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RSS Robot

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    RSS Robot got a reaction from ... in Way of Life:Sensual Singing Techniques   
    Sensual Singing Techniques
    God instructs His people to sing spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). Spiritual means holy. It refers to that which is separated unto a holy God from the unholiness of this world.
    There are clear biblical principles that are to be applied to every aspect of the Christian life, including music, and by examining these biblical principles we can to discern spiritual from worldly music.
    We listed principles of biblical separation in the chapter on rhythm, and the same principles apply to vocal styles, so we will repeat them here.
    • Spiritual music is music that is not conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).
    • Spiritual music is music that is not according to the realm of spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1).
    • Spiritual music is music that... Read More View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from Jim_Alaska in Way of Life:Sensual Singing Techniques   
    Sensual Singing Techniques
    God instructs His people to sing spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). Spiritual means holy. It refers to that which is separated unto a holy God from the unholiness of this world.
    There are clear biblical principles that are to be applied to every aspect of the Christian life, including music, and by examining these biblical principles we can to discern spiritual from worldly music.
    We listed principles of biblical separation in the chapter on rhythm, and the same principles apply to vocal styles, so we will repeat them here.
    • Spiritual music is music that is not conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).
    • Spiritual music is music that is not according to the realm of spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1).
    • Spiritual music is music that... Read More View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from ... in Way of Life:Paul Chappell's Son's Contemporary Church Plant   
    Paul Chappell's Son's Contemporary Church Plant
    Paul Chappell's youngest son, Matt, has started a contemporary church called Rock Hill Church in Fontana, California. Paul ordained him for this work on April 25 last year and is tweeting praise for the new work.
    In a blog at the founding of Rock Hill, Paul Chappell tweeted, “Thankful to hear from our son Matt tonight how the Lord is already working as they are planting Rock Hill Baptist Church in Fontana, CA.”
    When Paul tweets or blogs about Matt for his conservative preacher crowd, he shows the young man wearing a tie, but the real Matt... Read More View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from swathdiver in Way of Life:Who Is the Twelfth Apostle?   
    Who Is the Twelfth Apostle?
    ACTS 1:26 — “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
    Revelation 21:14 says there are 12 apostles whose names are in the foundations of the eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem. Also Matthew 19:28 says there are apostles who will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.
    Who is the 12th apostle that takes Judas’ place? Matthias or Paul? Sixteen times Paul said that he was an apostle. He was personally called of God for this (2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1). The argument that Paul took the place of Judas as the 12th apostle is made as follows by George Sayles Bishop: “The one who takes Judas’ vacant place is Paul, not Matthias. Matthias was the suggestion of Peter, and Peter made mistakes. ... Read More View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from ... in This is Not a Review of “The Shack”   
    This is Not a Review of “The Shack”
    By Cedric Fisher Truth Keepers I’m not going to write a review or detailed critique of William P. Young’s book or movie both titled The Shack. The reason is because there are already a number of good reviews available. You can access plenty of information on Lighthouse Trails Research. What I will do is present […]
    The post This is Not a Review of “The Shack” appeared first on .
    View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in The Unmuzzled Ox   
    “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.” (Deuteronomy 25:4)


    This Mosaic regulation would seem rather insignificant except that it is quoted twice in the New Testament. “For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” (More...
    View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from wretched in Way of Life:<span style="font:28px Arial, Verdana, Helvetic...   
    John Rice, Lester Roloff, Repentance, and Sloppy Soul Winning
    In the 1980s, Jack Hyles and Curtis Hutson changed the historic Baptist definition of repentance. I suspect that the motive was to justify the cheap, numbers-oriented soul winning methodology that was popular in that day. This was the methodology that was foundational to Big-ism with its emphasis on “the largest ... the fastest growing... the greatest.” I call the numbers-oriented soul winning methodology “Quick Prayerism,” because... Read More View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Paul Chappell - The Marijuana Mistake   
    It came to my attention several weeks ago that for nearly six months city leaders and planners have been studying and discussing issues regarding cannabis and the effect it would have on our community to grant cultivation permits for medical marijuana. I have been asked by our city leadership to share my opinion on the matter, which I am grateful to do. I am thankful for our city leadership and their commitment to protect and serve our citizens in so many ways. The simple fact that our council meetings begin in prayer encourages me to know our leaders recognize they are under the authority of God ultimately. What follows represents my best understanding, given the limited time parameters, of the city’s proposal and the consequences I am concerned will follow.
