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January 01 God Prayer And LibertyLately I have been reviewing moments in history when in difficult times God was spoken of often by presidents, senators and law makers in high positions. In the world today there is much trouble. If we ever needed God, we need him now. I am not here to preach to anybody, but I thank God for the freedom to write these words. Regardless of all the effort to keep God out of government, and regardless of the fact that some laws are being passed against God and prayer in our great nation, we are still blessed today. Every time we spend money the words are still there, "In God We Trust." I have listened to several presidents as they addressed the nation during my lifetime, and I heard them talk about God and ask for prayer. Often I heard them shout, "God bless America..." I have also noticed reference to God on old recordings of past presidents that were recorded before I was born, and I have read in many books how that our leaders for more than 200 years have asked God for help in government affairs. All the presidents I heard with my ears spoke about God, and every president I read about spoke with positive words about God. There were some very tense moments when they called on the people of the USA to pray. Our president today is often heard asking the people of this great nation to pray. We still need God to bless America. Our soldiers need us to continue to hold them up in prayer. More than 2000 of our loved ones have lost their lives in the present struggle in Iraq.
As we enter a new year I have pledged to take a strong stand for my right to continue enjoying freedom to speak about God, and pray to God anywhere at any time including school rooms, court rooms and under the star spangled banner. Our freedom came with a great price. That price included much blood that was shed by thousands of soldiers fighting for our liberty, calling on God and depending on our prayers. We the people did not create freedom, and it is my prayer that those who love the liberty of this great nation will stand strong for the cause of freedom while trusting in the source of all liberty. We should never be afraid or ashamed to say..."God help us..." especially when we find this priceless treasure of freedom being threatened.
Thank God the ten commandments are engraved in stone at the supreme court of the USA. No matter where those commandments may or may not appear, our liberty depends on keeping those laws that were delivered by the supreme judge over all judges and the ultimate power above all powers long before there was a USA. December 31 Freedom Rings In The USAA great price has been paid for the freedom we enjoy in the USA. This site is provided to call attention to those who have made a difference and also those who are presently involved in any effort to preserve the freedom of this great nation.
We hear many voices and witness efforts to undermine and destroy this freedom, but a greater voice of determination and purpose can be witnessed by the actions of those who have a deep appreciation for the liberty enjoyed in the USA.
Regardless of any problems we must face and try to resolve, there is no place in the world that enjoys more freedom and opportunity. The United States Of America shines as a beacon of hope in a troubled world.
We the people of the United Sates of America are free to believe anything about anything and express how we think and feel with spoken and written words from our hearts without fear.
No matter who you are, and no matter where you are from, look on US and find hope.
Since this awesome country is established with good principals and upon a foundation that includes liberty and justice for all, the statue of liberty in New York harbor means more and more to all the inhabitants in the world as time continues to march forward.
December 27 Forty Points Of InterestWhy We Should Be Baptized In The Name Of Jesus
01. In The beginning was the WORD, and the Word was with God, and the WORD was God. Jn 1:1
02. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Jn 1:14
03. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His NAME shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting FATHER, the PRINCE of Peace. Is 9:6
04. He is Emmanuel, "GOD WITH US" Matt 1:21
05. Thou shalt call His NAME Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. Matt 1:21
06. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:27
07. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Eph 4:5
08. Repentance and remission sins should be preached in His NAME among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. Lu 24:47
09. Without the shedding of blood is no remission. He 9:22
10. For this is my blood which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matt 26:28
11. That believing ye might have life through His NAME. Jn 20:31
12. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Ro 4:7
13. We are buried with Him in baptism. Ro 6:4
14. Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood. Rev 1:5
15. On the feast day of Pentecost, AD 33 the Holy Ghost was poured out. This was the beginning of the Apostolic Church. One hundred and twenty people were in the upper room in one mind and in one accord, and they were all filled with the Spirit of God. The Apostles came down praising and glorifying God. Peter started preaching (with the eleven behind him) and men were pricked in their hearts. They asked, "Men and bretheren, what shall we do? (see acts 2:1-37)
16. Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the NAME of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the HOly Ghost. Acts 2:38
17. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day there were added unto them abou t three thousand souls. acts 2:41
18. When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the NAME of Jesus Christ, they baptized both men and women. Acts 8:12
19. Baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3:21
20. Then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same scripture and preached unto him JESUS. Acts 8:35
21. And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Acts 8:38
22. He commanded them to be baptized in the NAME of the LORD. Acts 10:40
23. When they heard this they were baptized in the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Acts 19:5
24. Buried with him in baptism wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead. Col 2:12
25. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized in to Jesus Christ were baptized into His death. Ro 6:3
