tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78368951828502703082023-07-17T22:00:56.238-07:00Thoughts From Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-43523517622201065252010-05-05T11:33:00.001-07:002010-05-05T12:40:45.081-07:00Cross EngagementAs I was reading and asking God to allow me to see the scriptures in a new light I thought again about this idea of taking up your cross. A couple of blogs ago I wrote on this topic off an idea from Pastor Kevin, our Worship Arts Pastor.<div><br /></div><div>Today I would like to share another slant on "taking up your cross." First if we look at the Greek word "take" it is: <i>airo.</i> This has multiple meanings. But what did Jesus mean in that century to His disciples? Did it mean to "bear" the cross of Jesus? Did it mean to "hang up" the cross that burdens you down so you can be free to follow Jesus? </div><div><br /></div><div>One meaning of "take up" in the Greek dictionary is to "remove or take away." With that in mind, I'd like to throw this idea out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>What if... as Jesus was talking when He said "take up your cross" that meant to engage your culture. Now stay with me. What if it doesn't <b>exclusively</b> mean to "bear the cross of Jesus" but to take away and nullify the cross the world tries to "hang us on." Let me explain.</div><div><br /></div><div>The world is always trying to "crucify or hang" Christianity on a "cross of sorts." For example saying Christianity is: intolerant, homophobic, fundamental, closed minded, etc. Jesus followers are constantly hung on the cross of worldly labels, (and sometimes rightly so.)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">Y</span>ou see it was a physical cross for Jesus, but He conquered His cross with love. He voided or nullified <i>their</i> intent of the cross with His love. For us it's not a physical cross but.... (you can fill in the blank.) Whether it's labels, accusations, persecution, mockery, whatever...the world always has a cross of their choosing to hang us on.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Jesus "engaged" His world, so must we. Mark 8:34-35 "If any man would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me." Jesus said you must take up "your cross." What if a part of what Jesus is saying is that, whatever cross you hear people hanging Jesus followers on, or you personally, you must take that up! You must be willing to engage it! You must take it up and remove it, nullify it by showing love.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could this verse be meaning this: "If any man would come after Me, he must deny himself, engage the world, nullify the cross and follow Me." </div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>So often we don't conquer our crosses with love! For example: when confronted that Christians are self-righteous or uncaring we <b>argue.</b> We say "no, we give, we serve" and argue we're not self-righteous.</li><li>When confronted with the argument that we are homophobic, we argue "NO, we like God hate the sin and love the sinner." When in reality our lives and the "sinner's life" never cross paths (and most of the time we make sure we don't.)</li><li>When confronted with the cross of being called "intolerant" or "judgmental" we get mad and begin to argue <b>doctrine</b> because "we know we're right." LISTEN: we will die on what we KNOW to be true, but we hardly ever die DOING what we know to be true, like Mother Teresa. </li></ul>As Jesus conquered His cross with love, we must conquer the crosses the world tries to put us on with love as well. If it's the label of self-righteousness we conquer that by giving, feeding and doing. If it's the label of homophobe we conquer that by helping, showing grace and love to all people and not excluding any group. If it's being called intolerant then we listen, help and love without being judgmental. </div><div><br /></div><div>After all, Jesus did say you will know My followers by their "love"...He didn't say by their doctrine. It's much easier to live in a "safe religion" than to engage the world's crosses. This truly takes a denial of self to be involved in the "cross engagement". But the Perisos King (Jesus) says if you want to truly follow Me, if you want to experience true life, Kingdom life then that's found in: taking up your cross and engaging the world with love. I call that "cross engagement."</div><div><br /></div><div>Just A Thot,</div><div>Pastor Dan</div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-46826437814678347742010-04-28T15:19:00.001-07:002010-04-28T15:53:54.285-07:00Looking At Jesus in Heaven<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well, it's about time I put a new post here. It's not because I haven't have any new thoughts lately, in fact just the opposite. I've been filling journals full of the questions I have now that I've started my "new journey", if you will, of looking at the Scriptures in a new light.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It has been my sincere prayer that God allow me to look at the scriptures in a fresh and new way. Not just accept the same old Sunday School answer or the Baptist Doctrine answer, but really LOOK at the scriptures and SEE what they say. That's a novel concept isn't it?</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>If you are taking the time to read this...I honestly would like your feed back and opinions. WHAT I AM ABOUT TO SHARE, I MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS IN JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS. I have NO agenda except to look at the scriptures and say...OK....what are they saying? What is the literal scripture trying to tell us. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I KNOW...when I start sharing these thoughts, there is a possibility for misinterpretation. I came from an area where if people or pastors didn't like up EXACTLY like we did in our doctrine or even interpretation of doctrine we started throwing labels around. Liberal, Moderate, Fundamental, Conservative, Evangelical, etc. I am taking a risk. But please understand, I am simply looking at the scripture and asking "what does this mean?" If that shakes your faith...then...you might not want to read further. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In my teaching through Revelation in 2009, I came across a lot of COOL stuff that made me go "hummmm." Just one of those things was this: when we get to the end of Revelation, after ALL the judgments are done...we've been taught everyone who deserves hell is in hell and everyone who deserves heaven is in heaven, then the new heaven and new earth come along in Rev. 21.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>YET in Rev. 21:6-7 Jesus says some interesting things….</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Notice what Jesus says is different than the general invitation at the last chapter to those reading the book...Jesus is in Heaven, talking to John and Jesus says:</div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">A) </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:red;language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">“To him who is thirsty”...</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">wait...I thot we were in heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>WHY would anyone be thirsty in HEAVEN?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aren’t all the judgments settled?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why would Jesus STILL be offering an INVITATION?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>B) </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:red;language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">“I will give him drink from the spring of Life without cost”</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why is Jesus STILL offering to anyone who is thirsty an ability to come?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><b><i>Just Some Thought Questions:</i></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>* Is there still an opportunity for people to receive Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>* Would that be OUT of the Gracious character of God to WANT people to experience His love?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>* Do we have a different look at Justness than God has?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Are these things at least a possibility?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>C) </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:red;language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">“He who overcomes WILL inherit all this”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">I thot they already inherited this? Aren't they in heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Is there a possibility that others STILL have the ability to overcome and inherit what Jesus is offering in heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is in the future tense.