feast of Tabernacles and I think the same will be true in the last one. And then I was reminded that our God is the God of such order. That thousands of years ago a celebration was put into place with a purpose and then will end with a purpose, just fillled me with awe. I had to wonder why I worry about some things the way I do. The God that orders events throughout the ages, that spoke our world into existance, that gave his life because He so loved His creation; can take care of me and order my life. I want to try and encourage you men who are out of a job or in need of a better job, He knows! He is in your tomorrow, your next week, your next year and He has everything in order. Trust Him, He can handle it!

Douglas Dunn

Zechariah 13

2009-10-24T10:26:00.001-07:00

When Paul speaks of the second coming of Jesus in I Thessalonians 4, he tells the church in vs 18 “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” For the believer who has obeyed Jesus’ command in John 3:5, the return of the Lord is something of celebration and not fear.

The same joyous message is found in Zechariah 13. Verse 1 tells us “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.”

Our faithfulness to God and obedience to His word, will not only attain His faithfulness, but also every fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians chapter 5. The longsuffering of God is our salvation and God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

REAL Men, let’s cling to the celebration of verse 9 today—“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”

Tim Jacobs

Zechariah 12

2009-10-24T10:24:00.001-07:00

How many times have we wounded God? We obviously know we can not actually wound the Creator of the universe, but we can still hurt him emotionally. Yes... the All Mighty One has emotions and Yes, he feels pain when we choose not to obey or not to live this life according to his word. How many times have we taken him for granted. How many times have we pierced him with our words and our actions.

It seems very clear, as the father, he tries so hard to train us up in the way we should go. Just as many of you fathers have known the right path for your child, but while you long for that bond and that love, your child does not always make the right decisions and it hurts. All you want is the best for your child. All you want is for than young boy or girl to grow up and live a healthy and fruitful life. Unfortunately, children do not always look through the eyes of the father. We as children don't always see life through OUR FATHERS EYES.

Though we are still children and find ourselves daily falling short of perfection, (as were are all human) we see God still choosing to deal in the affairs of men. It was so beautiful to see the adverse emotion taken toward the enemy of the children of God as they were being threatened. In an instant, such swift action to protect and defend his children, much like many of you would do for your child even today. It would not take much for many of you fathers to "come un-glued" if someone meant to bring harm to one of your children.

What a good father. What a loving father. How merciful and mighty is he. What a passage of love. That father that can discipline and lead, comfort and defend with the same hand... His hand of righteousness. This is a great example of the love of our father. Even in these last days the word says his chosen people will be persecuted, mocked, and even threatened... but we know what he has in store for any who appose him. Praise God! He is all Powerful and sure to take care of his children. I don't want to hurt him and I don't want to wound him anymore. God help us to see this world through your eyes so we can make the right choices and draw closer to you. .................Remember Today Guys ...................... Gods Got Your Back!

Chase Potter

Zechariah 11

2009-10-24T10:19:00.001-07:00

The passage opens with a beautiful and vivid poem.

Open your doors, O Lebanon,

so that fire may devour your cedars!

Wail, O pine tree, for the cedar has fallen;

the stately trees are ruined!

Wail, oaks of Bashan;

the dense forest has been cut down!

Listen to the wail of the shepherds;

their rich pastures are destroyed!

Listen to the roar of the lions;

the lush thicket of the Jordan is ruined!

The ministry of Zechariah took place during the reign of the king Darius, the Great. He lived in an era after the exile of the Jews to Babylon from Jerusalem. Jerusalem had fallen to the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Zechariah was fortunate enough to experience the excitement of the return of the Jews to their homeland. Cyrus, the Great overtook the Babylonians in 539 B.C. and he allowed Israel to return home and rebuild their lives. According to history, this poem would have been written around the time of the return. The latter portion of verse 3 could be emblematic of Judah's return.

In verse 4, God gives Zechariah a tremendous responsibility. He tells Zechariah that he is to be shepherd to the returning children of Israel. He was charged with taking care of them spiritually. The children of Israel were very quick to return to their old ways and God was willing to let them. However, this defiance didn't go without retribution. God had a man. A REAL man. A man unafraid to tell Israel the err of their ways. We should thank God every day for the shepherd that God has so graciously given us.

It is later in the passage that God reveals to Zechariah, the corruption that has so subtly crept its way into Israelites. There were those shepherds that sought to lead for their own political and financial gain. The Lord was quick to point out these "wolves" as they are referred to later in Matthew 7 and Acts 20. The Lord always provided a watchman. Whether by a judge, a prophet, a preacher, or a pastor, He was, and is still, faithful to make sure that His own are looked after.

REAL men are called to be the shepherds of our homes. That means that we are to look out not for just the temporal things needed for survival in this life, but also the lasting needs necessary for the life to come. We are charged with imparting to a younger generation the statutes and principles that have so ably guided us to this point in our own lives. I'm not a father, but one day I will be. In that day, I pray that there will be REAL men of God that will stand true to their heritage and reinforce these principles that I will strive to pass on to my own children.

Donley Gandee

Zechariah 10

2009-10-24T10:15:00.001-07:00

We see in this chapter that though Israel had returned from exile, some were still petitioning false gods. False prophecy leads people into paths that go nowhere and which continue to be aimless, achieving no satisfactory objective.

We are fortunate to have great leadership that are watchmen on the wall for our souls and that seek the will of God daily for the direction of our church. We can always go to them for a word of direction and know that they will seek the face of God for his will for our individual lives.

If we as children of God will stay in the fold and follow God's word and the leadership of our pastors, great blessing is promised to us. Though things of this life try at times to distract us we must hold fast to the faith, and we will reap blessings upon our lives and the lives of our families.

Billy Potter

Zechariah 9

2009-10-24T10:13:00.001-07:00

While I was reading this chapter, I think about reading the last chapter in a saga. We know the end and it is great, we win, we live forever more. The verse that really stood out to me was verse 16.

And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. (v16)

Not just any stone, or pebble that is picked up would be worthy enough to be put in a crown, but it would be precious stones that would be displayed, and lifted upon high for all to see.

Men, we, and all our families are precious in the sight of God. He came to this earth for each one of us. Let's all give our best, to keep his commandments, and do whatever is pleasing in his sight, lift him up, worship, and live for him.

The wise King Solomon said the conclusion of the whole matter was to fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Ralph Cain

Zechariah 9

2009-10-24T10:09:00.001-07:00

While I was reading this chapter, I think about reading the last chapter in a saga. We know the end and it is great, we win, we live forever more. The verse that really stood out to me was verse 16.

And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. (v16)

Not just any stone, or pebble that is picked up would be worthy enough to be put in a crown, but it would be precious stones that would be displayed, and lifted upon high for all to see.

The wise King Solomon said the conclusion of the whole matter was to fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Ralph Cain

Zechariah 8

2009-10-24T10:07:00.001-07:00

These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

Zech 8:16

Can you hear the cries of the lost? Do you see the pain in their eyes as you pass them on the streets? As you drive by the homeless does your heart go out to them? When was the last time our hearts felt pain, anguish, and a deep burden for those who need to know the truth. Indifference is a disease that has overtaken our society. Indifference simply is the lack of caring. We don't seem to care whether they know the truth. We just don't want to mess up our schedule to witness. We get into our comfort zones and we don't feel secure stepping out. I have been guilty of this so many times. I no longer want to remain indifferent, but rather I want to become passionate and zealous about reaching the lost!

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:18

God has called us to reach the lost. It's time to step out of our comfort zones. It's time to embrace a desire to see souls saved. Time for us to see every seat in the church filled. Time to give of ourselves to the Kingdom!

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

John 4:35

Mark Denard

Zechariah 7

2009-10-18T11:38:00.001-07:00

It is of some importance to remember when these Words of the Lord came to this dear prophet. Darius was then the king of the Medes and the Persians. He was the king that stood by Daniel when the presidents conspired to kill Daniel because of his love and worship of Jehovah. This is the Darius that stood outside of the den where Daniel had spent the night with the lions:
Daniel 6: 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

This is the time frame when Zechariah was commanded of the Lord to give the priests and prophets of that day the two messages in this chapter.

Part A
In the month of August (Chisleu) Zechariah was instructed to tell the priests and the prophets of that day that their fasting was not as the façade that they were trying to make it appear. Their fasting was for self service. The Lord has a designated fast as described in:
Isaiah 58: 5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

Fasting is a source of power with God that we are told not to try to manipulate or control. The last word of this verse "rereward" is in example the protection for our back. Thus, the Lord tells them and us "I have your back." It is not up to us to manipulate to obtain the reward or answer. The fasting and prayer are God's way of giving us what He deems important and necessary. It is a prerequisite to "trust in the Lord, and lean not unto our own understanding." Proverbs 3:5.

So the first message was that their "FASTING" was for naught.

Part B

The second message was that their designs; to oppress the widows, the fatherless, the stranger and the poor were the cause of the Lord stopping his ears and not hearing their prayers.

What a sorrowful state of affairs for the Lord to condemn the self righteous acts of men and refuse to hear when the crying of those great leaders when judgment came.

Hear the last verse of this chapter
Zech 7: 14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

What a message that is just as applicable today as it was in that day. We must be sure that our actions are pleasing unto the Lord and not for self-satisfaction.

Our cry should be:
Psalms 19: 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

David DeTar

Zechariah 6

2009-10-17T05:13:00.001-07:00

I am not a prophesy expert by any stretch of the imagination. I perused various commentaries on this chapter and each had a slightly different take on the 4 horses mentioned in the first of the chapter. … I will leave this alone, other than to say that Brennan would think that prophesy is to him as he loves horses.

However, the one agreement in the commentaries and what I can see from the scripture is that vs 12 and 13 without a doubt points to Jesus our High Priest and King. I have friends and acquaintances that tend to view him in one light or the other. To them, he is a judge with no mercy or a benevolent priest who does not have the authority to rule in their lives. We must see him as Zechariah prophesied and Jesus fulfilled; He is our high Priest, but can only operate as such if we allow him to rule completely in our life as the King that he is.

There are many voices in the religious world that want to portray Jesus as a God that is only interested in our happiness. To them, he is not a ruler, but rather a cheerleader that wants us to do only what makes us happy. It is almost as though they do not feel the need to serve him as much as they feel the need to be served. I have found that true happiness comes through complete submission to his will and his rule in our life.

Jeff McGee

Zechariah 5

2009-10-15T20:14:00.001-07:00

And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. (vv 7-8)

I do not know all that is pictured in this book of prophecy, and even what imagery I see might be only partially correct, but give me grace as I share what I took away from this short chapter.

The ephah was a basket used for measuring grain, and trapped inside, underneath a weight of lead was a woman who signified the wickedness of the nation. Pastor has reminded us so often that "sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay."

Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. (v 9)

Not only will sin trap you (see John 8:34, 2 Peter 2:19), but it will also take you away (see 2 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Peter 2:17). Through these prophets the message should be abundantly clear... "lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame." Hebrews 12:1-2

Jason Ouellette

Zechariah 4

2009-10-15T06:10:00.001-07:00

And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man
that is wakened out of his sleep. And said unto me, What seest thou?
And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with
a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven
pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two
olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other
upon the left side thereof. (vv1-3)

We learn in Revelation 1:20 that the golden candlestick represents the
church. Now, notice that the church is referred to as a GOLDEN
candlestick. Gold is very beautiful and very valuable, but if it's not
cleansed on a regular basis, it becomes tarnished and stained. I
purchased a golden trumpet about 13 years ago that really caught my
eye. It was beautiful to look at the day that I bought it, but once I
stopped cleaning it on a regular basis, it became ugly and dirty. Now
it's pretty ugly overall, and even the best cleaning solutions could
not bring it back to its original condition.

REAL men; we better thank God for a pastor that believes in and
preaches holiness and separation from the world. Ever been to an
Apostolic church that let go of the standard a long time ago? If you
have, you know that it's not a pretty sight. Thank God for our
pastor!!!
The candlestick had seven lamps branching out from it, so many
sockets, in each was a burning and shining light. Does the number
seven strike you as familiar? Read Revelation 1:20 and you'll remember
that the seven golden candlesticks were the seven churches. Matthew
Henry wrote the following in his commentary:

"The Jewish church was but one, and though the Jews that were
dispersed, it is probable, had synagogues in other countries, yet they
were but as so many lamps belonging to one candlestick; but now, under
the gospel, Christ is the centre of unity, and not Jerusalem, or any
one place; and therefore seven particular churches are represented,
not as seven lamps, but as seven several golden candlesticks, Rev.
1:20.

