I haven't made this blog too much of a religious one, but I had something I shared with the Young People's group at my church the last night I was in it. Basically I wanted to talk about why they should stay saved and focused on helping their peers to stay that way too.
Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
2: Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Seventy disciples of Christ went into the world proclaiming that the Messiah had come. Teaching people that there was deliverance from sin, that there was healing, and that they could be free of devils and unclean spirits. The seventy returned to Christ, rejoicing that there was power in the name of Jesus, and that a great work had been done through his name.
That was the major start of the Church of God. Jesus had begun a movement that was all part of the plan of God. Some 2000 years later, a small portion of that movement exists. We have the privilege of being in the church that Jesus built so long ago.
The young people’s group exists here in this church so that people of a similar age group can get together and help each other grow in truth, and have bible studies and pray together. This is a service specifically designed for the maturity level of ages 13 to 20 years old.
Back when I first started, the age group was 13 to 23, unless you got married before you turned 23 and then you were able to get out sooner. A few years into the group, there was an age gap of like 3 or 4 years between the older young people and the younger young people, and through carnality problems the group wasn’t getting along well at all. So Bro. Thomas felt it was best for the older young people to have a way out, so there was a split in the yp group age, and the ones older than 20 went into a young adults group, and the ones younger than 20 stayed in yp led at that time by Bro. Ward.
It is hard for Young People to understand how important they are to the rest of the congregation. There was a recent Sunday School lesson that had said: the spiritual condition of young people is a good indication of the spiritual health of the congregation. Believe it or not, this is true.
Sunday School
When conditions in a church are such that the Holy Spirit has free reign and is allowed to talk to children’s hearts, so that they get saved and sanctified and give their heart to God, then a church is spiritually sound. The Sunday School teachers are all in their places teaching bible stories and helping little one’s to get to know who Jesus is and to help them realize that they can go to the altar and let God into their hearts;
Parents
The parents are in their places not causing division with other families, or the pastor, and so unity is allowed to exist in the pews. The parents have a home, who’s atmosphere is a godly one, encouraging children to have devotions and pray.
So the point being proven that the spiritual condition of the young people can be an indicator of the spiritual health of the church, it is important to for us young people to get saved and start developing our spiritual maturity as fast as God wants us to.
When the Young Adult group fell apart, the older ones who should have been good examples to the younger ones weren’t there to do their job. That is a serious offense as far as the church goes. If you aren’t able to pray for your friends that God would help them to stay saved, you aren’t doing your job. If you can’t pray for your brother and sister or your friend because you aren’t right with God, then you need to make some changes.
How would it be if something happened to them and they died not saved, and God asked you why you never prayed for them, or even cared whether they got saved or not, how would you answer God?
When five, or six of the older girls backslid, they weren’t able to help support the younger girls. Most of the younger group backslid a few years after; although not all of the blame rests on the older ones for not being there for the others, because they didn’t have it settled to stay saved. Actually, quite the opposite: they had it settled to backslide and experience the pleasures of sin, and nothing was going to persuade them otherwise. They will regret it I promise you.
So, young people, you have the perfect opportunity to make good choices and to keep up the resolve to not give in to temptation, and to stay saved and make spiritual progress.
2 Pet 1:4 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.
5: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6: And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7: And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8: For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9: But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Never ever ignore God talking to you. If He says to get saved then don’t wait around arguing about it. If he wants you to go to the altar and get advice, or to clear some problem up, then do it without hesitation. Always be on the edge of your seat ready to do what God wants you to.
In young peoples, as far as fun goes, numbers count a lot. It is usually more fun to be in a big group than a small group. More importantly though, all the young people need to stay saved. It is very hard to worship God in unity if one person isn’t saved. Young people please get saved and stay saved. You need to for your own self, and you need to for the sake of the rest of the group.
The more people are praying together and for each other, the better off everyone is going to be. It is easier to stay saved and be spiritual when you aren’t looked at as strange because you are the only person that is that way. You should be able to say amen during prayer to help support another young person when they are praying, or raise your hand in young people’s service during songs without feeling out of place.
I was talking to one friend of mine from out of state one time about how his yp group was doing, and he said that they were doing well, and that him and another older young person was trying to make it popular to stay saved.
Are you making it popular to be saved, and easy to express your salvation in service or are you making it popular to laugh at other people when they do that, or when they are spiritual?
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, an with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31: And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Serve God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Be smart about staying saved. Do devotions. Learn to recognize temptation, and to enjoy the clean feeling it is to be saved. Love being saved, and be loyal to Jesus who died for you. Put your back into it, and be committed with all your might to stay saved.
Mat 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kindom of heaven?