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>D) </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:red;language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">“I will be his God and he will be My Son”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">Again this is in the future tense!!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> I simply ask, </span>Is there opportunity still? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I know and understand the standard interpretation here. But I ask, would it make us mad if Jesus was still offering an invitation to come and drink? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> In Johah 3-4 Jonah would not go to Nineveh because he knew God was a gracious God and save even the wicked people and Jonah didn't want God to do that...Jonah wanted Jonah's justice, not God's. Johan has a higher view of God than most of us do. We say, God wants and will punished the wicked, Jonah says no...God wants them all to know Him. Does that make us mad like Jonah?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lastly, for now, <span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:red;language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">2 Peter 3:9<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"God is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance."<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">If God is not willing then WHAT does that mean?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Does that mean Before we die? After we die?....it doesn't say. </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But wait! Why is Jesus still offering an invitation<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>in heaven for anyone who is still thirsty?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I have a ton more of scripture and thoughts related to this...but this is only a blog not a "ebook". So I'll close with that. I am genuinely interested in any and all comments, interpretations, agreements, disagreements and other new thots that might go along with this line of thought. Again, please understand, I'm not leading the witness...I'm just asking questions.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I have pages of new thoughts so stay tuned in the weeks ahead and we'll discuss some more stuff that just might make us say...."hummm."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-armenian-font-family:"Times New Roman"; language:en-US;mso-ansi-language:en-US">Just a thot.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;margin-top:1.0pt;margin-bottom: 1.0pt">Pastor Dan</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span lang="en-US" style="language:en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span lang="en-US" style="language:en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-69552471933882092892009-11-26T11:02:00.001-08:002009-12-21T09:23:41.175-08:00A New Look At Taking Up Your Cross<div>I've been looking at the scriptures in a fresh way lately. Re-examining the interpretation of "this is what it means, is refreshing.</div><br /><div>My associate pointed out to me the other day the scripture of Luke 9:23, "Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." He asked me if I knew what the word "take up" meant. No..I could not remember so he elaborated on it and I want to share our thoughts as we began discussing this exciting new perspective.</div><br /><div>The Greek word for take up is "airo" from when we get our word to aerate, to give or expose to oxygen. It is important for vineyard workers to aerate the roots of the grapevines. They would have to dig the roots out of the ground, cultivate the hard packed ground and all the while they hang the roots up out of the way allowing the roots to become aerated.</div><br /><div>Don't loose the message here. The roots were "taken up" they were given over to the fence to hang there while the vinedressers were free to do their work.</div><br /><div>We often interpret Luke 9:23 in the light of KNOWING how Jesus died...on the Roman cross. They didn't have that interpretation because they didn't know how it was all going to play out. So what did THEY understand when Jesus said "take up" (airo) your cross? </div><div><br /></div><div>The Greek word for "Cross" is ...stake or post. Certainly by this time the Roman Cross was well known, even though the disciples didn't realize Jesus would die that way. So when Jesus said "take up" (aerate, give over, let loose) your "cross" (stake, pole, burden, way of death...etc) what was He saying? Or rather...what did they understand Him to say?</div><div><br /></div><div>The conversation my associate and I have had leads me to believe that Jesus could have meant Luke 9:23 to say... "If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny (disown) himself, give up and let loose anything that would burden him down and come and follow Me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our previous view of the verse is a sense of "take up your cross" meaning lift up and carry something. Take on a burden. Lift up something heavy. It is something that weighs on our shoulders and presses us down...after all we have to take up our cross. It's the idea of taking something on ourselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>HOWEVER!...this new view sees Luke 9:23 this way....instead of taking something on ourselves... it is giving up something! To take up your cross might mean to let it loose. It might mean to lift it up and give it over to God. It might mean instead of burdening us... whatever our pole or stake is that is "cemented" in the ground...we have to give it over to God....that's freedom and a light load...not a heavy burden. Do you see the difference?</div><div><br /></div><div>That's why Jesus goes on to say....whoever will save (hang on to) his life will lose it but whoever will lose (let loose, give up) his life for Me will save it! </div><div><br /></div><div>What better way to see what Jesus has for us than to see what Jesus meant when He says in Matthew 11:30 "My yolk is easy and My burden is light."</div><div><br /></div><div>You can choose to see this verse in one of two ways... (1) Take up yet another burden and weight on your shoulders and just be a good Christian and "bear it" for God OR (2) Take up and give over to God anything that might hinder you from serving/following Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can be weighed down with a cross or give up your cross over to God to free you for followship. I choose to see this as a "giving over" rather than a weighing down. </div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think?</div><div>Just a thot.</div><div>Dan</div><br /><div> </div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-33040045730538553932009-08-26T16:38:00.000-07:002009-08-26T18:15:38.422-07:00Salvation: A one time act or a process?As I've been reading and thinking about my faith and looking at my faith in a new way, (hopefully through the eyes of Jesus and less through denominational glasses) I began thinking about our relationship with God through Jesus.<br /><br />When I think of the term "salvation", which is what we have if we've committed our life to Him, I wonder if years of use of the term "saved" or "salvation" has reduced what is supposed to be our "Journey with Jesus" down to a single act that once accomplished, gives us a sense of fire insurance against hell and releases us, sadly to a life lived in less commitment than if we saw it as a process.<br /><br />Now, don't misunderstand me. Salvation (as we call it) is not earned. You can't be good enough. Only through Jesus alone by grace can we be saved according to Ephesians 2:8. By process I don't mean that we have to "merit, earn or add up stuff" good enough to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">warrant</span> being saved.<br /><br />I have seen SO MANY over the years "say the prayer", "walk the isle", "join the church", "get baptized", "fill out a card", "raise their hand", .....you fill in the blank __________________. And then NEVER see them again. It's as if they've accomplished their spiritual act and now they are going to heaven. It's as if they say "whew...that's over now I can start living my life like I want knowing that I'll go to heaven when I die because I "got saved."" Is that true salvation?<br /><br />Or...is salvation a journey? A life of following Jesus. Yes we fall, we sin, we mess up but so did EVERY SINGLE BIBLE PERSON we read about in scripture. But the common denominator is that they got up, were forgiven by Jesus, reinstated and they continued following, teaching, living a Jesus life FOR JESUS.<br /><br />Understand, that just living a good life, even a moral life or even a christian "type" life....will not get one to heaven. But is one a true follower if they do the christian thing and say a prayer or join a church or whatever....and then never live for Christ?