I have always found this following song to be one the prettiest songs that I ever heard growing up. I hope that you enjoy it.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Go and Vote!
Hey all,
Just a quick update on my question to Mark Driscoll. Currently it is in the top 9. I believe we are #4. You might be wondering why I would ask a question about baptism. The reason: Baptism is a topic that has divided the church for the last 500 years. Before the Reformation, baptism was considered for the forgivness of sins, and were one recives the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is view based off of Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 and other Bible Verses. It also the view found in the Nicene Creed, and that of the Anti-Nicene Fathers. That is the view my church and millions of churches around the world and through out history hold. Today this view on baptism is very unpopular. Many churches do not teach on Romans 6, Acts 2:36, Acts 22:16, Col 2 or from the writings of Early Church (first 300 years) and/or look into the Jewish roots of baptism.
So no matter how feel about baptism please go and vote for my question. At the very least according to the rules, Pastor Mark Driscoll, will have have to answer it. At some point I will start to publish my research on the topic of baptism.
http://askanything.marshillchurch.org/
-Mike
Just a quick update on my question to Mark Driscoll. Currently it is in the top 9. I believe we are #4. You might be wondering why I would ask a question about baptism. The reason: Baptism is a topic that has divided the church for the last 500 years. Before the Reformation, baptism was considered for the forgivness of sins, and were one recives the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is view based off of Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 and other Bible Verses. It also the view found in the Nicene Creed, and that of the Anti-Nicene Fathers. That is the view my church and millions of churches around the world and through out history hold. Today this view on baptism is very unpopular. Many churches do not teach on Romans 6, Acts 2:36, Acts 22:16, Col 2 or from the writings of Early Church (first 300 years) and/or look into the Jewish roots of baptism.
So no matter how feel about baptism please go and vote for my question. At the very least according to the rules, Pastor Mark Driscoll, will have have to answer it. At some point I will start to publish my research on the topic of baptism.
http://askanything.marshillchurch.org/
-Mike
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
I Love Jesus
This last week I preached from John 12:1-11. It is the story of the Dinner Party held in Christ honor, before he enters Jerusalem for his final week on earth. Martha is serving people, Lazarus is telling people about what Jesus did for his life, and Mary is at the feet of Creator.
In reality this is a story of people who love Jesus. Martha serves others because she loves Jesus. Lazarus is a walking billboard of God's love and power, because he loves Jesus and Mary is washing her friends feet with expensive perfume, because she loves Jesus.
Most of the time growing up I remember hearing Jesus loves you, that's why we do this or that.
I want to change that idea. I love Jesus. I mess up, I sin, I make a mockery out of being a pastor, and I still love Jesus.
I love him, and that is why I serve him and his church. That is why I post on blogs, and counsel people. I love Jesus.
I love him and that is what affords me the opportunities to resist Satan, and fight temptation. I don't do certain things, because I love Jesus.
I love Jesus. I love that fact that when I fall. I can come to him and say "I'm sorry, please forgive me, help me. I can't do it on my own."
I love Jesus and it is the love that I have for him, that drives me to confess my sin, to read His word, to Sing his praises, and to share his love for me, and the Love I have for him with others.
"I love Jesus" - Let that be our rallying cry, let that be our motto, our mantra, when times are tough, and when times are great.
"I love Jesus"
I hope you do too.
-M
In reality this is a story of people who love Jesus. Martha serves others because she loves Jesus. Lazarus is a walking billboard of God's love and power, because he loves Jesus and Mary is washing her friends feet with expensive perfume, because she loves Jesus.
Most of the time growing up I remember hearing Jesus loves you, that's why we do this or that.
I want to change that idea. I love Jesus. I mess up, I sin, I make a mockery out of being a pastor, and I still love Jesus.
I love him, and that is why I serve him and his church. That is why I post on blogs, and counsel people. I love Jesus.
I love him and that is what affords me the opportunities to resist Satan, and fight temptation. I don't do certain things, because I love Jesus.
I love Jesus. I love that fact that when I fall. I can come to him and say "I'm sorry, please forgive me, help me. I can't do it on my own."
I love Jesus and it is the love that I have for him, that drives me to confess my sin, to read His word, to Sing his praises, and to share his love for me, and the Love I have for him with others.
"I love Jesus" - Let that be our rallying cry, let that be our motto, our mantra, when times are tough, and when times are great.
"I love Jesus"
I hope you do too.
-M
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Willow Creek Finally Get's It right?
For years I have been telling people, that church is not about programs it is abotu helping people discovery and self feed on Jesus. I was told that I was wrong, I was made fun of, mocked and riled.
Please Read this link, and see the videos, it seems to me, that one of America's largest and well known churches has joined me in this thought process. We need to make disciples, not programs.
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/10/willow_creek_re.html
Please Read this link, and see the videos, it seems to me, that one of America's largest and well known churches has joined me in this thought process. We need to make disciples, not programs.
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/10/willow_creek_re.html
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
My Dream Church has an Opening...
AND I AM NOT INTERASTED
Last night out I found out that my dream church will have an opening for their Preaching Minister. The man who has beenthere is great man of God. I know all the elders, and most of the other ministerial staff. I have preached at a church in the town that the man grew up. I preached at atown close to where he did his grad work, and I even attended my dream church and met my wife there.
But I don't want it. I want to stay where I am at, and enjoy my time here in Montana. I want to see how God continues to shape and lead this little church, into a church that is reaching our Valley for the Lord.
Yes, a bigger church might be nice. Yes, already having known all the elders, thier wives, teaching some of thier kids, and praying with these men would be wonderful. But, it is not Montana, and it is not about the size of your church, or you wallet.
It is about serving God where he has you.
And He has me at the best place I've ever been, surrounded by people that love me, and love my family. I love these people here. I love that as one my leaders put's it "Simple farmers" figuring out things.
In Ministry we wil always have places that "might be" That "what might of been", or "I hope someday". But we are asked to live for today, to serve God today, to shepherd Christ flock today, where HE has placed us to serve.
I might never have a church of a 1,000 or sell books, and bible studies. I might never hae a lot of recongination. But I have Jesus what else do I really need?
May our Lord and Savior bless you this day.
-Mike
Last night out I found out that my dream church will have an opening for their Preaching Minister. The man who has beenthere is great man of God. I know all the elders, and most of the other ministerial staff. I have preached at a church in the town that the man grew up. I preached at atown close to where he did his grad work, and I even attended my dream church and met my wife there.
But I don't want it. I want to stay where I am at, and enjoy my time here in Montana. I want to see how God continues to shape and lead this little church, into a church that is reaching our Valley for the Lord.
