Below is a video of just another husband and father being deployed. I thank God for every Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor, & Coast Guardsmen who are protecting us. I also pray God’s protection on them and on the families they leave behind.
Tags: Veterans Day
Tuesday is Veterans Day!
Thank someone who served or who is now serving in our military!
Tags: veterans
This article is sobering and thought-provoking. I felt a “wake-up” call when I read it.
Pastor Art
By Cal Thomas
Published on 11/7/2008
When Barack Obama takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2009, he will do so in the 30th anniversary year of the founding of the so-called Religious Right. Born in 1979 and midwifed by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, the Religious Right was a reincarnation of previous religious-social movements that sought moral improvement through legislation and court rulings. Those earlier movements - from abolition (successful) to Prohibition (unsuccessful) - had mixed results.
Social movements that relied mainly on political power to enforce a conservative moral code weren’t anywhere near as successful as those that focused on changing hearts. The four religious revivals, from the First Great Awakening in the 1730s and 1740s to the Fourth Great Awakening in the late 1960s and early ’70s, which touched America and instantly transformed millions of Americans (and American culture as a result), are testimony to that.
Thirty years of trying to use government to stop abortion, preserve opposite-sex marriage, improve television and movie content and transform culture into the conservative Evangelical image has failed. The question now becomes: should conservative Christians redouble their efforts, contributing more millions to radio and TV preachers and activists, or would they be wise to try something else?
Too many conservative Evangelicals have put too much faith in the power of government to transform culture. The futility inherent in such misplaced faith can be demonstrated by asking these activists a simple question: Does the secular left, when it holds power, persuade conservatives to live by their standards? Of course they do not. Why, then, would conservative Evangelicals expect people who do not share their world view and view of God to accept their beliefs when they control government?
Too many conservative Evangelicals mistake political power for influence. Politicians who struggle with imposing a moral code on themselves are unlikely to succeed in their attempts to impose it on others. What is the answer, then, for conservative Evangelicals who are rightly concerned about the corrosion of culture, the indifference to the value of human life and the living arrangements of same- and opposite-sex couples?
The answer depends on the response to another question: do conservative Evangelicals want to feel good, or do they want to adopt a strategy that actually produces results? Clearly partisan politics have not achieved their objectives. Do they think they can succeed by committing themselves to 30 more years of the same?
If results are what conservative Evangelicals want, they already have a model. It is contained in the life and commands of Jesus of Nazareth.
Suppose millions of conservative Evangelicals engaged in an old and proven type of radical behavior. Suppose they followed the admonition of Jesus to “love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and care for widows and orphans,” not as ends, as so many liberals do by using government, but as a means of demonstrating God’s love for the whole person in order that people might seek Him?
Such a strategy could be more “transformational” than electing a new president, even the first president of color. But in order to succeed, such a strategy would not be led by charismatic figures, who would raise lots of money, be interviewed on Sunday talk shows, author books and make gobs of money.
God teaches in His Word that His power (if that is what conservative Evangelicals want and not their puny attempts at grabbing earthly power) is made perfect in weakness. He speaks of the tiny mustard seed, the seemingly worthless widow’s mite, of taking the last place at the table and the humbling of one’s self, the washing of feet and similar acts and attitudes; the still, small voice. How did conservative Evangelicals miss this and instead settle for a lesser power, which in reality is no power at all? When did they settle for an inferior “kingdom”?
Evangelicals are at a junction. They can take the path that will lead them to more futility and ineffective attempts to reform culture through government, or they can embrace the far more powerful methods outlined by the One they claim to follow. By following His example, they will decrease, but He will increase. They will get no credit, but they will see results.
If conservative Evangelicals choose obscurity and seek to glorify God, they will get much of what they hope for, but can never achieve, in and through politics.
Tags: Christianity, politics
I read this in another pastor’s blog, and I wish I had written it myself. It is “right on.” - Pastor Art
Last night Barak Obama was elected president of the United States. There are several things you should know about this election as God’s people.
Psa 75:6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
Psa 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
It is God that puts up and puts down. I must trust that God has chosen Barak Obama to be the president of our country now!
Pro 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Pro 8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
In our desire to think that we make many of these decisions I think it is wise to remember all of these verses from Scripture.
Dan 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
So I recognize that God is of greater power than the people and not only that I recognize that He has the heart of the king in His hand and will do through the president what He pleases.
