REFORM IS SOMETIMES NECESSARY

Posted on October 30, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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“At twenty a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he is seventy he still wants to reform the world, but he know he can’t.”  Rodney Dangerfield

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Winston Churchill
Today is Reformation Day and we Protestants celebrate the liberation of the church and the steadfast adherence to the Bible and all its truths.  Martin Luther was a young man when he nailed the 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg, Germany.

Youth allows you the energy to fight for what you believe in. Age softens us and gets in the way of our fervor.  By the time we reach our 70s, we’ve all but given up and often give in to the injustices around us. We become complacent and hope that the young people will fix things for us.

In most cases, change is necessary and doesn’t happen overnight.  In Martin Luther’s case, the invention of the printing press was a powerful tool that made the Reformation possible.  Today we have an even more powerful tool available to us – the Internet.  With its onset, we have the world at our fingertips and even us old fogies can now have a voice when it comes to change.

When you believe strongly in something,

isn’t it worth putting your opinion out there?

We have become accustomed to instant news, instant gratification, fast food, immediate communication.  What a perfect time for instant truth.

Our country is a mess. Our media and government are in cahoots.  We can’t believe a thing we’re being fed.  We’ve come to rely on wiki leaks as our news source.  Our leaders and potential governing officials have tasted the glory that comes along with their positions and have forgotten who they work for. When things get this bad,

It’s time

for reform.

It’s time

to speak.

It’s time

to change.

Reformation is necessary to make those changes and we’ve been blessed with a way to make it happen.  Use your computers for good.  Spread the Word.  With God’s intervention, we can change the world.

 

 

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Posted on October 30, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

Reformation day is set October 31 aside to honor the word of God – not the man, Martin Luther. He lived in a time when corruption had filtered into the church and the truth of the Bible was being abused for the benefit of that very church. The simplicity of God’s word is so beautiful. God created the universe and all that was in it. He created man in His own image. Man had everything he needed, including a mate created especially for him and from him. Man and his mate messed up and betrayed God because they wanted to be like Him, even though they already were. God condemned them to death. There was no way out for them. Nothing they could do on their own would save them from their fate, but God had compassion on His creation and gave His own life (Jesus) so that we could all enjoy eternal life. Because of God’s love for us, we become stewards of His word and it is our obligation to spread the good news. Thank you, Lord for preserving your word over the ages. It is our great heritage from you; our lifeline. Help us to continue to teach it in all of its truth and purity and never deviate or change it to fit our own needs or selfish desires. Your word is truth. It shows us our sin, our salvation and our hope for eternity. Keep us steadfast in it!

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THIS ONE’S FOR JULIE

Posted on October 29, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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Every time I watch “Gone With the Wind” I can’t help but remember Carol Burnett’s rendition of Scarlet O’Hara. She saw this in the window and couldn’t resist it.  Complete with curtain rod.

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THE WORD WILL REMAIN

Posted on October 29, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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As a historical event, reformation isn’t anything new.  Changes occur all the time, but the Lutheran reformation occurred at just the perfect time in history.  With the invention of the Gutenberg printing press, mass production of the Bible could be placed in the hands of the common man.

Martin Luther was just a human being like the rest of us.  He made mistakes.  He said many things that today would be considered politically incorrect. He searched for truth during his time as a Roman Catholic monk, but until he dug deeply into scripture, he never knew true peace.

Whenever there’s a need for reformation, God places just the right circumstances and people together to put them into motion.  That’s what we face today.

The Word of God has  again become corrupted.  It’s been twisted to fit the needs, desires and lifestyles of the people.  The “sin” word has been eliminated from the vocabulary of many churches.  Prosperity – feeling good – being entertained have all crept into our worship society today.  It’s the perfect time for another reforming .

With the advent of the internet, we now have the ability to spread God’s Word in ways never dreamed of before.  Bibles are available in applications which can be downloaded to electronic devices.  Christians can share their beliefs with others through blogs like these.  This age can make a reformation possible.  For it is the perfect time – such a time as this.