    I recognize that a majority of Californians approved smoking marijuana for recreational use this past November. I am, however, among the 44 percent of our state who opposed Proposition 64, and I hold to the conviction that just because something is legal or popular doesn’t make it right, healthy, or wise. As the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy said, “Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it.” (History can point us to plenty of majority-held positions, which have led to great harm and destruction.[1]) The City of Lancaster has historically identified against the majority of Californians on a number of similar issues.
    I, as a pastor, and Lancaster Baptist Church as a ministry, stand opposed to the dissemination of marijuana or any mind-altering substance to the general public.
    As I have reviewed the city reports recommending Ordinance No. 1019 and Resolution No. 16-55, I commend the city staff for being proactive in creating codes that would not allow distribution points for marijuana. I do, however, have significant concerns regarding this ordinance and resolution. For the sake of organization, I’ve grouped these concerns into three categories:
    General Concerns
    Even when initially used with a medical prescription, marijuana is a gateway drug. As a pastor, I often counsel people who have had major life difficulties because of drug use that began with marijuana. Even recently, I have counseled someone who began using medical marijuana for “asthma” that was prescribed by a questionable doctor in Los Angeles. This man became deeply addicted and relationally incapacitated toward his family. For the past year, his life has been out of control. His story is one of many similar I could give.
    Part of what makes marijuana a gateway drug is that, despite claims to the contrary, it is highly addictive. In fact, the marijuana grown in the United States is becoming increasingly addictive. The cannabis cultivated here is generally developed to increase its levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive chemical that makes people high). To give context, in the 1990s, the THC levels of US-grown marijuana averaged between 3–4 percent. By 2013 the levels were above 13 percent,[2] and today, the average THC level is over 18 percent, with frequent samples topping 30 percent.[3] In contrast, the levels of CBD (cannabidiol, the element of cannabis thought to have potential medicinal value) are low. A recent study of marijuana grown in Colorado shows the average CBD level across 6,000 samples being as low as 0.1 percent.[4]
    With the limited research available on medical marijuana (and most of that is antidotal rather than academic) and the plenteous evidence on its addictive nature, I am greatly concerned that allowing licensing for medical marijuana facilities will develop into licensing for recreational marijuana facilities—something, in fact, already acknowledged as a possibility by the City Planning Commission.[5]
    Social Concerns
    Although the City Planning Commission that has been researching this licensing suggests, “There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the cost of administering this ordinance,”[6] I believe this is a short-sighted estimate. While the revenue brought in through licensing fees could cover the direct cost of issuing such licenses, it cannot cover the direct costs that will surely result from making marijuana more accessible to our community.
    I would guess that a large percentage of the adult population of California has tried marijuana on occasion. But we must recognize that the legalization of marijuana is different from occasional use. Legalization recommends not a sneak smoke in the back yard a few times, but using it continually. (When Proposition 64 passed in California, the rapper Snoop Dogg, whose criminal record is hardly one we want young people in the Antelope Valley to emulate, tweeted, “We just legalized marijuana in Cali. #smokeweedeveryday.”[7] He has also been in recent news because of his promotional visit to a medical marijuana dispensary in Scottsdale, Arizona.[8]) Because legalization is new, our culture has yet to see the devastating effects across society of such continued use.
    We can, however, see early problematic glimpses as we look to Colorado, a state that legalized marijuana two years ago. From increased crime (including violent crime)[9] to heightened drugged driving incidents and fatal crashes,[10] to greater homelessness,[11] the side effects of legalizing marijuana have been detrimental throughout the state.
    It is not a stretch to suggest that the cost of incarcerating and rehabilitating people who are making wrong decisions while impaired will outweigh the income the city would bring in through taxes. In a recent conversation I had with Sheriff Jim McDonnell, he said that, based on evidence from other states, he believes that for every $1 of revenue a community will bring in through marijuana taxes, there will be $7–$8 of police work required. A coalition of sheriffs from Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas are suing the state of Colorado for problems related to the increased cost of enforcement of Colorado’s law.