26. But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the NAME of the LORD JESUS. 1 Cor 6:11
27. Why tarrieth thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins calling on the NAME of the Lord.
Acts 22:16
28. Baptism by immersion in water signifies the washing away of sin by His blood.
29. The blood of Jesus covers, cleanses, washes away, and makes the vilest sinner white as snow.
We Ask the following questions. (Answers can be found in KJV Bible)
30. Who took on the form of man to save sinners? Jn 1:14, 1 Tim 1:15
31. Who was crucified and shed his blood to cover sin? Ro 5:9, 1 Cor 15:3, 1 Jn 1:7
32. Who alone can forgive and remit sin? Mt 12:31, Jn 20:23, Mk 2:7, Lu 7:48
If you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, then tell me who should be baptized in the name of Jesus?
33. The Jews. Acts 2:36-39
34. The Samaritans. Acts 8:14-16
35. The Ethiopians. Acts 8:35-39
36. The Gentiles. Acts 10:45-48
37. All believers who had been previously baptized with other baptisms. Acts 19:1-5
38. You, your children, and all that are afar off. Acts 2:39
39. Whatsoever ye do in word or in deed DO ALL in the NAME of the Lord JESUS. Col 3:17
40. There is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Everybody who wants to serve God needs to be baptized in name of Jesus. This is the only way to be baptized. If you have been baptized in any other way please find a preacher who will baptize you the correct way that God commands... In the name of Jesus.
Matt 28:19 requires baptism in the Name. (not titles) Father is not the name. Son is not the name. Holy Ghost is not the name. Jesus is the name of the Father and of Son and of the HOly Ghost.
According to the Word of God Jesus came in his father's name and sent us the Holy Spirit in His name. The only way to be baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is JESUS NAME.
If you wish to have us help you find somebody to baptize you the right way please contact us. renrutledge@hotmail.com
Remember baptism will not help you if you do not repent. Ask God to forgive your sins and then get baptized in the name of Jesus. God has promised to fill all who will do this with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of God will continue to guide you into all truth.
Great Words From An American Citizen
Great Words From An American Citizen
December 21 My Post Today on the Good News CafeQuote:
I am a new member here and a 5 day old Holy Ghost filled Apostolic. I am glad to see posts like these, and I hope to learn a lot from your posts.
This post makes me very happy. In my heart I feel that the GNC has become a growing Apostolic chat program where people from all walks of life can have good conversations regardless of how far they may be apart on various viewpoints and at the same time maintain a good attitude toward other members who see things differently. I am feeling better all the time about new converts joining this discussion board. For about two years I tried to keep new converts away from here.
Some folks seem to have problems understanding how we do things here, but basically the only way you can get in trouble on the GNC is by being mean to other members or promoting false doctrines concerning the Godhead or the plan of salvation. Nobody gets in trouble for writing how they see things, asking questions or showing ignorance about God. Promoting false ways and writing from the heart about how you see things is two different things. Members can believe anything they want to believe and post what they believe no matter how false or wrong it may be. Writing what you believe with an honest sincere heart is not the same as promoting or trying to convince others that they should follow after non-Apostolic ways.
I personally do not believe there is such a thing as conservative or liberal Apostolic. We are either Apostolic, or we are not. God's way is not conservative or liberal. His way is perfect and always right.
Revival that results in a harvest of souls comes after people have lined up in one mind and in one accord with Jesus. Fighting and being mean to one another has never been the answer for soul winning. No matter how we may find ourselves struggling to fit into the straight and narrow perfect way, we must always remember to love one another and respect the fact that some folks are still trying to understand what it means to be a true witness for Jesus following the teachings and examples of Jesus and his Apostles.
The only reason I allow myself to even be part of any chat program such as GNC is because I feel that it can be a soul winning tool. When any program we own becomes anything less than a soul winning tool it will be deleted and we will not look back.
As I write these words I have knowledge of several who have testified that they found God as a result of reading the various posts on the GNC.
I sincerely appreciate the progress on the Good News Cafe. http://www.goodnewscafe.net December 18 New Audio Video ScrapbookNext week I will be introducing a new website. The site will be http://www.avscrapbook.com
This link should begin working on Monday or Tuesday and will start off with a small beginning. I will be adding hundreds of moments that have been captured through the years in audio and video. The site will also include a photo gallery and many pages of newspaper articles with pictures dating back to my childhood. There are precious moments in my life that have had an effect in molding me and bringing me to the Lord, and it is all part of my victorious testimony today.