Yes, a bigger church might be nice. Yes, already having known all the elders, thier wives, teaching some of thier kids, and praying with these men would be wonderful. But, it is not Montana, and it is not about the size of your church, or you wallet.
It is about serving God where he has you.
And He has me at the best place I've ever been, surrounded by people that love me, and love my family. I love these people here. I love that as one my leaders put's it "Simple farmers" figuring out things.
In Ministry we wil always have places that "might be" That "what might of been", or "I hope someday". But we are asked to live for today, to serve God today, to shepherd Christ flock today, where HE has placed us to serve.
I might never have a church of a 1,000 or sell books, and bible studies. I might never hae a lot of recongination. But I have Jesus what else do I really need?
May our Lord and Savior bless you this day.
-Mike
Monday, October 22, 2007
Ask Anything
Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle will be starting anew series in Januray answering the top 9 questions that people pose to him. I have posed a question about his beleifs with the subject of baptism. I ask that you vote this topic, because I would love to hear what Mark has to say about baptism, using Scripture, Jewish teachings, and Early Church beleifs.
Please vote often and daily. You can vote up to 10 times a day. If we vote 10x a day for the till Novemeber 1st, we have a gret chance of Mark answering this question.
http://askanything.marshillchurch.org/alphas/681-what-do-you-teach-on-baptism-romans-6-3-7-acts-2-38-acts-22-16-gal-3-27-1-peter-3-20-21-eph-1-3-14-mark-16-15-jewish-history-early-church-or-do-you-teach-zwingli-who-stated-the-apostles-were-wrong
Thank you,
M
Please vote often and daily. You can vote up to 10 times a day. If we vote 10x a day for the till Novemeber 1st, we have a gret chance of Mark answering this question.
http://askanything.marshillchurch.org/alphas/681-what-do-you-teach-on-baptism-romans-6-3-7-acts-2-38-acts-22-16-gal-3-27-1-peter-3-20-21-eph-1-3-14-mark-16-15-jewish-history-early-church-or-do-you-teach-zwingli-who-stated-the-apostles-were-wrong
Thank you,
M
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Understanding Women.
One of the hardest things for a man to understand is a woman. God has created us differently and with different roles within the family, the home, the church and society.
When it comes to a Godly Woman we easily point to the biblical standard of Proverbs 31, Eve was called a help mate, etc. You might not be a Proverbs 31 woman right now, but by God's love and Grace, he can transform into this type of woman. Men we need allow our wives to be this type of woman, and we must love her like Christ Loved the Church.
As many of you know I am straight shooter. I tell the truth in Love, and alot of times it comes out as tough love. One of my goals for this year is to be gentler Pastor. Most men like my straight forward no-nonsense approach it speaks to their inner warrior. We like Jesus the Hero. He died for other people. Women like the Jesus with the Children and Lamb of God. Both forget that Jesus in Revelation is shown as King and a Lamb is butchered, battered and in the end pronouncing judgement on people as they are eternally consumed in the fires of hell.
But back to my point. I have bought a book today, that I hope will help me better serve the women of my church. The book is called "What women wish Pastors Knew: Understanding the Hopes, Hurts, Needs and Dream of Women in the church"
I have feeling that I am going to learn a lot and get a little butt-kicking. At the end I believe I will be able to minister to the women of my church and community better. One of my goals it be a better all around pastor, as I serve Christ and His Church.
-IW
Monday, October 08, 2007
Another Blog
Good morning all,
I hope that you had a good Sunday, and that you found a place to worship and serve the Lord. I wanted to give you an update about about a new blog community I part of it is called "Centrist Christianity" http://centristchristianity.blogspot.com/
I am one of the writers of this blog that mixes points of views from different people in the Christian Walk. I will be bringing in a conservative leaning moderate point of view. My Theology is conservative, whiles others are not. There should be some good discussion and debates in the coming months.
Some people wonder why I use Imperfect Warriot, instead of my real name. It is for protection. I have herd too many stories of ministers churches being contacted about what thier pastor was writing on his blog or message boards. The leaders of my church know that where I blog and where I psot on forums. I am accountabel to these men, and to the Lord, my Savior. We do not need any trouble makers trying to do what they do best - cause trouble- in our place of worship. That is why I do not use my real name.
I will continue to try to update this blog weekly. Sorry abotu last week. THe in-laws were in, and I was busy with them, and my normal preacher duties.
May God shine richely on you today.
-IW
I hope that you had a good Sunday, and that you found a place to worship and serve the Lord. I wanted to give you an update about about a new blog community I part of it is called "Centrist Christianity" http://centristchristianity.blogspot.com/
I am one of the writers of this blog that mixes points of views from different people in the Christian Walk. I will be bringing in a conservative leaning moderate point of view. My Theology is conservative, whiles others are not. There should be some good discussion and debates in the coming months.
Some people wonder why I use Imperfect Warriot, instead of my real name. It is for protection. I have herd too many stories of ministers churches being contacted about what thier pastor was writing on his blog or message boards. The leaders of my church know that where I blog and where I psot on forums. I am accountabel to these men, and to the Lord, my Savior. We do not need any trouble makers trying to do what they do best - cause trouble- in our place of worship. That is why I do not use my real name.
I will continue to try to update this blog weekly. Sorry abotu last week. THe in-laws were in, and I was busy with them, and my normal preacher duties.
May God shine richely on you today.
-IW
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
A old Song, with good lyrics
What would happen if your neighbors and friends found out that you were a Jesus Freak?
A new Day and New Dog
We have new dog at our house. Sometimes I love this animal to death, and other times I want to put it to death. My daughters love their dog. Bizbee will follow my 4 year old around the yard, and loves to give her kisses. My 2 year old loves to tell Bizbee to sit, unfortunately it comes out "sh**" :(.
The best memory I have of Bizbee is her first Sunday living oat our house. We live on church property, so all we do is walk to church on Sunday mornings. We left Bizbee in the fenced yard, and thought that all is good. Later while I am doing announcements she come sin the front door, and down the aisle. Needless to say I Am little embarrassed. What I should of said is this "See we take coming so seriously at my house, even our dog gets it!"
I don't know if you belong to a church community. So of us have been burned bad, and others just have not gotten "into the habit". The reasons I like being part of community is because it helps this introvert to know people. Plus I like to sing, and preach the Good Word. I like to see haircuts,new clotes, smiling kids, catching up with people, and I enjoy the fellowship time before and after the service. I like listening to other people, their problems or joys and praying or praising with them.