    I remember when proponents of the gambling industry promised that if we would legalize gambling in California, the resulting revenue would cure fiscal needs for our educational system. That was a total ruse. In reality, lottery dollars fund less than 2 percent of all state K–12 education costs, the perception otherwise has made it more difficult for school administrators to raise funds.[12] In recent years, educational scores have continued to go down,[13] and our school systems still need increased tax-supported finances every year.[14] (I’m, of course, in favor of supporting education. I’m simply noting that taxing unhealthy, addictive habits has not proved to be a helpful solution.)
    Less than two hours from my grandparents’ farm in Colorado is the city of Telluride, a city with beautiful homes and restaurants that used to be frequented by Hollywood celebrities and political leaders. Since the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, I have seen an amazing increase of homeless, marijuana-smoking people living in the streets of Telluride. One study reported that across Colorado, homelessness increased by 17–20 percent since the legalization of marijuana.[15] A recent news article quoted Denver authorities saying they are facing a significant influx of homeless adults and juveniles who are coming to Denver specifically because of the availability of marijuana.[16] We do not want similar results in the Antelope Valley, where we are even now struggling to work out solutions to meet the needs of the homeless already in our community.
    Marijuana does not help an economy; it hurts it. Poor people will become poorer by using it, and economies with recreational drug users will become less effective. Recent studies have revealed that households in America who make less than $20,000 per year account for 29 percent of all marijuana use.[17] Another study which compared heavy users of marijuana with a control group reported that fewer of the heavy users completed college and most had annual incomes of less than $30,000. The majority reported that marijuana had affected their cognitive abilities and career achievements.[18] According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, several studies have also linked heavy marijuana use to lower income, greater welfare dependence, unemployment, criminal behavior, and lower life satisfaction.[19]
    Additionally, marijuana use has a detrimental effect on workplace safety. I believe that specifically in Palmdale, it could impact our national security due to workforce mistakes and drug-addicted people continuing to pursue drugs in ways that would compromise their security clearances. A study among postal workers found that employees who tested positive for marijuana on a pre-employment urine drug test had 55 percent more industrial accidents, 85 percent more injuries, and 75 percent greater absenteeism compared with those who tested negative for marijuana use.[20]
    Countries like the Netherlands that have taken a relaxed approach to drugs have suffered for it. One article cites that Amsterdam (known as a city where the police do not enforce marijuana laws) “is one of Europe’s most violent cities.…Furthermore, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has expressed ‘concern about drug and alcohol use among young people and the social consequences, which range from poor school performance and truancy to serious impairment, including brain damage.’”[21]
    It is fair to ask, if we were to open the door to marijuana accessibility in our community, what would the economic impact be due to more police services, higher crime, greater social services, and the loss of work force?
    Moral Concerns
    The greatest concern for our city should be the effect that our making marijuana more accessible would have on the next generation. The damaging effects of marijuana are not theoretical only, nor are they simple “community percentages.” They are life altering to the young people who become addicted.
    Adolescent user addiction rates are high—as high as 50 percent.[22] (That exceeds the rate of cocaine addiction.) Additionally, the risk of psychotic episodes is 40 percent greater for marijuana users than for non users, and the risk of schizophrenia is higher among teens who smoke it than those who do not.[23] One study reported that “adolescents who used marijuana regularly were significantly less likely than their non-using peers to finish high school or obtain a degree. They also had a much higher chance of later developing dependence, using other drugs, and attempting suicide.”[24]
    Although I am aware that the current topic of discussion for our city relates to cultivating medical marijuana, I believe it is naïve to suggest that even if the conversation regarding marijuana licenses were to stop here, there would be no immediate effect on the young people of our community. Again, in my recent conversation with Sheriff McDonnell, he told me how medical marijuana wrappings have been found in middle schools. People are absolutely buying medical marijuana and reselling for profit—including to teens. I prefer that our city have nothing to do with underage people gaining access to marijuana, even if it’s by our second-hand association through this industry.
    While I commend the city for proposing distance requirements prohibiting cultivation facilities within one thousand feet of schools, it is unrealistic to think that this alone will keep marijuana out of the hands of minors. The reality is that licensing cultivation will make marijuana more accessible to young people. And it makes me question, beyond the financial concerns to our city, what moral liability comes to us by entering into this trade?
    I am, of course, a pastor, and so I am taking the liberty to share biblical principles related to this issue as well.
