Iron Sharpens Iron

Starting Over

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:46:00 +0000

It's been over two years since my last post. A lot has happened in that time: my dad, grandma and my wife's grandma died. We've been dealing with her mom's health also. It has been a difficult year to say the least. With all the problems and added responsibilities we have stopped going to church. I know this strains our walk with God, our relationships, and our attitudes in everyday life. Sometimes it's hard getting out of bed. I'm not going into my whole life because people are involved. Let's just say living this life is not easy.
When life is difficult or hard to understand, I step back and reflect on: what is happening, why it is happening, how much is my fault, and what do I have to do or change to make this better? Most of the time I have to adjust my attitude or do what I don't want to do.(If not both) Well recently I was going in the wrong direction. I was looking at my life and wondering if I made any real difference at all, ever. If I died today would anybody come to my funeral? Would anybody have anything good to say about me? Would God say I wasted my life away and He never even knew me? As you see, I was spiraling down. I was willing to detach from every friend, stop praying (on purpose), and just exist. I have felt useless before. During that time I contemplated suicide. I guess that was the next step here. I mean knowing what I know and not being useful hurts too much. I was created to make a difference. I am living to make life better in some way for others.
You know what happened? A friend wrote me. It had been two weeks at least. I was feeling sorry for myself and she was asking for prayer and 'an encouraging word' to help in her difficult time. It was Sunday and I saw it Monday. I didn't respond until today. In those 5 days I had a couple blocks of time I could have used to write back. I chose not to until after whatever I was doing at the time. Every time I started something came up and I had to wait until later. I did think about what I was going to write. I wanted to say I'm the wrong person to ask for advice or prayer right now. My life is in shambles and I am no where near where I should be in the Lord. It would give her nothing. It would leave her with one less option. She specifically said, "I need an encouraging word." knowing I'm an encourager. She was reminding me WHO I AM. I make my difference by encouraging. So not really knowing this I started writing her. I started 3 times because it kept deleting what I wrote. Each time I started by saying how bad of a friend I was and how bad my life is now. None of that survived. I just wrote what I heard from her and how to change it. In the process of doing this I slipped back into character and started referencing the Bible and telling her how to respond. In the middle of all this I realized how hypocritical it was and I wanted to stop and delete. However I continued almost speaking to myself because our lives are very similar. I reread it to make sure I could say it to her with the same impact it was giving me. Many times I said how I was speaking to me when I wrote it. She emailed back saying it was exactly what she needed and quoted back something specifically I wrote about me needing as her own need, like it was for her instead. We have the same Spirit in us:
I John 4:4 My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. (The Message)
This is how I can go from committing suicide to encourager in one minute. I believe if God didn't interrupt that email all those times I would be contemplating suicide or on my way there right now.
I have intended to start over again and again. Sometimes good intentions last a whole week. (just read the last post) I have a plan. It's a good plan but I need to follow through. So right now "Starting Over" means following my own advice. Since most of what I told my friend was for me :-)

Check-up

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Well the year is half over and I've had some time to reflect and get the dumb smacked out of me. It's been since February since my last post so...surprise! My wife recently spoke to me on my lack of contribution in our house and relationship. I grew into a very lazy person with all the time off from work and did just enough to get by. Oh there was a major house cleaning/ rearrangement that happened but after that I was a couch potato. I just did what I wanted to do. It was nice but waaaay overdone! God was hinting I needed to do something about it all along. My intentions stayed intentions and no action was taken.
In the midst of the dumb smacking I had the notion to read my blog and specifically the 'Word' God gave me for this year. I forgot. I had an idea what it was but I was way off. My word was 'excel'. Ouch! Excel? I was so far away from that word it wasn't funny. So far my word is decel instead of excel! I guess that is why we reflect. So God can show us what's broke. The only area I've excelled at this year has been paying our debts off. We are within a couple thousand of doing it and it's been with a limited income due to all the time off from work. It has been a goal for the past 3-4 years to get our debt under control. Our wants and needs seemed to take over and we never gained any ground. This year God opened my eyes that having this debt and being so close to not having a job is unwise.
However, this is about my whole life and not just money. I have let myself go. I let the world do whatever it wanted and joined in when only dragged to do something. My wife has patience and grace but they do run out and her tank is almost dry. So she opened my eyes to how bad it was and I actually listened. I know her love language is acts of service. I have that much going for me. I know how to fix this with God. I just need to be unselfish in everything instead of selfish. Also, spending time with Him needs to become a habit.
Well that's all for now. Don't want to over do my comeback :-) Keep me honest and keep me in prayer. Too many people depend on my gift of encouragement, whether they know it or not. If I just have my words and not His the encouragement doesn't last or isn't as effective. I need the confidence that only He can give.

Senator donates hair

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:53:00 +0000

I saw this on the news yesterday and thought more of you should see it too. It's not often a politician does something self-LESS!

Here's what Fox News Detroit wrote on their website the day prior to the event: : "One of Michigan's state Senators is going to great lengths to help kids battling serious illness.

State Senator Hansen Clarke has been growing his hair for almost two years so he can donate it to the group Children with Hair Loss.

The Michigan-based charity provides free hairpieces to kids who've lost their hair because of cancer, burns or other diseases.

Senator Clarke will donate his hair, along with an original painting, to the organization at their charity ball fund-raiser Saturday night in Livonia."

February 7th the hair piece was complete for 7-year-old Addison Copeland of East Liverpool, in eastern Ohio, just across from West Virginia's northwestern panhandle. At 9 months old, Addison was accidentally burned with grease that scarred parts of her head and prevented her hair from growing out. It took a little over 4 months to complete the wig.