It is cool. Even though there is a lot wrong with the church today (political wars, worship style wars, "righteous ACTS", people pleasing, It's about ME! and a bunch of other stuff). I can look around my church and see people, that I do not mind going to war for and with. I see that if I have need it will most likely be met (if I they know about it) and that I can learn from them, as they learn from me.
It is easy to look at all the bad stuff, maybe we need to change our focus and look at the good.
-M
The best memory I have of Bizbee is her first Sunday living oat our house. We live on church property, so all we do is walk to church on Sunday mornings. We left Bizbee in the fenced yard, and thought that all is good. Later while I am doing announcements she come sin the front door, and down the aisle. Needless to say I Am little embarrassed. What I should of said is this "See we take coming so seriously at my house, even our dog gets it!"
I don't know if you belong to a church community. So of us have been burned bad, and others just have not gotten "into the habit". The reasons I like being part of community is because it helps this introvert to know people. Plus I like to sing, and preach the Good Word. I like to see haircuts,new clotes, smiling kids, catching up with people, and I enjoy the fellowship time before and after the service. I like listening to other people, their problems or joys and praying or praising with them.
It is cool. Even though there is a lot wrong with the church today (political wars, worship style wars, "righteous ACTS", people pleasing, It's about ME! and a bunch of other stuff). I can look around my church and see people, that I do not mind going to war for and with. I see that if I have need it will most likely be met (if I they know about it) and that I can learn from them, as they learn from me.
It is easy to look at all the bad stuff, maybe we need to change our focus and look at the good.
-M
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Jesus loves You
Sometimes we just need to remeber one thing "Jesus loves Me". When everything is going crazy, or everythign is going good. Jesus loves you. THat never stops. It is certain like death and taxes.
Just remeber this:
And for us inked people:
I am not perfect and I serve the Perfect Lord.
Just remeber this:
And for us inked people:
I am not perfect and I serve the Perfect Lord.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Dale E
I watched the CMT show Dale the other night and it got me to thinking about what would people say about me after I died? Would I be known as a man that loved the Lord, loved his family and the people around him? Will I be known for being a world-wide known preachers? Not that I am one but who knows what God will do with my life.
We will all die someday. What we do with this life that God has given us will matter. Did I glorify God? Was I a good and faithful servant? That is what really matters. How did I show the Love I have for Jesus to other people?
The parts of the "Dale" show was when He won Talladega and was shouting "Praise God"! People knoew that Dale loved the Lord. Jesus and racign were big parts of his life. I think that si what made Dale a hero to me. He lived his life, and gave God the glory for his success.
It also reminded me of another hero of mine who once said "Everyman dies, not everyman really lives."
May our Lord shine brightly on you today.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Pastor John Piper
I saw this on the Ooze. It was posted by a user that I enjoy debating with, and I beleive he enjoy's debating me too. We might not always agree on doctrine. He is strick SBC and I am Restoration Movement. I do beleive these words from Piper will ring true to you. I hope you enjoy.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Scott Biao is 45 and single
I like watching this show as it unfolds on VH1. Yes it is the same Scott Biao from Charles in Charge and Happy days.
Now after a life of partying and sleeping with ever female he could, he is realizing that it is time to grow up. One of his friends is married, and another is engaged. His other close friend is called Johnny V. The dude is like 55 - 70 and is still chasing after young women. It is apparent to the audience that Johnny Vis just using Scott to help him commit adultery with who-ever the woman of the night is. Nice Life.
Scott is trying to change his life. He wants to understand why he is unmarried at the age of 45. So Scott hired a life coach. She has told him to go back and talk to his former gf's. He has cheated on all of them (except the one he is with now, who he canot see for 8 weeks). As Scott is realizing that He needs to change, Johnny V is trying to keep Scott in the partying ways. The Life Coach has told Scott he needs to stop seeing Johnny V. Why? Because he keeps pulling Scott back into an unhealthily lifestyle.
The church of Corinth is told that "Bad Company corrupts good morals".
I wonder if now that we are walking in Christ, who are the people that are like Johnny V, not accepting that we are trying to change our lives to look like Jesus, and instead trying to pull back into a lifestyle that we know is unhealthily. Do you have people like this in your life? What are you doing about them? Are they the inner Circle that is corrupting your walk with Christ? Do you have friends that support your walk with Christ? How do your friends affect your walk with Christ?
Those are important questions to ask ourselves. Is this a healthy relationship for me to be in? Does this relationship help or hinder my walk wtih Christ Jesus?
If it is not helping your walk, then what are you doing it about?
Scott Biao told Johnny V, that he needs a break. Johnny (like any of us would) was upset, and started attacking Scott, and the Life coach. Scott finally walked up to Johnny and said "Stop breaking my balls about this" kissed him on the cheek and walked away.
It is not easy to walk away from people who you have loved for a long time. But, if they are corrupting your good morals it might be necessary. We are told that Christ is now our Life. We need to remember that, we were bought for a price, the death of Christ on the cross, and the reward is that HE LIVES and is coming back someday for us!
Keep up the good fight,
Now after a life of partying and sleeping with ever female he could, he is realizing that it is time to grow up. One of his friends is married, and another is engaged. His other close friend is called Johnny V. The dude is like 55 - 70 and is still chasing after young women. It is apparent to the audience that Johnny Vis just using Scott to help him commit adultery with who-ever the woman of the night is. Nice Life.
Scott is trying to change his life. He wants to understand why he is unmarried at the age of 45. So Scott hired a life coach. She has told him to go back and talk to his former gf's. He has cheated on all of them (except the one he is with now, who he canot see for 8 weeks). As Scott is realizing that He needs to change, Johnny V is trying to keep Scott in the partying ways. The Life Coach has told Scott he needs to stop seeing Johnny V. Why? Because he keeps pulling Scott back into an unhealthily lifestyle.
The church of Corinth is told that "Bad Company corrupts good morals".
I wonder if now that we are walking in Christ, who are the people that are like Johnny V, not accepting that we are trying to change our lives to look like Jesus, and instead trying to pull back into a lifestyle that we know is unhealthily. Do you have people like this in your life? What are you doing about them? Are they the inner Circle that is corrupting your walk with Christ? Do you have friends that support your walk with Christ? How do your friends affect your walk with Christ?
Those are important questions to ask ourselves. Is this a healthy relationship for me to be in? Does this relationship help or hinder my walk wtih Christ Jesus?
If it is not helping your walk, then what are you doing it about?
Scott Biao told Johnny V, that he needs a break. Johnny (like any of us would) was upset, and started attacking Scott, and the Life coach. Scott finally walked up to Johnny and said "Stop breaking my balls about this" kissed him on the cheek and walked away.