    The Bible references the use of drugs in Revelation 9:1 as it speaks of people involved in “sorceries.” Interestingly the word translated from Greek (the original language of the New Testament) is pharmakeia and relates to “the use or administering of drugs.” In our biblical opinion, people who take recreational drugs are opening their minds to wickedness and the occult. (And I think police reports could substantiate that concern, by volume if not by verbiage.)
    Another Scripture verse passes judgment on those who aid in the dissemination of intoxicating substance: “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also…” (Habakkuk 2:15). Basically, the Bible is saying that when we encourage someone to partake in a substance that brings them under intoxicating influence, we become responsible for what happens in that person’s life as a result of the substance they consume. I believe Governor Jerry Brown and the liberal leadership of our state will be held accountable for their decisions on matters ranging from abortion to releasing violent criminals to legalizing marijuana. I prefer that our city not posture itself similarly by joining in these decisions.
    Conclusion
    Based on my understanding of these issues and the biblical principles that guide my life, I would urge our city leadership to let this trade go somewhere else.
    Our city has been willing in the past to take a stand against prevalent culture where it was harmful to our residents. I am deeply grateful for the way, in the 2000s, our city stood against gangs and gang-related drug dealing. I remember in the 1990s when our city council passed ordinances against “sex shops.” More recently, our city stood to protect the right to open city council meetings in prayer, including praying in Jesus’ name. God has blessed us since we have taken these stands, and I believe He will bless again for choosing to stand against opening our community to marijuana cultivation.
    Proponents of these cultivation licenses have asked me, “If you’re concerned about mind-altering drugs, why have you never spoken to the city against the establishments of bars and licenses for the sale of alcohol?” Perhaps we as Christians should be more vocal in our concerns for alcohol licenses due to the millions of people who have died or been the victims of crime because of alcohol.
    Currently, however, we are at the baseline of a new beginning. The issue before the city council now—licensing marijuana cultivation—is a precedent-setting issue. We can draw a line around our city and say, “Not here” in regards to a substance that will devastate the lives of young people and damage our community, or we can welcome it in for the sake of immediate financial revenue. I prefer for the sake of my grandchildren and for my community that we choose to say no.
    Over the years, there have been other government-passed decisions that our ministry has opposed when these related to moral issues and opposed biblical principles. Should the city pass this ordinance and enter the marijuana trade, our church will continue to teach against using mind-altering substances and will stand against the distribution of such substance outside of a legitimate prescription and medicinal use of truly needed pain medicine. (While there may be a legitimate medical use, I have no assurance that there is a safe and proven process for legal distribution to and through legitimate medical outlets at this time. I think we should also remember that medical marijuana is still not approved by the FDA. Insufficient research and inability for quality control are among their reasons.)
    We love our city, pray for our leaders, and are thankful for the ways in which God has blessed our city. I am thankful I was asked to give comments on this issue. For the reasons mentioned in this article, I urge our city leaders to consider the moral obligation we owe to the next generation in discouraging the accessibility of marijuana to them, to consider the economic and workforce complications this would have on our community, and to decide against what would surely be a marijuana mistake.
    Endnotes
    [1] Interestingly, tobacco smoking itself was once regarded as right because such a large percent of the population practiced it. Doctors who urged otherwise faced a long, uphill battle against popular opinion.
    [2] Abigail Sullivan Moore, “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” (New York Times, October 29, 2014), https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/02/education/edlife/this-is-your-brain-on-drugs-marijuana-adults-teens.html?_r=1.
    [3] Bill Briggs, “Colorado Marijuana Study Finds Legal Weed Contains Potent THC Levels” (NBC News, March 23, 2015), http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/legal-pot/legal-weed-surprisingly-strong-dirty-tests-find-n327811.
    [4] Ibid.
    [5] See the December 13, 2016, City of Lancaster staff report, “Ordinance and Resolution Regarding Cultivation of Medical Cannabis” which lists suggestions made by cannabis industry representatives after planning commission consideration, final page, fifth bullet.
    [6] Ibid, page 1.
    [7] Maeve McDermott, “Snoop Dogg, celebrities celebrate weed legalization in California” (USA Today, November 9, 2016), http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/11/09/snoop-dogg-celebrities-celebrate-weed-legalization-california-proposition-64/93526766/.
