Home
Portal
Gallery
Register
Log inWho is online?
In total there are 26 users online :: 0 Registered, 0 Hidden and 26 Guests None
Most users ever online was 386 on Sun 25 Apr 2021, 2:56 pm
Latest topics
+Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Page 26 of 40
Page 26 of 40 • 
1 ... 14 ... 25, 26, 27 ... 33 ... 40
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Wed 01 Dec 2010, 12:43 pm
Date: November 30, 2010 10:38 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The War on Stress
The War on Stress
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:13-26
Stress is a reality of life. In almost every periodical I've read recently, there is an article addressing stress and the steps to avoiding it. Excessive stress can cause upheaval, seriously hamper our relationship with God, even lead to death. While books are a dime-a-dozen on this matter, it's the Bible that gives the real guidance to freedom from anxiety. By clinging to the Prince of Peace revealed in Scripture, we can deal with this pressing enemy.
The verses on the fruit of the Spirit help us defend against daily stress. The Holy Spirit gives us the power, and Jesus gives us the tools. First is love, modeled supremely by Jesus. Second is joy, coming from having Jesus at the center of life. Third is peace which comes from Jesus during times of tribulation (John 6:33). With the patience, kindness and goodness Christ has shown us, He guides us in relation to others. His faithfulness, gentleness and self-control allow us to act in the best interest of others. Because of Him we can seek and find peace for our lives.
Insight: Pray That Through The Fruit Of The Spirit God Would Keep Us From The Stress Of The World And In His Peace.
Topic: +DEV+ The War on Stress
The War on Stress
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:13-26
Stress is a reality of life. In almost every periodical I've read recently, there is an article addressing stress and the steps to avoiding it. Excessive stress can cause upheaval, seriously hamper our relationship with God, even lead to death. While books are a dime-a-dozen on this matter, it's the Bible that gives the real guidance to freedom from anxiety. By clinging to the Prince of Peace revealed in Scripture, we can deal with this pressing enemy.
The verses on the fruit of the Spirit help us defend against daily stress. The Holy Spirit gives us the power, and Jesus gives us the tools. First is love, modeled supremely by Jesus. Second is joy, coming from having Jesus at the center of life. Third is peace which comes from Jesus during times of tribulation (John 6:33). With the patience, kindness and goodness Christ has shown us, He guides us in relation to others. His faithfulness, gentleness and self-control allow us to act in the best interest of others. Because of Him we can seek and find peace for our lives.
Insight: Pray That Through The Fruit Of The Spirit God Would Keep Us From The Stress Of The World And In His Peace.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Tue 30 Nov 2010, 2:34 pm
Date: November 29, 2010 7:24 PM
Topic: +DEV+ A Servant's Heart
A Servant's Heart
"And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king's table, and he was crippled in both feet" (2 Samuel 9:13).
Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 9:1-13
I watched as one of our valets drove the golf cart with a patient who had come to the hospital for a test. He helped the lady off the cart, held on to her as he opened her walker, and then smiled, promising to pick her up again. She looked up at him and gave him a genuine "thank you." This valet and I had talked several times about things that really matter in life and both agreed about the importance of investing time and energy in people, helping where we can, making life a bit easier, offering hope and friendship and a smile.
King David became a servant to Mephibosheth, his friend Jonathan's crippled son, by providing for his every need. David showed grace because he knew the grace God had given him. Surrounding us, too, are "crippled" people from all walks of life, some hindered physically, others emotionally.
Remembering what the Lord has done for us, God calls us to show grace, love, friendship and help. Be it resolved this year we will serve Him with a smile.
Insight: Let The Words Of The Chorus Ring Out Clearly: "To Be Like Jesus, To Be Like Jesus, All I Ask...To Be Like Him."
Topic: +DEV+ A Servant's Heart
A Servant's Heart
"And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king's table, and he was crippled in both feet" (2 Samuel 9:13).
Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 9:1-13
I watched as one of our valets drove the golf cart with a patient who had come to the hospital for a test. He helped the lady off the cart, held on to her as he opened her walker, and then smiled, promising to pick her up again. She looked up at him and gave him a genuine "thank you." This valet and I had talked several times about things that really matter in life and both agreed about the importance of investing time and energy in people, helping where we can, making life a bit easier, offering hope and friendship and a smile.
King David became a servant to Mephibosheth, his friend Jonathan's crippled son, by providing for his every need. David showed grace because he knew the grace God had given him. Surrounding us, too, are "crippled" people from all walks of life, some hindered physically, others emotionally.
Remembering what the Lord has done for us, God calls us to show grace, love, friendship and help. Be it resolved this year we will serve Him with a smile.
Insight: Let The Words Of The Chorus Ring Out Clearly: "To Be Like Jesus, To Be Like Jesus, All I Ask...To Be Like Him."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Mon 29 Nov 2010, 11:36 am
Date: November 28, 2010 2:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+ An Ear for God
An Ear for God
"'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth'" (Psalm 46:10).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46
We had been radioed to check a Soviet sympathizer group that was located in a wooded area near the Line between East and West Germany. I knew it was "serious" when the soldier gave me an extra set of keys to his vehicle. As we left the vehicle and made our way around the compound, we listened, aware of every little noise and sound. The adrenalin was working overtime.
As I think of that event, I'm reminded of times in Scripture that God called us to listen carefully. To Elijah He spoke in the still, small voice. Samuel heard God speak: "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening'" (1 Samuel 3:10). This Hebrew word for "listening" denotes giving our undivided attention for making just decisions. The noise of our complex lives is a deadly enemy of listening, sidetracking us and dulling our ability to make wise choices. Resolve in this New Year to be a genuine and thorough listener, keeping watch "to see what he will say to me" (Habakkuk 2:1).
Insight: I Will Concentrate On Giving God Both My Time And Attention With Fresh Love And Reverence To Him.
Topic: +DEV+ An Ear for God
An Ear for God
"'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth'" (Psalm 46:10).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46
We had been radioed to check a Soviet sympathizer group that was located in a wooded area near the Line between East and West Germany. I knew it was "serious" when the soldier gave me an extra set of keys to his vehicle. As we left the vehicle and made our way around the compound, we listened, aware of every little noise and sound. The adrenalin was working overtime.
As I think of that event, I'm reminded of times in Scripture that God called us to listen carefully. To Elijah He spoke in the still, small voice. Samuel heard God speak: "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening'" (1 Samuel 3:10). This Hebrew word for "listening" denotes giving our undivided attention for making just decisions. The noise of our complex lives is a deadly enemy of listening, sidetracking us and dulling our ability to make wise choices. Resolve in this New Year to be a genuine and thorough listener, keeping watch "to see what he will say to me" (Habakkuk 2:1).
Insight: I Will Concentrate On Giving God Both My Time And Attention With Fresh Love And Reverence To Him.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Thu 25 Nov 2010, 11:14 am
Date: November 24, 2010 9:53 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Church
The Church
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock., If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:7-13
Laodicea was about 100 miles east of Ephesus and was known as a banking center and the location of a famous medical school. Though it was a prosperous community at one time, today the city is in complete ruins. John writes about the successes and failures of churches in that 1st century. The church of Laodicea was complacent. Over the years I've read about the church of Laodicea, and I get chills when I think of how affluence ruined it. They had the form, but no life. Their spiritual value system had collapsed.
There is an echo of Laodicea ringing out in our culture today. We must resolve to fight that apathy and not become nominal Christians. Being luke-warm dampens faith. But the invitation of Jesus is to "open the door" of our life to Him. There is action each of us must take to keep the flame of faith hot. It begins with repentance followed by absolute devotion and zeal. It's a wonderful example of both God's grace extended to us freely and our responsibility acted out gratefully.
Insight: Be a wise believer, listening with your spiritual hearing to what God is saying to the church today, realizing your responsibility as a member.
Topic: +DEV+ The Church
The Church
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock., If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 3:7-13
Laodicea was about 100 miles east of Ephesus and was known as a banking center and the location of a famous medical school. Though it was a prosperous community at one time, today the city is in complete ruins. John writes about the successes and failures of churches in that 1st century. The church of Laodicea was complacent. Over the years I've read about the church of Laodicea, and I get chills when I think of how affluence ruined it. They had the form, but no life. Their spiritual value system had collapsed.
