"He Leads Me ..."

I recently rediscovered the central truth of a 3000 year old Psalm by David, King of Israel. It has echoed down thru the ages too, in many generations, as shown on the 1381 crest of medieval London, England, "Lord Direct Us."

It came to me in a conversation with a colligate friend at a local coffee shop, as we discussed our spiritual journeys with the Lord.

We both agreed the major responsibility for our journey was with the Lord, and we can't do His part. The lesser part is ours, and He won't do our part. If you quote or read Psalm 23 with the emphasis on "HE" you'll see what I mean.

"The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want. HE makes me lie down in green pastures, HE leads me beside still waters, HE restores my soul. HE leads me in paths of righteousness for HIS Name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for HE is with me. HIS rod and HIS staff, they comfort me. HE prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. HE anoints my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in HIS house forever." [from memory and emphasis mine] Blessings and Shalom, Dwayne

CUFI Washington DC Summit 2010

From my hotel room in Tokyo, where my airline job has me this morning, I am compelled to write you about this summit and convey why you should get involved with this organization and support Israel in this hour.

I couldn’t put off the leading and growing desire I had to attend the summit, so I went. I’m so glad I did. I gained new friends, paradigm challenging information about the USA and world, and experienced the excitement of being involved with something relevant in our exciting times, and close to God’s heart.

I discovered that CUFI has grown from about 9000 members five years ago, to 420,000 this year. Over 4500 attended this summit with representatives from each of our fifty states, including 450 college students. This sacrifice was made in spite of a down economy. There were inspiring and exciting speakers from the Black American and Hispanic arms of the organization. All generations were represented from children to the aged. A true cross section of America. Click here for some photos of the event.

Here are the two major reasons to join and be counted?

1. Israel is close to God’s heart. So it should be close to any believer’s heart. "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. Isa 44:21(NIV)
2. It’s as important for the USA and our children to come, as it is for Israel.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3 (NIV)

I ask you to visit their website and join this focused and extremely well organized part of the American and Christian scene, “for such a time as this.”

To quote a common phrase from Pastor/Founder Dr. John Hagee, “May God bless you and those you love.” -=db=-

“For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,

for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,....” Isa 61:1a, Ps 102:12-16

Qualified King

"Qualified To Be King

Dear Friend in Christ:

As we move into yet another election cycle, the subject of politics is in the air, and our nation is polarized. Is there a way forward that will yield peace and progress? Yes, there is, if we will seek God; He has already provided a solution. We are steadily proving that there is no other path to peace and progress.

Our nation’s founders understood something long-forgotten by contemporary society: laws alone will not produce a desired result. And today, one “simple” law will contain more provisions and work than our entire Declaration of Independence and Constitution combined. Our government seems desperate to find laws and more laws that will somehow fix our problems, and the tyranny of laws
only grows. How long before we awaken to the fact that more human government is not the answer to human problems?

THE POWER OF IDEAS
Our founders came to North America to escape tyranny and establish liberty for the individual. Many, if not most, were believers in the Sovereign God and understood the limitations of human government. They borrowed ideas from men like Adam Smith, John Locke, Algernon Sidney, Montesquieu, and William Blackstone; men who lived under tyranny. These men were Bible scholars and students of the Christian faith. It was their ideas, drawn from Holy Scripture, that found fertile ground in the hearts of Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, and a host of others who thirsted for liberty and the kind of government that would preserve and propagate it. "

Thus begins the July 2010 pastoral letter from Charles Simpson....

May I recommend the article to you? It's chalked with wisdom, hope and truth. Enjoy! And enjoy your journey, in Him! :) -=db=-

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." I Tim 1:17

Roots-Grow Down Into God

"Roots and Fruits"

"Remember the lesson of the seed too in its sending a shoot down so that it may be rooted and grounded, while at the same time it sends a shoot up to be the plant and flower that shall gladden the world.

The two growths are necessary. Without the strong root it would soon wither, as much activity fails for lack of growth in Me. The higher the growth up, the deeper must be the enrooting.

Many forget this and thus their work ceases to be permanent for Me. Beware of the leaves and flowers without the strong root."

