NATIONAL HEALTH SCARE
By Rick Joyner
When I read the brief on what was contained in the National Health Care bill that is now being presented before Congress, I could not believe I was reading something that was actually being considered in the United States of America.
This is not about money or government mismanagement—this is about something far more diabolical than that. As incomprehensible as it may seem, this is about euthanasia, the power to determine who lives or dies in America. Hitler and Stalin would have loved to have had a means such as this for dispatching the millions they killed—it would have made their job much easier, and probably given them the ability to kill many more than they did.
THIS BILL IS THAT SINISTER.
This is not a joke—this is actually the nature of what is being proposed in the National Health Care legislation, and it is the obvious reason why the Obama Administration wants to ram it through Congress before anyone gets a chance to read it.
I have resolved to always be as generous as I can toward people with opposing views of my own. I do this because I believe it is the mandate of I Corinthians 13 to always believe the best about people, rather than the worst. I know this opens me up to be misled by some, but I consider that a small price to pay to not become cynical.
I also do it because I think it is wise to always try and understand the position of my opponents—to be open to consider their positions and not be too rigid or inflexible to change because we all “see in part,” and “know in part.”
Because of this, I have been chided for being too generous by giving those I do challenge grace by believing that they had not thought through the consequences of their proposals, or had other good intentioned reasons for doing what they were doing. However, after reading the brief on this health care bill, I don’t see how anyone could not see that there is profound evil and evil intent at work here. I just do not see any way to be any more generous with those who proposed this bill than that. It is that bad.
This bill is obviously designed to put the authority to determine who lives and dies in America into the hands of government bureaucrats. As outrageous as that seems, it is true—you can read it yourself. It even gives the government access to all of your accounts, and the authority to make withdrawals. I know this is hard to believe, but you can read it yourself.
Do you want a government bureaucrat to determine if your mother or father can receive treatment, even in life and death cases? Would you want a government bureaucrat to determine if your child, or you, could receive treatment, even when it means life or death? Think of the best experience that you ever had working with a government bureaucrat, and then think about them having the power to make a potentially life or death choice for your child, your parents, or for you. This is actually what is being proposed.
Add to that chilling thought the fact that this bureaucrat does not have to know one thing about medicine to be in that position. In fact, this bill proposes letting the government define what quality health care is and impose that definition on health care workers. Nowhere does it even specify what training, expertise, or qualifications this all-powerful government bureaucrat has to have to be placed in the position to make such ultimate decisions for the health, well-being, and even the lives of Americans.
Am I being too hard on bureaucrats, or the Obama Administration’s intentions? Certainly there are many bureaucrats who are sincere and true public servants. I agree that such are deserving of our appreciation and respect. The modern world could not exist without them. Think of the most noble and conscientious there are. What kind of position would we be putting them in to have to go to work every day and decide who is going to get treatment, who is going to have to go on a waiting list and for how long, and who are they going to have to just let die?
Who could live with such a job? There are many who could, who would just see it as paperwork, and those are the ones who would be in that position because the truly noble ones could not endure it. Hitler found many who could dispatch thousands each day, and then go home and enjoy their own families at night. There are people with that kind of moral disconnect. These jobs will be filled and by the very ones we would never want in such positions.
It is beyond anything I thought I would ever see in my lifetime that such a bill could ever be seriously considered in the U.S. Congress. This bill has the potential for totalitarian control to be imposed on America to a degree that Hitler and Stalin could not have even imagined.
With the technology available now, totalitarian control can very quickly be imposed to a degree far beyond what was attained by either the Nazis or the Communists, and this bill has provisions in it for just that.
It mandates the sharing of all of your personal information, from just about every conceivable source, with the new health care bureaucracy being set up to implement this national health care system. The penalties for trying to escape this web are serious. This would actually make America into a national concentration camp, and we can be sure that ultimately it will be a national death camp. You do not have to take my word for it—read it for yourself. Below I will include a brief on this bill so that you can look it up, chapter and verse.
I am a pastor and a watchman, and I therefore have a mandate to watch out for the people, and to sound the alarm when I see a threat. I have never seen one like this before. Even so, I have prayed for restraint and calm as I address this, and do not want to exaggerate anything. In spite of this terrible evil that is manifesting itself through the Obama Administration, I am resolved to pray for our government leaders, and I try to pray for the President every day.
My sincere hope is for a spiritual awakening for him and for those in every government position, and for the Lord to give them wisdom and help for the most difficult task they have. However, with all due respect (and I mean this), what is coming out of the Obama Administration is evil, more evil than anything I thought I would ever see in America. It is time to call it what it is.
In the early 1990s, myself and a few other prophetic friends were all shown separately, but at the same general time, that the same evil that gained access to Germany in the 1930s was going to seek access to America. I have shared this often since then, and have made many trips to Germany to seek to understand what happened there. Col. Eugene Bird became one of my dearest friends, and I spent many days with him listening to what he had learned about this, which was considerable.
Col. Bird was the U.S. Commandant of the Spandau Prison that held the Nazi war criminals, and ultimately became the one many considered to be the foremost authority on Nazi Germany. Bird’s insight into how evil can gain entry into the human soul and into governments was remarkable, but I always had trouble seeing a connection that would allow what happened there to actually happen in America.
Bird often chastised me for this, warning that it could easily happen in America (Col. Bird lived most of his life in Germany, where he became loved and esteemed by that nation, but he remained a patriotic American to the end). Bird often explained how the evil spirit of death that took over Germany gained entry through its health care system. Now it is easy to see what he was talking about in what is being proposed by the Obama Administration.
In Germany, the National Socialists (Nazis) gradually desensitized the nation to death beginning with abortion. Then they quietly, seemingly with the most noble intentions, rounded up the retarded and insane, claiming that the state could take much better care of them, but no one ever saw or heard from them again. Then they did the same with the elderly.
As word slipped out that they were being euthanized, it was explained that war made it necessary to eliminate all of the “useless eaters” so that the troops could be fed, as well as those who worked for the war machine. By that time, the grip of control was too strong for anyone to protest or they would also be sent to the camps. Life became cheaper and cheaper, people became more and more depraved, and millions were slaughtered in the death camps.
America is following a parallel course. If Hitler had a tool such as the health care bill that is being proposed by Congress, along with the technology of control now available, it would have made his task much easier and more effective, and probably resulted in many millions more having been easily murdered.
I have had Presidents, candidates, senators, and congressmen and congresswomen from both parties tell me they have read and appreciated my writings. I have maintained for many years that an eagle needs both a left wing and a right wing to fly, and believe that there are excellent men and women of true conviction in both parties. I realize that by writing with this tenor, I risk being considered an extremist, and maybe risk many relationships, but I cannot be concerned about that.
With such an extreme evil threatening our country, I would have a difficult time standing before the Lord on that great judgment day if I did not speak up as boldly, as clearly, and as loudly as I can. Call me an alarmist and I will agree with you—I am going to do my best to sound the alarm against evil in every way that I can, and I don’t think I have ever seen anything with the potential for evil like this national health care bill.
I pray that senators and congressmen from both parties who have courage and conviction will stand up against this terrible impending holocaust and stop this bill. I expect that it will be hard for many who read and understand what this Democratic Administration has proposed not to refer to the Democratic Party as the Death Party from now on, but let’s wait and see how the Democrats in Congress respond to this before condemning them, too.
This bill is criminal—it opens the door for a crime against humanity on a level that could easily surpass what happened in the last century. We must hold accountable all who have written, proposed, and sided with this bill—and determine that with all the resources we are given, they will never be elected again for anything.
I pray that every Christian will wake up and rise up to take their stand against what is happening in our country now. If we do, we can stop this. If we don’t, we will have to stand before the Judge having let this happen on our watch. We can expect persecution and even death for standing against such a bold and obvious attack of the spirit of death, but no Christian should fear death, and no Christian will want to live in the world that is now taking shape if we do not become the salt and light we are called to be.
