For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV
I am understanding more, day by day, that many of the problems and perils we accept as part of living in a "fallen world" are much more than that. We have become so desensitized by what has become the norm and so accepting and tolerant of blatant sin, that we have allowed ourselves to be fooled. Who has fooled us? Why, Satan--of course! How? By slowly introducing sinful elements (through media, government and education) and making us think they are acceptable, and through seemingly normal issues like family, health and finances.
America, as a country, must wake up and return to the GOD of our fathers if she is to survive and thrive. We need to get back to the basics and restore morality. The family unit has fallen apart. Most children no longer grow up in traditional two-parent homes. Frankly, it appears that more children are born out of wedlock these days than are born to married couples. Families no longer look to GOD for strength and guidance as they did when I was a child--many never darken the door of a church unless it is Christmas or Easter, some not even then...
As a people, we struggle with more and more health maladies daily. Where do they come from? GOD's desire is for us to live a full and abundant life. How can we do this when we struggle with bodily disease? Satan knows how to hit below the belt & he pulls no punches. If he can convince us that sickness is part of our lives and we are to put our trust in modern medicine rather than GOD, he wins.
What about finances? Isn't that also part of the abundant life? Isn't this America--the Land of Opportunity--The modern-day Promised Land? Why then are so many out of work, facing foreclosure, struggling to survive? My thoughts are because we have turned our backs on GOD. He is a GOD of mercy and grace, but unless we repent of our ways and return to Him--He can & will remove His hand from our lives and leave us to our make our own destiny.
My wife & I have had our share of hard times. We've dealt with family issues, where we made mistakes. We've struggled with lots of health problems, and still do. Financially, we've had our ups & downs. Recently, I missed a good deal of work due to Dee's health & hospitalization. As a result, I lost a good deal of pay. We had to hit our savings account pretty hard, money we wanted for our retirement years and for our traveling pleasure. Yet, I count it a blessing we had savings to fall back on--in earlier days, this episode would have bankrupted us. I know we are in spiritual battle. We attempt to die daily to self and live our lives for GOD. Satan doesn't like that & he throws everything he has at us. Frankly, it makes us all the more reliant on GOD & determined to live accordingly. When our earthly lives end, we want to be able to say as Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day..." (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV)
Father, may we live our lives in accordance to Your Will and Instruction, so that You may be glorified. Help us to stand on Your Word and Your Promises. AMEN.
Blessings!
Tony
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Does Healing Come?
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NKJV
On occasion, I am asked why some people receive healing and others do not...that's a tough question. We all go through periods of pain and suffering in life--it is part of the human experience. GOD's Word tells us that if we pray in faith, GOD hears our prayers. It also says He desires to prosper us and give us an abundant life. Why then must people endure sickness and pain?
I believe we all go through times of testing & trial. It is during these times that we learn to lean more heavily on GOD and depend less on self. GOD uses these "valley experiences" as teaching moments. After all, we are to cast our cares on Him and trust Him to handle the daily events of our lives. Additionally, I believe healing always comes. It may not come in the manner we want it to and it may not happen in the timeframe we desire. Sometimes, the healing is there & we--for whatever reason--will not receive it. Sometimes, GOD instantly and completely heals. Sometimes, He uses Doctors & modern medicine to bring about healing. Sometimes, death is the ultimate healing and a saint is ushered into the presence of GOD for Eternity--forever free of pain & earthly cares.
I recently witnessed a true healing. My wife, Dee, was hospitalized with heart issues after going into full cardiac arrest. It was a frightening time. She was treated by Doctors, nurses, EMTs, ICU Staff--all of whom gave their best possible care. I was told the situation looked bleak & I should call the family in. Ultimately, she was in GOD's Hands. I wandered the halls of the hospital praying, reciting scriptures, etc. (I'm certain others thought I was an escapee from the psych ward!) Many, many friends & family joined with me in prayer for healing and restoration. While I was prepared for the possibility of her passing--in my heart, I knew it wasn't time. I knew GOD still had work for us here on earth. GOD heard our prayers & gave my wife back to me.
Granted, she still has a ways to go in the healing process. There will be Dr's appointments for followup from her surgery (defib implant) and she'll have to take it easy for a while. But, she's still here. Man (dr's & nurses) thought she'd never make it but GOD proved Himself and restored her. The ICU Staff called her a miracle and well, she is!
Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' Isaiah 58:8-9a NKJV
Never take for granted the blessings GOD gives us. I know my perspective has changed immensely. I witnessed a miracle!
Blessings!
Tony
On occasion, I am asked why some people receive healing and others do not...that's a tough question. We all go through periods of pain and suffering in life--it is part of the human experience. GOD's Word tells us that if we pray in faith, GOD hears our prayers. It also says He desires to prosper us and give us an abundant life. Why then must people endure sickness and pain?
I believe we all go through times of testing & trial. It is during these times that we learn to lean more heavily on GOD and depend less on self. GOD uses these "valley experiences" as teaching moments. After all, we are to cast our cares on Him and trust Him to handle the daily events of our lives. Additionally, I believe healing always comes. It may not come in the manner we want it to and it may not happen in the timeframe we desire. Sometimes, the healing is there & we--for whatever reason--will not receive it. Sometimes, GOD instantly and completely heals. Sometimes, He uses Doctors & modern medicine to bring about healing. Sometimes, death is the ultimate healing and a saint is ushered into the presence of GOD for Eternity--forever free of pain & earthly cares.
I recently witnessed a true healing. My wife, Dee, was hospitalized with heart issues after going into full cardiac arrest. It was a frightening time. She was treated by Doctors, nurses, EMTs, ICU Staff--all of whom gave their best possible care. I was told the situation looked bleak & I should call the family in. Ultimately, she was in GOD's Hands. I wandered the halls of the hospital praying, reciting scriptures, etc. (I'm certain others thought I was an escapee from the psych ward!) Many, many friends & family joined with me in prayer for healing and restoration. While I was prepared for the possibility of her passing--in my heart, I knew it wasn't time. I knew GOD still had work for us here on earth. GOD heard our prayers & gave my wife back to me.
Granted, she still has a ways to go in the healing process. There will be Dr's appointments for followup from her surgery (defib implant) and she'll have to take it easy for a while. But, she's still here. Man (dr's & nurses) thought she'd never make it but GOD proved Himself and restored her. The ICU Staff called her a miracle and well, she is!
Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' Isaiah 58:8-9a NKJV
Never take for granted the blessings GOD gives us. I know my perspective has changed immensely. I witnessed a miracle!
Blessings!
Tony
Sunday, September 19, 2010
A Heavenly Perspective...
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV
Recent events in my life have caused me to stop & ponder exactly where my priorities stand. My wife & I both had a birthday recently, she had a stay in the hospital, and we're expecting our first grandbaby in a couple of months. Obviously, we're getting older...
Our earthly lives should reflect our heavenly perspective. Does it? I often find it easy to get caught up in the stress of family, finances, work, etc. Even church involvements can sometimes feel burdensome, although they shouldn't. Don't get me wrong--we have an obligation to our families, we must be financially responsible, work is a necessity of life, and we should be play a part in our local church. But, how do we balance it all? How do we tend to GOD's business without becoming overwhelmed by the busyness of life itself?
Matthew chapter 6 tells us we are to rely on GOD, to trust Him to meet our needs, and to not become a slave to riches (or the pursuit thereof). It further states that we are to be a charitable people, putting the needs of others before our own. The final verses (33-34) read, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble". So, I suppose that means I should seek GOD's Will first and foremost, and He'll take care of the rest...
My prayer today is that GOD will use my life to reflect His goodness and cause others to see Christ in me. My main priority should be to develop a heavenly perpective and not sweat the small stuff, to simply trust Him.
Yeah, I'm getting older but I'm not dead yet!
Blessings!
Tony
Recent events in my life have caused me to stop & ponder exactly where my priorities stand. My wife & I both had a birthday recently, she had a stay in the hospital, and we're expecting our first grandbaby in a couple of months. Obviously, we're getting older...
Our earthly lives should reflect our heavenly perspective. Does it? I often find it easy to get caught up in the stress of family, finances, work, etc. Even church involvements can sometimes feel burdensome, although they shouldn't. Don't get me wrong--we have an obligation to our families, we must be financially responsible, work is a necessity of life, and we should be play a part in our local church. But, how do we balance it all? How do we tend to GOD's business without becoming overwhelmed by the busyness of life itself?