God Calling

Edited by A.J. Russell

May 27th Reading

This reading really spoke to me about leading a life of spiritual disciplines or habits that keeps one grounded in God, His purposes, and His Word. Spend time with God daily and deeply, from time to time, is the sense and wisdom of this. A lot of activity without it, may just produce leaves, or a plant that can't support the leaves and fruit it bears? I wish you well. Shalom, -=db=- Isaiah 30:15

Vote Now!

"Bad Politicians are sent to Little Rock and Washington, D.C. by good people who don't vote.

But simply voting isn't enough. Each of us has a responsibility to vote wisely. Knowing where each candidate stands on social, moral, and economic issues is vital to voting wisely. This is why the Family Council Voter's Guide is so important.

For twenty years, Family Council has been Arkansas' leading source of non-partisan candidate information. By surveying where candidates stand on social, moral, and economic issues, we provide voters with a unique view of which candidates share their values. We publish the results of those surveys in our voter's guide. Most people want to know if a candidate is pro-life or pro-choice.They want to know if a candidate is for or against same-sex marriage. They want to know where the candidate stands on health care reform, taxes, immigration, gun control, and a a number of other issues. The Family Council voter's guide provides those answers.

In addition to voting wisely, you need to help your fellow church members, friends, neighbors, and family vote wisely as well. Many of your friends who share you values are still voting based on political party, name recognition, or the candidate's appearance or speaking ability. Too many voters have no idea where candidates stand on the major social and moral issues of our day. By helping your friends and fellow church members see the truth about where candidates stand on the issues, you can make a big difference."

So began a recent Family Council newsletter. I'm grateful to them and happy to pass the information along to you and yours. Early voting is open now! I plan on reading up and taking my wife to vote today. Don't put it off! [May 18th Primary/November 2nd General Elections]

Thanks to Bill Stuckey who passed out a box of these voter's guides at church last week. They disappeared quickly.

Prayer is our most effective tool for change, but this is an important part too that we can't afford to ignore. Blessings to you and yours, and may our gracious God bring purification, mercy, healing and health to this country He gave our parents, ourselves and our children. Amen. -=db=-

On the Road to Freedom

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Back from Belize

This is a excerpt from a letter written to the guys who went to Belize Feb 20-27, 2010.

It’a been only weeks since our “life event” and “eternity changing” adventure to Belize. I’m so grateful to each one of you for answering the call. In short, it was a pleasure being with you, observing your walk with Christ and enjoying your company. Thanks also for your good attitudes, hard work, and friendship.

If you’re like me, the dream-like adventure is already starting to fade, pushed from our minds by daily habits, schedules, and demands. I’m not too sad about this, since “God chooses where people should live, and their times.” (Acts 17) But I want to remember and savor the events, sights, sounds, and enriched friendships as long as I can.

I return to the States feeling like I was more blessed and impacted by the people and experience and they were impacted or helped by me. Please join me in journaling about it, and meditating on what you saw there, asking God to refresh your memory or show you His greater purposes or lessons for you.

Having said that, the people certainly seemed to appreciate us and welcomed us into their village and lives. The older people came and watched how we accepted them all, adoring their children, inviting them to work along side us when they wanted to “help,” stopping to speak, smile, or tote them around. The village served us a feast in the new church, sporting it’s yet unpainted ceiling and walls. One week later the church goers were treated to a beautifully painted church, inside and out, walls supporting a beautiful mural up front, walls adorned with thoughtfully chosen Scriptures, windows made beautiful by borders topped with a simple cross. I think we, with them, are in awe that the whole is greater than the some of our parts. It’ been said, “little is much when God is in it.” Tis true, and I think we’re all humbled and quietly overjoyed by the outcome. The village has two newly painted, brightly colored buildings, bringing a sense of hope, joy, beauty, and excitement about the future - that God is in her midst.

Indeed the Lord is to be remembered and thanked and worshiped. He made Belize, her people, and gave us the best trip I can imagine, meeting us with good weather, safe passage, health, joy, spiritual insights, new friends, natural beauty, and surprises at every turn.

I know we all feel humbled and good about sharing His Name, proclaiming His faithfulness and greatness to other generations and other nations, and serving them. May His Name continue to be known and magnified in Belize and in our lives. May God bless you and your families, may He turn His face toward you, and give you peace.

Your grateful brother in Christ Jesus,

Dwayne