We are in need of the courage and resolve of Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings, who stood before the huge and terrible Balrog demon and declared—“YOU SHALL NOT PASS!” The demon was stopped, and even though it was able to grab and drag Gandalf down with it, Gandalf returned with a new level of authority. It does not matter what the consequences are for standing for truth, as Christians we must stand because it is our basic duty. As the first apostles demonstrated, to be persecuted and to suffer shame for our God and His truth is one of the greatest honors. However, we must do it for more than honor—we must also do it for our children and their children.
Last night on Fox News, a former Clinton Administration council to the President stated courageously that this bill was not just about money, it was about euthanasia. The money part does not make any sense at all, but now that the real evil that is driving this can be clearly seen, we can understand that the Administration really does not care about saving money or providing health care for everyone; rather it is about control.
There is already talk about this being about saving money by being able to euthanize the baby boomers so they will not have to be paid social security, or weigh down the health care system with their needs. I’m not ready to go that far, but that is obviously why the Florida congressman declared that this bill was a death sentence for the elderly. That is true.
The only commandment with a promise that it will go well with us, and that we may live long, is the commandment to honor our fathers and mothers. This commandment is found in both the Old and New Testaments (see Ephesians 6:2-3). Killing them when they can no longer be productive, as Hitler and Stalin resolved to do, is the most dishonorable thing we could ever do, and we can be sure will bring the opposite to the blessing promised.
As you read the bill, and see how excessively long they stay on the point of being able to determine what and if any care is given to the elderly, you will see it really is chilling. It is obvious this is a primary purpose of those who wrote this bill. I know this sounds far-fetched, and I would not have believed it myself a few days ago, but just read it for yourself.
The following is a brief outline of this bill put together by Mat Staver of the Freedom Foundation and Liberty Counsel (contact info is at the end). The comments by the brief are Mat’s, except where I have noted my own by putting them in italics. The bold is also mine.
After reading, please do not wait to contact your representatives to protest this. If you don’t get through, keep calling, send emails, but do not stop until you know your voice has been heard.
Obama Health Care Plan Details
HR 3200 currently under consideration in the House of Representatives
Pg 22 of the HC Bill MANDATES the Government will audit the books of ALL EMPLOYERS that self insure!!
Pg 29 lines 4-16 in the HC Bill - YOUR HEALTH CARE IS RATIONED!!!
Pg 30 Sec 123 of HC Bill - THERE WILL BE A GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/benefits you get
Pg 42 of HC Bill - The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your benefits for you. You have no choice!
Pg 50 Section 152 in HC Bill - HC will be provided to ALL non-U.S. citizens, illegal or otherwise
Pg 58 HC Bill – Government will have real-time access to individual’s finances and a National ID Health Care Card will be issued!
Pg 59 HC Bill lines 21-24 Government will have direct access to your banks accounts for electronic funds transfer.
(NOTE FROM RJ-This really does mean they can take your money at any time. Who will have this authority?—a government bureaucrat.)
Pg 65 Sec 164 is a payoff subsidized plan for retirees and their families in unions and community organizations (ACORN).
Pg 72 Lines 8-14 Government is creating a Health Care Exchange to bring private health care plans under government control.
Pg 84 Sec 203 HC Bill - Government mandates ALL benefit packages for private health care plans in the Exchange
Pg 85 Line 7 HC Bill - Specs for of Benefit Levels for Plans = The government will ration your health care!
Pg 91 Lines 4-7 HC Bill - Government mandates linguistic appropriate services.
Pg 95 HC Bill Lines 8-18 The government will use groups i.e., ACORN & AmeriCorps to sign up individuals for government Health Care Plan
Pg 85 Line 7 HC Bill - Specs of Ben Levels 4 Plans. #AARP members - Your health care WILL be rationed
Pg 102 Lines 12-18 HC Bill - Medicaid Eligible Individual will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. No choice.
Pg 124 lines 24-25 HC No company can sue the government on price fixing. No “judicial review” against government monopoly.
Pg 127 Lines 1-16 HC Bill - Doctors/ #AMA - The government will tell YOU what you can make.
Pg 145 Line 15-17 An employer MUST auto enroll employees into public opt plan. NO CHOICE
Pg 126 Lines 22-25 Employers MUST pay for health care for part-time employees AND their families.
Pg 149 Lines 16-24 ANY Employer w/ payroll 400k and above who does not prov. pub opt. pays 8% tax on all payroll
Pg 150 Lines 9-13 Businesses with payroll between 251k and 400k who do not provide public opt pays 2-6% tax on all payroll
Pg 167 Lines 18-23 ANY individual who doesn’t have acceptable health care according to government will be taxed 2.5% of income.
Pg 170 Lines 1-3 Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes (Americans will pay).
Pg 195 Officers & employees of HC Admin (GOVT) will have access to ALL Americans' financial and personal records.
Pg 203 Line 14-15 HC - “The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax.” Yes, it says that.
Pg 239 Line 14-24 HC Bill Government will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors, low income, poor affected.
Pg 241 Line 6-8 HC Bill - Doctors, it does not matter what specialty you have, you’ll all be paid the same.
Pg 253 Line 10-18 Government sets value of doctors' time, prof judg, etc. Literally value of humans.
Pg 265 Sec 1131Government mandates and controls productivity for private health care industries.
Pg 268 Sec 1141 Federal Government regulates rental and purchase of power-driven wheelchairs.
Pg 272 SEC. 1145. Treatment of certain cancer hospitals – Cancer patients - welcome to rationing!
(RJ-NOTE: Much cancer treatment will not work unless implemented early, but the waiting time just to see a specialist will likely be months when this plan is implemented. As you can see in this bill, the option of the health care bureaucrat is to deny treatment to those they deem not likely to be helped by it. Watch the cancer death rate skyrocket.)
Page 280 Sec 1151 The government will penalize hospitals for what government deems preventable readmissions. (Incentives for hospital to not treat and release.)
Pg 298 Lines 9-11 Doctors that treat a patient during initial admission that results in a readmission-Government will penalize you.
Pg 317 L 13-20 PROHIBITION on ownership/investment. Government tells Doctors what/how much they can own.
Pg 317-318 lines 21-25, 1-3 PROHIBITION on expansion- Government is mandating hospitals cannot expand.
pg 321 2-13 Hospitals have opportunity to apply for exception, BUT community input required. Can you say ACORN?!!
Pg335 L 16-25 Pg 336-339 - Government mandates establishment of outcome based measures. Health Care the way they want. Rationing.
Pg 341 Lines 3-9 Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Advantage Plans (Part B), HMOs, etc. Forcing people into Government plan.
Pg 354 Sec 1177 - Government will RESTRICT enrollment of special needs people!
Pg 379 Sec 1191 Government creates more bureaucracy – Tele-health Advisory Committee. Health care by phone/Internet?
Pg 425 Lines 4-12 Government mandates Advance [Death] Care Planning Consult. Think Senior Citizens end of life.
Pg 425 Lines 17-19 Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney. Mandatory!
Pg 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 Government provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in death.
Pg 427 Lines 15-24 Government mandates program for orders for end of life. The government has a say in how your life ends.
Pg 429 Lines 1-9 An “adv. care planning consult” will be used frequently as patient's health deteriorates.
Pg 429 Lines 10-12 “adv. care consultation” may include an ORDER for end of life plans. AN ORDER from Government.
Pg 429 Lines 13-25 - The government will specify which doctors can write an end of life order.
PG 430 Lines 11-15 The government will decide what level of treatment you will have at end of life.
(NOTE FROM RJ: The above really does give the government the authority to determine who lives and dies, and when. A government bureaucrat really will be making this decision for you and your loved ones.)
Pg 469 - Community Based Home Medical Services=Non-profit orgs. Hello, ACORN Medical Services here!!?