The Word of God is our direct communication with Him.  Through it we see that we’re sinners in need of forgiveness.  The only way to achieve grace is through God himself.  Our works are like filthy rags to Him if we don’t acknowledge what He’s done for us.   The works are a result of our gratitude.

When we celebrate Reformation Day on October 31, we’re not honoring the man.  We’re not putting him up on a saintly pedestal, for it’s not the man who did the work.  God orchestrated the entire event, just as He will again when the time is right.

Change occurs over time.  Traditions and various practices will be eliminated, but God’s Word must always remain at the center of the church.

Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word;
Curb those who fain by craft and sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Thy Son
And set at naught all He hath done.

Martin Luther

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A LITTLE REFORMATION HUMOR

Posted on October 29, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

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A Reformation meme from Pastor Lammi.St Paul Lutheran Church, Dog Leg Road, Dayton OH

 

 

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SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Posted on October 28, 2016 by atimetoshare.me

A repost from 10/01/14

When Martin Luther stood up to the Catholic Church, his radical ideas were resisted by many as heresy. The Christian church had been corrupted, and many of the alterations to Scripture were made to fit the desires and needs of society and the church itself.

The Protestant Reformation was the perfect time in history for the Bible to be reintroduced to the people. The printing press had been invented. People were growing tired of spending their hard earned money buying their way into heaven, and the Renaissance was well under way.

Today another reformation is going on. The religion of Islam is trying to return to its roots through radicalism. If you become aware of what this religion is based on, you will soon see that it is anything but a peaceful, tolerant religion. Understanding this will help us understand why ISIS or ISIL most certainly is Islamic. Most of the teachings of the Quran speak of violence towards anyone who does not believe the teachings of Allah. They are vehement in their defense of their religion and willing to die for it. They are also willing to kill for it in hideous, heinous ways. The spread of Islam may seem to be overtaking the Middle East, but it is also moving into our own country.

There is a purpose to the events that are occurring in the world today. God has a plan for all of it. He was the one responsible for the timing of the Protestant Reformation. He is also in control of this upheaval within the Islamic Reformation.

We must become informed as to what is being taught in our schools – how the politics of this religion are mingling into our national fiber and taking away many of our constitutional rights – how our own leaders, in an attempt to be tolerant, are allowing themselves to be swayed – how our country as a whole is so focused on political correctness that they’ve forgotten what is really correct.

Lord, you control the universe. You placed the planets, the sun, moon and stars in the sky to light the darkest places. You have placed your Word into our lives not only as a guide, but as your truth. May we constantly reform by repenting of our evil ways and know that even in the most evil of times, you are the light of the world.  Amen!



 

							

	
			

													
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LITTLE BOXES


			

				Posted on October 28, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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Right now I’m up to my ear lobes in boxes of all sizes.  Actually I’m doing much better than I was.  Last week they were over my head.  I thought we’d downsized, but guess what?  We’re going to have to do it again.


Since our move, we’re still trying to locate socks and underwear.  When you transport 2400 square feet of boxes and some of them aren’t labeled, it can be quite a challenge.  This entire thing got me thinking about boxes and how we often feel trapped within them.  We go through life staying in the safety of our comfort zone and find it difficult to step out of the box and get a different view of the many things we’ve missed over the years.


Sometimes those changes involve the death of a loved one – a marriage, new job or the birth of a child – a financial loss, a successful promotion, stress.  Whatever causes those changes, we can always learn something new – every second, every hour and every day.  God has already drawn the plans for our future. His design is perfect and He will never let us down if we put our trust in Him and His wisdom.  The minute we try to interfere, things get set upside down.


As we open boxes, we realize we didn’t need some of the things we’d packed.  I thought these we necessary items, but they aren’t.  Still I’ve challenged myself to step outside the box and look ahead to the future.  God is constantly with me.  He hears my prayers and answers them.  He loves me with an unshakeable love and has given me a life insurance policy that goes on throughout eternity.