It is not easy to walk away from people who you have loved for a long time. But, if they are corrupting your good morals it might be necessary. We are told that Christ is now our Life. We need to remember that, we were bought for a price, the death of Christ on the cross, and the reward is that HE LIVES and is coming back someday for us!
Keep up the good fight,
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Everything
These is Youtube video of Life House' "Everything". A friend and I madeit into a worship song for our church. I hope that you enjoy it. The first video is with words that you can read, the second is not.
Remember this blog is rated PG
Remeber that God is oue Everything
Remember this blog is rated PG
Remeber that God is oue Everything
Monday, August 06, 2007
Paul Washer on You Tube.
There is also a longer sermon of his that you need to check out. Follow Jokermans's BLog link to find it.
It is powerful.
-M
Sunday's Sermon
A friend of mine asked me to post one of my sermons. Currently we do not have a away to do audio or video of my sermons. We are hoping by 2008 to be on the net. So here is this last weeks sermon posted for you to read. All scripture is taken from the ESV
-IW
Who’s your Daddy? John 8:37-47
August 5, 2007 Pablo, MGJ
Introduction:
· Which parent do you look more like?
· Your mom or your dad?
· Who do you act like?
· Most of us pick up tendencies from watching our parents.
· How we talk, different facial gestures,
· Even how we pronounce words.
· The title of this week’s sermon.
· Who’s your daddy?
· It is a very important question to ask.
· Who is my daddy?
· Who do I look like, whom do I sound like?
· How do I resemble my father?
· Can you tell by looking at me that I am father son?
· When you get to meet my earthly Father Paul,
· You will get to see some resemblance.
· When you look at my girls, you know that they are mine.
· Like the girls look like me, and sometimes even act me.
· We need to be the same thing.
· With our Heavenly Father.
· People are going to judge God by the way we behave.
· Just like people judge us, on the way our kids behave.
· So who’s your daddy?
· What’s his name?
· Is he rich like me?
· How well do you know the Father?
· Jesus makes it clear in the section of Scripture either you’re a child of God, or you are a child of Satan.
· How can we tell?
· Who do you act like?
Let’s Read
37” I know that you are the offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and do you what you have heard from your father.
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’ Children, you would be doing what Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing what your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father----- even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God was your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is lair and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.
1.Jesus draws a dividing line:
· Remember last week, how the Jews were saying they were offspring of Abraham?
· Jesus does not argue with them.
· He says I know that you are the offspring of Abraham.
· Notice that he does not say that they are children of Abraham.
· He says offspring.
· He means offspring.
· Children have relationships and follow their parents.
· Offspring.
· You might come from the same seed, but that does not mean that you are close.
· Yes these men are part of the nation of Israel.
· Yes, Abraham is the father the Judaic faith,
· But they are not following it, nor do they have the faith like Abraham.
· It’s someone calling him or her a Christian, but not living it.
· We have a world for that we call them hypocrites
· You might say you’re a Christian.
· But are you living it?
· It’s easy to say you believe
· Do your actions, words, and thoughts back it up?
· Can people tell that you follow the Father?
· And this is what Jesus is getting at.
“Your offspring of Abraham, yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you”
· We know that through Mosaic Law that we are not supposed to murder people.
· Yet that is what they want to do.
· To murder Jesus.
· Because they are not hearing the words, in their hearts.
· They might hear them in their ears.
· But that is the last place they are going, because they are not open to hear from God.
· They do not like what God is saying to them.
· There are times in our lives that we do not like what God saying to us, and that is time for you to repent.
· Because God is right and we are wrong.
· And what we are about to see is a classic of example of people dealing with the truth in their lives.
· They accept it, and change their lives to it.
· They will fight it and find any reason to ignore it.
· Much like I did about worshipping with instruments.
· They will put up defensives and start attacking the person that brings the truth of who they’re to them.
· Jesus does not let them live in their fantasy world about who their true father is, and he will not lets live in ours either.
2 So Jesus shows the line of which daddy do you follow?
I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you heard from your father
· Notice the difference in your bibles. My Father has a capitol F, while your father has small f.
· This is giving God the proper respect he deserves.
· The difference is amazing,
· Jesus is telling them once again, I speak what I have seen with my FATHER
· That means that Jesus is spending time with God, that He is Encountering God.
· Then he tells them you do what you heard from your father.
· Meaning the DEVIL!
· Act like the Devil, talk like the devil, then you belong to the devil.
39 They answer him “Abraham is our father” Jesus said to them, “If your were Abraham’s children, you be doing what Abraham did, but now seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing what your father did.
· We have to see what Abraham did
· He followed God.
· He left home and family to follow God.
· He was willing to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice.
· Trusting that God, who gave him a son in his old age, could fulfill the promise of many descendants.
· I guess God will just bring him back to life.
· He is God after all, and can do what he wants.
· He created this world; he can choose who lives and who dies.
· And he can bring people back from the dead if he wants to.
· Abraham followed God, even when he did not understand everything was going on.
· We need to do the same things.
· My Friend Pastor Wayne used to tell me this all the time.
· Mike sometimes God moves to point A, to B, to point C, just to prepare us for point D.
· Do I wish that I went through all of the garbage in Texas and NM NO!
· I don’t wish that on anyone.
· Legalistic, non-scripture following supposed Christ followers
· Churches built on man, instead of Jesus.
· No way.
· But knowing that I had to go through that to get here.
· Looking back it is well worth it.
· Did not like it going through it,
· Still healing from some of it
· Just some of you are still healing from the garbage that has happened here.
· When we look back at life, God takes through a variety of things to prune us, to teach us lessons, show our hearts and to draw us closer to Him.
· How we react in this situations that show other and us people who we truly belong to.
· Are we turning to God and trying to look like Jesus?
· Or do we look more Satan
· Do people see Jesus alive and well in us, or do see the very sins
· That we are told separate us from God?
· That Jesus died on the cross to set us free from?
· It’s what we talked about last week.
· Are you controlled by Christ Jesus or by sin?
· Jesus came to set us free from sin,
· And we should strive to live like it.
· Instead of listening to Jesus and the proper response of repenting of their sin.
· They do the classic cowardly move and
· They decide to attack Jesus
41b They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father –even God”.
· This is an attack on the character of Jesus
· It is what people do.
· It is wrong and yet it still happens today.
· You don’t like what someone says to you.
· So you attack them.
· Try to discredit them, instead of facing your issues
· Here they are attacking Jesus claiming that he does not know who his daddy is, because Mary had a child before Joseph slept with her.
· They do not believe in Christ divine origin.
· Slow they try to slap him in the face with the worldly views that your mom is an adulterer and your dad a fool.
· But Jesus is talking about Spiritual things.