Pg 472 Lines 14-17 PAYMENT TO COMMUNITY-BASED ORG. 1 monthly payment to a community-based org. Like ACORN?
Pg 489 Sec 1308 The government will cover Marriage and Family therapy. They will insert government into your marriage.
Pg 494-498 Government will cover Mental Health Services including defining, creating, rationing those services.
PG 502 Sec 1181 Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research Established. – Hello Big Brother – Literally.
Pg 503 Lines 13-19 Government will build registries and data networks from YOUR electronic medical records.
Pg 503 lines 21-25 Government may secure data directly from any department or agency of the U.S., including your data.
Pg 504 Lines 6-10 The “Center” will collect data both published and unpublished (that means public and your private info).
PG 506 Lines 19-21 The Center will recommend policies that would allow for public access of data.
PG 518 Lines 21-25 The Commission will have input from Health Care consumer reps – Can you say unions and ACORN?
PG 524 18-22 Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund set up. More taxes for ALL.
PG 621 Lines 20-25 Government will define what quality means in health care. Since when does government know about quality?
Pg 622 Lines 2-9 To pay for the Quality Standards, government will transfer money from other government Trust Funds. More Taxes.
PG 624 “Quality” measures shall be designed to assess outcomes and functional status of patients.
PG 624 “Quality” measures shall be designed to profile you including race, age, gender, place of residence, etc.
Pg 628 Sec 1443 Government will give “Multi-Stake Holders” Pre-Rule Making input into Selection of “Quality” Measures.
Pg 630 9-24/631 1-9 Those multi-stake holder groups include unions and groups like ACORN deciding health care quality.
Pg 632 Lines 14-25 The Government may implement any “Quality measure” of health care services as they see fit.
PG 633 14-25/ 634 1-9 The Secretary may issue non-endorsed “Quality Measures” for Physician Services and Dialysis Services.
Pg 635 to 653 Physicians Payments Sunshine Provision – Government wants to shine sunlight on doctor but not government.
Pg 654-659 Public Reporting on Health Care-Associated Infections – Looks okay.
PG 660-671 Doctors in Residency – Government will tell you where your residency will be, thus where you’ll live.
Pg 676-686 Government will regulate hospitals in EVERY aspect of residency programs, including teaching hospitals.
Pg 686-700 Increased Funding to Fight Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. You mean like the government with an $18 million website?
(NOTE FROM RJ—Can you actually imagine empowering the government to fight waste, fraud, and abuse????)
PGs 701-704 Sec 1619 If your part of health care plan isn’t in Government Health Care Exchange but you qualify for Federal aid, no payment.
PG 705-709 SEC. 1128 If Secretary gets complaints (ACORN) on health care provider or supplier, government can do background check.
PG 711 Lines 8-14 The Secretary has broad powers to deny health care providers/ suppliers admittance into Health Care Exchange. Your doctor could be thrown out of business.
Pg 719-720 Sec 1637 ANY Doctor who orders durable medical equipment or home medical services MUST be enrolled in Medicare.
PG 722 Sec 1639 Government MANDATES doctors must have face-to-face with patient to certify patient for Home Health Services.
PG 724 23-25 PG 725 1-5 The same government certifications will apply to Medicaid and CHIP (your kids).
PG 724 Lines 16-22 Government reserves right to apply face-to-face certification for patient to ANY other health care service.
Pg 735 lines 16-25 For law enforcement, proposes the Secretary-HHS will give Attorney General access to ALL data.
PG 740-757 Government sets guidelines for subsidizing the uninsured (That's your tax dollars people).
Pg 757-762 Federal Government will shift burden of payments to Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) to States. (Taxes)
Pg 763 1-8 No DS/EA hospitals will be paid unless they provide services without regard to national origin.
Pg 765 Sec 1711 Government will require Preventative Services including vaccines. (Choice?)
Pg 768 Sec 1713 Government – Nurse Home Visitation Services (Hello union paybacks).
Pg 769 11-14 Nurse Home Visit Services include economic self-sufficiency, employ adv, school-readiness.
Pg 769 3-5 Nurse Home Visit Services - “increasing birth intervals between pregnancies.” Government ABORTIONS anyone?
Pg 770 SEC 1714 Federal Government mandates eligibility for State Family Planning Services. Abortion and State Sovereign.
(NOTE FROM RJ—Can you believe that in America you will be told how many children you can have, and when? Does this mean we can expect the government to impose mandatory abortions? How else can this be interpreted?)
Pg 789-797 Government will set, mandate drug prices, controlling which drugs brought to market. Bye innovation.
Pgs 797-800 SEC. 1744 PAYMENTS for graduate medical education. The government will now control doctors’ educations.
PG 801 Sec 1751 The government will decide which health care conditions will be paid. Say RATION!
Pg 810 SEC. 1759. Billing Agents, clearinghouses, etc. req. to register. Government takes over private payment system.
Pg 820-824 Sec 1801 Government will identify individuals ineligible for subsidies. Will access all personal financial information.
Pg 824-829 SEC. 1802. Government sets up Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund. Another tax black hole.
PG 829-833 Government will impose a fee on ALL private health insurance plans including self-insured to pay for Trust Fund!
PG 835 11-13 fees imposed by government for Trust Fund shall be treated as if they were taxes.
Pg 838-840 Government will design and implement Home Visitation Program for families with young kids and families expecting kids.
PG 844-845 This Home Visitation Program includes government coming into your house and telling you how to parent!!!
(NOTE FROM RJ—If you think this sounds like “Big Brother” actually coming into our homes, we really need to think about what comes after Big Brother. The scenario being set up by the government to control people through this, with the technology now available, is beyond what the science fiction horror works about this could conceive of.)
Pg 859 Government will establish a Public Health Fund at a cost of $88,800,000,000. Yes that’s billion.
Pg 865 The government will MANDATE the establishment of a National Health Service Corps.
PG 865 to 876 The NHS Corps is a program where doctors perform mandatory health care for two years for part loan repayment.
PG 876-892 The government takes over the education of our medical students and doctors.
PG 898 The government will establish a Public Health Workforce Corps to ensure supply of public health prof.
PG 898 The Public Health Workforce Corps shall consist of civilian employees of the U.S. as Secretary deems.
PG 898 The Public Health Workforce Corps shall consist of officers of Regular and Reserve Corps of Service.
PG 900 The Public Health Workforce Corps includes veterinarians.
PG 901 The Public Health Workforce Corps WILL include commissioned Regular and Reserve Officers. HC Draft?
PG 910 The government will develop, build, and run Public Health Training Centers.
PG 913-914 Government starts a health care affirmative action program thru guise of diversity scholarships.
PG 915 SEC. 2251. Government MANDDATES Cultural and linguistic competency training for health care professionals.
Pg 932 The Government will establish Preventative and Wellness Trust fund- initial cost of $30,800,000,000 billion.
PG 935 21-22 Government will identify specific goals & objectives for prevention & wellness activities. Control YOU!!
PG 936 Government will develop “Healthy People and National Public Health Performance Standards” Tell me what to eat?
(NOTE FROM RJ—This is no joke—the government will be able to actually mandate what you can eat or not eat. This could be helpful for some, but do we want the government doing it? What is the most fat and out of shape entity on the planet? The Federal Government. What kind of shape do you think the bureaucrats will be in who mandate such for everyone else?)
PG 942 Lines 22-25 More government? Offices of Surgeon General -Public Health Svc, Minority Health, Women’s Health
PG 950- 980 BIG GOVERNMENT core pub health infrastructure including workforce capacity, lab systems, health info sys, etc.
PG 993 Government will establish school based health clinics. Your kids won’t have a chance.
PG 994 School Based Health Clinic will be integrated into the school environment. Say government brainwash!
PG 1001 The government will establish a National Medical Device Registry. Will you be tracked?