Portions of these facts were found at freep.com

Billy Graham Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Billy Graham once said “If God doesn’t judge America He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” I read this quote today and thought it worthy to share. If nothing else it makes you think!

Rick Warren Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:41:00 +0000

Here is the inaugural prayer in case you didn't see it. There was a controversy brewing if he would say the name of Jesus or not. As you will hear, he not only says His name, he says it in several languages. BAM!

Destiny

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:13:00 +0000

I starting reading the book by Jill Austin titled: 'Dancing With Destiny' and found a good forward by Dutch Sheets. He is the senior pastor @ Springs Harvest Fellowship in Colorado Springs, Colorado and an author. Here is his explanation of the word 'destiny'. I hope you find it as interesting as I did:
"The New Testament Greek word for 'destiny,' proorizo, is filled with hope. The root, horizo, gives us our word horizon; the prefix means 'in advance.' God has planned a future for us, determining our horizons before we were ever born (see Psalm 139:13-16). This does not mean everything that occurs in our lives is preplanned by God; He does not cause us to sin, fail or experience devastation just so He can give us a testimony. But it does mean He has a finish line in mind for us and a preordained way of recovery when forces try to derail us."
I always saw destiny as our calling or heaven. When he said it means 'filled with hope' I automatically figured out destiny is not the future but today. We live out our destiny today. My destiny is to minister to children. I am doing that today and not looking to 'someday when I'm good enough'. My destiny is heaven. I asked Jesus in my heart and He is guiding me on that path that leads me home to heaven. I can be ready anytime for Jesus to take me home because I follow Him. I am not perfect but He is fixing me as He sees fit.
Destiny can be seen on the horizon and lived out today until the two meet. Are you living your destiny today or waiting for someday?

Word Of The Year

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:17:00 +0000

I got this idea from Pastor Deanna Shrodes @ Lifetime Intimate Portrait. She got it from her friend who got it from... You take a long look at your life and pick one word that is a theme for 2009. You don't just pick one that you want. Let God guide you. Talk to a close friend. Find where you are and where God is taking you. What is the theme God is wanting you to strive for and focus on this year?
Last year my word was change. It just kept happening...change again and again. I noticed it about half way through the year. I didn't even think about it.
This year I found this idea to be good and I am up for the challenge. What is my word for this year? I took a week to figure it out. I knew my devotion and passion was lacking. I know I want to do what is right but the motivation to follow through with that wanting is the part I have the most difficulty with. I learned a lot last year and I know God wants to continue in that vein. I backed off a lot of things just to look and listen to find out what was the right thing to do for that situation. I became more of an observer than a reactor. It was a good thing but it carried over into all of my life and left me lethargic. Surprise I needed to change.
So what is that word? What's the theme for 2009? Passion? Devotion? After much time in thought and reflection I came up with "follow". If I just follow Him all will be well. I also needed to follow some people in my life. I tried some things in my life my way and it didn't work out so well. It seems to fit exactly where God has me and is leading me. Lead me I will follow, right?
It was my word until my first service back with the kids. It's been one year since I had any ministry with kids and two years since children's church. Except for forgetting or not knowing their names, it felt like I never left. God is good. The message was about giving to God and the 'Big Idea' was 'Give to God and He'll give to you.' It talked about excelling in all areas of life. We can live barely getting by or we can excel to be the best. I know it sounds like a commercial or a marketing campaign of some kind but with God we can excel in life. He expects us to be more than barely getting by. This lesson spoke to me loud and clear. I need to excel in life. I barely get by in so many areas. I know God wants my very best, not some made up plan by me but to follow Him in His. He'll supply all we need.
So my theme, my word is "excel". In 2009 God is calling me to excel, to be and do better. The verse for our lesson was Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." God wants me to give more, to give it all I got. Not in my strength but His. It's by our fruit we are judged. The fruit tells you about the tree. Matthew 12: 33 (Message)

Save me

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:05:00 +0000

I was reading Psalm 69 yesterday and it spoke some reality to me. It is vividly descriptive and pretty accurate to today's surroundings. It is a picture of how David feels with his enemies hot on his trail. I know I found somethings in there I could relate to and thought you might also.
Here are the first four verses:
1 Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.

2 I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.

3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.

4 Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.

In verse 4 I found two things that are prevalent in my life. The first is people who hate me without reason. I am a nice guy and try to be friends with everybody but I do have some who just hate me for no reason. The other is being forced to restore what I did not steal. Bad stuff happens, sometimes on purpose. People can steal from you or blame things on you that make you the thief or person that messed up. God tells us not to take revenge on a person because that's His job. He is the true judge of our motives and actions.
I find these two things in life to be very difficult sometimes. I'm sure David felt pretty bad too considering he compared his situation to drowning and exhaustion. This is where we need to put our trust is God's promise of revenge and that He'll take care of all our needs. To take your situation and just ignore the wrong done to you is very difficult unless you truly trust in Him. He really is our provider. He can replace stolen things or use a situation to speak to another because of your attitude being displayed.
I think we can be encouraged by these verses just because it was David speaking these things to God. He was the man after God's own heart, after all. So if you're feeling overwhelmed or exhausted continue to call out to God because He is there and He wants to take care of you. He can fix anything and give you peace before you even see any change. Trust Him.

1st Meme

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Well...I don't like these very much but I thought it would be a great way to share some of my life with those that care or don't know much about me. I got this 'meme' and award from Pastor Deanna Shrodes from the blog 'Lifetime Intimate Portrait'. She has one of the best blogs around so check it out.
Here's the award:
The meme consists of 7 things about me in 6 categories. So lets get this over with!

