"The Anointing?"
What ever happened to "anointed" living? Preaching? Working? Parenting? and on an on.... Maybe is was replaced with "feeling good". We don't want to feel any conviction, cuz that might cause us to change. Jesus as "anointed" by God His father to do His will here on earth. The high priest in the old testament was anointed to enter into the very presence of God behind the Vail, into the Holy of Hollies. When Jesus died on the cross, we immediately gained access to it as well, the very presence of God in our lives, every day, every where, and in every way. Ask God for His anointing with raising your family, loving your wife, working in your job and living in the world. The anointing, blesses us and others. It sometimes convicts and changes us. It gives us boldness, (not stupidity) to move ahead with God's calling on our life. It will give us courage to speak when needed and to hold your tongue when we should. As preachers and teachers it will allow us to say and do the things that may or may not be popular but to do those things that cause positive change towards God. Do you see the anointing of God working in your church? In your home? In your life? Pray for Gods precious anointing in all things. God Bless.... and may you experience Gods true anointing in your life today.
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"Your faith is being reported all over the world..."
Romans 1 (New International Version)
8. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
Paul was happy and proud that the faith of those who believed in Jesus was being reported around the world. He was happy that there faith was a faith of action and consequence. Is your faith a faith of action? Not only actions for others to see, but actions that encourage, motivate and propel others to believe in God? Think about the many times God has moved in your life... the times God has truly done a miracle for you...and most of all saved you. Don't be afraid to show your faith is in God. Don't be afraid to share what He has and is doing in your life. Someone you know today is going thru the sames things that God has helped you through. God bless you every day! Don
"Preach" the Word...
My prayer today is that everyone today who stands in a pulpit, Sunday school class or where ever else they may be, truly preach the Word of God. That they not be constrained by fear, or political correctness, not for fear of making their listeners uncomfortable, but that they pray God would speak through them from their hearts. That the preparation they have done would be a blessing, but that the Holy Spirit would be their guide and director. We do not need a "talk" we need the unadulterated word of God that changes, convicts, encourages, corrects and blesses. Brother and Sisters, do not be constrained.... Be instant in season and out of season... Let the Word go further with the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. I agree with you in the powerful name of Jesus.
God Bless you mightily, Don
"We trust in the name of the Lord..."
Psalm 20:7 (New International Version
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Over the past year I have visited some of the newest and largest churches in this part of the country. They appear to be "doing" very well. Hundreds are reporting to be saved, thousands are being fed and I truly believe that lives are being changed for the better.
My question is how is this happening? In this day of highly effective marketing campaigns and the desire to build relationships with people that come to our Churches we may have accidentally forgotten how God wants to work in peoples lives. In an effort to "relate" to people and entice them to to return and become involved we have lessened the chance for the Holy Spirit to nudge us, convict us and provoke us to change. We have replaced in some cased prayer time with coffee time, quiet time with God, with fellowship time with others. We have added many pretty lights and video screens, we have moved the children off to some far corner and have every moment planned to perfection. We have hired staff to pray, to call, to work, to clean. Some have replaced or totally removed any indication of denomination, as that may offend. We no longer stand by our statements of faith and commitment. In two of the largest Churches I have visited there is not a cross to be found or the word church ever printed on a sign or bulletin. But the people come, they have built a relationship with others who are kind and loving and who do not convict or judge as we should not. They go home week after week feeling good, they give to support the many good causes of the institution. All of this is good. But my worry is are they meeting with God? Are they hearing the voice of God? The King of Kings and Lord of all? Do they realize that it is God who saves, changes lives and convicts. Do they realize when they are disappointed by man that the promises of God still stand. Do they know that change prompted by conviction of the Holy Spirit is change that will last and stand in the face of temptation. My fear is this, we may have come to worry more about our relationship with others then our relationship with God. We may have come to love the surroundings and comfort more than the fellowship with God and His Spirit.
I also know of churches who still leave room for God, still listen to the Holy Spirit still reverence His presence, still know what a "sanctuary" is and represents. I will close with this, If the Holy Spirit truly was allowed to move and work in you and your church what would it look like? Remember...God wants to do far and exceedingly above what you can ask or think.....
God Bless, Don
"Owing our independence upon the overuling power of God..."
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.
And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.
And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!
It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.
Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.
All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
Learn to say "No".....
Titus 2:11-12(New International Version)
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age
We have been never to say "no", that it is better to day yes. Not to say no to our children, or no even to ourselves. We we grow up we are excited that there is no one to tell us no anymore, we can do as we please and what pleases us. I encourage you to begin to thing today the things the Holy Spirit i really telling you to say no to. Only you know what these things are, none are to small or to big. Learn to say no and live in self control. Say to anything that would displease God, no to things that just passing passions of this world. We are in the current financial crisis in this world today, because some could just not say "NO". Have a great day. Don
"Maybe if I can keep them "busy" with "church".....?
Matthew 23:3-5 (The Message)
"Instead of giving you God's Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help. Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend.'
One of the things I always wondered about was why we don't read much about church buildings and organizations in God's word. I don't think God was too impressed with titles and programs, positions or status. I don't think numbers impress Him to much. The argument that we need people and finances to do "God's work" is often made, but to truly be God's Church what the world just might need is more heartfelt prayer and openness with God about our needs, our fears, our hopes our dreams. We need to get to the place with God that we are comfortable to be in His presence no matter where it is. We must diligently guard against becoming comfortable more with programs, buildings, numbers and entertainment than in the presence of God. In the presence of God, we are offered comfort, guidance and unconditional love. If we are "busy going" to church we just may be missing the best thing that could ever happen to us... a true relationship with God, the King of King and Lord of Lords. A relationship with God will gain you access to everlasting life with God our father. "Going" to "church" may not even get us into heaven......... God Bless! Don
"Miracles..."