Mathew D. Staver*
Founder and Chairman Dean and Professor of Law
Liberty Counsel Liberty University School of Law
Offices in Florida, Virginia and the District of Columbia, Lynchburg, Virginia
(800) 671-1776 - Telephone (434) 5... - Telephone
www.LC.org
www.law.liberty.edu
*Licensed in Florida and the District of Columbia
Now do you understand why we have to stand up today against this bill and declare with
all of the courageous souls who are sounding the alarm and let us say to the bill—
“YOU SHALL NOT PASS.”
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
+DEV+ A Sad Song in Captivity
Date: July 30, 2009 7:51 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Sad Song in Captivity
A Sad Song in Captivity
“Our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 137
God’s disobedient people had been taken captive to live in Babylon. Far from the land they loved, the Jews sat and wept. Their captors wanted to be entertained by lively Jewish music, but the captives just didn’t have the heart for it.
The Jews were a musical people, singing, dancing, playing instruments at weddings, feasts, holy days, and every kind of celebration. But when their enemies carried them away as captives, they took away their music. How could they sing when they were feeling so lost and alone?
Being out of fellowship with God is like being held a captive in a strange land. When we’re far from Him because of our sin, there’s no urge to sing. But when we confess our sins, God forgives us and cleanses us from all that has hurt our relationship with Him (see 1 John 1:9). He restores us to fellowship, bringing us close to Him, back where we belong.
A sad song in the captivity of sin or a joyful song in fellowship with Him—it’s up to each of us.
Insight: If we don’t feel like singing His praise, maybe we’re not close enough to the source of music.
Topic: +DEV+ A Sad Song in Captivity
A Sad Song in Captivity
“Our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:3-4)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 137
God’s disobedient people had been taken captive to live in Babylon. Far from the land they loved, the Jews sat and wept. Their captors wanted to be entertained by lively Jewish music, but the captives just didn’t have the heart for it.
The Jews were a musical people, singing, dancing, playing instruments at weddings, feasts, holy days, and every kind of celebration. But when their enemies carried them away as captives, they took away their music. How could they sing when they were feeling so lost and alone?
Being out of fellowship with God is like being held a captive in a strange land. When we’re far from Him because of our sin, there’s no urge to sing. But when we confess our sins, God forgives us and cleanses us from all that has hurt our relationship with Him (see 1 John 1:9). He restores us to fellowship, bringing us close to Him, back where we belong.
A sad song in the captivity of sin or a joyful song in fellowship with Him—it’s up to each of us.
Insight: If we don’t feel like singing His praise, maybe we’re not close enough to the source of music.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
+DEV+ A Song for All Nations
Date: July 29, 2009 9:34 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Song for All Nations
A Song for All Nations
“May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.” (Psalm 67:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 67
God chose the Jews to be His special people. He led them, protected them, blessed them, corrected them when they disobeyed, and performed amazing miracles on their behalf. They responded by praising Him and asking Him to let His blessings on them capture the attention of other nations—the Gentiles—and move them to praise Him also (Psalm 67).
We read of the Gentiles praising God because of what they saw Him doing for His people. Naaman was healed of leprosy after his wife’s Israelite maid suggested he appeal to the Jewish prophet Elisha. King Nebuchadnezzar praised the one true God after Daniel interpreted his dream. Rahab protected Israelites spies in Jericho because she had heard what God did for His people.
God deserves the praise of all people everywhere on earth. As Christians, our lives are to be living illustrations of His love and grace. When people look at us, do they praise God? Do our lives “sing” enough to make unbelievers “glad and sing for joy”?
Insight: People are watching all the time, forming opinions about God by what they see in those of us who say we know and love Him.
Topic: +DEV+ A Song for All Nations
A Song for All Nations
“May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.” (Psalm 67:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 67
God chose the Jews to be His special people. He led them, protected them, blessed them, corrected them when they disobeyed, and performed amazing miracles on their behalf. They responded by praising Him and asking Him to let His blessings on them capture the attention of other nations—the Gentiles—and move them to praise Him also (Psalm 67).
We read of the Gentiles praising God because of what they saw Him doing for His people. Naaman was healed of leprosy after his wife’s Israelite maid suggested he appeal to the Jewish prophet Elisha. King Nebuchadnezzar praised the one true God after Daniel interpreted his dream. Rahab protected Israelites spies in Jericho because she had heard what God did for His people.
God deserves the praise of all people everywhere on earth. As Christians, our lives are to be living illustrations of His love and grace. When people look at us, do they praise God? Do our lives “sing” enough to make unbelievers “glad and sing for joy”?
Insight: People are watching all the time, forming opinions about God by what they see in those of us who say we know and love Him.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
+DEV+ A Song of Security
Date: July 28, 2009 9:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Song of Security
A Song of Security
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:7-8)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 63:1-8
David was a man after God’s own heart, but he still had problems. In Psalm 63 he cried out to God for help and protections from his enemies. David, a strong warrior, was hiding from his enemies, outnumbered and in trouble, but not in despair. I imagine him singing softly to the Lord, perhaps under his breath so as not to give his position away to the enemy. He was building up his sense of security, reminding himself that nothing is impossible with God. Like a small child quietly singing “Jesus Loves Me” in bed at night to chase away imagined monsters, David needed to be reminded of God’s loving presence with him in a dark place.
David’s song may have been a whisper and even a little shaky, but it was definitely heart-felt. When we need God most, He is always there. David believed that
His song of security was an expression of his belief in God and a reminder to himself that God was with him all the time, in every situation.
Insight: We can sing in tight places because we know God is with us and hears our song. That’s security we can get nowhere else.
Topic: +DEV+ A Song of Security
A Song of Security
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:7-8)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 63:1-8
David was a man after God’s own heart, but he still had problems. In Psalm 63 he cried out to God for help and protections from his enemies. David, a strong warrior, was hiding from his enemies, outnumbered and in trouble, but not in despair. I imagine him singing softly to the Lord, perhaps under his breath so as not to give his position away to the enemy. He was building up his sense of security, reminding himself that nothing is impossible with God. Like a small child quietly singing “Jesus Loves Me” in bed at night to chase away imagined monsters, David needed to be reminded of God’s loving presence with him in a dark place.
David’s song may have been a whisper and even a little shaky, but it was definitely heart-felt. When we need God most, He is always there. David believed that
His song of security was an expression of his belief in God and a reminder to himself that God was with him all the time, in every situation.
Insight: We can sing in tight places because we know God is with us and hears our song. That’s security we can get nowhere else.
Monday, July 27, 2009
+DEV+ The Theme of My Song
Date: July 27, 2009 10:49 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Theme of My Song
The Theme of My Song
“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:54-56)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:171-175
Music seems to be everywhere we turn these days—car radios, elevators, restaurants, cell phones and computers. I’ve often seen people walking down the street, moving their lips and making facial contortions as if talking to themselves. Then I see the tiny ear device and realize they’re singing along with music only they can hear.
The most popular theme of music is love. I suppose we tend to sing about the things that are most important to us. The longest chapter in the Bible is a song of praise for God’s Word. The singer is overwhelmed and delighted by the promises and commands God has made available to him to read and study. God’s Words are the singer’s counselors, his truth, hope, comfort, guide, joy, and light. They are more precious than gold or silver. No wonder God’s Word is his favorite topic to sing about.
What is most important to you? Are you thinking, even singing about God and His Word?
Insight: The more we study God’s Word, the more reasons we find to sing. And the more we sing about Him, the more we want to study His Word.
Topic: +DEV+ The Theme of My Song
The Theme of My Song
“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:54-56)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:171-175
Music seems to be everywhere we turn these days—car radios, elevators, restaurants, cell phones and computers. I’ve often seen people walking down the street, moving their lips and making facial contortions as if talking to themselves. Then I see the tiny ear device and realize they’re singing along with music only they can hear.