Although this internet scrapbook will start out with personal things that have effected my life during the past 60 years, I hope to share this web space with hundreds and perhaps thousands of others who also have precious memories and would like to share them with the world. Apostolic Holy Ghost filled baptized in the name of Jesus believers will be welcome to post precious memories so we can all be blessed by your testimonies on audio, video written words and pictures. Feel free to share your poems, art music precious moments in your local church etc. Let us know about how you have been blessed. Share your thoughts and if you wish, record a testimony and just tell us about what God has done for you so we can all be blessed by things that have been a blessing to you and your family for years. Tell us about your children that are living in victory today, and call them and ask them to share some comments, pictures etc that can be a blessing.
Through the years there have been many healings and miracles that we can learn about as you share the joy on this new website. All this is a continued effort in this internet outreach ministry to touch one more heart and help another soul to find Jesus.
If you have some old cassette tapes, reel tapes video or old pictures of precious ministers or saints of God that have made a difference in your life please feel free to get involved and share these blessings.
There are several ways you can do this. If you know how to make jpegs or gifs etc and upload them and if you know how to capture wave files and change them to mp3 files etc and change the video format so it can be uploaded and placed on your site I will be glad to provide a place for you to upload. If you do not know how to do these things or perhaps do not have the software it is ok. Just mail your cassette tapes pictures etc to me and I will do all the work for you. If you want me to send it back to you after I have finished I will be glad to. Just write a note requesting that the material be returned and it will be returned within a few days.
This can really be exciting, and I am looking forward to this new venture.
My mailing address is Ren Rutledge PO Box 201 Norwich, Connecticut 06360. If you have questions or comments you can send me an email. renrutledge@apostolic.net.
Next week the new site will have a small beginning, and you can help us to make it grow for the Glory of God. December 17 The Power Of A DecisionLife is filled with many decisions. We start each morning deciding whether to get up or sleep awhile longer. We decide on the way to work whether to stop and get that cup of coffee or keep going. We make decisons all day long and every decision has an effect on our lives. A normal day in our lives may include hundreds or perhaps thousands of decisions. We decide to stop or to go. We decide whether to eat or not eat, what to eat or drink. How much salt or sugar on the food, whether or not to tip the waitress and how much the tip should be. I could go on and on and write a book on the various decisions we make in a single day. We make most of these decisions without giving it a lot of thought.
Some decisons can prove to be very powerful. A decison to get married can cause a life time of happiness or misery or both. A decision to have a family can be a very powerful and can change our lives causing us to do and say things for years resulting from that one decision.
There are thousands in prisons and jails today as a result of a decision that changed their lives. That decision to pull the trigger, to rob the bank, to steal the automobile, or to cheat the government etc was powerful.
A few years ago I left Pine Bluff, Arkansas on my way to Dawson Creek, BC. When I stopped at the service station on my way out of town I saw a map of the USA and Canada that I thought about buying. The price was one dollar.
I made a quick decision to save a buck and started on the trip with no map. I felt that if I would just stay on the major highways and keep going northwest I would finally get there. I had 2700 miles to go. A few days later after I had driven over 3000 miles I asked a stranger in Montana how to get there and how many more miles did I have to drive...??? He told me that it would be at least 1000 miles to Dawson Creek. Somehow on that trip I found a way to add 1300 miles to my trip. That decision to skip the map was a powerful decision, but I did save a dollar.
We could go on and on writing about the power of a decision.
There is one decision that can be the most powerful of all. That decison to live for God or to not live for God will have an everlasting effect more powerful than all other decisions combined.
After we decide to live for God we will still have moments when we must decide whether or not to follow the map. (Bible) All the directions can be found in the Word of God that has been inspired and preserved by the Creator who loves us and wants us to be happy forever.
The decision as to whether or not to live for God is up to you, and no matter which way you decide, this will be the most powerful decision of your life.
December 15 Keep Trying And Don't Give UpMany of life's failures are experienced by people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. (Thomas Edison)
All my life I have observed people who gave up before they reached their goal. I have witnessed the sadness on the faces of friends after they have decided to stop trying to accomplish what they started out to do. In the beginning of the venture they were excited and happy, but after they gave up they were sad and feeling defeated.
For several years I taught hundreds of music students. Some of those students became awesome musicians, and some became educators and music directors in Churches high schools and colleges. Others spent money for those lessons for a peiriod of time and then decided to quit before they reached their goal. Those that are playing those instruments today are the ones who did not quit.
I have seen people get excited about an opportunity to get better income. With enthusiam they enrolled in a program or hired into a new job looking forward to a great future. Later I saw some of them walking sadly and expressing feelings of defeat and frustration, and yet I saw others who enrolled in the same opportunity expressing excitement and sharing their joy as a result of their great success.