2: And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3: And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4: Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5: And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6: But whoso shall offend on of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7: Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8:Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9: And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
As Bro. Thomas brought out Wednesday, a little one is a child of God. Not always referring to a young child. These scriptures refer to anyone who is humble and meek as little children.
Offend and offence in this passage means a snare, or an occasion of stumbling that leads one into sin.
Due to the fact that this group is aged 13 to 20, [In Phoenix YP] there is a wide range of maturity. People learn really fast once they hit 13 years old. We start to figure things out. But we are always careful not to get into things that we have no business getting into. Older young people need to be careful not to cause younger ones to have a desire to learn things that they have no business knowing until they are older.
Like I said, 13 to 20 is a wide range of maturity, but it is a dangerous time frame as well. If someone isn’t ready to know something because it might cause them to want to sin, then they ought not to know it, and shame on the older young person who ruins these precious years for the younger one. I have seen it happen and great shame was heaped on the head of the one that caused the offense. Instead of helping young persons to be saved, these people went out of their way to corrupt the minds and conversation of children.
6: But whoso shall offend on of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
I always hated people telling me that I was too little to understand. So whenever people told me that I did my best to figure out what they were talking about. I probably wasn’t ready yet to know anything, but if they hadn’t of made me feel small and embarrassed me I wouldn’t have wanted to do anything about it so badly.
Be careful Young People. Respect each other’s maturity and knowledge levels. Place a High Value on preserving your innocence. God has really helped me preserve my innocence. I don’t need to know about some things. I am better off not knowing about some things. Is it hard? Yeah, the devil likes taking advantage of my curiosity, because it is hard to not be curious about things. But it is possible to choose to be pure thank the Lord.
This means don’t tease younger ones or give them a hard time if they say something innocently without understanding it. Don’t make them feel like they have to go out and figure things out on their own. Let parents be parents and do the teaching as they feel their child is old enough to know. Choose your words carefully even when you try to tell them not to say a word, or not to talk about some thing.
Value your innocence young people, because you will have less battles and it will be easier for you to be saved. Value your innocence. Innocence is a precious thing to have, and you can never get it back again once it is gone from you.
Keep conscientious to God talking to you. Don’t ignore Him. Stay sensitive to the truth.
2Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Sometimes there will be yp that backslide, and there will be people that want to cause problems, spread rumors. There will be a time when the young people’s group will have to get together and pray for these ones. In my time, I can remember several altar calls where people were crying and praying for young people to get saved. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t. But if you keep praying, God will hear your prayers and have mercy and continue to give conviction as He wills. Stay committed to God, and carry a burden for each other.
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That's all I have, thanks for reading this lengthy blog! e-mail me: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
-David
Monday, November 3, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Success Story
A few months ago, the company where I worked hired a fence installing company to update the gate and put an electric motor on it. The new gate had to have a track installed in the ground, which required a fair bit of manual labor. Naturally, the fencing technicians excersized a bit of senority and allowed some trainees the opportunity to do the manual labor. There were a couple of trainees helping out, and it was pretty obvious that they didn't have much schooling or higher education in their work history.
One of the young men that was helping prepare the ground caught my eye, and we spoke a little about careers and jobs and such and he made it pretty clear that digging holes in the ground wasn't the easiest or most convenient job in the world. Naturally I was thinking to myself that he didn't have to dig holes if he didn't want to.
There are alot of people in life who move from job to job without much of a goal in mind other than blowing the paycheck on frivolous activity. These individuals view the future as something that will never come, and usually they end up old and used before many of their peers.
This young man in particular struck me as such, because he was probably 27 or 28 years old, and should have had many opportunities to succeed in life. Of course he may have had an illness to set him back a bit, or maybe not quite the right opportunity, but nevertheless he was doing manual labor on this particular job.
Time wore on, and in a week or two the new gate was up and working fine and we were all happy because of the increased convenience. The fence installation company went away and along with them also this young man.
About 6 months went by, and by heavy use, the gate needed a little maintenance and so the company where I work called the fence company to come out and look the situation over. I was expecting some of the technicians that I had seen before come out and do the job, but to my surprise, and general consternation, the young man stepped out of the company truck and very professionally began to do the technical work that 6 months ago he wouldn't have had a clue about.
Of course I had to say something, and I casually commented that it looked like he got a promotion. Well he looks up and me and grins and says, "Yeah, and a good raise too!" Well, I pondered this situation a while and went my merry way.
So of course it becomes a story on my blog. This kind of a story gives me a thrill because he could have worked there for a while, and then quit and done something else, but he persevered the hard manual labor, did his job properly and professionally, and in a few months was rewarded.
"Let this be a lesson to you!" I says to myself. And it was.
