There's no way to surely know how we must appear to God from his point of view. God is Holy Spirit. He has no limits, time means nothing to Him, and He knows all and sees all. He created us. From his stand point, I think we must appear to be mere babes. We have many limitations. Unlike God, we can't know the condition of some one's heart, or the motivation behind some one's actions. But God does. We know a mere smidgen compared to His infinite intelligence. We must appear to possess the intelligence of babes in a nursery to Him. I was thinking about what Jesus said on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Just like a little babe, so inquisitive and full of wonder about everything within sight or grasp, we want to know everything we can get our hands onto. And just like babes, we don't really know about dangers lurking about. We just go about until someone says, "No", but we want to get our hands on what every we can reach and taste it anyway, and give a never mind to that, "No" warning. Might Jesus' statement have meant we are babes and don't have any idea of the impending danger on the road ahead we've chosen to take and we're totally blind to what we're getting ourselves into? I've wondered if we as a people will ever wise up, or are we always going to make decisions without regard or concern to God's Word? Are we ever going to gain wisdom about our decisions and actions and be more Christ-like? It really seems the majority of people go about their lives making choices based only upon the wants of their flesh and desires to possess ever more things they see. I say this because I see more and more behavior openly displayed contrary to God's Word and no doubt it is awfully tempting desiring and pursuing so many things marketed and available to us in modern society.
Because God allows you to do something, does not mean every thing you do is considered to be right. God will not violate or hamper your will. He created us to have a free will. God will not force anything upon anyone. He allows us to make our own choices. How cool is that? But those choices have consequences. For example. God could have dictated it be mandatory for all the Hebrew people led out of Egypt to worship Him only and none other. And anyone worshiping any other God, image, or idol be struck to death right on the spot. What happened was God allowed those who worshiped the golden calf to continue living out their normal lifespans and they continued to be provided food and necessities, but the consequence to their disobedience was God did not allow them to see the Promised Land. All but two (Joshua and Caleb) died in the desert. In other words, only two people remained faithful and obedient to God got to live to enter the Promised Land. So, might this mean God allows you to continue choosing to live a lifestyle contrary to His Word. And because you aren't seeing Him stopping you, you think it's alright to continue doing whatever you choose with disregard to His Word.. However, God has final say in who is allowed into the Promised Land, and that promised land for us is heaven. So, you might think you're in the clear with the consent of man's laws honoring certain lifestyles. But mankind is sinful. God is Holy. God ever so kindly wants you to willingly lead a life pleasing to Him. He actually desires his children to have an enjoyable and joyous life and wants to protect his children from all danger. How cool is that? If you are reading this, this could be considered a gentle hint for you to check your lifestyle choices and the things you've chosen above God in your life. Maybe it time to make some adjustments and changes. The best way to know if you're lifestyle is in line with what He's designed for you, is to read and study the Holy Word, pray for godly wisdom, and prayerfully ask your sins be forgiven, by asking Jesus to be your personal Lord and Savior. Until you take these steps, your spirit is dead and because of your unforgiven sins, you are an enemy of God. Once you take a step of faith and become a child of God, then your spirit becomes sensitive to the things of God and you can learn to make godly choices as you grow and mature spiritually. It's a life long process, challenging, but so rewarding, and fulfilling to a child of God as you mature daily from reading, hearing, and studying His Holy Word, and being receptive of the teachings of the Holy Spirit.
No matter how old we grow physically, we'll always be babes to God. He is our Heavenly Father and we are His children.
Scripture references-Chapter of Exodus,
and Luke 23:34
JESUS
A
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Leave your comment below. Until next time, keeping my faith and face on the Son who is shining high above all.
My original intention was to submit the following article to the Luverne newspaper. The article became too lengthy about my Pastor and church presence in the community, so I've posted it here instead.
This is the article I didn't submit to the newspaper.............
My Challenge to Luverne, Alabama
Why would anyone drive 30 miles every Sunday morning, passing up six churches in route to attend one particular church just outside the city of Luverne, located on Rutledge Loop Road? Below is why I choose to commute to this special, particular church on Sunday mornings
But first....
From a very young age, I was brought up in church with my Mother or grandmothers. Only during my military and college years was I not regularly in church. Whenever I moved I sought a church to go to by asking around or visited the church my family, friends, or neighbors attended. Starting the beginning of a new week in reverence to God, my creator, is natural to me knowing the true source of my blessings, I can't hear enough of the Word or tire being in the company of other believers. I also offer my tithes to further the work of the church. The decision to become a church member is sought with much thought and prayer. I am proud to be a member of Crenshaw Community Baptist Church. Below are.....
