After preaching on 2 Peter 1 yesterday, and the list of attitudes and characteristics we are to build upon for a sanctified life, I saw this devotion by Jill Driscoe.  Taking a pen I wrote down the 2 lists side by said to see if or what differences there might be.  I won’t tell you what I discovered because you may, if you desire, come up with something different for YOU!  And how is that possible?  The Holy Spirit!  He is the PERSONAL teacher and Director of YOUR faith… YOUR Prompter!   We are NOT the same and what he wants YOU to discover will be applicable for YOUR Gift and Call.  So… WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT PROMPTING YOU TO LEARN?

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.” Galatians 5:22-23

What is the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s working in us? Present-tense Christianity doesn’t live itself out in memories of past churchgoing but vibrates with vitality in the here-and-now. Our “sinful nature loves to do evil” (Galatians 5:17), and it can easily be fed with wrong food, such as what we see on TV, what we read, and what we think about.

Even after we become believers, we still have that sin nature, and it declares war on the Holy Spirit. The reason for this conflict of interests between the old and new natures inside a Christian is that the old nature wants to go on being sinful and selfish, while the new nature of Christ, imparted by the Holy Spirit, wants to be just like Christ! “The Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires” (5:17). Christ urges us not to give in to the selfish, insistent voice that tells us to shut our ears to the Spirit’s prompting and do our own thing. He urges us to heed his whisper and obey his word. The prompter at a play stands in the wings, eyes fastened to the script. If an actor stumbles, the prompter is quick to prompt so that the actor can do and say the right thing at the right time. We need to listen to our prompter, Christ himself.

We are to keep in step with the Spirit. Only with his help can we live the holy lives that God wants us to live.

For further study: Galatians 5:16-26

In College, I had a GREAT History professor that said that we got Columbus Day all wrong!  Chris wasn’t financed by the Queen of Spain.. but by Jews who were looking to find a place to go to escape the inquisition!   He DIDN’T discover America but the West Indies!   And History rewriters are working to rename this Indiginouse People’s Day… to celebrate the folks who USED to live here!!!  Confused??  

The point is… don’t be a wishy washy, non learning, non growing confused Believer in Jesus Christ.  Because There WILL be a test!  Your answers determine your future residence!   Happy Whatever Day!  Enjoy the Savior! 

As the Election is coming closer, I will forward information from a Christian Biblical perspective.  This article just came to me and is too significant NOT to share.    

Dr. Dobson’s Open Letter To Christians Regarding The Election

AUTHOR:

DR. JAMES DOBSON

Dear Friends,

This will be my final letter to 800,000 people before Americans cast our ballots on November 3rd. It is a breathtaking moment in the history of the United States. Perhaps I will be permitted to repeat a brief comment I made in my August letter because of its relevance to today. Many political commentators have stated that this election is the most significant since 1864, when Abraham Lincoln vied for a second term against Democratic nominee, George McClellan. The future of our beloved nation hung in the balance that year. If Lincoln had lost, the Civil War would have ended precipitously and the wretched evils of slavery would have remained legal in the Confederate States, and perhaps even in the North. Had Lincoln been defeated, the Union would have been torn asunder. Thank God Mr. Lincoln won, even though it cost him his life!

Now we are approaching another presidential election that carries enormous implications for the stability of our democratic system of government. Indeed, Newt Gingrich said that what we are facing now might bring an end to civilization as we have known it. He may have been referring to a possible revolution. Regardless, I believe his grave concern for our nation is valid. For centuries, America has stood as a shining light for liberty and freedom in our nation and around the globe. If we abandon our founding core values, the world will suffer for it. The binary choice before us is that stark.

How will Americans, and how will you, decide who to vote for as our Chief Executive Officer? I have heard from dozens of friends and acquaintances in recent weeks who tell me they will base their decision solely on a candidate’s rhetoric, tone, style, or likeability. Does that describe your thinking process?

Just now, as I was about to react to that idea, my wife, Shirley, brought in an email that she had received a few minutes before from a friend. It quoted an anonymous statement that gets to the heart of the issue, as follows:

“This is not a junior high or high school popularity/personality contest. I’m not voting for the person—I’m voting for the platform!