Pro 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
I know that God can work in the king’s heart and place thoughts there:
Ezr 7:27 Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:
I recognize my need to honor the authorities that God has placed over me and to pray for them. I hope you will do the same. Please remember that to obey is better than to sacrifice–in other words God prefers that you obey Him even to the worship that you could give Him.
Rom 13:1-8 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
I hope you will commit to pray for our president and all other authorities in positions of leadership above us. We can disagree with their policies but I think Biblically should respect their position. We should honor them. We ought not get into bad attitude bashings of our leaders.
1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Ti 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Be careful of the attitude that you have.
2Pe 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Let us put the ignorant who would talk bad about us as God’s people to silence. Do not have a bad attitude. Do not go around talking trash because your candidate didn’t win. Do not show disrespect for the president just because he wasn’t your choice.
1Pe 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
1Pe 2:14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
1Pe 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
So let’s sum it all up:
God has placed Barak Obama in this position as our president!
God is still in charge and we can rest assured that He will accomplish His purposes under Barak Obama!
I need to honor and respect the authorities that God has placed over me.
I do not want to allow any kind of bad attitude or actions to ruin my testimony before those that do not know God personally.
I need to pray for all the authorities that God has placed over me.
I can disagree with policies and principles but ought not to get into personalities.
I know that God is at work to bring great honor and glory to Himself and I anxiously await what He has planned!
Tags: Attitude, Patriotism, Prayer
To paraphrase the coach in “Facing The Giants”, when our presidential candidate wins, we will praise Him; when he loses, we will praise Him. Isn’t it great to know that our King is eternal, and His administration will not change.
The song above is from Bible Truth Music.
The following is a video of Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the University of Florida Gators football team. I did not know that his parents were missionaries in the Philippines. This shows what is really important to him. This video is about 4 1/2 minutes long, but it is worth the watch. At the end, you may ask yourself, what am I doing of eternal value?
Tags: Evangelism, Florida, Football, Missions, Sports, Tebow
Isn’t it great to know who is still in control?
Amen!
Tags: Encouragement, politics
November 2008
Dear Fellow Servants of Christ,
As fall descends on the valley we are remaining as busy as ever here in the ministry. We’ve settled into a daily routine with our language school and the kids’ home schooling. It’s a difficult schedule, but the Lord is blessing and we are seeing consistent progress. Unfortunately, as I try to speak I now often embarrass myself, as I did the other day when I tried to tell someone that I had a head cold, but instead informed them that I was “sick in the head” (ie mentally disturbed). But, we can’t let our own inabilities get in the way of God’s giving us the ability!
We are continuing to become more active at Iglesia Bautista Betania. We attend all of their services, which adds another 200-miles-a-week to our driving (about 800 total including language school). The kids are also participating in, and enjoying, their “Club de Niños” program, and Melissa has recently begun nursery duty. I’m looking forward to working with their visitation program once I am actually able to communicate (properly) in the Spanish language. On October 23rd I met with Pastor Noé Mendoza at IBB, and we are considering opportunities where we can work together. One such area is in my assisting with the technical end of a ministry to send short video & sound productions to churches here in the U.S. as well as around the world. Pastor Mendoza has many contacts that can provide free airtime both via radio and television, but he needs assistance producing the media to be sent. We are also discussing ways in which we can possibly work together as our family begins the process of starting our first new church here in the valley. This will not happen until after we complete language school, and I do not have any definite details to share with you at this time, but please be in prayer for this matter.
Progress on our property continues to go well. We have removed the bulk of the damaged materials from the flooding back in August. I had to cut out the bottom portion of the drywall throughout the casita, as well as remove the tile flooring. We are waiting to install new drywall/flooring until we are able to put new siding on the outside of the building (since there are places you can see clear through right now). We do not currently have a timeframe for that to be completed. I’ve also removed all of the damaged materials inside of the garage, and have begun to get it organized. I’ve had all of my tools in boxes on the floor, and that is not conducive to productive work. I was recently able to utilize recycled wood from the fencing we had removed, as well as left-over roofing materials, to build two workbenches in the garage, one 3′x8′ and one 4′x8′ (with a full 4′x8′ shelf underneath). They have been a huge blessing, as they’ve enabled me to get everything out, up and organized. I still need to work on the roof of the garage to prevent future leaks should we get torrential rains again, but like the casita, that project is currently on hold. Fortunately, it has not had any leaks in the “normal” rains we have been receiving.