Thanks for reading! Leave a comment and/or e-mail me at: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
One of the young men that was helping prepare the ground caught my eye, and we spoke a little about careers and jobs and such and he made it pretty clear that digging holes in the ground wasn't the easiest or most convenient job in the world. Naturally I was thinking to myself that he didn't have to dig holes if he didn't want to.
There are alot of people in life who move from job to job without much of a goal in mind other than blowing the paycheck on frivolous activity. These individuals view the future as something that will never come, and usually they end up old and used before many of their peers.
This young man in particular struck me as such, because he was probably 27 or 28 years old, and should have had many opportunities to succeed in life. Of course he may have had an illness to set him back a bit, or maybe not quite the right opportunity, but nevertheless he was doing manual labor on this particular job.
Time wore on, and in a week or two the new gate was up and working fine and we were all happy because of the increased convenience. The fence installation company went away and along with them also this young man.
About 6 months went by, and by heavy use, the gate needed a little maintenance and so the company where I work called the fence company to come out and look the situation over. I was expecting some of the technicians that I had seen before come out and do the job, but to my surprise, and general consternation, the young man stepped out of the company truck and very professionally began to do the technical work that 6 months ago he wouldn't have had a clue about.
Of course I had to say something, and I casually commented that it looked like he got a promotion. Well he looks up and me and grins and says, "Yeah, and a good raise too!" Well, I pondered this situation a while and went my merry way.
So of course it becomes a story on my blog. This kind of a story gives me a thrill because he could have worked there for a while, and then quit and done something else, but he persevered the hard manual labor, did his job properly and professionally, and in a few months was rewarded.
"Let this be a lesson to you!" I says to myself. And it was.
Thanks for reading! Leave a comment and/or e-mail me at: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
My Image
I am not one of those introspective types who always look inside of them for answers to what should be or what not should be. But like them, I get a little concerned about my image. What do people look at when they see me? I like to have a buffer zone, a space free of my personal self, for people to invade and I can interract with them. I can be a little relaxed in this zone, and it is a bit more comfortable for other people to be in.
I am getting somewhere here...If you are a type of person who is very intense, you might make people uncomfortable to be with you. Create a bit of a buffer zone. This area is where people's first impressions come from. Instead of wearing your favorite pink shirt that has an elephant puking, maybe settle with a neutral gray shirt for a night out on the town.
If you are sensitive to the smell of deoderant and don't like the fumes plugging up your nose, compromise with your future boss on the first interview and wear some. If showering every day makes your skin dry out, then only shower when you are going to be in public, and then on the weekend, let your hair down a little and live the easy life.
Hey, it takes all kinds of people for this world to exist. Without me, the garlic presses would make a little less money. Traditionally, garlic-scented breath is unpleasant for other people. So I brush my teeth to help the other folks out!
I thought about this topic today at work when some people passed by my little office area. I was hoping that they wouldn't go in because they would have seen a tome of Shakespeare's classics, two books on how to play the piano, and some comic on my computer screen. Talk about nerdy.
So the moral of the story is, don't wear your personal self out in public. Be yourself, but have a buffer zone where you and others can mingle freely without embarrasment.
Thanks for reading! e-mail me at: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
-David
I am getting somewhere here...If you are a type of person who is very intense, you might make people uncomfortable to be with you. Create a bit of a buffer zone. This area is where people's first impressions come from. Instead of wearing your favorite pink shirt that has an elephant puking, maybe settle with a neutral gray shirt for a night out on the town.
If you are sensitive to the smell of deoderant and don't like the fumes plugging up your nose, compromise with your future boss on the first interview and wear some. If showering every day makes your skin dry out, then only shower when you are going to be in public, and then on the weekend, let your hair down a little and live the easy life.
Hey, it takes all kinds of people for this world to exist. Without me, the garlic presses would make a little less money. Traditionally, garlic-scented breath is unpleasant for other people. So I brush my teeth to help the other folks out!
I thought about this topic today at work when some people passed by my little office area. I was hoping that they wouldn't go in because they would have seen a tome of Shakespeare's classics, two books on how to play the piano, and some comic on my computer screen. Talk about nerdy.
So the moral of the story is, don't wear your personal self out in public. Be yourself, but have a buffer zone where you and others can mingle freely without embarrasment.
Thanks for reading! e-mail me at: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
-David
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Success
As I pondered this little speech, I considered all the things that could be useful to this graduating class of 2008. Some of us are celebrating the completion of decades of hard work while yet others toiled for mere months in a mad flurry of activity trying to move on with life as quickly as possible. All of us, however, have one single expectation which guided us through hours of homework and frightful moments like that cursed Finance 502 class which we thought would never end. This one expectation, indeed this one promise, which motivated our hard work was the hope that we could perhaps increase our likelihood of . . . success.