I’m voting for the Second Amendment. I’m voting for the next Supreme Court justice. I’m voting for the electoral college. I’m voting for the Republic in which we live. I’m voting for the police and law and order. I’m voting for the military and the veterans who fought and died for this country. I’m voting for the flag that is often missing from public events. I’m voting for the right to speak my opinion and not be censored for it. I’m voting for secure borders. I’m voting for the right to praise God without fear. I’m voting for every unborn soul that is at risk of being aborted. I’m voting for freedom and the American dream. I’m voting for good and against evil. I’m not just voting for one person.

I’m voting for the future of my country!”

I couldn’t have said it better, although I want to add to the writer’s list. I’m also voting for candidates who will exercise sound leadership internationally. I’m voting for those who will support Israel. I’m voting for those who will protect children from leftist curricula. I’m voting for the nation’s fiscal integrity. I’m voting for parental rights. I’m voting for school choice and home education. I’m voting for freedom in the suburbs. I’m voting for Little Sisters of the Poor and other Christian organizations. I’m voting for racial unity. I am voting to support “In God we trust” and school prayer. I’m voting for freedom of conscience for physicians and other professionals. I am voting for marriage. I am voting for life in all its dimensions. I am voting against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. I’m voting for wisdom in handling the pandemic. I am voting for protection for the Church from oppressive politicians.

One final thought: With all respect, this election isn’t about you. It certainly isn’t about me. It is about our kids and grandkids. It is about those who are yet to come, if they are allowed to live. This vote has awesome implications for future generations and the nation we love. It is about our Constitution and the immutable, God-given rights it protects. It is about values, and truth, and greatness, and hope. That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate.

In summary, this election is for all the marbles . . . the Presidency, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. Together, they set the agenda for this country.

If you love America and don’t want it to be “fundamentally transformed,” it is time to do three things:

1. Pray like never before that God will spare this great nation from tyranny and oppression of religious liberty.
2. Volunteer to help your candidates.
3. Vote for the candidates who will best uphold your values and convictions.

Also, consider forwarding this letter to your friends, family, and others whom you might influence.

May God bless America!

You may see the full article and more at this link:  https://www.drjamesdobson.org/newsletters/october-newsletter-2020

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19

Last evening I saw a body moving toward our church entrance and didn’t immediately recognize who it was. When he cleared the bushes, I saw Jimmy walking up to join us. Jimmy is one of our ‘snowbirds’ and the first to arrive this season. I was SOO glad to see him. I asked, “are you finding everything Chicagoans are saying about Florida true?” He answered, “Not a word!”

Yesterday morning, while standing on U.S. 41 with several Jesus guys and holding up Gospel signs of hope, a man gave me a dose of ‘haughty eyes’ AND the finger! I now know what that means because I looked it up! Haughty means ‘arrogantly superior and disdainful.’

Later last night we started watching the VP Debate on TV. Before the main delegates even took to the stage, I was fed up. I made it about 5 minutes, then got up and went to bed. This morning my wife told me I was grumpy! After taking inventory, I must confess that I am.

It has been said that opinions are like elbows…everybody has a couple. But I see a surge in something that is growing out of control. It seems there is a major attempt to perfect what I would call, ‘the beneficial lie.’ And it’s scary! It’s kind of like the picture here of Pinocchio, nose growing, but with a sheepish smile! He’s caught.. but there’s no guilt!

The Bible says that before Noah’s ark, ‘The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time (Genesis 6:5). I can’t help but wonder if we are receding!

When a lie is perpetuated in order to gain benefit, it stirs up conflict. Worse, is when the hearer fails to verify what is said and joins in the perpetuating! In an American political debate, where “In God we Trust” is our slogan, it was sad that God’s name was not mentioned even once! A sure sign that, if this continues, Judgment will soon be on the way!