    [8] “Snoop Dogg to visit Scottsdale marijuana dispensary” (ABC15, December 27.2016), http://www.abc15.com/news/region-northeast-valley/scottsdale/snoop-dogg-to-visit-scottsdale-marijuana-dispensary.
    [9] David Mitchell, “Prosecutors: Colorado sees increase in homicides motivated by marijuana” (FOX31 Denver, May 24, 2016), http://kdvr.com/2016/05/24/prosecutors-colorado-sees-increase-in-murders-motivated-by-marijuana/.
    [10] Marjorie Haun, “The Unexpected Side Effects of Legalizing Weed” (Newsweek, June 6, 2016), http://www.newsweek.com/unexpected-side-effects-legalizing-weed-339931.
    [11] “Colorado’s Legalization of Marijuana and the Impact on Public Safety: A Practical Guide for Law Enforcement” (Police Foundation, 2015), https://www.policefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Legalized-Marijuana-Practical-Guide-for-Law-Enforcement_Rev6_18_15_LOW_0.pdf.
    [12] Ron Stodghill and Ron Nixon, “For Schools, Lottery Payoffs Fall Short of Promises” (The New York Times, October 7, 2007), http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/business/07lotto.html.
    [13] Lauren Parvizi, “California’s school system ranked 9th worst in the nation” (SFGate, July 30, 2015), http://www.sfgate.com/education/article/California-s-school-system-ranked-9th-worst-in-6410633.php.
    [14] “Current Expense of Education” (California Department of Education, Accessed December 29, 2016), http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/fd/ec/currentexpense.asp.
    [15] Joel Warner, “Marijuana legalization in Colorado: How Recreational Weed is Attracting People, but Spiking the State’s Homeless Rate” (International Business Times, June 20, 2016), http://www.ibtimes.com/marijuana-legalization-colorado-how-recreational-weed-attracting-people-spiking-2374204.
    [16] Ibid.
    [17] Christopher Ingraham, “What makes marijuana users different from everyone else” (The Washington Post, August 14, 2016), https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/08/14/what-makes-marijuana-users-different-from-everyone-else/.
    [18] “How does marijuana use affect school, work, and social life?” (National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Updated August 2016), https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-school-work-social-life.
    [19] Ibid.
    [20] Ibid.
    [21] Charles “Cully” Stimson, “Legalizing Marijuana: Why Citizens Should Just Say No” (The Heritage Foundation, September 13, 2010), http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/09/legalizing-marijuana-why-citizens-should-just-say-no.
    [22] Sue Rusche, “What Dr. Sanjay Gupta Doesn’t Tell Us About Weed“ (The Huffington Post, August 19, 2013), http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sue-rusche/what-dr-sanjay-gupta-does_b_3770496.html.
    [23] Marie-josee Lynce, MD, Rachel A. Rabin, MSc, and Tony P George, MD, “The Cannabis-Psychosis Link (Psychiatric Times, June 27, 2012), http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/cannabis-psychosis-link-0#sthash.pARp70VE.dpuf.
    [24] “How does marijuana use affect school, work, and social life?” (National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Updated August 2016), https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-school-work-social-life.
    Related posts:
    Will Marijuana Help California? How Is a Biblical Christian to Respond in This Election? Praying in Jesus' Name View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from Invicta in Praise of the Generations   
    “That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children.” (Psalm 78:6)


    Each generation of people tends to regard its own times as the most significant of all, toward which all past history has been merely a preparation. The fact is, however, that God has “been our dwelling plac... More...
    View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from 1Timothy115 in Why You Can be Thankful for Criticism   
    Do you ever face criticism? Some critics are compassionate and purely motivated—I’ve written about which ones I receive here. I’ve also written about qualities of unjust criticism, here, and why leaders should care about criticism, here. Today I want to take a different view—and not because I’m presently receiving any criticism. I have in the past, but perhaps you are right now, and this post may encourage you.
    The title of this post seems so paradoxical! Should we really be thankful for criticism? Notice I didn’t say I like it, enjoy it, or relish it. I said I’m thankful for it.
    Honestly, most of the criticism I’ve received, I’m not aware of. I get “whiffs” of it from someone who relays a bit of it, but I’ve never investigated or pursued it. If it comes directly to me, I usually respond and thank the person for having the courage and integrity to come directly to me. That’s rarely the case.