Maybe the boxes will be gone in a few months, but isn’t it good to know that even without them, we have a perfect life waiting for us on the other side of eternity.  So, while we’re walking this earth, let’s remember that God has also given us unlimited wisdom and understanding through His Holy Word – the Bible.  Get out of the box and into the Word!


1 Kings 4:29 “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore.”


 


 

							

	
			

													
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TIME FOR REFORMATION 


			

				Posted on October 24, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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In a way we’re faced with a similar dilemma to what Martin Luther encountered almost 500 years ago before the reformation of the church.  He was troubled by the conflicting teachings, the false doctrine, the malpractice and the inability for the common man to read the Latin Bible.


Today we have a government that grows  more corrupt and controlling by the minute and we have no voice in what’s happening with the laws.  Our choices are difficult as well and we are no longer a nation of free thinkers.


Martin Luther lived in a time when the printing press was just coming into being and it allowed for the mass production of information about what was happening, along with the ability to print Bibles in the language of the people.


Today our cup runs over with tools for communication. Now we look to wiki leaks for our news.  The media seems to be in the pockets of those running our country and our people have become apathetic.


What we can say and do about our concerns for what’s happening with our elected officials may soon be a thing of the past, but in the meantime we can still speak out against the evil that continues to infest the walls of Congress, The Senate and the White House.  If we keep silent, we are like the people who were being led like sheep astray in Luther’s time.


I have this picture in my mind of our citizens being herded up and forced to eat the right food, turn in their guns and accept the fact that this new health care stuff is going to be the answer to all their problems.


Someone once said, to control a country, you must first take away their food and weapons. Then take their health care and you can do anything you want with them.


I pray it never comes to this.  We need to be vigilant – not only against the foreign terrorists, but also the terrorists within our borders. I love my country and I’m proud of all the service men and women who daily put their lives on the line to defend it.


It’s time for a complete overhaul and I would love to have someone come up with an idea on how to do it. It might start with just one person, like a Martin Luther, who refused to tolerate the tyranny of Rome and the lies the people were being fed.


Once the seed is planted, the harvest will come and hopefully we can again be proud to be Americans. Luther had the printing press


To help him get the Word out.  We have the Internet.  What an amazing tool it can be I. The right hands.


It’s time for another Reformation!

							

	
			

													
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SHORT & SWEET


			

				Posted on October 19, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
You probably won’t be hearing much from me for the next few weeks.  I’m back at working with my public speaking team, after school drama and writing classes and unpacking. The  last few months have been a whirlwind of activity and I know I’m in for more.  So hang in there.  I will be back in full swing as soon as I’m settled.


I thank God that He’s directed us to this move and reorganization of our lives.  He certainly knew where we belonged and where we can best be used for His glory.  Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement and blessing.  See you soon!


Wherever we go in life, God is in the midst of it.


 

							

	
			

													
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PRAISE GOD, WE’RE HOME😍


			

				Posted on October 17, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				


Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creature here below.  Praise Hm above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.


The move is over at last.  Now, as my sister advises, it ill be a other six months before it feels like home.  She should know, because. Being married to a corporate guy, they moved almost three times as many as we did.


After months of stress, the hard part is now over and we can begin our new life in an old house with lots of character and a couple old characters and their dog.  Praise God for family and friends and each other.

							

	
			

													
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MOVING DAY


			

				Posted on October 15, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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Dear, Lord, You have seen us through many trials and joys in our married life.  Today we are undertaking another chapter in the wonderful adventure you’ve created for us.  We will need every ounce of energy, stamina and ability to endure why lies ahead.  Today, as we move out of a house that has been our home for 24 years and into another well loved place, we ask that you be with us in this endeavor.


Your strength will energize us.  Your love  will give us endurance.  Your patience will put up with our stubborn wills and wanting to hang on to the things of this world.  Only you can fill our hearts with excitement for another day.


