Let me start by making this incredible statement. If you’ll prepare your heart you’ll never have to worry about your actions.
What revelation. So long as your heart is right, and prepared, you’ll never have to worry about what you’re going to do or might do. The truth is that you cannot operate differently or separately from the condition of your heart. In large part, the children of God seem to be more focused with their actions and responses, than they are with the condition of their hearts. The condition of the hearts is not to be ignored, because it plays the major part, or catalyst of our actions.
Christians are constantly trying to control their actions, which is impossible, since they really don’t understand the root cause of those actions. The real cause of these actions centers on what’s occurring in their heart (inner man). This is the element of our divine nature that is largely out of control. If we would recognize what the central or real problem is, then we would see clearly that the process needs to be reversed. Focusing on the reaction instead of the cause always results in frustration.
It isn’t our actions that need so much to be addressed, though they certainly can be troublesome to us and those around us. These undesirable outward reactions and responses always reveal deeper hidden problems which must first be addressed.
The spiritual condition of our heart is generally the last thing we consider when we attempt to understand what’s happening to us. If we dealt with the condition of our heart first, then our actions, the by-product of the real problem, would be alleviated.
Remember, dealing with the root cause always results in predictable and desirable outcomes.
This proverb is a key to understanding this mystery.
Prov 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
When your heart becomes fixed or stayed on the things of God, you’ll no longer be concerned or worried about your resulting actions. Isaiah makes this very clear for us.
Isa 26:3-4
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
When your heart is fixed, then your heart is not mixed. It’s not mixed with anxieties, unbelief, doubt, or with a multitude of other things like bitterness and resentment. These and many other negative things reside in the heart of the child of God because they’re unaware of how the condition of their hearts impacts their outward nature.
Ask Paul about a fixed heart. He certainly knew.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul is speaking to you about a heart that is fixed.
He’s telling you:
1) I’m not moved by the things going on around me.
2) I am not moved by things taking place beside me.
3) I am not moved by what other people do to me.
4) My heart is fixed so that I might finish my course with
joy.
Paul can’t be moved because his heart has been prepared and is fixed on God. The result of that fixation is perfect peace. Who wouldn’t want that for themselves? It’s just as possible for you as it was for him.
Perfect peace results because of your trust and dependence on God. Having intimacy with God, knowing who you are in him, understanding your heart concerning all that he’s done for you is the starting place. When you begin walking and believing in this place, it’ll have a direct impact on the success in your life. You possess the mind of Christ, but you must make his mind your mind. This is where it all begins. It’s the starting place of your relationship with God. The degree, to which you understand this, is going to be to the degree to which you’ll walk in it.
Heb 3:12-13
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
These scriptures have been written for the instruction of the child of God. Take heed and beware, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.
The unbelief spoken of here in scripture is being described as an evil heart, or a heart that hasn’t been renewed in truth.
The scripture further cautions us to beware, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Unbelief and hardness of heart result in a departing from the living God.
Jesus said in John 10:10 that he came to give us life and life more abundantly. Unbelief and hardness of heart make us depart from the life of God, where there is no abundant life.
Please hear this. . .
I honestly don’t believe that there’s a single person reading this blog who wants to depart from the living God. Sadly, though you claim you don’t want to and though your desire is to faithfully serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you’ll still end up departing from him regardless. It’s the way or the road that unbelief and hardness of heart takes.
Departing from God takes place internally (in your soul), not externally. Read on.
Mark 7:18-23
And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
So, how is it that people fall away from the Lord? How do people fail in the Lord, or forsake and depart from him? And what’s going to keep you and I from falling away and departing from the living God.
The answer is very clear,
2 Chr 12:13-14
So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess.
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
The heart of Rehoboam was not prepared to seek the Lord.
…and he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
It’s the reason that Rehoboam did evil and this’ll be the reason we’ll do evil. This is also the reason why people walk away from God, having become frustrated with God and ultimately even forsaking God.
As you can see, not preparing your heart to seek God can and is very dangerous. Preparing to serve God brings you into oneness with him. His ways become your ways and you enjoy the full benefits of intimacy with him.
Once again. . .
Your flesh, or the actions you take, will always follow your heart, or the condition of your heart.
The reason that you do the things you do is because of the root problem of evil within your own heart. The spirit is made new (the new man) in Christ at salvation, but the flesh, or carnal nature is not renewed. It still has evil in its heart. This evil heart desires sin over serving the Living God. Until it is brought into submission according to the word of God, it remains rebellious, seeking its own way.
You may hate the things that you do and wish you could change those undesirable things, but you’re helpless to do anything about them until your heart changes.