I recall a short 4 years ago as I sat in Gammage auditorium listening to the commencement speech as I prepared to proudly accept my diploma for my undergraduate work in Urban Planning. At that point in time, I knew that my life would take a much better turn and I would ascend to new heights; from selling appliances in a local department store to designing or regulating some of this state’s communities. It was at that point, as I watched well meaning graduates blow up beach balls and hit them with great gusto toward the stage, that I realized that I needed to identify my expectations for the future; my individual meaning of the word which brought each person through the toils of those school years.
I knew at that point that this single concept had been the downfall of many while still allowing millions to achieve the unthinkable; these seven letters had allowed people to climb to the heights of the world, to accomplish amazing things, to save millions of lives, and to solve some of the greatest problems. Yet there were other times when the effort extended to accomplish great things in the eyes of some, also resulted in absolute failure. Yes, Rome burned as many believed they were the most successful nation in the history of earth. Millions perished in the Holocaust as some believed they had been successful at protecting a “master race”. Even in America, freedom was taken from thousands of people who were forced to toil for a handful of wealthy and influential persons all in the same name: Success. As I sat there in May of 2004, I realized that I was not exempt from the same potential; that in my efforts to achieve great things, I could also release great pain on myself and those around me if I did not establish boundaries for my dreams. After all, no one of us is above becoming the next Jeffery Dahmer, Osama Bin Ladin, or even Adolf Hitler if we do not come to grips with the reality that success must be carefully channeled into productive paths and balanced with values, morals, and caution.
I was somewhat disappointed with the definition given by Merriam Webster which said success means a “degree or measure of succeeding”, a “favorable or desired outcome” or “the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence (m-w.com).” But in my mind the definition falls well short of capturing the true essence of this concept that everyone tries to attain. After all, many accomplish these technical requirements but become corrupt, shallow, morally deficient, and hated. What good are all these achievements without honor to your core beliefs, family, friends, and all the other things which made you capable of success? What gain is there in wealth, fame, or the accumulation of stuff if you lose your family, your friends, your self-respect, and your soul?
As you consider your future and establish your own vision of success, consider that some of the most successful people in the eyes of the world have caused great pain and suffering to those who are close to them while those who are unknown to the billions on this earth have in-fact caused great joy and comfort to those who know them well, even as they languish in anonymity. Who indeed is the most successful? Which of these two types of individuals have accomplished the most? I caution you today as you step out in search of this mysterious treasure we call success to consider its meaning very carefully.
105 years ago another man stood before a graduating class at Yale University. Arthur T. Hadley said this: “If you value the world simply for what you can get out of it, be assured that the world will in turn estimate your value to it by what it can get out of you. A man who sets his ambition in such a narrow frame may have followers in prosperity, but not in adversity. He can secure plenty of sycophants, but no friends. That man on the other hand, who values the world for what he can put into it, who deals courteously with his associates, patriotically with his country, and who, under whatsoever creed or form, has that spirit of devotion to an ideal which is the essential thing in religion, that man makes himself a part of a world which is bound together by higher motives than the hope of material success.”
I propose, on this 8th day of May, 2008, that we establish our own meaning of success which each one of us can carry with us into the wide world which will allow achievement without sacrificing what is truly important. Those who meet these requirements can truly look anyone in the face with confidence that they are not only achievers but are also true men and women in this age where character and honor are so hard to find. So today I propose that all consider this statement: My life will be truly successful if I live every day to honor my beliefs first, my family second, and my country third; in that order, while knowing that were I to leave this life unexpectedly I would be assured that I did not live for myself but for the betterment of those who are truly important to me.
That is my measure of success.
I recall a short 4 years ago as I sat in Gammage auditorium listening to the commencement speech as I prepared to proudly accept my diploma for my undergraduate work in Urban Planning. At that point in time, I knew that my life would take a much better turn and I would ascend to new heights; from selling appliances in a local department store to designing or regulating some of this state’s communities. It was at that point, as I watched well meaning graduates blow up beach balls and hit them with great gusto toward the stage, that I realized that I needed to identify my expectations for the future; my individual meaning of the word which brought each person through the toils of those school years.
I knew at that point that this single concept had been the downfall of many while still allowing millions to achieve the unthinkable; these seven letters had allowed people to climb to the heights of the world, to accomplish amazing things, to save millions of lives, and to solve some of the greatest problems. Yet there were other times when the effort extended to accomplish great things in the eyes of some, also resulted in absolute failure. Yes, Rome burned as many believed they were the most successful nation in the history of earth. Millions perished in the Holocaust as some believed they had been successful at protecting a “master race”. Even in America, freedom was taken from thousands of people who were forced to toil for a handful of wealthy and influential persons all in the same name: Success. As I sat there in May of 2004, I realized that I was not exempt from the same potential; that in my efforts to achieve great things, I could also release great pain on myself and those around me if I did not establish boundaries for my dreams. After all, no one of us is above becoming the next Jeffery Dahmer, Osama Bin Ladin, or even Adolf Hitler if we do not come to grips with the reality that success must be carefully channeled into productive paths and balanced with values, morals, and caution.