This candlestick had one bowl, or common receiver, on the top, into
which oil was continually dropping, and from it, by seven secret
pipes, or passages, it was diffused to the seven lamps, so that,
without any further care, they received oil as fast as they wasted it
(as in those which we call fountain-ink-horns, or fountain-pens); they
never wanted, nor were ever glutted, and so kept always burning clear.
And the bowl too was continually supplied, without any care or
attendance of man; for (v. 3) he saw two olive-trees, one on each side
the candlestick, that were so fat and fruitful that of their own
accord they poured plenty of oil continually into the bowl, which by
two larger pipes (v. 12) dispersed the oil to smaller ones and so to
the lamps; so that nobody needed to attend this candlestick, to
furnish it with oil (it tarried not for man, nor waited for the sons
of men), the scope of which is to show that God easily can, and often
does, accomplish his gracious purposes concerning his church by his
own wisdom and power, without any art or labour of man, and that
though sometimes he makes use of instruments, yet he neither needs
them nor is tied to them, but can do his work without them, and will
rather than it shall be undone."

I have often wondered why God placed a perfect gospel in the hands of
imperfect people. There's a fictitious story that goes like this:

When Jesus ascended into heaven after leaving His gospel in the hands
of the apostles, the angels gathered around and asked Him some
questions. Among them was the common question, "Is this it? You went
to earth, died, and rose again, and now you're going to leave it in
the hands of these men? What if they fail?" Jesus looked at them and
responded, "I have no other plan."

This is just a story, but its dead truth. Now, let's examine the next
few verses of scripture with this in mind.

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest
thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and
spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel,
saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD
of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt
become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with
shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Brethren, I write this with tears in my eyes. I can't understand why
God, who is perfect, blameless, sinless, all powerful, all knowing,
and absolutely sinless, would allow this gospel to be proclaimed by
men who were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Oh, how merciful and
gracious is our God! (vv 5,6)

If you read nothing else, please read this next sentence. No matter
what you accomplish in life, don't ever forget that you could do
nothing without the power of God working in you! "Not by might, nor by
power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." In the English
Bible, this name for God is translated, "LORD of hosts." This name for
God is used to describe His power and majesty. A host is a number so
great, that it cannot be numbered by men. Therefore brethren, we don't
serve a God that just leads 12 angels around like Santa Clause, but
our God commands an innumerable number of angels that are at His every
beck and call. But notice what the next verse says:

Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a
plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings,
crying, Grace, grace unto it.
How was Zerubbabel so powerful? (v7)

The reason that mountains would fall before this man was because he
recognized his place in life. He knew it wasn't by his own might and
power that the mountains would fall, but He knew that God could do
anything.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the
Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall
raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven
him.
He didn't say, "Your prayer of faith shall raise them up", no, but
thank God he wrote, "The Lord shall raise them up." James 5:14-15

You'll never receive anything from God until you realize that the
power is not in your flesh, but it's in the one that created that
flesh. There's a song that says, "It's not about us, but it's about
Jesus." Your faith alone will not accomplish anything. God is the one
who holds the power, but you must also realize that he dwells inside
of you. That's why Paul wrote, "Now unto him that is able to do
exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the
power that worketh in us". The power that you need for your miracle
dwells inside of you. Believe that with all of your heart and
recognize the potential that you have.

REAL men, let's walk into our world today with a renewed determination
to rely on God. Just remember to watch out for falling dirt, because
when you get a revelation of the Spirit that dwells inside of you,
your mountains are going to fall!

Jordan Mills

Zechariah 3

2009-10-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

"Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?" (NIV) vs. 2

While we were yet sinners we waited by the fire, living in a state of hopelessness, but the power of God came and gave us a way to Him. In knowing this we sought after the face of God; forsaking our old ways. This repentance, however, came with the enemy railing accusations on us, pointing out the filthy garments that we had worn for so long. So God made a way of cleansing us from this sin of yesterday and brought us to a watery grave, where clean garments worthy for a priest to wear were placed on us as we stepped out of the water, watching the amazement of the enemy who saw us as if we had never sinned.

Yes, through repentance, and baptism we were made clean before God, but this was only part of what we were to do to continue in His grace. "If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here." It was through receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost that we were enabled to truly keep his ways and requirements; through which we will have a place among those who will stand in the kingdom of God.

Joshua the high preist had lived and experienced a shadow of our salvation, which is being given today by the redeeming powers of Jesus. It was that day after experiencing the shadow of things to come that God spoke to him of our saviour, who would set free the ones who would seek after Him. He is the Branch, the one who took away all the iniquities of the land in one day. Through the work of Calvary we no longer have to wear the filthy garments of sin, but clean garments that are fit for priests, so that we may live in newness of life and always do His will.

Mike Creel

Zechariah 1

2009-10-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

3 Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the Lord Almighty.

It must have of been difficult for the prophet to tell God's people to repent, not again to lose the opportunity as before, not to wait for it may be to late.

Today we had a that very word from out Pastor, Repent! Our "Prophet in the pulpit" is also urging and warning for us to see! Not just the lost sinner to repent, but showing us, we, God's people need to also repent. Was it not the the Lords last word to the Church to Repent!?

To all you REAL men , this is what is on my heart from this chapter. I know that is there is so much more in here. With all the visions, God comforting his people, that he does have love for them (us), and compassion for their (our) concerns. Even vindication of his people in the end of this Chapter is very sobering of Gods power.

But we must be truly sorry for our sins and come to the Lord with a brokenness and truly give ourselves over to him and He will "Return to us".

Lord, Jesus, Thank you from the depths of my Heart for your Grace and Mercy.

Larry Birchfield

Haggai 1

2009-10-10T04:50:00.001-07:00

As God began to lovingly reach out to mankind after the fall in the garden, mankind worked very hard at putting God in His place. Just twelve years after the wisest man that ever lived built the most magnificent church ever built, he began serving other gods and making a lot of bad choices. Solomon spent an incalculable amount of money to basically tell God where He needed to stay and that if he ever needed Him, he knew where to find Him.

That was the attitude of God's chosen people at the time and it seems to be very prevalent in today's modern religious thinking as well. The last thing that mankind should do in these last moments is place God in a box, then walk away and seek Him only when we need something from Him. We need to place God on a throne in the middle of our lives and daily crown Him with praise like never before!

When Haggai stepped on the scene he had history to look to, so he knew how stiff-necked and easily distracted God's people could be. He did what any good preacher should do in that situation, he preached a twenty-four day revival and encouraged the people to get up and do something for God.

When Jesus stepped on the scene in John 2:19 and stood in the middle of the people's work, He emphatically stated, " Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up!"

Many who heard Him that day simply missed the boat. The Jews instantly defended the stones that made up God's pretty little box and in doing so, just as instantly revealed the shallowness of their hearts.

Of course today we know that Jesus was speaking of His body but aren't we sometimes just as guilty as those Jews were then when we cannot see past the brick and mortar?

Mankind is building mega churches at an unprecedented rate, yet at the same time the world is tearing down the true temple of God.

When God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said in 66:1, "Where is the house you will build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?" He knew that some seven hundred years later that the apostle Paul would declare in 1 Cor. 3:16, " Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

The people of F.U.P.C.E. have been called to be builders, and re-builders in the kingdom of God. With one hand we need to reach out to new people and aid them in establishing the foundation on which to build a better life, that being the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:11).

While with our other hand reaching out with love, and support to those saints who are allowing the Holy Ghost to rebuild upon the rubble.

Verses five and seven of Haggai chapter one says, "Consider your ways". The first instance God is showing us the bad place in life we may find ourselves. The second instance He telling us how to get out of that place. Verse eight, " Bring the wood and build the house". I know that it is hard to see through the pain but it really is that simple. It's key to remember that it's for His pleasure and His glory, not ours.

Robert MacPhee

Zephaniah 3

2009-10-10T04:46:00.001-07:00

This chapter, and book really, of Zephaniah is glaringly familiar to
me. It's an account of a people reaching the limits of God's jealousy
and suffering the repercussions of their actions. I say it's familiar
because God's wrath is being directed toward a people, or nations,
that think too highly of themselves, feeling no need of God or His
righteousness. This isn't directed to individuals or perhaps a church
as we might find in the New Testament. Rather, this is a contrast
between his chosen people and whole nations who have forgotten the one
true God who is above all, through all, and in us all. God is
condemning cities that have turned away from Him yet still have
righteous men inhabiting those cities. In vs. 7 it tells of the
chances they had to receive instruction, but instead they still seemed
in a hurry to lead wicked lives.

Politics aside, we live in a nation that was founded on Christian
principles, enforced by godly men who feared the Lord. It seems more
and more of our population is completely unfamiliar with God and many
believe we've become a great nation because of our own talents, will,
ambition, resources, or whatever...anything but the grace of God. My
constant prayer is that our nation, by the will of God, would be able
to receive instruction and remember the consequences of nations who
forget who gave us all of this. Lord help us to remain your chosen
people, and let us pray continually for the preservation of Godly
humility and reverence in our nation.

Joey Hart

Zephaniah 2

2009-10-09T05:49:00.001-07:00

The prophecy of destruction on the lands that obeyed not the gospel and worshipped idols is spelled out here by Zephaniah. From Gaza to Ashkelon, to Canaan, to Moab, to the Ethopians to Assyria, certain doom is brought to light because of the wickedness of these people.

However, this is so graciously preceded by a charge of repentance and awakening (vs 1-3). The chapter begins with the prophet pleading with the people to gather themselves and worship the God they have been defiling.. The end of their very existence is at stake because of their behavior.

The final verse brings back to my remembrance the words that described the Titanic—"God himself could not sink this ship." Verse 15: This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. When that day comes, will it be one of agony for you? Or have you concerned yourself with the things of God and it will be a joyous day for you? I pray that we all keep in mind Deuteronomy 6:4—"Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is ONE LORD"

Tim Jacobs

2009-10-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

The prophecy of Zephaniah begins with a promise. A promise of destruction and desolation. A promise of devouring fire and of darkness. A promise from the LORD. For the day of wrath was soon to come upon them, and the word of the Lord was there to confirm that it was to be. It was the unfaithfulness of the nation Israel that had caused such a promise to made. They had given themselves to sin and to idolatry, turning their backs from the Lord. Some had taken a deistic view of God thinking he was not active in their lives. "And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil." (vs. 12) They put there trust in the host of heaven, thinking a sign from the stars would guide their ways. Thus their unrighteousness had brought judgment upon them.

It is by the unrighteous acts of men that judgment will come on the earth, but their was a righteous act of a man that has brought redemption to all of mankind. For it was prophesied long ago that the Lord had prepared a sacrifice, through who's blood a way of escape would be made from the coming judgement. The man Christ Jesus who died for our sins that we would sin no more and see everlasting life. Yes the judgment is still to come, the Lord has spoken, but by His grace those who have faith in Him will escape the day of wrath. God is not mocked, whatever a man sows he will reap. The ones who continue in unrighteouness will see destruction, but if you have been reedemed by the Lord you will go on in His righteousness, being kept for everlasting life. So be encouraged reedemed of the Lord, and stay faithful to the one who has kept you; for the day of the Lord is near.

"The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly." (vs.14)

Mike Creel

Habakkuk 3

2009-10-06T05:54:00.001-07:00

The Prophets, Prayer, and Perspective

In chapter 3 of Habakkuk the word prayer is used as an act of devotion. The Lord would revive His work among the people in the midst of the years of adversity. This may be applied to every season when the church, or believer, suffers under afflictions, and trials. Mercy is what we must flee to for refuge, and rely upon as our only plea. We must not say, remember our merits, but, Lord remember thy own mercy. The prophet once felt perplexed; now he has peace. He once felt confused; now he feels contentment. He once felt fearful; now he has faith in the future God has planned. The only thing that changed was his perspective!

What a song, and melody that we as REAL Men must sing daily. The word "Shigionoth" means, make a melody or a song of.....For example, How Great is our God.

Bro. Morga

Habakkuk 2

2009-10-05T05:40:00.001-07:00

Where am I, and what am I standing on? What am I doing, where is my attention, and what does He want to show us? First I must be willing to do as instructed.

Our future is already laid out, for He knows the end, from the beginning. Therefore, I will trust Him, He knows where we are, and the world around us. He wants us to trust Him, not in things, or graven images. Look at the end of the chapter, the Lord is in His Holy Temple. If our body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, then He dwells in us, and we have fellowship with Him, for He is our friend.