As stated, the root problem of evil causes the actions you despise. Until your heart is fixed, you’ll always find yourself in tremendous conflict with what you know is true. Your regenerated spirit tells you what’s right, but you can’t seem to break free to do what’s right. You literally have to force yourself and fight with yourself, not to enter into those things you know are wrong.
Your only solution is to deal with and fix your heart.
Prov 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Final note:
Many of you are probably thinking that this is impossible to do, but I assure you it is not. The God of your salvation will help you and not frustrate you. He desires for you to know his truth that makes captives free. Seek him out! His word – the Bible will guide you into all truth.
The choice is yours to make. Choose Life!
God bless you and keep you as you climb ever upward.
Thanks for remaining faithful to this blog.
DK Grooms
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
THE DEVILS FOOTHOLD
Eph 4:27
Neither give place to the devil.
Have you ever wondered what this scripture means, “neither give place to the devil?” Simply stated, it means to give him no opportunity whatsoever, no room to work and no place for a foothold in which he can gain an advantage over you.
We’re on a battlefield when it comes to fighting Satan, which should be rather obvious to the Child of God. His objective in dealing with us is simple, and that is to kill or destroy anyone considered a threat. He’ll resort to any measure to destroy us.
By example, when a soldier is wounded in battle, the enemy essentially gains a foothold over his victim by way of his injury. The injury generally incapacitates the soldier, making him more of a liability and thus ineffective or useless in battle. He’s also more vulnerable to further attacks. Without proper treatment and care, the individual languishes / suffers and often dies as a result.
It’s easy to see the similarities between combat soldiers and children of God. If we’re not prepared, we stand a strong chance of being incapacitated. Wounded Christians are of little effect against him.
2 Cor 2:11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Take note. . .
As children of God, we’ve been given instructions to avoid giving place to the devil, and we are not to be ignorant concerning his devices, so that he doesn’t have, or get an advantage over us.
Since our battle is spiritual, not fleshly, here’s an example in scripture to help us understand some of the snares / weapons he uses.
Eph 4:26
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Be ye angry and sin not. . .
Did you notice in God’s word that this is scripture precedes Eph 4:27, where we’re told not to give place to the devil.
Have you wondered why the writers of the gospel inspired by the Holy Ghost placed this scripture right after be ye angry and sin not?
Please allow me to give you some insight concerning this issue. The Holy Spirit understands the pitfalls of anger and the foothold that Satan gains if our emotions are not kept under control.
As children of God, we’re instructed through scripture to be very careful when it comes to anger.
Types of anger. . .
1) Anger that is not godly anger.
2) Anger that is not controlled
3) Anger that is generated by emotion over unimportant issues.
These types of anger are precisely what the devil uses to gain a foothold within the life of a child of God. It wreaks much havoc and unrest.
Questions. . .
1) How many times have you become upset over something that really made absolutely no difference whatsoever in your life?
2) What brought the irritation in your life?
3) What caused that irritation to remain, to finally become completely unbridled – full blown, allowing unrest to have its place and losing all peace?
Perhaps things were said to you that ought never have been said, or thoughts entertained that gave Satan that long sought advantage/ foothold.
Here are some revelations concerning your thoughts. The thoughts you have, which you dwell upon, are the thoughts you’ll inevitably speak. This is where you’ve given the devil a place in which to work. He gains a foothold for himself and we lose victory in our lives. Victory is lost with ungodly anger, peace quickly vanishes, attitudes change and our countenance fades.
Many times the foothold that the devil has in our lives has less to do with him and more to do with our choices. He merely presents the opportunity to enter into darkness, but we’re the ones who enter. You’ve probably heard the saying, “we’re our own worst enemy.” What we need to do is stop being our own worst enemy. Hear the word of the Lord concerning who you are in Christ.
Havoc and chaos are distractions in our lives that we bring about.
It is not the will of God for us to be victims of our foolish choices. We’re to have peace, being of a sound mind, resting in all that he’s done for us.
It’s absolutely amazing what the Lord would do in our lives if we would simply honor him by choosing to stay in perfect peace.
Isa 26:3
thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
As children of God, we must learn to control our emotions and not allow our emotions to control us. That doesn’t mean we’re not to have feelings. Absolutely not! It means that we’re to manage and control our feelings.
In the midst of our anger, being upset and being in uncontrollable circumstances, we’re to posses our souls with patience.
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.
So, how are the children of God to be in possession of their souls? In peace and rest!
Phil 1:28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
What does that scripture mean and how does it apply to what we’ve been learning?