In closing, please be in prayer about two things for 2009. First, pray about whether your church would be able to participate in a mission trip to the valley. We are looking for small groups to perform both physical and spiritual ministries beginning on July 1st. Second, please pray about allowing me the opportunity to present our ministry in you church next fall. I will be traveling for 4-6 weeks sometime during the Oct.-Nov. timeframe to raise the additional support which we still need, and am currently scheduling churches to visit. For more information on either of these matters, or to schedule a meeting, please contact me either by phone or by email.
Thank you again for your continued support, both in prayer and financially. As always, we are excited to see what the Lord has done, is doing and to look forward to what He will do in the future.
Your missionaries to South Texas,
Aaron, Melissa, Braden, August & Addie Grace Freeman
Keep up with us online: www.RGVBaptist.com - up-to-the-minute news, prayer requests, and more!
Thank you for the support of $50.00 received this month!
For a printable copy of our prayer letters, please click here.
This is taken from a book entitled “Ten P’s In A Pod” by Arnold Kent III.
1) The Lord commands it: 1 Timothy 4:15-16–15 “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 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.”
2) I want real life: John 6:63–It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
3) I want to know true doctrine: John 8:31-32–31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
4) I want to be clean: John 15:3–Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
5) I want to be fruitful: John 15:4-5–4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6) I want my prayers answered: John 15:7–If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
7) I want to be prosperous and successful: Joshua 1:8–This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
I don’t want to backslide: Psalms 37:31–The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
9) I want my soul fed: Deut 8:3–And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
10) I want to grow: 1 Peter 2:2–As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
11) I want understanding: Psalms 119:99–I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
12) I want to be thoroughly furnished unto every good work 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
22 10 2008
By this time, most people have read about the Clinton war room for the 1992 election, where then Governor Clinton’s senior strategists, James Carville and Paul Begala, posted the statement on a whiteboard, “The Economy, Stupid.” This was the first time I had heard the terminology, “talking points,” and probably you heard it by now, but instruction for a winning campaign—”Stay on message.” There was actually a haiku of three phrases on Carville’s whiteboard: Change vs. More of the Same, The Economy Stupid, Don’t Forget Health Care. As much as people make a gigantic deal about the success of these Clinton talking points, some people fail to remember Ross Perot got 17% of the votes out of that election and Clinton himself received way less than 50%. Perhaps they should have written, Ross Perot Stupid, on that board. Them were no geniuses.
We need our own war room and our message wouldn’t be that much different actually. I’d leave out only the third phrase of the Carville Mantra. The strategists drilled into Clinton the importance of repeating the talking points and staying on message. We should do the same. You already know that we won’t change the nation through political issues and elections. We need change and not more of the same. But how will change happen? It isn’t the economy. Although that’s what most Americans think. It is the gospel, stupid.
I’m not calling you stupid. Carville wasn’t calling Clinton, stupid. He was saying, “You’re stupid if you forget this talking point.” I’m saying, put The Gospel on your whiteboard. We’re all stupid if we forget it. We’re stupid when we even start forgetting the gospel. If Obama wins this election, the answer is the gospel, stupid. If McCain wins, it’s the gospel, stupid. Sometimes it takes an Obama to remember the gospel, stupid. When I catch myself thinking too much about Obama, Ayers, Wright, and Acorn, I need to remember the gospel, stupid. Do you think in a given week that we’re better off thinking and talking and writing more about this election than we do the gospel, stupid? It’s worth some time, just like bodily exercise is worth some time. But it “profiteth little.” The gospel profiteth much.
I believe that Jesus was talking about this election in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. People worry about the economy. They worry about their own physical needs. The Lord said in verse twenty-five, “Take no thought” of these things. Don’t make those your thinking or talking points. God will take care of you. He’ll meet your needs. Instead, make this your haiku, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The economy and anything else God wants you to have will be added unto you.
Things Stupid about an Election
Things Stupid about not Elevating the Gospel above Elections
Conclusion
The election seems like big time. The news media talks about it. For a little bit of time, we share an opinion with millions of other Americans. Maybe we even feel some strength in numbers. But it’s not the way that God chooses to change the world. He chooses the weak things of the world to confound the strength of the mighty. He didn’t choose elections as His way for men to align themselves with Him. He did choose the preaching of the gospel. Let’s not be stupid.
Aaron Freeman Ron MaggardMissions Patriotic video Encouragement Family Life Children's Ministry Bible Pastor Uncategorized War on Truth Music Humor Consecration About Us Doctrine Special Services Prayer Requests Sermon Outlines Holidays Evangelism Education Announcements Just for fun Gospel Worship Podcasts Heaven Guests
Subscribe Feed (RSS)