I’m think it’s time I spend measure my attitudes and actions against what GOD has to say about the, then ask HIM to help me make a transition. I don’t want to be grumpy! And it is clear, neither does God…or my wife!

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Katie had asked if I would fix the outlet in her sewing room. So there I was, staring at the breaker box trying to figure out which ‘switch’ cut the power off to that particular ‘plug.’ About 25 years ago I paid a guy to put in a new circuit breaker box and I have never taken the time to individually ‘LABEL’ where each switch goes. So I had 2 choices!

#1 I’ve done it many times before…wire a switch or outlet with the power still on. Yup!!!! Just to see if I could do it. You know…like that old game ‘Operation!’ I’ve also gotten shocked a few times that way! Not feeling very adventurous, I opted for choice #2, which was to GUESS which breaker goes to THAT outlet! So I started flipping switches!

You’d think that after living in the same house for that long I’d have taken the time to label the switches! But seeing as how I don’t often do DO this kind of thing, I just never got around to it. Besides, the worst case scenario was having to reset a clock or 2. Which is no big deal to me. Flick, flick, flick, flick…flick, flick …GOT IT!

I remember, when I was younger, being prodded by Jesus to get to work serving others in His Body – The Church! There was a rather long list of ‘Spiritual Gifts’ outlined throughout the Bible and it was time for me to find mine. I knew enough that just PICKING one could get me burned…if I only GUESSED. So I started doing research and got to ‘flicking’ at a few!

Fortunately I discovered what He wanted me to do! But then came the work of learning and honing the gift to practical use. I’d like to say it was easy, but it wasn’t an ‘instant’ kind of thing. As I tried and applied, I got zapped a few times. But nothing serious. Just enough to know not to do THAT again. I’m STILL learning and honing.

To be a ‘Faithful Steward’ I must first become a ‘willing recipient!’ From there it was a matter of application and growth. But I can’t think of ANYTHING more fun than actually USING the gift that God gave me to bless and grow His House! Even after all the work and few zaps…it is WELL worth the effort to serve Him and His!

So…what is YOUR gift and what charges YOU up?!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

Have you ever had a vehicle repossessed? Me neither. So it was a new experience for me to be standing in the middle of a ‘Repo’ yard! Yup…there I was! Assisting someone who had that unfortunate experience, I began wandering around the property looking at the all the cars! Which experience now tells me…is a ‘BIG NO NO!’

Someone had asked if I would drive them to their car so they could retrieve their personal belongings. While waiting, I wandered. Which caught the attention of a couple employees. “HEY… WHAT-A-YA DOIN?” was the question each asked. And NOT in a courteous manner! How was I to know that, just by being there, I was ‘presumed’ to be a guilty, potential threat!?

At one point, another employee walked over and shut the barbed wire gate, blocking any exit. I thought that strange! Then I was told, “stand by your MY vehicle and do not walk around!” Using powers of deduction, I began to comprehend.

I was there to help. THEY thought I was there to steal back a car. I began to empathize, since at NO time in my life have I EVER had the urge to go walk around and look in a repo yard! Visitors to THEIR property ALWAYS pose a threat. To them I was guilty…simply because I was THERE!

It was an uncomfortable feeling! And for good reason. Being a representative of Almighty God for well over 50 years, considerable changes have been made in my character! I have been set free from the ‘GUILT’ label and now enjoy the FREEDOM of INNOCENCE, placed upon me by Almighty God. God knows it…I know it…but sometimes…others might not! And all because of WHERE I physically stand!

I Praise and Thank God that, carrying about a dirty soul and spirit, is NOT my common occurrence. It is a JOY to stand on HIS side of the fence and to be free from any charges the world, flesh or devil may level at me. It is ALSO one of the GREATEST reasons that, if YOU don’t know how that feels, you might want to consider His Son Jesus Christ and His offer of ‘No Condemnation!’   

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

After preaching about our responsibility of being a ‘Good Steward’ for Jesus Christ, found in 2 parables in Luke 16, it was time for our resident ‘Benedictor’ to close the service. Vic, our resident attorney and fellow member, rose to the occasion and proceeded to throw out the term ‘Fiduciary’ at least a handful of times! I could sense the Holy Spirit saying, “Pay attention to that word!”