If I can paraphrase it for you, it means, “do not, even for a moment, be frightened, or intimidated by anything that your adversary or opponents might do. Consistency and fearlessness on your part will be a clear sign. It’s proof and a seal to them (the devil and his demons) of their impending destruction and a sure token, with evidence, of your deliverance and salvation from God himself.
How are we to be in the possession of our souls? By being consistent and fearless!
Ps 23:4-6
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Good news. . .
According to Philippians 1:28, the clear sign, the proof, the seal, the token and evidence to our enemies of their defeat and destruction and our deliverance and salvation is our consistency and our fearlessness in the face of our arch enemy.
What’s the sign that the devil can not control us? Consistency and our fearlessness!
What is the sign, the token of victory? Consistency and our fearlessness!
It’s our confession of power and authority over the devil and his demons; our consistency and our fearlessness, even in the face of his onslaught against us.
Many would ask, “why does our deliverance seem to take so long?”
I believe it’s because the Lord is waiting to see if we truly trust and believe in him.
Because if we really do trust in the Lord, we’ll remain seated with him, in rest, in heavenly places, while the he works out everything for our good.
Scripture makes it clear that Christ is now seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Our place is to be seated at his right hand, resting with him because the work has already been done. The work is completed!
Eph 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
And what exactly does seated signify?
To be seated signifies that we’re fully satisfied and assured / persuaded that God is able and mighty to keep his word concerning all of His promises to his children. Therefore, we’re able to be seated, with Christ, according to the rest that he provides.
What unseats us?
When the devil gets a foothold in your life!
Our solution to all of our problems and storms in life, even in the unrest all around us, is to say with all confidence that I shall remain seated in Christ, enjoying the presence of the Master, while he works out everything that needs to be worked out.
Glory to God!
Remaining calm in the time of adversity. . .
Ps 94:12-13
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
Let me read it to you in another version,
Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;
you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord uses every event, all distractions, situations and circumstances, even the efforts of the devil and the people around us, desiring to destroy us, to buildup our spiritual character, power and most holy faith.
Most Christians think the Lord empowers us to have authority, to overcome every problem in life, by rebuking the devil. So we rebuke every situation thinking it’s an evil event, often failing to see what God is really wanting to do in our lives.
No matter what’s going on around us, what terrible things are taking place in our midst, even the daily things that assault us continually, we’re to remain the same, rooted and grounded and in Christ unmovable. We’re to stand firm on the rock of Christ.
The Lord is working in our lives to discipline us; to chasten us; to instruct us, so he can give us the power to keep us calm in the day of adversity. In that power, we can confidently and patiently wait upon the Lord for our promised deliverance, salvation and the destruction of our enemies.
Phil 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passed all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Seated with Christ in heavenly places, at the right hand of God, where we’re truly anxious for nothing. What a promise!
Take away the devil’s advantage. Trust in Christ! Read and study his word for yourself. Then live the life you were destined to live – seated next to the Master.
God Bless You All!
Neither give place to the devil.
Have you ever wondered what this scripture means, “neither give place to the devil?” Simply stated, it means to give him no opportunity whatsoever, no room to work and no place for a foothold in which he can gain an advantage over you.
We’re on a battlefield when it comes to fighting Satan, which should be rather obvious to the Child of God. His objective in dealing with us is simple, and that is to kill or destroy anyone considered a threat. He’ll resort to any measure to destroy us.
By example, when a soldier is wounded in battle, the enemy essentially gains a foothold over his victim by way of his injury. The injury generally incapacitates the soldier, making him more of a liability and thus ineffective or useless in battle. He’s also more vulnerable to further attacks. Without proper treatment and care, the individual languishes / suffers and often dies as a result.
It’s easy to see the similarities between combat soldiers and children of God. If we’re not prepared, we stand a strong chance of being incapacitated. Wounded Christians are of little effect against him.
2 Cor 2:11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Take note. . .
As children of God, we’ve been given instructions to avoid giving place to the devil, and we are not to be ignorant concerning his devices, so that he doesn’t have, or get an advantage over us.
Since our battle is spiritual, not fleshly, here’s an example in scripture to help us understand some of the snares / weapons he uses.
Eph 4:26
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Be ye angry and sin not. . .
Did you notice in God’s word that this is scripture precedes Eph 4:27, where we’re told not to give place to the devil.
Have you wondered why the writers of the gospel inspired by the Holy Ghost placed this scripture right after be ye angry and sin not?
Please allow me to give you some insight concerning this issue. The Holy Spirit understands the pitfalls of anger and the foothold that Satan gains if our emotions are not kept under control.
