Heaven Nudgings #1

I mentioned a couple of postings ago that I wanted to share some info with you that wasn't health related. Some "nudgings" that I've been feeling lately and wanted to see if they relate to you at all.

The attack on all things Christian has just about worn me down. As you can imagine with my only activity for most of the day being sitting down, I get to watch a lot of
TV. Not ONE day goes by without several vicious outbursts from the other side about how terrible Christianity has been for the world. Comics strip all of the reverence and awe away from the name of our saviour in the most blasphemous way. Many weak-willed politicians cower at the very thought of admitting that they are believers. Frankly I've had it. As for me, I'm gonna stop being a silent witness while the world bashes away unchallenged by some Christians. I know that sounds harsh but hear me out. Believers in Christ are the last to receive the tolerance that the world wants to give everyone else. I mean Everyone else. I watched with horror not too long ago as an ACLU lawyer argued a case in favor of releasing a known sex offender back into a neighborhood with innocent children, while her comrades at the ACLU were suing a teacher who had a Bible lying on his desk. He didn't read it during hours, never mentioned it, but brought to read over his lunch break. He was fired.

All of this came together for me during the Katrina/Rita crises. I watched heros by the hundreds rushing down to help, but the only reporting I got was how all of this catastrophe was President Bush's fault. That while he was watching his oil profits from Haliburton and maybe even reading his Bible, he did like a modern day Nero and "fiddled" while New Orleans sank. Now a month later this has been totally disputed. We were late getting in some places which he as the leader takes responsibility for. But the viciousness and disrespectful ways the enemies attacked him took much of the emphasis OFF of the people who really needed the help. I was proud to see our president hold up under the strain. "The truth shall set them free!"

Now, how is this a heaven nudging you say? Simply this: We've let our behavior be programmed by the world. We are supposed to grin and bear it while our way of life is threatened. Here's my nudging. Don't lose your love or empathy toward your enemy, but strengthen your spine and speak out in a firm but friendly voice whatever it is you are wanting to defend. I have done it a couple of times recently and it actually went quite well. No blows, no shouting, just two people disagreeing agreeably.

Take this for what it's worth. If it strikes a chord with you ....try it. If you know that you could never do it...don't. But whatever you do, do it in the love of Jesus. Speak kindness to those who despise us...you'll drive them out of their mind!

Love to you all....I go back for a checkup next Tuesday and will be in touch ASAP after I get results back.

In HIs Grip!

Roger

Comments

[Nina Foster]

You have touched on some things that have bothered me. For the most part, I am not an outspoken person, but I have found that sometimes quiet comments made to show my faith have been heard--not always agreed with, but at least I felt better and, hopefully, gave others something to think about. I have a real concern about the direction our country is taking in some areas and pray for a change in the convictions of some.
Nina - Chico, CA

[Ruth Voorhees]

Dear Roger, I also agree with what you have to say. If we the christians, do not stand up for ourselves, who do we think will do it for us. We have to take a stand for something. It will either be for the Lord or against the Lord. It is our choice. Thank you for standing so strong and tall even though sometimes you were laying flat in your bed. I have said it before, and I will say it again, God may want you to be a preacher in more way than you have any idea. Stay open to his leading.

God Bless you, your family, and the L5 family.

Ruth

[Lula]

Go for it Roger. You know the old saying, "if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." Hope all goes well at the next check-up.
Love and prayers from Virginia,
Harold and Lula

[Mac & Jeanne :-)]

All I can say is, "AMEN!!!" We Christians for MUCH TOO LONG have cowered down and let "the world" have it's way while we are attacked over & over & over again. We are losing more & more of our freedoms every day -- especially those religious freedoms that our country was founded upon. God is patient ... but He is also a jealous God. May God give us the grace and courage and wisdom that we so despirately need to stand up for HIM and those precious freedoms that so many have died for! May God continue to protect and guide us as we continue to seek to live for Him! We continue to pray for you and will be especially praying as you go for your check-up on Tuesday! What a very special blessing you and your precious family are to all of us!
Love & blessings to you and your precious family!
Mac & Jeanne :-)

[Joyce Veal-Gibson]

Our Supreme Court just voted 5-1 to allow nude dancers in adult establishments. I will go ahead and write my comments to the editor - sometimes we don't care to speak up for fear of retaliation. I will tell them they need to read the Old Testament and what happened to people in those cities who behaved in this way. I asked God to forgive them. Joyce in wet Oregon