A Fiduciary is a person to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit of another, with strict care that ensures no conflict of interest arises between the fiduciary and his principle. A fiduciary obligation exists whenever the relationship with another involves a special trust, confidence, or reliance, upon the fiduciary, to exercise his discretion or expertise in acting or assisting the principle. Whew! That was a mouthful!

As members of the Body of Christ, we are designed and designated by Jesus Christ to special service and relationship to one another. He calls us to love, serve, encourage and support one another in a kind of fiduciary role that benefits both Christ AND His Principles…fellow Believers! The service provided is out of LOVE and CARE and is NOT for the purpose of financial gain for the fiduciary. I guess Pastors COULD be considered professional Fiduciaries!

The faith life of a fellow believer is a kind of trust! It may be varying in size and power, but by itself it doesn’t actually BELONG to the individual. It BELONGS to its author, Jesus Christ. That said, my faith is meant to be shared and involved with others. Our mutual responsibility is to take care of the Trust which Christ has given and to benefit our owner AND each other.

There are LOTS of commands that God gives in His Word about our responsibility toward one another. Unfortunately, there is a fleshy, selfish streak that tends to get in the way when someone comes to believe that THEIR faith and walk are their own exclusive property! It can become a VERY messy business when direction, instruction, help and care become perceived as interference, instead of a directive from God.

I thank God for His Church! When the service was finished I received news about a bill we received AND a political view expressed toward Christians in general. I was immediately angered and began to vent to a couple of people I ‘trust.’ They ’talked me down,’ with Jesus own words, in a gentle, yet forceful and loving way. The ‘preacher’ had become the student!

There is a saying I love that goes like this. “No one of us, has it all together…but all of us together.. have it all!” I LOVE that kind of security and mutual concern. And having been in some rather difficult times in life, I have learned to appreciate the encouraging words of a fellow Christian Fiduciary…and have learned to LISTEN!

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” … Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

Paul always expresses great concern about the possibility of a split in the church. In a similar passage in his letter to the Philippians he says, So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind, (Philippians 2:1-2 RSV). In writing to the church at Ephesus, he exhorted the elders there to be careful to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, (Ephesians 4:3 RSV).

Church unity is a very important matter. Paul puts it first in the list of problems he has to deal with here at Corinth. Many of the other problems were flowing out of this division within the congregation. Here in Verse 10 he briefly shows us the ground of unity, and the nature of unity in a church. The ground, of course, is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I appeal to you, he says, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Their relationship to Christ was the unifying factor of the church. There is no other name big enough, great enough, glorious enough, and powerful enough to gather everybody together, despite the diversity of viewpoint and the differences of background or status in life, than the name of Jesus. That is why the apostle appeals to it. He recognizes that we share a common life if we have come to Christ; we are brothers and sisters because we have his life in us. He is the ground, always, of unity. And more than that, we have a responsibility to obey him, to follow his Lordship. Therefore, the only basis upon which you can get Christians to agree is by setting before them the Person of the Lord Jesus.

He describes the nature of unity this way, that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. That does not mean that everybody has to think alike. With all the differences among us, it is impossible to get people to think alike. The church is never called to having everybody think exactly alike. Yet the apostle says they are to be of united in mind. How can that be? The letter to the Philippians helps us here. Paul says, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5). He then goes on to describe for us the mind of Christ, which is a willingness to give up rights and personal privileges and give in and take a lower place. Then comes that great Christological passage where he describes how Christ, …though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8 RSV)

That is the mind Paul is talking about. When everybody decides to put the things of Christ first, and is willing to suffer loss that the honor and glory of Christ might be advanced, that is what brings harmony in a congregation. That is always the unifying factor in a church, and that is the mind we should have, the mind that does not consider itself the most important thing.

Thank you, Father, for your word. Let it do its great work of cutting down and eliminating from my life the things in which I take pride and which separate me from others. Help me to judge these in the light of the cross, and to walk before you in unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Are we confusing equality with authentic unity in Christ? Do we need to re-think our personal responsibility for building walls of separation and disunity, choosing rather to be peacemakers?