I was somewhat disappointed with the definition given by Merriam Webster which said success means a “degree or measure of succeeding”, a “favorable or desired outcome” or “the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence (m-w.com).” But in my mind the definition falls well short of capturing the true essence of this concept that everyone tries to attain. After all, many accomplish these technical requirements but become corrupt, shallow, morally deficient, and hated. What good are all these achievements without honor to your core beliefs, family, friends, and all the other things which made you capable of success? What gain is there in wealth, fame, or the accumulation of stuff if you lose your family, your friends, your self-respect, and your soul?
As you consider your future and establish your own vision of success, consider that some of the most successful people in the eyes of the world have caused great pain and suffering to those who are close to them while those who are unknown to the billions on this earth have in-fact caused great joy and comfort to those who know them well, even as they languish in anonymity. Who indeed is the most successful? Which of these two types of individuals have accomplished the most? I caution you today as you step out in search of this mysterious treasure we call success to consider its meaning very carefully.
105 years ago another man stood before a graduating class at Yale University. Arthur T. Hadley said this: “If you value the world simply for what you can get out of it, be assured that the world will in turn estimate your value to it by what it can get out of you. A man who sets his ambition in such a narrow frame may have followers in prosperity, but not in adversity. He can secure plenty of sycophants, but no friends. That man on the other hand, who values the world for what he can put into it, who deals courteously with his associates, patriotically with his country, and who, under whatsoever creed or form, has that spirit of devotion to an ideal which is the essential thing in religion, that man makes himself a part of a world which is bound together by higher motives than the hope of material success.”
I propose, on this 8th day of May, 2008, that we establish our own meaning of success which each one of us can carry with us into the wide world which will allow achievement without sacrificing what is truly important. Those who meet these requirements can truly look anyone in the face with confidence that they are not only achievers but are also true men and women in this age where character and honor are so hard to find. So today I propose that all consider this statement: My life will be truly successful if I live every day to honor my beliefs first, my family second, and my country third; in that order, while knowing that were I to leave this life unexpectedly I would be assured that I did not live for myself but for the betterment of those who are truly important to me.
That is my measure of success.
Monday, April 28, 2008
True Romance
This is a true story about romance. This is not a fairy tale written in a long ago day of magic and dragons and enchanted princesses. This is a story about a man and a woman and a God that controls everything.
It started a long time ago in a hospital birthing room. The man was born into a normal family in a normal town in our fair country, the U.S. of A. He was a healthy, noisy little child, and his family named him John (all names are changed to protect the individuals here.)
A few years later in another state, another hospital ward room, was born a little girl. She was a healthy child, quiet, reserved, and her mother called her Marsha.
John and Marsha grew up in similar circumstances. Both attended public schools, both wanted to have a house and children someday...both were young, and happy, and innocent.
Although in seperate states and environments both children grew up with knowlege of the Church that God built. Marsha stayed saved and led a typical life of one who is raised in Truth. She got saved and sanctified at a young age, had the usual battles and temptations, but allowed herself to draw near to God and cultivated the truth that was taught her in Sunday School.
Our story focuses on the rapidly maturing young man we know as John. John was raised early on in truth, but through manifold testing of the devil, his family went through a divorce, and he was taken out of the truth with his mom and raised in comparative darkness. His dad showed up and John visited with him, but he viewed his dad as old and out of touch with life.
John remembers reaching the age of accountability and his first curse word that seperated him from the innocent and sheltered life he enjoyed. John went through school as a normal child, and he loved to have fun and pull pranks. He was rowdy, healthy and should have grown up as an Alpha Male and a strong, productive leader.
In his high school years, John allowed his hyperactive nature to get the best of him and his schoolwork earned less than average scores. He hung out with the wrong crowd, and learned how to ditch school, do drugs, and he cultivated these desires.
John's sister, Sharnell accompanied him in alot of his rowdy doings, and participated in the unruly life that he lived. Together they partied, and lived a life on the broad road of sin. John tells stories about his party days, and is able to relate times that he suffered horrible physical abuse from those whom he called 'friends.' Sometimes tears come to John's eyes as he tells this testimony and how different his true friends in the Church are from those of his party days.
Sharnell came to know truth eventually. Through a combination of her father's prayers and friends who invited her to church, God was able to convict her soul and brought her to an altar of repentance. She proved herself, and married a fine man named Jeffrey.