The most popular theme of music is love. I suppose we tend to sing about the things that are most important to us. The longest chapter in the Bible is a song of praise for God’s Word. The singer is overwhelmed and delighted by the promises and commands God has made available to him to read and study. God’s Words are the singer’s counselors, his truth, hope, comfort, guide, joy, and light. They are more precious than gold or silver. No wonder God’s Word is his favorite topic to sing about.
What is most important to you? Are you thinking, even singing about God and His Word?
Insight: The more we study God’s Word, the more reasons we find to sing. And the more we sing about Him, the more we want to study His Word.
+DEV+ Night Songs
Date: July 27, 2009 12:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Night Songs
Night Songs
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:2, 8)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 77:1-12
It’s frustrating to go to bed exhausted, then be unable to get to sleep. Worrying about what tomorrow holds, obsessing over the details or mistakes of the day that has past, fear of the future—any or all of these can keep our eyes wide open and our mind focused on everything but sleep. Various remedies may or may not help—reading, drinking a glass of warm milk, watching TV, lying on the sofa, counting sheep.
Insomnia isn’t a new problem. Many psalms describe sleepless nights. Psalm 77 shows the would-be sleeper crying out to God for help, a much better solution than warm milk or counting sheep. “I will meditate on all your works,” he said, “and consider all your mighty deeds” (vs. 12). He knew that God is the only One who can truly solve our problems and give us peace. Job referred to God as the One who “gives songs in the night” (Job 35:10). As we turn to Him on those dark and lonely nights, He makes our hearts sing with praise that calms our hearts and soothes our minds.
Insight: When you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep. Talk to the shepherd‚ or better yet, sing to Him.
Topic: +DEV+ Night Songs
Night Songs
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:2, 8)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 77:1-12
It’s frustrating to go to bed exhausted, then be unable to get to sleep. Worrying about what tomorrow holds, obsessing over the details or mistakes of the day that has past, fear of the future—any or all of these can keep our eyes wide open and our mind focused on everything but sleep. Various remedies may or may not help—reading, drinking a glass of warm milk, watching TV, lying on the sofa, counting sheep.
Insomnia isn’t a new problem. Many psalms describe sleepless nights. Psalm 77 shows the would-be sleeper crying out to God for help, a much better solution than warm milk or counting sheep. “I will meditate on all your works,” he said, “and consider all your mighty deeds” (vs. 12). He knew that God is the only One who can truly solve our problems and give us peace. Job referred to God as the One who “gives songs in the night” (Job 35:10). As we turn to Him on those dark and lonely nights, He makes our hearts sing with praise that calms our hearts and soothes our minds.
Insight: When you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep. Talk to the shepherd‚ or better yet, sing to Him.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Euthanasia in Obama Heath Care Bill
Euthanasia in Obama Heath Care Bill...
Listen to the interview on the Fred Thompson radio show...
http://fetch.noxsolutions.com/ft/mp3/BetsyMcCaughey_071609.mp3
It's little wonder that Obama's approval rating is sinking daily! Read the below comments and make sure that you click to hear the interview by Fred Thompson of Betsy McCaughey!!!!
If this doesn't make your blood boil........... nothing will!!
Page 425 of Health Care Bill - Listen to this interview Fred Thompson's Radio Show interviewing Betsy McCaughey (pronounced Mc Coy). Or look it up on
On page 425 it says in black and white that EVERYONE on Social Security, (will include all Senior Citizens and SSI people) will go to MANDATORY counseling every 5 years to learn and to choose from ways to end your suffering (and your life). Health care will be denied based on age. 500 Billion will be cut from Seniors healthcare. The only way for that to happen is to drastically cut health care, the oldest and the sickest will be cut first. Paying for your own care will not be an option.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....
Now, CALL YOUR PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON! Tell them to read page 425 if they don't read anything else. Surely some of them have parents.
"ON PAGE 425 OF OBAMA’S HEALTH CARE BILL, the Federal Government will require EVERYONE who is on Social Security to undergo a counseling session every 5 years with the objective being that they will explain to them just how to end their own life earlier. Yes...They are going to push SUICIDE to cut medicare spending!"
(BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINE!)
Also, on pages 16 and 17 it spells out that you will not be able to keep your current health care plan and you will be forced to switch to the government mandated coverage (just the opposite of what you are being told by this administration).
Thursday, July 23, 2009
+DEV+ Sharing Our Story
Date: June 23, 2009 10:53 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Sharing Our Story
Sharing Our Story
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever” (Psalm 89:1-2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 145:1-13
I sat around a table of a missionary in Korea listening to a pastor from South Vietnam relate his story of faith, including God’s blessing, protection, and anointing of his ministry in a time of war. I hoped his story would be passed on to the next generation. The Vietnam conflict ended, Christians suffered greatly, yet their faith in Christ remained strong.
It is our responsibility and privilege to make known the story of God’s faithfulness. “But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever, your renown endures through all generations. . . . Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord” (Psalm 102:12, 18).
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another, they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:3-4).
We must be committed to telling our stories of God’s love and faithfulness, passing the torch to the next generation to carry it on.
Insight: “I love to tell the story; t’will be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”
Topic: +DEV+ Sharing Our Story
Sharing Our Story
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever” (Psalm 89:1-2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 145:1-13
I sat around a table of a missionary in Korea listening to a pastor from South Vietnam relate his story of faith, including God’s blessing, protection, and anointing of his ministry in a time of war. I hoped his story would be passed on to the next generation. The Vietnam conflict ended, Christians suffered greatly, yet their faith in Christ remained strong.
It is our responsibility and privilege to make known the story of God’s faithfulness. “But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever, your renown endures through all generations. . . . Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord” (Psalm 102:12, 18).
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another, they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:3-4).
We must be committed to telling our stories of God’s love and faithfulness, passing the torch to the next generation to carry it on.
Insight: “I love to tell the story; t’will be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
+DEV+ Join the Team!
Date: July 22, 2009 11:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Join the Team!
Join the Team!
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him (Mark 1:16-18).
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:16-28
I watched as the Salem Tigers baseball team practiced. One day the coach invited me to join the team. I was ready, off the bleachers and quickly onto the field! Years later, the senior pastor called me into his office and asked if my wife and I would like to be a part of the pastoral team. We were thrilled and eager, ready to go.
In Mark 1, Jesus began drawing His team together–ordinary men for an extraordinary mission. When He asked them to follow Him, He meant that He would disciple them and send them back into the world to be “fishers of men.”
Jesus calls us to evangelism and discipleship. It’s been the primary task and mission of the church, and that hasn’t changed. Simon and Andrew left “at once,” dropping their nets to follow Him. I had my glove and was ready to go when I got the chance to join a baseball team. And when Jesus called me to Himself, I was ready!
Nothing should keep us from responding “at once” when Jesus invites us to join His team!
Insight: The disciples were willing to give up their primary concerns for something much better. Release whatever holds you back and follow Him.
Topic: +DEV+ Join the Team!
Join the Team!
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him (Mark 1:16-18).
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:16-28
I watched as the Salem Tigers baseball team practiced. One day the coach invited me to join the team. I was ready, off the bleachers and quickly onto the field! Years later, the senior pastor called me into his office and asked if my wife and I would like to be a part of the pastoral team. We were thrilled and eager, ready to go.
In Mark 1, Jesus began drawing His team together–ordinary men for an extraordinary mission. When He asked them to follow Him, He meant that He would disciple them and send them back into the world to be “fishers of men.”
Jesus calls us to evangelism and discipleship. It’s been the primary task and mission of the church, and that hasn’t changed. Simon and Andrew left “at once,” dropping their nets to follow Him. I had my glove and was ready to go when I got the chance to join a baseball team. And when Jesus called me to Himself, I was ready!
Nothing should keep us from responding “at once” when Jesus invites us to join His team!
Insight: The disciples were willing to give up their primary concerns for something much better. Release whatever holds you back and follow Him.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
+DEV+ Come Higher!
Date: July 21, 2009 10:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Come Higher!
Come Higher!