<br /><br />I do believe there is a point in time where one "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">commits</span>" to a life of following Jesus. It may or may not happen by "THE PRAYER" or "THE CHURCH" but by simply deciding to tell God that you want to follow Him or live for Him or that you love Him and commit your life to Jesus. Remember that all the thief on the cross said to Jesus was "remember me." Jesus said in essence "you got it dude, today you WILL be with Me!" WOW! What grace.<br /><br />The thief didn't get to live his life for God because he was on his deathbed but from that point on Jesus saw his heart, his willingness his turning to God. I have no doubt that had the thief lived, he would have lived a passionately sold out life for God because of Jesus.<br /><br />I had a person tell me one time... "I've just always been a Christian." Well, sorry but there is a TIME where one decides to commit their life to God. It starts with a concious act but it cannot end there. In fact I believe when we live for Christ, we are living out our salvation in process. We are experiencing our salvation now, not just in the sweet by and by.<br /><br />If all of life is spiritual then all of life is a journey. So I want to encourage you, as I've been thinking about in my own life...have you just commited a single act of Christianity by saying a prayer or joining a church...or is your life truly a journey with Jesus. Are you continuing to live out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12.) Are you experiencing your salvation in every part of life realizing that ALL of life is spiritual?<br />Just a Thot.<br />DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-79314892303393210232009-07-02T12:35:00.000-07:002009-07-02T13:07:32.036-07:00Bombardment of the FamilyAs Ronald Reagan used to say, "Well, here we go again." As most of you know, I use this blog to bring you news that you probably won't hear in the main stream TV stations or newspapers but that are relevant to our christian living...and here we go again.<br /><br />According to American Family News Network on their news service, onenewsnow.com the National Education Association (NEA) is battling hard to take our public schools into areas they should not be meddling into. The following is the short article from onenewsnow.com as they presented it:<br /><br /><em>"The co-founder of the National Education Association (NEA) Conservative Educators Caucus says the NEA will consider adoption of a resolution supporting homosexual "marriage."<br /><br />The NEA is currently holding its annual convention in San Diego, California. Educator and conservative activist Jeralee Smith called OneNewsNow from the convention to report that the executive council has approved language that will throw the full support of the NEA behind same-gender marriage, homosexual adoption, and other issues surrounding the homosexual agenda. "They will help to overturn legislation that is discriminatory against same-sex couples," she notes. "And then there is one little bullet about [how] they will recognize that marriage has a religious connotation and it's not compatible with beliefs and values -- because of that they recognize that certain churches should not be forced to conduct same-sex marriage." Smith says the resolution could be voted on as early as midday Friday or as late as Tuesday of next week. She points out this is not the first political issue the NEA has undertaken. The NEA gave $50 million to help elect President Obama in 2008."</em><br /><em></em><br />Hummm, I thought school was supposed to educate our children about the basics of education, you know reading, writing and arithmetic. So now they feel a need to educate our children on "proper family roles" by teaching that homosexuality is a legitimate family unit? I thought we weren't supposed to teach morality like the 10 commandments you know the basic stuff like Don't steal, don't lie, don't kill...YES, that's right...those things that are considered way too controversial to teach in public school. But homosexual couples/families? Well, that's ok I guess because it's being taught by the leftist socialist progressive agenda and not from a Conservative viewpoint.<br /><br />50 Million Dollars to elect a president? Our schools are drastically cutting programs because they don't have enough money. Well, President Obama was elected but at what cost? Our kids miss out for lack of programs. 50 Million would have gone a long way toward education, no matter who the President is. Oh they can cut band, cut sports, cut all the field trips, cut the arts...but their attitude seems to be "come hell or high water...we've got to teach the homosexual agenda to our little ones."<br /><br />Well, I'm frankly tired of it. I can't do much to influence the NEA but I HAVE always and WILL always be involved in my kid's individual schools. I know their principles and teachers from elementary, Jr. High to High School. I stay in touch and I talk and question. Schools are in the business to educate NOT indoctrinate. And I encourage you to be involved and take a stand. Together we CAN make a difference. Somewhere Somehow we HAVE to TAKE AMERICA BACK! WE DO THAT ONE FAMILY, ONE SCHOOL, ONE CITY AT A TIME.<br /><br />Just a thot,<br />Pastor Dan<br /><br /><em></em><br /><em></em>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-23878844519734029892009-06-10T10:24:00.001-07:002009-06-10T10:24:57.552-07:00Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-28993910957300079092009-05-06T15:55:00.000-07:002009-05-07T12:14:44.579-07:00God Help our CountryWell, in the N.T. an older Apostle Paul told his younger son in the faith that in the last times things would go from bad to worse (2 Timothy 3:12-13) <span style="color:#ff0000;">12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, </span><a name="15"></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Before our very eyes we are seeing our leader and our country go from bad to worse. Today, May 6 President Obama said that there will NOT be a White House observance for the National Day of Prayer to pray for our nation! What a shame!!!!!!!!! The President CLAIMS to be a Christian and yet cancels the White House observance that recognizes prayer for our nation????</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">PSALM 9:17 The wicked return to the grave, and all the nations that forget God.</span><br /><br />Onenewsnow.com said, <em>"White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says President Barack Obama will pray privately as he does every day, but his only public acknowledgement will be to issue a White House proclamation."</em> On the news this morning they said the President will issue a document and fax it to the reporters. WOOOO HOOOO!<br /><br />As if this is not enough.... on April 16, 2009, according to the Los Angeles Times Blog they reported, as did numerous other news media, <em>"President Barak Obama's White House asked Georgetown University to cover all religious symbols at the scene of the President's economic speech at the Roman Catholic Institution Wednesday. And the prestigious Jesuit University agreed."</em><br /><br />The Washington Times reported more specifically that the White House asked to cover up a monogram symbolizing Jesus name. <em>"The gold "IHS" monogram inscribed on a pediment in the hall was covered over by a piece of black-painted plywood, and remained covered over the next day, CNSNews.com reported."</em><br /><br />I am reminded of<span style="color:#ff0000;"> Matthew 10:33, "But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."</span><br /><br />On the same day the White House said no official observance would happen for National Day of Prayer, Onenewsnow.com said, <em>"On the same day as Gibbs' remarks, the District of Columbia Council gave final approval to legislation that recognizes same-sex "marriages" performed in states where they are legal. Congress has final say over the city's laws and will get 30 days to review the bill. If Congress takes no action, the bill would become law automatically."</em><br /><br />God Help Our Country!!!<br /><br />I thought the Editor of Onenewsnow.com had a great thought to close the article he said in the Editor's Note: <em>President George W. Bush had held a formal White House event for the past eight years marking the National Day of Prayer. There were no official observances during the Bill Clinton administration. The Bush White House also, for the past several years, recognized the Islam observance of Ramadan with a White House dinner. It remains to be seen if the Obama White House will continue that tradition. </em><br /><em></em><br />It would be interesting to see if he will continue the tradition of recognizing the Islamic observance of Ramadan with a White House dinner.....seeing how our President Obama didn't bow to the Queen of England, covered up the name of Jesus.... but gave a deep bow and bended knee to the King of Saudi Arabia.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Proverbs 11:14, "For lack of guidance a nation falls."</span> As the leader goes, so goes the nation.<br /><br />God Help Us!