[Robey]

There's a price to pay-being a Christian. Salvation is free, and after that,it will cost us everything-EVERYTHING! Some of God's children aren't into the Word of God. There's ministry to do and I am inclined to thinh that some Christians do not know how to be a witness. The Pharisees attempted to stone Jesus. You've read it. Satan knows who's a threat to him. Remember the story when the demons said that they knew ( I think they said Paul ) but they didn't know the others. I need to read it again, you know the passage of scripture! We must have wisdom to deal with our situations that God trusts us. YES!!! I desire for Him to trust me with greater responsibilities-so very much! We say that we trust Him, but can He trust us? I still blow it-no excuses! And I know that I am human. He knows the weakness of the flesh. It's a daily battle and we MUST put on the Whole Armor of God DAILY! It's discipline! We practice/play our music, everything to me is discipline. You wouldn't give a two year old a chemistry set. I desire for God to trust me so very much.--I was playing softly for communion last Sunday. I was told by the ass. pastor that people were in tears and blessed. That was my first time there for communion. It's the Holy Spirit. I dare NOT take any Glory. God will not share the His Glory,with NO ONE!! No flesh shall glory in His Presence, Paul said. It's not silver or golden vessels he asks for, it's yielded vessels. I take ministry VERY seriously. We are simply the vessel he works thru. Roger, have you ever noticed that He uses one person at a time,He never interupts Himself! The Holy Spirit is likened unto a dove-the gentilest of birds. The ranting and raving and unnecessary loudness, well, I just don't see how that blesses an individual. I know full well there is a soulish realm. Not judging, God is the judge, I wonder if they ever get out of the soulish realm. Well,thanks for the opportunity to share. Ask the Lord for Wisdom-He's perfect Wisdom. Study to show thyself approved. The Holy Spirit is the One that enables/equips us for Service. What an opportunity we have as His children! There's ministry to do, we must do it. I am not a "perfomer" , I lead God's people in praise and worship, I give Him ALL the glory, He does the ministry thru the yielded vessel, it's awesome! There's so much He has for us. Skipping rocks along the beach? There'e an ocean out there! When we minister, we must be sensitive/tuned in. It's not by might, it's not by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord. John was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, that's for us as well today! The Promise is for all that are afar off, that's us today. We must remember that it costs us everything.

[Robey]

One more thot, when a Christian is in the flesh, he/she will fall flat!! When lead/equipped/filled with God's Spirit, things will happen-Him Glorified! BLESSINGS!

[Gail in San Jose, CA]

Roger, I say "AMEN, Brother!"

[Ken]

Roger - I have been trying to do the same thing for a while now. In my case it is not working out too well. This is one of two subjects that I can not seem to debate dispassionately. I try, but I can feel the blood pressure rising and I have to walk away.

The other subject is our wonderful military and the war on Islamofacism that has been simmering since the Iranian seizure of our embassy in the late 70s. But the two issues, it seems to me, are linked, aren't they? Can there be any doubt in the world that The enemy in Iraq are wholly owned minions of Satan, himself. It is impossible to be so bestial and evil without belonging to that dark spitit.

The Bible talks of Love, and Tolerance, and turning the other cheek. It also talks of just wars, and punishment, and retribution. "Vengence is mine," saith the Lord. Ah, but He does NOT say what instrument He will use to exact that vengence. I believe that, at least sometimes, human Christians are that instrument.

Bless you and your whole house, Roger. I still pray for you and Janet Paschal.

[Linda Miller]

THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING OUT THE TRUTH THAT MANY OF US AGREE WITH.
IT MAKES ME SICK TO SEE HOW UNGRATEFUL SOME PEOPLE ARE FOR THE
HELP THAT COMES MOSTLY FROM CHURCHES AND CHRISTIANS. A LOT OF
PEOPLE ARE FORGETTING WHAT OUR
COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED ON AND THAT WAS THEIR LOVE FOR GOD AND THE RIGHT TO WORSHIP HIM. KEEP UP THE
GOOD WORK THAT L5 IS DOING TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL AND WE WILL KEEP
PRAYING FOR YOU. LOOKING FORWARD
TO SEE WHAT NEW SONGS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU THRO ALL THE NEW EVENTS.

[Brian Lewis]

Amen Roger!
Thanks for voicing so eloquently what so many of us feel!!!!
See you this weekend!