There is an echo of Laodicea ringing out in our culture today. We must resolve to fight that apathy and not become nominal Christians. Being luke-warm dampens faith. But the invitation of Jesus is to "open the door" of our life to Him. There is action each of us must take to keep the flame of faith hot. It begins with repentance followed by absolute devotion and zeal. It's a wonderful example of both God's grace extended to us freely and our responsibility acted out gratefully.
Insight: Be a wise believer, listening with your spiritual hearing to what God is saying to the church today, realizing your responsibility as a member.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Tue 23 Nov 2010, 10:51 pm
Date: November 22, 2010 7:27 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Idolaters' Final Bow
Idolaters' Final Bow
"The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies" (Isaiah 42:13).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 19:17-21
The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant which represented God's presence in Israel. Audaciously, they carried the Ark into their temple and placed it beside their idol, Dagon. Early the next morning, the Philistines found Dagon lying face down before the Ark. Slow to learn that God is greater than an idol, they set it up again in front of the Ark. The following morning they found Dagon face down on the ground in front of the Ark, this time with its head and hands broken off. Before long and after physical affliction from God, the Philistines wanted to get rid of the Ark altogether.
No idol can stand permanently in God's presence. When Jesus comes again in a blaze of glory, He will destroy every idol of every kind that ever was. Those who have trusted in images will be turned back in utter shame (See Isaiah 42:17). Paul tells us in Romans that we will all stand before God's judgment; every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (vs. 11).
Insight: Let us worship and bow down and kneel before the Lord Who made us because He alone is worthy!
Topic: +DEV+ Idolaters' Final Bow
Idolaters' Final Bow
"The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies" (Isaiah 42:13).
Scripture Focus: Revelation 19:17-21
The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant which represented God's presence in Israel. Audaciously, they carried the Ark into their temple and placed it beside their idol, Dagon. Early the next morning, the Philistines found Dagon lying face down before the Ark. Slow to learn that God is greater than an idol, they set it up again in front of the Ark. The following morning they found Dagon face down on the ground in front of the Ark, this time with its head and hands broken off. Before long and after physical affliction from God, the Philistines wanted to get rid of the Ark altogether.
No idol can stand permanently in God's presence. When Jesus comes again in a blaze of glory, He will destroy every idol of every kind that ever was. Those who have trusted in images will be turned back in utter shame (See Isaiah 42:17). Paul tells us in Romans that we will all stand before God's judgment; every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (vs. 11).
Insight: Let us worship and bow down and kneel before the Lord Who made us because He alone is worthy!
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Sun 21 Nov 2010, 11:29 am
Date: November 20, 2010 10:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Nature Worship
Nature Worship
"He [Jesus] was with God in the beginning. Through him all things
were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John
1:2-3).
Scripture Focus: Romans 1:18-25
Genesis 11 reports the building of the Tower of Babel. The purpose of
this skyscraper-temple was to give the builders a high platform from
which they would worship the stars and planets closer than from the
ground. But God, who made the stars and planets, threw the nature
worshipers into utter confusion. He divided their common language
into a variety of languages and scattered them far from the
construction site.
Nature worship did not end at the Tower of Babel. It manifests itself
today in the extreme environmentalism that perceives all animal and
plant life as sacred while it denies the existence of the all-wise,
all-powerful Creator. It may take the form of astrology and send men
and women scurrying to their morning newspaper to learn what their
horoscope predicts for that day.
Although we should respect nature as a divine gift and therefore help
to protect it, we must not worship it. Acknowledge the Creator, and
praise Him for all He has made.
Insight: All nature displays the Creator's masterful design; so why
live in God's beautiful world without God?
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
My Bunnies!
(\(\ /)/)
(='.') ('.'=)
o(_")") ("("_)o
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ Nature Worship
Nature Worship
"He [Jesus] was with God in the beginning. Through him all things
were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John
1:2-3).
Scripture Focus: Romans 1:18-25
Genesis 11 reports the building of the Tower of Babel. The purpose of
this skyscraper-temple was to give the builders a high platform from
which they would worship the stars and planets closer than from the
ground. But God, who made the stars and planets, threw the nature
worshipers into utter confusion. He divided their common language
into a variety of languages and scattered them far from the
construction site.
Nature worship did not end at the Tower of Babel. It manifests itself
today in the extreme environmentalism that perceives all animal and
plant life as sacred while it denies the existence of the all-wise,
all-powerful Creator. It may take the form of astrology and send men
and women scurrying to their morning newspaper to learn what their
horoscope predicts for that day.
Although we should respect nature as a divine gift and therefore help
to protect it, we must not worship it. Acknowledge the Creator, and
praise Him for all He has made.
Insight: All nature displays the Creator's masterful design; so why
live in God's beautiful world without God?
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
My Bunnies!
(\(\ /)/)
(='.') ('.'=)
o(_")") ("("_)o
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Fri 19 Nov 2010, 2:33 pm
Date: November 18, 2010 10:39 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Just-in-Case God
The Just-in-Case God
"'The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands'" (Acts 17:24).
Scripture Focus: Acts 17:16-23
When Paul preached "the good news about Jesus and the resurrection" in Athens (Acts 17:18), some philosophers thought he was advocating foreign gods and therefore brought him to the Areopagus, a court that decided religious matters.
Paul was, in fact, introducing the true God, not a foreign god. The God he preached was the One the Athenians had built an altar to and designated, "An Unknown God" (vs. 22). Apparently the Athenians had built this altar in case a god existed that they knew nothing about. Many religious people today who do not know the true God pay some respect to Him by occasionally attending church, wanting to mollify Him just in case He exists.
The apostle Paul identified the true God as the sovereign Creator, to Whom we owe our existence and to Whom we are accountable, Who raised Jesus from the dead and summons everyone to repent. In brief, Paul urged the members of the Areopagus to put aside their feelings about a just-in-case god and put their faith in the true God.
Insight: God may be unknown to many, but He has made Himself known through Jesus. Everyone who believes on Jesus becomes personally acquainted with God.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ The Just-in-Case God
The Just-in-Case God
"'The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands'" (Acts 17:24).
Scripture Focus: Acts 17:16-23
When Paul preached "the good news about Jesus and the resurrection" in Athens (Acts 17:18), some philosophers thought he was advocating foreign gods and therefore brought him to the Areopagus, a court that decided religious matters.
Paul was, in fact, introducing the true God, not a foreign god. The God he preached was the One the Athenians had built an altar to and designated, "An Unknown God" (vs. 22). Apparently the Athenians had built this altar in case a god existed that they knew nothing about. Many religious people today who do not know the true God pay some respect to Him by occasionally attending church, wanting to mollify Him just in case He exists.
The apostle Paul identified the true God as the sovereign Creator, to Whom we owe our existence and to Whom we are accountable, Who raised Jesus from the dead and summons everyone to repent. In brief, Paul urged the members of the Areopagus to put aside their feelings about a just-in-case god and put their faith in the true God.
Insight: God may be unknown to many, but He has made Himself known through Jesus. Everyone who believes on Jesus becomes personally acquainted with God.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Thu 18 Nov 2010, 1:29 pm
Date: November 17, 2010 10:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Limelight Idol
The Limelight Idol
"'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as
the hypocrites do...to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they
have received their reward in full'" (Matthew 6:2).
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:1-11
We feel good about some people being in the limelight: firefighters,
police officers, and members of the military who risk their lives to
protect and save others. We are happy to see Olympic medal winners
and honor students have their moments in the limelight. But when
people resort to dishonest means to get fame and publicity, it does
not sit well with us.
The church in Jerusalem heartily recognized Barnabas as a
self-sacrificing individual. He had sold some land and donated the
money for the needy. But then Ananias and his wife Sapphira tried to
gain the limelight by selling their property and pretending to donate
the entire amount of the transaction to help the needy. They could
have kept part of the profit or even all of it, because they were
under no obligation to donate it at all. However, they conspired to
lie to God and man about the sale amount. When their conspiracy was
revealed, they paid for their limelight worship with their lives. God
values humility and integrity.
Insight: Don't worship the limelight. Worship the One Who is the Light!
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
My Bunnies!
(\(\ /)/)
(='.') ('.'=)
o(_")") ("("_)o
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ The Limelight Idol
The Limelight Idol
"'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as
the hypocrites do...to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they
have received their reward in full'" (Matthew 6:2).