· We are spiritual beings, and too often we let this world dictate what we believe and what we do.
· We allow the influence of Satan and the world to form us, instead of God the Father.
· We need to remember that while we live in this world, IT is not our home, and we are just passing through.
3. How to know; who your father is.
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me”
· This is real simple:
· If God is your Father, you would love me.
· If God is not your Father, you do not love me.
·
· Kind of like
· If you abide in my word you are my disciples
· If you don’t abide in my word you are not my disciples
·
· Those who are baptized will be saved.
· Those who are not baptized will not be saved?
·
· We can do that with a lot of scripture
· If you love Jesus you keep his commandments.
· If you don’t love Jesus, you won’t keep them.
· It’s the process of asking a question. “And if I don’t, what happens”
· It’s a debate practice. Let’s take this to polar opposite and see what it says.
· We do this with the commands and teachings of Jesus, it is pretty scary
· If I don’t forgive other, I won’t be forgiven.
· And Jesus is talking them to Polar opposite of God being their Father.
· He is taking them to truth that their actions and thoughts lead to the fact that Satan is their father.
· They think that God is their Father, but in reality they act more like Satan than God.
· The old saying. “The apple does not fall from the tree” applies here.
· And it should be wake up call for us.
· Because we are told that we are going to be judged, that our idle words are going to be brought into judgment
· And we serve a just God.
Let’s continue reading at 43
43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
· Jesus makes it clear that the reason they do not understand his words
· Is because their father is the devil.
· How would you feel if someone said that you?
· Seriously how would you feel
· If someone who has healed people in front of you, who has over turned tables, who people have tried to arrest, and they do not.
· Stands in front of you and says you do not understand me, because you are children of the Devil?
· You do not understand the things of God, because you are not his child.
· Because you are a child of the devil.
· And this is what he looks like.
· He is a murderer
· He wants nothing to do with truth, because it is not in him
· He is liar – it is his character.
· He is the Father of lies.
· That is what Satan looks like.
· He also is described as roaring lion, looking for someone to devour
· That is how Satan is describe a lying, murderer who is hungry to devour others.
· Nice guy, yet many people in the church look more like him, then they do Jesus Christ.
· It is estimated by “The Way of the Master” only about 10% of the people sitting in the pews on Sunday mornings
· Are honestly following Jesus.
· That means that 90% of the people keeping a pew warm, are not thinking like Jesus,
· And are not “Always doing the things that are pleasing to God”
· That Scares ME!
· IT should scare you.
· Because you are either part of the 10& or you are part of 90%
· And God knows, and other people do to by your actions, words, and deeds who you really belong too.
· People much like these Jews who claim to be religious, who claim to follow Jesus.
· Have murderous hearts
· They want their own ways, and they will do whatever it takes to get their own way.
· In the Book of James we are told that is why we have quarrels and fights in the church.
· To the point of death.
· People want what they want, not caring about what the Bible says, or the under shepherds of the church have to say.
· They do not even listen to the Sr. Pastor of church – Jesus Christ has to say about things.
· They forget that church is not about them.
· It’s about Jesus.
· And our lives transforming to become more like his.
· People lie, it’s the same thing that Satan did to Adam and Eve.
· Go ahead and eat the fruit.
· Nothing will happen to you.
· God is lying you won’t taste death.
· He just does not want you to be as smart or wise as him.
· And that is what Satan is doing today.
· He is still lying to us.
· That sin that is controlling your life.
· It doesn’t matter.
· Of course the bible really doesn’t mean what it says.
· Everybody is doing it.
· You don’t want to be considered a Jesus freak do you?
· Nobody will know.
· Just do it once it won’t anything.
· The Bible is just another book.
· Jesus wasn’t real.
· All good people go to heaven.
· Those are all lies of Satan.
· And he is good at it.
· We forget that he wants to destroy us.
· That Satan is Lair; there fore he lies to us.
· He lies to the world.
· And the only way to combat lies and liars is with the truth.
· And that truth is Jesus Christ.
· We need to make sure that we are listening to Jesus and not Satan.
· Because What Goes into the Mind, comes out in the Life.
· And quite frankly, what comes out of mouths, according to Jesus is what is in our hearts
· The world needs people with the love of Jesus coming out of the mouth, not the lies of Satan.
· We need to be a people,
· Who are about the truth of Jesus Christ.
· That shows the world through our actions and our words the Love of Jesus Christ.
· If we are not showing them Jesus whom are we showing them?
· Because if we are not showing them the truth, then we must be showing them something that is corrupted by the devil
· Or the devil himself.
· And Jesus nails them with this.
· He has already told them that their real father is the devil, and not God so he continues on.
· Challenging them on who they listen too
4. The final dagger
“But because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. 48 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
· How do you personally respond to that?
· Basically Jesus is saying, “You listen to lies, and refuse to believe the truth.”
· The sad part there are million of people that claim to follow Christ Jesus that are so used to garbage
· They are offended by God’s word, and refuse to follow the Bible, and settle for the teachings of man.
· We are not called to follow man; we are called to follow Jesus.
· And when we have a hard time following Jesus,
· We need to turn to him for help, not discount him.
· We need to say “Jesus can you help here?
· Please help me.
· Jesus telling the truth should put us on notice.
Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
· Which lead me to ask this question.
· Are you honestly hearing the words of God?
· Are you listening to what God is saying to you?
· Are you following What God is saying?
· Because if we are of God,
· Then we hear God.
· And if we are not God.
· Then we are not hearing God.
· And that scares me to death to think that people who are part of my flock.
· Are not hearing God.
· That they are listening to the lies of Satan, and following after his teachings.
· Instead of the truth of Jesus Christ, and becoming followers of Jesus Christ.
· In the end it does matter who you follow.
· In the end you will either be with Satan in the lake of burning sulfur
· Or you will be dancing with Jesus.
· Those are the two choices,
· There is no door number #3.
· There is no “Do over”
· It’s either you lived for Jesus, or followed the lies of the devil.
· I ask you today
· Are you living for Jesus,
· Are you transforming to look more like him
· Or are you listening to and following the lies of Satan?
· If you are listening to Satan.
· Then stop it.
· Seek help; get support, pray until something happens.
· Ask Christ for forgiveness.
· Put a stake in the ground and say with all of you being
· Today I will follow Jesus and stop following Satan.
· Today and everyday for forward I will follow Jesus.
· And I will look like my Father in heaven.
· In the words of Joshua “choose this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”
· And because we are serving the lord, we will look more like Jesus, then the Father of Lies, and the devil.