“And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this’” (Revelation 4:1).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 4:1-11
During the war in Southeast Asia, missionaries were evacuated back to the United States for safety reasons. My church’s college class was taught by one of those outstanding men, strong in faith and committed to Christ.
Though far from his chosen mission field, he continued to serve the Lord where he was. For months we sat spellbound, soaking up God’s truth as he taught from Revelation. The teaching came alive and created within each of us the hope of heaven. Our teacher emphasized that the world was not spinning out of control in Revelation. Rather, God was (and is) on His throne, orchestrating all the events recorded by John.
He taught us to live in obedience to Christ and get above the ruts of life.
Jesus’ invitation was to “come up here.” How can we do that? By growing continually in the grace and knowledge of Christ and living for Him in all we do and say. What I learned all those years ago is more applicable and valuable to me today than ever.
Insight: My growth as a Christian can be measured by how much insight I have for what pleases God and how I accomplish it.
Topic: +DEV+ Come Higher!
Come Higher!
“And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this’” (Revelation 4:1).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 4:1-11
During the war in Southeast Asia, missionaries were evacuated back to the United States for safety reasons. My church’s college class was taught by one of those outstanding men, strong in faith and committed to Christ.
Though far from his chosen mission field, he continued to serve the Lord where he was. For months we sat spellbound, soaking up God’s truth as he taught from Revelation. The teaching came alive and created within each of us the hope of heaven. Our teacher emphasized that the world was not spinning out of control in Revelation. Rather, God was (and is) on His throne, orchestrating all the events recorded by John.
He taught us to live in obedience to Christ and get above the ruts of life.
Jesus’ invitation was to “come up here.” How can we do that? By growing continually in the grace and knowledge of Christ and living for Him in all we do and say. What I learned all those years ago is more applicable and valuable to me today than ever.
Insight: My growth as a Christian can be measured by how much insight I have for what pleases God and how I accomplish it.
Monday, July 20, 2009
+DEV+ Christ, the Son of God
Date: July 20, 2009 9:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Christ, the Son of God
Christ, the Son of God
“‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:13, 15-16).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 16:1-16
It’s the most important question each of us must answer from Jesus: “Who do you say I am?” Peter responded to that question by declaring that Jesus was the promised and long-awaited Messiah. Our answer to that question determines our eternal destiny.
With all the issues facing us as a society, we need Jesus more than ever. As a nation we are economically and militarily strong, but morally corrupt. Unchecked evil in the hearts of people brings into focus the darkness of our world without God, without hope apart from the divine intervention of Jesus. The apostle Paul reminds us that “all have sinned,” and are in need of a Savior. (Romans 3:23) Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, is that Savior. God sent His Son to be His light in a dark world to deliver men and women from sin.
Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” No sinner is beyond the reach of His saving grace and power. How do you answer His question: “Who do you say I am?”
Insight: Jesus didn’t come just to offer us a better life or help us be better people. He came to offer salvation, deliverance from sin, and eternal life.
Topic: +DEV+ Christ, the Son of God
Christ, the Son of God
“‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:13, 15-16).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 16:1-16
It’s the most important question each of us must answer from Jesus: “Who do you say I am?” Peter responded to that question by declaring that Jesus was the promised and long-awaited Messiah. Our answer to that question determines our eternal destiny.
With all the issues facing us as a society, we need Jesus more than ever. As a nation we are economically and militarily strong, but morally corrupt. Unchecked evil in the hearts of people brings into focus the darkness of our world without God, without hope apart from the divine intervention of Jesus. The apostle Paul reminds us that “all have sinned,” and are in need of a Savior. (Romans 3:23) Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, is that Savior. God sent His Son to be His light in a dark world to deliver men and women from sin.
Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” No sinner is beyond the reach of His saving grace and power. How do you answer His question: “Who do you say I am?”
Insight: Jesus didn’t come just to offer us a better life or help us be better people. He came to offer salvation, deliverance from sin, and eternal life.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
+DEV+ Through It All
Date: July 19, 2009 10:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Through It All
Through It All
“You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:11-12).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 66:1-12
I met an agent in a coffee shop and listened for over an hour to his story of heartache, evil, suffering, and destruction. He had been involved in an investigation of several terrorist acts and his spirit was deeply grieved. He’d had enough “fire and water.” Where was God in all of this?
Trials refine our character, but they are tough to go through. Now and then we can skirt tough issues; more often we take a trip through them, but God is with us. The psalmist leads us into praise relating to God’s glory, faithfulness and protection (Psalm 66). The apostle Paul told of his own experience in finding that God’s grace is sufficient, more than adequate to deal with any kind of trouble (2 Corinthians 12:9). David said, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
The pain of grief, disappointment, loss, or failure wears us down. But God is there with us through it all. In that coffee shop, we prayed, assured that God was present.
Insight: Its God’s promise of His presence, His strength in weakness, and His friendship when we’re lonely that offers the daily hope we need.
Topic: +DEV+ Through It All
Through It All
“You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:11-12).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 66:1-12
I met an agent in a coffee shop and listened for over an hour to his story of heartache, evil, suffering, and destruction. He had been involved in an investigation of several terrorist acts and his spirit was deeply grieved. He’d had enough “fire and water.” Where was God in all of this?
Trials refine our character, but they are tough to go through. Now and then we can skirt tough issues; more often we take a trip through them, but God is with us. The psalmist leads us into praise relating to God’s glory, faithfulness and protection (Psalm 66). The apostle Paul told of his own experience in finding that God’s grace is sufficient, more than adequate to deal with any kind of trouble (2 Corinthians 12:9). David said, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
The pain of grief, disappointment, loss, or failure wears us down. But God is there with us through it all. In that coffee shop, we prayed, assured that God was present.
Insight: Its God’s promise of His presence, His strength in weakness, and His friendship when we’re lonely that offers the daily hope we need.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
+DEV+ Presence and Protection
Date: July 16, 2009 9:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Presence and Protection
Presence and Protection
“‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 54:9-17
Part of my responsibility as a pastor is to visit patients who are hospitalized in isolation due to infection in their bodies. The warnings are real, and I take them seriously, wearing a mask, gloves, and gown to protect the patient and me from transmitting or receiving germs.
The history of Israel records the continuous battles they lived through. God raised up various nations such as Assyria and Babylonia to punish them because of their sin and rebellion. At the same time, God’s prophet Isaiah affirmed His compassion toward His people and His protection of them over their enemies.
The time will come when enemies will not be allowed to attack God’s servants. As we approach the end of the age, evil will increase, but so will the outpouring of God’s Spirit. In the darkness of evil, the brightness of His Son will be seen.
God’s protection comes in the assurance of His presence as He reminds us, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Insight: God promises to be with us in deep water, dark valleys, even the heat of fire. In our greatest times of need, God is never indifferent.
Topic: +DEV+ Presence and Protection
Presence and Protection
“‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 54:9-17
Part of my responsibility as a pastor is to visit patients who are hospitalized in isolation due to infection in their bodies. The warnings are real, and I take them seriously, wearing a mask, gloves, and gown to protect the patient and me from transmitting or receiving germs.
The history of Israel records the continuous battles they lived through. God raised up various nations such as Assyria and Babylonia to punish them because of their sin and rebellion. At the same time, God’s prophet Isaiah affirmed His compassion toward His people and His protection of them over their enemies.
The time will come when enemies will not be allowed to attack God’s servants. As we approach the end of the age, evil will increase, but so will the outpouring of God’s Spirit. In the darkness of evil, the brightness of His Son will be seen.
God’s protection comes in the assurance of His presence as He reminds us, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Insight: God promises to be with us in deep water, dark valleys, even the heat of fire. In our greatest times of need, God is never indifferent.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
+DEV+ Manual for Life
Date: July 15, 2009 10:25 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Manual for Life
Manual for Life
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).