Matthew chapter 6 tells us we are to rely on GOD, to trust Him to meet our needs, and to not become a slave to riches (or the pursuit thereof). It further states that we are to be a charitable people, putting the needs of others before our own. The final verses (33-34) read, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble". So, I suppose that means I should seek GOD's Will first and foremost, and He'll take care of the rest...
My prayer today is that GOD will use my life to reflect His goodness and cause others to see Christ in me. My main priority should be to develop a heavenly perpective and not sweat the small stuff, to simply trust Him.
Yeah, I'm getting older but I'm not dead yet!
Blessings!
Tony
Monday, September 6, 2010
Forgiveness
Forgiveness--now there’s an issue that has destroyed friendships, torn families apart and split churches for years—actually, the lack of it is the problem. We walk through life carrying unforgiveness and hatred like chains that grow heavier and heavier as time passes. If we can learn to rid ourselves of this excess baggage, our lives can be used all the more to share GOD’s love.
Forgiveness is actually threefold—spiritual, relational and personal.
In the spiritual aspect, we must seek GOD’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” You won’t tell GOD anything that will catch Him by surprise—He already knows. Confessing it to Him releases you from its hold.
As for the relational aspect--in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs us to pray in this way, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12). We cannot harbor malice in our hearts towards another person without it impacting our relationship with GOD. If GOD is able to look past the ugliness of our sin and forgive us, we should be able to move past petty hurts and differences to forgive one another. Therefore, it is important to forgive those who have offended you and to seek forgiveness from those you have offended.
Now for the personal aspect—this is the area where I myself struggle the most. Once we have sought GOD’s forgiveness and asked for and imparted forgiveness to others, we must then forgive ourselves. All too often, we confess our sin to have it cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus only to pick that suitcase up again and limp along allowing it to still weigh us down. There’s no reason for it--it’s forgiven, it’s done away with and GOD Himself remembers it no more. Why do we do it? Because guilt is one of Satan’s best tools, he is constantly throwing our past up in our faces in order to keep us from attaining what GOD has in store for us. Don’t let the devil fool you. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Satan has no hold on us if we truly are the children of GOD, purchased by the precious blood of Jesus. Move past self, turn it over to GOD and let go of it. We cannot change our past but we can look to GOD in the present and thereby impact the future.
The question now is, Is there anyone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from today? Loose those chains, seek freedom and see how GOD can use you! He will, if you'll allow Him to...
Blessings,
Tony
Forgiveness is actually threefold—spiritual, relational and personal.
In the spiritual aspect, we must seek GOD’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” You won’t tell GOD anything that will catch Him by surprise—He already knows. Confessing it to Him releases you from its hold.
As for the relational aspect--in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs us to pray in this way, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12). We cannot harbor malice in our hearts towards another person without it impacting our relationship with GOD. If GOD is able to look past the ugliness of our sin and forgive us, we should be able to move past petty hurts and differences to forgive one another. Therefore, it is important to forgive those who have offended you and to seek forgiveness from those you have offended.
Now for the personal aspect—this is the area where I myself struggle the most. Once we have sought GOD’s forgiveness and asked for and imparted forgiveness to others, we must then forgive ourselves. All too often, we confess our sin to have it cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus only to pick that suitcase up again and limp along allowing it to still weigh us down. There’s no reason for it--it’s forgiven, it’s done away with and GOD Himself remembers it no more. Why do we do it? Because guilt is one of Satan’s best tools, he is constantly throwing our past up in our faces in order to keep us from attaining what GOD has in store for us. Don’t let the devil fool you. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Satan has no hold on us if we truly are the children of GOD, purchased by the precious blood of Jesus. Move past self, turn it over to GOD and let go of it. We cannot change our past but we can look to GOD in the present and thereby impact the future.
The question now is, Is there anyone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from today? Loose those chains, seek freedom and see how GOD can use you! He will, if you'll allow Him to...
Blessings,
Tony
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Surrender--a poem by yours truly
I wrote this some time back, earlier this year anyway, and posted it on FaceBook. Regardless, I wanted to include it here as well...