Bro. Steve Mooney

Habakkuk 1

2009-10-03T15:23:00.001-07:00

As I read Habakkuk's psalm I could see why commentators labeled him
the Doubting Thomas of the Old Testament. His questions of God seem a
bit whiny, but yet they also hit a little close to home. In verses 2
– 4 he asks the Lord, "how long shall I cry"… "judgement doth never go
forth"

The Lord startles Habakkuk with the answer – "I will work a work in
your days which you will not believe, though it be told you."

And then, backpedaling a bit, Habakkuk asks "we shall not die", and
will you "hold thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is
more righteous than he?"

Habakkuk took his questions to the Lord. I think we need to recognize
the difference between questioning God and taking our questions to
Him. A deceived man says, "Here is my question now give me your
answer." While a Godly man says, "Lord, here is what I do not
understand, help me to know you more."

The name Habakkuk means to "wrestle" or "embrace", how fitting. While
taking his fears to the Lord Habakkuk is wrestling with the injustice
he sees, but God's answers will take him from fear to faith.

Thankfully, God knows and remembers "we are but dust." He knows we
don't always understand, and He wants to take us from worry to
worship. We just have to lay it all at His feet.

Jason Ouellette

Nahum 3

2009-10-03T15:20:00.001-07:00

Your eyes open and the sun burns them immediately. Now they're closed
and you raise your hand to shield them as your second attempt to open
allows just a seam of light to make its way through. You're on your
back in the dirt and who knows how long you've been lying there. As
you stand, the stench of overwhelming death makes its path to your
sense of smell you wish you didn't have right now. You're upright now,
bleeding, and bruised, but all you feel is numb all over. All around
homes are either burned, or in pieces scattered about. You can't see
the grass, all you can make out are mounds of clothes, and blood and
then it hits you.

Your memory returns flashes of images that you are hoping was a dream.
Screams, both of horror, and of plunder come racing back. Before the
massacre you remember laughter, and self-serving sins that were common
to a day's routine. Then darkness and swords, and the world spinning
faster than you thought possible. You ran, you fell, you fought your
way around to who knows where, and you didn't know why.

But now you remember. Some man had spoken about the judgment that was
coming. You, just like everyone else, didn't believe him. Now you do,
but it's too late. There is nothing and no one left. You fall to the
ground as the shock leaves you speechless, and now your thoughts
cannot even register as comprehension leaves you. Your eyes close
again.

Now they're open and you lift your head to see your Bible is turned to
Nahum 3. The images leapt off the pages, and into your nightmare. Just
as the dream, you're speechless and your decision is….

REAL men, we have to choose now. We've heard the word of God, but are
we going to wake up when it's too late, or will we wake up now? I pray
that we find within ourselves the determination to obey the word, and
make it to heaven no matter what. Choose you this day whom you will
serve. As for me, and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Tim Jacobs

Nahum 2

2009-10-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

A description of Nineveh's judgment, and doom is summed up in this
short chapter. In the 13th verse, the announcement from Nahum is that
the hand of our Almighty God is set against this sinful nation!

One could write a whole sermon on this Old Testament book on the woes
of letting sin contaminate a people, and the very nation they live in.
How wise it would have been too, for them to turn from their sin, and
avoid this judgment.

Steve Moon

Nahum 1

2009-10-01T06:34:00.001-07:00

This chapter begins with Nahum announcing God's judgment upon Nineveh, as God had instructed. More than a century before, God had called Jonah to bring to repentance the city of Nineveh. Though they did, they failed to leave a legacy of repentance to the following generations. By the time that Nahum comes on the scene, the nation had fallen into pitiful shape, both morally, and spiritually.

Nahum clearly tells them of God's anger against the city of Nineveh and declares judgment upon the wicked government and public immorality. Even as Nahum speaks of the wrath of God, he also speaks of His goodness to those who trust Him. God tells us that He is slow to anger, and great in power. In verse 7, God is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust Him. What a refuge we have in God.

In verse 13 God speaks of breaking off the yoke from us and tearing off our shackles. How well this speaks of how we are set free the day we are filled with His wondrous Spirit. I am so glad that He is slow to anger, for there are times that I would be in trouble. I am glad for that refuge, and stronghold. What liberty we have in Him who has set us free, yes free indeed. Be REAL Men in the liberty that God has afforded us!

Joe Crosson

Micah 6

2009-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

God pleads with Israel

What I get out of this chapter is that God is trying to get the people of Israel's attention by putting the blame on himself. My mother used to do that to me, she would say well I guess I did not raise you right but God knows I tried. It would work for a little while, I would let up, then I would go right back to my old ways. Why do some of us do that?

I believe God expects every one of his leaders to be responsible for making healthy environments so that people learn to love justice and show mercy when their leader creates an environment for both. Walk humbly with God, a respectful relationship with God governs their strategy and lifestyle.

Born Again

Gene Wells

Micah 5

2009-09-30T03:56:00.000-07:00

A Promised Ruler From Bethlehem

This is the place where Micah prophesies of Jesus' birth, and explains his (Jesus) purpose on this earth. And how Jesus will love and guide his people as a shepherd leads his flock.

1 Marshal your troops, O city of troops,
       for a siege is laid against us.
       They will strike Israel's ruler
       on the cheek with a rod.
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
       though you are small among the clans of Judah,
       out of you will come for me
       one who will be ruler over Israel,
       whose origins are from of old,
       from ancient times. "
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
       until the time when she who is in labor gives birth
       and the rest of his brothers return
       to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
       in the strength of the LORD,
       in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
       And they will live securely, for then his greatness
       will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 And he will be their peace.

  Deliverance and Destruction

The second portion of this chapter foretells Israels deliverance from, and destruction of her enemies with the help of God.
In addition it tells how God will not put up with sin and idolatry. So we should all strive to obey the Lord and do his will.

    When the Assyrian invades our land
       and marches through our fortresses,
       we will raise against him seven shepherds,
       even eight leaders of men.
6 They will rule the land of Assyria with the sword,
       the land of Nimrod with drawn sword.
       He will deliver us from the Assyrian
       when he invades our land
       and marches into our borders.
7 The remnant of Jacob will be
       in the midst of many peoples
       like dew from the LORD,
       like showers on the grass,
       which do not wait for man
       or linger for mankind.
8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations,
       in the midst of many peoples,
       like a lion among the beasts of the forest,
       like a young lion among flocks of sheep,
       which mauls and mangles as it goes,
       and no one can rescue.
9 Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies,
       and all your foes will be destroyed.
10 "In that day," declares the LORD,
       "I will destroy your horses from among you
       and demolish your chariots.
11 I will destroy the cities of your land
       and tear down all your strongholds.
12 I will destroy your witchcraft
       and you will no longer cast spells.
13 I will destroy your carved images
       and your sacred stones from among you;
       you will no longer bow down
       to the work of your hands.
14 I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles
       and demolish your cities.
15 I will take vengeance in anger and wrath
       upon the nations that have not obeyed me."

Bryant Waller

______________________________

V 1- Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

V 9- Thine hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and all thine adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off.

In this chapter we find that the ruler of Israel has gone from being defeated, to a conquering king. In the middle of all of their turmoil, there was a promise of the coming Messiah. Men, if we look into the word we will always find the answer to our every need.

Sure, we may seem to be defeated on one hand, but with the promise, that the Lord will bring us through, that is greater than any adversity. The promise that we can overcome, through God, will enable us to be the REAL Men, we should be.

We are marching toward a goal, that is Christ Jesus. Never take you're eyes off of Him, and He will always bring us through.

Joe Crosson

Micah 4

2009-09-28T03:22:00.001-07:00

In the first part of this chapter we see peace among all nations, and all people seeking the instruction of the God of Jacob, our God, the one and only true God. People have turned tools of war into tools of peace, and no one is stealing from one another, because the Lord of host spoke it.

In v 10 & 11 Micah writes about the Daughter of Zion being in travail, and many nations are gathered against her, to let her be defiled, and to look upon Zion.

Mic 4:12-13

12 But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
KJV

What a powerful statement in v 12 about the thoughts of the Lord. No one can know the thoughts and ways of God almighty, for his ways are above the ways of man, and who can know his thoughts.

Take heart all men for the Lord of heaven knows where each and every one of us REAL Men are, he knows all of our thoughts, the needs of our families, the desires of heart, and what we are capable of. Luke 12:32 says it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Ralph Cain

Micah 3

2009-09-26T03:47:00.001-07:00

"You who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; who eat my people's flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?" (v 2-3 NIV)

Each time I read this chapter these verses strike hard. They are gruesome and severe. We all must fight a tendency of our flesh, you see we so often discredit or underestimate the importance of our spiritual man. But realize how severe the prophet is describing the effect of misguided leadership.

Without Godly leadership pointing you to the cross destruction will start on the outside, your skin; then the structure of your life will begin to crumble, your bones; and finally the small fragments will be consumed like the scraps we use in a stew.

Thankfully the opposite is also true. When a man, a family, a church is placed under the authority of sound biblical leadership the result is not destruction. The Lord will "gather up the fragments so that nothing is lost." He will "heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds," and the Spirit of the Lord will "set at liberty them that are bruised."

Sadly there are "priests who teach for a price", but there are also men who are "filled with the power, with the Spirit of the Lord." Let the harshness of Micah's words ring in your ears today. Let those words urge you to thank God for the true clear sound we hear from our leadership, and to pray that the grace of God would work in the lives of men who have "distorted all that is right".

Jason Ouellette

Micah 2

2009-09-25T06:11:00.001-07:00

We see in vs one a certain people who "devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds!" "when morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hands." What I gather from these two verses is a picture of people who lay restless in bed with either a revengeful spirit or a spirit of hatred for their fellow man. When morning light comes they gather themselves up and proceed to act upon the thoughts of the previous night.

This brings us into vs. 2 where they "covet fields, take them by violence, and houses, and take them away." "They oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage." This outward action of hatred toward their fellow man tears apart one of God's greatest commandments. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". Matthew 22:39

So what happens next?

Vs. 3-5 you start to see the "punishment of God" unfold. Vs. 3. Against this family do I devise and evil from which you shall not remove from your necks. Vs. 4 In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and vs. 5 Thout shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the Lord. During this time you see God bring to light in their eyes what they were doing to others. God starts to remove things out of their life stripping them down and eventually expelling them from the land in vs. 10

Brothers, how many times do we see people in life that react to others in hatred or anger? People who tear others down and if an opportunity arises "take what they have." How much more should we as REAL Men pray for guidance and strength to ready ourselves for these encounters. Let Gods light shine through us, so others can be guided out of the dark into the light. Away from these spirits as Micah wrote about. Be vigilant my brothers and let the Holy Ghost guide us through this world until we finally meet at the marriage supper of the lamb.

John Cottle

Micah 1

2009-09-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

In Micah chapter 1, Micah thoroughly describes the judgement of Samaria and Jerusalem and the mourning which Micah does because of the wickedness and sins.. The word of the Lord that came to Micah at this time tells us about Samaria and the devastating shape it's in worshiping idols and tells us that her wound is incurable. The judgement of the Lord is on them, and it tells us that Samaria will become a heap of rubble and all her idols will be broken to pieces.

Micah gives us a great example of how Christian's today should be when he says, Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an own for her would is incurable; it has come to Judah. It has reached the very gate of my people even to Jerusalem itself. (Micah 1:8-9). When he speaks of going barefoot and naked he is wanting to be a lesson of vulnerability to the rest of Jerusalem. Walking barefoot in this time was a sign of mourning and he did this because he loved Jerusalem, yet he knew that judgement for them would soon come.

I took from this that even though we all can see this world, society, and culture crumbling around us, we should pray and be mourn for those who we know are lost. God does say, I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Luke 15:7). We must still be vulnerable to the Word of God and his Holy Spirit and let it guide us through this society because we can see the end coming soon, and we should witness in a time where images and idols are put before the one true God. We should also take it as a warning to not let this world influence us, and stay true to what we know is real.

Denver Birchfield

Jonah 4

2009-09-23T05:43:00.001-07:00

The conclusion of this book we all know so well, shows why God is in control and we aren't. We can draw from remembrance easily that Jonah disobeyed, was swallowed by the fish, repented and was given another chance. But what about the 120,000 souls in Nineveh; did they deserve another chance?