10 reasons why I drive over 30 miles to attend a very special church in Luverne.
1. The pastor has a big heart & and commitment to the people of Luverne, AL. How do I know this? Well, a few clues are food drives, visits to those in jail, visits to those in nursing homes, help given in many ways, (help with rent, transportation, finding a job, repairs, baby sitting,counseling, and more) to those under his spiritual leadership. And building a day care is in the works. I have been a grateful recipient of counseling, guidance, and help with home repairs when I was in need.
2. The pastor is a giver. He does not ask to receive a salary from the church, nor does he ask for any special recognition or gifts. Matter of fact, there isn't any collection plate passed during services because any giving you want do is done by dropping your offering privately in a collection box positioned in the back of the sanctuary.
3. The pastor teaches and practices debt-free living. The pastor helped physically build the church building along with members of the 'sister' church. The church building and land are debt-free, and the pastor and his wife live within their means and are essentially debt-free. The new private Christian school, now in it's second year, was built to allow children of low income families (or any family) to receive a sound education along with solid Christian values, character building, and instilling Christian morals along side an a solid education so our future leaders of families, businesses and all walks of life will carry on strong Christian values in the community, state and our country. The school is also debt-free. The pastor offers counseling consisting of Biblical principles that work to help turn around your finances for getting out-of-debt and change your life to be free from creditors. He lives what he teaches. His grown children take and practice those principles in their own families. Anyone wanting to know these principles need only call the pastor.
Learn to keep more money in your pocket
Photo credit: cohdra from morguefile.com
4. Special services are free for church members. The pastor will conduct the marriage ceremony (after marriage counseling) without charge, and conduct funeral services also without charge, all part of special services to church members and their families.
5. You're treated like family because we are. Birthdays, anniversaries, or just to have a bar-b-que cookout, or play basketball or even a concert on the grounds with a well known Christian singer, Deborah Snipes. to enjoy.
6. The pastor teaches from the Word. Scripture references are given during sermons so anyone can follow and see what the Word reads. There is no question what he teaches is the truth straight from the Bible. He does not sugar-coat the truth, either. His messages are always timely, and relevant for teaching, reproving and edification and supported by scripture references. I am spiritually fulfilled and not just entertained which is not the reason I attend church. I desire 'spiritual fuel' and that's why I drive to Rutledge Loop Road to get my weekly 'spiritual fill-up' and be 'sharpened'. (Proverbs 27:17)
7. The pastor takes his pastoral responsibilities and position seriously. He is tough when he needs to be and neither does he shirk from sermons on 'tough' subject matters which could be uneasy for some to digest, but it's not to make anyone feel ashamed or uneasy. The messages if for learning, protecting, avoiding pitfalls and reproof to sharpen Christians to be more like our Lord. He is serious about that, and my pastor speaks with wisdom, diplomacy, tact, fairness and most of all with love. I take notes during the sermons to review and study later. It's all there in the Bible and my pastor cares enough to not stay neutral or quiet. I guess that's some of his Marine Corp training coming out. Every pastor has the responsibility to lead those under his leadership in the right direction because one day he will have to give an account for their souls. (Hebrews 13:17). My pastor has an interest in what I'm doing and cares enough to speak up if he knows I or those under his spiritual leadership are doing something which hinders their spiritual growth. And the Bible states that the habits of one person in the church can invite problems upon the whole church. No pastor should want that for his congregation. (Romans 16:17). Do you know where your pastor stands on sex before marriage, non-married couples living together?