[Tina Reynolds]

Thanks for that encouraging word! I have been beginning to feel this pressure from the world as well, and it makes me SICK! I know my Savior and He is great!! I wouldn't trade being a Christian for anything in this known world! I like your stand for the Bible. Keep it up! Keep Jesus on the top of the list, where He belongs! Praise God!

Your Friend in Christ Jesus,
Tina Reynolds

[Elizabeth Mize]

Roger,
I agree that we need to take a stand against what is going on and I am also sick of people ridiculing our Lord. It is time for Christians to stand up and not be ashamed to stand for what is right. I will stand with you and will pray that more people will take what you said seriously and not just ignore it. Praying for you!
Elizabeth

[Vicky Schnorbus]

I don't know about other states, but the courts (and state government) in Texas have ordered the 10 Commandments removed from our Capitol grounds and many other publc places. Our children can no longer add "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance (I remember when it was added, so I guess that's no biggie). It's against the law to pray before a sports game. I saw the other day where the Air Force Academy can no longer have prayer under ANY circumstances (except in their chapels), and the Christian flag is not welcome anywhere except in churches and Sunday School rooms. Eventually we will probably take "In God We Trust" off of our money. No one celebrates Thanksgiving, which is the founding principle of this country. When Americans turn their backs on God, why shouldn't he turn His back on us? I tell friends that I truly think that if the U.S. is allowed to continue in this manner for much longer, God will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah for destroying them. I think the U.S. (in some areas) has far exceeded what those two Biblical towns were doing. And now that many cities,towns,and governmental agencies are allowing "same sex" marriages, and also allowing these people to adopt innocent children, I have to admit that I'm more than ready to see this world done away with. We have to take responsibility, as Christians, for allowing a lot of this to happen. When Christians don't get up off their duff and vote, this is what happens. Next election, folks, I hope everyone will cast a vote for the CHRISTIAN politician (an oxymoron for sure).

And sorry, Roger, but I can't agree with you about Pres. Bush. Remember -- we had him for a governor, and he LIED to the people of Texas. I have no use for the man at all. Give me President Carter any day. He wasn't a good politician because he was too honest. Unfortunately, the same canNOT be said about George Bush. And now that I've angered all of the Ropeholders and you, I hope you will remember the "Freedom of Speech" act.

Looking forward to news from your next check-up, and praying it will be 200% better than the last one. Take care, and may God bless.

[Morgan]

Thanks, Roger, for the update! I enjoyed reading it--and agree with you 100%! (And I'm standing behind our President too!!)

Still holding the ropes!

[Brian Lewis]

Amen Morgan!!!

[Patty Spicer]

Roger thank you for this post. I have said for quite some time if everyone who claims to be a Christian would speak up we would not be having the One Nation Under God going before the court systems, We would still have a marriage being made up with a man and a woman and we would not have abortion. Just as the post up above I have a right to voice my opinion and I plan to use it whenever I can for the cause of Christ. I remember one time George Younce saying we need to be BOLD for Chirst and we as Christians need to do this in this day and age.

[JANET]

I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN. EVEN SOMETIMES WHEN YOU THINK SOMEONE STANDS FOR CHRISTIANITY, YOU FIND
THAT THEY STAND FOR JESUS, ONLY IF IT IS WATERED DOWN. WE HAVE AN ANNUAL 3 DAY EVENT IN OUR TOWN EVERY YEAR. THERE ARE TWO OR THREE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN CHARGE OF OUR GOSPEL MUSIC. THIS YEAR ONE OF THE VERY GOOD GROUPS WERE HERE, & I ASKED THE MAN IN CHARGE
HOW HE LIKED THIS GROUP. ( I LIKE
THEM VERY MUCH) BUT HE SAID, " I WAS VERY DISSAPOINTED" I COULDN'T IMAGINE WHY, SO I ASKED. HIS RESPONSE: I DIDN'T HIRE HER TO PREACH, I HIRED THEM TO SING.
I JUST TOLD HIM THAT AT EVERY ONE OF THEIR CONCERTS THEY MAKE IT PLAIN WHAT THEY STAND FOR & I APPRECIATE THAT. WHY WOULD WE GO TO GOSPEL CONCERTS IF THE SINGERS
LIKE L-5, GREATER VISION, HOPPERS,
& SEVERAL OTHER GROUPS THAT WE FOLLOW WERE NOT SPREADING THE WORD. WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU.
YOUR CONCERT AT PORTAGE WAS WONDERFUL!!! WE WERE GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK & SEE YOUR SON JORDON.
BLESS YOU ALL! JANET