As I recall all what we’ve lived through in this our “restoration” house, I will feel some nostalgia and sadness, but as I look forward to our new dwelling, I can see ahead to a simpler life which will continue to flourish until you call us to our final home with you in heaven.


Thank you for your many blessings, for strengthening our marriage, for building a lifetime of memories.  We look forward to what you have planned for us next.  Amen!

							

	
			

													
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WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A WINNER?


			

				Posted on October 12, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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I grew up and spent the early years of my adult life in Wisconsin, so I guess I’m a dyed in the wool Packer fan. That is unless the Minnesota Vikings happen to win.  I was around when Vince Lombardi was coaching, which tells you how old I am.  He was an amazing coach who inspired his team to many wins over his career and he once said, “Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.”


Isn’t that the truth? Quitting is the easy way out, but persevering is clearly much harder. In life we set goals for ourselves to give us something to shoot for – something to plan for.  We go through each day with a plan and sometimes we win and other times we don’t/


In our spiritual life, God asks us to persevere as well. Our goal is heaven. How we get there doesn’t cost us a thing, but God does not promise that the road here on earth is going to be easy. We constantly have to fight the good fight, keeping Him as our life coach. We will face problems and defeats, but with Him we can get back up again and push forward to the goal line. 


Lord, give me the faith to persevere in adversity, to look forward to heaven and to guide me in all that I do.  Even when I feel like a loser, remind me that I am a winner because of you and your redeeming grace.  Because of you, my final goal of eternity has been guaranteed.  Amen!

							

	
			

													
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DIRT


			

				Posted on October 11, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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I recall making mud pies, as a child.  What fun it was holding wet dirt and molding it into round shapes and covering them with colored sugar.  This feast for the dog was only made palatable because of the topping, and of course today a parent could be accused of child abuse for allowing their child to play in the mud.


I’m currently up to my ears in 24 years worth of dirt and suddenly my childhood fascination has lost its excitement. This week is our final purging of things hidden in the shadows of the crawl spaces in our current house.  It almost seems that these spaces were reserved for things we wanted to hang on to, for whatever reason, that have no value, but we thought we would use someday.  There were three boxes of fabric, several large rolls of fabric, a pair of velvet, suspendered shorts that my husband wore as a child, empty boxes (which we actually can use for our move) and lots of other things.


How often we fill our lives with useless things – things that have no value – things that eventually wind up in the trash or get donated.  The stuff we hold on to seems important at the time, but we soon realize that its worth was meaningless.


As we look at our current state of affairs in this country and around the world, none of it matters.  There’s nothing new under the sun.  It’s all been said and done before.


The only thing that has merit, as we walk through this veil of dirt called life, is the One who created us.  We can scrub away the surface dirt, but we’ll never be clean internally unless we believe that Jesus died to wash us clean enough to appear before His Father.


I fear my house will not be totally clean when we leave it, but I am confident that those who lived in it will be.  Someone hand me a scrub brush!

							

	
			

													
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COLUMBUS DAY


			

				Posted on October 10, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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Today you don’t hear much about Christopher Columbus other than it being another time for retailers to draw in business.  This explorer, like many before and since, have had their life’s work corrupted over time.


In 1492, much of the world had been seized by the ottoman empire. They had control of most of the seas’ trade routes.  Not only did they have a lucrative slave trade, but they pirated ships which carried goods to various markets in the world.  It was because of this that different routes had to be explored.


Over time, the discovery of a new part of the world has taken on a new look.  This expedition has led people to believe that greed was the motivating factor.  Perhaps it was. Any native cultures were destroyed by disease, starvation or murder as the intruders invaded the new world.  On the other hand, the once nomadic people were introduced to the horse and many new foods that would become sustenance for them.


When man sets out to discover something there I’ll always be hurdles to cross.  There will always be the naysayers and critics, but without exploration there is no discovery.  Man will always look for ways to improve their lives by searching them, but we must always hold the Creator of life with the highest regard.  With Him, everything is new.