As children of God, we’re instructed through scripture to be very careful when it comes to anger.
Types of anger. . .
1) Anger that is not godly anger.
2) Anger that is not controlled
3) Anger that is generated by emotion over unimportant issues.
These types of anger are precisely what the devil uses to gain a foothold within the life of a child of God. It wreaks much havoc and unrest.
Questions. . .
1) How many times have you become upset over something that really made absolutely no difference whatsoever in your life?
2) What brought the irritation in your life?
3) What caused that irritation to remain, to finally become completely unbridled – full blown, allowing unrest to have its place and losing all peace?
Perhaps things were said to you that ought never have been said, or thoughts entertained that gave Satan that long sought advantage/ foothold.
Here are some revelations concerning your thoughts. The thoughts you have, which you dwell upon, are the thoughts you’ll inevitably speak. This is where you’ve given the devil a place in which to work. He gains a foothold for himself and we lose victory in our lives. Victory is lost with ungodly anger, peace quickly vanishes, attitudes change and our countenance fades.
Many times the foothold that the devil has in our lives has less to do with him and more to do with our choices. He merely presents the opportunity to enter into darkness, but we’re the ones who enter. You’ve probably heard the saying, “we’re our own worst enemy.” What we need to do is stop being our own worst enemy. Hear the word of the Lord concerning who you are in Christ.
Havoc and chaos are distractions in our lives that we bring about.
It is not the will of God for us to be victims of our foolish choices. We’re to have peace, being of a sound mind, resting in all that he’s done for us.
It’s absolutely amazing what the Lord would do in our lives if we would simply honor him by choosing to stay in perfect peace.
Isa 26:3
thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
As children of God, we must learn to control our emotions and not allow our emotions to control us. That doesn’t mean we’re not to have feelings. Absolutely not! It means that we’re to manage and control our feelings.
In the midst of our anger, being upset and being in uncontrollable circumstances, we’re to posses our souls with patience.
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.
So, how are the children of God to be in possession of their souls? In peace and rest!
Phil 1:28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
What does that scripture mean and how does it apply to what we’ve been learning?
If I can paraphrase it for you, it means, “do not, even for a moment, be frightened, or intimidated by anything that your adversary or opponents might do. Consistency and fearlessness on your part will be a clear sign. It’s proof and a seal to them (the devil and his demons) of their impending destruction and a sure token, with evidence, of your deliverance and salvation from God himself.
How are we to be in the possession of our souls? By being consistent and fearless!
Ps 23:4-6
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Good news. . .
According to Philippians 1:28, the clear sign, the proof, the seal, the token and evidence to our enemies of their defeat and destruction and our deliverance and salvation is our consistency and our fearlessness in the face of our arch enemy.
What’s the sign that the devil can not control us? Consistency and our fearlessness!
What is the sign, the token of victory? Consistency and our fearlessness!
It’s our confession of power and authority over the devil and his demons; our consistency and our fearlessness, even in the face of his onslaught against us.
Many would ask, “why does our deliverance seem to take so long?”
I believe it’s because the Lord is waiting to see if we truly trust and believe in him.
Because if we really do trust in the Lord, we’ll remain seated with him, in rest, in heavenly places, while the he works out everything for our good.
Scripture makes it clear that Christ is now seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Our place is to be seated at his right hand, resting with him because the work has already been done. The work is completed!
Eph 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
And what exactly does seated signify?
To be seated signifies that we’re fully satisfied and assured / persuaded that God is able and mighty to keep his word concerning all of His promises to his children. Therefore, we’re able to be seated, with Christ, according to the rest that he provides.
What unseats us?
When the devil gets a foothold in your life!
Our solution to all of our problems and storms in life, even in the unrest all around us, is to say with all confidence that I shall remain seated in Christ, enjoying the presence of the Master, while he works out everything that needs to be worked out.
Glory to God!
Remaining calm in the time of adversity. . .
Ps 94:12-13
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
Let me read it to you in another version,
Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;
you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.
The Lord uses every event, all distractions, situations and circumstances, even the efforts of the devil and the people around us, desiring to destroy us, to buildup our spiritual character, power and most holy faith.
Most Christians think the Lord empowers us to have authority, to overcome every problem in life, by rebuking the devil. So we rebuke every situation thinking it’s an evil event, often failing to see what God is really wanting to do in our lives.
No matter what’s going on around us, what terrible things are taking place in our midst, even the daily things that assault us continually, we’re to remain the same, rooted and grounded and in Christ unmovable. We’re to stand firm on the rock of Christ.
