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Is There A Prophet Among Us?
Where are the oracles of God, the prophets whose words strike fear into the hearts of the Ahabs of our nation, and contempt and disdain in those who are the Jezebels of our day?Where are the ones who love their nation passionately, but love their God even more?
Is there an Elijah or Elisha, who not only has the ear of God but can speak to the heart of a nation?
Where are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel or any one of the “minor” prophets of old?
Where is the prophet Daniel, who can discern the times and seasons, as well as the handwriting on the wall?
America does not need a “we can do it; we can be great again” kind of message, any more than a burning house needs another charcoal grill.
America, where are your prophets?
Is there a prophet among us?
What if America turned down the political rhetoric, and turned an ear to the prophet of God?
Is it barely possible for a nation who has lost its ability to blush, to once again tremble at the word of the prophet of God?
Is there a prophet among us?
Where are the John the Baptists who have a word no one wants to hear? One that would never sell many books, or provide income for a television ministry?
A word preached in the middle of nowhere, without any advertising budget; yet a word that prepares the way for Jesus’ appearing?
Where are the prophets who demand more out of themselves than they do of their listeners?
Is there a prophet among us?
If so, where?
Where are the prophets who declare the heart of God, clearly and without apology, to a people who have long since believed God is either dead or irrelevant?
Is there at least one prophet in America?
If so, where is he? Where is she?
Are the prophets busy with their own “prophetic ministry”, or is there a word from God that must be released to a hard headed and rebellious nation?
Is there a prophet among us?
Here’s a word God gave to the prophet Isaiah, to be shared with his nation. Notice a similarity or two between his nation and the good old US of A.
“And now, go, write it before them on a tablet and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever. For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 30:8-11 ESV)
I ask you again; is there a prophet among us?
Ezekiel, told to prophesy to a hard headed nation by God, knew he didn’t have a choice.
“And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.
“But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe.” (Ezekiel 2:1-10 ESV)
The Lord declared through Joel, and later by Peter, that in the last days “He will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy…” (Acts 2).
Where are they? Are they speaking? Is anyone listening?
What if Jonah of old walked through Washington, D.C., and proclaimed the same message he gave to Nineveh? Would he be ignored? Maybe so. But perhaps the soul of this nation would be stirred to repentance!
If there’s a prophet among us, will you please rise up in the name of the Lord?!
America needs to know there IS a prophet among us!
We can’t wait much longer!
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Three Prophetic Words For 2016
Three prophetic words from a casual observer, and a prophet-in-training.Okay, so maybe I’m not a prophet, or maybe I am; but I’ve got some things to say about this coming year that need to be heard. Because I say them? No. Who’s Jan Grace, anyway?
No, not because I say them, but because they just may come to pass. You and I need to be prepared.
Three words come to my mind, and burn intensely within my spirit. Three words I believe God is speaking to the American people, and especially His Church.
Acceleration, Depravation, Demarcation
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.” (2 Timothy 3:1-9 ESV)
Acceleration
Throughout the ages there have been difficult, stressful times. But things are beginning to accelerate, faster and faster. Seasons are becoming mixed up, weather patterns skewed. But more importantly, the season of ministry is quickly coming to a close.
I don’t say that because I’m calling for this year to be the year of the Lord’s return, but because of a second word I’m hearing, which I’ll share in a moment.
The things happening in the natural realm are indicators of what’s taking place in the spirit. People, even some of God’s people, are becoming mixed up, no longer bearing fruit in season. And this is being accelerated to the point where men and women are becoming picked off by the enemy at a faster rate. What we used to “get by with” now becomes a major issue overnight and unless we repent quickly, we wake up to someone we no longer recognize. Ourselves.
Why else would Peter say, “Judgment must begin in the house of God, and if it begins with us, what’s going to happen to those who don’t obey the gospel?” (1 Peter 4)
If WE are scarcely saved…?
Peter also wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant, because YOUR adversary, the devil, goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may DEVOUR…”
Only NOW, his advances are accelerating!
“Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12 ESV)
Depravation
The closets are open, and everything imaginable is being released on society. Even some things beyond our imagination!