John 14:12(New International Version)
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
We all love to hear about "miracles". We love to read about the miracles in God's Word. We will run to any "church" were there is even rumor that they may be happening. I believe in miracles, the unexplainable hand of God moving in a manner that we can not understand or explain. What is even more awesome is when God uses us in a miracle. With faith in God and His grace, He tells us we will do even greater things than even He did! But what are these...? What would make them greater...? Maybe we could encourage instead of put down, or we could keep silent instead of complaining, maybe we could forgive instead of hold a grudge and seek revenge. Maybe we could be a blessing instead of always seeking a blessing. maybe we could love unconditionally, smile more and not take ourselves so seriously. Maybe we could spend more time listening to God than asking of Him. Maybe these are just a few of the "greater" miracles that Jesus was speaking of?
"Help....!"
Mark 2 (The Message) 1-5 After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."
"They removed part of the roof..." The question is, what are you willing to do to get what you need from God? What are you willing to do to help a loved one, family member for friend? These friends of the crippled man were willing to literally dig a hole in the roof of the room where Jesus was to exercise the faith they had in Him. They were willing to do what seemed, dangerous, stupid and probably would cost them something. Exercise faith for you marriage, family and loved ones. Allow others to exercise Faith for you when you are unable. Faith moves the hand of God. God Bless, Don and Karen
"Who do you say I am...."
Matthew 16:15 (The Message)
"Move with fear..."
Hebrews 11:7 (The Message)
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Maybe you have been divinely warned by God of things not yet seen? God may have been warning you about a situation with your teenager or loved one. Noah knew enough to listen to God and he moved with fear and did what looked silly to everyone else, but because of his obedience he and his family were saved.... Maybe its time you moved with fear... God Bless, Don
Don Collette
in Faith, family, listen
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"It's a God Story..."
Romans 4:1-3 (The Message)
1-3 So how do we fit what we know of Abraham, our first father in the faith, into this new way of looking at things? If Abraham, by what he did for God, got God to approve him, he could certainly have taken credit for it. But the story we're given is a God-story, not an Abraham-story. What we read in Scripture is, "Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own."
It really is a God story. The story of your birth, life, salvation, healing, direction and all you are and do is a "God Story". When we decide that this simple fact is true, it changes our life for ever. Doing that special thing, going that extra mile and praying that prayer one more time, is not about us, but about God and His power in our life. We work hard and play hard, because we are God's children. Do your very best "for God!" not just those "religious" things... but everything you do, do it for God. Enter in to what God is doing for you every day! Trust God to set you on the right track.
"Go to the Scriptures..."
"Go to the Scriptures. The joyful promises it contains will be a balm to all your troubles."
Andrew Jackson
If we could only learn "to go"... we could worry less, and be much more blessed. Don
"We have been the recipients..."
"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We've been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand, which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us. And we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessing were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become to self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, to proud to pray to the God who made us. It behoves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness."
President Abraham Lincoln, April 30, 1863
"America's Lost Dream..."
"America's future depends on the people of God being the people of God. Christians have got to be Christians! Our failure to heed and obey God portends destruction, which is why "Judgement begins in the house of God." (1 Peter 4:17 KJV). As representatives of God's kingdom in the world, our failure, our sin deprives the world of the purifying, healing, redeeming influence of righteousness. "In God we trust" and "God bless America" are phrases that have meaning only to the extent that they have meaning in our hearts, the citizenry. We need the life giving nutrients of our roots. It is time to begin the pursuit of becoming "One Nation under God, America's Lost Dream."
Former U.S. Senate Chaplain Dick Halverson
"Since they didn't bother...."
Romans 1:28-32 (The Message)
28-32 Since they didn't bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing.
Has God quit bothering you? Do you no longer hear that inner voice, warning you, guiding you and speaking to your heart? God can and does get to the point where He will "leave us alone" for a season to see if we He can maybe get our attention. The problem comes in when we tend to be very stubborn and sometimes say; "I just don't feel God anymore, He doesn't love me or care about me any more." During these times when God seems the farthest away is when we need to run the fastest and most direct route to Him. Maybe that is on your knees or in a quite time with God in prayer and fellowship. God hasn't doesn't every really leave us, but He will leave us alone for a season to show us how things will work out.
"Without His Example we can never..."
| "I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean [i.e., comport] ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation." | |
| -- George Washington | |
"Nowhere else to go..."
"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." | |
| -- Abraham Lincoln | |
"Whatever..."
Luke 12:7 (The Message)
"He didn't leave them.....or you...."
Nehemiah 9:16-18 (The Message)
bullheaded, they wouldn't obey your commands. They turned a deaf ear, they refused
to remember the miracles you had done for them; They turned stubborn, got it into their heads
to return to their Egyptian slavery. And you, a forgiving God,
gracious and compassionate, Incredibly patient, with tons of love—
you didn't dump them. Yes, even when they cast a sculpted calf
and said, "This is your god Who brought you out of Egypt,"
and continued from bad to worse, You in your amazing compassion
didn't walk off and leave them in the desert. The Pillar of Cloud didn't leave them;
daily it continued to show them their route; The Pillar of Fire did the same by night,
showed them the right way to go.