Why do some find success while others fail? I will tell you why. Those that accomplish their goals do not give up before they get there. Those that quit do not succeed. Any musician you see playing those beautiful songs with great ability and skill has a story behind that success. There were many problems they had to overcome, there were times when they felt like it would never happen, and there were moments when they were discouraged. Those who reached their goals are the ones who did not give up and quit before they got there.
I know many people today who started out living for God years ago. They were excited with a bounce in their steps and a smile of their faces. They were so happy with this new beginning, and we all rejoiced as they shared their joy. Now I see some of those same people living in defeat. They don't go to Church, they do the things that they once testified about being delivered from, and they seem to be very sad. What happened? THEY QUIT! That's what happened. Others who started out at the same time, went to the same Church, and faced the same challanges are still shouting "HALLELUJAH" today as they continue to go forward with great excitement and zeal. Why are these people so happy after all these years? THEY DIDN'T QUIT!
Winners do not quit. Quitters do not win. It's as simple as that.
The Word of God tells us that those who endure until the end are the ones who will be saved.
Anything that is worth going after may include some pain or discomfort along the way, and things will probably be tough at times.
If you ever start out to live for God, please don't quit. Keep going even when it is difficult. In the end you will find happiness that you would have never known if you can just keep going. Sometimes we need strength and power beyond our own ability in order to hang in here. That strength and power is provided by the Lord who has promised that he will never leave us and will be with us regardless of what we have to face. When we do not know how to handle the problems, he does. When we do not know which way to go, he does. There is no mountain that he cannot climb and no valley that he cannot walk through. There is no wall that can stop him and no set of circumstances that can cause him to turn back or give up.
The best thing to do when the way seems rough is HOLD ON TO JESUS. Let him take you forward. After awhile the clouds will go away, the sun will shine again, and everything will be better. All things work together for good when we love the Lord and hang in there with him regardless of what comes or goes.
No matter what you have set for your goal in life, if it is a worthy goal and something that will be good for you, keep trying, and don't give up until you get there. December 14 True LoveThere are different types of Love.
Eros love - known as "erotic love..." It is based on strong feelings toward another. This type of love occurs in the first stages of romantic relationships.
Philos love. - This is a love based on friendship between two individuals. Philos love is a love based on "give-and-take" where two people benefit each other in a mutual way. One partner is still concerned with what she/he can take, but at the same time also concerned with her/his partner's benefit and therefore gives back in return.
Agape - unconditional love. Agapy is the highest type of love. It is a love that is totally selfless, where one gives out love to another even if this act does not benefit her/him in any way. Whether the love given is returned or not, the person continues to love. (even without any self-benefit)
God loves you with Agape love. No matter who you are and no matter what you have done you are loved unconditionally.
This love of God provided a Savior for the inhabitants of this cursed world filled with sin. It took many generations for the promise of the redeemer to come to pass, but this provision in the plan of God was a result of the unconditional love of God toward all mankind. The creator of us all wanted to show his love to us all by providing a way to overcome every problem, sickness or any type of sin situation.
God so loved the world unconditionally that he provided us a Savior.
There is nothing we can do to cause God to love us more or less. There is no greater love than the love that God has for you. There is no greater friend that you can find than this Jesus friend provided by the loving creator. God is love.
Have you ever experienced Agape love? When you do something for somebody regardless of the cost unconditionally there is a warm feeling that rises up on the inside. With Agape love we can understand how it is better to give than to receive.
God made man, and everything was going well in the beginning. The relationship that God and Adam had toward one another was beyond any type of relationship that we have ever known. There was no death, no sickness no sorrow no stress. It was a peaceful trouble free relationship provided by God for his new creation known as man.
When man failed God by going against the instructions of the Creator, this did not stop God from loving man. From the failure of man forward the love of God continued to reach out to provide, rescue and save.
When Adem was driven from the garden because of his transgression the unconditional love of God continued. Even though Adam faced the penalty of death the love of God continued to provide help for Adam every day of his life.
God loves people who fall into sin, but he hates sin. There is no way that sin and love for God can dwell in the same room. When God deals with sin he does not stop loving the sinner. We always have mercy and grace to fall back on if we choose to continue our relationship with God, but if we choose to walk away from the one who loves us unconditionally, God will allow us to go as he keeps loving us even though we may be in deep sin and transgressons against God. The penalty against sin is not against us, but if we choose sin rather than God we will also be chosing to accept the penalty of sin.
There will be millions of sinners seperated from the God forever simply because they chose to serve sin that was against them rather than serve the loving God that was for them.
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
God provided a huge ship so that people would have a way to escape the flood that destroyed the world. For dozens of years God loved the sinners of that day so much that he provided a preacher to tell them over and over that the way of escape was being provided and those that would get on the ark would be saved. Even though God loved all those people he did not make the choice for them. It was up to each individual to choose whether or not to listen to God and do what it would take to be saved from the wrath of God that hates sin as much as he loves people.