Scripture Focus: Acts 5:1-11
We feel good about some people being in the limelight: firefighters,
police officers, and members of the military who risk their lives to
protect and save others. We are happy to see Olympic medal winners
and honor students have their moments in the limelight. But when
people resort to dishonest means to get fame and publicity, it does
not sit well with us.
The church in Jerusalem heartily recognized Barnabas as a
self-sacrificing individual. He had sold some land and donated the
money for the needy. But then Ananias and his wife Sapphira tried to
gain the limelight by selling their property and pretending to donate
the entire amount of the transaction to help the needy. They could
have kept part of the profit or even all of it, because they were
under no obligation to donate it at all. However, they conspired to
lie to God and man about the sale amount. When their conspiracy was
revealed, they paid for their limelight worship with their lives. God
values humility and integrity.
Insight: Don't worship the limelight. Worship the One Who is the Light!
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
My Bunnies!
(\(\ /)/)
(='.') ('.'=)
o(_")") ("("_)o
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Wed 17 Nov 2010, 7:22 pm
Date: November 16, 2010 11:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Good Luck Charms
Good Luck Charms
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4).
Scripture Focus: Leviticus 26:1-13
Do you remember having a good luck charm when you were young? It may have been a rabbit's foot or a lucky penny. We must have wanted something to hold onto. Probably not one of us knows the whereabouts of those items today.
Thankfully, we cling to something lasting, and His name is Jesus Christ. While the human heart craves good fortune and places its confidence in meaningless objects, the One Who will never be moved holds out His hand to us.
The wisdom of Psalm 37 gives us more assurance than any four-leaf clover. "Trust in the LORD" (vs. 3); "Delight yourself in the LORD" (vs. 4); and "Commit your way to the LORD" (vs. 5).
While many discard old "good luck charms," some people today still cling to them. Abandon those childish ways. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Then not only will you know how to hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9), but also you'll know the One in Whose grip you are tightly held. Let the rabbits keep their feet!
Insight: The devil is not opposed to faith if its object is anything or anyone but God. But he trembles when it is.
Topic: +DEV+ Good Luck Charms
Good Luck Charms
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4).
Scripture Focus: Leviticus 26:1-13
Do you remember having a good luck charm when you were young? It may have been a rabbit's foot or a lucky penny. We must have wanted something to hold onto. Probably not one of us knows the whereabouts of those items today.
Thankfully, we cling to something lasting, and His name is Jesus Christ. While the human heart craves good fortune and places its confidence in meaningless objects, the One Who will never be moved holds out His hand to us.
The wisdom of Psalm 37 gives us more assurance than any four-leaf clover. "Trust in the LORD" (vs. 3); "Delight yourself in the LORD" (vs. 4); and "Commit your way to the LORD" (vs. 5).
While many discard old "good luck charms," some people today still cling to them. Abandon those childish ways. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Then not only will you know how to hate what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9), but also you'll know the One in Whose grip you are tightly held. Let the rabbits keep their feet!
Insight: The devil is not opposed to faith if its object is anything or anyone but God. But he trembles when it is.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Tue 16 Nov 2010, 4:45 pm
Date: November 15, 2010 9:26 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Power Idol
The Power Idol
"I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and
ever! And I hold they keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18)!
Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:7-16
Herod the Great, who ruled Judea when Jesus was born, was known as
"King of the Jews." He was so power hungry that he disposed of every
political rival as well as many family members. You can imagine
Herod's alarm when the magi inquired in Jerusalem, "Where is the one
who has been born king of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2)? His scheme to find
this king failed, so he ordered the killing of innocent boys two
years old and under living in and around Bethlehem (vs. 16).
Clearly, Herod worshiped power. So have history's dictators and many
of today's corrupt politicians or CEOs. Lest we think the "power
idol" can't possibly reach our own lives, we should remind ourselves
of Paul's words to his dear friends in Philippi and to us: "Do
nothing out of selfish ambition...in humility consider others better
than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).
Only Jesus has the right to rule our lives, and He beckons us to
follow Him. He took on our very nature; all power belongs to Him!
Insight: "We don't have to surrender our lives to key people if we
know the Keeper of the Keys." (Anonymous)
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ The Power Idol
The Power Idol
"I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and
ever! And I hold they keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18)!
Scripture Focus: Matthew 2:7-16
Herod the Great, who ruled Judea when Jesus was born, was known as
"King of the Jews." He was so power hungry that he disposed of every
political rival as well as many family members. You can imagine
Herod's alarm when the magi inquired in Jerusalem, "Where is the one
who has been born king of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2)? His scheme to find
this king failed, so he ordered the killing of innocent boys two
years old and under living in and around Bethlehem (vs. 16).
Clearly, Herod worshiped power. So have history's dictators and many
of today's corrupt politicians or CEOs. Lest we think the "power
idol" can't possibly reach our own lives, we should remind ourselves
of Paul's words to his dear friends in Philippi and to us: "Do
nothing out of selfish ambition...in humility consider others better
than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).
Only Jesus has the right to rule our lives, and He beckons us to
follow Him. He took on our very nature; all power belongs to Him!
Insight: "We don't have to surrender our lives to key people if we
know the Keeper of the Keys." (Anonymous)
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Mon 15 Nov 2010, 12:50 pm
Date: November 14, 2010 7:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Elusive Idol
The Elusive Idol
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:1-11
The TV game show Deal or No Deal serves suspense and entertainment. Will the contestant take the deal of $110,000 or turn it down in hopes of winning the bigger $1 million prize? Often, those who decline a big sum of money, hoping for even more, leave with very little in the end. The lure of getting more drives hard, doesn't it? And it plays itself out beyond television game shows and right into our hearts.
When asked how much money would satisfy him, one wealthy man replied, "Just a little more." As has been true since the Garden of Eden, contentment still seems to be an elusive idol, always just out of reach when greed is the motivator. True contentment comes when we find riches in a relationship with God. Nothing on this earth goes with us when we die. But we can rejoice now with the psalmist who finally realized, "Whom have I in heaven but you? Being with you, I desire nothing on earth" (Psalm 73:25). That's a deal we never want to turn down!
Insight: Money may fill a person's pocket, but only God can fill the heart. Money will flee from us, but God won't.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ The Elusive Idol
The Elusive Idol
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:1-11
The TV game show Deal or No Deal serves suspense and entertainment. Will the contestant take the deal of $110,000 or turn it down in hopes of winning the bigger $1 million prize? Often, those who decline a big sum of money, hoping for even more, leave with very little in the end. The lure of getting more drives hard, doesn't it? And it plays itself out beyond television game shows and right into our hearts.
When asked how much money would satisfy him, one wealthy man replied, "Just a little more." As has been true since the Garden of Eden, contentment still seems to be an elusive idol, always just out of reach when greed is the motivator. True contentment comes when we find riches in a relationship with God. Nothing on this earth goes with us when we die. But we can rejoice now with the psalmist who finally realized, "Whom have I in heaven but you? Being with you, I desire nothing on earth" (Psalm 73:25). That's a deal we never want to turn down!
Insight: Money may fill a person's pocket, but only God can fill the heart. Money will flee from us, but God won't.
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Fri 12 Nov 2010, 2:53 pm
Topic: +DEV+ The Me-First Idol
The Me-First Idol
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about
tomorrow..." (Matthew 6:33-34a).
Scripture Focus: Haggai 1:1-11
The prophet Haggai had a sharp message from the Lord for the Jews who
had come out of captivity and had delayed in rebuilding God's temple.
He could hardly put it any more plainly: hardship and drought were
the hallmarks of their lives because they left the Lord's house in
ruin while each of them was busy with his own house (Haggai 1:9). The
sting of that rebuke must have been convicting, much as it is to us
today when we confess that our focus is anywhere but on the Lord.
Often our greatest priorities are, indeed, our houses and earthly
pursuits.
Jesus Christ's own words to us urge us to seek Him before all other
things and then see how what we long for will be ours as well. This
is no magic formula...pray to God and go to church and you'll get a
new car and house. Rather, Jesus invites us to place our heart's
desire on Him and His righteousness, and we will see our hopes and
longings shift and line up with what God also wants for us. He knows
what's best!
Insight: God should come first in our lives, and we should hold all
that we are and have in trust for Him. The Christian life is a
stewardship.
