GrabLifeNow

2014-05-27T21:49:00.000-04:00

Sports / Family / Church

A must read

http://familydiscipleshippath.com/2013/11/22/sports-vs-church/

2013-03-28T11:21:00.001-04:00

Question: "What does the Bible say about gay marriage / same sex marriage?" Answer: While the Bible does address homosexuality, it does not explicitly mention gay marriage/same-sex marriage. It is clear, however, that the Bible condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin. Leviticus 18:22 identifies homosexual sex as an abomination, a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires and actions to be shameful, unnatural, lustful, and indecent. First Corinthians 6:9 states that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since both homosexual desires and actions are condemned in the Bible, it is clear that homosexuals “marrying” is not God’s will, and would be, in fact, sinful. Whenever the Bible mentions marriage, it is between a male and a female. The first mention of marriage, Genesis 2:24, describes it as a man leaving his parents and being united to his wife. In passages that contain instructions regarding marriage, such as 1 Corinthians 7:2-16 and Ephesians 5:23-33, the Bible clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. Biblically speaking, marriage is the lifetime union of a man and a woman, primarily for the purpose of building a family and providing a stable environment for that family. The Bible alone, however, does not have to be used to demonstrate this understanding of marriage. The biblical viewpoint of marriage has been the universal understanding of marriage in every human civilization in world history. History argues against gay marriage. Modern secular psychology recognizes that men and women are psychologically and emotionally designed to complement one another. In regard to the family, psychologists contend that a union between a man and woman in which both spouses serve as good gender role models is the best environment in which to raise well-adjusted children. Psychology argues against gay marriage. In nature/physicality, clearly, men and women were designed to “fit” together sexually. With the “natural” purpose of sexual intercourse being procreation, clearly only a sexual relationship between a man and a woman can fulfill this purpose. Nature argues against gay marriage. So, if the Bible, history, psychology, and nature all argue for marriage being between a man and a woman—why is there such a controversy today? Why are those who are opposed to gay marriage/same-sex marriage labeled as hateful, intolerant bigots, no matter how respectfully the opposition is presented? Why is the gay rights movement so aggressively pushing for gay marriage/same-sex marriage when most people, religious and non-religious, are supportive of—or at least far less opposed to—gay couples having all the same legal rights as married couples with some form of civil union? The answer, according to the Bible, is that everyone inherently knows that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural, and the only way to suppress this inherent knowledge is by normalizing homosexuality and attacking any and all opposition to it. The best way to normalize homosexuality is by placing gay marriage/same-sex marriage on an equal plane with traditional opposite-gender marriage. Romans 1:18-32 illustrates this. The truth is known because God has made it plain. The truth is rejected and replaced with a lie. The lie is then promoted and the truth suppressed and attacked. The vehemence and anger expressed by many in the gay rights movement to any who oppose them is, in fact, an indication that they know their position is indefensible. Trying to overcome a weak position by raising your voice is the oldest trick in the debating book. There is perhaps no more accurate description of the modern gay rights agenda than Romans 1:31, “they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” To give sanction to gay marriage/same-sex marriage would be to give approval to the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful. Christians should stand firmly against the idea of gay marriage/same-sex marriage. Further, there are strong and logical arguments against gay marriage/same-sex marriage from contexts completely separated from the Bible. One does not have to be an evangelical Christian to recognize that marriage is between a man and a woman. According to the Bible, marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Gay marriage/same-sex marriage is a perversion of the institution of marriage and an offense to the God who created marriage. As Christians, we are not to condone or ignore sin. Rather, we are to share the love of God and the forgiveness of sins that is available to all, including homosexuals, through Jesus Christ. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and contend for truth with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). As Christians, when we make a stand for truth and the result is personal attacks, insults, and persecution, we should remember the words of Jesus: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

In His Love,
Mark

New Year / New Life

2011-12-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

A New Year, A Fresh Start, A New Master who offers the Hope of Assurance.

What keeps a running back from scoring every time he carries the ball? A defensive player, who is always there to throw a block or make a tackle, he is the obstacle to victory. To have victory, one must score, even in life. What prevents victory in our life? Sin is Satan’s obstacle to our victory, however He is defeated and the victory is ours. So, why not accept it, make this New Year really New, and Fresh.