Almost two thousand years ago the love of God provided a solution to help all people to escape the wrath of God that will forever be against sin.
When Jesus died on the cross the unconditional love and grace of God was saying to all of us "I LOVE YOU..."
We hear many people claim to love God. How do we love him? Do we love him because we want him so much and is our deisre for him based on what all he is able to do to make us happy? Do we stop loving him when we cannot have him in the way that we desire him?
Is our love for God dependant on whether or not we can agree on everything and do we keep loving him as long as it is give and take, live and let live etc...?
In order to really know what living for God is all about we need Agape love.
Love God unconditionally. No matter what happens, regardless of the pain suffering and no matter what may go wrong our love for God will be there. This type of love will keep us returning to God no matter how many times we may fail.
Agape love from God and to God will result in victorious living in this life and in that life on the other side of the grave.
December 12 The Only Church That's RightThere are so many religions and ideas about God in the world today that many are confused in their search for the true Church.
It is quite common to meet with people who have many questions about God and religion. Some say they believe in God, but because of something that may have happened in Church they no longer go to Church. I have some friends who seemingly have given up on the idea of living for God, because they have concluded that all Churches and all denominations are wrong.
I am here today to let you know that I have found the real Church. Believe it or not, I have found the only one that is right, and if you can discover this Church for yourself you will also be convinced that it really is the True Church.
Multitudes are attending all types of Churches with thousands of interpretations about the various scriptures in the various translations of the various types of Bibles. It is easy to understand how people can be confused with all these preachers and teachers claiming to know the way.
It is not my intention to point out the errors or faults of any group today, but I just want to share the wonderful news that I am excited about the fact that I have found the true Church that is always right all the time.
Jesus was talking to his deciples one day and said "...I will build my Church..." He had asked them some questions about what others were saying about his identity, and then he asked them "...Who do you say that I am...? Peter answered "...You are the Christ...The Son of the Living God..." Jesus told him that this information did not come from humanity but was revealed from almighty God and that upon this rock his Church would be built.
Since Jesus is building it, and since Jesus is the Son of God, my conclusion is this. The Church that is being built by Jesus is the only Church that is right.
You may ask "...Where do we find the one that is being built by Jesus...?"
My answer may be a surprise to some of you. You can find the Church that is right in any Congregation no matter what sign is in front of the building and no matter what religious creed or teaching may be coming from the pulpit.
I know people who have had a change of heart and direction while attending mass at the cathedral. I know others who have made a life changing decision at a Billy Graham Crusade. Many lives have been eternally changed while attending the Baptist, Methodist Lutheren or Pentecostal Church. There are many victorious testimonies About what Jesus has done in those places.
It is easy to become judgemental and quick to point out all the error or false teaching of other groups that we may not agree with, but it is sometimes difficult for people to admit that Jesus actually goes to Mass, faithfully attends services at the First Baptist Church and shows up to bless people in every Billy Graham and Benny Hinn Crusade. There is not one member in any Protestant or Catholic gathering more faithful in attendance than Jesus. He is always the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. Jesus listens to every word of the preaching and observes every response of every individual in the congregation. Why does Jesus go to all these Churches? I am glad to tell you why. He is the master builder, and he knows where to find all the best building material for his New Church that will be perfect in every way. Jesus knows that any person with a sincere heart in any congregation has great potential and with just a little work can be placed in his prefect Church. Jesus is not a Baptist, Catholic or Pentecostal. Jesus is God, and there is no false teaching or false way of any denomination or local assembly that will stop him from doing his work.
I heard somebody say the other day that there is good in all denominations and all types of Churches. I really do not know if that is true or not, but I am convinced that there is bad teaching and false ways in just about every type of religion, denomination and local assembly that I am aware of. If we do not allow God to bless us and mold us into what he wants us to be because of false teachers and blind leaders of the blind we will be cheating ourselves and miss out on the blessing that was available to us all our lives.
If you are sincerely searching for the right Church, come down off your seat of judgement and go to Jesus. Read his instruction book and be honest with him. Open up your heart and be real regardless of what others may or may not do. People who really want to know Jesus can find him. You don't have to live in frustration because of all the false ways around you. You can be placed into the only Church that is right today no matter how you were raised or taught. Jesus knows your heart, and he knows how to make all things right.