Jonah was a prophet and his task was to declare the word of the Lord so that people's lives could be changed. He was chosen to help people find the right path when they were going down the wrong ones. So why was he disappointed when God repented and spared the people of Nineveh? Instead of giving the word and then leaving town to fulfill his next call, he sat down to watch the destruction he thought was coming.

We have the truth and it's our responsibility to share it. Whether the ones we witness to reject or receive the word, we still have to share what we have according to Acts 1:8.

REAL men, let's love souls and pray for them in every circumstance. We may think they are the most vile and unrepentant of sinners, but let the people of Nineveh be an example to us of how God can love anyone. Let's let God work through us and rejoice as the angels do over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:10).

Tim Jacobs

Jonah 3

2009-09-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

In Jonah chapter 3 verse 1 it says," And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time…." God should never have to tell us more than once. This verse also shows us God's mercy. God did not have to ask Jonah twice, but he did! That shows God's love and mercy. We will get punished for ignoring God. Jonah got eaten by the whale because he disobeyed God, but God gave him a second chance.

My illustration is when my Mom and Dad ask me to take out the trash and I say No, or run and hide, I would be punished and the house would stink. So not only does the decision affect me, it affects other people around me. So if God asks us to do something and we do it the first time, God will bless us.

Jonmichael McLaughlin

Jonah 2

2009-09-22T05:20:00.001-07:00

As Jonah sank deeper and deeper into the crushing depths of a cold and angry sea, the only thought that could have brought him comfort was that at any moment, death would put him out of his misery. When you are on the run from God, you are always running toward your own destruction.

As all hope faded in the dark abyss, God in His infinite wisdom, had prepared Grace in the form of a supernatural great fish. Notice that God did not send a great white shark to rip Jonah to pieces, merely a time out box with scales so the rebellious servant could have time to ponder God's call.

On day one of his incarceration I'm sure Jonah wrestled with disbelief. As the great fish swam deep into the recesses of the sea, Jonah's mind must have been racing with panic as he found himself in the slimy confines of an overgrown tuna. Many thoughts crossed his mind but somewhere amid the nightmare he paused long enough to remember who he was and how he had been raised.

Verses 2 and 3 tells us that Jonah began to have church in the belly of that fish. His first song on that first day was from Psalm chapter 88. This was a grievous complaint to God; verse six states, "Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps."

This may have been a negative attitude but at least Jonah thought about all of those church services he had sat in and he was trying to find his way back home.

Day two of Jonah's sentence found him thinking that suddenly, Nineveh didn't look so bad.
Verse 4 says, "Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple." As Jonah sang Psalm 65, he began to remember the infinite power and goodness of the only living God. The church will always be an oasis of encouragment and hope for all whom the Lord will call.

Jonah didn't know it but he was about to be paroled. Day three found Jonah with a repented heart and brokenness that God could finally use. With thanksgiving he sang Psalm 142.
Verse 5, "I cried unto thee, O Lord : I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." We need to remember that Jesus is the only divine refuge that we will ever need.

The world is being filled to the brim with the spirit of rebellion and satanic forces are massing like never before for a futile push against the Almighty. The time for pomp and circumstance are over. The saints of God should be vessels overflowing with an everlasting annointing. Lift up your praises from the belly of your dilema, get in the face of hell and when you find yourself tossed overboard, just have church!

Robert MacPhee Jr

Jonah 1

2009-09-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

Vs 1 and 2, The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai : 2 " Go to the great city of Niveveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me. (NIV)

In vs 1 God loves us so much, that he gives us His word. He loves us so much that He will give us chance after chance to repent. Even a people as wicked as the Ninevites.

In verse 3 Jonah runs from the Lord. How many of us have ran from Gods calling or prompting? How many times have we ignored or turned up the music or the world to try and drown out Gods calling on us? As we all know, when God wants us, there is no way to hide, or out run God. And Jonah found that out first hand. Jonah had to pay a fare to get on the ship. How many times have we paid "the fare" for trying to go it alone, outside the will of God?

Vs 4 When the storms came each sailor called on his god, to calm the seas and save them to no avail. The captain finds Jonah sleeping and he wakes him to pray to his god that they may not perish. I'm sure there is something to their saying he was in a deep sleep. I'm wondering how he could sleep while he is running from the Lord?

The sailors figure out Jonah is responsible for their impending peril, and ask, who is responsible for all this trouble? He tells them he worships the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land. This terrifies the men, and they ask him what they can do to calm the seas? Jonah comes to terms with the destruction he has caused to himself and those around him. He knew there was nowhere to run. Sound familiar? He tells the men to cast him into the sea. Instead they try and row back to shore, but the storm only gets worse. The sailors now cry out to the one true God and ask forgiveness for throwing Jonah overboard, at which the sea becomes calm, (there is such a calm peace, when we are in the will of God) the calm sea terrifies the sailors even more, to which they offer sacrifices to God. The sailors lives were no doubt changed forever that day. And I'm sure there were some converts among them.
But Jonah did not die in the sea. God was not finished with him yet. He was swallowed by a great fish, and remained there for three days and nights.

I would like to say how much I appreciate the Real Men of Euless. God has blessed me tremendously and I consider our church one of my biggest blessings.

Rick VanderZanden

Obadiah

2009-09-19T06:24:00.001-07:00

"You shouldn't have!"

How many times have we heard or said this phrase in our lives? Sometimes we say/hear it in response to receiving a gift or in thanks for something someone has done for us that is well beyond our hopes and expectations. In this usage, it is a term of sincere thanks. Sometimes, we say/hear it as an admonition or instruction to keep us from repeating mistakes. Other times, and this is the one I want to talk about in the context of Obadiah, we have said/heard it as a warning for a response that is about to come.

12But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

13Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity;

14Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.

Verses 12 through 14 paint a picture of God as a protector over his people. The prophet writes the words of God as a reminder to Edom of their past atrocities towards his people, but more so as a warning of impending retribution he is about to mete out towards Edom.

15For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

In this day, we are under attack as the people of God; as Christians. This attack is akin to the actions of the Edomites. The media portrays us as hypocritical, backwards, ignorant, dependent upon "religion" as the "opiate for the masses" to quote Karl Marx. The educational system teaches us that Christianity is just one option at best and scientifically infeasible at worst. The government panders to belief systems such as atheism, humanism, and Islam while systematically taking away the rights of Christians and belittling the very faith upon which our system of government was originally crafted.

Yet, brethren, be not dismayed for if you put your ear to the ground you can hear our Savior warning those that attack us, "you shouldn't have…you REALLY shouldn't have!" I'm not saying we should necessarily rejoice in retribution that will be meted out (in fact, I would dare say we should pray for a Saul to Paul type conversion for those that attack us), but we should and can take solace in the fact that our Savior has our back! His work cannot and will not be stopped.

Thom Creel

Amos 9

2009-09-18T05:26:00.001-07:00

Verses 1 - 10

In these verses, we see the destruction of a backslidden Israel and how God will pour out his wrath upon them. We see that there is NO escape from God's wrath on those who have turned from Him, and though they dig into hell or climb up into heaven, they cannot hide from his wrath. This is why it is so important to pray for the leaders of our nation.

Our nation was founded upon the words, "In God We Trust," but when our leaders turn away from God and follow after their own lusts, they will not escape the judgments of God. Backsliders may think that they are enjoying themselves because we live in the dispensation of grace, but in the end, they will not escape the wrath of God.

Verses 11 - 15p
These verses speak of Amos' vision for the future and the restoration of Israel. It is full of hope, healing and positive change. There is redemption for backslidden Israel when they repent and realign themselves with the Word of God. We must pray for the leaders of our nation that they will seek Godly council and lead us back to be a God fearing Nation that still trusts in the Almighty God. We must pray for those who are in a backslidden condition that they will repent and turn back to God before his wrath is poured out upon this world.

Billy Potter

Amos 8

2009-09-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

As I read the 8th chapter of Amos, I was very stricken with the Fear of God. Not just a fear of his power , even though I do fear that, but a very humble fear that just makes me want to bow down and be so still in his presence.

I could not help but think about the Nation we live in and how I see so much of America in this passage. Such confusion. Such turmoil, and Such irrevance.

Where are we?
Who are we?
Nobody seems to know what to do?

Everyone has created so many maps for us that none of them seem to look the same anymore. We have created so many "right paths" that there are no more paths to be taken. The well beaten path of sand through the grassy meadow has become nothing more than a dessert. As the twisting and whirling wind of this world blow the footprints of the ones gone before, we find ourselves … LOST …

Where to from here?

We no longer remember were we ARE, where we WERE, or where we are GOING.

We have forgotten our purpose. We have forgotten our identity, and we have forgotten our GOD.

O God, I pray for our nation...our leaders... for our pastors...and I pray for our MEN. Let us always hold this word , this map so close. Hiding it in our hearts, that we might not sin against you and lose our way. Not just because we are scared of your wrath, but because we have a Purpose! We have a Destination and we have a treasure waiting for us in Glory! Help us lord to not forget why we are here. Help us to never forget who is behind us watching and listening. Let us always stay close to those who are leading so we can follow in their footsteps. When that judgment day comes Lord, I pray that ALL of our men will be greeted with , "WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT."

Let us take a moment today and reflect on our purpose, our position, and our Prize.

Our Purpose in the kingdom...

Our Position as Spiritual leaders... ( of our homes , of our church, and of our communities)

Our PRIZE that awaits all who stay the course...

Philippians 3:14
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Chase Potter

Amos 7

2009-09-16T05:44:00.001-07:00

Just as Jesus paid no regard to the profession of Peter as a fisherman, the nature of God was not a respecter of persons when he spoke to Amos.

When Amaziah told Amos to go back and continue his prophet duties in his own country, Amos spoke to him in verse 14 : "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit:"

He couldn't boast about being born into the ministry or even knowing that he was called from his youth as Samuel was called. God spoke and Amos obeyed. Because Amos was obedient and knew the voice of God, he was able to turn the Lord's heart when God wanted to punish the people for their idolatry, with locusts (vs 1-3) and fire (vs 4-6). God gave the people a plumb line—a standard for His truth— "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they might." (Deut 6:5)

If Amaziah would have understood his own words in vs 13, then he wouldn't have despised Amos, but would have fallen on his face and gotten himself right where God wanted him.

REAL men, we must be constantly seeking God's face and be open to His instruction. We may only have 1 word for 1 time; but if God wants us to use us for a specific purpose, we need to be obedient. God's sanctuary is where His word goes forth and we need to be looking for it when we are there. Not like Amaziah who despised the word Amos spoke.

Let's love the word of God and let it perform surgery on our lives every day.

Tim Jacobs

Amos 6

2009-09-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

I first want to take note of the very first verse in this chapter on complacency. When I read and study the Bible I try to look at things through relevancy to the here and now. I know that there is a plethora of richness in the history of the time in which this took place, but is it relevant to today?

I say OHHH Yes! I meet and talk with so many that think that it was just for that day and time,that it makes for a good "story". This is where I see the complacency in today's society and that it is relevant to today and that we must learn from the past.

"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

1 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!

Are we becoming like the North and South kingdoms? "Complacent in Zion" and "Secure on Mount Samaria"?
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This Country considers itself a great kingdom in the world, are we so great that we can't learn from other great kingdoms that fell?

2
.... Are they better off than your two kingdoms? Is their land larger than yours?
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Are we so arrogantly confident in our Greatness as a Country and self reliance, that we have forgotten God, and may be soon approaching a "reign of terror"?

3 You put off the evil day and bring near a reign of terror.
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Have we become a Country of hedonism, just seeking the lustful desire of our hearts?

4 You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves.
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So drunken with our own self pleasures that we drink by the "bowlfuls"? With not even the slightest concerned of our impending doom?

6 You drink wine by the bowlful
and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.
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Are we listening to the warning from our Prophet in the pulpit? That the Lord detest and abhors the "pride of Jacob", and that He will "deliver up the city and everything in it"?

8 The Sovereign LORD has sworn by himself— the LORD God
Almighty declares: "I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it."
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Will we be one of those who says "Hush" in fear of the fact we were one of the ones that were overlooked in the destruction?

9 If ten men are left in one house, they too will die.

10 And if a relative who is to burn the bodies comes to carry them out of the house and asks anyone still hiding there, "Is anyone with you?" and he says, "No," then he will say, "Hush! We must not mention the name of the LORD."
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Will it be our Country that is the "great house" that is smashed "into pieces", and our homes "into bits"?