1 Cor. 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we sin and we don’t even know that we have sinned! We are all sinners.

1 John 1:8-10 - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

The overall impact of what Jesus is about doesn’t mean much to those who think they are without sin, or for those who do not believe that Christ suffered and died for their sins. The false teachers of Jesus’ day were like this, they believed they were okay right where they were. They denied that sin breaks fellowship with God. They also denied they ever sinned. But all people sin by nature and habit.

Here is a great an awesome truth about sin. When we become a NEW person in Christ by believing, confessing and repenting, our sins will be forgiven, that includes sins of the past, present and even future sins. Because of Christ’s death even future sins are forgiven! How awesome is that? This does not make it open season for sin however, far from it.

Even NEW people in Christ struggle with sin once in a while and must confess those sins. But a NEW person who is in Jesus Christ and who has a change of heart is not a “slave to sin”. There is a difference.

Colossians 3:5-10 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.^[a] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices^,and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Most often, confessing our sins to God or to others takes humbleness and honesty on our part. We simply need to recognize our weaknesses in life and work on those areas we are the weakest in. We should never fear revealing our sins to God. When we pray to God about our sins we can do it silently in our heart, we do not have to speak out loud in front of others to be forgiven by God --He hears our heart!

The difference between a sinner who is a slave to sin and the person who may accidentally sin is simply this: to err is to be human, but to continue in that err is to be a slave to it. We become a slave to what has mastered us. If we cannot turn loose from a sin, then its effects will continue to rob and have a grip on us. If we are under sin we are to confess, repent, and ask for God’s forgiveness. We should never fear telling God about our sin(s) because he already knows what we have done, good and bad. He will not push us away no matter what it is we have done.

Romans 6:15-18 - What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?  But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Bottom line is every person has a master – either God or sin. Even Bob Dylan sang, Your gonna serve somebody, right? A Christian is not someone who cannot sin, but someone who is no longer a slave to sin because he or she belongs to God (Jesus Christ). They are dead to sin, alive in Jesus Christ.
Starting fresh takes a serious look at where you are at right now. Are you in the will of God? Are you into His word, service, and connected in prayer? Are others’ lives touched by your life for the good of The Kingdom? Do you have assurance of a heavenly eternal dwelling? Is your hope in the Lord or the things of the world?

Who, or what is your master? …
For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2 Peter 2:19

It’s a terrible thing to be separated from someone we love, however there is no worse tragedy than to be separated from God for all eternity. The sin in our life is like a wedge that Satan drives between us and God. Our life story does not have to be lived or end this way.

Start Fresh this New Year, humble yourself, and allow God to work His stuff.

Who is Santa Claus?

2011-12-13T20:37:00.002-05:00

http://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/who-is-santa-and-what-does-he-have-to-do-with-christmas.html

Teens Want Guidlines.

2011-05-10T21:01:00.001-04:00

Here's some good news for parents of tweens and teens: YOU RULE!!!

That may be hard to believe sometimes. And it's true kids won't always follow your health and safety rules. But studies show parents who keep setting boundaries make a huge difference. In other words, "parenting works," even for teens, says Alanna Levine, a pediatrician in Tappan, N.Y., and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The latest example: a survey on media use by the Kaiser Family Foundation. It found that typical kids ages 8 to 18 spend an astounding 7 hours and 38 minutes a day consuming entertainment media, drinking deeply from the fire hose of TV, computers, game consoles, cellphones, music players and other devices (while occasionally glancing at books and other non-electronic media). Many experts, including the pediatrics academy, consider that much screen time bad for mental and physical health. You guess??

But the study also found that kids whose parents set time tables or content limits were plugged in for three hours less each day. "Parents can have a big influence," says Kaiser researcher Vicky Rideout.

And remember, it doesn't just include screen time...Show them a Christ-like example early on, be persistent, share family devotions regularly, and watch what can happen.Tweens and Teens really do want, and for sure need your guidance. Parenting is not for the lazy, or the fainthearted, but it is a serious business in forming the hearts and minds of our youth. God gave an awesome task to each of us as amateurs, however He will provide the way if we stand firm in His will.