8. My pastor has a vision for the community. I want to be a part of a big vision. Already there's a playground with basketball court free to anyone to utilize. A top-notch Christian school with low tuition. A day care center is in the works for single mothers who want to work and not have to pay exuberant childcare fees. A Christian radio station and Christian day camp are in the plans . My pastor's passion and sole intent is serving the people's physical and spiritual needs, touching lives for the better, and leading people to Jesus and glorifying God, A church without a vision is dead. (Proverbs 29:18)
9. My pastor is hard-working and an all around decent man. The past 6 or so years, I've seen and witnessed that my pastor is a pretty decent all around man. I'd even call him a man's man. I see he's a pretty decent husband to his wife, father to his children and decent grandfather. He's leaving a lasting and decent legacy any man would be proud to leave his family. He's not perfect, but I have not one time seen in him any habit or trait unbecoming of a pastor. But, I have heard rumors about him. A few years ago he managed a local, fast food establishment; worked as a policemen in the community; and managed a retail store in Luverne. He worked to provide for his family and help pay for supplies to build the church and live debt-free. I heard he sometimes worked two or three jobs. And, before that he retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant. Is there anything wrong with a pastor employed in a position of public service as a policeman that entailed protecting and upholding the law? I think not. We should all be grateful to have good police officers placing their lives on the line for our protection. Only those breaking the law might not appreciate that. And the last time I shopped at the store he used to manage, the floors noticeably lacked that 'detailed spit-shine' I remember seeing when he was store manager. It's true, once a Marine, always a Marine. Rumors and gossip spread like wildfire in a small town. People spreading rumors without substantial evidence are very likely preventing and hindering the very people that need help the most from getting benefits of the services and ministry my pastor provides- from help keeping your marriage from falling apart, help getting finances on the right track, help locating employment, are just a few services I've known him to provide, and of course, help leading lost souls to Jesus.
Nice, clean and shiny retail store floor
Photo credit: jusben from morguefile.com
10. My pastor has nothing to hide. After the treasurer counts and posts all collections, the church financial records, consisting of income and expenses, is posted for anyone to see. I like that it's visible to see what and where funds are being applied to and spent.
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HERE ARE MY TWO CHALLENGES TO THE PEOPLE OF LUVERNE, ALABAMA. To the people of Luverne, I say.......
#1. Grasp a hold of all the benefits available and waiting for you and your family. I don't live in Luverne or Rutledge, but I make a weekly 60 mile round trip drive to attend church and shop in your friendly town. I hope you see some of the 'great value' I've found in the ten points I've listed above. What a goldmine you have within your community, and many are not utilizing what is available to you at CCBC. Yes, for your benefit. Happier and wealthier and more at peace with God are so possible if more would seek the services awaiting you at CCBC. I am not saying there aren't other good preachers, ministers, or pastors providing a wonderful job for their church members and community. If your pastor is meeting your needs, that's great. If you can honestly answer that your life, and your family are not in any sort of need, then that's great. But, if you wish you could be doing better in spite of all your efforts, then it behooves you to seek out the help of Pastor Ira Walton, Sr. of Crenshaw Community Baptist Church. I'm there absorbing 'jewels of knowledge and wisdom' he shares within from the Bible on Sunday mornings so I can receive and apply these little gems to my daily living. His vision is positive for you, your family and community. I challenge you to take what's within your local grasp for all the good awaiting you and your family .
#2. I also challenge the people of Luverne to rise above gossip and rumors. Be better than that. This pastor is trying to help you and not hurt a single soul. I challenge you to let rumors and gossip die and instead speak only of things that are lovely, positive and uplifting, and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:18) But if not, knowing my Pastor, he will not let anything sway him from forward progress of his vision because of his earnest commitment to all the precious and dear lives and souls of your community. Yours included.
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Dr. Smith is a retired chiropractor and Marine Corp Veteran. She makes her home in South Montgomery County. Visit her faith-based blog - www.faceforwardfaith.blogspot.com
***** CRENSHAW COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH
1607 Rutledge Loop Road, Luverne, Alabama 36049
Phone- 334-335-2633 website-www.crenshawcbc.org
Sunday school-10am Worship service-11am
Wednesday night-7pm Nursery available
There is a short passage mentioning marriage in the Bible which reads... Marriage should be
honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the
adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrew 13:4). This passage is nestled between remembering those in prison, and do not to fall in love with money. The marriage bed. God places importance upon the bed to be shared with a man and his wife for good reason. God's design for marriage is sacred and should not be violated. If violated, God, in His infinite wisdom, sees fit to judge those who don't listen. And, His righteous judgment of when and how He will judge is totally at His discretion.
God's Word says He will judge persons who commit adultery and all who are sexually immoral.
In this day and age, no matter what others are saying, or how many millions are doing their thing contrary to the Word of God, be mindful that God and His Word should be heeded for your own good.
Here is a site you can visit to see what God's Word tells of sexual immorality.
Is what you're doing pleasing to God according to his Holy Word? If not, stop and ask God for forgiveness and ask the Lord to forgive your sins and help you refrain from doing what will bring judgement upon yourself. God is so loving and wants to save you from all unrighteousness. And Jesus is the answer.
View this video. It's very good and right on in explaining how to get saved for those who need help.