Wrap it up and invitation
As yuo can tell I am little intense. I desire to be Holy,a nd have the people who claim to be Christ-followers to live Holy lives as best they can. Prasie God for his grace adn mercy when we do mess up!
-IW
Who’s your Daddy? John 8:37-47
August 5, 2007 Pablo, MGJ
Introduction:
· Which parent do you look more like?
· Your mom or your dad?
· Who do you act like?
· Most of us pick up tendencies from watching our parents.
· How we talk, different facial gestures,
· Even how we pronounce words.
· The title of this week’s sermon.
· Who’s your daddy?
· It is a very important question to ask.
· Who is my daddy?
· Who do I look like, whom do I sound like?
· How do I resemble my father?
· Can you tell by looking at me that I am father son?
· When you get to meet my earthly Father Paul,
· You will get to see some resemblance.
· When you look at my girls, you know that they are mine.
· Like the girls look like me, and sometimes even act me.
· We need to be the same thing.
· With our Heavenly Father.
· People are going to judge God by the way we behave.
· Just like people judge us, on the way our kids behave.
· So who’s your daddy?
· What’s his name?
· Is he rich like me?
· How well do you know the Father?
· Jesus makes it clear in the section of Scripture either you’re a child of God, or you are a child of Satan.
· How can we tell?
· Who do you act like?
Let’s Read
37” I know that you are the offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and do you what you have heard from your father.
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’ Children, you would be doing what Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing what your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father----- even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God was your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is lair and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.
1.Jesus draws a dividing line:
· Remember last week, how the Jews were saying they were offspring of Abraham?
· Jesus does not argue with them.
· He says I know that you are the offspring of Abraham.
· Notice that he does not say that they are children of Abraham.
· He says offspring.
· He means offspring.
· Children have relationships and follow their parents.
· Offspring.
· You might come from the same seed, but that does not mean that you are close.
· Yes these men are part of the nation of Israel.
· Yes, Abraham is the father the Judaic faith,
· But they are not following it, nor do they have the faith like Abraham.
· It’s someone calling him or her a Christian, but not living it.
· We have a world for that we call them hypocrites
· You might say you’re a Christian.
· But are you living it?
· It’s easy to say you believe
· Do your actions, words, and thoughts back it up?
· Can people tell that you follow the Father?
· And this is what Jesus is getting at.
“Your offspring of Abraham, yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you”
· We know that through Mosaic Law that we are not supposed to murder people.
· Yet that is what they want to do.
· To murder Jesus.
· Because they are not hearing the words, in their hearts.
· They might hear them in their ears.
· But that is the last place they are going, because they are not open to hear from God.
· They do not like what God is saying to them.
· There are times in our lives that we do not like what God saying to us, and that is time for you to repent.
· Because God is right and we are wrong.
· And what we are about to see is a classic of example of people dealing with the truth in their lives.
· They accept it, and change their lives to it.
· They will fight it and find any reason to ignore it.
· Much like I did about worshipping with instruments.
· They will put up defensives and start attacking the person that brings the truth of who they’re to them.
· Jesus does not let them live in their fantasy world about who their true father is, and he will not lets live in ours either.
2 So Jesus shows the line of which daddy do you follow?
I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you heard from your father
· Notice the difference in your bibles. My Father has a capitol F, while your father has small f.
· This is giving God the proper respect he deserves.
· The difference is amazing,
· Jesus is telling them once again, I speak what I have seen with my FATHER
· That means that Jesus is spending time with God, that He is Encountering God.
· Then he tells them you do what you heard from your father.
· Meaning the DEVIL!
· Act like the Devil, talk like the devil, then you belong to the devil.
39 They answer him “Abraham is our father” Jesus said to them, “If your were Abraham’s children, you be doing what Abraham did, but now seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing what your father did.
· We have to see what Abraham did
· He followed God.
· He left home and family to follow God.
· He was willing to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice.
· Trusting that God, who gave him a son in his old age, could fulfill the promise of many descendants.
· I guess God will just bring him back to life.
· He is God after all, and can do what he wants.
· He created this world; he can choose who lives and who dies.
· And he can bring people back from the dead if he wants to.
· Abraham followed God, even when he did not understand everything was going on.
· We need to do the same things.
· My Friend Pastor Wayne used to tell me this all the time.
· Mike sometimes God moves to point A, to B, to point C, just to prepare us for point D.
· Do I wish that I went through all of the garbage in Texas and NM NO!
· I don’t wish that on anyone.
· Legalistic, non-scripture following supposed Christ followers
· Churches built on man, instead of Jesus.
· No way.
· But knowing that I had to go through that to get here.
· Looking back it is well worth it.
· Did not like it going through it,
· Still healing from some of it
· Just some of you are still healing from the garbage that has happened here.
· When we look back at life, God takes through a variety of things to prune us, to teach us lessons, show our hearts and to draw us closer to Him.
· How we react in this situations that show other and us people who we truly belong to.
· Are we turning to God and trying to look like Jesus?
· Or do we look more Satan
· Do people see Jesus alive and well in us, or do see the very sins
· That we are told separate us from God?
· That Jesus died on the cross to set us free from?
· It’s what we talked about last week.
· Are you controlled by Christ Jesus or by sin?
· Jesus came to set us free from sin,
· And we should strive to live like it.
· Instead of listening to Jesus and the proper response of repenting of their sin.
· They do the classic cowardly move and
· They decide to attack Jesus
41b They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father –even God”.
· This is an attack on the character of Jesus
· It is what people do.
· It is wrong and yet it still happens today.
· You don’t like what someone says to you.
· So you attack them.
· Try to discredit them, instead of facing your issues
· Here they are attacking Jesus claiming that he does not know who his daddy is, because Mary had a child before Joseph slept with her.
· They do not believe in Christ divine origin.
· Slow they try to slap him in the face with the worldly views that your mom is an adulterer and your dad a fool.
· But Jesus is talking about Spiritual things.
· We are spiritual beings, and too often we let this world dictate what we believe and what we do.
· We allow the influence of Satan and the world to form us, instead of God the Father.
· We need to remember that while we live in this world, IT is not our home, and we are just passing through.
3. How to know; who your father is.
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me”
· This is real simple:
· If God is your Father, you would love me.
· If God is not your Father, you do not love me.
·
· Kind of like
· If you abide in my word you are my disciples
· If you don’t abide in my word you are not my disciples
·
· Those who are baptized will be saved.
· Those who are not baptized will not be saved?
·
· We can do that with a lot of scripture
· If you love Jesus you keep his commandments.
· If you don’t love Jesus, you won’t keep them.
· It’s the process of asking a question. “And if I don’t, what happens”
· It’s a debate practice. Let’s take this to polar opposite and see what it says.
