Check out this video -- about four minutes. AMAZING!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Labor Day in the USA
It is Labor Day here in the U.S. and many of us are enjoying time with family, cooking out, and having that last hoorah before the Fall and cooler weather. While the topic of Labor Unions is one which stirs up debate and disagreement, there can be no argument that Labor once had a significant function in making employment in this country more humane and more profitable. But as history has shown again and again, there has been a paradigm shift and Big Labor has been slow to realize the change. The American public will no longer tolerate large salaries and benefits for government labor employees when they themselves make so much less than the union worker.
There is a much more serious problem which our government policies seem to enhance -- unemployment. The politicians argue over the what the actual percentage is while millions are out of work, can't pay their mortgage, utilities, and in many cases, put food on the table at home. Federal government regulations and tax laws are stuffing it to those who can actually create jobs for people - small businesses across the land. The deadlock in Congress between those who want to cut spending and release business to act, and those who want to empower the Federal Government to spend more money on construction and infrastructure projects, is not going away anytime soon.
You and I need to follow the principles from 1 Timothy 2 and pray for our leaders asking God to give them a solution to our economic woes -- of which, employment is just one piece.
Collect for Labor Day
Almighty God, who hast so linked our lives with one another that all we do affecteth, for good or for ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and as we seek a proper return for own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
There is a much more serious problem which our government policies seem to enhance -- unemployment. The politicians argue over the what the actual percentage is while millions are out of work, can't pay their mortgage, utilities, and in many cases, put food on the table at home. Federal government regulations and tax laws are stuffing it to those who can actually create jobs for people - small businesses across the land. The deadlock in Congress between those who want to cut spending and release business to act, and those who want to empower the Federal Government to spend more money on construction and infrastructure projects, is not going away anytime soon.
You and I need to follow the principles from 1 Timothy 2 and pray for our leaders asking God to give them a solution to our economic woes -- of which, employment is just one piece.
Collect for Labor Day
Almighty God, who hast so linked our lives with one another that all we do affecteth, for good or for ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and as we seek a proper return for own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Daniel Thornton
I passed a little church today on Howell Mill Road in northside Atlanta called North Park Baptist Church. I immediately had a flashback of some 30+ years ago when I was a Young Life leader while in college. I was leading a team of volunteer leaders at what was then Northside High School.
Daniel Thornton, one of our leaders, invited me to start praying on Monday nights for the kids at the high school. We received permission to use the little church and we would gather and fall on our needs, pleading for the Lord to invade the lives of teenagers in the high school. Those kids we knew by name, we would call before the Lord asking Him to draw them to Himself. Hours would go by like minutes as we were lost in the Throne Room of Heaven with our Lord. Much spiritual fruit came from those sessions.
I lost touch with Daniel soon thereafer. I can't remember why. Maybe he moved. Maybe I moved. And today I have no idea where he is or if he is still on earth. But I will always be thankful for that Pentecostal brother who taught me how to go boldly into the Throne Room of God on behalf of others. (Hebrews 4:16).
What a delightful memory the Lord brought back to me today!!
Daniel Thornton, one of our leaders, invited me to start praying on Monday nights for the kids at the high school. We received permission to use the little church and we would gather and fall on our needs, pleading for the Lord to invade the lives of teenagers in the high school. Those kids we knew by name, we would call before the Lord asking Him to draw them to Himself. Hours would go by like minutes as we were lost in the Throne Room of Heaven with our Lord. Much spiritual fruit came from those sessions.
I lost touch with Daniel soon thereafer. I can't remember why. Maybe he moved. Maybe I moved. And today I have no idea where he is or if he is still on earth. But I will always be thankful for that Pentecostal brother who taught me how to go boldly into the Throne Room of God on behalf of others. (Hebrews 4:16).
What a delightful memory the Lord brought back to me today!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Kentucky Road Trip
I just returned from a road-trip to Kentucky visiting clergy and congregations. It was a delight to see and hear what the Lord is doing in and through the people where I visited.
I visited with Fr. Chris Larimer, rector of Holy Apostles, Elizabethtown, and members of his congregation. Met with the vestry and had dinner with member of the congregation. Chris is also driving up to Louisville a couple of times a month to hold services for folks who live there.
During the afternoon, I met with the clergy of the Kentucky churches. We did some sharing; I taught on Leadership using Philippians 2; and we had a good time of prayer and fellowship.
I was able to go to Wilmore, Kentucky, the home of Asbury Seminary, a center of evangelical Methodism. I met with some members of the Wilmore Anglican Fellowship answering some of their questions about the diocese, and seeing how we can help them take it to the next level. During this time I was able to meet with the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Asbury Seminary. They have begun to offer an Anglican track and planning to start an An Anglican House in Wilmore.
I also visited with the clergy of St. Andrew's, Versailles, an exciting congregation under the leadership of David Brannon. I was able meet with members of their congregation at a desert gathering, answering questions and sharing spiritual vision. We also shared lunch with the leadership of the parish hearing their vision for growing the church and planting a church in Frankfort, the State Capitol.
The last night I shared dinner with members of Apostles, Lexington. I shared my testimony and my story into Anglicanism, and fielded questions they had about the Anglican Diocese of the South. They are considering becoming members of the diocese.
Great visit to Kentucky. The Lord was surely present and His Word proclaimed.
I visited with Fr. Chris Larimer, rector of Holy Apostles, Elizabethtown, and members of his congregation. Met with the vestry and had dinner with member of the congregation. Chris is also driving up to Louisville a couple of times a month to hold services for folks who live there.
During the afternoon, I met with the clergy of the Kentucky churches. We did some sharing; I taught on Leadership using Philippians 2; and we had a good time of prayer and fellowship.