<br /><br />Just a Thot,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-81943572055361405912009-04-23T09:47:00.000-07:002009-04-23T10:31:43.322-07:00Our Government is Out of Control!WOW! Now we as believers are starting to SEE the crossroads of our faith! Our government, that's right our United States Government of America has issued a statement from the Department of Homeland Security a VERY SCARY STATEMENT.<br /><br />From the website of the American Center for Law and Justice, an organization that stands for the rights of Christians and Churches and fights against the ACLU, it says:<br /><br /><em>You may think we are blowing things out of proportion. Well check out this actual quote from the DHS Security Report titled “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment" that specifically label groups that are Pro-Life!<br />“rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented . . . and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration.” </em><br /><br />So, fellow believer, if you are opposed to abortion or ILLEGAL immigration then you are considered a rightwing extremist and thrown into the same group as rejecting government authority.<br /><br />Our President pal's around with 3rd world rogue dictators who hate America, takes their book that demeans our country, he bows down to a middle eastern king...and allows his director of Homeland Security to say that WE are the extremist!?!?!<br /><br />The American Center for Law and Justice goes on to report about this report as saying, <em>"The scope of this report is also dangerous. In discussing rightwing terrorists, the report states that there is a phenomenon of violent radicalization in the United States. Pointing to those who are <strong>opposed to abortion and same-sex marriage</strong>, the report envisions what it calls <strong>the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States as these pro-life groups, those opposed to immigration, and returning veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."</strong></em><strong><br /><em></em></strong><br />The website for the American Center for Law and Justice is <a href="http://www.aclj.org/">http://www.aclj.org/</a> there you can find other articles that directly affect our freedom of Christianity in America.<br /><br />I would encourage you as a believer to join the American Center for Law and Justice "BE HEARD PROJECT" that will send a letter to DEMAND RETRACTION from our government lumping Pro-Lifers in with the "right wing extremest". The website is <a href="http://beheardproject.squarespace.com/">http://beheardproject.squarespace.com/</a><em> </em><br /><em></em><br />Just a Thot,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-26339982242753401542009-04-06T12:30:00.000-07:002009-04-06T14:46:15.814-07:00Remember AgainThis is the Easter season...and this year it seems particularly exciting for me. I am watching the news and world events every day and what we are seeing is the end times literally unfolding day by day in front of our very eyes.<br /><br />This week N. Korea fired a test rocket to the dismay of the international community (except Russia and China) and the UN decided that NO Action would be taken. China is calling for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">abolishment</span> of the US Dollar and for the establishment of a Global Currency. The out right threat of the Taliban's chief to destroy Washington DC rang loud and clear. The ever widening <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tentacle's</span> of our government to invade the lives of private citizens and private industry...and as a famous King once said, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">etcetera</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">etcetera</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">etcetera</span>.<br /><br />What is going on?!?! Did we wake up in a different country? It's as though we aren't living in the same country in which we grew up. To quote Alice in Alice in Wonderland, <em>"I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!"</em><br /><br />It is time for us to remember again. Remember two things. #1 Jesus Christ is RISEN and He has and is the answer to all things! We don't have to fear if we know Him in our heart. This Easter season is a great time to recommit and renew our faith and trust in God.<br /><br />#2 we need to remember that just like Alice... if we are true born again believers we HAVE been changed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">through </span>Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17)! We are not what we used to be and we are not of this world. And because we are not of this world, we don't have to fear. 1 John in the Bible says "Perfect love casts out all fear." God has a perfect love for us and we can rest in that assurance.<br /><br />Easter gives us another time to pause and reflect not on the Easter Bunny or Easter Eggs or baskets but on our Risen Savior who's Got the Whole World In His Hands. No matter what happens in the world I will not be afraid...in fact I'm a little excited and my prayer is "come quickly Lord Jesus."<br /><br />Just a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Thot</span>,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-3591676295602774252009-03-25T18:13:00.000-07:002009-03-25T18:33:38.207-07:00New World Currency Coming!Ok...before anyone brands me a kook I want to show you what is happening THIS WEEK. Just for a moment let's forget what the Bible has to say about a one world government and a global currency coming and look at the facts playing out before our very eyes.<br /><br />This week March 23, 2009 The BBC news reported "China suggests switch from dollar." Now this is rather unique because China holds the largest reserves of U.S. Dollars at 2 Trillion. Mr. Zhou, China's Central Bank Governor said that the US Dollar could eventually be replaced by the Special Drawing Right (SDR) which was created as a unit of account by the International Monatary Fund back in 1969.<br /><br />BloggingStocks report headline "China proposes a new world currency." This reports that China is concerned that all the printing of US money is going to have a negative impact on China's holdings.<br /><br />FinancialTimes, ft.com headlines "China calls for new reserve currency" "Today the value of SDR's is based on a basket of four currencies, the US Dollar, Yen, Euro and Sterling."<br /><br />The WALL STREET JOURNAL headlines "China Takes Aim at Dollar." "China called for the creation of a new currency to eventually replace the dollar as the world's standard." The International Monatary Fund (IMF) has been working on a proposal to issue bonds probably only to central banks. Japan has loaned the IMF $100 Billion and the European Union has pledged another $100 Billion."<br /><br />E-Commerce Times headlines "Are we headed toward One World Currency?" T.F. di Stefano says, "My best guess is that the foreseeable future we will continue to have currency zones like the US Dollar Zone, the Yen Zone and the Euro Zone...however, I wouldn't be surprised if an additional zone were created."<br /><br />Well, well, well...what's happening today IS laying the groundwork for what the Bible said WOULD happen in the end times. FOLKS...I'm telling you...we are living in the last days and this is the beginning of what has to happen before the anti-christ sets up his one world government.<br /><br />Are we who say that this is coming crazy kooks? Conspiracy theorists? You look at the facts and decide. I say, even so come quickly Lord Jesus.<br /><br />This time, it's more than just a thot.<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-79883812647578782962009-03-23T13:06:00.000-07:002009-03-23T16:53:25.096-07:00Is God Invited?I have been watching a few videos about the debate between Intelligent Design vs. Darwinism (evolution) lately. Although I've always believed in Creation by God in 6 literal days, I have been blown away at the scientific proof that points to an Intelligent Creator and the scientific house of cards that evolution is built upon.<br /><br />Yet in academia Intelligent Design cannot even be mentioned without fear of loosing your job, tenure or being black balled. God is NOT invited into most of the scientific classrooms of America today and what a shame.<br /><br />There was even a debate in Indiana about allowing a religious statement on a "vanity license Plate" on a car. According to Onenewsnow.com "For nine years, Elizabeth Ferris had a license plate that said 'BE GODS,'" the attorney explains. "She had taken inspiration for the license plate from the late singer Rich Mullins, who used to sign his autograph by saying 'Be God's' -- meaning 'Belong to God."<br /><br />"She found out that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles had changed the license plate policy and would no longer permit references to religion or a deity on the personalized license plates," he relates. The ADF attorney thought that was odd -- "...because Indiana offers to its residents a specialty license plate that says 'In God We Trust,'" says Stanley. ADF has dropped its suit in light of the state agreeing to change its policy to permit references to deities on its specialty plates.