The Lord is working in our lives to discipline us; to chasten us; to instruct us, so he can give us the power to keep us calm in the day of adversity. In that power, we can confidently and patiently wait upon the Lord for our promised deliverance, salvation and the destruction of our enemies.
Phil 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passed all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Seated with Christ in heavenly places, at the right hand of God, where we’re truly anxious for nothing. What a promise!
Take away the devil’s advantage. Trust in Christ! Read and study his word for yourself. Then live the life you were destined to live – seated next to the Master.
God Bless You All!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
HERO SPEAKS OUT
I received this today and I was so impressed with this 95 year old hero I felt impressed to place it on my Heart--Thoughts blog.
God Bless America
95 year old hero!
Letter To Obama at Whitehouse Sent from 95 year Old Pearl Harbor Survivor !! Fantastic!!
WW II Battleship sailor tells Obama to shape up or ship out !
This venerable and much honored WW II vet is well known in Hawaii for his seventy-plus years of service to patriotic organizations and causes all over the country. A humble man without a political bone in his body, he has never spoken out before about a government official, until now. He dictated this letter to a friend, signed it and mailed it to the president.
Dear President Obama,
My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this year. People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert.
I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during and after WW II retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in a "rest home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor , allowing me to keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country.
One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my mind, blunt and direct even to the head man.
So here goes.
I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish.
I can't figure out what country you are the president of.
You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like:
" We're no longer a Christian nation"
" America is arrogant" - (Your wife even
announced to the world," America is mean-
spirited. " Please tell her to try preaching
that nonsense to 23 generations of our
war dead buried all over the globe who
died for no other reason than to free a
whole lot of strangers from tyranny and
hopelessness.)
I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America, nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.
After 9/11 you said," America hasn't lived up to her ideals."
Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000 farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British? Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man, that 500,000 men died for in the Civil War? I hope you didn't mean the ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew personally died for in WWII, because we felt real strongly about not letting any nation push us around, because we stand for freedom.
I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than discrimination. You know the one that a whole lot of white people understood when they helped to get you elected.
Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man.
Shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue . You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves.
And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black college professor in Massachusetts , who was putting up a fight? You don't mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don't want us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, terrorists.
One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.
You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest challenge ever presented to any president.
You're not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated economy. That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and soul of who we are as Americans is our big fight now.
And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in this final battle...
Sincerely,
Harold B. Estes
Snopes confirms as true:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/haroldestes.asp
When a 95 year old hero of the "the Greatest Generation" stands up and speaks out like this, I think we owe it to him to send his words to as many Americans as we can. Please pass it on.
God Bless America
95 year old hero!
Letter To Obama at Whitehouse Sent from 95 year Old Pearl Harbor Survivor !! Fantastic!!
WW II Battleship sailor tells Obama to shape up or ship out !
This venerable and much honored WW II vet is well known in Hawaii for his seventy-plus years of service to patriotic organizations and causes all over the country. A humble man without a political bone in his body, he has never spoken out before about a government official, until now. He dictated this letter to a friend, signed it and mailed it to the president.
Dear President Obama,
My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this year. People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert.
I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during and after WW II retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in a "rest home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor , allowing me to keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country.
One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my mind, blunt and direct even to the head man.
So here goes.
I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish.
I can't figure out what country you are the president of.
You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like:
" We're no longer a Christian nation"
" America is arrogant" - (Your wife even
announced to the world," America is mean-
spirited. " Please tell her to try preaching
that nonsense to 23 generations of our
war dead buried all over the globe who
died for no other reason than to free a
whole lot of strangers from tyranny and
hopelessness.)
I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America, nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.
After 9/11 you said," America hasn't lived up to her ideals."
Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000 farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British? Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man, that 500,000 men died for in the Civil War? I hope you didn't mean the ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew personally died for in WWII, because we felt real strongly about not letting any nation push us around, because we stand for freedom.
I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than discrimination. You know the one that a whole lot of white people understood when they helped to get you elected.
Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man.
Shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue . You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves.
And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black college professor in Massachusetts , who was putting up a fight? You don't mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don't want us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, terrorists.
One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.
You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest challenge ever presented to any president.
You're not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated economy. That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and soul of who we are as Americans is our big fight now.
And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in this final battle...
Sincerely,
Harold B. Estes
Snopes confirms as true:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/haroldestes.asp
When a 95 year old hero of the "the Greatest Generation" stands up and speaks out like this, I think we owe it to him to send his words to as many Americans as we can. Please pass it on.