The depravity of the unregenerate human heart is being celebrated as the new freedom, and the more perverse something is the greater it’s lauded.
Couple this word with the first, acceleration, and 2016 will not be an easy year. You and I will not get by with a wish and a hope so.
Depravity is like poisonous fungi, attaching itself to areas in our lives that haven’t fully embraced the life giving power of the gospel. Those areas where we’ve allowed compromise; and have tried to live for Jesus and our flesh at the same time.
In fact, fungi live on dead or decaying things. It thrives on death. It grows, multiplies on death.
Depravity feeds on spiritual death, and perverseness paves the way for more perversity.
“Gay rights” will soon be “tame” compared to what’s being conceived in the heart of the wicked.
2016 will end, sadly, with many church going, bible quoting, Christians falling because they’ve succumbed to the depravation in the world.
Demarcation“Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.” 2 Timothy 3:8 ESV)
A line, such has not been seen since the earliest days of the church, will begin to be pronounced in 2016.
A difference will be declared, and demonstrated, by the true believers in Jesus.
“…and that ye may make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean…” (Leviticus 10:10 ASV)
“Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of the Lord.” (Isaiah 52:11 ESV)
As it was in the Book of Acts, so will it be even in America.
“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.” (Acts 5:12-13 ESV)
Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, and the Romans and Jews opposed the gospel. A morally deprived society opposes God on almost every issue these days. But the line has been drawn in the sand.
The word is demarcation, a clear distinction between God’s people and the rest.
The stage is being set for a showdown. As Moses faced Pharaoh with God’s holiness and power, so it will come to pass shortly. And as the Egyptians were overjoyed when the Israelites finally left Egypt, well, this world’s gonna party like crazy when their critics are gone.
Preacher, pastor, prophet: don’t hold your tongue. You will not win the world with your silence, and you will not carry out your assignment hiding behind your 501c3 status.
As Mordecai said to Queen Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this”(Esther 4:13-14 ESV), I believe the Lord is declaring to His witnesses today:
“If you attempt to compromise My Truth, to water it down so others will receive YOU, I WILL find others to do what I told you to do. But you will lose out.”
The line of holiness is clearly stated in the scriptures, and without holiness one cannot see the Lord. Preach it and demonstrate it.
Acceleration, Depravation, and Demarcation.
2016 is going to be quite a ride.
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How Can I Know My Future?
I’ve noticed some Facebook posts advertising a way to find out what’s going to happen in 2016. Other posts give you a special word for the coming year. I probably wasn’t supposed to, but I did that one twice. My first word was FUTURE. The second one was JOY. I’m not sure what I’m to do with them, but they’re mine, all the same.Feeling a little left out, I decided to give my readers and friends a better way to know their future. No, I won’t use mumbo jumbo, tarot cards, Ouija Boards, crystal balls (though one is pictured above), or even a Bingo card. And while I can’t guarantee 100% accuracy, or that everything will happen within a twelve month time frame, I’m fairly certain with what I’m about to tell you.
The question many people ask is, “How can I know my future?”
“Will I be rich?”
“Will I get married/divorced?”
“Will I get sick and die?”
Sorry to disappoint you before we really get started, but NO ONE can give you that information unless they’re God, or have been given a word from God. But God is not in the business of throwing that sort of information about willy-nilly.
I don’t care what Sister Susie Smoke and Mirrors sells you for $20 an hour.
But if you would really like to have an idea what 2016 has in store for you, listen closely and I’ll give you a tip.
Next year will be a year of sowing and reaping.
How’s that, you ask?
Maybe I should have said, “reaping and sowing.” Because you are going to reap in 2016 what you’ve sown in 2015.
How have you treated your friends and acquaintances? Nice? Then expect to gain more friends. Nasty and rotten? Then I feel sorry for you.
Have you been cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus? Praying? Reading His Word? Sharing your faith? Then I’d say 2016 will be a year of even greater opportunities to know Him, and make Him known.