    That said, looking back over many years of critics who have “come and gone” at the boundaries of my ministry world, I know you can be resilient in the face of unjust criticism.
    Here are a few quick thoughts about why we can be thankful for criticism:
    Criticism always helps me more thoroughly vet my decisions or direction.
    Whether credible or not, a critic always creates a moment of deeper thought and evaluation. Criticism doesn’t have to have emotional power over me, but it should always create a minute to “take heed” and just recheck, “God, am I still following you?”
    1 Timothy 4:16 “16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
    Criticism always develops a deeper motivation.
    Criticism presents an opportunity to examine and deepen my motivation. Unjust critics attempt to judge motives and usually misjudge them; but a heart anchored in pure motives will not live in “fear of men” and will always be strengthen by the test of criticism.
    Nehemiah 6:3 “3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”
    Criticism always disassociates me from caustic Christians.
    This one if my favorites! Unjust critics unwittingly do their victim a deeper favor. Their message sets them apart from the one they criticize. When criticism arrives from toxic temperaments, contentious Christians, or dysfunctional environments, it inversely says, “That guy isn’t like me.” Being mocked by a carnal person is not always a bad thing. While your unjust critic is attempting to build a constituency by erroneously discrediting you, he is also distinguishing himself from you. I always appreciate the healthy distinction this creates, and I think Nehemiah did too.
    “But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.” —Nehemiah 4:1 
    Criticism always strengthens a God-given call and resolve.
    Nehemiah knew He was doing what God told him to do, and therefore his carnal critics merely poured fuel on his fire. What a beautiful thing God’s Spirit does in using critics to fuel the fires of His call. Success is not “making everybody happy.” Success is obeying God.
    “And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.” —Nehemiah 6:11 
    Criticism always deepens dependence upon God.
    Loving critics are always trying to help you, but unloving and pharisaical critics are always trying to dishearten you and those you love or lead. Here’s the key—only you can give critics that kind of emotional power. Only you can allow your heart to become that emotionally vulnerable. God would strengthen both your heart and your hands, and He can use criticism to reveal His wonderful fortification in your life. In this, your critics help you by deepening you!
    “For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.” —Nehemiah 6:9 
    Criticism always grows my love for my only Lord.
    The only reason unjust criticism is influential or hurtful is if you somehow “need” your critic’s approval. You don’t. Jesus is my advocate, never my critic. He absorbed and crucified everything about me that’s truly worth criticizing (of which there is plenty!) and now He leads me forward in full acceptance and grace. In light of the gospel, unkind earthly critics are just not influential over God’s loving Lordship and leadership in my life. I love living in light of the truth that I answer to Jesus not to my critics. He is my only Lord.
    “Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” —Nehemiah 5:19 
    “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” —Romans 14:4 
    “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” —James 4:12 
    Criticism always increases my joy.
    Sounds bizarre, I know. But consider. The inevitable outcome of all of the above principles is that God’s will unfolds in my life as I refuse to allow criticism to discourage. His call is fulfilled. His word grows. His people are served and helped. Good things happen in others’ lives when I obey God rather than my critics—and this always gives greater reason to rejoice. So, yes, criticism can increase joy. Don’t you know Nehemiah’s joy was sweeter for having endured the assault on his soul, just as Jesus endured “for the joy that was set before Him…”
    “Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,” —Nehemiah 7:1 
    In conclusion: 
    Unjust or carnal critics are like minor, blustery snow storms—just a lot less beautiful. Their cold winds bluster through in a brief moment of uneventful pause. They fly in, dump stuff on you (or others), and time moves them on. Then the stuff they dump melts away in the warmth and light of God’s truth.
    It’s not worth being emotionally impacted or distracted by unjust or unfriendly criticism. But it is worth being thankful for! After the snow comes and goes, no harm is done, and your whole world is more clear, more fruitful, more stable, and more resolved by God’s call upon your life. You will flourish in God’s strength and grace, and your critics helped to produce that flourishing. That’s why you can be thankful.
    Press on in obedience to God. Soon enough the snow will melt. Until then, be thankful that God is allowing you to make enough of an impact, that someone feels the need to bluster about it.
    God will use their blustering to water the seeds you are planting.
    View the full article
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    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Way of Life:<span style="font:28px Arial, Verdana, Helvetic...   