Scripture Focus: 2 John
Over my years of ministry work, I’ve read manuals that give directions for crisis intervention, national emergencies, peer support, and stress management. The information has kept me focused in times of emergency.
God has provided His children with His manual for life. His intent is for us to follow, consistently study, memorize, and apply His timely truth to daily living. His Word keeps us focused on Him, His plan for our lives, and how to accomplish it. The manual also includes warnings about the need to be alert to false teachings that propagate information that will lead us away from God.
The word “continues,” often used in Scripture, carries with it the ideas of remaining, dwelling, abiding, enduring, and persevering. God wants us to “continue” in His Word, taking the fundamentals of our faith and hiding them deep in our hearts. This kind of commitment to God’s manual for life will help counter the false teaching all around us. God’s truth can be relied on.
Insight: The goal of daily commitment for Christians is to walk in truth, obey God, watch out for deceivers, and love God and each other.
Topic: +DEV+ Manual for Life
Manual for Life
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).
Scripture Focus: 2 John
Over my years of ministry work, I’ve read manuals that give directions for crisis intervention, national emergencies, peer support, and stress management. The information has kept me focused in times of emergency.
God has provided His children with His manual for life. His intent is for us to follow, consistently study, memorize, and apply His timely truth to daily living. His Word keeps us focused on Him, His plan for our lives, and how to accomplish it. The manual also includes warnings about the need to be alert to false teachings that propagate information that will lead us away from God.
The word “continues,” often used in Scripture, carries with it the ideas of remaining, dwelling, abiding, enduring, and persevering. God wants us to “continue” in His Word, taking the fundamentals of our faith and hiding them deep in our hearts. This kind of commitment to God’s manual for life will help counter the false teaching all around us. God’s truth can be relied on.
Insight: The goal of daily commitment for Christians is to walk in truth, obey God, watch out for deceivers, and love God and each other.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
+DEV+ A Time of Peace
Date: July 14, 2009 11:36 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Time of Peace
A Time of Peace
And Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. Asa his son succeeded
him as king, and in his days the country was at peace for ten years (2 Chronicles 14:1-2).
Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 14:1-11
Having been stationed in Korea, I can say that it was a very peaceful place for the most part. But from time to time we went through typhoons, violent storms that swept around the country. Before the storm hit, it would be peaceful. We used that time to prepare for the coming storm.
King Asa honored God by destroying pagan shrines. The result was peace for his kingdom. He built and fortified his kingdom, preparing for what he knew would be eventual battle with the enemy. When a major threat developed from Zerah, Asa knew how to handle it. He appealed to God for help: “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army” (2 Chronicles 14:11).
When we face turmoil and crisis it’s vital for our spiritual survival that we use the times of peace to prepare for the inevitable storms. Be prepared for whatever comes as Asa was; turn it all over to God and trust Him to see you through.
Insight: Times of peace are not just for resting, but for preparing for times of trouble by deepening our faith and commitment in our heavenly Father.
Topic: +DEV+ A Time of Peace
A Time of Peace
And Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. Asa his son succeeded
him as king, and in his days the country was at peace for ten years (2 Chronicles 14:1-2).
Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 14:1-11
Having been stationed in Korea, I can say that it was a very peaceful place for the most part. But from time to time we went through typhoons, violent storms that swept around the country. Before the storm hit, it would be peaceful. We used that time to prepare for the coming storm.
King Asa honored God by destroying pagan shrines. The result was peace for his kingdom. He built and fortified his kingdom, preparing for what he knew would be eventual battle with the enemy. When a major threat developed from Zerah, Asa knew how to handle it. He appealed to God for help: “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army” (2 Chronicles 14:11).
When we face turmoil and crisis it’s vital for our spiritual survival that we use the times of peace to prepare for the inevitable storms. Be prepared for whatever comes as Asa was; turn it all over to God and trust Him to see you through.
Insight: Times of peace are not just for resting, but for preparing for times of trouble by deepening our faith and commitment in our heavenly Father.
Monday, July 13, 2009
+DEV+ Praying with Persistence
Date: July 9, 2009 10:04 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Praying with Persistence
Praying with Persistence
"I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9).
Scripture Focus: Luke 11:1-13
Much of my life is spent listening to people and trying to help them with desperate needs. In such times God invites us to be persistent in prayer.
In Luke 11, a friend goes to a neighbor at midnight asking for bread, knowing that persistent knocking will awaken the household. Friendship alone isn't enough to get the neighbor up, but persistence is. The friend has an urgent need.
At four and a half months old, my little granddaughter was facing open-heart surgery. Many people prayed for her. Through the five-hour drive to the hospital, through the hours of surgery, and throughout her stay in the hospital, I persistently prayed for her. It was a time of great need, but even more, a time for God to be honored through her life, whatever the outcome. We all went to God out of our insufficiency and poverty, having no place else to go. We knew He cared.
God rewarded our persistence; this year she will celebrate her eighth birthday.
Insight: God encourages us to never give up! Like beggars, we ask out of the painful condition of our brokenness and poverty. And He answers.
Topic: +DEV+ Praying with Persistence
Praying with Persistence
"I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9).
Scripture Focus: Luke 11:1-13
Much of my life is spent listening to people and trying to help them with desperate needs. In such times God invites us to be persistent in prayer.
In Luke 11, a friend goes to a neighbor at midnight asking for bread, knowing that persistent knocking will awaken the household. Friendship alone isn't enough to get the neighbor up, but persistence is. The friend has an urgent need.
At four and a half months old, my little granddaughter was facing open-heart surgery. Many people prayed for her. Through the five-hour drive to the hospital, through the hours of surgery, and throughout her stay in the hospital, I persistently prayed for her. It was a time of great need, but even more, a time for God to be honored through her life, whatever the outcome. We all went to God out of our insufficiency and poverty, having no place else to go. We knew He cared.
God rewarded our persistence; this year she will celebrate her eighth birthday.
Insight: God encourages us to never give up! Like beggars, we ask out of the painful condition of our brokenness and poverty. And He answers.
+DEV+ Ready for the Harvest
Date: July 13, 2009 8:46 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Ready for the Harvest
Ready for the Harvest
“He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2).
Scripture Focus: Luke 10:1-12
We live in Missouri and love harvest time. It’s a beautiful time of year, but limited by weather changes. If crops are not harvested in time, they will be ruined and lost.
In my own heart, the challenge of the spiritual harvest and God’s call to be part of it has been a life-long passion. Jesus instilled His vision to reach people in His disciples, teaching them that their first priority was to mobilize people in prayer for workers willing to go. Such prayer participates in the fulfillment of God’s plans and doesn’t let any of us off the hook. Spreading the Gospel is not an easy assignment. History records the difficulty of serving Christ. We need all the prayer we can get!
Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority, then sent them out to preach the kingdom of God (Luke 9:1-2). He calls us too and gives us power for the task of harvesting souls for Him. He continues to do His powerful work of love and grace throughout this world, and we are privileged to be a part of it.
Insight: In Christian service there is no unemployment. God has enough work for all of us to be busy continually helping with the harvest.
Topic: +DEV+ Ready for the Harvest
Ready for the Harvest
“He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2).
Scripture Focus: Luke 10:1-12
We live in Missouri and love harvest time. It’s a beautiful time of year, but limited by weather changes. If crops are not harvested in time, they will be ruined and lost.
In my own heart, the challenge of the spiritual harvest and God’s call to be part of it has been a life-long passion. Jesus instilled His vision to reach people in His disciples, teaching them that their first priority was to mobilize people in prayer for workers willing to go. Such prayer participates in the fulfillment of God’s plans and doesn’t let any of us off the hook. Spreading the Gospel is not an easy assignment. History records the difficulty of serving Christ. We need all the prayer we can get!
Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority, then sent them out to preach the kingdom of God (Luke 9:1-2). He calls us too and gives us power for the task of harvesting souls for Him. He continues to do His powerful work of love and grace throughout this world, and we are privileged to be a part of it.