· We do this with the commands and teachings of Jesus, it is pretty scary
· If I don’t forgive other, I won’t be forgiven.
· And Jesus is talking them to Polar opposite of God being their Father.
· He is taking them to truth that their actions and thoughts lead to the fact that Satan is their father.
· They think that God is their Father, but in reality they act more like Satan than God.
· The old saying. “The apple does not fall from the tree” applies here.
· And it should be wake up call for us.
· Because we are told that we are going to be judged, that our idle words are going to be brought into judgment
· And we serve a just God.
Let’s continue reading at 43
43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
· Jesus makes it clear that the reason they do not understand his words
· Is because their father is the devil.
· How would you feel if someone said that you?
· Seriously how would you feel
· If someone who has healed people in front of you, who has over turned tables, who people have tried to arrest, and they do not.
· Stands in front of you and says you do not understand me, because you are children of the Devil?
· You do not understand the things of God, because you are not his child.
· Because you are a child of the devil.
· And this is what he looks like.
· He is a murderer
· He wants nothing to do with truth, because it is not in him
· He is liar – it is his character.
· He is the Father of lies.
· That is what Satan looks like.
· He also is described as roaring lion, looking for someone to devour
· That is how Satan is describe a lying, murderer who is hungry to devour others.
· Nice guy, yet many people in the church look more like him, then they do Jesus Christ.
· It is estimated by “The Way of the Master” only about 10% of the people sitting in the pews on Sunday mornings
· Are honestly following Jesus.
· That means that 90% of the people keeping a pew warm, are not thinking like Jesus,
· And are not “Always doing the things that are pleasing to God”
· That Scares ME!
· IT should scare you.
· Because you are either part of the 10& or you are part of 90%
· And God knows, and other people do to by your actions, words, and deeds who you really belong too.
· People much like these Jews who claim to be religious, who claim to follow Jesus.
· Have murderous hearts
· They want their own ways, and they will do whatever it takes to get their own way.
· In the Book of James we are told that is why we have quarrels and fights in the church.
· To the point of death.
· People want what they want, not caring about what the Bible says, or the under shepherds of the church have to say.
· They do not even listen to the Sr. Pastor of church – Jesus Christ has to say about things.
· They forget that church is not about them.
· It’s about Jesus.
· And our lives transforming to become more like his.
· People lie, it’s the same thing that Satan did to Adam and Eve.
· Go ahead and eat the fruit.
· Nothing will happen to you.
· God is lying you won’t taste death.
· He just does not want you to be as smart or wise as him.
· And that is what Satan is doing today.
· He is still lying to us.
· That sin that is controlling your life.
· It doesn’t matter.
· Of course the bible really doesn’t mean what it says.
· Everybody is doing it.
· You don’t want to be considered a Jesus freak do you?
· Nobody will know.
· Just do it once it won’t anything.
· The Bible is just another book.
· Jesus wasn’t real.
· All good people go to heaven.
· Those are all lies of Satan.
· And he is good at it.
· We forget that he wants to destroy us.
· That Satan is Lair; there fore he lies to us.
· He lies to the world.
· And the only way to combat lies and liars is with the truth.
· And that truth is Jesus Christ.
· We need to make sure that we are listening to Jesus and not Satan.
· Because What Goes into the Mind, comes out in the Life.
· And quite frankly, what comes out of mouths, according to Jesus is what is in our hearts
· The world needs people with the love of Jesus coming out of the mouth, not the lies of Satan.
· We need to be a people,
· Who are about the truth of Jesus Christ.
· That shows the world through our actions and our words the Love of Jesus Christ.
· If we are not showing them Jesus whom are we showing them?
· Because if we are not showing them the truth, then we must be showing them something that is corrupted by the devil
· Or the devil himself.
· And Jesus nails them with this.
· He has already told them that their real father is the devil, and not God so he continues on.
· Challenging them on who they listen too
4. The final dagger
“But because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. 48 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
· How do you personally respond to that?
· Basically Jesus is saying, “You listen to lies, and refuse to believe the truth.”
· The sad part there are million of people that claim to follow Christ Jesus that are so used to garbage
· They are offended by God’s word, and refuse to follow the Bible, and settle for the teachings of man.
· We are not called to follow man; we are called to follow Jesus.
· And when we have a hard time following Jesus,
· We need to turn to him for help, not discount him.
· We need to say “Jesus can you help here?
· Please help me.
· Jesus telling the truth should put us on notice.
Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
· Which lead me to ask this question.
· Are you honestly hearing the words of God?
· Are you listening to what God is saying to you?
· Are you following What God is saying?
· Because if we are of God,
· Then we hear God.
· And if we are not God.
· Then we are not hearing God.
· And that scares me to death to think that people who are part of my flock.
· Are not hearing God.
· That they are listening to the lies of Satan, and following after his teachings.
· Instead of the truth of Jesus Christ, and becoming followers of Jesus Christ.
· In the end it does matter who you follow.
· In the end you will either be with Satan in the lake of burning sulfur
· Or you will be dancing with Jesus.
· Those are the two choices,
· There is no door number #3.
· There is no “Do over”
· It’s either you lived for Jesus, or followed the lies of the devil.
· I ask you today
· Are you living for Jesus,
· Are you transforming to look more like him
· Or are you listening to and following the lies of Satan?
· If you are listening to Satan.
· Then stop it.
· Seek help; get support, pray until something happens.
· Ask Christ for forgiveness.
· Put a stake in the ground and say with all of you being
· Today I will follow Jesus and stop following Satan.
· Today and everyday for forward I will follow Jesus.
· And I will look like my Father in heaven.
· In the words of Joshua “choose this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”
· And because we are serving the lord, we will look more like Jesus, then the Father of Lies, and the devil.
Wrap it up and invitation
As yuo can tell I am little intense. I desire to be Holy,a nd have the people who claim to be Christ-followers to live Holy lives as best they can. Prasie God for his grace adn mercy when we do mess up!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
A Letter from a Friend
This letter was written to me and others from a friend of mine. He is over in Iraq helping our forces defend the US, and to bring Liberty and freedom of religion over in the Middle East. Please continue to pray for the brave men and women who are over there, no matter your views on this war.
hey, what's up?