On Sharnell and Jeffrey's wedding day, John recieved a strong dose of truth as he sat through the ceremony. Marsha was also there and she fell in love with John. She felt that he was the one that God had sent for her. In the months and years afterward she experienced strong emotional distress.
John left the wedding sort of dazed. He witnessed the change in Sharnell's life. The change that brought her from a girl crazed on drugs, and addicted to cigarettes to a beautiful young lady. This change was not a change brought on by therapy. No John knew that God had changed Sharnell's heart. John saw that the addictions had left Sharnell's life the same moment that God forgave her sins.
Sharnell tried to talk to John about it and she told John that he could have this same thing if he wanted it. John didn't.
John was not only addicted to drugs, but he also had a gambling problem. He stole from his mother and lived a life that threatened to destroy his career and kill his body. Little did he know that Martha was in love with him and was praying for him.
Martha was going through a hard trying time. Growing up in a Church that does not practice ecuminicalism is difficult for those who are looking for a companion. The devil will tell someone that it is impossible for them to find the right match in Church, and will try to convince them to go into the world and marry someone. That is a foolish move, but unfortunately many young men and women choose that option and lose their souls. Few of these people ever get saved again, and fewer unsaved companions convert into the Church that God built.
Sharnell was concerned for her friend Marsha. She knew that Marsha was in love with her wayward brother, and she tried to warn Marsha, but it was of little use. Marsha could not be disuaded from loving John. Sharnell was worried about it. Worried that Marsha would lose her faith in God through this situation. Marsha was tried sorely. She wanted to get married and she didn't think that she would ever find someone in truth. God had to bring someone to the church for her to get married to.
John hit rock bottom one day. He burned his final paycheck in a casino and lost his job. Life was over. His body was ruined from alcohol, drugs and dissipation. John went to church. He heard that God could take the train wreck of his life and turn it around. He heard that the toxic waste dump of his body could be healed and his addictions erased. His mind could be righted and he wouldn't have to worry about his past anymore. Marsha saw him in that service and was praying. Sharnell saw him in that service and was praying. Sharnell's husband Jeffrey who worked with John saw him in that service and was praying. God knew he was in service and felt the tug from all the prayers. God told the pastor to preach, and preach he did.
John was gloriously saved that service. His addictions left right away. Eventually he got his job back and got his life straightened out. God changed his heart and healed his mind and body. God is love.
John and Marsha were married a few years later. They have two beautiful children and a happy home and marriage. Nobody recognizes the new John. His friends from high school can't believe that he is a productive member of society.
At every wedding that John and Marsha sit through, they remember their wedding and the trials that led up to it. God made everything work out and they live happily ever after. True Romance is Not A Pipe Dream. God is the God that always comes through.
If you are a young person and have wondered if you are ever going to get married remember the tale of John and Marsha. Perhaps you will one day meet them and be encouraged.
I have. My name is David and this is a True Story. e-mail me at: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
Thanks for reading.
It started a long time ago in a hospital birthing room. The man was born into a normal family in a normal town in our fair country, the U.S. of A. He was a healthy, noisy little child, and his family named him John (all names are changed to protect the individuals here.)
A few years later in another state, another hospital ward room, was born a little girl. She was a healthy child, quiet, reserved, and her mother called her Marsha.
John and Marsha grew up in similar circumstances. Both attended public schools, both wanted to have a house and children someday...both were young, and happy, and innocent.
Although in seperate states and environments both children grew up with knowlege of the Church that God built. Marsha stayed saved and led a typical life of one who is raised in Truth. She got saved and sanctified at a young age, had the usual battles and temptations, but allowed herself to draw near to God and cultivated the truth that was taught her in Sunday School.
Our story focuses on the rapidly maturing young man we know as John. John was raised early on in truth, but through manifold testing of the devil, his family went through a divorce, and he was taken out of the truth with his mom and raised in comparative darkness. His dad showed up and John visited with him, but he viewed his dad as old and out of touch with life.
John remembers reaching the age of accountability and his first curse word that seperated him from the innocent and sheltered life he enjoyed. John went through school as a normal child, and he loved to have fun and pull pranks. He was rowdy, healthy and should have grown up as an Alpha Male and a strong, productive leader.
In his high school years, John allowed his hyperactive nature to get the best of him and his schoolwork earned less than average scores. He hung out with the wrong crowd, and learned how to ditch school, do drugs, and he cultivated these desires.
John's sister, Sharnell accompanied him in alot of his rowdy doings, and participated in the unruly life that he lived. Together they partied, and lived a life on the broad road of sin. John tells stories about his party days, and is able to relate times that he suffered horrible physical abuse from those whom he called 'friends.' Sometimes tears come to John's eyes as he tells this testimony and how different his true friends in the Church are from those of his party days.