Finally, it's a good feeling to make peace with God, through Jesus. In or out of the marriage bed, this is the way to freedom and peace like no other. And remember, it's a spiritual relationship. Having your spirit and heart aligned with God is most important. Keep it pure.
Until next time, faithfully following Him on that narrow road.
The news last week about Steve Jobs passing at age 56, losing his fight with pancreatic cancer brought me to think about the brevity of life in this body. I'm sure Mr. Jobs had the best doctors, however, the condition was fatal. I had a brother who died very young from kidney cancer. Like all who've lost a loved one to cancer, in my heart I questioned why would God allow such a thing to happen. Why? Recently, I was reminded I am in no position to question the ways God. If He says so, then that is what will be. God is creator and His Word is all that matters. We are His creation, with a beginning and an end in this body, and can't know all the things in the world that God knows. We can't see the future or know God just might be sparing us from something worse. Even if He did give me an answer, that answer would most likely make as much sense to me as explaining aerospace engineering to a toddler.
God can do with His creation whatever He wishes. Every ray of sunshine, every drop of water, every moment of time, every grain of sand, is His creation. We breathe His air and walk on his soil. Man is the maker of nothing original. Everything made by man is used of God's material.
Steve Jobs was a family man to those he loved, but to the world he was a visionary and inventor, and his print was on many products that affected and were utilized proudly by millions the world over. He used his brain and creativity and like others before him, like Einstein, Edison, Ford, and Carver, just to name a few, who changed the world with their inventions and intelligence. God gave them each what they needed to complete their a mission. Steve Jobs was in that category as well.
Jesus was also completed his mission, actually the first and left us more to mankind than all the above mentioned- and He is still changing the world today. No one can touch Jesus in the fact that He is the only one that can change your soul and wipe away your sins. The world has never be the same since Jesus walked on Earth as a man. His ministry and service to mankind is untouchable by any other man. His contribution to mankind is largely misunderstood my many because His kingdom is spiritual and eternal, not temporary, and is far more important than anything you can possess. Jesus' gift to mankind is extended to all and totally free.
Jesus left his mark, and his mark is the only mark you can possess with lasting, eternal impact- no Apple digital product, or any invention made by man can match that.
What is your reasonable service? And does it bring glory to the Lord?
My condolences to the Job family.
Talents and gifts are from the Lord, and when used to bring Him glory, you are on your path and fulfilling your mission in life.
I get all teary-eyed viewing this video. The kids don't sing, but they sure do get into using their sign props, coupled with a very, powerful song in this video. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. What's amazing is they're aren't the only ones in the act. What a great and unique act for an entire Alaskan village to participate in. Thumbs up to them all and the teacher of these kids. This is worth sharing. Turn up the volume and view it repeatedly, I do. Puts me in a great mood and makes my day!
That narrow road can have snow on it, but as long as it's headed in the direction of Jesus, it's a mighty fine road to be on! Hallelujah!
Experimental time again in the kitchen with a new homemade facial recipe. I took a few drops each of fresh lime juice, vitamin E oil, and geranium essential oil, and a slice of pear. A pear can fool you, it contains a lot more water than you think. When I mush the slice of pear, the mush is very watery. I squeeze a few drops of fresh lime juice, then vitamin E and geranium oils and mix well. On a clean face, I paint the mixture onto my face, avoiding my eyes. This facial is thin, but felt so fresh and silky, not to mention delicious. After 10 minutes I gently wiped the facial off and my face. My comment on this facial is it was gentle to my skin, and very beneficial. The remaining mixture I placing in the refrigerator to reapply the next couple days, then discard any leftovers. I think I'm gonna call this my Citrus-E facial.
It's fun and completely natural. What could be better than that for your skin and attitude?
Citrus-E facial ingredients
I had no problem with this mixture on my face at all. No itching or stinging. But I don't have any blemishes or acne. Make sure to keep your eyes protected as I'm sure it lemon juice wouldn't be good in the eyes.
Our skin outer layer is slightly acidic for protection- it's called an acid mantle. So this facial supports that naturally.
Of course, I have to leave a statement that you need to use caution when using any essential oil. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions at all. Keep this away from children. Apply to a hidden area of skin to check for any adverse reactions. Okay, now check out other facials I made using a pear.
Remember, it doesn't have to be expensive to give yourself a homemade facial for your beautiful face!
This entry I've posted two videos of artists singing one of my favorite songs about God. It's a very simple song, but, oh so beautiful and true Yes, He is worthy!!!! He is Holy!!! He is mighty!!!!