Seven things I did before:

I worked as a caddy for a summer at Inverness in Toledo, Ohio. This is the course that has the Jamie Farr Classic.
I worked at Burger King.
I worked at a glass factory cutting, washing and packing glass. I met my future sister-in-law here and she eventually introduced me to my wife to be.
I worked at a loading dock loading/unloading semi trailors driving a forklift.
I worked as a roofer's helper one summer. Wow it is hot on a roof!
I worked in the sheet metal trade. We worked in factories, buildings, businesses, and other types of buildings like nursing homes.
I worked as a line worker at Chrysler on a welder before my current position as Electrician.

Seven things I do now:

January 17th I'll rejoin the KidzZone team after a two+ year break. This is my church's children's church. It will be the kickoff to our third service, which is a Saturday.
I work at Chrysler as an electrician. I have been there 15 years, 13 as an electrician.
I serve on my church's Missions Awareness Team. We set up trips, distribute the money that comes in to the missionaries we support, and vote on what missionaries to support.
I blog, have a Facebook, and a MySpace. I don't really use my MySpace much anymore.
I encourage everybody I can. This is one of the gifts God gave me and many have told me I'm good at it. I think it's easy. You just have to listen and care.
I try to grow from every situation. If I can get any wisdom from something I go through I will try to evaluate it and see what is the right thing to do. Sometimes this involves looking back at the past and seeing it from a new perspective.
I watch game shows. I love games and guessing the answers. I don't think I'm smart enough to win but I would love to go on one someday. I also am not too good under pressure.

Seven things I would like to do:

Travel!!! I love going to places I've only seen in a picture.
Going on missions trips. I know this sounds like the same thing but there is a big difference. You are helping someone on the other side of the world.
Retire! I have to say this because it's true. I just had a month off and I still couldn't catch up on everything. I like my job but I would like to do something more satisfying in life.
Learn woodworking. I have a desire to make furniture and stuff made out of wood. My grandpa did a little woodworking but it didn't leave an impact on me or did it?
I would like to lose a lot of weight. I have lost weight a couple times in my life but I eventually gained it back.
I love photography, so I would love to invest in some telephoto lenses and classes. I would also like to take trips just to take photographs.
I would like to be independently wealthy and give to everyone I knew needed help. I love giving. It really gives me the most pleasure to give something that somebody really needs or wants.

Seven things that attract me to my wife:

Her smile:)
Her love for photography.
Her independence.
She loves me.
She listens to me.
Her eyes.
Her love for Jesus.

Seven of my favorite foods:

Pizza
Subs with a lot of meat
Lasagna
Steak/prime rib
Seafood: shrimp, fish, lobster, crab legs
Fettuccine Alfredo
Chocolate!

Seven things I say most often:

This one will be difficult! I use quotes from movies a lot. I will use one for a while then a new one comes along.
"Forgive me"
"Where's the remote?"
"What day is it?"
I call dumb people on TV "Idiot" a lot.
"Lord, help me."
"...and a large Dr. Pepper."

I Found Love

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:15:00 +0000

I'm sitting here incapacitated after slipping on some ice yesterday. However, I am doing quite a bit better today. I hurt my chest by landing on my arm in some weird way. At first it felt like I was going to die. I hit the sidewalk and the piercing pain felt like a heart attack. I came inside and checked myself out. I knew I hit hard but found no broken bones or bruises. I might be banged up a bit but Jesus was still watching over me. I knew He was right there when I felt that pain.
After I came in and got settled, I prayed. I knew He was listening and I knew He was going to answer. I am not as close to Him as I want to be. I let my devotion to Him become devotion to me. I learned in that pain, prayer, and then agape love from my wife that God loved me. He loves me for me and not what I do or not do.
Kim, my wife, came into the room and did something for me and I said, "You love me." She responded by saying, "How do you know?" She was just being silly but God used that moment to show me He loves me the same way. I knew she loved me for me and not because she felt sorry for me or didn't love me because of anything I did wrong. His love doesn't change. I may not be living 100% like I should be, praying as much as I should be, or serving like I should be but His love remains the same. He died before He got any love from me.
I don't know what my exact role is for my life on this planet. I don't know how far away I am from that plan. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing anything right.
However, this past year taught me a few things. I'm not as bad as I thought. Yes, I had attitude problems, selfish issues, and an agenda that wasn't from God. Also, my marriage needed fixed. I am not perfect but the Bible I read says to love others. I started this blog to love others and I've learned to error on the side of love. I choose to love rather than hold a grudge, argue because I'm right, or shun family because they have prejudices or wrong ideas.
I visited my brother over Christmas break. It's been a long time. I hadn't even seen my two nieces before and they're four and two! My family pretty much had me believing they were hermits, never leaving the house and not coming over to visit. We have many family issues that led me to avoid family as much as possible. I had a wonderful time and stayed over five hours! I learned all the stuff my family doesn't talk about and found out what my brother's family was really like. I plan on visiting this year and becoming part of their life. They are raising a family the way I wanted to. Life is too short to not love, especially family.