Monday, May 3, 2010
THE WARFARE OF REST
Heb 4:3
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Today I want to speak to you for a few moments about a place called ‘rest’ and the warfare that’s involved as we strive to enter into that glorious place of rest. It is important that we enter into the rest of God, but clearly it is up to us whether we enter or not. Even as the nation of Israel was bidden of God to enter into his rest, the promised land of all things pleasant, they chose not to because of their unwarranted fears.
So let’s deal with the requirements of gaining entry into this place of rest, as it relates to us today, according to New Testament scripture.
How do we enter? It’s simple really; we enter the door by believing and trusting. There’s nothing complicated, nor confusing about the promises of God, nor his instruction to us. But aren’t we the ones today, as they too were the ones in history past, who simply choose not to accept his word regarding this blessed place of rest. We take the simple command and make it complicated by our thinking and reasoning. We challenge all of the promises of God, making them Goliaths of impossibility, refusing to do as he has commanded us.
At this point, I’m sure that almost every child of God will rise up saying, “well, I believe, and I certainly trust God.” But let’s be careful and not too hasty in making such statements of belief and trust, especially in light of what we know from scripture, when an entire generation of God’s people were denied entry into this place called rest, the promised land because of their unbelief.
Let me show you the importance of what I am talking about.
Heb 3:10-12
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
The word of God is telling us several things here in this scripture.
1) That there is a real place called his rest.
2) That there were many who grieved him because they erred in their heart and did not know his ways, resulting in a failure to enter into his rest.
3) That we, the children of God, according to the new covenant, are also are to beware, lest we too enter not into that place called rest.
Question: What was it that caused the Lord to be grieved with that generation and swore that they would not enter into his rest?
Now stay with me. . .
1) Remember, this was not the first time rebellion surfaced in the children of God.
2) There were many instances of unbelief; a series of events that occurred from the time of the Red Sea Crossing to Kadesh Barnea.
3) Because of their continued unbelief, God grew weary of these people. This was the final straw.
Num 13:25-26
And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.
And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.
Now listen to what the spies said.
Verse 28
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
VERSE 30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
What really happened at Kadesh Barnea? The Israelites became fearful and upset by the words spoken by these ten fearful spies. Only two of the twelve spies, Caleb and Joshua gave a strong and encouraging report. Caleb could see fear rising up among the people and knew he had to make their case fast. The word of God says he ‘stilled’ the people before Moses. Why? Because there was better news to be conveyed and he didn’t want them to miss the opportunity to hear it. He and Joshua knew what God had promised the nation of Israel and were convinced they could possess the land in God’s strength, regardless of what was being said by the other ten spies. Caleb didn’t want them making a hasty decision based on a bad report, so he was trying desperately to embolden the children of Israel to go and immediately take the Promised Land because it was their inheritance, their possession.
What was the result? The impact of the negative report was greater than the truth of God’s promise. Fear had entered the hearts of the people based on lies and they would not go in. The ten spies had given the bad report and the people became upset over the bad report.
Question. . .
How many people reading this blog right now have received a bad report of your own, or become upset because of uncontrollable circumstances in just the past six months? Perhaps the negative report came from your doctor of a serious or deadly ailment. Maybe your employer was considering layoffs or cutting jobs. What if your spouse was asking for a divorce? How many are loosing their homes and possessions? Fear of the economy? The list goes on and on. Bad news is everywhere and touches everyone at one time or another. Has a bad report caused you great anxiety and fear? Each day brings greater fear and all hope seems dashed. Where are the promises of God? Unbelief rears its ugly head. Now you only deal in doubt and unbelief.
All it took was the bad report! “. . . Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.”
There it is! Unbelief has established itself.
How then are we supposed to defeat the devil? How can we stop what he is trying to do in our lives?
Four things to remember. . .
1) Don’t become upset by what you see before you.
2) Don’t become upset by what has been said to you, or what you hear.
3) Don’t become upset by situations and circumstances taking place around you.
4) Trust Only! – Believe Only!
“For we who have believed do enter into rest.”
Let me paraphrase it by saying it another way.
For we who have believed, who have adhered to, who have trusted in and have relied on God do enter into his rest...
2 Tim 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
What is this scripture trying to teach us? What is the meaning of perilous times? It means that times of great stress and great troubles are upon us all. It also means that times will be very difficult and hard to deal with / hard to bear. Well, if you haven’t guessed already, we’re in hard times and in times that are very difficult and hard to deal with / hard to bear. Perilous times are upon us.
2 Tim 3:2-5
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Vs 11
Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
What a great statement of faith that Paul gives each of us in this scripture. It’s a good report in the midst of everything that’s negative.