    He Who Was Rich Became Poor
    The following is from John Phillips’ commentary on 2 Corinthians:
    But the example of the saints of God, touching and compelling as it was, was eclipsed in Paul’s mind, by the example of the Son of God (8:9). There is, for instance, His supernatural grace:
    "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).
    What greater example of giving could we find than that?
    We know He was rich, but we have no idea how rich He really was. We get some idea, however, from what John tells us of the Celestial City. In His country they pave their streets with gold and build their walls of jasper. They make their gates of pearl and stud foundation’s rocks with gems. The great white throne of God is there, the crystal stream, the tree of life. Many crowns are placed upon His head in that celestial land. His ministers are flames of fire, comprised of countless angel hosts, beings of great beauty... Read More View the full article
  12. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Love and the Heart   
    “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37)


    According to Jesus, this is “the great commandment of the law” and this is also the first verse in the New Testament to associate “love” and the “heart.” This “love,” of course,... More...
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  13. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Invicta in The Golden Scepter   
    “And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the top of the sceptre.” (Esther 5:2)


    Queen Esther knew she was risking her life when she came unbidden into the presence of the mighty king of Pers... More...
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  14. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Abel's Timely Testimony   
    “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” (Hebrews 11:4)


    Abel, Adam’s second son, was a faithful, God-honoring man, but he was murdered by his older brother, Cain. From Genesis 4 we know that Cain’s blood... More...
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  15. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Jim_Alaska in Tomorrow   
    “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)


    The sin of procrastination may not be one of the so-called “seven deadly sins,” but it may come close if it involves neglecting to do what God has clearly commanded us to do. Sins of omission may well be as serious in many cases as sins of commission. ... More...
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  16. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Beware of Balaam   
    “O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.” (Micah 6:5)


    Three New Testament writers have left us sober warnings concerning Balaam. Peter warned against “the way of Balaam”; Jude against “the error of Balaam&rdqu... More...
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  17. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in The Pattern in the Mount   
    “And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.” (Exodus 25:40)


    Nothing that God does is capricious or accidental. A remarkable object lesson of His attention to every detail in the plan of salvation is the tabernacle in the wilderness. The divine blueprint for this structure and its attendants, followed by its construction... More...
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  18. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in We Soon Fly Away   
    “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4)


    In this unique psalm, Moses is stressing the brevity of even the longest human life with the everlasting nature of God. In the pre-Flood world, men were able to live many hundreds of years, but no one ever lived as long as 1,000 years. By Moses&rsquo... More...
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  19. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Unbreakable Love   
    “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:23-24)


    When the Pharisees asked for His view on divorce, Jesus replied by quoting our text, giving the ... More...
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  20. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from swathdiver in Paul Chappell - Thank You, President Trump   
    President Trump has certainly been a controversial figure on our political landscape throughout this past election season. Today, however, I am thankful for one of the first executive orders he signed—an order to reinstate a ban on federal funds to foreign abortions.
    Often called the “Mexico City Policy” (because of the location where it was announced), President Reagan was the first to set this policy. In short, it bans federal funding to international organizations that perform or recommend abortions.
    Eight years ago today, one of President Obama’s first executive actions was to revoke this policy, thus giving tax funds to foreign abortions.
    Today, on President Trump’s first full day in the oval office, one of his first executive actions was to reinstate it, banning tax funds to foreign abortions.
    Scripture is clear that life begins at conception, thus abortion is nothing less than the taking of a baby’s life. It just happens to be before birth.
    Our family was reminded today (ironically the same day as President Trump signed this executive order) of the beauty of life created in the womb as we welcomed our ninth grandchild—Blakely Jules Chappell—into the world.
    When I look at Blakely’s tiny features, I marvel at the tender creativity of God and am reminded of how He fashioned all of us before we were born.
    The fact that life is given by God means that we should protect all innocent life—born and unborn.
    Although I’m thankful for this revoking of tax dollars to fund foreign abortions, I’m mindful that here in the United States, we continue to perform over half a million abortions per year. And I’m prayerful that President Trump will appoint a Supreme Court Justice who will help overturn Roe v. Wade.
    Meanwhile, we should continue to pray for our president that he would have wisdom and humility to make wise decisions, especially regarding matters that involve life, morality, and religious freedom.