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
The Me-First Idol
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about
tomorrow..." (Matthew 6:33-34a).
Scripture Focus: Haggai 1:1-11
The prophet Haggai had a sharp message from the Lord for the Jews who
had come out of captivity and had delayed in rebuilding God's temple.
He could hardly put it any more plainly: hardship and drought were
the hallmarks of their lives because they left the Lord's house in
ruin while each of them was busy with his own house (Haggai 1:9). The
sting of that rebuke must have been convicting, much as it is to us
today when we confess that our focus is anywhere but on the Lord.
Often our greatest priorities are, indeed, our houses and earthly
pursuits.
Jesus Christ's own words to us urge us to seek Him before all other
things and then see how what we long for will be ours as well. This
is no magic formula...pray to God and go to church and you'll get a
new car and house. Rather, Jesus invites us to place our heart's
desire on Him and His righteousness, and we will see our hopes and
longings shift and line up with what God also wants for us. He knows
what's best!
Insight: God should come first in our lives, and we should hold all
that we are and have in trust for Him. The Christian life is a
stewardship.
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Thu 11 Nov 2010, 3:33 pm
Topic: +DEV+ A Few Good Men
A Few Good Men
"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ
Jesus...Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ"
(2 Timothy 2:1, 3).
Scripture Focus: Daniel 6:10-16
The Marines are looking for a few good men. So is God! Actually, He
is looking for many good men-and women-who will resist the pressure
to honor twenty-first century idols. With courage and faith these are
people who struggle daily to keep God on the throne of life so that
materialism, pleasure, fame, and other diversions do not take His
place. These people include you and me!
Though Daniel and his friends were taken from Jerusalem and
transplanted in Babylon, they maintained their strong faith in the
true God. Daniel's friends refused to bow down to King
Nebuchadnezzar' s image (Daniel 3), though failure to do so meant
death. Years later, Daniel kept up his practice of praying to God
three times daily, even as King Darius' decree forbid anyone to pray
to anyone except him for 30 days. Those who defied the order would be
thrown into a lions' den (Daniel 6).
In every crisis God protected each of His uncompromising servants.
Will we trust Him to protect us when we refuse to bow to the
culture's idols?
Insight: Those who dare to stand for the Truth, find God standing
alongside them. We are never alone!
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
A Few Good Men
"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ
Jesus...Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ"
(2 Timothy 2:1, 3).
Scripture Focus: Daniel 6:10-16
The Marines are looking for a few good men. So is God! Actually, He
is looking for many good men-and women-who will resist the pressure
to honor twenty-first century idols. With courage and faith these are
people who struggle daily to keep God on the throne of life so that
materialism, pleasure, fame, and other diversions do not take His
place. These people include you and me!
Though Daniel and his friends were taken from Jerusalem and
transplanted in Babylon, they maintained their strong faith in the
true God. Daniel's friends refused to bow down to King
Nebuchadnezzar' s image (Daniel 3), though failure to do so meant
death. Years later, Daniel kept up his practice of praying to God
three times daily, even as King Darius' decree forbid anyone to pray
to anyone except him for 30 days. Those who defied the order would be
thrown into a lions' den (Daniel 6).
In every crisis God protected each of His uncompromising servants.
Will we trust Him to protect us when we refuse to bow to the
culture's idols?
Insight: Those who dare to stand for the Truth, find God standing
alongside them. We are never alone!
--
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Wed 10 Nov 2010, 3:20 pm
Topic: +DEV+ How Close to Judgment?
How Close to Judgment?
"Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness
to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not
serve you..." (Nehemiah 9:35).
Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 17:5-20
The Northern Kingdom of Israel went into captivity about 150 years
before Judah, the Southern Kingdom, met a similar fate. The reason
for Israel's earlier demise? She embraced idolatry proudly under a
succession of wicked kings. On the other hand, some of Judah's kings
were righteous and instituted revivals in which the people destroyed
their idols and returned to God. Still, in the long run, both
kingdoms ignored God's blessings and His pleadings to worship Him.
Christians in Western nations often ask how much longer God will
withhold the judgment we deserve. It seems our moral and spiritual
failures are carrying us swiftly downhill, speeding to destruction.
Idols like humanism, materialism, secularism, and hedonism push us on
this perilous ride.
God alone has the right to determine the time and nature of judgment.
Here and now we can pray for revival and stand resolutely for
righteousness, knowing that the One who has stood in our place
shouldered all the wrath of God for us.
Insight: When evil advances, Christians may help thwart it and see
God draw a nation to Himself one heart at a time.
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
My Bunnies!
(\(\ /)/)
(='.') ('.'=)
o(_")") ("("_)o
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
How Close to Judgment?
"Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness
to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not
serve you..." (Nehemiah 9:35).
Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 17:5-20
The Northern Kingdom of Israel went into captivity about 150 years
before Judah, the Southern Kingdom, met a similar fate. The reason
for Israel's earlier demise? She embraced idolatry proudly under a
succession of wicked kings. On the other hand, some of Judah's kings
were righteous and instituted revivals in which the people destroyed
their idols and returned to God. Still, in the long run, both
kingdoms ignored God's blessings and His pleadings to worship Him.
Christians in Western nations often ask how much longer God will
withhold the judgment we deserve. It seems our moral and spiritual
failures are carrying us swiftly downhill, speeding to destruction.
Idols like humanism, materialism, secularism, and hedonism push us on
this perilous ride.
God alone has the right to determine the time and nature of judgment.
Here and now we can pray for revival and stand resolutely for
righteousness, knowing that the One who has stood in our place
shouldered all the wrath of God for us.
Insight: When evil advances, Christians may help thwart it and see
God draw a nation to Himself one heart at a time.
--
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
My Bunnies!
(\(\ /)/)
(='.') ('.'=)
o(_")") ("("_)o
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Tue 09 Nov 2010, 7:01 pm
Date: November 8, 2010 9:53 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Fishing for Attention
Fishing for Attention
"'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men'" (Matthew 6:2a).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:1-8
The most religious people in Jesus' day were not honoring God. Instead, they drew attention to themselves. Jesus called them hypocrites. Their charitable giving was attended by trumpets, and their ostentatious praying was done in public so those who heard them would be impressed. Jesus cautioned His listeners not to be like those vain religious showoffs.
Yet here we are displaying 21st century versions of that very thing. It's easy to judge the Pharisees. The very fact that we want to do so shows that we are more proud than we care to admit. We may not be attended by trumpets or give loud prayers in public, but most of us are not unfamiliar with expressions of false modesty, of fishing for compliments, and of completing our service but relishing the praise more than the opportunity to serve.
Let's submit our motives to the Lord for a checkup. Do we give, sing in a worship team, volunteer, chair a committee, or preach to be admired and praised? Or do we seek to honor God?
Insight: Those who fish for compliments do so under the watchful eyes of Someone whose scrutiny exceeds that of a game warden.
Topic: +DEV+ Fishing for Attention
Fishing for Attention
"'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men'" (Matthew 6:2a).
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:1-8
The most religious people in Jesus' day were not honoring God. Instead, they drew attention to themselves. Jesus called them hypocrites. Their charitable giving was attended by trumpets, and their ostentatious praying was done in public so those who heard them would be impressed. Jesus cautioned His listeners not to be like those vain religious showoffs.
Yet here we are displaying 21st century versions of that very thing. It's easy to judge the Pharisees. The very fact that we want to do so shows that we are more proud than we care to admit. We may not be attended by trumpets or give loud prayers in public, but most of us are not unfamiliar with expressions of false modesty, of fishing for compliments, and of completing our service but relishing the praise more than the opportunity to serve.
Let's submit our motives to the Lord for a checkup. Do we give, sing in a worship team, volunteer, chair a committee, or preach to be admired and praised? Or do we seek to honor God?
Insight: Those who fish for compliments do so under the watchful eyes of Someone whose scrutiny exceeds that of a game warden.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Mon 08 Nov 2010, 1:14 pm
Date: November 7, 2010 7:05 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Keep-Away Idols
Keep-Away Idols
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 12:25-33
After uniting ten tribes of Israel into the Northern Kingdom, Jeroboam forged a plan to keep them from returning to Jerusalem in the Southern Kingdom to worship God in His temple. The temple, after all, was God's appointed place of worship. Quickly, Jeroboam set up golden calves in two Northern Kingdom cities, Bethel and Dan, and directed his subjects to worship them. The golden calves were "keep-away idols."