No matter what your politically correct stand is on Columbus Day, I urge you to trust in the Creator of all things.  He has new discoveries for us every day.  Take advantage of all He has to offer us.


 

							

	
			

													
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THE END IS NEAR


			

				Posted on October 10, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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THE HOUSE WE WILL BE MOVING INTO ON SATURDAY


It’s been four years in the coming, but we are finally on the last leg of our move.  I have resisted it, not only because of the work I knew would be involved in decluttering, but because I had grown mentally attached to the house we lived in for 24 years.


It’s funny how we hang on to things of this world.  If only I would put more faith in God’s provision, but like all of humanity, I’m a sinner and don’t always put God first.  When I finally agreed that a move was the only way for us to live out our retirement years, without the added stress of trying to make enough to just cover our expenses, it was if a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  I had no clue what I was in for.  When my mind clears and I can look back on this entire episode, I will write a book about the whole process.  I’m sure it will discourage many from moving, but it will also encourage the process of giving in and moving on.


So on we go to the next chapter – one not yet written or determined – one with question marks all over the pages – one with a second, third, fourth and fifth chance of a beautiful life together.  Despite the storms of our past, I’m sure that God has scripted these next few pages and it will be amazing.


So I ask for prayers that I have the energy to get everything done, the wisdom to say goodbye to past memories and build new ones, and the faith to push ahead.  I know that the next house is simply a cute little farm house, built in 1885, with many upgrades, but with many good times to share with others, but it’s only a house and my true home is waiting for me in heaven.


ONWARD AND UPWARD!


 

							

	
			

													
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AUTUMN GLOW


			

				Posted on October 8, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				


Original art & poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher


A lone kayak pierces its way through chilled morning waters,




A final view of the majesty of summer days gone by,


Each dip of the paddle sends a ripple effect across the glass covered river,


The sound of an early migration flaps overhead,


Still waters will soon be covered with ice,


But for the moment,


The glow of autumn,


The canopy of gold, crimson and orange,


Fill the soul with comfort.

							

	
			

													
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FEARFULLY, WONDERFULLY MADE


			

				Posted on October 8, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				


“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”


Michelangelo


When I look in the mirror first thing in the morning, I’m sad to say I don’t always like the reflection, but that’s just my vanity talking.  If I look at the inner workings of the human body, mind and spirit, it is amazing to realize how we are so intricately made. 


 Every little piece of us is dependent on the other for survival too.  The beauty of it is that God knew us even before our conception.  He formed us before we were ever born.


How can anyone say that an unborn child is not a life?  Every life is important and special to the one who created it.  Praise God for giving us the air that flows through our lungs, the blood that rushes through our veins, each miniscule cell that helps to keep us going, because God doesn’t make junk and every single life is extraordinary. 


Psalm 139 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

							

	
			

													
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WHERE IS THE TRUTH?


			

				Posted on October 7, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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I grew up on fairy tales.  These stories filled my brain with hopes of finding the perfect mate, the wonderful life, the answers to all my dreams and hopes.  Unfortunately, those stories were also filled with fearful characters that got in the way of the protagonist.  There were ogres, evil stepmothers, dragons, frightening villains of all sorts.


Life can be that way too.  We begin our days filled with anticipation and desire for perfection.  On the road to fulfilling those dreams, we encounter all kinds of obstacles.  We soon find that our fairy tale existence isn’t what we thought it would be.  We try again and run into the same conflicts – over and over and over again.  Why can’t things just fall into place like we want them to?


We are currently being inundated with a whole litany of fairy tales as one politician or another twists the truth to make his/he opponent look bad.  Talk about stretching the truth.


I’ve found a book which may seem to be another treasury of impossible stories.  It’s a book filled with the biographies of underdogs, kings, queens, the very rich and the poverty stricken, the sick, the weak, the abused, the physically strong, helpless victims, the obsessive compulsive, the paranoid and those who would easily sell their soul to the devil to get what they want.