11 For the LORD has given the command, and he will smash the great house into pieces and the small house into bits.
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Do we consider ourselves immune to disaster, over our great might? Are we rejoicing over "nothing" and falsely imagining we have strength "by our own strength"?

13 you who rejoice in the conquest of Lo Debar [ Nothing] and say, "Did we not take Karnaim [horns/strength ] by our own strength?"
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Do we want to be as Israel? Lead into slavery, into the bitter experiences of what Israel suffered in Egypt?

14 For the LORD God Almighty declares, "I will stir up a nation against you, O house of Israel, that will oppress you all the way from Lebo [ from the entrance to] Hamath to the valley of the Arabah."
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I ask all these questions to myself as this chapter did invoke the thought, where is this Country headed?

I pray everyday for leaders and the people of this Great Country, that we will return to what made it Great,
"One Nation Under God"
I Know as REAL MEN, you do the same..Thanks Guys!

Larry Birchfield

Amos 5

2009-09-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

Time will not allow me to explore the true riches of the following verse, so I will only discuss a small part of it.

Amos 5: 5 But do not seek Bethel,
      Nor enter Gilgal,
      Nor pass over to Beersheba;
      For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity,
      And Bethel shall come to nothing.

These three locations, Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba were highly respected by the Jews. Everyone knows the significance of Bethel and Gilgal, but what's so significant about Beersheba? The answer is simple, but incredibly beautiful.

1.       Beersheba is the place that Hagar went to when Sarah kicked her out of the house. When she was out of water, she cried out in fear and God heard the cries of her son. He opened her eyes and she saw a well of water.

2.       The second place in scripture I want you to look at is Genesis 21:25-36. Here Abraham reproves Abimelech over a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. They make a covenant and in verse 33 says, "And Abraham planted a grove at Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God."

3.       Isaac and Abimelech also made a covenant at Beersheba in Genesis 26:31. It seemed like no matter where Isaac went, he couldn't dig a well without someone trying to steal it from him. However, he built a well in Beersheba and found plenty of water there. It was also at Beersheba that Isaac received a visitation from the Lord. (Genesis 26:23-24)

4.       In Genesis 45, we read about Joseph reconnecting with his family. When Jacob heard that Joseph was alive, he refused to believe the news until he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to him, and "the spirit of Jacob revived." It was more than just his human spirit that revived that day. From the time of Joseph's departure until this portion of scripture, we never read of Jacob ever received another visitation from the Lord. But notice what happens in the next chapter:

Genesis 46

1And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.

2And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

3And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

4I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

I don't believe for one minute that Jacob just thought, "Oh, there's Beersheba. I guess we'll stop here since it's the closest place." No, Jacob was well aware of his father and grandfathers experience at Beersheba. That's why he stopped there and that's why he received a visitation from God in that place. Thanks to Abraham's prayer, Jacob received a visitation from God at a time when he desperately needed it.

Notice that Jacob didn't bother to dig a well at Beersheba. Isaac, Abraham and Hagar sought to quench their physical thirst, but Beersheba wasn't just about the physical need. Jacob needed something much greater than water to quench his thirst and he received everything that he needed at Beersheba.

Brethren, when we come to the house of God, let's forget about our physical need. We can pray about our financial problems, health problems, exc., but we've got a much deeper need than all of that. We need the Holy Ghost to do a work in our lives. Forget about the water that comes from Jacob's well, and start praying for the living water that dwells inside of you. Let the Holy Ghost revive your spirit today!!!

Jordan Mills

Amos 4

2009-09-12T19:45:00.001-07:00

"I also withheld rain from you… Yet you have not returned to Me," Says the LORD" (v7)

Five times God tells of trials and tribulations He has laid upon His people and then laments…"Yet you have not returned to Me." We often see the loaves and the fishes as a reflection of God's grace and His goodness, and they are. However we many times do not consider that "God also hath sat the one over against the other" (Eccl 7:14)

Isaiah 26:9b says, "... for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness." and remember Hosea 5:15b "...in their affliction they will seek me early." Sometimes our trials are a reflection of God's goodness and mercy because they bring us back to Him.

When the Israelites went into captivity in Egypt they were nomadic herdsman and farmers. However when they came out of bondage they had "such things as they required." It was in the years of captivity they acquired the skills and trades a nation required.

If the rain has been withheld from you, or there is mildew in your garden, or you don't have any bread to eat, consider you might be in the middle of the goodness and grace of our Lord – return to Him.

Jason Ouellette

Amos 2

2009-09-11T05:27:00.001-07:00

The Lord is declaring that He will pour judgment out on Moab, Judah, and Israel. The Lord list their transgressions in verses 6-8. In verses 9-11 He reminds them of some of the miracles he performed for Israel. In verses 13-16 the Lord tells Israel the punishment that He will cause to come upon them.

The phrase that stood out to me is "Thus saith the Lord; for three transgressions of Moab/Judah/Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof". How easy is it for me to think that I am getting away with something that is not pleasing to God just because after the first time it occurs God does not punish/correct me for it. I have to remember that I will have to give an account for every thought and action that I do. I may not be judged the first time or even the fourth time but I do have to remember that my actions will be dealt with in God's own time and way.

Randal Sheppard

Amos 1

2009-09-10T05:36:00.001-07:00

The first chapter of Amos begins a book filled with prophetic warnings for God's people. It calls attention to what the Lord would do to the surrounding cities for their actions against Israel and Judah. The Lord dealt sternly with Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon.
Though filled with woe and doom, I found joy in this chapter. These were the things to be done to the enemies of God's people. We should find great encouragement in these scriptures! When then enemy seems to attack you in the spirit with "threshing instruments of iron", the Lord "will send a fire". When it seems that they have delivered and taken you into bondage, the Lord "will send a fire". When it seems the enemy has turned your brother against you, the Lord "will send a fire". And when it seems the enemy has killed your dream before it was ever born, the Lord "will send a fire". Not just any fire, but a "devouring", all consuming fire.

We must remember, when we are attacked by the enemy, the battle is not our own, it is the Lord's! Let's be REAL men and claim victory everyday in this Christian walk. For if God be for us, who can be against us?

Bro Dwight Chandle

Joel 3

2009-09-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Jehovah-saboath : the Lord of hosts, describes God as a strong-tower into which His chosen can run and find safety. It also describes God as an unstoppable force or army that will utterly destroy all of the enemies of His people when they are at their lowest point. We have to choose to trust in the manna and turn away from the riches of Egypt.

Yes, God's judgment is resting on this country. Yes, things are bad and are probably going to get worse. The Bible tells us that not one word of the Lord will fall to the ground, so when did we stop believing in His living word ? In Matthew 24:6 Jesus said that we are not to be troubled by all that is happening around us and here is why:

Joshua 5: 13-15 = God's people faced a seemingly insurmountable obstacle but victory was brought about by their trust and obedience. The Lord of hosts was there.

1 Samuel 1:11 = Hannah prayed one of the most powerful prayers found in the Bible without ever saying a word. From her bowels, that is, her innermost being she poured herself out upon the altar of heaven and hope was birthed to an entire nation. The Lord of hosts was there.

1 Samuel 17:11,45 = The veteran warriors of God were both "very afraid" and "dismayed". Using these two words together meant that they became so discouraged and filled with fear
that they lost the ability to think and even wished that they had never been born. That's when a mere boy became available and boldly stepped up to change the course of history forever. The Lord of hosts was there.

As the world carries off the Lord's silver and gold, fear not, the Lord of hosts is here!

As the world lures the sons and daughters off of the path, fear not, the Lord of hosts is here!

As the world prepares for battle against the saints, fear not, the Lord of hosts is here!

Psalm 24: 7-10 = Lift up your heads, O ye gates; be lifted up, ye ancient doors that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; lift them up, ye ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord Almighty- He is the King of glory.

We know the name of this King of glory, this Lord of hosts, His name...JESUS !!

Robert MacPhee Jr

Joel 2

2009-09-08T06:13:00.001-07:00

In the first part of this chapter we read of the coming of the day of the Lord and the destruction that is at hand. Then we read about our merciful God.
Joel 2:12-13
12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil

Joel 2:28-30
8 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
KJV

What a mighty and wonderful Lord and God we have. If we will only turn to him with a repented heart, and a willing spirit to follow in his ways, he will continue to bless us with a blessing we cannot contain with in ourselves.

Blessed be His Holy name, JESUS.

Ralph Cain

Joel 1

2009-09-07T05:47:00.001-07:00

Jo'el 1

1:1 The word of the LORD that came to Jo'el the son of Pethuel

Let me start out by telling you that my youngest Grandson has the same name as this great prophet. According to his father the correct enunciation for his name is Jo 'el broken into two syllables. In researching this name, because of my grandson, I read somewhere that his name means God's Joy. Now on to this book:

Would you, or could you, imagine what you would feel like if the Lord spoke directly to you? I would be very excited I am sure; but then the other boot hit the floor. This was not a message to be excited about, but Jo'el was suppose to declare to his fellow country men that God was not happy with them.

He starts out by speaking to the old men in verse:

2; Hear this, ye old men, and give ear.

:4 That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten.

In researching these types of worms, it appears that these are the four stages of maturity of the same worm. That is to say there was to be no end of the destruction that was about to come into this Former Land of Promise.

:5 Awake, ye drunkards, and weep and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.

I cannot speak from experience but after having numerous conversations with men that have been a drinker this had to have been a nightmare to those men. They had become accustomed to having all of the drink they wanted. Now those days are done.

:6 For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

Another prophecy of a terrible destruction!

:7 He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree.

Have you ever seen a "barked tree?" It is where the bark is removed around the trunk in a circle. This is one reason why the Koala bear is not loved in Australia because they will eat the bark all the way around in a circle; this kills the tree.

:8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.

If you can, get the full impact of this scene. You have a young virgin, not a bride. She is lamenting the loss of her husband, not one that she had any relationship with just the one that she was engaged to. Talk about a picture of real sorrow and hurt.

All of the keepers of the field are told to lament, to howl, to weep. Not just because there was nothing to eat, but because there was no employment or source of income for them or their families.

:13 Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

When a destruction hits a nation, it affects every level of humanity. Those even in the highest position of authority will feel the impact of such a judgment. These were from the keepers of the field to the priests and ministers. In those days the priests were the judicial judges as well as the keepers of the church.

:14 Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD.

:15 Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand,

I don't know how you feel about the day in which we are living, but as for my wife and I, we can tell you that the "heavy hand of the Lord's judgment" seems to be setting on the United States of America. We have become a land that has forsaken the basic principles of what this former great country was founded on. Almost every day I read in the paper or on the internet where some force or power is trying to remove every sense or inclination of God, who He is and what He purchased for us.

:19 O LORD, to thee will I cry:

I don't have any words of strengthening or encouragement from this particular chapter; but knowing how the book reads, I am sure that by the time chapter 3 comes along we will be shouting and rejoicing. But there are times when we must be brought up short to keep in mind that we live in the last days of judgment before the LORD's return to catch His bride away. All I can say at this point is to fast, pray, howl to the LORD. It is time to spread the Word to anyone who we can share it with. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world, so we are instructed to do the same. Above all of that, it is the best time in the history of mankind to "Trust in the Lord with all of thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." Prov. 3:5

As REAL Men, we must learn that there are times when we must be talked to straight. The Lord started with the Old men in verse 2 with instructions for them to teach their children on down to the fourth generation. We have some here in our own assembly that have two, and in some cases three, generations of the same family. The message is the same whether old or young, God is in control. We must trust Him and obey His word.

David DeTar

Hosea 14

2009-09-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

This chapter in the book of Hosea differs from the previous in that instead of being made up of reproofs for sin and threatenings of wrath, it consists of exhortations to repentance and promises of mercy. All the fore chapters were to lead the sinner to these verses. In short they are a lesson in repentance.

In vs. 1-3, God's people are given specific instructions on how to repent. They were to turn from their idolatry and pray to the Lord for His gracious reception and forgiveness. This simple formula of repentance is still applicable today. Seeking God's grace and forgiveness through repentance is the way to receive His Holy Spirit. This method will never grow outdated. We are to "render the calves of our lips" or more commonly put "a sacrifice of praise" to The Lord to receive the amazing grace of God.

Vs. 4-8 gives us encouragements to repent based on the Lord's willingness to receive us and also on the benefits he has in store for us when we do. There is healing and a refreshing that takes place as God's love is bestowed to us. A revival will occur in us that will be beautiful and as sweet as the cedars and vineyards of Lebanon. What an awesome prospect it is to know that if we make a mistake and fall down in our imperfect state, that we have a loving God that not only will accept our plea for forgiveness, but He will accept it out of His gracious love for us. He will be there to heal us, to revive us, to restore us. We don't have to return to the emptiness of idols (worldly substitutes).