Surrender
In the stillness of Your presence,
I humbly bow before You--
I give You honor, give You praise,
Know that I adore You--
I place my life in Your hands,
I know nothing else to do--
I pray for wisdom, ask for grace,
And mercy to see me through--
For my sin sent Jesus to the cross,
He went there in my place--
As He looked out across the ages of time,
I'm certain He saw my face--
Yet willingly He gave His life,
As a selfless act of love--
To show wretched sinners--such as me,
The way to GOD above--
Now take my life and use it--Lord,
Only for your glory--
Give me courage and opportunity,
To share the Gospel story--
Help me know when to act,
And when I should be still--
My heart's desire, my loving Savior,
Is to humbly do Your Will--
Surrender
In the stillness of Your presence,
I humbly bow before You--
I give You honor, give You praise,
Know that I adore You--
I place my life in Your hands,
I know nothing else to do--
I pray for wisdom, ask for grace,
And mercy to see me through--
For my sin sent Jesus to the cross,
He went there in my place--
As He looked out across the ages of time,
I'm certain He saw my face--
Yet willingly He gave His life,
As a selfless act of love--
To show wretched sinners--such as me,
The way to GOD above--
Now take my life and use it--Lord,
Only for your glory--
Give me courage and opportunity,
To share the Gospel story--
Help me know when to act,
And when I should be still--
My heart's desire, my loving Savior,
Is to humbly do Your Will--
Saturday, August 28, 2010
His Purpose...
August 28, 2010
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV
OK, so today is my birthday--49 years ago, I made my appearance into this world. Birthdays have a way of making you think about what you have & have not accomplished in life, choices you've made, a past that one must live with and a future to live for...
Long ago, I adopted Romans 8:28 as my life verse. It speaks to me. I think of where I've been and what GOD has delivered me from, wrong turns I took on this road called life that GOD used for good still the same. Satan constantly reminds me of years of drinking, drugging, promiscuity--horrid things I allowed into my life, a failed marriage, damaged relationships, the list goes on & on. Looking back, I recall those things--but am forgiven and can also see where GOD used them ("all things") to shape me into the man I am today. I truly believe that the life experiences we have, whether good or bad, shape and mold us for the purpose GOD has for each of our lives. After all, our real purpose in life is to glorify Him and reach others with the gospel. Our experiences allow us to relate to and empathize with those going through difficult times, to show them love and acceptance and illuminate the pathway to GOD.
Today, I am thankful for a Christian upbringing that kept me grounded even when I was far away from GOD. I am grateful for Christian family & friends who loved me in spite of myself and continued in prayer for me. I am thankful for a loving wife, who supports me in all ways. Most of all, I am thankful for a GOD of second (third, tenth and hundredth in some cases!) chances who never gave up on me--who has secured my place in Heaven. I pray that those I come in contact with can see past me, with my human frailties and failures, and see The One I serve. My desire is to fulfill His Purpose for my life, whatever it may be and wherever it may lead...
Blessings!
Tony
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV
OK, so today is my birthday--49 years ago, I made my appearance into this world. Birthdays have a way of making you think about what you have & have not accomplished in life, choices you've made, a past that one must live with and a future to live for...
Long ago, I adopted Romans 8:28 as my life verse. It speaks to me. I think of where I've been and what GOD has delivered me from, wrong turns I took on this road called life that GOD used for good still the same. Satan constantly reminds me of years of drinking, drugging, promiscuity--horrid things I allowed into my life, a failed marriage, damaged relationships, the list goes on & on. Looking back, I recall those things--but am forgiven and can also see where GOD used them ("all things") to shape me into the man I am today. I truly believe that the life experiences we have, whether good or bad, shape and mold us for the purpose GOD has for each of our lives. After all, our real purpose in life is to glorify Him and reach others with the gospel. Our experiences allow us to relate to and empathize with those going through difficult times, to show them love and acceptance and illuminate the pathway to GOD.
Today, I am thankful for a Christian upbringing that kept me grounded even when I was far away from GOD. I am grateful for Christian family & friends who loved me in spite of myself and continued in prayer for me. I am thankful for a loving wife, who supports me in all ways. Most of all, I am thankful for a GOD of second (third, tenth and hundredth in some cases!) chances who never gave up on me--who has secured my place in Heaven. I pray that those I come in contact with can see past me, with my human frailties and failures, and see The One I serve. My desire is to fulfill His Purpose for my life, whatever it may be and wherever it may lead...
Blessings!
Tony
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