When Jesus is ready to present his spotless Church unto himself, just make sure that you have found a moment in your life when it didn't matter what others believed or taught, you allowed Jesus to pick you up and fitly establish you in the only Church that is right. His Church. December 10 Do It NowFor some reason it took me years to learn that procrastination can cause problems and cost lots of money. I remember those days when I would just keep driving the car even though I knew the gas tank was almost empty. For some reason I just didn't want to take the time to stop and pay the money to get the fuel. My father often told me that I would save more money by keeping the fuel tank near full rather than driving around with the tank nearly empty. If only I had listened and followed his advice I could have saved myself many miles of walking after leaving my automobile on the side of the road out of gas. Sometimes I couldn't even get it to start after I returned with a container full of fuel, and it had to be towed. Oh my, those were wasted hours filled with frustrations and extra expense. If I had all the money that was wasted during those years of running on empty I could probably enjoy a real nice vacation with plenty of spending money.
In working with people I have learned that I am not the only one who tends to put things off. It seems that most of my friends are saying "...Don't do today what you can put off until tomorrow..." They may not be saying those words, but it is being said by their actions.
Do you remember when it was raining and there was that terrible leak in the living room? You said to the family "... we have to repair that roof..." Then the rain went away, the leak stopped, and the sun started shining. Now there is no leak, and "there are more important things to do..." All is well until that next cloud burst. This time not only does the roof leak, but there seems to be a river flowing though the house. The carpet is soaking wet, the books on the bookshelf are ruined the wife is upset the children are having fun splashing the water and the rain won't stop.
I could go on and on about things that happen in everyday living that we all can relate to. I am sure that some of you reading these words can think of some things right now that should have been done yesterday or the day before, and you are really planning on getting it done tomorrow if you can find the time even though you know that you were thinking these same thoughts a month ago, and in the back of your mind you already know that you will be busy tomorrow, and it will have to wait for a while longer. After awhile, that lawn has to be mowed, those bills have to be paid, those clothes have to be washed, and that house has to be cleaned. Sooner or later we have to get to it, and we all know that it would have been better if we had not procrastinated.
Please understand, even though I am writing these words knowing that it is better to go ahead and do what needs to be done I am still working on it.
You may notice that I started out to post a thought each day. I really did plan all day to post something here before midnight. At noon yesterday I had plenty of time. At 10:00 PM I still had a couple of hours. Then things happened that demanded my attention. Here I sit at 2:30 AM and there is no way possible to post those words before midnight last night even though I planned to do it all day long.
We may be able to enjoy a fairly good life knowing that we tend to put some things off, but there are some things that really need our attention now.
Have you ever thought about changing your life and possibly becoming a Christian? How long has it been since you actually made plans to do it someday. This is one thing that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. I know people who have been planning to get right with God for more than 60 years.
Knowing Jesus brings peace of mind, happiness and joy. Having a personal relationship with the Lord enables us to cope with situations in life. Looking to Jesus gives meaning to life and hope for a better tomorrow.
I know some who really seem to mean it when they tell me that they do plan to get around to it one of these days. For many years I have searched for ways to get through to them just like my dad tried to open my eyes to the fact that it is better to keep fuel in the gas tank.
So many people are running on empty when their hearts could be filled with gladness. We do not have to live in defeat feeling frustrated and sad. I am so glad that I finally made up my mind to stop putting off my plans to look to Jesus.
When I made that decision several years ago to go to Jesus everything in my life improved. There are some areas where I still need help, but there is comfort in knowing I don't have to depend on myself to fix everything that goes wrong.
Jesus does not procrastinate. He is a "DO IT NOW" friend answering each call on the first ring, showing up at the first inviitation and always on time. He is never to tired and never to busy to be there when we need his help.
You may be thinking, One of these days I will consider giving my heart to Jesus, but right now I have so many things to do. What things? Please don't use that excuse. God won't buy it. What do you have to lose by grabbing hold of Jesus now? All those things that need to get done can wait just like they have been waiting over and over. Jesus is more important to you than anything that you have been planning to do, and he has been standing by very near to you just waiting to help and to answer when you call on him.
Our Lord is the great I AM. He is not just another procrastinator that may or may not get around to it later. Today is the day of salvation, and NOW is the accepted time.
December 08 SUDDENLYBAGHDAD, Iraq - A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in a bus as it was about to depart Thursday for a Shiite city in the south, killing up to 30 people and wounding nearly 40, police and hospital officials said.
Early this morning those people on that bus got out of bed to face another day. They had plans, ambitions and many things to do. If we could have listened to their conversation we would have probably heard words like "...I am in a hurry...I'm running late...Oh my I over slept...Let's go eat some breakfast....I wonder what the weather is going to do....etc etc..."
Suddenly something happened. Plans, careers dreams employment education entertainment sports vacations hobbies and conversations came to an end.