What have you been doing with your finances? Have you been tight fisted; unmoved by the needs of people around you? You can probably figure on a tough year financially. “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” (Proverbs 11:24 ESV)
What have you been reading and watching? How have you been investing your time? Think about it, and you’ll come up with your own answer.
I said the year 2016 will be a year of reaping and sowing. If you’re pleased with the crop you’ll be harvesting, great; don’t change a thing. Sow the same thing for the 2017 season.
But if you’re kind of dreading the new year’s crop, begin now, even before this year’s over, sowing a different seed.
After all, whatever you sow, that’s what you’ll reap.
You are creating your own future.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV)
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22 ESV)
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If We Only Knew
If we only knew more than we do, about any given subject, it would probably have direct bearing on the decisions we make.
For example, if we only knew a policeman was sitting around the corner in his cruiser, radar gun in hand, and how much a speeding ticket was going to cost, we’d probably slow down.
If we only knew how addictive nicotine was, we may not have started smoking.
If we only knew…
Back in the days of my youth, I was not the least bit shy when it came to investigating how certain things worked, or what would happen if someone did this to that (pick an object-it didn’t matter what).
I took my first watch apart because I wondered what made it waterproof. It was never the same. As a matter of fact it was useless, since I couldn’t figure out how to put it back together.
If I only knew…
I tried smoking, because I wanted to be able to blow smoke rings like someone I knew.
Yes, I did learn how. Not a big deal after all.
If I only knew…
I remember a time, a few years ago, when I volunteered to peel a bag of potatoes for a big Thanksgiving dinner we were hosting.
I may be a little weird, but I enjoy peeling potatoes.
Anyway, I finished my task, and then came the fun part; pushing all the peels into the garbage disposal.
Following my mental checklist, I turned the cold water on, flipped the disposal switch, and began feeding the hungry appliance just as fast as I could.
What began as a joyous occasion, soon became a nasty chore. I plugged the disposal so bad, I had to tear it apart to unplug it.
It dawned on me that day; mistakes are made by two groups of people. Those who don’t know everything, and those who think they do.
If we only knew what would happen when we die (we already know we WILL die), we’d probably be a little more concerned about preparing for that day.
But here’s something we can know. We don’t have to be surprised. We CAN know what will happen.
“Oh, come on, man. No one can know!”
Yes, you can. You can know by faith. And that faith will become a reality.
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 ESV)
We can know whether we’ll go to heaven or hell. In fact, we get to choose!
If we only knew how much power God has made available to His Church, we’d be more inclined to pray and act according to His word.
But again, this is something we CAN, and SHOULD KNOW.
“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, THAT YOU MAY KNOW what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, AND WHAT IS THE IMMEASURABLE GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:17-23 ESV)
God WANTS us to know some things. He EXPECTS us to seek after the things pertaining to His kingdom. And those who seek find the answers.
“For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” (Romans 16:19 ESV)
Yes, life provides us with many opportunities to wonder what if, and to say, “If I only knew”, when things didn’t turn out so well.
But there are some things we MUST KNOW. Things He has so graciously provided for whoever will take the time to search.
He’s not far away, either. He’s as close as His word.
Now you know.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV)
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Failing Fathers and Derelict Dads
I’m a dad. Not a perfect dad, but a dad, nonetheless.I’m a dad who has made a ton of mistakes, and who’s wasted numerous hours wishing for some way to undo the messes I’ve made.
I’m a dad who had to look his son in the eye and say I’m sorry, please forgive me for allowing our home to become a war zone, because I wanted to go AWOL.
I’m a dad. One who’s watched other dads make the same, stupid decisions I have made.
And I’m a dad with a message to other dads; a word for failing fathers and derelict dads.
Dads, even though this out of whack society may believe it’s a school’s responsibility to raise your children, there’s a much higher authority who’s holding you accountable.
And I’m not referring to the Federal Government.
Dads, no one forced you to be a dad. Whether your child was an “accident” or planned, no one twisted your arm and made you have sex with your child’s mother. You may have enjoyed the moment, wrapped in the warm embrace of copulation; while never for a moment giving any thought to a new life you were helping create. But, and like it or not, you became a dad.