Easter Hope

2011-04-23T08:08:00.000-04:00

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

–John 11:25

Easter is not about brightly colored eggs, wearing pastels, or enjoying a big meal, although it could include these. Easter is about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For some, Easter will be a great day, spent surrounded by family and friends. But for others, it will be a sad day, because Easter is a reminder of a loved one who has died and is now desperately missed.

Death seems so cruel, so harsh, and so final. That is what the disciples were feeling when they saw their Lord, whom they had left everything to follow, hanging on the cross. They were devastated. Death had crushed them. But if they would have gone back in their memories, they would have recalled an important event and statement Jesus had made.

They would have remembered Jesus standing at the tomb of his close friend Lazarus. They would have remembered that Jesus did something completely unexpected: He wept (see John 11:35). Jesus wept, because He knew that death was not part of God's original plan. Humanity was not meant to grow old, to suffer with disease, or to die. But because of the sin of Adam and Eve, sin entered the human race, and death followed with it. And death spread to all of us. Jesus wept, because it broke His heart.

But standing there at Lazarus' tomb, Jesus also delivered these hope-filled words: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25). Death is not the end. And the resurrection of Jesus Christ proves it.

If you have put your faith in Christ, then Easter means that you will live forever in the presence of God. Easter brings hope to the person who has been devastated by death.

When The Storms of Life come crashing in

2011-03-29T19:20:00.001-04:00

When the pictures of Japan played across the television and the wall of water of the tsunami consumed everything in front of that massive moving force; as flood-stage rivers become gripping news; as a friend shares the devastating news about the ugly reality of alcoholism’s effects on members of their family; as individuals are dealing with cancer, divorce, job loss, failing health, rebellious children, death and heartache there is one hymn that keeps playing in my mind … and from that the assurance that God cares in the midst of tragedy, mercy will be given and grace experienced … and we are not alone in the middle of the destructive forces of life that would seek to tear down, destroy and crush the very last breath out of us.

When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou Who rules wind and water,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the hosts of hell assail,
And my strength begins to fail,
Thou Who never lost a battle,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of faults and failures,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of faults and failures,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When I do the best I can,
And my friends misunderstand,
Thou Who knowest all about me,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When my foes in battle array
Undertake to stop my way,
Thou Who savèd Paul and Silas,
Stand by me (stand by me).

When I’m growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When I’m growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When my life becomes a burden,
And I’m nearing chilly Jordan,
O Thou “Lily of the Valley,”
Stand by me (stand by me).

There is a story from behind the Iron Curtain after the Berlin Wall was taken down and communism was destroyed. It was just a hand-printed sign on a piece of old plywood leaning against an old shuttered Christian church … “The Lamb Wins!”
Through it all God is with us …He stands with us and helps us face whatever comes our way … and in the end, He wins … and so do we!

James 1: 2 NIV

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

A Daily Dose of Encouragement

2011-02-28T17:47:00.005-05:00

Maintenance is important, right? Maintaining our homes, vehicles, and body is almost routine, but just as important, we must maintain our Spiritual life.

It is suggested that we change the filter in our furnace at least once every 3 months. Have you ever noticed a filter that goes unchanged for over a year? They can get pretty nasty with trapped dirt and dust that prevents air to flow through the system properly, much less spreading air borne dust back into the area. Clogged filters just will not produce the way they should when not maintained properly, killing the performance of its intended use.

The mind is also like a filter. It’s a filter to the heart. What we see, hear, and partake in has an affect on what comes from the heart. It can affect our relationship with our spouse, our children, friends, family, but most importantly our relationship with Christ.

Dr. James Dobson, of Focus on The Family has written that what we watch on TV can have a tremendous impact on our life. That's probably not news to anyone. If we watch a show or movie that presents a fantasy life of wealth, or a fantastical romance, we can often look at ourselves as inadequate, of little worth, or just out of step with life in its self. This too can have adverse effects on family life as we withdraw, compare ourselves or our spouses with the fantastical TV superstar, or hero. Not good. It can even affect our Spiritual life in an adverse way.