So, may I tell you a story? As you know I'm in Iraq fighting for America's interests, freedom, especially the freedom to worship God freely. I'm a combat medic and have the responsibility of maintaining my guys' health. This is one of my stories:
One night I was called to go downstairs and meet an Iraqi soldier who was having an unknown medical issue. As I wait I see 4 Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers carrying one of their own who seems to be somewhat combative. So much so that we needed 4 guys to hold him down while I evaluated him. 2 things came to mind and were brought up as suggestions as to what the problem may be: epilepsy or seizures,or tetanus. At this time the man was young and most likely in his mid 20's struggling against all of us. Shouting things in Iraqi that I couldn't comprehend. I did my evaluation and found no physical signs of bruising, cuts, open wounds, etc. And I asked how many times this has happened. His captain stated that this is the second episode. The first episode happened 15 days ago. And I asked if he has been in any accidents that may cause head trauma and seizures. He has been in a car accident, but it was the morning of the same day he was brought to me. So trauma to the head couldn't have been the cause. Nor tetanus because his joints were not locking up. As obviously stated, he was freely combative, either indirecly of directly at us. Vitals were normal for someone under stress . . . . .
To make a long story short, I came to the conclusion that he was possessed. He was making gestures suggesting that he couldn't breath, but he could shout. He was definitely struggling at something. So 20 minutes into it I was praying, and praying loud. Now during this time my comrades outspokenly suggested that this guy must be faking it big time to get out of this place. I would agree with them if they could explain to me why his pupils are dilated for the most part of the ordeal. We held him down for a good 1 1/2 hr before he fully came to and was able to stand up on his own. With my LIMITED medical knowledge I couldn't find anything wrong with him. He was normally working the next day.
I asked one of our chaplains what he thought. He agreed. And believe me, I would rather believe that he was faking it. I've never experienced anything supernatural in my life and never wanted to. I'm not afraid to say that I'm a freakin fraidy cat when it comes to ghosts and demons etc. Ask my mom and sis ^_^.
Just wanted to share that. I don't know why God of all places and time to let me experience that but His will be done. I am now more ridiculed because of what happened. Mocked behind my back. But hey, oh well, God is good. If these are the things that God is preparing me for, then I really don't wanna know what happens next. 'sigh'. . .
So please pray for me. I'm trying hard and have finally decided to follow the path God laid for me. (mumbles: which kinda sucks for a lot of things . . . haha, oh well) ^_^. Take care and God bless.
Joshua 1:5,6,7,9 "Be strong and courageous . . . " x3
Hosea: 6:6, Matt 9:13, 12:7 "I desire mercy than burnt offerings" = He said it twice in Matthew so far, as I'm reading the book. How many times we offer ourselves, our tithes, our gifts to God, but fail to show kindness, love, mercy to others? Especially those people that have angered us, friends who've hurt us, betrayed us, poor people who asked for something to eat, our ex's, co-workers, supervisors who constantly raise our blood pressure. How can I go to church and put it tithes and sings songs of praise and worship when just the day before I could've have shown kindess to THAT person. But who knows right? That could'nt have been Jesus. Jesus wouldn't come to us as a poor man or woman or lost child, just to find out what's really in our hearts.
Many of us, soldiers, hate these people who kill not only us but their own. But I can't, and I won't becuase they need Jesus more than I do.
^_^ take care and God bless. May God be with you today at work, in school, at home. May He be the foundation of your friendships, relationships, and may He bless you always. Keep you safe always. Love you always.
In Faith,
Frank
hey, what's up?
So, may I tell you a story? As you know I'm in Iraq fighting for America's interests, freedom, especially the freedom to worship God freely. I'm a combat medic and have the responsibility of maintaining my guys' health. This is one of my stories:
One night I was called to go downstairs and meet an Iraqi soldier who was having an unknown medical issue. As I wait I see 4 Iraqi Army (IA) soldiers carrying one of their own who seems to be somewhat combative. So much so that we needed 4 guys to hold him down while I evaluated him. 2 things came to mind and were brought up as suggestions as to what the problem may be: epilepsy or seizures,or tetanus. At this time the man was young and most likely in his mid 20's struggling against all of us. Shouting things in Iraqi that I couldn't comprehend. I did my evaluation and found no physical signs of bruising, cuts, open wounds, etc. And I asked how many times this has happened. His captain stated that this is the second episode. The first episode happened 15 days ago. And I asked if he has been in any accidents that may cause head trauma and seizures. He has been in a car accident, but it was the morning of the same day he was brought to me. So trauma to the head couldn't have been the cause. Nor tetanus because his joints were not locking up. As obviously stated, he was freely combative, either indirecly of directly at us. Vitals were normal for someone under stress . . . . .
To make a long story short, I came to the conclusion that he was possessed. He was making gestures suggesting that he couldn't breath, but he could shout. He was definitely struggling at something. So 20 minutes into it I was praying, and praying loud. Now during this time my comrades outspokenly suggested that this guy must be faking it big time to get out of this place. I would agree with them if they could explain to me why his pupils are dilated for the most part of the ordeal. We held him down for a good 1 1/2 hr before he fully came to and was able to stand up on his own. With my LIMITED medical knowledge I couldn't find anything wrong with him. He was normally working the next day.
I asked one of our chaplains what he thought. He agreed. And believe me, I would rather believe that he was faking it. I've never experienced anything supernatural in my life and never wanted to. I'm not afraid to say that I'm a freakin fraidy cat when it comes to ghosts and demons etc. Ask my mom and sis ^_^.
Just wanted to share that. I don't know why God of all places and time to let me experience that but His will be done. I am now more ridiculed because of what happened. Mocked behind my back. But hey, oh well, God is good. If these are the things that God is preparing me for, then I really don't wanna know what happens next. 'sigh'. . .
So please pray for me. I'm trying hard and have finally decided to follow the path God laid for me. (mumbles: which kinda sucks for a lot of things . . . haha, oh well) ^_^. Take care and God bless.
Joshua 1:5,6,7,9 "Be strong and courageous . . . " x3
Hosea: 6:6, Matt 9:13, 12:7 "I desire mercy than burnt offerings" = He said it twice in Matthew so far, as I'm reading the book. How many times we offer ourselves, our tithes, our gifts to God, but fail to show kindness, love, mercy to others? Especially those people that have angered us, friends who've hurt us, betrayed us, poor people who asked for something to eat, our ex's, co-workers, supervisors who constantly raise our blood pressure. How can I go to church and put it tithes and sings songs of praise and worship when just the day before I could've have shown kindess to THAT person. But who knows right? That could'nt have been Jesus. Jesus wouldn't come to us as a poor man or woman or lost child, just to find out what's really in our hearts.
Many of us, soldiers, hate these people who kill not only us but their own. But I can't, and I won't becuase they need Jesus more than I do.
^_^ take care and God bless. May God be with you today at work, in school, at home. May He be the foundation of your friendships, relationships, and may He bless you always. Keep you safe always. Love you always.
In Faith,
Frank
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