Your child’s mother carried your child for 270 days. Morning sickness, back aches, and weight gain are just some of the things your child’s mother had to endure; so your child could be born.
Maybe you were never taught how to be a good dad. I’m sorry if that’s the case. But don’t use it as an excuse. Instead, use it as a reason to learn how to be a good dad.
Here are some common characteristics of good dads.
1. They are an ever present help in time of need. They aren’t off doing their own thing, expecting the mother to provide for the child’s needs.
2. They don’t just tell their child how to act, they model it. They model honesty, integrity, and the proper way to interact socially.
3. They treat the child’s mother with dignity and respect. Whether or not the mother and father married, or stayed married, good dads don’t turn their child against their mother.
4. They keep their word. Broken promises are real killers, and one of the quickest ways to kill a child’s ability to trust anyone’s word is when a dad doesn’t keep his.
5. They allow their child to dream, to attempt things that may seem a little odd, and to make mistakes. They don’t get upset with a less than stellar performance.
6. They realize their child is not their clone. They have a life of their own. They need support, some advice gained through years of experience, but not someone to live their life for them.
7. They do what’s necessary to ensure the child is raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They don’t just send them to church. They lead by example.
8. They are slow to anger, and quick to forgive. They don’t harp over and over about things they said they’d forgiven.
9. Their corrective action, whether spanking or time-outs, isn’t punitive. It is always used to help train the child, to reinforce the correct way to live.
10. They rejoice when their child succeeds. They are never envious or mean spirited when their child is treated well, or blessed by God.
Dads, don’t let some failures keep you from your responsibilities. Children are usually very forgiving, if you’ll be honest with them. Mark my word, though. A phony they can spot. Fake repentance will only drive you farther from your child.
If you’re wondering where I dug up my characteristics of good dads, I’ll tell you. It shouldn’t be a secret, because the book has been around for a lot of years.
I was simply describing some of the ways my Father God is to His children. He’s always on the job, even if His kids are neglecting Him. He doesn’t quit loving, interacting when possible.
And He never gives up believing in His kids.
If you’ve been a failing father or a derelict dad, don’t you think it’s time to make a change?
I can almost guarantee your child thinks so.
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How Much Room Does God Require?
‘Tis the season to share a well read verse.“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7 ESV)
Luke’s account of the first Christmas includes the phrase, “because there was no place for them in the inn”.
Have you ever stopped to consider how much room they needed? Try it.
How much room does God require?
Let’s do some comparisons.
The average size of a presidential entourage is somewhere around 200 people. Of course, this can vary based upon security and transportation needs. That requires a lot of hotel rooms, and a ton of food!
Yet the King of the Ages, the Creator of the universe, needed only the feeding trough of a country barn.
England’s Queen Elizabeth and Russia’s President Putin both travel with huge retinues.
United States Senators and Congressmen all travel with more aides and security personnel than an NBA team.
But the Word made flesh arrived barely noticed.
Kim Jong-un, the Supreme leader of North Korea, has more than 200 soldiers protecting him. Try housing them for a little beach vacation.
But all Mary and Joseph needed was a place for Mary to lay Jesus after He was born.
So the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, was born in a barn.
No room for Him in the inn. Only in the barn.
So how much room does God require?
How much room do you have? How much are you willing to give up?
He has no problem filling the largest of venues, yet enters only where room has been made or set aside.
He could fill the universe with His presence, but won’t push His way into a heart that’s not open.
But give Him an inch…
He fills the hungry with good things, but those who have no room for Him leave empty.
Maybe you don’t have room for Him in your heart. Not yet. But if you’d give Him a place in your mind, even with an occasional thought, you just may find yourself rearranging your heart to accommodate His presence.
He’ll get just as close as you let Him.
How about a little taste, a little trial?
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8 NLT)
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A Merry Walmart Christmas
Christmas Day is historically a day with many ups and downs. Gifts and guilt. Food and foolish behavior. Disappointments and disgusting manners. Family members and frozen receptions.That’s why I’m suggesting something which may help you make it through the day.