Vs. 9 ends by focusing on the infinite wisdom of the Lord and how his ways are right and just. We would be wise to walk in his ways. It will lead to a blessed life with Him as our shepherd and benefactor. The opposing way of life followed by the transgressor will only lead to an ultimate fall.

Men, let's always keep this simple lesson of repentance close to heart. God has so much prepared for us when we come before Him seeking His grace. He is not a taskmaster, but our Gracious Heavenly Father, ready to heal us, revive us, and restore us to where we need to be in living for him if we do stumble and fall.

It's great to be a part of a group of REAL men that love the Lord Jesus Christ!

Brother Dwight Chandler

Hosea 13

2009-09-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

The equivalent of this chapter seems similar to the parable of the prodigal son. The writing here seems to be something the father would be writing as he sits everyday on the front porch waiting for the son to come home.

If there was such a letter, it possibly went something like this:

Son,

I have been with you every breath of your life. (vs 4) I have seen you when you rejoiced and comforted you in dark times. (vs 5) I was the one who saw you through every stumble, mistake and heartache. When you didn't know I was watching, I was watching. When you didn't think I cared or loved you, I've never stopped.

But now, you have seen yourself great; you have believed in yourself more than the hands that have put in you the ability to be great. (vs 6) I knew before you left there was nothing but desolation waiting for you beyond the boundaries I have set for you. In your wanderings you have destroyed yourself. (vs 9) There is no way you can survive there so I know you will not be there long. (vs 13) The consequences of your actions are mighty, there is no denying that. (vs15)

I sit here each passing second, longing to hold you in my arms. Longing to forgive you and bring you back into safety. I am daily, desiring your return; as I am the only one who can save you. (vs 9-10)

Love,
Dad

Men, have we ever kindled the anger of God because of our waywardness? Have we ever looked up and found ourselves in a state we thought was too far gone? Replace your name in the letter above where addressed to 'son' and read it again.

Regardless if this letter is for us in our current state, we can all, always cling to verses 4 and 9: 4"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me." 9"O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help."

Tim Jacobs

Hosea 12

2009-09-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

It's What is under the hood that counts!

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

6 But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.

7 The merchant uses dishonest scales; he loves to defraud.

8 Ephraim boasts, "I am very rich; I have become wealthy. With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin." (NIV)

Hosea, Joshua and Jesus are all derived from the same Hebrew word meaning salvation. The names of Joshua and Jesus have an additional meaning that "Yahweh Is Salvation".

Hosea's purpose as a prophet was to "salvage" the nation of Israel for God's sake. A nation that once stood in the power of His might had fallen into moral corruption and spiritual adultery. Hosea was trying to get Israel to "see" them selves as God was "looking" on them.

7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

From the time I started driving until my mid-forties, I drove RFD cars/trucks. That does not stand for "Rural Fire Department" but "Reclaimed From Dump". Although the family drove nicer vehicles, mine were "salvaged" vehicles. Once a new, valuable vehicle but now had been cast aside as useless, I would repair/replace parts on the vehicle to make it useful again.

Being media director for the school as well as teacher there were a lot of errands that needed to be run around town. I had many high-school boys volunteering to run errand with my "salvaged" truck. The 1946 Chevy pickup looked like an old farm truck but under the hood sat a Chrysler hemi that had the power to deliver the mail – and in a hurry!

Men, it is not the front that we put on around friends, peers or even our families but it's "what is under the hood" that makes the difference. God looks at who we really are. There are three ways to look at a life: 1) How I see it. 2) How others see it. 3) How God sees it.

Just as Hosea was trying to "salvage" a nation, let us as men allow the ministry, the Word, prayer and worship mold us into the men that God wants us to be. Many of us were "salvaged" from "passed hope" to enjoying the blessings of a Holy Ghost filled life!

Jesus, Our Salvation, is coming soon! Keep that which is "under the hood" finely tuned.

Bob Gogler

Hosea 11

2009-09-03T05:16:00.001-07:00

I taught Ephraim to walk,
Taking them by their arms;

But they did not know that I healed them.

I drew them with gentle cords,

With bands of love,
And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck.
I stooped and fed them.
He shall not return to the land of Egypt

But the Assyrian shall be his king,
Because they refused to repent.

(Vv3-5) NKJV

In the final four chapters of Hosea the prophet brings us back to how much God loves us. I like to imagine Hosea penning these words or speaking them in the temple. I can picture him practically weeping because he intimately knows how hard it is to love someone that has betrayed your love.

Wasn't it our Abba Father who taught us how to walk as he stood above holding both our hands? How often has He healed us and we didn't even see it? Hasn't He led us with a gentle cord, our "boundaries" falling in "pleasant places" (Ps 16:6)? Hosea had a picture of what it felt like to stoop down and feed someone broken by their own sin, reaping what they had sown, but loved relentlessly.

Of course we know that discipline is a part of love; "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" (Heb 12:6). And in 722 B.C. the Northern Kingdom, which Hosea referred to as Ephraim (its largest and central tribe), would fall to an Assyrian king.

Men we have the capacity and the call to love like God loves. Challenge yourself to show the gentle compassion that taught you how to walk and fed you in your lowest times. And yes we are "but dust" and we will make mistakes, but we can choose to live in humble repentance. I want my life to be a picture of the blessing of obedience rather than the chastening of love.

Jason Ouellette

Hosea 10

2009-09-02T05:45:00.001-07:00

How had Israel drifted so far? How had sin become so commonplace in their lives? Was it unbelief? No it was the lack of real leadership. It was promises broken, falsely spoken, and sworn into covenant. Judgments that sprang up like hemlock in the furrows of a field. Israel was in sin, and captivity much in part because they had no real leaders. (Hosea 10: 3,4.) How important, in our lives is it to follow the leaders that God has placed in our lives? It is of the upmost importance. We are blessed to be in a great assembly, where we can enter into His presence, and respond to His working in our lives.

Men, let's become REAL Leaders in our worlds. Let us be messengers to the world, and show them that there is freedom in following the Great Leader. Freedom in following the leaders that He has placed in our lives. Proverbs 13:15 tells us "but the way of transgressors is hard". Unlike Israel, I want to follow the Lord, so that my every step is ordered by Him.

Joe Crosson

Hosea 9

2009-09-01T05:54:00.001-07:00

Wow, What a year this has been. I started the year off gung-ho with a list of goals that I planned to accomplish. As the days have passed, things just have not gone the way I planned. Work has been busier than I anticipated, finances have been tighter than I anticipated, and life situations have distracted me from what I hoped to accomplish. I look back at the past 8 months and wonder where in the world it has gone. It is in this time of contemplating that I have 1 of 2 choices that I can make; 1. I can lament over the past 8 months and my lack of accomplishments, or 2. I can dust off my goals, re-evaluate, and focus on what will be accomplished over the next 4 months.

10 "When I found Israel,
       it was like finding grapes in the desert;
       when I saw your fathers,
       it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.

What in the world happened? How did Israel go from the description of blessing in vs 10 to the curse described in vs 14

14 Give them, O LORD—
       what will you give them?
       Give them wombs that miscarry
       and breasts that are dry.

Israel did not wake up one morning and decide that they were no longer going to follow after the ways of the Lord. Spiritual atrophy does not occur overnight. Atrophy occurs due to a lack of use, poor nutrition, poor circulation, or disease. How are we feeding, exercising, and maintaining our spiritual nature?

No doubt Israel had goals and vision for their future. No doubt they did not anticipate straying so far from the direction that God wanted to take them. However, as easy as I described my losing site of my goals for the year, we can lose site of our Spiritual direction. Don't let the distractions of life force you onto a path that was never intended.

Over the last few months we have heard "The Prophet in the Pulpit" speak a direction and a vision to our church. Let us listen to the words of the Prophet that God has placed in our lives, wipe the dust off our spiritual goals and roadmap, and refocus on where we are going in God.

God, it is my prayer that our lives are pleasing to you. Don't let us be distracted with the static and voices around us, but help us to focus on the clearness of your Word and allow it to become the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path. Allow us to release our fears of failing and hold on to the comfort of your Grace knowing that you are in control.

Jeff McGee

Hosea 8

2009-08-31T09:20:00.001-07:00

Hos 8:2-7
2 Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee.
3 Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him.
4 They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
5 Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast thee off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocency?
6 For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.
7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.
KJV

As I was reading this passage of scripture, verse 2-7 really grabbed my attention.
It states, in verse 2, that Israel will cry unto the Lord, and that they know Him.
Israel then cast of the thing that is good. We as men of good must take the whole counsel of God. We can not afford to pick and choose what we like in living for God. Proverbs states in Chapter 3, "My son despise not the chastening of the Lord... For whom the Lord loveth He corrects."

Israel also began to set up kings and princes to have the rule over them. We must be on guard that we do not let the culture and the things of this world set up their kingdoms and agendas in our hearts and home. It is a scary place when we get to the house of God and we can't even engage in a service because there are ungodly kingdoms and strongholds in our hearts and minds.

You find out what you value by how you spend your time, treasure and talent. You will discover who or what you are really serving. We sometimes can become so involved in working for God that we do not take the time to live for God. It's not so important what you are doing for God, than what are you becoming in God.

Israel was sowing to the wind and reaping storms. Men, we must always remind ourselves that whatever we sow, we will also reap. Let's make sure we praying and spending quality time with our families so that, in the end, we reap the benefits and the blessing of God in our lives.

It always pays to live for God. No, we may not be the richest people on this earth, but we are storing up treasure in a heavenly home.

Rev. Chad Mooney

Hosea 7

2009-08-30T07:15:00.001-07:00

16They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt. (KJV)

16 They do not turn to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt. (NIV)

Imagine with me, if you will, a crisp November morning. You are awake and dressed in warm, camouflage clothing long before dawn and have found your way to your favorite hunting spot and await, in ambush, for the trophy buck all the signs indicate frequents the area. You've taken all provision to ensure the hunted is unaware of your presence. Dawn finally arrives, and with it that magical moment you have been waiting for when the trophy of a lifetime appears in front of you 50 yards or so. With your heart beating so loud in your ears you fear the deer hears it, you begin to gingerly bring your bow to the ready position as the deer cautiously makes its way toward you. With the deer a mere 20 yards away, you draw back the bow in an action that converts the energy in your arms to potential energy contained in the bowstrings. Silently, you release the bowstrings and the potential energy in converted into kinetic energy (action). Unfortunately, the only result of that energy is the "twang" of the bowstring and a slight shiver up your lead arm because you forgot to put an arrow in the bow.

That was rather anticlimactic was it not? But, it did get some of you guys' attention.

While my story was silly, allow me to attempt to use it as an analogy of how many times we spiritually have done this exact thing. We've all taken spiritual action to guard our hearts of sin X and Y and then, when we are set to release the work God wants us to do, nothing happens because hidden sin Z becomes our faulty bow. How many times have we worked diligently to better our own lives in some way only to have our efforts rebuffed at every turn because we did not seek the will of the Most High in the direction of our lives (the arrow was missing)? In all facets of our lives we have stood with good intentions, anticipation of results, full of potential energy (the bow drawn), only to find our efforts amount to nothing when we attempt to convert that potential energy to kinetic energy because we have failed to include God in our efforts. Instead, we have relied our humanity and not on the Most High.

Gentlemen, let us be so careful to ensure that in all areas of our life we have sought the will of God, that we have been spiritually diligent, and that we have stood still long enough to hear that still, small voice that will lead us in His ways. When we do this, our energy will be directed in ways that are pleasing to the Most High and our individual areas of ministry will flourish. And, for you deer hunters out there, maybe you will remember the arrows and actually kill more deer.

Thom Creel

Hosea 6

2009-08-29T05:12:00.001-07:00

6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

This chapter starts out with men giving men instructions to themselves. These are not men of inspiration with words from the LORD. They are men that have a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude.) They are the forerunner of the current "Name It and Claim It" group.

Can you hear the voice of a father pleading with his children in this verse?
6:4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

The morning clouds seem to dissipate as the days go on. The early morning dew is heavy when we go out to get the morning paper, but by 10:00 am there is no evidence of the dew. That is what "Our Goodness" is in the sight of the Lord.