God intends for us to have pure hearts, and that starts with a clean mind. Now, that is not to say things won't come sweeping into our lives that pollute, corrupt, or sway us in a wrongful manner, because believe me, they will.Things come rushing into our lives like a pouring rain at times, and that creates a trap or snare for the enemy to use against us.

So, how do we avoid such traps? Clean our filters. Yes, you read right, we too need to clean our mind filters on a regular basis. It's called Spiritual maintenance or cleansing. Some suggestions on how to accomplish this are to start every day of your life out in prayer. That is an awesome cleansing process. Dive into His word, and don’t do this just to read a few passages to get finished, but study and meditate on what you read. Read a little less, absorb a little more is good method, as not to get overwhelmed. Be discerning about how you spend time watching television, or taking in movies. Walk away from unwholesome talk, it’s not un-proper. Become transparent, so that HE can show through YOU. Be accountable to others for your Christ-likeness, or lack thereof. Small study groups can be amazing at this. Be mindful that God is EVERPRESENT. Whether in a Church pew, at a office desk, in front of the TV or at the grocery store, God is there, and His ultimate desire is to know you more, so that He can use you for His service. Not to mention his ever-presence should help keep us accountable.

Contemporary Christian Artists, Phillips, Craig, and Dean came out with a song a few years ago about a fathers influence on his children. There was line in that song that has stuck with me over the years, even though more times than not I have failed to live up to it. The line goes something like this, Lord I want to be just like you, because he (my little boy) wants to be just like me. I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see, I want to be a living Bible Lord, that my little boy can read, I want to be just like you, because he wants to be just like me. Ladies can change the he to she, or boy to girl and it still has the same impact.

I included the above to say, in order to be a good example to others we must have pure hearts and cleansed minds. Our ultimate desire in His service should be to imitate His character, and His ways to the very best of our abilities.

Eph. 5: 1

1Timothy 4:16 - Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Be thankful for this moment in time, another day, and another opportunity to get it right!

GrabLifeNow!

Life thrown you a curve? Look no further.

2011-02-17T18:10:00.002-05:00

This is not a article, but rather a link I wanted to share with everyone and anyone who thinks life is not fair, or that they just can't find any usefulness in life.
PLEASE!!!!!!!!...........check this out; Your about to be blessed-ly blown away!
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/about-nick