You see, people have Christmas blues, or grays if you prefer, mainly because of unmet expectations. So…
Ta-da! Here’s an idea for something different this year. A little variation of the normal Christmas routine.
Why not have yourself a merry Walmart Christmas?
Go to your local Walmart and spend your Christmas shopping money on yourself! So what if your loved ones don’t get anything! Who cares what people may think of you!
As long as you get what you want!
Sure, it’s better to give than receive. But what about wanting something so much, only to be heartbroken after December 25th?
You can still celebrate Christmas with the family. After all, they don’t need all those presents. Christmas isn’t about presents; right? They shouldn’t be so materialistic.
As long as YOU get what you’ve been wanting.
Celebrate with your loved ones while enjoying a wonderful holiday meal. You know, ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, pies, and lots of whipped cream.
Don’t like all that stuff? Or maybe your family doesn’t fix the food you enjoy? Easy-peasy!
A merry Walmart Christmas will fix everything.
Take the money you planned to spend on others and buy yourself a roasted chicken or something. Stop by the deli and pick out some delicious sides; like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and coleslaw.
Before you check out, swing by the bakery for your very own pumpkin pie (don’t forget the Cool Whip).
I’m telling you, you’ll never go back to the old way of doing Christmas again.
Not when you’re guaranteed satisfaction with both the gifts and the meals.
Hey, there’s always time to sing the carols, see the lights, and smooch under the mistletoe. And so what if those things are disappointing?
Big deal!
But when it comes to the BEST part of Christmas, one can’t afford to be unhappy. After all, it’s another year, 365 long days, until the next Christmas!
No, you’ve got to be ahead of the game. You need to plan yourself a merry Walmart Christmas now!
So what if others think you’re stingy and only care about yourself.
They just don’t understand the true meaning of Christmas.
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Poor Steve Harvey
Poor Steve Harvey. Maybe he should have taken heed to the overplayed Aaron Rodgers television commercials for State Farm insurance. He should have “double-checked” the card before announcing Miss Columbia as the new Miss Universe.
Poor Steve Harvey.
After apologizing in front of 10 million viewers for his mistake, he got into even more trouble for misspelling the names of the two countries, Columbia and the Philippines, in his Twitter apology.
I wonder if Pat Sajak or Drew Carey ever made a mistake? How about Bob Barker?
Yes, I feel sorry for Miss Columbia, and for Miss Philippines.
But I ESPECIALLY feel sorry for poor Steve Harvey.
Have YOU ever made a mistake? I have. No, not in front of 10 million people. Not at a Miss Universe contest.
But I’ve said and done things that, to me, were just as embarrassing.
I think a lot of folks are giving Mr. Harvey some slack, but there are those who love to kick a person when he’s down.
Perhaps it makes them feel big. I don’t know. But the kind of folks who are railing on poor Steve Harvey are the same ones who enjoy finding fault with everyone but themselves.
Oh, to be so perfect.
“But Steve Harvey was the emcee! He should have been more careful and gotten it right!”
True. But he was a HUMAN emcee, not a computer. The program was live, not prerecorded; therefore it couldn’t be edited.
True, Steve Harvey has spent a lot of time in front of a camera and shouldn’t have been confused by a cue card.
I’ve spent hours and hours behind the wheel of my automobile, but sometimes I make stupid mistakes.
Do you?
Did you know EVERYONE makes mistakes?
Everyone.
You know what I think? People who are making Steve Harvey’s blunder into a federal case are showing how much they need a savior.
Because things like “grumbling, complaining, fault finding, and having a critical spirit” are all indications of an unregenerate heart.
Oh? Yes!
Now I’m not saying a complainer isn’t saved; I’m just saying they don’t act like it.
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 KJV)
“Do all things without complaining and disputing…” (Philippians 2:14 NKJV)
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9 NKJV)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NKJV)
Poor Steve Harvey.
No, I don’t know anything about him, other than what I read on the internet or see on television.
But I think he’ll be alright.
At least he apologized.
At least he demonstrated remorse for his error.
At least he didn’t try to blame the mistake on the person who gave him the card.
And he didn’t try to hide the card, burying it among thousands of other cards.