Vs 12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
Hear the word of God again. . .
Continue in those things that thou hast learned and thou hast been assured of and knowing of whom thou hast learned them.
What should our response be to living in these perilous times and being in the midst of an atmosphere of pending doom?
2 Tim 4:2-4
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
We’re to preach the word no matter what. Should we keep our sense of urgency concerning the word and the time in which we live? YES!
1) We need to always be on stand by, always diligent, always alert.
2) We need to be firmly united with like minded believers.
3) We need to be ready whenever the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, convenient or inconvenient, welcomed or unwelcome.
Listen to the word. . . “…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
What does that mean? “…correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction.”
Why are the children of God given instruction to reprove, rebuke and exhort? So that the individuals will not move farther from the truth than where they already are.
VERSE 3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
More questions to consider. . .
1) What should our response be concerning all the trouble we see in the world?
2) What should our response be concerning all the troubles we see happening in our lives?
3) What should our response be concerning all the cares of the world?
4) What should our response be concerning people who are difficult to deal with and harder to bear?
Scripture says. . .
2 Tim 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Two other versions help us understand the meaning.
(NIV version) But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
(Living Bible) Stand steady, and don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do.
Our response in trouble and perilous times should be that we remain calm, cool and collected. It’s the will of God for our lives because we trust him.
Now, let’s go back to Kadesh Barnea, back to the crossing into Canaan Land.
1) We’re the Israelites calm, cool and collected? Absolutely not!
2) Were they steady? Absolutely not!
3) Did they keep there heads? Absolutely not!
4) Were they watchful enduring hardships? Absolutely not!
Then what were they? What was the condition of their hearts and minds concerning the great promise God wanted to bestow on them? They were certainly in one mind and one accord, but in the worst sense of the word. Collectively they were upset, confused, anxious, bewildered, frustrated. They had lost all hope, feeling they were doomed to suffer or die horribly in a “terrible place” God called his “Promised Land.” How tragic! Instead of having their minds stayed on God and his promise, they had their eyes fixated on the problem. They lost the battle concerning his rest, they lost the warfare of their hearts and minds that must be won if they were to ever enter into his rest.
Because of the choice they made, individually and collectively, they lost out on God’s best and they did not enter into his rest.
Where will you rest tonight?
The warfare of his rest.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Today I want to speak to you for a few moments about a place called ‘rest’ and the warfare that’s involved as we strive to enter into that glorious place of rest. It is important that we enter into the rest of God, but clearly it is up to us whether we enter or not. Even as the nation of Israel was bidden of God to enter into his rest, the promised land of all things pleasant, they chose not to because of their unwarranted fears.
So let’s deal with the requirements of gaining entry into this place of rest, as it relates to us today, according to New Testament scripture.
How do we enter? It’s simple really; we enter the door by believing and trusting. There’s nothing complicated, nor confusing about the promises of God, nor his instruction to us. But aren’t we the ones today, as they too were the ones in history past, who simply choose not to accept his word regarding this blessed place of rest. We take the simple command and make it complicated by our thinking and reasoning. We challenge all of the promises of God, making them Goliaths of impossibility, refusing to do as he has commanded us.
At this point, I’m sure that almost every child of God will rise up saying, “well, I believe, and I certainly trust God.” But let’s be careful and not too hasty in making such statements of belief and trust, especially in light of what we know from scripture, when an entire generation of God’s people were denied entry into this place called rest, the promised land because of their unbelief.
Let me show you the importance of what I am talking about.
Heb 3:10-12
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
The word of God is telling us several things here in this scripture.
1) That there is a real place called his rest.
2) That there were many who grieved him because they erred in their heart and did not know his ways, resulting in a failure to enter into his rest.
3) That we, the children of God, according to the new covenant, are also are to beware, lest we too enter not into that place called rest.
Question: What was it that caused the Lord to be grieved with that generation and swore that they would not enter into his rest?
Now stay with me. . .
1) Remember, this was not the first time rebellion surfaced in the children of God.
2) There were many instances of unbelief; a series of events that occurred from the time of the Red Sea Crossing to Kadesh Barnea.
3) Because of their continued unbelief, God grew weary of these people. This was the final straw.
Num 13:25-26
And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.
And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.
Now listen to what the spies said.