Redeeming The Time: Christian Hope

2011-02-15T21:38:00.000-05:00

Redeeming The Time: Christian Hope

Living On Easy Street / Caution

2011-02-09T17:58:00.008-05:00

The Easy Button can be Deceiving

I can remember a time when we actually had to get up off the couch, take a few steps, and change the channels on the TV with a knob. We even had to turn the thing on manually, imagine that!! Now everything is instant on or instant off with the click of a remote. Easy.
Many of our grandparents, and some of our parents had to walk or ride a horse to get around, now we zip to and fro in a automobile, Easy. There was even a time when Church goers had to arrive at least 2 hours early to get the lanterns going, a big fire built to stay warm during the 3 hour service, sit on hard benches with no padding, and had to go outdoors to relieve themselves. Now it’s all lit up, comfy and cozy, with indoor plumbing, central heat and air, and if the Pastor goes past noon our minds are out the door. I wonder how many of us would go to Church if there was no air conditioning, the seats were not comfortable, or there were no indoor facilities. We like it Easy.
If I am going move an object, or make a repair on something, I often times look for the easiest method. I’d rather use a wheelbarrow rather than carry something myself, and that’s just common sense. However, taking the easy path can often times be the enemy’s path. Satan loves to offer us an easy way out of things, and we all to often take the bait.
Here are some examples: It is Easier to wipe the dust of our Bibles, rather than open it up and actually read it. It is Easier to lay in the bed on the morning of worship, than to get up and go. It is Easier not to pray than it is to pray. It is Easier to allow someone else to serve, than to get involved ourselves. It is Easier to point out others fault rather than look in the mirror and see your own. Easy,…….it’s one of Satan’s favorite tools and we allow it to be used in our lives way too often.
There is much to be said about taking the Easy way out of things. Yes, there are times when we can make things a little easier, but taking the path that leads away from the Cross is not one of them.
We get so used to being in our own little world, our own little comfort zone, and are spoiled to the fleshly desires that surround us. There was nothing Easy about Jesus dieing on the Cross. He had the power to say no, he could have avoided taking the fall for our sin, but through His love for you and for me, he bore excruciating torment. Is that not worth getting out of bed and going to worship for? Are we so satisfied with the temporary, easy way of life we have now, that we give no regards to the Eternal?
God has blessed us with so many things. Freedom, a lush landscape to live in, singing birds, plenty of food, and list goes on. However, all that we have, all that we can see, feel, hear, and rest upon today is but temporary. It will pass.
Take a quick look at the following passages, Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 13:4,
1 Timothy 4:15, Hebrews 6:12, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Peter 5:8. There are several passages in the Bible with such references. God’s words, not mine.
It’s easy to overlook and take such things for granted. However, we must realize there is so much more that God has to offer us. However,if we keep taking the easy way of life, we will never get to fully experience what God has in store for us. Jeremiah 29:11 has a word for this. It’s time to give up our living for the temporary things this world has to offer and begin living for the Eternal. No, it’s not always easy, were not placed on this earth to be comfortable, but to be comforters. He has a plan and a purpose for your life, much greater than the temporal one we so often strive for. I pray that plan is sought out in your life; we get off our good intentions, and allow God to use us for His future Glory. Don't allow the Easy button of life to become the Evil button of living.

Life Lessons / Toddler, Tiara or Spoiled Teenager?

2011-01-31T18:15:00.007-05:00

Allowing a life of fantasy. Is it good for our children or could it be detrimental? Whether or not fantasy is beneficial for children is certainly up for debate. Part of childhood involves imagination and creativity. Therefore, children are often exposed to fairy tale stories and characters. While these stories can teach children how to cultivate the depths of their imagination and believe in hope, it also can be detrimental to children that place too much faith in these fantastical concepts and then become overly disappointed when they discover that these concepts do not correspond to reality. A fairy princess or super hero can more times than not leave a more negative than postive mark on children As parents, grandparents or guardians, caution must be used as to how far we allow our children’s imaginations to flow. I have seen young children grow into adulthood wondering where their prince in shining armor was. Or why the things they want are not delivered at the drop of a hat. Imagination is one thing, allowing children to constantly live in a land of fairy tales can be extremely detrimental to all involved.

A type of Fantasy also lies in the game of pageantry. The concept of Toddlers and Tiaras is somewhat sickening. Babies could actually care less if they won a pageant or not, much less even compete in one. They just want to play with the little one sitting next them. They cry because they are bored, and don’t want to be there. The fantasy of pageantry is parental driven, not child. It’s a way for parents to live out their own fantasies, or insecurities through their children. This can happen in other areas as well, such as sports, where young children may be expected to perform beyond a certain standard, or else. Look at parades in rural communities that host county fairs. Half the parade will boast the baby with the chubbiest cheeks, biggest eyes, most hair, and so on. This takes place while the parent has to hold the child or prop them up during the event. Crying, drenched in sweat or asleep, they (the child) are not the reason for being there.
Fine, if a daughter or son is of age and making decisions on their own and want to enter a contest or pageant. Support them with everything you’ve got. But don’t force the little ones into a world of fantasy just for parental pride. This, more times than not turns into disappointment and can cause serious problems between parents. I’ve seen parents curse each other, even come to blows, while their little ones were goo-gooing and jabbering to each other. Is there a problem with this picture?

Now, with all that said, we must realize that all children are not the same, and for some, the childhood fantasies play out very quickly. However just as many carry them well into adulthood, and often times with adverse effects on them, their friends, parents and anyone who they attempt to associate with.
Imagination, or fantasy in moderation is probably not going to have any adverse affects on anyone. We have all had our fantasies, and we have all had our disappointments. I could not have been more disappointed when I found out there was no Santa Claus. I was almost 15, YIKES! I also attempted to jump out of a hay loft one time with an umbrella as a parachute. Superman, can't fly.