Sharnell came to know truth eventually. Through a combination of her father's prayers and friends who invited her to church, God was able to convict her soul and brought her to an altar of repentance. She proved herself, and married a fine man named Jeffrey.
On Sharnell and Jeffrey's wedding day, John recieved a strong dose of truth as he sat through the ceremony. Marsha was also there and she fell in love with John. She felt that he was the one that God had sent for her. In the months and years afterward she experienced strong emotional distress.
John left the wedding sort of dazed. He witnessed the change in Sharnell's life. The change that brought her from a girl crazed on drugs, and addicted to cigarettes to a beautiful young lady. This change was not a change brought on by therapy. No John knew that God had changed Sharnell's heart. John saw that the addictions had left Sharnell's life the same moment that God forgave her sins.
Sharnell tried to talk to John about it and she told John that he could have this same thing if he wanted it. John didn't.
John was not only addicted to drugs, but he also had a gambling problem. He stole from his mother and lived a life that threatened to destroy his career and kill his body. Little did he know that Martha was in love with him and was praying for him.
Martha was going through a hard trying time. Growing up in a Church that does not practice ecuminicalism is difficult for those who are looking for a companion. The devil will tell someone that it is impossible for them to find the right match in Church, and will try to convince them to go into the world and marry someone. That is a foolish move, but unfortunately many young men and women choose that option and lose their souls. Few of these people ever get saved again, and fewer unsaved companions convert into the Church that God built.
Sharnell was concerned for her friend Marsha. She knew that Marsha was in love with her wayward brother, and she tried to warn Marsha, but it was of little use. Marsha could not be disuaded from loving John. Sharnell was worried about it. Worried that Marsha would lose her faith in God through this situation. Marsha was tried sorely. She wanted to get married and she didn't think that she would ever find someone in truth. God had to bring someone to the church for her to get married to.
John hit rock bottom one day. He burned his final paycheck in a casino and lost his job. Life was over. His body was ruined from alcohol, drugs and dissipation. John went to church. He heard that God could take the train wreck of his life and turn it around. He heard that the toxic waste dump of his body could be healed and his addictions erased. His mind could be righted and he wouldn't have to worry about his past anymore. Marsha saw him in that service and was praying. Sharnell saw him in that service and was praying. Sharnell's husband Jeffrey who worked with John saw him in that service and was praying. God knew he was in service and felt the tug from all the prayers. God told the pastor to preach, and preach he did.
John was gloriously saved that service. His addictions left right away. Eventually he got his job back and got his life straightened out. God changed his heart and healed his mind and body. God is love.
John and Marsha were married a few years later. They have two beautiful children and a happy home and marriage. Nobody recognizes the new John. His friends from high school can't believe that he is a productive member of society.
At every wedding that John and Marsha sit through, they remember their wedding and the trials that led up to it. God made everything work out and they live happily ever after. True Romance is Not A Pipe Dream. God is the God that always comes through.
If you are a young person and have wondered if you are ever going to get married remember the tale of John and Marsha. Perhaps you will one day meet them and be encouraged.
I have. My name is David and this is a True Story. e-mail me at: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Psalms 19
1: To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
The proof of how big God is can be seen by observing the work of God's hands. The sky, the universe, the natural world.
2: Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
David wrote this to say that the work of God's hands speeks to us to show that God has infinite control in the day passing to day and the night going to night as God made it to be and saw that it was good.
3: There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Everybody can see the witness of God's creation.
4:: Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5: Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6: His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The Day and Night create a place for the sun to shine in it's glory. The sun passes from horizon to horizon and everything feels the heat and warmth that it gives. God has set this in order in the beginning and because of His infinite power it will be there to the end.
7: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
As God created a perfect world by His law, also he can create a perfect man through His Laws. Those who have nothing to hide understand God's witness and and they are wise in their understanding. God is not complicated.
8: The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes.
Our heart languishes in God's statutes. God's commandments give us clear vision.
9: The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Our perspective of God is respectfulf and as we honor and worship God for who He is, our honor and worship gives us a clean fear of God that never faileth. God's judgments are true and righteous all together, through and through and they compliment each other without contradiction.
10: More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
David was the King of Israel, and he had much fine gold indeed, and yet he realized how absent his life was without the judgments of God. Back then honey was one of the sweetest things that they had. There wasn't any real way to process foods and make all the different types of candy that we have today. Honey and the honeycomb itself was a rich thing, and to compare the judgments of God as sweeter than honey was a good choice of words.
11: Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
The judgments of God will let us know where the boundaries are, and a servant of God will heed the warning. There is great reward in heeding the warning. Consequences of heedless action are great and long lasting.