<br /><br />What a shame that we have to have laws preventing God or religious sayings on license plates? What are we coming to. I know the suit was dropped but come on! As the poll at the very bottom of this blog page shows, right now out of 45 votes 85% of you who have taken the poll agree that America is forsaking God and is heading down the same path as socialized Europe.<br /><br />If you would like to watch some of the best arguments FOR Intelligent Design (God creating the earth) please rent or buy these videos:<br /><em><strong>The Privileged Planet, produced by Illustra Media DVD<br />Unlocking the Mystery of Life, produced by Illustra Media DVD</strong></em><br /><em><strong>How Great is Our God by Louie Giglio, DVD<br />Ben Stein EXPELLED, No Intelligence Allowed. Produced byPremise Media Corp. DVD<br /></strong></em><br />Is God invited into your circle of life?<br /><br />Just a Thot.<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-71964088360467152952009-03-17T09:02:00.000-07:002009-03-17T10:15:27.418-07:00What the Media WON'T tell you!It is imperative that we remain informed citizens. We can't be FULLY informed if we depend on the media to tell us what they want us to hear. Why is this important? Because a lot of what is happening in world now is playing into Biblical prophecy. For instance...<br /><br />What the media didn't tell us was that President Obama's newly appointed global warming climate czar Carol Browner was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for a one world government.<br /><br />According to the Washington Times January 12, 2009 Carol Browner is exposed for what her agenda really is. I am going to give some exerpts from the article. You may read the article in it's entire context at this link if you choose: <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/12/obama-climate-czar-has-socialist-ties/">http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/12/obama-climate-czar-has-socialist-ties/</a><br /><br />"Until last week, Carol M. Browner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick as global warming czar, was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change.<br />By Thursday, Mrs. Browner's name and biography had been removed from Socialist International's Web page, though a photo of her speaking June 30 to the group's congress in Greece was still available.<br />Socialist International, an umbrella group for many of the world's social democratic political parties such as Britain's Labor Party, says it supports socialism and is harshly critical of U.S. policies.<br /><br />"Does she agree with the group's positions on global governance - that the United States should abdicate its international leadership to international organizations? Does she support its position that the international community should be the ultimate arbiter of climate change policy?<br /><br />"The Socialist International Web site didn't have a copy of her June 30 speech, but the agenda for the meeting had her scheduled to speak as part of a panel on "How do we strengthen the multilateral architecture for a sustainable future?"<br /><br />"The organization distinguishes itself from violent or revolutionary communist parties. However, some such groups, including the Chinese Communist Party, have been invited to its events as guest organizations. Mrs. Browner was listed as an individual member of Socialist International."<br /><br />SO....what does all this mean? Well, Glenn Beck, on his website March 16, 2009, quoted Carol Browner as saying...>GET THIS... "<strong>Czar Browner says...We need to make sure that we're moving electricity in the smartest way" -- listen to this -- "and using the most cost effective electricity at the right time of day. Eventually we can get to a system where an electric company will be able to hold back some of the power so that your air conditioner won't operate at its peak." </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Obama's Socialist International member Carol Browner has a dream that the government controlled Electric Company can cut back the power to your house if you are running your electric too much. How is that for moving to a one world government control that is operated by an international community?<br /><br />Am I getting political? Well...I guess, since the whole end of time and book of Revelation is about political alliances and agendas. We need to be informed citizens/Believers and learn the truth about what the media won't tell us.<br /><br />Just a thot.<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-43951619703068896362009-03-14T13:43:00.000-07:002009-03-14T14:08:22.052-07:00You've got to see this Link!I found a great little article this week on thinking like an athiest. I love illusions and magic shows and Penn & Teller is certainly very good in the stage magic they perform. However, Penn is a self proclaimed athiest but has some interesting thots on evangelism. Here is the article I found:<br /><br />Atheist Penn Jillette of the comedy team Penn & Teller believes in evangelism more than do many Christians. A Christian approached him after one of his Las Vegas shows, and Penn appreciated the man’s effort. In this short YouTube video, Penn says that he “knows” there is no God, but that it’s hateful to NOT evangelize people if you truly believe in Heaven and Hell. He also says that atheists ought not be so defensive when people sincerely share the Christian message.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM</a><br /><br />Tell me what you think.<br />PS: Don't forget to scroll down to the very bottom of the page and vote if you have not already and if you want to follow this blog on a regular basis you can click the FOLLOW link in the lower right hand area and become a regular follower.<br /><br />Just a thot,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-30352364048440072672009-03-09T11:36:00.001-07:002009-03-09T12:03:46.151-07:00Pastor Gunned Down During ServiceWell, our hearts are sad to know that one of our Baptist Pastors was murdered while preaching a message on happiness in Maryville, Illinois this past Sunday. According to comcastnews.net The gunman, identified by authorities as a 27-year-old from Troy, strode toward the Rev. Fred Winters shortly after 8 a.m. Sunday, exchanged words with him, then fired a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol until it jammed. Churchgoers then wrestled him to the ground as he brandished a knife, said Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent.<br /><br />Already this morning all across the nation, articles are being written about safety plans in churches and others have asked about the safety plan of Sunrise Baptist.<br />1. We DO have a safety plan in every single room of the church posted in flip-chart form ranging from fire, volcano blowing, bomb threats, to GUNMAN IN THE BUILDING.<br />2. We have talked to our ushers about this issue and WILL be doing this again this week about the possibility of a sick/disgruntled person coming into the church to try to do damage in some way.<br />3. We do have police officers as members who come to our services and are very aware of the threat to pastors and churches.<br />4. We do have Sunrise Security as a first defense who walk around our church and in our church to keep an eye on any threat that might arise.<br />5. I encourage everyone who attends Sunrise to feel free to take the flip chart down, read it, and know what you need to do in case any situation listed may arise.<br />6. Ultimately all we can do is trust GOD and do the best we can security wise.<br /><br />Our hearts are sad for this pastor's family, the church and community. We MUST NOT live or worship in fear. This should cause us to seek the Lord more and to be more dilligent in our prayers for persecuted believers all over the world even in our own country.<br /><br />Please know that your Sunrise Staff is aware and trying to do our due dilligence in protecting all who worship at our church from our little ones all the way up. Please pray for your staff and leadership as we continue to serve the Kingdom.<br /><br />Also, don't forget to take the poll all the way at the bottom of this page if you have not already.<br /><br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-74024735353913614852009-03-05T10:28:00.000-08:002009-03-06T21:46:12.250-08:00Where do you think America is headed?Well, it's been a while since I blogged and I apologize for that. No doubt you have been watching and listening and know that America is hurting right now economically and in other ways. There was a poll out that I want to ask you and your friends to participate in. I have included it down at the bottom of the page. Keep scrolling all the way past my thoughts to the very bottom.<br /><br />The poll talks about where you think America is headed with God. There are several vs in the Bible that talk about how important it is for any nation to trust God, follow His principles and pray. I believe there is a great remnant of Believers still very active in America, but our leadership as a whole??? I wonder.