It reminds me of the days when my sons and daughters were in the teenage years. No matter how much I tried to persuade them that the path that they were on would harm them, they stopped their ears and ran on until they fell and got hurt. Hurt enough to come home to dad and say, "fix it daddy." The problem was there were times when "IT" was beyond repair. But the Lord is not beyond resources or answers. Whereas I am human and run our of solutions to life's situations

Hosea 6:5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
7 But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

The word hewed here means that the Lord had to split to engrave, much like carving an indelible mark in wood or stone; something that would not go away except after a long time of erosion or deterioration. Look at what the Lord used to do this horrible and painful work; The Prophets. This is exactly why it is so important that we have someone that we are accountable to; someone whom we SUBMIT ourselves to.

The God Almighty is not interested in a sacrifice that is done by habit; or because someone else did it so we wanted to do it and get the same results. Jesus wants us to bring a clean and pure sacrifice.

Read what we are instructed to do here:
Heb 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

David had a beautiful insight into how the judgment and mercy of the Lord worked, even at the point of one of his greatest sins
Psalms 51: 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

From what I read throughout the Bible, the thing that the Lord Jesus Christ wants is not the form of giving, or formality of prayer, or the dutiful habit of offerings or sacrifices. He wants us to be sincere, be honest, and to have an open and pure heart. He has prepared us for better things. The final reward is ours to choose. The Lord is a gentleman and will force no one to do what their will would not allow them to do. We have a free will and it is entirely our choice.

Let us as REAL men realize that when we are instructed and corrected, it is just evidence that our God and Creator is truly interested in our welfare and well being both now and for eternity.

David DeTar

Hosea 5

2009-08-28T06:03:00.001-07:00

A spurned God is promising vengeance in the lives of His once beloved people, with a special dose of retribution for the leaders who lead the way. The Scriptures lead me to the conclusion that the rulers of Israel willfully spurned the principals that had been taught them as children. They whole heartedly pursued wickedness.

How did they arrive at that destination? I doubt that they started out willfully ignoring His commandments. As a boulder rolling down a hill, the path of disobedience most often begins with the little things. The boulder needs only a little suggestion of movement, a little energy imparted to it, and it begins its descent. As it descends, it gathers energy and momentum and crushes everything in its way.

Our flesh is the same way. Mark 7 21-23 says "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." We do not need much of a push to begin our descent.

Our nature is craven. We have to purposefully wage a war, daily, against our flesh. We as men, priests and leaders of our homes but develop the disciplines that will cultivate our spirit and suppress our flesh. Each day must be lived with a purpose, a focus on God and His values, otherwise we, too, will begin to drift. We must make deliberate decisions about how we lead our families. We must constantly self-assess our lives. Are we striding forward in the Kingdom or have we allowed our selves to get distracted. Are we purposefully leading or are we drifting casually?

Let it not be said that we have dealt treacherously with the Lord and have raised strange children.

Keith G. Mathews

Hosea 4

2009-08-26T06:33:00.001-07:00

After establishing the ground work of what God did in his personal life, Hosea now turns his prophecy to Israel (during the divided kingdom) How beautiful that twice in this chapter of God's judgment He still calls Israel "My people." The priests and prophets were leading the nation in sin. The men who should have been the Watchmen on the Wall or the Prophet in the Pulpit were foxes in the desert. The very sin with which Gomer tore out Hosea's heart was practiced in their churches and God was not well pleased.

When the prophet warned "they shall be no priest to me" he was foretelling an impending judgment of Israel as well as foreshadowing the inclusion of the Gentiles. The pattern was established. When God's chosen people ignore His plan and the priests profane the Word the people are "destroyed for lack of knowledge."

Notice that God said He wouldn't punish their harlot daughters and adulterous wives since the people who do not understand will fall (v 14).

It reminds me of Lot, who though he was "vexed daily" with the wickedness of Sodom & Gomorrah (1 Peter 2:8), he remained in the city. Refusing to leave, Lot paved the way for his wife to face the judgment of God (Luke 17:32) and his daughters to burn for iniquity (Gen 19:32).

There are many men in this world who would worship idols they make with the wood from their own sheds (v 12). They would cover them with gold not realizing the irony that they must nail it down lest it falls over (Jeremiah 10:4). But "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord (Josh 24:15)" and "This book of life shall not depart out of my mouth (Josh 1:8)"

Men of Euless Bro McLaughlin is a Prophet in the Pulpit proclaiming the Word of the Lord. We must be the head of our household. Our families will follow us if we will be good priests of our homes and follow the Godly leadership in our lives as they follow Christ.

Jason Ouellette

Hosea 3

2009-08-26T06:23:00.001-07:00

3:1 The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes." (NIV)

With the quick lash of the whip, the breaking skin as the nails were driven into His hands, and feet. The sharp twinge of pain as the spear was thrust into His side. In crimson streams the blood of Jesus flowed down the splintery tree, and ran from the cross. Who could understand such love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and mercy? The very people that He came to save, to redeem were the ones who drove the nails into his hands and feet.

Jesus was perfect, flawless, yet He became sin that we might be free from its curse. While sin gripped our very soul, while it ate away at our hearts. As sin feasted upon the pleasure of holding us captive, Jesus Christ took upon Himself the curse of the law. Gal 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law; being made a curse for us; for it is written cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree."

Though we turned our backs on Him, He still died for us. When we knew we were wrong, and yet we still continued in our sin; His mercy was waiting all the while. Just as Hosea went back and took his wife and loved her despite her sinful past. God does the same for us. He has taken all our iniquities and cast them into the sea. His blood has covered our past. We are no longer a slave to yesterday's mistakes, but we are free. Do not let your past dictate who you are today. Do not let it blind you from what God wants you to do. It has been covered by the blood!

Ryan Denard

Hosea 2

2009-08-26T06:21:00.001-07:00

14 Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. 15. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

There are so many places I could go with this chapter, but I would like to focus on a small part of verse 15.

15 And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope:

The valley of Achor received its name after Achan was stoned for disobeying God's orders. This story is found in Joshua 7:24-26:

24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Achor literally means trouble. After reading this story, you might be feeling sad and depressed. After all, when's the last time you rejoiced over reading about a gruesome death? So how could there be a door of hope in the valley of Achor?

The interesting thing about this story is that Israel had to stone Achan before they could destroy Ai. When you came to God, you had a valley of Achor experience. You were guilty of sin and you stood before God in the valley of judgment. There, your sinful nature was stoned to death.

Notice that even after they had stoned Achan and his family, they buried them under a pile of stones. In the same way, we were buried with Christ in Baptism. Our sins were buried once and for all in the valley of Achor.

When we read this story in the book of Joshua, we can either focus on the gruesome death of Achan, or we can rejoice when we read about Israel's victory over Ai. Some people want to keep wallowing in the mire of Achor. They keep trying to dig up the bones of sin that were meant to be buried forever. While it's important for us to never forget about Achor (our new birth experience) we mustn't dwell on the buried sin. Instead, we need to remember the door of hope that God opened for us in this valley. I'm sure that the people of Israel would walk past the valley of Achor often. It would always serve as a reminder of painful death, but it would also remind them of their victory over Ai.

All of us should remember the chains that once bound our hands and feet, but we should also rejoice in the fact that those chains are gone. Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song years ago that contained the following lyric:

Remember your chains

Remember the prison that once held you before the love of God broke through

Remember the place you were without grace and see where you are now

So remember your chains and remember that your chains are gone

1 Corinthians 6:9-11:
9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

(3.) It is good for Christians to look back on what they once were. It will produce
(*) humility,
(*) gratitude,
(*) a deep sense of the sovereign mercy of God,
(*) an earnest desire that others may be recovered and saved in like manner.

You don't have to regret your past any longer. If you turn your regret into testimony, this world will sit up and pay attention. People can argue with doctrine, scripture, and your personal convictions, but they can't argue with your testimony.

Acts 4:13-15
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Go out and tell those around you about your valley of Achor experience, but more importantly, tell them about the door of hope that you found in that valley.

Jordan Mills

Hosea 1

2009-08-26T06:12:00.001-07:00

2 The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.
KJV

It is mind boggling enough that God would call a prophet to marry an unclean, immoral single woman who gave herself on the streets of the city. Perhaps this is the strangest painting in scripture, yet the most indescribable portrait of God's love ever seen. A faithful groom committed to an unfaithful bride. There is not a man I know that would tolerate his wife turning into an unclean mistress of the night and violating the marriage covenant, not once, but on numerous occasions. Yet, the Groom, Jesus Christ, does just that for each of us. Every lie, evil thought, wicked scheme, dishonest gain. The times He has sought our exclusive affection and we were running after spiritual mirages that left us wanting. There He is Faithful, Waiting, Forgiving, Patient, and Loving. What a picture of His affection and love for His bride, the church. This is the snapshot of the book of Hosea. Israel was backslidden and turned a cold shoulder to the Lord of glory and all He wanted was to be loved back. Let's render unto God that which belongs to Him.

May our love for Him be as loyal, devout, committed, and faithful as His love is for us.

R.E.A.L. men practice Semper Fi! It means forever faithful. Not just when it is easy, but when it seems hard…be faithful! Not just when you are strongest, but when you are the weakest…be faithful! Not just when everyone is around, but when you are all alone…be faithful. Not just when you are around Christians, but when you are the only Christian…be faithful.

Semper Fi,
Pastor McLaughlin

Jude

2009-08-26T06:10:00.001-07:00

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Hypocrites: there's some in every fellowship. Jude wrote a lot in this letter about these individuals, being very careful to label them correctly. In this labeling process, he uses an interesting description that I would like to focus on for a while.

"These are spots in your feasts of charity". The first thing I want you to notice about this descriptive term is, "your feasts". In other words, there were some people in this church that had turned away from the truth, but were still "feeding themselves without fear".

The NLT translates verse 12 this way: 12 When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves.

I recently found out that some very influential people whom I used to respect and honor are now preaching false doctrine. However, they still claim to be Pentecostals. I have to admit that this disturbs me. Jude went on to compare these hypocrites to the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

If you recall, the men of Sodom and Gomorrah were so wicked that God struck them with blindness, but even in their blindness, they still longed to do sinful things. Go back and read this story again and see if you can find anywhere in scripture where God ever gave them their sight back. I believe that these men were still blind when God sent fire from heaven to consume them.

There are many people that are as blind. Study the story of Balaam and you will find that Balaam desired the rewards that Balak had offered him, but when he set out to meet Balak, an angel of the Lord appeared and stood in his way. When that didn't stop him, the Angel stood in front of him in a narrow path with a wall on either side. When even this didn't detour him, the Angel stood before him in a place that was so narrow that there was no way for him to turn to the right or to the left. God deals with us when there's plenty of time to turn around, but the longer that we refuse to listen to Him, the narrower the pathway becomes. If Balaam would've just turned around the second time, the outcome of this story could be completely different, but he kept going until he reached a place where it was impossible for him to turn around.

Perhaps you have an individual on your mind right now as you're reading this. Maybe it's someone you used to admire and their downfall has had a tremendous affect on you. While it's very easy for us to focus on the fallen brethren who still claim to be part of the church, we must pay close attention to another part of verse 12.

"These are spots in your feasts of charity". While Jude discuses the apostate Christians throughout most of his letter, he merely refers to them as "spots in your feasts of charity". Why would we stop a perfectly good feast to examine a few spots here and there? Let's spend our time focusing on the things that are most important. If these "spots" don't want to repent, that may cause us to be shocked and hurt, but it shouldn't affect our walk with God. Notice the way that Jude ended this letter.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Instead of moping and worrying about those that have fallen, let's build ourselves up in the faith. I like verses 24 and 25:

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Forget about the person that is spiritually blind and place your hope in the One that is able to keep you from falling. There's an old song that says, "I've got no reason to quit, but one hundred reasons why I should go on. I may get low and sometimes fail. I'm not proud of it, but I've got no reason to quit."

Don't spend your time focusing on spots; instead, focus on the spotless Lamb, because He's worthy of our attention!!!

Jordan Mills

3 John

2009-08-22T04:42:00.001-07:00

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

In a society that is seemingly slipping away, and departing from the truth of God's word it is refreshing to see that there are parents that will still stand up for truth. Parents that will teach their children what is right and wrong. I know that I am blessed to have been brought up and taught that there is ONE GOD! I remember that one of the first passages of scripture that my dad taught me was from Ephesians 4:5, 6 "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Sure, there were times when I questioned what was true. There were times that I wanted to be doing other things than memorizing scripture, or listening to my parents read the Bible. It wasn't always the coolest or most fun thing, but it was the BEST thing. The BEST thing that my parents have ever done for me was raise me in the truth! The BEST thing they have ever given me was the Word of God!