Why McCain Lost

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0000

I recently came across an article from the evangelist Perry Stone. He gives his opinion on why John McCain did not get elected. I find it interesting and very possible. I will give a little bit of what he said. If you would like to read the whole article, click on the title.
Perry states: "Shortly after McCain became the choice of the Republicans, John Hagee stepped forward to endorse McCain. It was then the media found a clip of Hagee preaching a prophetic word which linked the woman on the beast in Revelation 18 to Rome and the Roman church system. Many Bible believing Catholics even believe that an apostate pope will take charge of the church in the future and if confronted with the teaching would actually agree with Hagee’s futuristic interpretation. The media, however, misrepresented the teaching of Hagee and made it appear that he was a Catholic hater. Once the clip from Hagee became public, McCain rejected Hagee’s endorsement due to pressure from some Catholic groups.

Another early endorsement for McCain came from Pastor Rod Parsley. In 2004 it was pastor Parsley’s ministry that began to reveal the importance of selecting leaders who would reject the shedding of innocent blood and same sex relations. His rallies across Ohio actually exposed the hypocrisy of anti-biblical thinking and revealed a conflict of cultures in America. Rod’s messages amazingly translated to a great Ohio victory for President Bush in 2004. The contrast between Bush’s more conservative thought and John Kerry’s liberal stance was evident and Bush won Ohio.

Shortly after Parsley’s endorsement of McCain, the media again went after this great man of God and began to say he had been spewing hate toward Muslims when in fact he had actually exposed fanatical and dangerous forms of Islam. The media painted Rod as a right winged fanatic. Once again, out of fear McCain rejected Rod’s endorsement and Rod stepped aside from the picture.

When McCain was running against Bush for the Republican nomination in 2000, the McCain campaign was in Virginia. There the senator made a very huge blunder, comparing Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell to Louis Farrakkhan and Al Sharpton and called them “agents of intolerance.” He continued, “They are corrupting influences on religion and politics, and those who practice them in the name of religion or in the name of the Republican Party or in the name of America shame our faith, our party and our country…”

The fact is the strongest base of the Republican Party is considerably Christian, which includes millions of conservatives, and when they are expelled from the process, it will be impossible for any Republican candidate to ever win the White House, or a congressional seat.

The public rejection of the endorsement of two great ministers was a mistake. Any conservative leader who desires to obtain the highest offices of the land in the future must understand the importance of the conservative Christian base. We are not going anywhere and instead of dying out, these millions of Christians will continue to fight for the causes that are right and just in the eyes of God, including life, marriage, fiscal responsibility and freedom to worship."
I think this is a very viable point he makes. I know a lot of Christians that just couldn't jump on board the 'McCain bandwagon', even when Palin joined the ticket. Very interesting indeed.

The End is Near II

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:54:00 +0000

The chart in my Bible- 'The Last Days of Preparation' has 8 categories of things that need to happen before the rapture occurs:

Increase of false prophets and religious compromise within the church.
Increase of crime and disregard of God's law.
Increase of wars , famines and earthquakes.
Decrease in love and family affection.
More severe persecution of God's people.
Those who stand firm will be saved.
Gospel will be preached to the whole world.
The Spirit will be poured out on God's people.

How many of these have been occurring or have happened?
2Timothy 3:1-5 'But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them'
I will give a longer list of Scriptures in another post. I just have had this one on my heart for a while now.

The End is Near

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:58:00 +0000

We are living in the end times. Jesus is coming back to collect His own to Heaven. Then comes the seven years before the final judgment. I'm not a theologian nor an eschatologist. I go to an Assembly of God church and believe in their 16 Fundamental Truths. I also have a really neat Bible with a chart in it explaining 'the last days of history'.
What peaked my interest enough to write about end times has been recent events and verses that keep speaking about it. Also, I hear fellow Christians and churches speaking more on the subject. It is no wonder everybody isn't talking about it with all of the recent financial troubles worldwide, the elections, natural disasters, and immorality becoming more prevalent.
My chart is boxed into chronological categories: Last Days of Preparation, The Rapture, The Tribulation, The Great Tribulation (the last 3.5 years), The Antichrist, Christ's appearance to judge and to wage war, The Millennium, The Final Judgment, and The New Heavens and New Earth. Before finding this chart, I just wanted to write down a few verses to focus on what to look for in our own lives and in the world. I will focus only on the last days of preparation and might reference to the others. This will be the first of a few posts on this subject.
As I wrote several times this year, it has been a year of change for me. God showed me my issues with pride, self-centeredness, problems in my marriage, and other things. So I had ears to hear what God was saying to me. What I've been hearing is we have better get it together or we might not have any oil left in our lamp when Jesus shows up (Matthew 25:1-13). You think you always have time to get 'serious' with God. Time is running out. I can see the Rapture coming within the next few years. A lot of things are in place and have happened according to scripture that need to before Jesus comes for us. Many are occuring now and at a rapid pace.
Romans 2:7-9 'To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;' (NIV) These verses point to the end times and how each heart will increase in good or evil. Matthew 24:12-13 'Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.' (NIV) The love of MOST will grow cold. Are you in the most crowd? I did not think so either. I thought I loved God and heard His voice. I thought I was selfless, giving, and had a good marriage. I got a very important wake up call. I was in the most crowd. I only loved God part time. I was deceived so bad I thought I was good. I loved me more than my wife, others, and God. I was comparing my life with others in the world. Yes, compared to the world I do look good. However, we are not to compare ourselves to each other but to Jesus.
How do you compare to Him? Do you think of others when needs arise? Do you give to your church, missions, and to those in need? Do you avoid people just so you don't have to talk to them? A lot of people need help of some kind. Maybe Jesus is calling you to help one of them. Do you want to know God more? What are you doing about that? Are you letting your love grow cold towards God by avoiding Him? He's there with you right now. Ask Him to forgive you from a lazy cold heart. He wants you to be ready when He comes back. The end may be near, but it can be just the beginning for you. Romans 10:9-10 says 'If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.' You are one prayer away from making sure you go to heaven. God will tell you what to do if you only ask Him. Don't stay cold. Time is short.