<br /><br />The Dow, Stock Market etc...is just a symptom of a deeper problem. Money is not America's problem. Trying to solve our problems with money and w/o Godly principles is our problem. Just as a fever is not the problem, it just indicates that there is something deeper going on in our bodies, the body politic has a high fever and the sinking economy is that indication.<br /><br />I believe it it going to get much worse before it gets better. That's why it's so much more imperative that we as believers PRAY for our country, the world and the Peace of Israel as the Bible tells us to.<br /><br />Well, if you are so inclined, please take the poll and respond and tell me what you think.<br />Just a thot,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-15263919311373219772008-11-19T13:26:00.000-08:002008-11-19T14:26:24.482-08:00Spiritual PiratesNovember 15, 2008 Somali pirates hijacked a supertanker hundreds of miles off the Horn of Africa, seizing the Saudi-owned ship loaded with crude oil and its 25-member crew, the U.S. Navy said Monday. <br /><br />WOW, Pirates??? When I mentioned this to my daughter she couldn't believe it. She started asking if they wear the kind of clothes like Pirates of the Caribbean? No...they don't wear those kind of clothes but they do the same kinds of things, they steal, kill and destroy on the high seas just like the swash buckling pirates of old we think about. These guys are up to no good!<br /><br />According to a Presentation OF MICHAEL S. McDaniel, ESQ. Before The PROPELLER CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES At The Port of Chicago NOVEMBER 20, 2000 he stated that "202 pirates incidents happened in 1998. These were followed in 1999 by about 309 incidents. In the year 2000 there were well over 300 attacks. But even these numbers don't include another 3,000 incidents involving yachts and small boats.<br /><br />Piracy and marine fraud is a US$16 billion industry on the rise. If piracy were a stock, it would have traded well above Mircosoft on world exchanges for the Year 2000. Who could have imagined that a 17th Century concept could out pace "techno-growth.""<br /><br />THE BIBLE talks about spiritual pirates that invade our lives. In the book Song of Solomon 2:15 it talks about the little things that spoil our lives, "the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." Those pesky little foxes.<br /><br />These little foxes sneak into our lives and they try to steal and ruin our spiritual fruit. In the OT they ruined or spoiled the grape vineyards. What are these little foxes or /spiritual pirates that try to "get aboard" our life so they can steal, kill and destroy?<br /><br />"Little foxes" seem innocent enough but are quite dangerous. What about a particular TV show that has some bad stuff in it. The Bible says those impurities will start to cloud our thinking and our mind.<br /><br />Trashy books, magazines etc. can seem innocent at first but it never stops there. If those little foxes are allowed to continue in our life and our mind and flesh it will eventually show itself in other areas of our life and begin to spoil and ruin our testimony and our Christian life.<br /><br />Experimenting with drugs, alcohol, sex are foxes that, again might seem harmless and "the norm" at the beginning but unless they are stopped it will lead to ruining our life and what so many have found so hard to over come; addiction!<br /><br />Some of the lesser thought of "foxes" might include gossip, hatred, anger, unforgiveness, lust and the list goes on! You see, these "little foxes" as Solomon calls them are "SPIRITUAL PIRATES." They want to get abord our life and steal, kill and destroy.<br /><br />Satan has the same agenda. Jesus said in <span style="color:#ff0000;">John 10:10 "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy." </span> Listen, that sly little fox will try to steal your Christian joy, kill your Christian testimony and destroy your relationships. It's not worth it to allow this spiritual pirate any room in your life.<br />In that same verse, John 10:10 Jesus said, <span style="color:#ff0000;">"I came so you can have life to the fullest!"</span> <br /><br />So how do we keep these spiritual pirates out of our life? The Bible mentions many ways but one way I want to leave with you is found in <span style="color:#ff0000;">Philippians 4:5-8 "Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 6 </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. </span><a name="8"></a> <span style="color:#ff0000;">7And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"> 8In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." </span><br /><br />Don't let "spiritual pirates" hurt you. Sin will always take you farther than you want to go, cost you more than you want to pay and keep you longer than you want to stay. Let's fill our minds with the things of Philippians 4 so we can experience life to the fullest!<br /><br />Just a thot,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-83733734970368824112008-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:002008-11-17T10:04:27.653-08:00Morning Wisdom Proverbs 17It's been my practice for years to read a proverb in the mornings. A very easy way I learned is to look at whatever the day of the month it is and read the corresponding proverb. For instance this is November 17 so I will read the 17th chapter of Proverbs. Since Proverbs has 31 chapters, it goes very well with each day of the month. So I'll make comments on Proverbs 17 for some morning wisdom.<br /><br />This chapter 17 deals a lot with fools, gossip and arguing. As I read through it there are several verses that stand out to me such as verse 9. It tells us that for a friend to cover an offence, it promotes love. If that friend however turns around and repeats the matter to someone else, it seperates that friendship. We have to hold our friends close because it's difficult to have very many real close friends even in a life time.<br /><br />Verse 27 tells us to be careful with our words and to listen and be understanding because we will be more even tempered instead of flying off the handle every time something happens or "we think we know" what happened. If we don't say a whole lot, even scripture says that people will think we're wise. I've known people who love to tell you what they think they know and what they think you need to hear. However, the more they talk the more evident it becomes that they know less and less about more and more!<br /><br />Verse 1 starts out by stating how peace is much more valuable than gold. And even a dry crumb with peace is much more desirable than a house full of riches and feasting with strife. I remember the line of an old country song that says, "...this successful life we're living has us feuding like the Hatfield's and McCoys..." Peace with little is better than riches with strife. That makes me think of another song, a gospel song that says, "Little is much if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame, there's a crown and you can win it, if you go in Jesus' name."<br /><br />The Lord knows our hearts, what we do and why we do it (Proverbs 17:3). Our duty is to love God and serve our fellow man. how wonderful it is when Proberbs 17:17 is true: when we have a friend who loves us at all times and a brother or a sister who is there for us in times of adversity. Maybe you can be that friend for someone who is going through a tough time.<br /><br />To be there for someone, just the presence of "being there" or even to cheer them up is so valuable. After all Proverbs 17:22 says "a cheerful heart is a good medicine."<br /><br />Just a thot,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-67698156973228289032008-11-05T09:30:00.000-08:002008-11-05T10:21:19.991-08:0011:4 on 11/4<div align="left">Well, the election is over. Obama will be the next President of the United States. The day of the election I was praying and (don't get me wrong, I'm not a mystic, but I do believe God still speaks to us!) I sensed I was hearing the question, "what day is it?" I thought this is Tuesday. Then I thought, "no, the date..." The date was November 4, or 11/4/08. Then the book of Psalm popped into my mind.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I turned to Psalm 11:4 and this is what 11:4 said on 11/4, "The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; His eyes examine them." WOW! No matter who won on election day on 11/4, Psalm 11:4 still states a strong statement and promise!!!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">No matter how excited you may be over our next President or discouraged you may be over the direction our country may go in the next four years God's Word remains the same. God is still on His throne, Psalm 11:4.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I have to remind myself on these days after the election of the verse in Psalm 20:7-8, "Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">My faith in my God and my future is secure! I do not fear, nor should any of us fear our fate as believers. My prayer is the same as the Apostle John's prayer, "Even so come quickly Lord Jesus." But if the Lord tarries, we have to understand that God has created us and put us on this earth for such a time as this. Of all the times we could have been born, we are here now. God has a purpose for us here and now.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">So even though my faith in my God is steadfast and secure, I must admit that I still am fearful for the direction our country may take; idealogically, politically, and economically. Because of those real possibilities (an in my opinion, eventualities) it behooves us all to earnestly pray for our country and the new President just as the Bible tells us to in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">You may or may not like or agree with him, but our command in 1 Timothy is not based on our political opinions but our spiritual obedience.</div><div align="left">So with all that being said, I want to share with you what someone sent me in an email today that said this, "After the election:</div><div align="left">* Jesus is still King.<br />* Our responsibilities as Christians have not have changed.<br />* The greatest agent for social change is still winning hearts through the gospel, not legislation.<br />* My primary citizenship will still be in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America.<br />* The tomb is still empty.<br />* The cross, not the government, is still our salvation.<br />* Our children are still more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.<br />* My neighbor is still my neighbor, and loving them will still be the second greatest command. </div><div align="left">* The only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.<br />* The only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />* My retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven. (Talk about a golden parachute!!)<br />* "Jesus Is Lord" is still the greatest truth in the Universe.<br />* We still know that God is in control.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I couldn't have said it better myself on 11/5.</div><div align="left">Just a thot.</div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-68248117842933150352008-10-06T12:11:00.000-07:002008-10-07T12:40:33.711-07:00The state of our faith...Wow,<br />What a weird two weeks we've just been through with the fall of the stock market almost 800 points, the battle over the government bail-out, the bail-out itself and the stock market was as of the moment of this writing Oct. 6, 2008 loosing close to 700 points.<br /><br />The CNN Money report leads on October 6, 2008 with this headline: DOW DOWN 700 POINTS. <em>NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Stocks tanked Monday, with the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling to nearly five-year lows as credit markets seized up and European governments' rush to prop up failing financial firms underscored the global reach of the credit crunch. </em><br /><em></em><br />I have my own opinions on the bail-out but that really doesn't matter now. Personally I don't remember any senators calling me asking me for my opinion, although as an American citizen I did personally call my representatives in Washington D.C. and asked them to vote a certain way on the bail-out.<br /><br />Just as we always hear the saying "it is what it is..." well, I say, "we're at where we're at..." so, what do we do? I have wondered about the state of our nation but in reality I think the better question is what is the state of our faith? To be honest, I have lost quite a bit in my retirement over the last few weeks as this economic crisis on Wall Street is hitting every one of us in one way or another. The markets didn't bounce back after the bail out like people thought they would, the world economic systems seem to be like a dominoe effect...and if we were honest we might all have to say that the economic outlook looks rather bleek for the next forseeable future.<br /><br />As believers, we have to understand that God is not saying, "Oh no! I didn't see that one coming! Hey Jesus...what do you think we ought to do? Wall Street America is in a horrible mess." No....it's like the old song says <em>He's got the whole world in His hands.</em> We have to have faith in God and trust Him. That doesn't mean we don't make the decisions with our money that we feel that we ought to as good stewards to keep from loosing even more, but making those decisions also doesn't mean that we don't have faith in God.<br /><br />I am a news and radio talk show junkie. But the news has been so depressing lately with the economy and election stuff that, on some days, I just don't listen or watch. It helps because I get God's perspective again that in a sense, this is the way it's going to be in the end times. Paul told Timothy that in the last days things would go from bad to worse (2 Timothy 3). Revelation tells us that eventually there will be a one world government and a one world economic system. Since that is the case, then the different economic systems of the individual countries will have to convert over to the one world system.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this is the end of the world or that next month America will be using Rubles instead of Dollars. What I am saying is that as believers we have to have a different perspective on this thing. Because THIS world and THIS country is NOT our home! We're just passing through. It doesn't mean we have to like it or even that it doesn't make us a little tentative. I think as believers and good citizens of the greatest country on God's green earth that we should be involved in making our country the best that it can be. But listen....ultimately I'M OUTTA HERE! My long term plans really don't include trusting in ANY government for my security except the ONE who's government will be on HIS shoulders (Isaiah 9:6). That's why I can trust my JESUS as my Mighty Counselor and Mighty God.<br /><br />Yes the world's economic system will be in chaos one of these days, maybe sooner than later? But if this is the start of it, it means I'm that much closer to my eternal home.<br /><br />Just a thought,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-14069981439342473662008-09-29T09:34:00.000-07:002008-09-29T10:02:17.290-07:00Up Coming EventsWell,<br />Fall is here and so many things are starting fresh. School has started, folks are pretty much done with vacations and yes....the rain IS eventually coming. But that doesn't stop us here at Sunrise from going forward and accomplishing many aspects of our vision.<br />(1) We are an official Pierce County Disaster Relief Shelter. Our Disaster Relief Team has been doing a wonderful job of training and keeping us informed on how that is going. Oct. 18 Sunrise is hosting a REGIONAL Disaster Relief Drill here at our church! <br />(2) We have started Small Groups! This has been a vision God has put on our hearts for a while and this September we have several small groups meeting on Thursdays and one group on Tuesdays. We praise the Lord for these relationship building small groups.<br />(3) Please pray for our Music Minister Search Team. We are still in the process of seeking God's person and timing for a Full Time Music Minister.<br />(4) Plans are still rolling forward....after finding a full time Music Minister, we will turn around and get a team to search for a full time YOUTH MINISTER. In the mean time please be praying for God's will to be done.<br />(5) Once again October is here and we have every court in South Hill Mall for our Harvest Festival. Please sign up to help, bring candy to the church and help us reach our community.<br />(6) The men's group had a good fellowship time at my house roasting hotdogs in the fire pit on Sunday night Sept. 28. It's good when we can get together and talk guns and fishing and hunting and all those other manly things that manly men discuss at manly men fellowships.<br />(7) Church directory pictures are coming up so don't forget about those, check your calendars!<br /><br />Well, just a few thots, about what's coming up this fall. Hope everyone can get involved in something and serve the Kingdom with the gifts that God has given you. Here's one last manly thought: <strong><em>Why do we press harder on remote control buttons when we know the battery is dead?</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Just A Thot,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-26636714142215988712008-08-07T11:58:00.000-07:002008-08-07T12:02:41.121-07:00Good Memories from KoreaWell, we're back and what a great time we had. God allowed us to start a new partnership with Jordan Baptist in Kwang ju for a greater effort in world missions. I can't begin to tell you how well we were treated and to what expense they went through to take care of us. They even bought a new 35 passenger bus to haul us around in!<br /><br />We presented our testimonies and slide shows in service when we got back and everyone is safe and healthy. THANK YOU to everyone who helped support this effort in prayers and finances. God used all of you in a great way.