I am just a young man, but I do believe that the greatest thing that we can ever do is raise or children in the Truth! I pray that when I have a family someday that I will always stand up for what is right, and teach them that there is ONLY ONE WAY!

Prov 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Ryan Denard

2 John

2009-08-21T12:51:00.001-07:00

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
KJV

We the REAL Men of Euless are very blessed to have a blessed church to go to, and excellent leadership in Bro. Benson, and Bro McLaughlin. The teaching and preaching come from the Bible, and are aligned with sound doctrine. As such, these are the men that we should look to when we have questions, and situations we need answers to. These scriptures tell us to be careful of whom we associate with and who we look to for guidance.

If someone is not teaching the whole truth, we should not look to them for guidance, nor wish them God speed (do not wish them success in their endeavors). We are all aware of men teaching views that are in line with the Bible, but we in Euless are blessed to be in a church where the teaching and actions of our pastors are in tune with the word of God, and the people want to learn about, and please Jesus Christ. What an awesome feeling it is to know each and every service will be an opportunity to be in the presence of God.

This is not mathematics, two negatives equal a negative, also a positive and a negative equal a negative. One must teach and practice the whole truth to be right.

Ralph Cain

1 John 5

2009-08-20T07:16:00.001-07:00

4: For Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

5: Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

12: He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life

These verses in John 5 point out two important things for a Christian; a purpose and a definition.

The Purpose: Christians are to be overcomers and New creatures through Christ.

The Definition: Who is a overcomer? He that has the Son of God living inside their hearts. For they have put themselves above this world and have gained eternal life .

Thank God for his overcoming power

Taylor Dutton

1 John 4

2009-08-19T09:24:00.001-07:00

One of the words that jumped out at me, after reading this passage was "know".

verse 2 ".... know the Spirit of God..."
verse 6 "... he that knoweth God heareth us.."
verse 7 "... everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God"
verse 8 " He that loveth not, knoweth not God..."
verse 16 "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Then I read verse 20.

verse 20 "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

In short, we must love our brother and sister, or we cannot love Him. If we cannot love Him, we can never know Him.

Bron Dutton

1 John 3

2009-08-18T04:53:00.001-07:00

Verse 18 says, "let us not love in words or tongue but actions and in truth."

The world is going to hate us the more we try to become like Jesus. As I grow up I am grateful to be in a great church with men who know how to "talk the talk, and walk the walk."

For example. I went fishing with brother Steve Mooney and he acted just as he does in church. Jesus told us that He loved us and then showed it by dieing on the cross for our salvation. We should all want that kind of passion and live that kind of life.

Erik MacPhee

STAND Youth

1 John 2

2009-08-17T10:02:00.001-07:00

There is much meat in this chapter that is rich in imagery, anointing and truth. Penned in John's "straight up" style of talking, this chapter uses love as it's ink and sandpaper as it's parchment. John does not mince words as he boldly asks us the question that every disciple had to answer. "Do you know about God or do you know God?"

John gives us the answer in verse three as he states, "hearby we do know Him, if we keep His commandments". But if you look back at the moment of truth in every disciples life, you will see what John was trying to convey.

In Matthew 4:18-21; 8:22; 19:15-21; 9:9. Mark 2:14. Luke 5:24-27. John 1:45. You see grown men in the middle of their normal daily routine. Some say that the disciples already knew Jesus prior to their calling so they had a working knowledge of what kind of a person He was. They had heard Him speak and obviously had a deep respect for Him but when that moment came what did Jesus say to them?

Did Jesus say , " Only do what I say? " No, Jesus said, "Follow me." In other words don't just do what I say but do what I do. It was the walk of Jesus that people loved. When the woman anointed and kissed the feet of Jesus, she was saying, " Hey, I've seen this man not only does He have power in word but He backs it up everyday with the utmost integrity."

Every step that Jesus took was filled with prophecy and purpose. He walked in love, humility, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness and faith. That's exactly what we have been called to. If we memorized every scripture in the Bible and became the most revered scholar, yet we could not walk as Jesus did, we would be a liar. Although I agree, John said it, not me.

This chapter ends with regeneration and I praise His name for that chance to regain the favor of the only wise, living God. While there is much in this chapter that could be explored deeper by men more qualified than myself, for me, I never really made it past verse six. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked."

I am very grateful that God placed me in a truth teaching church, with such great pastors and leaders to learn from and all I really desire is to learn from the Master as I walk with Him and learn to walk as He did.

Robert MacPhee Jr

1 John 1

2009-08-16T07:41:00.001-07:00

1 John ch.1:5-7

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

So many times have people professed themselves to me to be christians and I would see them live their lives in sin. It would make me wonder how a person who "loves" God would go to such great lengths to defy his very word and have fellowship with this world of darkness. Even in the Apostle John's time this was happening, and he knew that he would have to address this growing problem of situational Christianity.

The Christian who was only a Christian when they were at the right place to be one. But it was John who called them out and spoke truth to their hearts, proclaiming the fact, God is light. If God is light and if man is filled with God, then the light will shine within that man, making it impossible for there to be any fellowship of darkness. And anyone who said different was called out as a liar.

Harsh words it seems John had spoken; but it was out of love he was speaking this, making sure that no man would fall to the deception that there is such a thing as a situational Christian. And through this caring love for the church of his time, he tells us that through truly walking in the light of God we can have fellowship with one another.

I'm thankful for the fellowship that we have in our church, and I know it comes from men who live in the light, not following the deeds of darkness. And in the fellowship we have in the church we can freely come and experience the blood of Jesus cleansing us from all sin, that we may continue in his light.

Mike Creel

2 Peter 2

2009-08-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Even after Peter finishes his opening remarks in chapter 1, reminding us that "the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost", he has to address false doctrine.

Peter tells us there will always be those who spread false doctrine, but as we learned from chapter 1, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

False doctrines and turning from the truth is running rampant among us today as vs 12 describes them-"natural brute beasts…speak evil of the things that they understand not". They are turning their ears from the truth and being turned unto fables. Just as Paul told the Thessalonians in 2 Thess chapter 2, "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

Peter wraps up the chapter by telling us that "it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."

Because we have hope in Jesus Christ let us cling to that. 2 Peter 2:9 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations." We will be tempted, but we will not be persuaded. Let's be REAL MEN who "watch and pray", "pray without ceasing", "search the Scriptures", "buy the truth AND SELL IT NOT!"

Tim Jacobs

2 Peter 1

2009-08-14T05:42:00.001-07:00

The Race to Eternity... One step at a time!

My heart is so encouraged as I read this treasure map of sorts… ultimately leading to a chest full of vast riches. Verse 4 tells us that the riches include a new and Divine nature. To be like Jesus!

Some may say, well, how do I get started on this quest of TRUE christianity? How do I reach this Nature that is so Divine and so unlike my human nature?…our first step is FAITH!

Heb 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT seen.

It all starts with faith. We are told add to our faith Virtue(moral excellence)

With Virtue we are to seek Knowledge.(study)

With Knowledge we are to add Temperance(self-control)

With temperance we are to ask for Patience

With Patience we need to strive towards Godliness

With Godliness we then need display Brotherly Kindness

and With Brotherly Kindness comes Charity.

The journey starts out dealing within ourselves. As we progress the inward manifests itself on the outside and has no choice but to influence those around us. If we will let God work on us on the inside, His spirit will fill us and the effects will be like a cup that can not hold all the treasure poured into it. The riches begin to over flow to the people around us in our sphere of influence. Those who are looking to us for Direction.

Wow! Thats a lot of ground to cover. You might be saying " I am not even close to my treasure," but I would then tell you to read again the beginning of verse 4 where it says the words "exceeding great and precious promises." We were promised this treasure! God never said how long it would take or if one person may get to their treasure before another. He never said that it would be easy or that it might be hard. On this journey,we were never told that it would come overnight... but we were given a Promise!

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

This race is not to the swift but to he who endures to the end! God, let us be REAL Men who have not lost sight of our goal. Let us remember what the finish line looks like in our minds. Let us Not forget that we have been called out of darkness and into his marvelous light! We have a goal. We have a prize. Let's continue on this journey One step at a time!

Chase Potter

1 Peter 5

2009-08-12T05:45:00.001-07:00

In the closing of his book, Peter addresses the leaders and elders encouraging them to lead well and to follow Christ as their example of leadership. We as REAL men are called to minister to others, serving them before being served.. We should eagerly invest in others not as lords, but as examples.

Peter is issuing a motive check in this chapter for us to lead not for selfish gain but to serve voluntarily and humbly. He asks us a question, "Are you motivated by the will of God or by personal gain?" When the pastor recognizes you from the pulpit, does it fill you with personal pride or thankfulness to God that His influence speaks clearly through your life's example of humility.

We have all been given talents and we should use them for God's glory and allow His Spirit to radiate through our lives as we unite together as REAL Men.

Billy Potter

1 Peter 4

2009-08-11T05:42:00.001-07:00

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Firms spend trillions of dollars employing ad agencies and marketing firms to entice you to purchase their goods or services. Much of this activity is geared to cause us to think about ourselves; to feed our wants. Truly, the most effective marketers make our wants appear as our needs.

Bombarded minute by minute with images and ads with the intent to sharpen our appetite for product, we forget His purpose. To robe Himself in flesh and become the ultimate sacrifice was to purchase our salvation. We become dulled to our purpose; which is to worship the creator.

The fiery trials referenced in this chapter are not for our comfort. Rather they are for the perfecting of our spirit. (Heb. 12:2-15) They sharpen our focus on what really matters. They try or purify our spirits and burn away the excess.

Let us rejoice when we find ourselves in the depths of great tribulation. They are often strategically placed to shore up our weakness. Embrace the process so that when the last trumpet sounds we can lead our family, friends and church to that heavenly place.

Keith G. Mathews

1 Peter 3

2009-08-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

"Likewise, ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered"

This chapter has given me so much to strive for in my young marriage. I like to begin at the end. "That your prayers be not hindered." The way that we husbands deal with our wives is going to directly affect the way God deals with us. So what do you say we get this right?

"Being heirs together of the grace of life" Peter reminds us often through his epistles that our motivation to show grace was met at Calvary. The fact that we are partakers of Christ's redemptive plan is reason enough for us to show grace to all. OK, so I show grace but in relation to what?

"As unto the weaker vessel" Some commentaries feel this statement replies only to the physical difference between women and men. I dare say not. The meaning of this statement is found in the previous statement and in the verses following. Peter is reminding us that we must behave in a way that is not as easy for our wives. That is why Peter reminds us to show grace and that God will hold us accountable. In other words God holds us responsible to do that which He has given us the strength to do. So let's get to it…

"Husbands deal with them (your wives) according to knowledge." There are two main contributors to our actions: what we know and what we feel. Women are emotional beings and men are rational beings. As men we have a greater ability to separate our emotion from what we say and do, literally to act on what we know. Peter is calling us to do just that.

We cannot allow undisciplined behavior to affect the prayers that we pray during this season of revival. As men we must rule our home with the love and grace. We must "seek peace and pursue it." REAL men must "not render railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called."

Jason Ouellette

1 Peter 2

2009-08-09T10:23:00.001-07:00

Peter tells us that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone in our lives. When we are baptized in His name He took away all the sins that was in our lives. We believe in Jesus as our Lord & Savior. We are so blessed that God looked down from the cross, saw & choose us to live and serve him.

There are some people that rejected his mercy & love. To them (the cornerstone, Jesus Christ) is but a stumbling block. How blind they are. I think God every day that he opened my eyes and saved such a sinner that I was. Now we can fully trust him for everything that we need.

Kirk Fults

1 Peter 1

2009-08-07T22:07:00.001-07:00

Our Father is giving some insight into our walk with Him. He is telling us that we have something that the angels desire and that the prophets prophesied about and kept waiting to receive but never received. We have a living hope that can never spoil, perish, or fade - the Holy Ghost. He tells us that trials will come that we must go through so that others will see that our faith is genuine and will result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed. The first part will lead us wanting to be holy and live a holy life as Christ did.

Christ was the spotless and blameless Lamb that died for us. When we fully commit our lives to being holy as He was, we will have not a problem living for Him. Nothing in this world would be able to keep us from being sold out and being the example He really wants us to be.

Randal Sheppard