Verse 28
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
VERSE 30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
What really happened at Kadesh Barnea? The Israelites became fearful and upset by the words spoken by these ten fearful spies. Only two of the twelve spies, Caleb and Joshua gave a strong and encouraging report. Caleb could see fear rising up among the people and knew he had to make their case fast. The word of God says he ‘stilled’ the people before Moses. Why? Because there was better news to be conveyed and he didn’t want them to miss the opportunity to hear it. He and Joshua knew what God had promised the nation of Israel and were convinced they could possess the land in God’s strength, regardless of what was being said by the other ten spies. Caleb didn’t want them making a hasty decision based on a bad report, so he was trying desperately to embolden the children of Israel to go and immediately take the Promised Land because it was their inheritance, their possession.
What was the result? The impact of the negative report was greater than the truth of God’s promise. Fear had entered the hearts of the people based on lies and they would not go in. The ten spies had given the bad report and the people became upset over the bad report.
Question. . .
How many people reading this blog right now have received a bad report of your own, or become upset because of uncontrollable circumstances in just the past six months? Perhaps the negative report came from your doctor of a serious or deadly ailment. Maybe your employer was considering layoffs or cutting jobs. What if your spouse was asking for a divorce? How many are loosing their homes and possessions? Fear of the economy? The list goes on and on. Bad news is everywhere and touches everyone at one time or another. Has a bad report caused you great anxiety and fear? Each day brings greater fear and all hope seems dashed. Where are the promises of God? Unbelief rears its ugly head. Now you only deal in doubt and unbelief.
All it took was the bad report! “. . . Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.”
There it is! Unbelief has established itself.
How then are we supposed to defeat the devil? How can we stop what he is trying to do in our lives?
Four things to remember. . .
1) Don’t become upset by what you see before you.
2) Don’t become upset by what has been said to you, or what you hear.
3) Don’t become upset by situations and circumstances taking place around you.
4) Trust Only! – Believe Only!
“For we who have believed do enter into rest.”
Let me paraphrase it by saying it another way.
For we who have believed, who have adhered to, who have trusted in and have relied on God do enter into his rest...
2 Tim 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
What is this scripture trying to teach us? What is the meaning of perilous times? It means that times of great stress and great troubles are upon us all. It also means that times will be very difficult and hard to deal with / hard to bear. Well, if you haven’t guessed already, we’re in hard times and in times that are very difficult and hard to deal with / hard to bear. Perilous times are upon us.
2 Tim 3:2-5
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Vs 11
Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
What a great statement of faith that Paul gives each of us in this scripture. It’s a good report in the midst of everything that’s negative.
Vs 12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
Hear the word of God again. . .
Continue in those things that thou hast learned and thou hast been assured of and knowing of whom thou hast learned them.
What should our response be to living in these perilous times and being in the midst of an atmosphere of pending doom?
2 Tim 4:2-4
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
We’re to preach the word no matter what. Should we keep our sense of urgency concerning the word and the time in which we live? YES!
1) We need to always be on stand by, always diligent, always alert.
2) We need to be firmly united with like minded believers.
3) We need to be ready whenever the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, convenient or inconvenient, welcomed or unwelcome.
Listen to the word. . . “…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
What does that mean? “…correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction.”
Why are the children of God given instruction to reprove, rebuke and exhort? So that the individuals will not move farther from the truth than where they already are.
VERSE 3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
More questions to consider. . .
1) What should our response be concerning all the trouble we see in the world?
2) What should our response be concerning all the troubles we see happening in our lives?
3) What should our response be concerning all the cares of the world?
4) What should our response be concerning people who are difficult to deal with and harder to bear?
Scripture says. . .
2 Tim 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Two other versions help us understand the meaning.
(NIV version) But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
(Living Bible) Stand steady, and don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do.
Our response in trouble and perilous times should be that we remain calm, cool and collected. It’s the will of God for our lives because we trust him.
Now, let’s go back to Kadesh Barnea, back to the crossing into Canaan Land.
1) We’re the Israelites calm, cool and collected? Absolutely not!
2) Were they steady? Absolutely not!
3) Did they keep there heads? Absolutely not!
4) Were they watchful enduring hardships? Absolutely not!
Then what were they? What was the condition of their hearts and minds concerning the great promise God wanted to bestow on them? They were certainly in one mind and one accord, but in the worst sense of the word. Collectively they were upset, confused, anxious, bewildered, frustrated. They had lost all hope, feeling they were doomed to suffer or die horribly in a “terrible place” God called his “Promised Land.” How tragic! Instead of having their minds stayed on God and his promise, they had their eyes fixated on the problem. They lost the battle concerning his rest, they lost the warfare of their hearts and minds that must be won if they were to ever enter into his rest.
Because of the choice they made, individually and collectively, they lost out on God’s best and they did not enter into his rest.
Where will you rest tonight?
The warfare of his rest.
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