    Related posts:
    No Inclusion for the Unborn President Bush Visits Troops The Sanctity of Life View the full article
  21. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Jim_Alaska in Paul Chappell - Thank You, President Trump   
    President Trump has certainly been a controversial figure on our political landscape throughout this past election season. Today, however, I am thankful for one of the first executive orders he signed—an order to reinstate a ban on federal funds to foreign abortions.
    Often called the “Mexico City Policy” (because of the location where it was announced), President Reagan was the first to set this policy. In short, it bans federal funding to international organizations that perform or recommend abortions.
    Eight years ago today, one of President Obama’s first executive actions was to revoke this policy, thus giving tax funds to foreign abortions.
    Today, on President Trump’s first full day in the oval office, one of his first executive actions was to reinstate it, banning tax funds to foreign abortions.
    Scripture is clear that life begins at conception, thus abortion is nothing less than the taking of a baby’s life. It just happens to be before birth.
    Our family was reminded today (ironically the same day as President Trump signed this executive order) of the beauty of life created in the womb as we welcomed our ninth grandchild—Blakely Jules Chappell—into the world.
    When I look at Blakely’s tiny features, I marvel at the tender creativity of God and am reminded of how He fashioned all of us before we were born.
    The fact that life is given by God means that we should protect all innocent life—born and unborn.
    Although I’m thankful for this revoking of tax dollars to fund foreign abortions, I’m mindful that here in the United States, we continue to perform over half a million abortions per year. And I’m prayerful that President Trump will appoint a Supreme Court Justice who will help overturn Roe v. Wade.
    Meanwhile, we should continue to pray for our president that he would have wisdom and humility to make wise decisions, especially regarding matters that involve life, morality, and religious freedom.
    Related posts:
    No Inclusion for the Unborn President Bush Visits Troops The Sanctity of Life View the full article
  22. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Paul Chappell - Thank You, President Trump   
    President Trump has certainly been a controversial figure on our political landscape throughout this past election season. Today, however, I am thankful for one of the first executive orders he signed—an order to reinstate a ban on federal funds to foreign abortions.
    Often called the “Mexico City Policy” (because of the location where it was announced), President Reagan was the first to set this policy. In short, it bans federal funding to international organizations that perform or recommend abortions.
    Eight years ago today, one of President Obama’s first executive actions was to revoke this policy, thus giving tax funds to foreign abortions.
    Today, on President Trump’s first full day in the oval office, one of his first executive actions was to reinstate it, banning tax funds to foreign abortions.
    Scripture is clear that life begins at conception, thus abortion is nothing less than the taking of a baby’s life. It just happens to be before birth.
    Our family was reminded today (ironically the same day as President Trump signed this executive order) of the beauty of life created in the womb as we welcomed our ninth grandchild—Blakely Jules Chappell—into the world.
    When I look at Blakely’s tiny features, I marvel at the tender creativity of God and am reminded of how He fashioned all of us before we were born.
    The fact that life is given by God means that we should protect all innocent life—born and unborn.
    Although I’m thankful for this revoking of tax dollars to fund foreign abortions, I’m mindful that here in the United States, we continue to perform over half a million abortions per year. And I’m prayerful that President Trump will appoint a Supreme Court Justice who will help overturn Roe v. Wade.
    Meanwhile, we should continue to pray for our president that he would have wisdom and humility to make wise decisions, especially regarding matters that involve life, morality, and religious freedom.
    Related posts:
    No Inclusion for the Unborn President Bush Visits Troops The Sanctity of Life View the full article
  23. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Invicta in Jacob's Plain Life   
    “Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.” (Genesis 25:27)


    Jacob has often been given a bad reputation for his deception of Isaac. He is branded a liar and worse, while the Scriptures describe him very differently. To begin with, the Hebrew word translated “plain” in our text is tam, everywhere else rendered as “perfect” or &ld... More...
    View the full article
  24. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from Alan in Isaac's Life of Contrast   
    “And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.” (Genesis 25:27-28)


    Isaac’s early life became the biblical picture of Christ (Genesis 22:7-9). Not only d... More...
    View the full article
  25. Thanks
    RSS Robot got a reaction from wretched in Willful Sins   
    “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)


    This is one of the most controversial passages of Scripture because of its apparent conflict with passages tha... More...
    View the full article
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