"Keep-away idols" are those things we let stand in the way of worshiping God as He has commanded us. They direct our attention elsewhere. One of the best ways I know to give due honor to the Lord is by respecting the Sabbath day. But our "keep-away idols" work hard against that! Sunday mornings seem to be the prime time for kids' sport practices and games, for leisurely hours at cafes, for catching up on chores at home, and of course for sleeping in.
Let's not keep God away, but draw near to Him instead.
Insight: A church's signboard announced: "If absence makes the heart grow fonder, some people must really love church." nder, some people must really love church."
Topic: +DEV+ Keep-Away Idols
Keep-Away Idols
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 12:25-33
After uniting ten tribes of Israel into the Northern Kingdom, Jeroboam forged a plan to keep them from returning to Jerusalem in the Southern Kingdom to worship God in His temple. The temple, after all, was God's appointed place of worship. Quickly, Jeroboam set up golden calves in two Northern Kingdom cities, Bethel and Dan, and directed his subjects to worship them. The golden calves were "keep-away idols."
"Keep-away idols" are those things we let stand in the way of worshiping God as He has commanded us. They direct our attention elsewhere. One of the best ways I know to give due honor to the Lord is by respecting the Sabbath day. But our "keep-away idols" work hard against that! Sunday mornings seem to be the prime time for kids' sport practices and games, for leisurely hours at cafes, for catching up on chores at home, and of course for sleeping in.
Let's not keep God away, but draw near to Him instead.
Insight: A church's signboard announced: "If absence makes the heart grow fonder, some people must really love church." nder, some people must really love church."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Fri 05 Nov 2010, 4:51 pm
+DEV+ The Idol in the Mirror
The Idol in the Mirror
"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:22b-23a).
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 15:16-23
"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" This fairy tale question reminds us that arrogance and truth are usually poles apart.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it a reflection of a humbled, sinful person whose daily strives to honor God? Or do you see a likeness of a self-righteous person trying to be more important than God?
Before becoming Israel's first king, Saul was humble. He hid when the prophet Samuel looked for the right son of Kish to anoint (1 Samuel 10:20-22). As king his self-esteem grew with the passing of time. While he became big in his own eyes, the Lord became small. He followed his own will and even set up a monument in his own honor (1 Samuel 15:12). Eventually, Samuel informed Saul that the Lord had rejected him as king (vs. 23).
Whom do we worship as greatest of all? When we come to long for God alone, the image of ourselves grows smaller and the reflection of Him becomes greater (See John 3:30.).
Insight: Our vision is clear when God is big in our eyes and we are small. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart.
Topic: +DEV+ Foolish Celebrations
Foolish Celebrations
"The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished..." (Proverbs 11:20-21).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:37-43
The human race has achieved some remarkable technological feats. We have made space travel almost routine. Through satellite TV, cell phones and computers we have almost instant access to the world. But if we dare to celebrate our accomplishments without acknowledging God, we are in for a rude awakening.
When the Children of Israel grew tired of waiting for Moses to return from his conference with God on Mount Sinai, they begged Aaron to make gods for them. He obliged, and soon a golden calf emerged from the people's donations of gold jewelry. The next day they rose early to sacrifice to the god they had made, celebrating with gluttony and revelry (Exodus 32:6; Acts 7:41). The sordid event led to divine judgment in the form of a plague (Exodus 32:35).
Celebrate the One worthy of praise! Every joy we have ever known is anchored in the God Who was and is and is to come, in Whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
Insight: It is foolish to worship what we make. It is wise to worship the One who made us and guides our lives
The Idol in the Mirror
"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:22b-23a).
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 15:16-23
"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" This fairy tale question reminds us that arrogance and truth are usually poles apart.
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it a reflection of a humbled, sinful person whose daily strives to honor God? Or do you see a likeness of a self-righteous person trying to be more important than God?
Before becoming Israel's first king, Saul was humble. He hid when the prophet Samuel looked for the right son of Kish to anoint (1 Samuel 10:20-22). As king his self-esteem grew with the passing of time. While he became big in his own eyes, the Lord became small. He followed his own will and even set up a monument in his own honor (1 Samuel 15:12). Eventually, Samuel informed Saul that the Lord had rejected him as king (vs. 23).
Whom do we worship as greatest of all? When we come to long for God alone, the image of ourselves grows smaller and the reflection of Him becomes greater (See John 3:30.).
Insight: Our vision is clear when God is big in our eyes and we are small. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart.
Topic: +DEV+ Foolish Celebrations
Foolish Celebrations
"The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished..." (Proverbs 11:20-21).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:37-43
The human race has achieved some remarkable technological feats. We have made space travel almost routine. Through satellite TV, cell phones and computers we have almost instant access to the world. But if we dare to celebrate our accomplishments without acknowledging God, we are in for a rude awakening.
When the Children of Israel grew tired of waiting for Moses to return from his conference with God on Mount Sinai, they begged Aaron to make gods for them. He obliged, and soon a golden calf emerged from the people's donations of gold jewelry. The next day they rose early to sacrifice to the god they had made, celebrating with gluttony and revelry (Exodus 32:6; Acts 7:41). The sordid event led to divine judgment in the form of a plague (Exodus 32:35).
Celebrate the One worthy of praise! Every joy we have ever known is anchored in the God Who was and is and is to come, in Whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
Insight: It is foolish to worship what we make. It is wise to worship the One who made us and guides our lives
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Thu 04 Nov 2010, 9:44 pm
Date: November 4, 2010 1:03 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Anti-Faith Billboards
Anti-Faith Billboards
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good" (Psalm 14:2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 14:1-7
Late in 2008 eleven provocative billboards appeared in prominent locations around Colorado Springs and Denver. Each showed clouds against a dark, empty background. The question, "Do you believe in God?" was in the upper left. The lower right read, "You are not alone."
The Colorado Coalition of Reason, whose members identify themselves as atheists, humanists, and freethinkers, funded the billboards to build a support system for others who do not believe in God.
Psalm 14:1 describes those who discount the existence of God as corrupt and vile fools. Atheists are not actually faithless. It's just that they've anchored their faith in themselves instead of in God, elevating their own ideas over Scripture. Refusing to accept the Bible's portrayal of a personal God, they carve their own path through life, a way that leads to death (Proverbs 14:12).
Sometimes we who know the Savior live our lives ignoring our personal God, too. I'd rather be a "living billboard" to show God's work in my life.
Insight: An unbeliever's mind can manufacture adversarial thoughts about God, but God can enlighten even the most rebellious mind.
Fw: Simple Logic...and the Guy is pretty "Right On"Wednesday, November 3, 2010 11:05 PMFrom: "Michael & Anita Inman"
EVERYONE THAT AGREES WITH THIS GUYS BELIEFS SHOULD BECOME A LITTLE
MORE OUTSPOKEN - YOU'LL BE SURPRISED
AT HOW MANY FOLK AGREE WITH YOU!
I Am the Democratic Liberal-Progressive's Worst Nightmare.
I am an White, Conservative, Tax-Paying, American Veteran, Gun Owning Biker.
I am a Master leatherworker. I work hard and long hours with my hands
to earn a living.
I believe in God and the freedom of religion, but I don't push it on others.
I ride Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and drive American-made cars, and
I believe in American products and buy them whenever I can.
I believe the money I make belongs to me and not some liberal
governmental functionary, Democratic or Republican, that wants to
share it with others who don't work!
I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!
I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer; it makes you a smart American.
I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and
does not entitle you to anything. Get over it!
I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac or any other item, you
should do it in English. I believe there should be no other language
option.
I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God if, when and
where they want to.
My heroes are Malcolm Forbes, Bill Gates, John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy
Rogers, and Willie G. Davidson, who makes the awesome Harley Davidson
Motorcycles.
I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.
I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time watching or
arguing about it.
I've never owned a slave, nor was a slave. I haven't burned any
witches or been persecuted by the Turks, and neither have you!
I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where
you came from and change your own country!
This is AMERICA ...We like it the way it is and more so the way it
was ...so stop trying to change it to look like Russia or China, or
other socialist countries!