The characters in this book face real and sometimes u0nsurmountable circumstances.  They carried on in adversity –  they looked up instead of back – they became stubborn when they thought they knew better – they accomplished great fetes of strength – they rose out of the depths of despair and made successes of a life that seemed doomed to destruction – some of them gave up and tried to follow their own path.


This book has been accused of being filled with fantastic stories that are nothing more than fanciful, made up stories, but  it contains more truth than this world will ever know.  It was written by the pen of ordinary men, but the true author is God Himself.  He breathed His words into men, so we can be convinced they are true.


The Bible is our greatest heritage.  It contains His thoughts and words.  It’s a manual for life that far exceeds any self-help book out there.  It is a book for every man, woman and child.  The stories are not merely examples of the perfect life. They lead to the perfect life.  If you want a really good read – dust off and open that Bible which has been collecting dust on your coffee table.  Make it your goal to devour every bit of it on a daily basis.  It is not a fairy tale.  It’s the only place you’ll find the truth!

							

	
			

													
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BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES


			

				Posted on October 6, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				


This favorite old gospel song was written in 1874 with Lyrics by Knowles Shaw and music later added in 1880 by George Minor.  It is based on the following Psalm verse.


“He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:6




Sowing the seed of the Gospel isn’t as easy as some would have you believe.  Not everyone is a farmer.  There are very few great evangelizers around anymore who share the unadulterated truth.  Excuses for not doing the work are many.  We find it difficult to say the right thing.  We don’t wish to come off as haughty or judgmental.  We don’t feel qualified.


As most farmers know, their business is risky.  They toil in the heat of the day – hope for just the right amount of rain and sun – wait patiently for the seed to take hold and grow – continue to pray for good weather and most always rely on God to make the crop bountiful.


Reaching out with the truth of God’s Word is best done by those who have experienced it first hand.  The Word can get us through the trials of life, can benefit us as we walk this earth and provides hope for eternity.  It’s not a secret to success, by worldly standards, but it is the greatest gift we can share with an ailing, sin sick world.


This doesn’t mean we’ll all be missionaries.  It doesn’t mean we have to stand on a box and preach repentance.  It doesn’t mean looking down our noses at the unchurched.  It does mean that because we have received this gift freely from God Himself, we have an obligation to tell others about it and share the joy with them.  We personally are not going to change hearts and minds.  Only God can do that.  We are the sowers, the seed planters and the farmers.  We tell others and wait patiently for God to do His miraculous work in those who receive it.


Come on, everyone.  The fields have never been more ready.  It’s time to get out there and sow some seeds.  We will come rejoicing as we bring in the sheaves.

							

	
			

													
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WASH ME CLEAN


			

				Posted on October 5, 2016 by atimetoshare.me			


					

				
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“To love another person is to see the face of God.” Jean Valjean – “Les Miserables”


A gentle constant rain has covered our city overnight.  Each drop washes away the dirt which has settled outside and over the house.  It should be clean and ready for the new owners and yet there remains the engrained soil which has collected over the years.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could power wash our souls and make them clean?


If only  we could wash away the ugliness within us – the evil thoughts, the anger that infests our soul – the fears and anxieties of the unknown – the moments of uneasiness when confronted with disease or illness.  If only it were that simple.


But, it is.  All of God’s people have been washed and renewed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  He alone can cleanse us from the sin that assails us daily.  He paid the ultimate price when He sacrificed His sinless Son to take our place – to wash the scum of sin from darkly soiled hearts – to redeem us as a chosen people – to give us new life.


When we forget the cost of our redemption, we are crucifying the Son of God over and over again.  There is no other way to salvation than through Christ.  Our works cannot take the place of the blood of the Lamb. He is the only One who can wash us clean.


“It is a mistake to imagine that man can exhaust his destiny, or can reach the bottom of anything whatever. Alas! what are all these destinies thus driven pell-mell? whither go they? why are they so? He who knows that, sees all the shadow. He is alone. His name is God.” Victor Hugo

							

	
			

													
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