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” Job 31:1

My wife and I were recently at a place with lots of people. Different people. Younger people. You know the place! The place where people dress up to stand out and show off. Out of the corner of my eye, and within my peripheral vision, I caught a glimpse of a potential perpetrator. Looking away, I knew I was safe. Then my wife asked, “did you SEE what SHE was wearing?” Thank the Lord I was able to smile and say, “No dear, I didn’t!”

At 1 point in my life I could not have said that. Transitioning from single to married requires changes. I’ve learned SO MUCH about change… the HARD way! Katie and I BOTH remember the time when we were engaged and my attention was drawn away from HER to a gal I didn’t even know. When I turned around, I realized I was ‘caught caught caught!’ Katie had been staring at me, as I was staring at that ‘someone else.’  The hurt in her eyes was palpable.

One of the greatest spiritual lessons I ever learned came from a movie character played by Clint Eastwood. ‘Dirty Harry’ had a saying, “a man’s GOT to know his limitations!” And oh how true that is. And if you think I am writing about looking at other women…you’d be very wrong!  We ALL have weaknesses and limitations. Some are particular to men, others to women. Young vs old, rich vs poor, there are many areas in a life where ‘limitations’ can make their home. As the years have gone by, I have learned from God that there are OTHER areas of my life where I was convicted to say, “”I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at ___________!”

One of the best ways to get rid of a dirty rat is to not let it in your house in the first place! It DOES take discipline and maintenance. But I have learned (and AM STILL learning) that the time spent THERE saves me from a LOT of time, pain and guilt spent trying to ‘CLEAN UP’ later down the road! Freedom FROM temptation is a LOT more fun than time spent living IN it. Whatever the ‘IT’ may be.

It is good to remember that wherever I go, there I am! But then.. so is HE! God sees and knows and watches what ‘I’ watch, and pays particular attention to ME at the things that I pay particular attention to! And so does satan! Whether I FALL into temptation or not is completely up to MY attention and focus. Whether it is a car, different clothes, a house, an attitude or WHATEVER, it is a good habit for me to remember the covenant of my eyes and heart! What is YOUR _____________________?

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 & 26

It’s sad how quickly anticipation can turn into expectation and then into frustration! “It seems to be a cycle,” I thought, as I turned the faucet handle to the ‘on’ position and waited…with anticipation!

Our Church is on a well system for its water. When it works, there is no anticipation…only expectation. When water is needed, a valve is opened and voila!! Expectation is met. It’s all good until one of the many parts that MAKE the system work goes kaput!!! Then frustration isn’t far behind. Such was the case recently, as I found myself working beside a fellow Church member who is a genius at water systems. NEITHER of us was frustrated!

Having been around wells for a LONG time…pumps, pipes, valves, pressure gauges, wires and switches aren’t a mystery. The repair process turned out to be a great time of fellowship as we put our heads together, figured out which part had failed and then took steps toward repair. But that was Saturday! Yesterday was Tuesday, and I was standing there, valve open, AGAIN in hopeful anticipation!

I have discovered that SO much of my life follows that same cycle of frustrated expectation. I stole a quote from Jerry Reed when he said in a song, “he who expects nothin’…AIN’T gonna be deceived!” It helps…but only temporarily! Personal expectations, the world, marriage, family, work, church and even leisurely events can QUICKLY become frustrating at the failure of even the smallest part! I am most thankful I have found the PERFECT Technician.

Jesus is the Husband, or Head of The Church. I marvel at the various methods He uses to get things up and running when they are broken. Sometimes He uses a personal touch. Other times he uses people and committees. But no matter the problem, He can get broken systems up and running again…GUARANTEED! Do You know Him?

If you’ll excuse me, He just asked me to put my finger on a leak…for a minute!

P.S. If you watched the Presidential debate last night you may be frustrated. Let me assure you, God is not! Tonight at our Bible Study, we will talk about that!