I love the beach and go there frequently to be alone with God. More times than not, when I go there, it is because He calls me away to be with Him. I usually travel light, taking only my Bible, computer, and a couple changes. I jump at the chance each time He calls me away but by the time you figure the hotel, food, gas, and how many days I stay, it costs me around $200-$250 when I stay at the coast. However, I don’t really worry about the cost because when God calls me away, He’ll provide the finances for me to go. Some have said, “Then why do you go? Isn’t God omnipresent? Can’t you be with God anywhere thereby saving money?”
Granted, God is ubiquitous [1], but when God wants to do something in our lives, He separates us from people and places. He calls us away from all our familiarity [2] so He can have our undivided attention and so that worldly things do not distract us [3]. In the same separation vein when God calls me away to do something in my life, I find that most everybody has that special place to be alone with God, a place where we can feel anointed and feel extra close to Him.
Probably one of the most famous stories in the Bible that exemplifies this you can find in Exodus when God separated Moses from Jethro’s people at Midian and called him up to Mount Horeb [4]. It was there that God anointed Moses to deliver His people by giving him a mandate that would change the course of history. The ground where Moses stood was holy [5].
And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground [Exodus 3:5 KJV].
Just like God did for Moses when He separated Him from Jethro and took him up to Mount Horeb, I feel anointed when I go to the coast. As I walk next to the ocean, the hard wet sand feels like holy ground. I have come to believe that my Mount Horeb is the coast because it is where I feel the presence and the anointing of Almighty God very strong. When I meet God at the coast, I am very productive in my writing because I dedicate that time to Him. When the Lord calls me away, I know that He is separating me from any familiarity and worldly cares, to talk to me if for anything, to pray or worship Him. To date, He calls me to give me either a specific word or something that He wants me to write.
Like Moses, God gave me a burning bush [6]. My burning bush is the ocean for it is where God reveals Himself to me. God revealed Himself and spoke to Moses from the burning bush and God reveals Himself to me through the ocean. When I see the ocean, I see God’s width, His depth, His vastness, His power, and saltiness that does not lose its savor. God is relentless and is not consumed [7].
Like the ocean, God beckons the wayfarers [8] and supports the vessels that would travel through life’s seas [9] and yet covers what lies beneath [10]. Like the fish and mammals of the sea, God gives life to those who live deep within His bosom [11]. The water itself is a reminder of the Holy Spirit [12].
Yet, when the ocean is disturbed, it can be very wrathful [13]. It has sunk many ships and many have perished [14] although, it is not willing that any should die [15]. The ocean is beautiful and even the tide comes in to wash the shoreline of impurities. I like to walk in the water’s edge with my sandals off because it feels like Jesus is washing my feet [16].
So. . .when the Lord says to you, “Come away to a quiet place and rest,” where do you go? Where do you feel anointed? Where is your Mount Horeb? Wherever it is, treat it with respect, fear, and awe [17] and don’t take it for granted because it is holy ground. Remove your sandals and give into the Holy Spirit [18]
Furthermore, how does God get your attention? What is your burning bush? Do you hear Him when He speaks? Do you know and recognize His voice? In other words, do you attune your mind to the things of God [19]? Remember that prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. Also remember that all meetings with God start with prayer and worship. Repent and talk [20] to God. Worship Him [21] and then listen. The bush will speak to you as well.
___________________________
[1] Psalms 139:7-12
[2] 2 Corinthians 6:17
[3] Romans 12:1, 2
[4] Exodus 3:1, 2
[5] Exodus 3:5
[6] A tool for getting our attention
[7] Psalms 41:13
[8] Matthew 11:28
[9] John 3:16
[10] Psalms 104
[11] Job 33:4
[12] John 19:34; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Numbers 20:11
[13] Ezra 8:22
[14] 1 Corinthians 15:22
[15] 2 Peter 3:9
[16] John 13:8
[17] Job 28:28
[18] Removing ones sandals was a sign of humbleness and respect and was symbolic of laying aside the pollutions contracted by walking in the dirt and grime of the wilderness. Many a host washed the feet of travelers when they removed their sandals. The habit of removing one’s shoes still remains today, as a sign of respect, when entering into another man’s house so as not track dirt onto their rugs and floors.
[19] Colossians 3:1, 2
[20] 1 Thessalonians 5:17
[21] John 4:24
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Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
IS AMERICA A CHRISTIAN NATION?
On July 28, 2006, Senator Barack Hussein Obama said in his “Call to renewal” keynote address in Washington DC that America was no longer a Christian nation. For those who watched even a smidgeon of news during this time, heard of this statement and yet, we still elected him in 2008.
Now I understand that the 2008 elections was more of a referendum against President Bush than it was a vote for Obama, but his statement went to the core of who we are as a nation. However, in all fairness to reporting practices, here is a direct quote of that section of his speech. This way, you can draw your own conclusions as to the context of his address.
“. . .Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation – at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers. . .” – Barack Obama
On the surface, this subliminal message would appear that he meant nothing more by it than to suggest that America is a melting pot of diversity. Although we are a melting pot, after closer inspection of the statement, a more sinister plot and meaning emerges.
The inference here is the death of a thousand cuts [1], of which this statement is only one cut. It is prudent therefore that we understand the goal and agenda of this present government, which is the New World Order. The Bible says that we will know them by their fruits [2].
After all the scandals, Executive Orders, and war against the American people, the question still lingers in the air, “Is America a Christian nation?” Many authors have written books about America’s foundation of Christianity. However, and contrary to the belief of many, the Bible was the foundation of the Declaration of Independence and eventually that of America’s Constitution.
If there were no other proof of this fact, the SCOTUS resolved the question for us. Here is what they said, “No purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people. . .this is a Christian nation.” SCOTUS also held that “Whatever strikes at the root of Christianity tends manifestly to the dissolution of civil government.” You could not hold any office in a state or federal government unless you proclaimed your belief in Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
Considering the fact that the pilgrims came over on the Mayflower to escape the religious persecution of Great Britain, how could the foundation of America be anything else but on God’s Word. The core of the Constitution is the Bible and Christianity. This is irrefutable and searchable.
Article I of the Constitution pertains to the Legislative branch (Congress). Article II pertains to the Executive branch and Article III pertains to the Judicial branch. By looking at your copy of the Constitution, you’ll notice which one is the smallest. This was by design. Judges were to litigate and settle, NOT to set law like they do today. On the heading of each case is the lead, “It is the opinion of the court.” The other two branches have the legal right to refuse the opinion, as Abraham Lincoln did with slavery.
Have you ever wondered why there are three branches of government and how they came about? For our answer, we’ll need to go to the Bible located in the book of Isaiah chapter 33 and verse 22, which says,
For Jehovah is our judge, Jehovah is our lawgiver, Jehovah is our king; he will save us.
The Isaiah Scripture is the origin of the three branches of government. America was on her way.
Here are just a few more Scriptural references of the Constitution.
Separation of powers [Jeremiah 17:9]
Tax exemption for churches [Ezra 7:24]
Article I Section viii: Uniform immigration laws [Leviticus 19:34].
Article II Section i: President to be a natural born citizen [Deuteronomy 17:15].
Article III Section iii: Witnesses and capital punishment [Deuteronomy 17:6].
Article III Section iii: Provision against attainder [Ezekiel 18:20]. (The unconstitutional NDAA comes to mind.)
Article IV Section iv: Republicanism. Elections at local, county, state, and federal levels [Exodus 18:21]. This Article and Section requires that each state maintain a republican form of government. Noah Webster once wrote, “Our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct republican principles is the Bible, particularly the New Testament, or the Christian religion.” Founding father, Benjamin Rush also wrote, “A simple democracy is the Devil’s own government.” Founding father, Fisher Ames said, “A Democracy is a volcano which conceals the fiery materials of its own destruction. These will produce an eruption and carry desolation their way.” We can conclude that the difference between a Democracy and a Republic is the source of their authority. This is why the Founders decided on a Constitutional Republic.
The Declaration of Independence was the promise and the reasons for separating from Great Britain, and the Constitution was the fulfillment to the promise and the solution to the reasons. Is there any doubt whatsoever, that America is a Christian nation?
I exhort you to study and search out the Scriptures that have afforded you the privilege of freedom. Apathy is the enemy of freedom. We have all taken this country and our freedoms for granted with the assumption and perception that they cannot take them away from us. If we think that they cannot take them, I exhort you to read the Book of Revelation.
The government and the electorate have totally screwed up this country. We have lost our focus. As a whole, we have turned away from God. Our voting habits have migrated from searching out values in our candidates to searching out our candidates economically and what we can get out of the government. Alexis De Tocquiville quoted that “The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.” On the other side, Benjamin Franklin said that, “When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the Republic.”
Learning our American heritage is the civic responsibility of every citizen. We have strayed quite a ways from the original intent of our founding documents and our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.” – Benjamin Franklin
The choice is ours.
_________________________________________
[1] Fabian Socialism – Socialism by overwhelming the masses
[2] Matthew 7:16, 20
Now I understand that the 2008 elections was more of a referendum against President Bush than it was a vote for Obama, but his statement went to the core of who we are as a nation. However, in all fairness to reporting practices, here is a direct quote of that section of his speech. This way, you can draw your own conclusions as to the context of his address.
“. . .Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation – at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers. . .” – Barack Obama
On the surface, this subliminal message would appear that he meant nothing more by it than to suggest that America is a melting pot of diversity. Although we are a melting pot, after closer inspection of the statement, a more sinister plot and meaning emerges.
The inference here is the death of a thousand cuts [1], of which this statement is only one cut. It is prudent therefore that we understand the goal and agenda of this present government, which is the New World Order. The Bible says that we will know them by their fruits [2].
After all the scandals, Executive Orders, and war against the American people, the question still lingers in the air, “Is America a Christian nation?” Many authors have written books about America’s foundation of Christianity. However, and contrary to the belief of many, the Bible was the foundation of the Declaration of Independence and eventually that of America’s Constitution.
If there were no other proof of this fact, the SCOTUS resolved the question for us. Here is what they said, “No purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people. . .this is a Christian nation.” SCOTUS also held that “Whatever strikes at the root of Christianity tends manifestly to the dissolution of civil government.” You could not hold any office in a state or federal government unless you proclaimed your belief in Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
Considering the fact that the pilgrims came over on the Mayflower to escape the religious persecution of Great Britain, how could the foundation of America be anything else but on God’s Word. The core of the Constitution is the Bible and Christianity. This is irrefutable and searchable.
Article I of the Constitution pertains to the Legislative branch (Congress). Article II pertains to the Executive branch and Article III pertains to the Judicial branch. By looking at your copy of the Constitution, you’ll notice which one is the smallest. This was by design. Judges were to litigate and settle, NOT to set law like they do today. On the heading of each case is the lead, “It is the opinion of the court.” The other two branches have the legal right to refuse the opinion, as Abraham Lincoln did with slavery.
Have you ever wondered why there are three branches of government and how they came about? For our answer, we’ll need to go to the Bible located in the book of Isaiah chapter 33 and verse 22, which says,
For Jehovah is our judge, Jehovah is our lawgiver, Jehovah is our king; he will save us.
The Isaiah Scripture is the origin of the three branches of government. America was on her way.
Here are just a few more Scriptural references of the Constitution.
Separation of powers [Jeremiah 17:9]
Tax exemption for churches [Ezra 7:24]
Article I Section viii: Uniform immigration laws [Leviticus 19:34].
Article II Section i: President to be a natural born citizen [Deuteronomy 17:15].
Article III Section iii: Witnesses and capital punishment [Deuteronomy 17:6].
Article III Section iii: Provision against attainder [Ezekiel 18:20]. (The unconstitutional NDAA comes to mind.)
Article IV Section iv: Republicanism. Elections at local, county, state, and federal levels [Exodus 18:21]. This Article and Section requires that each state maintain a republican form of government. Noah Webster once wrote, “Our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct republican principles is the Bible, particularly the New Testament, or the Christian religion.” Founding father, Benjamin Rush also wrote, “A simple democracy is the Devil’s own government.” Founding father, Fisher Ames said, “A Democracy is a volcano which conceals the fiery materials of its own destruction. These will produce an eruption and carry desolation their way.” We can conclude that the difference between a Democracy and a Republic is the source of their authority. This is why the Founders decided on a Constitutional Republic.
The Declaration of Independence was the promise and the reasons for separating from Great Britain, and the Constitution was the fulfillment to the promise and the solution to the reasons. Is there any doubt whatsoever, that America is a Christian nation?
I exhort you to study and search out the Scriptures that have afforded you the privilege of freedom. Apathy is the enemy of freedom. We have all taken this country and our freedoms for granted with the assumption and perception that they cannot take them away from us. If we think that they cannot take them, I exhort you to read the Book of Revelation.
The government and the electorate have totally screwed up this country. We have lost our focus. As a whole, we have turned away from God. Our voting habits have migrated from searching out values in our candidates to searching out our candidates economically and what we can get out of the government. Alexis De Tocquiville quoted that “The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.” On the other side, Benjamin Franklin said that, “When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the Republic.”
Learning our American heritage is the civic responsibility of every citizen. We have strayed quite a ways from the original intent of our founding documents and our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.” – Benjamin Franklin
The choice is ours.
_________________________________________
[1] Fabian Socialism – Socialism by overwhelming the masses
[2] Matthew 7:16, 20
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