If you were born here and don't like it... you are free to move to
any Socialist country that will have you. (And take Barack Hussein
Obama and his group with you.) Massachusetts started the ball
rolling. Keep it going.
I believe it is time to really clean house, starting with the White
House, the seat of our biggest problems.
I want to know which church is it, exactly, where the Reverend Jesse
Jackson preaches, where he gets his money, and why he is always part
of the problem and not the solution.
Can I get an AMEN on that one?
I also think the cops have the right to pull you over if you're
breaking the law, regardless of what color you are, but not just
because you happen to ride a bike.
And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my driver's license.
I think it's good.... And I'm proud that 'God' is written on my money..
I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't
want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in
the world for the next four years.
I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell
me stuff or trying to guilt me into making 'donations' to their
cause.... Get a job and do your part to support yourself and your
family!
I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes
two parents....
I believe 'illegal' is illegal no matter what the lawyers think!
I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA !
If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American.
If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know....
We want our country back! My Country.....
I hope this offends all illegal aliens.
My great, great, great, great grandfather watched and bled as his
friends died in the Revolution & the War of 1812.
My great, great, great grandfather watched as his friends died in the
Mexican American War,
My great, great grandfather watched as his friends & brothers died in
the Civil War,
My great grandfather watched as his friends died in the Spanish-American War,
My grandfather watched as his friends died in WW I,
My father watched as his friends died in WW II,
I watched as my friends died in Vietnam, Panama & Desert Storm.
My son watched & bled as his friends have died in Afghanistan and Iraq .
None of them died for the Mexican Flag. Everyone died for the American flag.
Texas high school students raised a Mexican flag on a school flag
pole, other students took it down. Guess who was expelled...the
students who took it down.
California high school students were sent home on Cinco de Mayo,
because they wore T-shirts with the American flag printed on them.
Enough is enough
This message needs to be viewed by every American; and every American
needs to stand up for America .
We've bent over to appease the America-haters long enough. I'm taking a stand.
I'm standing up because the hundreds of thousands who died fighting
in wars for this country, and for the American flag.
If you agree, stand up with me. If you disagree, please let me know.
I will gladly remove you from my e-mail list.
And shame on anyone who tries to make this a racist message.
AMERICANS, stop giving away Your RIGHTS !
Let me make this clear! THIS IS MY COUNTRY !
This statement DOES NOT mean I'm against immigration !
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE, IN MY COUNTRY, welcome to come legally:
1. Get a sponsor !
2. Learn the LANGUAGE, as immigrants have in the past !
3. Live by OUR rules !
4. Get a job !
5. Pay YOUR Taxes !
6. No Social Security until you have earned it and Paid for it !
7. NOW find a place to lay your head !
If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone, then YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM !
We've gone so far the other way . . . bent over backwards not to offend anyone.
I don't care if you are offended.
Why doesn't anyone care if I am offended?
WAKE UP America ! ! !
Made in the U S A & VERY, VERY PROUD OF IT!!!!!--
(\__/)
(='.'=) My Bunny!
(")_(")
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ Anti-Faith Billboards
Anti-Faith Billboards
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good" (Psalm 14:2).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 14:1-7
Late in 2008 eleven provocative billboards appeared in prominent locations around Colorado Springs and Denver. Each showed clouds against a dark, empty background. The question, "Do you believe in God?" was in the upper left. The lower right read, "You are not alone."
The Colorado Coalition of Reason, whose members identify themselves as atheists, humanists, and freethinkers, funded the billboards to build a support system for others who do not believe in God.
Psalm 14:1 describes those who discount the existence of God as corrupt and vile fools. Atheists are not actually faithless. It's just that they've anchored their faith in themselves instead of in God, elevating their own ideas over Scripture. Refusing to accept the Bible's portrayal of a personal God, they carve their own path through life, a way that leads to death (Proverbs 14:12).
Sometimes we who know the Savior live our lives ignoring our personal God, too. I'd rather be a "living billboard" to show God's work in my life.
Insight: An unbeliever's mind can manufacture adversarial thoughts about God, but God can enlighten even the most rebellious mind.
Fw: Simple Logic...and the Guy is pretty "Right On"Wednesday, November 3, 2010 11:05 PMFrom: "Michael & Anita Inman"
EVERYONE THAT AGREES WITH THIS GUYS BELIEFS SHOULD BECOME A LITTLE
MORE OUTSPOKEN - YOU'LL BE SURPRISED
AT HOW MANY FOLK AGREE WITH YOU!
I Am the Democratic Liberal-Progressive's Worst Nightmare.
I am an White, Conservative, Tax-Paying, American Veteran, Gun Owning Biker.
I am a Master leatherworker. I work hard and long hours with my hands
to earn a living.
I believe in God and the freedom of religion, but I don't push it on others.
I ride Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and drive American-made cars, and
I believe in American products and buy them whenever I can.
I believe the money I make belongs to me and not some liberal
governmental functionary, Democratic or Republican, that wants to
share it with others who don't work!
I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!
I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer; it makes you a smart American.
I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and
does not entitle you to anything. Get over it!
I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac or any other item, you
should do it in English. I believe there should be no other language
option.
I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God if, when and
where they want to.
My heroes are Malcolm Forbes, Bill Gates, John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy
Rogers, and Willie G. Davidson, who makes the awesome Harley Davidson
Motorcycles.
I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.
I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time watching or
arguing about it.
I've never owned a slave, nor was a slave. I haven't burned any
witches or been persecuted by the Turks, and neither have you!
I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where
you came from and change your own country!
This is AMERICA ...We like it the way it is and more so the way it
was ...so stop trying to change it to look like Russia or China, or
other socialist countries!
If you were born here and don't like it... you are free to move to
any Socialist country that will have you. (And take Barack Hussein
Obama and his group with you.) Massachusetts started the ball
rolling. Keep it going.
I believe it is time to really clean house, starting with the White
House, the seat of our biggest problems.
I want to know which church is it, exactly, where the Reverend Jesse
Jackson preaches, where he gets his money, and why he is always part
of the problem and not the solution.
Can I get an AMEN on that one?
I also think the cops have the right to pull you over if you're
breaking the law, regardless of what color you are, but not just
because you happen to ride a bike.
And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my driver's license.
I think it's good.... And I'm proud that 'God' is written on my money..
I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't
want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in
the world for the next four years.
I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell
me stuff or trying to guilt me into making 'donations' to their
cause.... Get a job and do your part to support yourself and your
family!
I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes
two parents....
I believe 'illegal' is illegal no matter what the lawyers think!
I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA !
If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American.
If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know....
We want our country back! My Country.....
I hope this offends all illegal aliens.
My great, great, great, great grandfather watched and bled as his
friends died in the Revolution & the War of 1812.
My great, great, great grandfather watched as his friends died in the
Mexican American War,
My great, great grandfather watched as his friends & brothers died in
the Civil War,
My great grandfather watched as his friends died in the Spanish-American War,
My grandfather watched as his friends died in WW I,
My father watched as his friends died in WW II,
I watched as my friends died in Vietnam, Panama & Desert Storm.
My son watched & bled as his friends have died in Afghanistan and Iraq .
None of them died for the Mexican Flag. Everyone died for the American flag.
Texas high school students raised a Mexican flag on a school flag
pole, other students took it down. Guess who was expelled...the
students who took it down.
California high school students were sent home on Cinco de Mayo,
because they wore T-shirts with the American flag printed on them.
Enough is enough
This message needs to be viewed by every American; and every American
needs to stand up for America .
We've bent over to appease the America-haters long enough. I'm taking a stand.
I'm standing up because the hundreds of thousands who died fighting
in wars for this country, and for the American flag.
If you agree, stand up with me. If you disagree, please let me know.
I will gladly remove you from my e-mail list.
And shame on anyone who tries to make this a racist message.
AMERICANS, stop giving away Your RIGHTS !
Let me make this clear! THIS IS MY COUNTRY !
This statement DOES NOT mean I'm against immigration !
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE, IN MY COUNTRY, welcome to come legally:
1. Get a sponsor !
2. Learn the LANGUAGE, as immigrants have in the past !
3. Live by OUR rules !
4. Get a job !
5. Pay YOUR Taxes !
6. No Social Security until you have earned it and Paid for it !
7. NOW find a place to lay your head !
If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone, then YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM !
We've gone so far the other way . . . bent over backwards not to offend anyone.
I don't care if you are offended.
Why doesn't anyone care if I am offended?
WAKE UP America ! ! !
Made in the U S A & VERY, VERY PROUD OF IT!!!!!--
(\__/)
(='.'=) My Bunny!
(")_(")
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Tue 02 Nov 2010, 9:12 pm
Topic: +DEV+ God Is Amazing
God Is Amazing
"'I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free'" (Acts 7:34).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:30-36
Do you sometimes feel inadequate as you confront a culture that Satan, the god of this age, has blinded to spiritual truth? Does it appear the culture's goal is to cast aside every trace of God's influence? He is unwelcome in our educational system, in entertainment, in politics, and even in our celebrations of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Don't forget what God accomplished through His servant Moses in idolatrous Egypt.
Our amazing God launched ten plagues against Egypt, exposing Egypt's gods as false and powerless. For example, God eclipsed Re, Egypt's sun god by plunging Egypt into darkness.
After releasing the Hebrews, Pharaoh sent his cavalry in pursuit of them, but God parted the Red Sea so His people could cross safely. And then He closed the path and enveloped the whole Egyptian cavalry in the rushing water.
Christians may be a minority force in today's culture wars, but remember Whom you serve. Your God is always victorious.
Insight: With God in his life, the believer is invincible. No foe can defeat him; no trial can overcome him (see Romans 8:35-37).
God Is Amazing
"'I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free'" (Acts 7:34).
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:30-36
Do you sometimes feel inadequate as you confront a culture that Satan, the god of this age, has blinded to spiritual truth? Does it appear the culture's goal is to cast aside every trace of God's influence? He is unwelcome in our educational system, in entertainment, in politics, and even in our celebrations of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Don't forget what God accomplished through His servant Moses in idolatrous Egypt.
Our amazing God launched ten plagues against Egypt, exposing Egypt's gods as false and powerless. For example, God eclipsed Re, Egypt's sun god by plunging Egypt into darkness.
After releasing the Hebrews, Pharaoh sent his cavalry in pursuit of them, but God parted the Red Sea so His people could cross safely. And then He closed the path and enveloped the whole Egyptian cavalry in the rushing water.
Christians may be a minority force in today's culture wars, but remember Whom you serve. Your God is always victorious.
Insight: With God in his life, the believer is invincible. No foe can defeat him; no trial can overcome him (see Romans 8:35-37).
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Mon 01 Nov 2010, 1:42 pm
Date: November 1, 2010 1:35 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Moses Chose to Serve God
Moses Chose to Serve God
"He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward" (Hebrews 11:26).
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:24-28
From babyhood to manhood, Moses lived in a palace. Raised as a prince in Egypt, he had access to enormous pleasures and vast treasures. However, he turned his back on it all to serve God. He chose to stand before Pharaoh and deliver God's summons: "Let my people go."
For forty years after God rescued His people from Pharaoh's clutches, Moses led the Hebrews through harsh wilderness. The going was tough, but he anticipated a reward that was infinitely more valuable than all he had left behind in Egypt.
We may never have an opportunity to renounce a life of luxury, but more than a few men and women have allowed the idols of pleasure and prosperity to keep them from serving God. Legitimate wealth is not evil, but it becomes so if we give it a higher priority than it merits. The apostle Paul wrote, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires" (1 Timothy 6:9). Eternal riches are the reward of those who do God's will.
Insight: "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him." (Anonymous)
Topic: +DEV+ Moses Chose to Serve God
Moses Chose to Serve God
"He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward" (Hebrews 11:26).
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:24-28
From babyhood to manhood, Moses lived in a palace. Raised as a prince in Egypt, he had access to enormous pleasures and vast treasures. However, he turned his back on it all to serve God. He chose to stand before Pharaoh and deliver God's summons: "Let my people go."
For forty years after God rescued His people from Pharaoh's clutches, Moses led the Hebrews through harsh wilderness. The going was tough, but he anticipated a reward that was infinitely more valuable than all he had left behind in Egypt.
We may never have an opportunity to renounce a life of luxury, but more than a few men and women have allowed the idols of pleasure and prosperity to keep them from serving God. Legitimate wealth is not evil, but it becomes so if we give it a higher priority than it merits. The apostle Paul wrote, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires" (1 Timothy 6:9). Eternal riches are the reward of those who do God's will.
Insight: "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him." (Anonymous)
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Fri 29 Oct 2010, 12:32 pm
Topic: +DEV+ An Idolized Son
An Idolized Son
"'Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me'" (Matthew 10:37).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 37:1-10
Jacob was a God-fearing man, but he fell short as a father by idolizing his son. Genesis 37:3 reports that he "loved Joseph more than any of his other sons." The fact that he gave Joseph a richly ornamented robe confirmed his partiality to him.
Joseph's brothers could see that their father kept Joseph on a pedestal. They grew to despise Joseph. Eventually, the sibling rivalry reached a fever pitch when the brothers plotted to kill him but sold him into slavery. Only God's intervention and sovereign plan kept him alive and in time lifted him from prison to prominence.
While the story of Joseph points us to God's redeeming plan for His people and for us, we also take a lesson from Jacob's favoritism to one son. As parents we may elevate a child, too, giving him his way and treating him preferentially. Such "child-worship" brings not only family trouble but also God's deep displeasure. Let's seek fairness in all of our dealings, never neglecting to keep the high pedestal of our hearts for the Lord.
Insight: The parent who brings a child up the right way will neither defraud the child nor dishonor God.
An Idolized Son
"'Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me'" (Matthew 10:37).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 37:1-10
Jacob was a God-fearing man, but he fell short as a father by idolizing his son. Genesis 37:3 reports that he "loved Joseph more than any of his other sons." The fact that he gave Joseph a richly ornamented robe confirmed his partiality to him.
Joseph's brothers could see that their father kept Joseph on a pedestal. They grew to despise Joseph. Eventually, the sibling rivalry reached a fever pitch when the brothers plotted to kill him but sold him into slavery. Only God's intervention and sovereign plan kept him alive and in time lifted him from prison to prominence.
While the story of Joseph points us to God's redeeming plan for His people and for us, we also take a lesson from Jacob's favoritism to one son. As parents we may elevate a child, too, giving him his way and treating him preferentially. Such "child-worship" brings not only family trouble but also God's deep displeasure. Let's seek fairness in all of our dealings, never neglecting to keep the high pedestal of our hearts for the Lord.
Insight: The parent who brings a child up the right way will neither defraud the child nor dishonor God.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Wed 27 Oct 2010, 9:57 am
Date: October 26, 2010 11:11 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Cover-Up
Cover-Up
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 31:25-35
Jacob fled from his father-in-law Laban, but Laban caught up with him where Jacob had set up camp. Laban was upset that Jacob had sneaked away before he could kiss his grandchildren and daughters good-by. But also someone had stolen his household idols. Jacob invited Laban to search the camp for them.
Ironically, Rachel had stolen them and hidden them in her camel's saddle. She was sitting on them when her father Laban searched her tent. It was a successful, but evil, cover-up.
Hardly a week passes without the news exposing the guilt of a corporate executive, politician, or investment broker. We smugly point to high-profile figures, thinking we ourselves would never do something like that. Yet all the while our own private "idols" are as nicely hidden as Rachel's were. We conceal our judgmental attitudes, pride, bitterness, love of self...all idols we cling to more tightly than we cling to the Lord.
Let's turn to Him and put Him on the throne.
Insight: Trying to cover our idols is as foolish as trying to hide tooth decay from a dentist's X-rays.
Topic: +DEV+ Cover-Up
Cover-Up
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 31:25-35
Jacob fled from his father-in-law Laban, but Laban caught up with him where Jacob had set up camp. Laban was upset that Jacob had sneaked away before he could kiss his grandchildren and daughters good-by. But also someone had stolen his household idols. Jacob invited Laban to search the camp for them.
Ironically, Rachel had stolen them and hidden them in her camel's saddle. She was sitting on them when her father Laban searched her tent. It was a successful, but evil, cover-up.
Hardly a week passes without the news exposing the guilt of a corporate executive, politician, or investment broker. We smugly point to high-profile figures, thinking we ourselves would never do something like that. Yet all the while our own private "idols" are as nicely hidden as Rachel's were. We conceal our judgmental attitudes, pride, bitterness, love of self...all idols we cling to more tightly than we cling to the Lord.