Finding Good in the Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:59:00 +0000

I live in Michigan. I work in Ohio. Both states nominated Obama and all the Senate and House winners were not who I voted for. I saw the bars at the top of the page of MSNBC.com and they declared both houses of government and the president are now controlled by the Democrats. I looked up the two proposals in Michigan and they both passed. One is for Medical Marijuana use and the other is my tax dollars to be use for Embryo and Embryonic Stem Cell Research.
I started to freak out a little because it looked like the world was coming to an end. Then I remembered the gay marriage ban proposal in California was being voted on also. I looked at it and saw it winning and my hopes came back. The country isn't going to hell in a hand basket over night! It may be in a few months but not over night!
Also, I remembered a list put out by The Family Research Council. It gives every proposal/amendment that was up for vote that affects the family. As I checked these one by one I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of the things were passing. Colorado, Arkansas, Arizona, and Florida all passed their proposals on marriage = one man and one woman. Colorado's declared a person starts at conception.
I did find two other disappointments in South Dakota and Washington. Washington voted for assisted suicide and South Dakota voted not to ban abortions.
Overall looking at the big picture, I don't like what I see. With the Democrats in control, I can see our morals as a country deteriorating quickly. Without a lot of prayer and groups that stand for family values fighting and keeping us informed, Sodom and Gomorrah will seem better off than we will be.
I know once Obama is in the Presidency January 20th our government will try to silence any voice that tries to inform Americans of legislation that is sneaked into a bill just to get it passed. I can't tell you how many times James Dobson came on Focus on the Family to tell us of a bill that needed our involvement so it wouldn't get passed. Thousands would call and email their congressman and it wouldn't pass.
They tried on bill #1 on the 2008 agenda to pass a bill to silence all religious organizations on speaking out the truth about bills being voted on in the House and Senate. Jesus is being banned left and right in every shape and form. My pastor had an article he blogged about that tells of a child that had to leave school because his costume was a distraction to the education process. He was dressed as Jesus Christ.
Well I just wanted to shed a little light on a dark picture. Hopefully, this will get Christians to seek His face all the more. We can't depend on too much in this planet anymore. God needs to be our guide and make a way where there is no way.

I Dare You To Read And Comment On This Election Post

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:01:00 +0000

I really don't like politics at all. Everything about it makes me sick to my stomach. Some laws I still don't know what God's opinion is on them. Others I know are wrong. Voting is pretty easy for me. If the politician is for the laws that are wrong I vote for the other guy. Stuff like the environment, alternate fuels, jobs and the economy are really secondary to what is right and wrong.
Pulling out of the war in Iraq early is wrong. 4000 plus soldiers would have died for nothing. The Taliban would quickly move in and undo everything our young men and women helped establish over there. Abortion is wrong. Gay marriage is wrong. Judges deciding what the laws of this country should be based solely on there agenda is wrong.
Family values are right. 'Adult' stem cell research is right. Abstinence education is right. Preaching the Gospel on the radio and television is right.
Some of you are probably saying "Yeah, I want world peace and food for the starving children too, but we are in debt ready to lose our jobs, house, cars, and retirement." Let me tell you something you don't want to hear. Our hope is not in the economy. Our trust is not in our job. Our future is not in our home, car, pension, or 401k. Yes we need these things on this earth to survive comfortably, but if we put our trust in these things we will lose them.
Isaiah 31:1 says: 'Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD.' Let me tell you when God says "woe" it ain't good!
Our trust needs to be in God alone. "In God We Trust".
If we do not vote with the 'right' motives we can kiss that slogan good bye. 9-11 will be a walk in the park compared to what is coming. God will take His hand off of us. Whatever we allow in as compromise with terrorists will come back to haunt us.
We are living in the end times. The end is near and the anti-christ will have reign because we are deceived. Are you ready to take the mark of the beast? If this kind of talk scares you, it should! Because it's time to get right with God. He is setting things in motion to have us repent or grow cold to the things of God.
Ephesians 4:17-19 'So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.'
2Timothy 3:1-5 'But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them'
I know this went in a different direction than the election. However, it is exactly how we should vote, both with our lives and our politicians.
Do you want to get right with God? click here
If you know God but are finding out it is not as it use to be. Your decisions are a little more compromised. Your time with Him is less and less. Reading your Bible happens on Sunday only. Maybe you are doing everything right but something is missing.
Revelation 2: 2-5 'I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.'
Don't let Him remove your lampstand. This is a symbol of you being rejected by God.
Revelation 3: 15-16 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.' Become hot for God once again. He never left you and He loves you. Get right with Him while it is still today.
Hebrews 3:12 'See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.'
Hebrews 3:7-8 So, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart".

Fireproof

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:01:00 +0000

I went to see 'Fireproof' this weekend. I knew it would be good because I saw 'Facing The Giants', the same makers of this movie made 'Fireproof'. I saw previews, read reviews, and looked into the plot a little. I wanted a little more when I read a blog review. I got "It's great, all married people should see it." "I loved it" "A must see." I wanted something like: "I loved the way it portrays a real subject so effectively." "The main character does a good job of hooking you in." "There are two great plots to this movie." (none of these are accurate I am just giving examples)
I also keep hearing how this movie was better than 'Facing The Giants'. I don't know about that. 'Facing The Giants' is one of my two favorite movies of all time. So to give an accurate review I watched 'Facing The Giants' again.
Okay here we go. 'Fireproof' was an excellent movie and it is a must see. I love how a father's love and patience is portrayed. The salvation message is clearly spoken. The problems in marriage are looked at in a real way that pricks your heart if there is any connection to your own. The movie is set around a fire station. So, there is action that keeps you rooting for the heros. I laughed, cried, sat on the edge of my seat, and was fully entertained with a movie that convicted me in some areas of my marriage that need fixed.
As good as this movie was I still like 'Facing The Giants' more. In this movie a man has the world against him and he turns to God to find answers. One by one the answers come and through it all he changes his attitude to be a winner in spite of losing. His attitude becomes contagious and it changes his whole school. Revival breaks out during school hours and hurting lives are instantly changed. This man is a football coach and his team rides his leadership to the playoffs and learn to do things they believe were not possible. God is the Hero in this movie. He is our provider and you see that is a big way in this film.
I think because one is a sports theme and the other is basically a love story men are drawn to the one and women to the other. However, they both are equally good and worth owning. They involve you to look into your own life and see what needs fixed. Don't you want to be the best 'you' you can be?

Life As I Know It (Or So I Thought)

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:35:00 +0000

I really have not had much to say as of late. Everything I have written is still happening. Anything new just magnifies what I already know. If anything, I feel my struggle to stay focused and positive is intensifying. I find it difficult not to give up and revert back to my wrong thinking and actions. It is hard to express what is happening in words. So I thought I'd try it with pictures.
This year has been a year of change for me. God has removed me from ministry in order to look at my life and fix what is wrong. I thought life was good. Sure it has it's ups and downs but mostly it is just fine. Sure, the marriage lost a little pizazz but we get along. The job isn't a dream but I enjoy being a hero of small portions. My relationship with God needed work but we talked every now and then and He took care of me. I was in for a rude awakening.
The picture I had of life just broke.
It seems good but Proverbs 16:25 says: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. My course v'ed somewhere and I chose the wrong fork. My fruit turned out to be weeds instead. Matthew 16:25-26 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
I got more concerned about me than anything else. So Jesus knocked that picture of a good life and a perfect boxed in God off my mantle.
I feel like I'm changing and slowly making the moves He wants me to make. Then He hits me again with something I thought was right but I am 100% wrong. It is very humbling and throws my entire world off it's tracks.

Everything I thought and did is now unreliable. Almost every question has to be answered "I don't know". You would think I would be searching the Bible and praying constantly for answers. Yes I read the Bible, books on improving my life, and encouraging blogs. I also pray but I know it's not enough. I know I'm in the middle of this thing I have to go through. It's not near the end as I had thought. It's kind of like what the financial world is going through right now. Everybody is waiting and wanting the bottom to happen. Speculation is everywhere on the spectrum. The market is swinging on record day highs and lows.
The problems of all this turmoil took years to makes and it won't be fixed by a simple buy out. It will help but it needs to run it's course until all the problems are corrected. I believe this is what is going on in my life. Jesus bought out my sins but I need to correct the way I think, act, and believe.
The market don't bother me. I pulled out my money into a cash account until it's safer to put it back in. I know it will happen but I don't know if my job will. A lot of rumors are flying around. Anything can happen. I am not worried but losing my job would be a major change forcing me to adjust in ways I haven't in years. That scares me. This may end with me changing whether I want to or not.

The Truth Hurts

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:34:00 +0000

I have been hearing from God for the past two weeks and it has been very difficult medicine to take. It started with a book I needed to read in preparation for the marriage seminar I was going to at my Church. Then came the marriage seminar. I followed that by going to a men's leadership training class. Lastly, there were individual occurrences God pointed out things I needed to see. All this in a nice little package that hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like Wild E. Coyote when one of his schemes to catch the Roadrunner backfired. Can you see me waving that little white flag out from under a pile of rubble?
I was told in many different ways how selfish I've been as a husband, leader, and just in living. The book alone was a wake-up call that I couldn't start reading once I stopped. It convicted me and just kept hitting me-left, right, left, right. I was not able to hardly breath because it just said over and over how bad I was as a husband. It turned into condemnation until my friend told me what I was doing. He saw it for what it was and pulled me back into reality. I still haven't finished reading it yet.
I went into the marriage seminar expecting the best. I did learn a lot of new things that already helped me with understanding and communicating with Kim. However, there came another new set of things I was doing wrong. I didn't feel too bad until we had our first post-seminar fight. It was not as bad as it could have been before the book and seminar. The thing was a concept of the past mixed in with a little misunderstanding. We got through it but I felt like I couldn't change anything in my life. I was knocked down a notch and couldn't get back up.
Kim's mom's friend had a heart attack and they decided to go down to Columbus to visit. I was not going so I got the opportunity to go to the men's leadership training class at church. Originally I had not planned on going. I saw my life as it was and how to fix it. The only problem I had was a lack of ambition to take the leap to just do the things I needed to do to make my life productive and Spirit led. I pondered on these facts and recalled my track record. Then I looked at my present position and a longing to change stirred within me. I wish I could say it was all peaches and cream from that point on but I can't. I saw what needed done in my life and I just caved in. It was just too much for me to comprehend a happy ending to all this. I was always a slacker and even today I slide into slacker mode. I don't like confrontation, being told what to do, the chance of being hurt, or arguing. I back away from most things I can't control or dislike.
Then came Sunday...I had to go to the 'Race for the Cure' in downtown Toledo. I was trying to get out of it but it didn't work. I didn't have to walk, just be there to support Kim's sister and her daughter. I got through the day easy enough but the family is strong willed and they make decisions at the last second. I was complaining and had an attitude that was noticable.
When I got home I thought about how I acted. I wasn't unbarable but it was just enough to peak it's head above the surface and make things uncomfortable. Is this how I influence my family? Is this the way Jesus wants me to live? Is this the way I want to live? Obviously the answer is no and I knew I had to change right then and there. I broke down and cried and begged God to change me. I knew I couldn't do it and any ambition I had was dying. I was close to delving into a deeper depression than I've ever had. I was going to email my friends for help. I knew the answer but it was like I couldn't do it. The answer is 'just do it'.
God was disciplining me so I could change. I never felt all of what these two weeks have told/done to me before. God was gentle, kind, and forgiving. Now He's a Father spanking me and telling me what I did wrong and what I need to do to fix it. Emailing friends won't fix this. I picked up my Bible and said "Lord, tell me what to read. Give me exactly the Word I need for right now in my life that will change me forever." I heard "Zephaniah". I read the last half of the last chapter and knew it was what I prayed for. He spoke to me saying He loved me, is with me, and is changing me. Click here if you want to read what He spoke. The title of that post is a link to a blog that helped me in the right direction too.
I am taking the attitude of 'Just do it'. I am going to sacrifice myself for His glory. Too many examples have been before me not to follow their example. People need the me that God created and not the one I want. If I die in the process I go home to Jesus. It's a win-win situation:-)
Clinging to Jesus and not to this world is my goal. Welcome back Aaron, it's good to see you.

Guard Your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:18:00 +0000

I saw 'Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.' It made me wonder about guarding and how much I do and don't do.
I have seen some areas of weakness as of late and even considered not going to a marriage seminar because of the stark reality of my shortcomings. I know I need all of God I can get and to surrender my ways for His but the shock was overwhelming how much I am still an infant. I'm holding on to the easy life. There is so little self sacrifice. I am still protecting myself from rejection, being hurt, and being wrong.
So guarding my heart more than likely needs improvement. Here's what I found:

Proverbs 4:13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Guard instruction...written and spoken word of God. I have been doing better this year but I need to learn to stand on the Word. I need to believe it by living it. There is stuff God told me that I need to stand on too.

Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Guard lips...what I say. I have to stop before I speak. I let this slip as of late and my wife has been letting me know.

Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.

Guard the way...what I do. I can do better. What programs/movies am I watching, conversations am I having, and time am I wasting? How many prayers have I neglected to pray?

Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Guard against greed...what I own and want to own. How much money have I wasted on stuff that later I find out how dumb it was to buy? Do I need the newest, best, brand name, electronic item to make my life easier? By the time you get it home it needs an upgrade. I need to downgrade on earthly treasures and strive for heavenly treasure.

Psalm 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Praise God!!! Even when I'm stupid He's watching over me. I need to take an attitude that I'm protected and just obey God without worrying about the consequences. God's got my back!

The Greatest People on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:46:00 +0000

I received this in an email from James Robison. He is the host of 'Life Today', a program that has Christian guests on it or just him and his wife. He goes around the world feeding those that need it most. Most recently, he's known for putting up wells in villages so people have clean water to drink.
Here is the story of the greatest people on earth:
it’s not uncommon for people to ask me, “Who is the greatest person you’ve ever met?” In my experience, the greatest people on earth are the missionaries and relief workers I have seen up close and personal. Around the world, they give their time, energy and sometimes their lives to help suffering people. Their lives, commitment and sacrifices, along with the joy in which they do it, leaves me overwhelmed.
Jesus said, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29) Clearly, he values this type of selfless service, so I recognize the greatness inherent in such dedication.

Wherever we go -- China, Romania, India, Angola, Croatia, Bolivia and many other places -- we find people to admire. I mentioned this to Peter Pretorius one time, telling him that Betty and I thought that the missionaries were the greatest people we had ever met. His reaction, and Ann’s [his wife] as well, really surprised me.

“James, let me tell you what we missionaries think,” he said forcefully. “The people who recognize the need, whether it’s by watching LIFE Today or some other means, and then reach out to help, these are the greatest people on earth. They are the greatest examples of God’s love because even though they are unable to personally meet someone else’s need, they are determined in their hearts to make sure the need is met. They make it possible for missionaries to go into the fields of suffering with hands filled with possibilities and life. They are the great enablers.”

Peter made me realize that regardless of how much the missionaries care, how much they pray, or how much they want to help, they are empty-handed without the support of others. In practical terms, it’s impossible for a missionary to hold a high-paying job or raise funds personally while they work to help others. Like the rest of us, they can only do one thing at a time. They would simply stand, weeping in the face of disaster with no way to alleviate the suffering, if it wasn’t for hundreds and thousands of others who give them the support, both financially and spiritually, that they must have to fulfill their mission.

That mission involves “Good Samaritan” care, like providing food, shelter and medicine, but it also involves evangelism. Paul wrote in Romans 10, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." He then asked, “How can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” A handful of people are called to do the physical work, but it takes a larger group to send them.

After reading this I realized this is my gift. I had thought 'if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously'(Romans 12:8) was me but this confirmed it. I play a crucial part in the missions field even though I have only been on two missions trips.
Let me encourage you to give to missions. God will bless you and your money will be used for a people you may never know until you step into heaven with them and you'll hear that song being played...'Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.' What a glorious day that will be when I see all the lives I touched for the Kingdom. How can you not give?
**I have used only the part of this email that most relates to me. Click here to read the whole thing.**

Not Of The World

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:35:00 +0000

I went to a Detroit Lions game Sunday. It was a free ticket from a friend, an $80 free ticket. How can people justify paying such a high price for a football game? I understand the whole 'fanatic' thing. I 'r' one:-)
I went to the restroom and walking back I checked out the prices for pop/hot dogs, etc. $4 for a bottled water!!! I just kept on walking. The curiosity stopped right there. I never would have gone if I had to pay.
The Lions were playing the Green Bay Packers (my favorite team). My buddy knew this and that is why I was chosen for his extra ticket. His two boys went with us. It was fun and the Packers won. I love experiencing the atmosphere of 'being part' of the game and seeing the whole field instead of whatever the cameraman chooses to show us.
However, this is where the good stuff stops (except seeing the stadium). I saw all the usual worldly things: drinking beer, cussing, gesturing, and music that is ungodly. I also saw hatred towards players on the field, guys being paid millions of dollars, sky boxes being rented out for a LOT of money, and just a sad feeling that people are so into this.
I saw football by looking down on it from up above (literally and figuratively). On TV it seems so big, but from row 24 in person they look small and real. I am not of this world and see myself separate from a game I love. It just is not that important anymore. Lately, a lot of things seem smaller or less spectacular when you experience them. I guess compared to God all things are small:-)

The Stones Will Cry Out

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:02:00 +0000

I was responding to a blog the other day and this verse eluded me: Romans 1:18-20 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
I have been having a hard time lately finding and remembering verses. I am usually within the ballpark of where a verse is located. Sometimes I know two words and can search on line or in my concordance. However I think this is God's way of having me search out a new thing I never saw before.
It took two days and linking out to a devotion/commentary to find it. In the process I found these:
Luke 19:39-40 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Psalm 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
Habakkuk 2:11 The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it. Joshua 24:25-27 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws. And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the LORD. "See!" he said to all the people. "This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God."
After reading: "This stone will be a witness" I realized God was talking and old sermons I dismissed came back to me. I remember how they went into the science side of it. It was based on Isaiah 55:8-12 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
It got me thinking. I remember one thing said was how you can never take back anything you say. The vibration sent out goes on forever. That is why we need to watch what we say:
James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Not only does our word carry on out of our mouth forever, it can cause destruction in our lives. Also, our fight is not against our neighbor:
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Ephesians 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
I believe God is telling me, at least, that our enemy is out to get us by whatever means he can. In the Word quoted above STONES CRY OUT. The spoken word goes on forever and God word does not return back to Him empty. This tells me we need to speak His word out loud. If a stone can be a witness, it can be a witness for us or against us. If we say bad stuff it will send out bad stuff as a witness. It will open the door for the enemy to rule in that area.
I see how spirits can be in a room where there are Christians. We must send out good news, the truth, in order to dispel anything set out to trap us. By not saying anything we allow things to be said to us. The enemy speaks to us all the time to discourage, oppress, depress, and mislead. If we are not confessing what God says for our lives, the enemy is saying what our lives are not. Worship music is another great way to speak the truth and bring joy. It can drown out every evil thought, word, or memory.
There are many things to be retrieved from these verses. I have only touched the surface. The main point to all of this is to speak the truth.
Deuteronomy 32:46-47 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."
Matthew 12:33-37"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
*Words are important*Speak the Truth*

Jesus Boycotted?

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:50:00 +0000

This is one of many ponderings I've had recently. I had read of and saw protests. I have also heard of boycotts. They both seem like the right thing to do but is it what Jesus would do? He said give to Caesar what is Caesar's. I know when the temple was being desecrated He cleared it of the thieves. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of the day but He still attended the ceremonies. He cursed the fig tree when it produced no fruit.
Boycott means: To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion. (Dictionary.com)
Yes this seems right and noble but is this the thing Jesus would do? Does He want us to fight against the corporations that sponsor abortion, gay rights, and pornography? I have heard of the effectiveness Focus on the Family has when they call for a boycott against a corporation or a call for action against a bill that could change our morals as a country. Millions of calls come in to the Senate or House of Representatives and the bill fails. They also have written and called corporations in an effort to have them stop supporting a cause or financing a group that supports immorality. Usually if their efforts go unresponsive they send out a call to boycott their product. They also send a clear message this is what they are doing and the reason behind it. Typically they give in before it even begins because they know the financial loss they would suffer.
This is an effective tool in this world's system but is it what Jesus would do? I'm just wondering...
***Here is a verse I read today that goes along with Focus on the Family's actions and if Jesus would boycott: Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

~Prayer Update~

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:57:00 +0000

Here's the latest on my sister-in-law. She's home and within 24 hours!! She can talk, eat, and has no complications! So far everything looks real good. This is better than any of us expected! Thank you for praying. I really love how our God takes care of us!!! Praise the Lord! Woo hoo:-)

Need Some Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:59:00 +0000

My sister-in-law is having surgery today at 1pm. Her name is Margaret Raker and she is having her thyroid removed. She has a lump on the thyroid. As far as I know they found no cancer. Pray they find no cancer after the removal and that everything goes the way the doctors would like it to. They told her she would stay in the hospital 2-4 days. So pray for a quick recovery with no complications. Thank You.

Addition: Jenni Weiss @ Big Weiss Blog reminded me : "I will also be praying that your sis-in-law will be able to eat/talk/and swallow easily! I am told that those are the major complaints of thyroid patients!"
My friend Tami @ African Dreams had the same procedure done except she had cancer. God healed her! She initially lost her voice and her singing voice was lost for up to a year. She also was healed for this too! I also remember her meds took a while before the proper dosage was determined. So pray for these things as well.