I was able to go to Wilmore, Kentucky, the home of Asbury Seminary, a center of evangelical Methodism. I met with some members of the Wilmore Anglican Fellowship answering some of their questions about the diocese, and seeing how we can help them take it to the next level. During this time I was able to meet with the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Asbury Seminary. They have begun to offer an Anglican track and planning to start an An Anglican House in Wilmore.
I also visited with the clergy of St. Andrew's, Versailles, an exciting congregation under the leadership of David Brannon. I was able meet with members of their congregation at a desert gathering, answering questions and sharing spiritual vision. We also shared lunch with the leadership of the parish hearing their vision for growing the church and planting a church in Frankfort, the State Capitol.
The last night I shared dinner with members of Apostles, Lexington. I shared my testimony and my story into Anglicanism, and fielded questions they had about the Anglican Diocese of the South. They are considering becoming members of the diocese.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Four Horseman -- Revelation 6:1-8
John is in the Heavenly Throne Room seeing the future eschatological event when the Lamb opens the first four seals. He gives us a picture of four horsemen.
The first is on a white horse and refers to Jesus (late in Revelation he is also on a white horse - Rev.19). White is symbolic of righteousness, crowns, and victories by Christ. If this is true, then before the other horsemen ride, the white horse will ride and attempt to reach the nations with the Gospel. Chapter 7 tells us that he succeeds with the multitudes of those who have been redeemed.
The second rider is on a fiery red horse. This symbolizes bloodshed and those who be killed by the sword or other violent means.
The third rider is on a black horse. The black horse symbolizes famine as food supplies are cut off. People are willing to give "a day's wages for a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley."
The fourth rider is on a green horse. The green symbolizes death. With bloodshed and famine, death will dominate.
Sure makes one grateful to know the Lord Jesus and be one of the redeemed. To all who come to him in faith and repentance, he will give forgiveness and eternal life. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. not by works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9).
The first is on a white horse and refers to Jesus (late in Revelation he is also on a white horse - Rev.19). White is symbolic of righteousness, crowns, and victories by Christ. If this is true, then before the other horsemen ride, the white horse will ride and attempt to reach the nations with the Gospel. Chapter 7 tells us that he succeeds with the multitudes of those who have been redeemed.
The second rider is on a fiery red horse. This symbolizes bloodshed and those who be killed by the sword or other violent means.
The third rider is on a black horse. The black horse symbolizes famine as food supplies are cut off. People are willing to give "a day's wages for a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley."
The fourth rider is on a green horse. The green symbolizes death. With bloodshed and famine, death will dominate.
Sure makes one grateful to know the Lord Jesus and be one of the redeemed. To all who come to him in faith and repentance, he will give forgiveness and eternal life. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. not by works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Church of the Redeemer, Chattanooga
We had a great day today at Church of the Redeemer in Chattanooga. It was a wonderful time with the people of the Redeemer, and their rector Tom Waddell. Confirmations and Receptions of new Members. The whole congregation Reaffirmed their commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. Truly amazing. We shared a terrific and tasty lunch after the service.
Let's keep this Body of the Faithful in our prayers for God to use them to reach Chattanooga for Christ.
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| Allison, me, Linda and Tom Waddell |
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| Confirming New Member of the Church |
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Bishop's Chaplain
A priest sent me this from cartoonchurch.com. Thought is was fairly humorous....
Friday, August 5, 2011
Andrew Young on MLK, Jr
Most people today see Martin Luther King, Jr. as the prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. They forget that he was a Christian, a pastor, and a deep thinker. Although he struggled to live the holy life God calls a man of God to live, he created a movement rooted in Christian faith and principle.
His sermons, articles, and prayers are truly inspirational. Here is a quote I had not seen before.
Andrew Young says that Martin (his mentor) would often say: Everybody's going to die. And nobody can decide when they die, or how they die. The only choice you have is what you die for. And you have to begin living for what you going to die for, because it is so easy to die for nothing.
Now those are some words to reflect on!
His sermons, articles, and prayers are truly inspirational. Here is a quote I had not seen before.
Andrew Young says that Martin (his mentor) would often say: Everybody's going to die. And nobody can decide when they die, or how they die. The only choice you have is what you die for. And you have to begin living for what you going to die for, because it is so easy to die for nothing.
Now those are some words to reflect on!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Congress Needs Our Prayers
If there be a God who hears prayer --- as we believe there is --- we submit, that there never was a deliberate body which so needed the fervent prayers of righteous men as the Congress of the United States.
-- From an 1854 Congressional report defending the Office of the Chaplain for the United States Senate
-- From an 1854 Congressional report defending the Office of the Chaplain for the United States Senate
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
1 Peter 2:24
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24).
If Christ took our place, bore our sin, paid our penalty, and died our death, and in consequence, we have been forgiven, does this not mean (as some people ask) that we can now behave as we like and go on sinning? Paul's critics certainly developed this slander, and Peter's may have done too. But both apostles vigorously denied the charge. See how Peter continued: he bore our sins in order that we might die to sin, and live for righteousness. So the purpose of the death of Christ is not just to secure our forgiveness but to secure our holiness as well. -- John Stott
If Christ took our place, bore our sin, paid our penalty, and died our death, and in consequence, we have been forgiven, does this not mean (as some people ask) that we can now behave as we like and go on sinning? Paul's critics certainly developed this slander, and Peter's may have done too. But both apostles vigorously denied the charge. See how Peter continued: he bore our sins in order that we might die to sin, and live for righteousness. So the purpose of the death of Christ is not just to secure our forgiveness but to secure our holiness as well. -- John Stott
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