I do not mean to present a message of gloom and doom, but this news makes me think. Does it make you think? We are not reading about an interesting movie or words of fiction from a good book, but these are real events happening every day, and our news is filled with reports about explosions, earthquakes floods and all types of accidents. No matter how great our plans may be and no matter how important we may be, everything can go up in smoke suddenly.
What are your goals in life? Are you looking for a career, more education fame or fortune? Maybe you are just looking forward to retirement and a good pension. Whatever our plans may be, everything can be cancelled suddenly.
Just think for a moment. What if you had been on that bus this morning? What would happen to all those plans you have made? Where would you be right now, and what would come next?
The reason I am writing these words is because I feel that somebody out there may be looking for something solid to hold on to beyond the ordinary. It is good to know that you have a good anchor when you are in swift waters. It is also good to know that the house you are living in is on a solid foundation when the wind is blowing.
Life is very fragile. We are not super people, and at any moment we can be removed suddenly.
Will you allow me to point you toward an anchor for your soul and a strong foundation that will help you to be prepared for sudden events?
Suddenly something good can happen for you today. In just a moment of time you can find new hope and meaning for your life. Consider looking to Jesus.
I am not just asking you to accept Jesus, but I am asking you to talk to him, and ask Jesus to accept you. You can find a way with his help to become acceptable to Jesus Christ, and you can know peace and joy like you have never known. This can happen suddenly.
Whether we accept him or not, he will not change. Jesus will keep on being what he is regardless of any unbelief. If we do not find a way to become acceptable to him we will not have what we need during those moments when life as we know it comes to a halt.
Even if you do not believe in God, you can change your mind and start believing. Don't wait until the blasting bombs, screaming voices and the flames are all around you. The time to make preparations is now.
After you become a believer there is more to consider. A question was asked many years ago, and you can find this question in the Bible in the book of Acts chapter two verse thirty seven. "What shall we do...?" The answer to that question was given in verse thirty eight, and a promise that includes all of us was recorded in verse thirty nine.
Today is the day when you can do this. Now is the accepted time for you to make yourself ready for those extreme events that can happen SUDDENLY. December 07 You Can Be HappyAs I look around it seems to me that almost everybody is unhappy. There is always something to complain about. Life can be tough, and sometimes you may feel that there is no way to be happy.
Regardless of what may be going on in your life, and no matter how difficult things may be it will still be worth the search if you will not give up before you have found true happiness.
You may have heard the answer and rejected it a thousand times, and I understand how that can happen.
Here it comes again. The answer Jesus Christ. WAIT! Please don't stop reading. Hang on and read it all...PLEASE!
Have you ever thought about the fact that this answer could be correct and that maybe there is a remote possibility that some people may have found true happiness by looking to Jesus?
Our friends try so many things as they search for relief from pressures of life, and we all need rest and peace of mind in this fast paced troubled world. Some turn to drugs only to find a temporary good feeling. They spend thousands of dollars going to those who have studied to find answers and have learned some things about dealing with some problems in life, but they remain unhappy.
Some have tried various religions and found that even in these religions people are often unhappy and having the same issues to deal with that keeps them and you unhappy. It really can seem hopeless, and I do understand how one could just be tempted to give up and stop trying.
Please consider looking at the answer one more time. Even though some of your friends may have claimed to know the answer and failed you, it will still be worth the search if you keep trying until you find happiness.
Jesus is so misunderstood and misrepresented by millions who claim to know him. For the most part it seems that religion has failed us.
In your search for happiness you may find thousands of counterfeits before you find the real thing. Please don't give up just because you found some things that are not true. Would you stop trying to get money if you discovered that much of the money around you is counterfeit? There would be no counterfeit money if there was no real money out there somewhere.
Many of my friends are walking in darkness lost and afraid in this troubled world where it seems that nobody cares, and there is no way to find happiness.
For whatever this may be worth to those who may read this please know...I AM HAPPY! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY! I really have found the real peace that my heart longed for for years. Really! You can too.
I found the real thing that has been there all the time even though millions upon millions of people around the world were shouting answers to me that were not correct. The answer I was looking for was in the teachings and examples of the original Christians who obeyed Jesus Christ and did not try to change his teaching to something else.
If you sincerely want to find your answer please get a Bible and start reading the book of ACTS. In this book you will find the answer that is true, and your searching will come to an end. This answer for happiness was taught by those original Christians who followed the teaching of Jesus Christ and obeyed Jesus regardless of anything else that tried to get them to look another way.
Only a few years after those original Christians had died people started teaching things that were not according to the original instructions and they no longer followed the examples that had been established by the originals.