If we would start our children out right from the get go, it would be so much more beneficial for them, and us. Sit down and read a true story to them, one from the Bible or Bible stories for children and give them a head start to real life. Share the Truth with them and who knows, maybe one day they will learn to live it, and to tell it back.

The concept and message of grablifenow applies to an early start with our children. Truth, accountability, responsibility. It's ours to learn, and ours to apply. Learn to discern and remember, Fantasy is actually a lie and the Bible does teach that Satan is the father of lies.
1 John 2:21; John 8:44

Life Lessons of a Father

2011-01-29T07:40:00.003-05:00

Genesis 2:7

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

Since God created Adam, physical life has always been a gift from God, but it is the soul that God breathes into each person that is the true gift of life.
The moment that we are born into this world and take our first breath, our life becomes a gift, a treasure, something to be valued. As a gift from God, what do we add to our lives that brings pleasure to God?
Well the following is one area that I feel brings pleasure to God.
My earthly father's hands handled the shovel that turned the soil, grasped the wrench that fixed cars, gripped the twine on bales of hay, and swung the handle of an ax that turned wood into firewood. He left the safety of the USA to land on foreign soil in WWII at the young age of 18. Was a POW and returned home a changed man.
When my father worked with his hands, he worked hard and determined; he never gave up. The occasions when scratches and cuts would be incurred, my father continued to work; until the job was done.
In times of happiness, sickness, struggles, and sorrow, my father raised his family with commitment; he never gave up. The same hands that fought for our country, and that bled in hard work, held my mother and siblings, with compassion and gentleness.
My father’s hands were rough, scarred and beautiful at the same time. Everything he did, he did with others in mind and Christ in his heart.
My father, you not only gave me physical life, but you also showed me the path to eternal life through Jesus Christ. You not only taught me the principles of Christian living, but you also set the example of Christian living. Your words were your life.
We often talk about inheritance and what a man is to leave his son. However we neglect to consider what a son should leave his father. (Read this twice)
As a son, what inheritance could I possibly leave my father? What have I done in my life and what possessions would bring him joy? I could only leave you one thing; I know in my heart that you have loved me. The gift of life given to you has no doubt taken root in those you loved, and nurtured over your years. To be half the man my father was, to love and nurture my family as did he, and to love, honor and serve Christ is the greatest earthly inheritance a son could offer his father.
This, my friends can be called the Domino effect of Christian living and should be at the core of every family.
Life is a gift, and if we don’t grablifenow, our hope, our children’s hope, and our family’s hope in eternity will be swallowed up by the things of the world. It’s time to rise up Men, and be the fathers God has intended us to be. Set the standard, and your set for life.
Matthew 7:9-12
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Blessings,
Mark <><

Who are you accountable to??

2011-01-27T17:55:00.006-05:00

Are you tired of the lack of Accountability and Responsibility that is so prevalent in today’s society?

This one blames that one, while others just sit back and soak it all in.

There is almost an epidemic running amuck within our Government, our homes, and just society in general.

See article below by Bill Keller:

http://lpdaily.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/one-of-the-biggest-problems-in-our-society-today-is-a-lack-of-personal-accountability/

WHO is responsible for YOUR accountability?

WHO will account for YOUR responsibility?

Parents, Children, Business Leaders, Government Officials, Educational Leaders, Church Leaders, and anyone else who has a working brain. GripLifeNow with a Common Sense, Bible based approach to life and watch real change happen.

For Bible reference you may check out Galatians 6:7 or Romans 14:12
Note: If Bible passages do not load, click and they should open. Java Script will need to be enabled in order for them to load.

Have a Great Day,

In His Grip,

Mark <><

Online business

2011-01-26T05:58:00.000-05:00

Most of us have either seen, heard or been curious about all those work from home business dealls. The following is just a suggestion to use caution when stepping into such a venture.

Online Jobs, work from home, make 300.00 per hour. We hear all the glamourous stories about wonderful ways to have financial peace with the click of a mouse. Now, I am not saying there isn’t money to be made online, nor that all the programs are scams. However, we need to be extremely cautious, and learn to discern the legitimate services, from the scams. There are many online opportunities which look very attractive, and sound so good. Like I said, some work, most do not.

There are (MLM) multi level marketing programs, filing services, pay per click programs, surveys, and on and on. Again, I am not the expert in this area, but do beware when signing up with one of these online business ventures. For instance, online surveys offer attractive images, big dollar figures, and they are everywhere. I know of several people who have gotten involved with online surveys, mainly because it seems easy, is offered at no cost to the customer, and has attractive bonuses attached. I also know many of those folks who have sit at a computer all day filling out surveys who may make two, three, or zero dollars that whole day. Plus, at the end of most surveys, to get your big bonus, you’ve got to spend money or sign up for more surveys. The one’s who are making the money are the one’s who get you into this with click bank ads. Besides all this, you are sending information about yourself to thousands in cyberspace who in return sell your information to thousands more, If they see you are passionate about filling out surveys, your inbox, home mailbox, and phone line will become flooded with offers from hundreds of companies. You can spend countless hours doing this, and come up totally empty. Thousands already have. It’s not that you won’t get paid, you probably will, but is all the time, effort, and information shared worth it?

Truth of The Matter is, I don’t think so. Not unless you have hours to waste, and just love typing in information all day long. There may be some out there who have made millions doing this, and if so, I would love hear from you. The point of this article is to beware, test the waters, and don’t get caught up in a scheme that robs you of your time and resources. Like I said earlier, there are legitimate services out there where money can be made, but it’s not as easy or simple as they make it sound, at least that is my opinion. I hope and pray you will take time to check out some of the resources on this blog to find what fits for you, and whatever you do, learn to discern. I have taken every effort in an attempt to make sure those who furnish information on this site are not only legitimate, but helpful. However, I am unable to completely review every resource totally.

Have a great day,

Blessing to you!

Life Lessons 111

2011-01-25T21:13:00.001-05:00

If I shared with you that you could take the last 2 digits of your birth year and add the age that you will be this year, and it would come to 111, would you believe me?? Interesting.

Now, the above has little to do with the following post, other than I told you an absolute Truth. Yes, in life there are absolute truths!!!

A lot of folks are searching for Truth and many are told there is no absolute Truth. That my friend could not be further from the Truth.

If you keep up with this blog, you may just learn to discern the Truth of the Matter and what should really matter in a person’s life. No, I am not some religious fanatic that has all the answers, far from it, however there is a means by which we can all have, know, and hold on to the Truth of things. Yes, you will see quotations, and facts from a Biblical perspective on this blog, as the Truth is derived from rightful living, rightful thinking, and rightful decision making which comes only from God’s Holy and Inspired Word.

The Truth is not only important to know, but to share. Truth is not what we merely make of something and if we don’t learn to discern what real truth is, our society will continue to fall apart at an even more rapid rate than it already is.

I could start out by asking, What is Truth, but that would be too easy. Instead I will give a scenario and then we will go from there.

Water is wet. Right? That is a simple absolute truth. However, some will argue that fact in scientific, political, even social manner to get their own version of truth. The fact is, you can’t.

If I told you water was dry, I would be telling you a flat out lie and there is no truthful way to justify my reasoning.

Those in higher places, such a Government officials, The News Media, etc, like to thwart the truth many times into something it is not. They will twist words or phrases to make them sound confusingly convincing, but in the end it’s just all a big lie. This is done more times than not to dramatize a situation, to make it sound worse or better than it actually is, but in the bigger picture, it’s to get them off the hook for something that is many times profound, so to speak.

Now it's your turn. Our children and grandchildren need to know that there is prudence in telling the truth, and it starts at home. Yes, No?

I am no expert on family issues, nor any other issue for that matter, but I have learned a great deal about virtues, values, and essence of life over the years. My experience, though still learning, comes from The Master of Truth.

Blessing to you!

Agree to Disagree is fine. Spatting raw negativity not tolerated so well.

P.S. I have tried many other blog spots, believe me when I tell you, this is one of the overall very best!!!