<br /><br />A group is planning on coming to our church next year so we'll be asking people in our church family to pray about opening up their houses as host homes for a couple of weeks to these faimilies who will be coming. Please check out our church website at <a href="http://www.sunrisebaptist.org/">www.sunrisebaptist.org</a> to see many pictures from Korea. <br /><br />Thanks Again,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-38679341177556542362008-07-31T15:39:00.000-07:002008-07-31T15:49:27.909-07:00Day 9 in Kwang juGood morning everyone. I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday but we are way out in the mountains by a beautiful lake staying at a church member's house and his neighbors lake side resort. It is very nice. We had a pulled pork BBQ last night...wonderful!<br /><br />The last day of VBS went very well, a few less kids but we averaged over 200 kids a day! Praise the Lord. After that we went to the National Museum of Kwang Ju boy was that great! Ancient aritfacts and the history of the Korean People. Wednesday night we had a joint worship service and it was very nice as each church officially requested of each other to form a joint partnership for the future for World Missions.<br /><br />Thursday morning we all got on the bus at 9am and traveled to the Bamboo Museum (which happens to be the area of Anna Lim's birthplace), then we went to an ancient garden and home place from the 1500's. It was a National Park, very beautiful. At the Bamboo Museum we saw lots of neat bamboo history and got to shop at MANY bamboo craft stores...spending our WON!<br /><br />Pastor James had an opportunity to stay with his mother and she is traveling on the bus with us and they are having a great time. Pastor James wants to express his appreciation to Sunrise for the opportunity to spend time with his mother which he hasn't seen since 2001.<br /><br />We then came to the lakeside resort where I am typing my blog. I will try to post a picture of the lake here on this blog. Make sure to look at the website for updated pictures. Everyone is healthy and having a good time. Thanks for your prayers. God bless.<br /><br />Serving in Kwang Ju<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-24163571565806810952008-07-29T14:40:00.000-07:002008-07-29T14:58:38.707-07:00Day 7 In Kwang JuGood morning to all. I hope your Sunday service went well. Our VBS yesterday was much smoother with more kids I think. I don't know if they got a final count at the end of the day or not. But the sanctuary and the balcony was filled up with kids and we started the day in opening with 190 kids. The ENGLISH VBS is a big draw.<br /><br />Kwang Ju is divided into 5 districts. After VBS we went to the office of the elected leader of district 5. This was a high honor and not many people get to do this. There were 4 of us that got to go into his office. Me, Pastor James, Rob, Pastor Choo and his Elder Mr. Kong. We talked about future partnerships between Sunrise, Jordan Baptist and the City of Kwang Ju. I believe this meeting may have been the beginning of something big for Sunrise in the future.<br /><br />Everyone is healthy, Lorrie still has a sore throat and coughing. I got her some medicine so we pray that that will help. After going to the District 5 Office we went to Kim Dae-Jung Convention Center. This man was the major person responsible for S. Korea gaining it's Democratic independence finally in 1987. He was the catalyst for the May 18,1980 democratic uprising in Kwang Ju where the military government at that time killed 538 people. We went to the prison where many local citizens were held and sentenced to death in 1980. He was released however and in 2000 won the Nobel Peace Prize. He was President of Korea from 1998-2003. He is a BIG National Hero, equivilent to our Abraham Lincoln.<br /><br />After the convention center we all ate at a restaraunt where we had to sit on the floor at small tables and we ate a Korean BBQ. They cook the meat on fire coals in the middle of the table and you take your meat, wrap it in lettuce and eat it, kind of like a Korean fajita. I loved it, all the food was delicious!<br /><br />Then we came back to the church and back to our host homes. Well, I think that's about it. Make sure you look at the Sunrise website page for new updated pictures. I will talk to you tomorrow.<br /><br />Serving in Kwang Ju<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-63695197452218973472008-07-28T15:00:00.000-07:002008-07-28T15:18:26.006-07:00Day 6 In Kwang JuGood morning from South Korea. I'm sorry I didn't get to blog yesterday, we had to be at church very early and I didn't get up in time to blog before I went to VBS. So let me give you an update on Sunday and Monday.<br /> <br />Sunday was a very good day. I talked about the rapture and gave an evagelistic invitation and several people came forward. At the end of the service the church brought forward a very beautiful cake and celebrated Lorrie's and my 23rd anniversary. They gave her a very nice purse and me a very beautiful watch! The rest of the day we just kind of hung out or people went to their host homes. We came back to church Sunday night where Pastor Choo preached a very good message. Pastor James played the guitar and sang a song he'd written years ago and I accompanied him on the piano. Bethany played a very pretty number on her flute along with her host family, as a special and it was very nice!<br /><br />OK....here's the BIG news. Bible School. First let me say that the church is beautiful and nice, but it's not layed out the best for LARGE groups of kids. Now with that being said, let me tell you what happened.<br /><br />They usually have around 70 kids of their own and about 30 more come from the community for an average VBS of around 100 kids. On Monday we StARTED with 110 kids in the morning. A school dismissed for summer break at 10:30 so with kids trickling in all morning and a new influx of kids coming in from school we ENDED the day on Monday with around 215 kids. We DOUBLED kids in 2 hours! And yes...it was almost as hectic as it sound like it would be. But God provided and it all went off ok. They told us for today, Tuesday, there should be 20-30 more kids from other schools who will be attending as all schools are out for summer break now.<br /><br />Right after VBS we were taken to a 5 Star Hotel and Restaurant where we had a genuine several course Chinese meal. It was a VERY swanky place! The took us to the very big and nice city hall where they had all kind of exhibits of the products of Kwang Ju. The KIA headquarters plant is here also. Then we all got on the bus and they drove us to Moodoong Moutain (A National Park) it was a very beautiful place.<br /><br />We came home, ate supper at church and went to our host homes. This morning I am getting ready to go to VBS is 30 minutes to see what God has for us today! Susan, next time you're coming with us!!! HAHA.<br /><br />Well, I do have to go. I'm finding it difficult to post pictures on this blog but Chris is doing a great job at posting new pictures on the website so I would encourage you to go there and see all the latest pictures! Everyone is doing very well now, except Lorrie has a very bad sore throat. Please pray for her.<br /><br />God bless,<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836895182850270308.post-83418394358978616862008-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:002008-07-26T15:02:46.496-07:00Day 4 in Kwang juGood morning. As I am typing this it is 6:50 am Sunday morning. We didn't do a whole lot yesterday. We didn't go anywhere except walk around two or three blocks around the church and different groups bought in the local stores and of course stop by Baskin Robins for ice cream!<br /><br />Lorrie had her women's conference yesterday from 3-5:30. The ladies enjoyed that.<br /><br />The revival last night was very moving. MANY, MANY people came for different decisions (salvation, rededication and deeper service). For many of you who have been praying for Anna Lim's father, well, he came forward last night and received Christ as His Savior!!! That is a great answer to prayer!<br /><br />As of right now, everyone is healthy and ready for VBS tomorrow. The weather hasn't been quite as hot and humid the last 2 days but it's still steamy.<br /><br />Pastor Choo made sure yesterday that the ladies of his church fixed my favorite meal.... Spaghetti! It was good! They are providing large meals for us and going beyond their means to make us feel comfortable. Please pray that God would bless them for their good treatment of our group and the honor they are showing to us.<br /><br />Well, that's about all for now, yesterday was pretty much a down day for rest. Pastor James and Anna Lim enjoyed time with their families at her dad's 70th birthday party. They are enjoying seeing friends and family. I'm so glad they are able to do that while we are here.<br /><br />Keep praying!<br />Serving in Kwang Ju<br />Pastor DanDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15593140084812372339noreply@blogger.com1