Here we are almost two thousand years later, and just about anything you can imagine is being taught as the answer for unhappy people. Millions of false teachers who know nothing about true happiness are causing unhappy people around the world to continue to walk in sadness feeling hopeless and afraid.
The happy people are the ones who have decided to stop paying attention to all those false hope teachers who will not line up to the original instructions and examples. When we embraced the teachings and followed the examples of the Apostles in the Word of God we found TRUE HAPPINESS. The original way still works today, and it is still the only way that is right. That counterfeit stuff just won't get it.
If you are reading these words you are only a few clicks away from finding happiness for yourself. You have access right here before your eyes to many testimonies, lots and lots of inspirational music filled with truth, and great teaching and preaching from happy people who found what the origanal Christians enjoyed.
You can have what we have found. HAPPINESS! Please click on the various links, and open your heart. Happiness is within reach of your right now. If you have some questions along the way feel free to send me a note. I will try to help if I can. renrutledge@hotmail.com
December 06 HolidaysHoliday is another word for Holy Day. There are some including myself who have concerns about these days that have been set aside and called holidays.
I am not here to make anybody feel bad or step on any toes, but I only want to make a few comments in hopes that others will grab hold of the true meaning of the day that is Holy.
The birth of Christ is something that should be celebrated every day and not just during the month of December. It is wonderful to see people expressing love and goodwill to one another giving gifts and spreading cheer at this time of year, but this should not be just something that happens once a year.
The day of the Lord is not limited to twenty four hours, weeks months years or seasons. There is a day where light shines all the time, and this day can be enjoyed by all who seek to find it.
The HOLY DAY begins as we start to believe in God. As the HOLY DAY dawns in our lives we begin to wake up to an awareness that God's way is above our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. This awesome day is not difficult to find. An invitation has been given to anybody and everybody that would like to discover the TRUE LIGHT of the real HOLY DAY.
During the month of December the Norwich Tabernacle in Norwich, Connecticut USA has an agenda that we feel will be pleasing to the Lord as millions around the world will also be singing and rejoicing about the birth of Christ.
On Tuesday nights during this month we are meeting as a family of God to humble ourselves and pray. Our hearts and our thoughts during these moments will be lifting up the name of Jesus in prayers, praise and worship. There are many serious needs locally as well as around the world, and we serve a mighty God. We are asking God to search our hearts and change anything that needs to be changed. At the same time we are reaching out to friends, neighbors and loved ones around the world with love and concern. We want to be what God wants us to be so we can be a help to those who are searching for answers, hurting or perhaps confused about life in general. Please keep us in mind during these days as you pray.
Several of the members of the Norwich Tabernacle who were planning to go on a trip during this season have cancelled plans and expressed that they feel it is more important to be involved in these moments of prayer and devotion than to go on a trip to be with family or friends this year.
On Christmas day we will have a special prayer, praise and worship service. On this day we will be giving glory and honor to the Lord and dedicating our lives to him as we prepare to enter into the new year.
On the first day of the new year we have scheduled a time of remembering what Jesus did for us on the cross almost two thousand years ago. As we seek for spiritual cleansing and refreshing from the Lord we will remember the blood that was shed by drinking of the fruit of the vine. We will also remember the body that was broken as we break bread together in honor to Jesus expressing our thanks to him for what he did for us all.
We invite you to join us in the new year as we celebrate the birth of Christ as well as Easter and Thanksgiving every day of the year.
I have no doubt that 2006 will be filled with glorious news not only from Norwich Tabernacle, but also people from all nations will be sharing the good news about what God has done for them.
We are living in a dark world where our daily news is filled with words about wars, storms earthquakes sadness and despair. The nations of the world are crying out for answers. Now is the time for TRUE LIGHT to shine.
Please join us in prayer as we look to God asking him to help us bring forth multitudes by this time next year singing JOY TO THE WORLD with meaning and understanding like they have never known before.
Prayer World LeadersThe congregation of the Norwich Tabernacle in Norwich, Connecticut USA is praying and calling on others around the world to join us in prayer for all world leaders in all countries.
We are pledging ourselves to pray all people regardless of any political or religious preference.
God's will and purpose is best for all mankind, and as we all humble ourselves before the creator we will be able to find the answers that cannot be found in any other place.
The wisdom needed for peace, the answers needed for the people of Iraq and the solution for the trial of Saddam is in the hand of God.
Regardless of how we view God or believe, God is what God is, and we need help.
Our help is in the name of God, and if we will humble ourselves and pray the answers are ready today.
If you are reading these words please join us in prayer. Let us go beyond saying prayers, and pray from our hearts for the true God to open understanding and wisdom in the hearts and minds of all world leaders so that all people of all nations can be happy.
God bless
Ren Rutledge
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