Besides, his was merely a mistake; though a mistake seen by people all over the world.
AND…HE’S not running for president.
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Ritzy Lunch Experience
Some people might call Ritzy Lunch an old hotdog joint, while others may label it a dive.
It’s not fancy enough for some, and too old fashioned for others.
Ritzy Lunch is clean, but its tiles, walls, and clock are stained from years and years of patrons, and cooks, puffing away on their favorite smoke. Of course, smoking isn’t allowed any longer, but 70 years or so of nicotine haze has given the place a special look you don’t get anywhere else.
I realize I’m just one guy, and my opinion may not mean anything to you, but there’s something very special about Ritzy Lunch.
To me, it’s an experience that’s worth the drive.Though we live in Iowa, we make regular visits to West Virginia. We spend time relaxing at North Bend State Park, in the Harrisville vicinity, and visit family who live about a half hour away.
A tradition has developed over the last 7-8 years, one that I can blame (or thank) my brother-in-law for. We make the trip to Ritzy (about a 45 minute drive from his house) one time during our W.Va. visit.
What do we have to eat? Two hotdogs in steamed buns, chili, onion, cayenne pepper, and french fries, served in a plastic basket. Add a Diet Coke, and we are set for the hour.
The first time I visited Ritzy, its owner, Hotdog John, came by the old wooden booth we were seated in and began jabbering about his hotdog chili. I had already been warned not to call it “sauce”, but I didn’t know his feelings about mustard.
So when he heard me order 2 dogs with chili, onion, and NO MUSTARD, you’d have thought I had just hit him below the belt!
“What?! You can’t do that!”After he finished razzing me a while he winked, thanked me for coming in, and walked over to the next booth to give his other patrons the same friendly service.
People have been dining at Ritzy Lunch for 82 years; a family owned and operated business in downtown Clarksburg, West Virginia. Easy to find, on Pike Street, just a few blocks off of US Highway 50.
Remember that old television commercial for Master Card? It went something like this:
Hotdogs (2), Fries, all the fixings – $7
Downtown Parking Meters – $1 for a few hours
The whole Ritzy Lunch experience – PRICELESS!
Sure, a person may POSSIBLY find a hotdog that compares with a Ritzy Lunch dog. And perhaps the fries are like the ones found in other restaurants.
But you will NEVER find anything else that compares to the Ritzy Lunch experience. The ambience, the friendly service, the old counter and wooden stools, cayenne pepper shakers; I’m talking atmosphere!
While I was preparing to write this blog, I started thinking about the similarities between the Ritzy Lunch experience and the Kingdom of God.
As I’ve mentioned, fancy isn’t a word that describes Ritzy. But it IS a place where everyone is accepted and appreciated.
So with the Kingdom of God.The ONLY requirement to enter the Kingdom of God is you and I must enter through the door. Anyone who goes through the door is welcomed and fed.
I’d like to see more churches with the atmosphere; the warm, welcoming atmosphere found at Ritzy Lunch.
The door to Ritzy informs those interested in the Ritzy Lunch experience the hours of operation and the need to wear a shirt and shoes.
Jesus is the door to the Kingdom of God, and He has stated His requirements in the gospel of John (not to be confused with Hotdog John).
“So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’” (John 10:7-10 ESV)Another couple of passages from John, only these are from his first letter.
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:15-16 ESV)
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12 ESV)A person may stand on the sidewalk, there on Pike Street and look through Ritzy Lunch’s window for hours, but never experience what I’ve been writing about.
You see, to thoroughly understand the Ritzy Lunch experience, one must open AND walk through the door.
It’s the same way with God and His Kingdom. Going to church, reading the bible, and telling everyone what you’ve heard and read is all very nice. But you must go through the door to experience the Kingdom and eternal life.
And Jesus is the Door.
Please take a few moments to read the newspaper article I photographed and posted below. It gives the history of one of Clarksburg’s finest. More than a hotdog joint, more than a quaint, downtown diner; it’s the Ritzy Lunch experience!
While you’re at it, please read more of the Apostle John’s writings, especially John chapter ten. It provides you with the incentive and the necessary information on how to enter the Kingdom of God.