Let's turn to Him and put Him on the throne.
Insight: Trying to cover our idols is as foolish as trying to hide tooth decay from a dentist's X-rays.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Tue 26 Oct 2010, 12:33 pm
Date: October 25, 2010 9:31 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Sophisticated Idol Worshipers
Sophisticated Idol Worshipers
"'But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the River and
led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants' " (Joshua
24:3a).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 11:27-12:6
Abraham, the Father of Israel and the friend of God, didn't always
believe in God. When he lived in Ur of the Chaldeans, he worshiped
idols, as did the other residents of that highly sophisticated city.
Ancient Ur enjoyed advanced architecture and cultural attractions.
Its houses were well constructed and even had indoor plumbing. Its
large library was the envy of other cities; its beautiful harbor
attracted avid boaters and fishermen. But spiritually, Ur was
primitive and ignorant.
However, God revealed Himself to Abraham and commanded him to leave
his city and homeland. Abraham obeyed, left his idols behind, and
followed God's leading to Canaan.
Today we are not totally unlike the people of ancient Ur. Many of us
enjoy comfortable homes but live in spiritual darkness. It becomes
easy to trust in material possessions and money. But God can pluck
people out of idolatry as surely as He plucked Abraham out of Ur,
giving him a life of faith and a new direction.
Insight: A person may hold a PhD or an MBA, but he may also be
completely ignorant of spiritual truth.
--
(\__/)
(='.'=) My Bunny!
(")_(")
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Topic: +DEV+ Sophisticated Idol Worshipers
Sophisticated Idol Worshipers
"'But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the River and
led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants' " (Joshua
24:3a).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 11:27-12:6
Abraham, the Father of Israel and the friend of God, didn't always
believe in God. When he lived in Ur of the Chaldeans, he worshiped
idols, as did the other residents of that highly sophisticated city.
Ancient Ur enjoyed advanced architecture and cultural attractions.
Its houses were well constructed and even had indoor plumbing. Its
large library was the envy of other cities; its beautiful harbor
attracted avid boaters and fishermen. But spiritually, Ur was
primitive and ignorant.
However, God revealed Himself to Abraham and commanded him to leave
his city and homeland. Abraham obeyed, left his idols behind, and
followed God's leading to Canaan.
Today we are not totally unlike the people of ancient Ur. Many of us
enjoy comfortable homes but live in spiritual darkness. It becomes
easy to trust in material possessions and money. But God can pluck
people out of idolatry as surely as He plucked Abraham out of Ur,
giving him a life of faith and a new direction.
Insight: A person may hold a PhD or an MBA, but he may also be
completely ignorant of spiritual truth.
--
(\__/)
(='.'=) My Bunny!
(")_(")
Michael D. Inman
- The Only Thing Necessary For Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do
Nothing -- Edmund Burke...
"If the First Amendment fails, use the Second one."
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Mon 25 Oct 2010, 9:22 am
Date: October 24, 2010 8:34 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Idolatry Invades Planet Earth
Idolatry Invades Planet Earth
"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;..." (Colossians 1:16).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 3:1-7
God placed Adam and Eve in an idyllic, tropical paradise. Life was good. Mosquitoes didn't bite. Flowers didn't wilt. Weeds didn't exist. Animals were tame. Sickness never occurred. Death never struck. Everything was perfect-until Satan sold Eve a bill of goods. He made her think God was unfair and dishonest. He caused her to doubt that God had restricted her and Adam from eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Although God had attached the death penalty to the prohibition, the serpent assured her she would not die if she ate it. Besides, he told her, the fruit would make her like God, "knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5).
Adam and Eve had elevated self-will above God's will, choosing to please themselves. They had become worshipers of self instead of God.
Genuine worship of God involves obedience. When going our own way contradicts God's way, we will face a dead end a dead end (Proverbs 14:12).
Insight: The devil is a master of the sneak attack. We need to stay alert.
Topic: +DEV+ Idolatry Invades Planet Earth
Idolatry Invades Planet Earth
"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;..." (Colossians 1:16).
Scripture Focus: Genesis 3:1-7
God placed Adam and Eve in an idyllic, tropical paradise. Life was good. Mosquitoes didn't bite. Flowers didn't wilt. Weeds didn't exist. Animals were tame. Sickness never occurred. Death never struck. Everything was perfect-until Satan sold Eve a bill of goods. He made her think God was unfair and dishonest. He caused her to doubt that God had restricted her and Adam from eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Although God had attached the death penalty to the prohibition, the serpent assured her she would not die if she ate it. Besides, he told her, the fruit would make her like God, "knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5).
Adam and Eve had elevated self-will above God's will, choosing to please themselves. They had become worshipers of self instead of God.
Genuine worship of God involves obedience. When going our own way contradicts God's way, we will face a dead end a dead end (Proverbs 14:12).
Insight: The devil is a master of the sneak attack. We need to stay alert.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Re: +Dev+ Michael D. Inman
Admin Fri 22 Oct 2010, 1:20 pm
Date: October 21, 2010 11:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Beginning of Idolatry
The Beginning of Idolatry
"Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom" (Psalm 45:6).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 14:12-15
We often refer to the President of the United States as the most powerful man on earth. He probably is, but he is not all-powerful, nor does he occupy an endless throne in the White House. He steps down from the presidency after four or eight years, and another person assumes that role.
Unlike the most powerful man on earth, God is all-powerful, reigning eternally from a throne in heaven. No one can usurp Him, though Lucifer, once a light-bearing angel, tried. He craved God's position of majesty and might. He wanted to be like God, receiving worship and dispensing orders to all of creation. However, his wicked scheme was doomed. God expelled him from heaven, and He will ultimately consign him to the Lake of Fire (see Isaiah 14:12, 15 and Revelation 20:10).
When tempted to demote God and exalt ourselves, let's remember that He is the Creator and we the created. Our lives are rich and full when we place them under the control of the One whose love, power, and throne are eternal.
Insight: Transfer of power is common in world politics, but thankfully God's power is non-transferable.
Topic: +DEV+ The Beginning of Idolatry
The Beginning of Idolatry
"Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom" (Psalm 45:6).
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 14:12-15
We often refer to the President of the United States as the most powerful man on earth. He probably is, but he is not all-powerful, nor does he occupy an endless throne in the White House. He steps down from the presidency after four or eight years, and another person assumes that role.
Unlike the most powerful man on earth, God is all-powerful, reigning eternally from a throne in heaven. No one can usurp Him, though Lucifer, once a light-bearing angel, tried. He craved God's position of majesty and might. He wanted to be like God, receiving worship and dispensing orders to all of creation. However, his wicked scheme was doomed. God expelled him from heaven, and He will ultimately consign him to the Lake of Fire (see Isaiah 14:12, 15 and Revelation 20:10).
When tempted to demote God and exalt ourselves, let's remember that He is the Creator and we the created. Our lives are rich and full when we place them under the control of the One whose love, power, and throne are eternal.
Insight: Transfer of power is common in world politics, but thankfully God's power is non-transferable.
Admin- Admin
- Posts : 81621
Join date : 2008-10-25
Age : 78
Location : Wales UK -
Page 26 of 40 • 1 ... 14 ... 25, 26, 27 ... 33 ... 40
Similar topics» Michael D Inman Asks
» +Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor
» +Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor
» +Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor
» Pastor Michael Inman request
» +Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor
» +Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor
» +Dev+ Michael D. Inman Pastor
» Pastor Michael Inman request
Page 26 of 40
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
» Israel 365 News
» BIBLE STUDY on VERSE
» AISH
» Haggadah Passover
» JIHAD WATCH
» NUGGET Today's Devotional
» The Great Tragedy - Greg Laurie Devotion
» BooK of Revelation Various
» Israel War UPDATE
» KEITH NOTES FROM NANJING
» CHRISTIAN NEWS NETWORK
» ISRAEL BREAKING NEWS
» PROPHESY NEWS WATCH
» FRANCIS FRANGIPANE MINISTRIES
» HONEST REPORTING Defending Israel from Media Bias plz read REGULAR UPDATES
» WORTHY NEWS
» Celebrate the Feast of Moshiach
» Gatestone Institute
» Chip Brogden CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS