HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Vickie and I send greetings and prayers for a wonderful holiday to our entire church family and those beyond the borders of Cliffdale. This is a special and unique time and never before have we had greater reason to give thanks to God for Who He is and all He has done.
I want to encourage everyone to seize opportunities and really move toward "living in the moment."
In other words, do not simply seek the blessing of God. Rather, seek God in every situation as He can be found in every experience of life. We just have to learn to look for Him and listen to His voice.
Our nation, indeed the entire world, is going through a bit of upheaval. It is not unlike various experiences found in Scripture.
The key to our success and victory is found in Christ. Believers must come to a place of seeking first the Kingdom and the righteousness of God. Other things will follow in perfect order if we posture ourselves and position our lives in agreement with the Kingdom.
"Righteousness" is not some ambiguous, abstract, or indefinable term. To experience true righteousness is to live in right alignment with our Creator. This is not only possible, it is essential to overcoming.
So this Thanksgiving and throughout the days, weeks, and years ahead, let's commit to submit and yield our entire spirit, soul, and body to the Lord. He will lead us to the place of perfect peace.
In Christ,
Pastor and Sister Vickie Goodman
"...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry our great exploits" (Daniel 11:32).
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
What's Next?
Okay, the election is behind us and America has chosen its leaders for the next few years. This has been one of the most passionate and divisive election seasons I can remember, and I have lived through several. Regardless the outcome, we as believers are always instructed to pray for those in authority. Pray we must!
One of the most obvious elements noticed during the past political contest is that of PASSION.
There was incredible intensity on both sides. Some seemed so hungry for change that nothing else mattered. Others were convinced that if their favorite did not win it was another step toward apocalypse.
One has to ponder: what would happen if those who are called by the name of Lord were nearly as intense, passionate, excited, and willing to work for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom? It seems many can't muster the energy to attend a prayer meeting. Sunday service appears optional. Sharing our faith and the love of God is something we do only if given a clear and present opportunity and we really feel like it.
I believe we are to pray more intently than ever. Believers must cry out to God in humility and repentance because no man will be able to solve the situations and circumstances our nation and the world at large are encountering.
The truth is this is a time to seek God's blessing and favor and be thankful for His mercy. I propose that we come together under the banner of truth and love and commit to allow God's glory to shine through us. We are the Body of Christ, the Church. Jesus Christ has not changed His position in any way. He was, is, and always will be King of kings and Lord of lords.
There is yet much work to be done, even in America, one of the largest mission fields of the world. Stop debating, backbiting, bickering, and complaining! Let's build the Kingdom and see God's glory shine!
In Him,
PG
One of the most obvious elements noticed during the past political contest is that of PASSION.
There was incredible intensity on both sides. Some seemed so hungry for change that nothing else mattered. Others were convinced that if their favorite did not win it was another step toward apocalypse.
One has to ponder: what would happen if those who are called by the name of Lord were nearly as intense, passionate, excited, and willing to work for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom? It seems many can't muster the energy to attend a prayer meeting. Sunday service appears optional. Sharing our faith and the love of God is something we do only if given a clear and present opportunity and we really feel like it.
I believe we are to pray more intently than ever. Believers must cry out to God in humility and repentance because no man will be able to solve the situations and circumstances our nation and the world at large are encountering.
The truth is this is a time to seek God's blessing and favor and be thankful for His mercy. I propose that we come together under the banner of truth and love and commit to allow God's glory to shine through us. We are the Body of Christ, the Church. Jesus Christ has not changed His position in any way. He was, is, and always will be King of kings and Lord of lords.
There is yet much work to be done, even in America, one of the largest mission fields of the world. Stop debating, backbiting, bickering, and complaining! Let's build the Kingdom and see God's glory shine!
In Him,
PG
WOW!
America has its first black president! It is appropriate that the citizens of this nation celebrate the accomplishment of president-elect Obama. When many of us were children, it seemed this historic event might never come in our lifetime. It may be totally accurate to say that only in America could a man with a white mom from Kansas and a black dad from Kenya become, what many consider, the most powerful individual in the land and perhaps even the world.
The very atmosphere around us has been transformed. It is very reminiscent of when some of us were young and John Kennedy was elected. Back then, many thought a Catholic could never be president. Today, we can walk around in Sam's or Wal-Mart and there is a unique feeling all around. It is real, almost tangible.
For those who are upset about the outcome, there are some instructions given in Scripture.
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God" (Romans 13:1, NKJV).
In addition, as believers, we are instructed to pray for our leaders.
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, {2} for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. {3} For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior," (1 Timothy 2:1-3, NKJV).
It is vitally important that Kingdom citizens pray for our government leaders at this time. This is especially true in regard to those at the top. Please pray for the man chosen to be our next president. Pray for his family as well.
We are not instructed to pray only for those with whom we share views or core values. God's view on such issues as life and homosexuality has not changed. The shedding of innocent blood is still sin. There is none more innocent than those in the womb.
The same book of Romans that instructs us to submit to governing authorities also makes clear that "men with men committing what is shameful" is immoral. When these types of acts become acceptable to the people of God, particularly spiritual leaders, there will always be a price to pay. History will record that God will not remain silent or idle. All one has to do is study where we have been in order to better understand where we are.
May we continue to seek truth and embrace it, walk in love and demonstrate it, and allow God's Word and Spirit to direct our steps.
In Him,
PG
The very atmosphere around us has been transformed. It is very reminiscent of when some of us were young and John Kennedy was elected. Back then, many thought a Catholic could never be president. Today, we can walk around in Sam's or Wal-Mart and there is a unique feeling all around. It is real, almost tangible.
For those who are upset about the outcome, there are some instructions given in Scripture.
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God" (Romans 13:1, NKJV).
In addition, as believers, we are instructed to pray for our leaders.
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, {2} for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. {3} For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior," (1 Timothy 2:1-3, NKJV).
It is vitally important that Kingdom citizens pray for our government leaders at this time. This is especially true in regard to those at the top. Please pray for the man chosen to be our next president. Pray for his family as well.
We are not instructed to pray only for those with whom we share views or core values. God's view on such issues as life and homosexuality has not changed. The shedding of innocent blood is still sin. There is none more innocent than those in the womb.
The same book of Romans that instructs us to submit to governing authorities also makes clear that "men with men committing what is shameful" is immoral. When these types of acts become acceptable to the people of God, particularly spiritual leaders, there will always be a price to pay. History will record that God will not remain silent or idle. All one has to do is study where we have been in order to better understand where we are.
May we continue to seek truth and embrace it, walk in love and demonstrate it, and allow God's Word and Spirit to direct our steps.
In Him,
PG
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