And if you’re ever in the Clarksburg area, make sure you plan a trip for a true, Ritzy Lunch experience.
And tell them Jan sent you!
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Jesus Is The Reason For WHICH Season?
Jesus is the reason for WHICH season?You’re probably aware of the two words which have the potential of creating Facebook wars, lawsuits, disgruntled shoppers, and nasty comments from a whole assortment of people who don’t necessarily agree with your brand of religion. Or mine.
Yep, those are the ones.
“Merry Christmas!”
Another phrase that can light someone’s fuse is, “Jesus is the reason for the season”. Am I right?
Though I understand completely what a person means when they say those words, I wonder how much of it is really true. Do you?
When you hear that phrase, what do you think of? Don’t you associate it with what you already believe?
If you believe God sent His one and only Son to this dark and rebellious world, to live as the last Adam, face the evil one on his own turf, and ultimately become God’s once and for all sacrifice for ALL of mankind, then you associate Christmas with Jesus the Savior.
But what if the season doesn’t include any of that Jesus stuff? What if the Christmas season means something entirely different? You know, it does to many, many people.
Even many who live in your hometown.
But what else could Christmas even remotely mean? After all, didn’t Jesus plan the first Christmas party? Didn’t they have a tree, bedecked with tinsel, colored lights, and an angel mounted on its top standing near the manger?
If He’s the reason for the season, surely He would have done that first Christmas up big! At least, that’s what you and I would have done if we’d been in charge.
So, what do others think about Christmas?
Many associate Christmas with parties, gift giving, mistletoe, family get togethers, more parties, spiked eggnog, vacation, snow, Santa Claus, elves, even more parties, new movie releases, along with maybe a few childhood memories.
And when those people hear “Jesus is the reason for the season”, they can only scratch their unbelieving head and say, “Really? He’s the reason for spiked eggnog and childhood memories?”
And we who believe in Jesus as Savior wonder why the rest of the world doesn’t get it.
Maybe we should reevaluate our view of Christmas. Maybe it would be beneficial if we actually removed Christ from Christmas.
Maybe Xmas is a better way to describe the season.
The Christmas Season doesn’t need Jesus. It’s doing just fine. And Jesus doesn’t need the Christmas Season; His message will hold its own without being watered down with all the extra hype we love to throw in with it.
No, I am not anti gift giving, anti parties, anti anything associated with the Christmas Season (except the spiked eggnog). But it seems to me the Season is becoming more important than the One the Season is SUPPOSED to be about. It’s like, it’s hard to find Jesus amongst the stuff.
So I ask you, as I’ve asked myself, “Jesus is the reason for WHICH season?”
The commercialized, worldwide sales extravaganza or something different?
Possibly He’s the reason for the Easter season. You know, the eggs, bunnies, ham dinners, and new clothes. Hey, don’t get mad at me for not mentioning the Resurrection. That’s not what a lot of people celebrate during the Easter Season.
Maybe He’s the reason for the flu season. After all, it is wintertime.
Or maybe it has something to do with THIS season: the Season of Reckoning.
The season when God begins to judge this world by how they’ve TREATED His Son. He has promised there would come a day when the world would be judged by Jesus, so I don’t have any doubt that Jesus is the reason for THAT season.
Check it out:
“on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 2:16 ESV)
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom…” (2 Timothy 4:1 ESV)
“Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” (James 5:9 ESV)
“Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 ESV)
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” (Revelation 20:11-12 ESV)Folks, I’m inclined to believe Jesus is the reason for the season that’s coming faster than we’d like to think, more than the one people celebrate today. And unfortunately for many, too many, it’s not a season of celebration.
I’m not going rain on anyone’s Christmas parade, or throw rotten eggs at their Easter basket. I’ll still wish you and everyone else a Merry Christmas and Happy Easter. I’m not a total jerk, you know.
But I believe it’s time to begin focusing on a season Jesus is DEFINITELY involved with. A season of rejoicing for some, sure. But for many, unless they get a clearer understanding of that first Christmas, it will be a season of grief and woe.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 