12: Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
God is faithful to show us where we need to measure up. His love for us is so great that He will tell us when we are doing something wrong. We have to make sure that we are honest and WANT God to do that, and if we meet the conditions of an honest heart we will hear God's voice talking to us.
14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be aceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
God is MY redeemer. What a strong statement! God loved me so much that he wants to clean me up and make my life comfortable and happy. God is MY strength. My strength to stand against the devil. My help in hard times. My ability to measure up to GOd's word and enjoy all the benefits that living a clean life gives us.
God will help us to have clean conversation and clean desires. Praise God for everythign that He does for us.
e-mail me: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, and stay encouraged.
-David
The proof of how big God is can be seen by observing the work of God's hands. The sky, the universe, the natural world.
2: Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
David wrote this to say that the work of God's hands speeks to us to show that God has infinite control in the day passing to day and the night going to night as God made it to be and saw that it was good.
3: There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Everybody can see the witness of God's creation.
4:: Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5: Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6: His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The Day and Night create a place for the sun to shine in it's glory. The sun passes from horizon to horizon and everything feels the heat and warmth that it gives. God has set this in order in the beginning and because of His infinite power it will be there to the end.
7: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
As God created a perfect world by His law, also he can create a perfect man through His Laws. Those who have nothing to hide understand God's witness and and they are wise in their understanding. God is not complicated.
8: The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes.
Our heart languishes in God's statutes. God's commandments give us clear vision.
9: The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Our perspective of God is respectfulf and as we honor and worship God for who He is, our honor and worship gives us a clean fear of God that never faileth. God's judgments are true and righteous all together, through and through and they compliment each other without contradiction.
10: More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
David was the King of Israel, and he had much fine gold indeed, and yet he realized how absent his life was without the judgments of God. Back then honey was one of the sweetest things that they had. There wasn't any real way to process foods and make all the different types of candy that we have today. Honey and the honeycomb itself was a rich thing, and to compare the judgments of God as sweeter than honey was a good choice of words.
11: Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
The judgments of God will let us know where the boundaries are, and a servant of God will heed the warning. There is great reward in heeding the warning. Consequences of heedless action are great and long lasting.
12: Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
God is faithful to show us where we need to measure up. His love for us is so great that He will tell us when we are doing something wrong. We have to make sure that we are honest and WANT God to do that, and if we meet the conditions of an honest heart we will hear God's voice talking to us.
14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be aceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
God is MY redeemer. What a strong statement! God loved me so much that he wants to clean me up and make my life comfortable and happy. God is MY strength. My strength to stand against the devil. My help in hard times. My ability to measure up to GOd's word and enjoy all the benefits that living a clean life gives us.
God will help us to have clean conversation and clean desires. Praise God for everythign that He does for us.
e-mail me: not.a.pipe.dream@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, and stay encouraged.
-David
Thursday, April 17, 2008
I'm Gonna Make It Through
I’m Gonna Make It Through
Through so many dangers and toils of this life;
I have already come,
but he keeps on giving the grace and the strength
To just keep pressing on
He’s given a promise, and I'm gonna stand
On every word his word has said
And holding his hand, I’ll never fear:
Whatever lies ahead
I’m gonna make it
He already said that I could,
Ill keep on trusting that he’s working everything for my good;
He walks beside me, heaven is in my view
Oh, Oh, I’m going to make it through
Sometimes there are storms that darken my way
They cause my strength to fail.
But though I am tried and tested
I’m still determined to prevail
Because I remember the promise he made
That in my weakness he is strong
And that’s when I know whatever may come
His steady hand will lead me on. And on and on
I’m gonna make it.
He already said that I could.
Ill keep on trusting that he’s working everything for my good.
He walks beside me heaven is in my view.
Oh, Oh, I’m going to make it through
He walks beside me heaven is in my view
Oh, Oh, I’m going to make it; he said I could
I’m gonna make it through.
Through so many dangers and toils of this life;
I have already come,
but he keeps on giving the grace and the strength
To just keep pressing on
He’s given a promise, and I'm gonna stand
On every word his word has said
And holding his hand, I’ll never fear:
Whatever lies ahead
I’m gonna make it
He already said that I could,
Ill keep on trusting that he’s working everything for my good;
He walks beside me, heaven is in my view
Oh, Oh, I’m going to make it through
Sometimes there are storms that darken my way
They cause my strength to fail.
But though I am tried and tested
I’m still determined to prevail
Because I remember the promise he made
That in my weakness he is strong
And that’s when I know whatever may come
His steady hand will lead me on. And on and on
I’m gonna make it.
He already said that I could.
Ill keep on trusting that he’s working everything for my good.
He walks beside me heaven is in my view.
Oh, Oh, I’m going to make it through
He walks beside me heaven is in my view
Oh, Oh, I’m going to make it; he said I could
I’m gonna make it through.
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