Insight: In Christian service there is no unemployment. God has enough work for all of us to be busy continually helping with the harvest.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
+DEV+ Praying with Persistence
Date: July 9, 2009 10:04 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Praying with Persistence
Praying with Persistence
"I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9).
Scripture Focus: Luke 11:1-13
Much of my life is spent listening to people and trying to help them with desperate needs. In such times God invites us to be persistent in prayer.
In Luke 11, a friend goes to a neighbor at midnight asking for bread, knowing that persistent knocking will awaken the household. Friendship alone isn't enough to get the neighbor up, but persistence is. The friend has an urgent need.
At four and a half months old, my little granddaughter was facing open-heart surgery. Many people prayed for her. Through the five-hour drive to the hospital, through the hours of surgery, and throughout her stay in the hospital, I persistently prayed for her. It was a time of great need, but even more, a time for God to be honored through her life, whatever the outcome. We all went to God out of our insufficiency and poverty, having no place else to go. We knew He cared.
God rewarded our persistence; this year she will celebrate her eighth birthday.
Insight: God encourages us to never give up! Like beggars, we ask out of the painful condition of our brokenness and poverty. And He answers.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
+DEV+ Face to Face
Date: July 8, 2009 8:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Face to Face
Face to Face
“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt” (Deut. 34:10-11).
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
God changed Moses the stuttering shepherd into a powerful speaker and national leader. His success story serves as an example to us that our past failures don’t have to doom our chances to be Jesus’ servants. God and Moses had a face-to-face encounter with clear instructions from God so there would be no misunderstanding.
Jesus calls us to follow Him as He did with Andrew and Simon, Philip and Nathanael, and the other disciples. They saw Him physically face to face; we see Him spiritually face to face in His written Word. We don’t become instant, mature believers when we respond to Him any more than the disciples did. Like them, we grow in our faith day by day. Jesus told His disciples to love each other as He loved them (John 13). He wasn’t talking about warm, fuzzy love, but love in action. That kind of love doesn’t magically appear in a Christian’s life immediately. But as we follow and obey Jesus, His love in us grows and those around us see evidence of our genuine Christlikeness.
Insight: Sharing our faith in Jesus is still the central mission for His people, demonstrating that we are devoted to a Person, not a cause.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
+DEV+ Sovereign!
Date: July 7, 2009 10:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Sovereign!
Sovereign!
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come, the Almighty.’” (Revelation 1:8).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 1:1-20
Pastoral ministry to pastors and hospital patients can be tough: deaths, hard questions, rejection, troubles with their families. After a particularly tough week I came across the words of John in Revelation 1, also written during tough times. I was reminded that Christ is sovereign. There is nothing outside His knowledge, no unknown factors that can sabotage my faith. The Almighty stands supreme over all the uncertainties and traumatic events in the world. As He has done before, He simply says, “Do not be afraid” (Revelation 1:17).
As we confront the severity of life with all its fragile issues, we can turn to Jesus. He has set us free from the control of sin; He restores us, and will resurrect us to eternal life someday. Jesus has His hand on me, giving me inexpressible peace and comfort and the strength to press on. There is nothing better than the confidence that I am being held by Him and underneath are His everlasting arms. I know my sovereign God is in control.
Insight: It’s significant to fall before Him, but also to be raised up by Him, renewed and refreshed for whatever is ahead.
Monday, July 6, 2009
+DEV+ Living Spiritually Strong
Date: July 6, 2009 8:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Living Spiritually Strong
Living Spiritually Strong
“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.” (Jonah 2:8-9).
Scripture Focus: Jonah 2:1-10
Nineveh was a very important city that was soon to become the capital of the Assyrian empire. Jonah, who despised the powerful and wicked empire, was called by God to warn the Assyrians that they would receive judgment if they did not repent. He didn’t want the assignment, so he ran from God. But God has ways of teaching us to obey and follow Him. He got Jonah’s attention through a storm and kept his attention in the belly of a fish.
I’m intrigued by Jonah’s prayer, especially his final words: “Salvation comes from the Lord.” It was a prayer of thanksgiving and affirmation of God’s faithfulness and availability, even in Jonah’s failure. He realized that nothing could separate one of God’s own from Himself and no situation could prevent a sincere prayer from being heard by God. Jonah gave in and admitted where his salvation came from.
The experience taught him to trust God and live spiritually strong. When we know what God wants us to do, we need to obey, not run. He will have the final word!
Insight: God wants more than an up-and-down spiritual life for us. Look to God at all times and live spiritually strong.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
+DEV+ Foundations of Our Faith
Date: July 5, 2009 9:52 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Foundations of Our Faith
Foundations of Our Faith
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for . . . the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness–a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life . . .” (Titus 1:1-2).
Scripture Focus: Titus 1:1-10
A pastoral colleague and I were sharing our history, discussing how we have lived through many decades of “movements” that God has allowed: popular preachers who have developed a following; tremendous changes in worship styles; authors promoting pop-theology and psychobabble.
When it’s all said and done, the only important thing is our confidence in the finished work of Jesus Christ, sent by God. Paul’s letter to Titus declares that he is a servant and apostle, one committed to obeying God and declaring the Good News. His commitment was also to the truth of the Gospel, showing people how to live godly lives.
I believe that God is truth and, thus, the source of all truth. In this age of skepticism, disillusionment, and despair, the answer for sinful mankind is the salvation that was determined and decreed before man was even created. God, in eternity past, planned for our redemption today. That’s the foundation of my faith, as it was Paul’s. And “God’s solid foundation stands firm” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Insight: God’s desire for His church is that the common clay of our humanity may be saturated with the deity of Christ to serve Him.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
+DEV+ Sacred Ground
Date: July 2, 2009 10:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Sacred Ground
Sacred Ground
“Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,’ he said. ‘Peace! Be strong now; be strong.’ When he spoke to me, I was strengthened” (Daniel 10:18-19).
Scripture Focus: Daniel 10:1-19
The description of Daniel’s personal encounter with God sends chills through my body. In the heat of battle between good and evil, we see Daniel divinely strengthened. In his final vision, Daniel was given further insight into the great spiritual battle between God’s people and those who want to destroy them.
It was frightening for Daniel in his day, and still frightening in the times we’re living in today. But as God ministered to and empowered Daniel, restoring his strength, He brings peace to us in trouble and strength in our weakness.
We are surrounded by war, terror, political evil, and world-wide trauma. We shudder every time we pick up a newspaper and read about more trouble, even in the cities and towns of our own country. Worry doesn’t help; losing sleep only makes things worse. The message to Daniel was, “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” Jesus said to His disciples and to you and me, “Peace be with you” (John 20:21). Accept His offer now and rest easy.
Insight: Christ is not just the maintainer of the status quo; He is God’s divine answer to the entire human dilemma.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
+DEV+ No Longer Thirsty
Date: July 1, 2009 9:46 PM
Topic: +DEV+ No Longer Thirsty
No Longer Thirsty
“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
Scripture Focus: John 4:4-15
I was called to the district counseling office to meet with a pastor who was burned out and ready to quit. We sat quietly until he finally spoke, asking for water. Finally, refreshed by a cold drink, we began to deal with his issues and eventually got to a place of prayer. I asked for God’s refreshing touch upon the man’s life.
In the Bible story of the woman at the well, the Samaritan was a woman of mixed heritage with a bad reputation. No Jewish man would talk to her, but Jesus didn’t let that stop Him from engaging her in conversation.
The story reminds us that the Gospel is for every person, no matter what race, social status, or sinful past. Like Jesus, we are called to cross barriers as we follow Him, prepared to offer the Gospel to anyone, anytime, in any place.
My academy friend offered himself to Jesus, drinking deeply of His love, strength, wisdom, and care. He found the strength to keep going and enter the world of law enforcement.
Insight: Jesus, the fountain of life, brings living water that can forever quench a person’s thirst for God.
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