[Bernie and Terry Shirkie]

Dear Roger: I think this posting is just trememdous! I agree with you. What really bothers me is that now some people want to take "God" out of your pledge of allegience! It is a real shame! Now here, in Canada, in the public schools "God" has already been taken out of our national anthem and there are no more Christmas Concerts. They are now just Winter Concerts. I think the countries are skating on thin ice, especially also here in Canada they have changed the laws on marriages. Our children are just getting used to it and there seems there is nothing we can do about it! Just a decade ago the grade five students were given Gideon New Testaments in school. Now they are forbidden. Believe it or not the Catholic children are getting them now which is a blessing. Before they were not allowed them. It seem things have turned backwards!
I wonder what they will do to the American money. Will they also be trying to erase "In God We Trust"?
You know what Roger, I think the Lord is coming soon but even though this is so, I think that you are right. I, myself am a coward but I will take this letter to heart and I will start to try and stand up more for the Lord! Thank you for the encouragment! Love Bernie and Terry

[Janet Evans]

Roger,
You took the words right out of my mouth. Infact, I made a post every similar to yours on another board this past week.
We as Christian have to stand up for what we believe and I also believe that we must quit judging others. I see this so much on every board (all Christian) that I belong too. We have to all come to the understanding that as Christians, God will take us all down different roads for Him to get us to where He wants us to be and It is none of our business what He choses to do with each of His children.
I also believe that as Christians we have sat back and let the world continue to come into ourlives and tell us what we can and cannot do and we must start standing up for what the Word of God says and quit just accepting things that we are told are right.
There are a lot of great songs out there today but, I think on of the best that has been written is Jeff Steeles song "We Want America Back". I think that song says it all. We need to stop giving and start taking our coutry back.
I believe that we must pray for our President daily. He is not perfect but, he is a child of the King.
I just want to thank you for this post. It is one of the best that I have seen in a long time and all I can say is AMEN.

[Leea]

I probably cannot quote this just like I have heard it, but it's something like this: Those who cannot stand up for anything will fall for anything. We are so bombarded by hundreds of different reports everyday on the same issue. It says in the Bible to respect our leaders. I'm guilty of doing the wrong the from time to time, but those who squall the most are the ones that do not every put themselves in our Presiden't shoes, just to name one. If they do, they may not be in touch with reality. When I was little I always thought my Dad would be the best president, but now I'm a little smarter. He's a wonderful man but that's a huge job. I'm like Roger, I stay at home all day and am flabergasted. God bless every God fearing person out there.

[Dub Davis]

AMEN AND AMEN! I agree 200% with what you said. I just wish I could have said it as well. I too am tired of being trashed by the media and others alike. I plan on taking a stand IN LOVE also.

Will be praying your test go well.
Thanks for all you stand for and for bringing together a great group of guys that love God and enjoy what ya'll do!

I too am from Texas and am thankful for a President that is not ashamed to take a stand for conservative principles.

Dub Davis
Elkhart, Tx.

[Coleen Jo Caldwell]

I have to say AMEN to all that you talk about in your meditation. We as Christians certainly need to stand up and make people realize that without His presence in this world, we wouldn't have a world. And we need to do all we can to honor and glorify His name.
God bless you for speaking out. And God give us all strength and courage to spread your love.

[Jenell McNeill]

Roger,
I agree wholeheartedly with your last post. I truly believe Revelations is being fulfilled. I ask God to give me boldness in speaking up against the "world"'s effort to take God from us and put sin in His place. We need to stand united for our Savior and the wriiten Word.
Still praying and holding the rope,in Christian love,
Jenell McNeill
Palestine, TX

[gms]

A direct hit!!!
How much clearer can it be. We have all been like Jonah heading to Tarshish. Why are we like that, we really do not want to disobey GOD, but our human-nes shows so often. Nineva was lost to GOD, and Jonah was afraid that GOD would bless and them favor. Is that why we are often silent? Are we afraid that GOD will bless those who have spurned HIM and not us who love and praise HIM? Would GOD leave us unloved? I think not. Just as Jonah we too are given a second chance to answer the call. We need to spread the Word of GOD to the lost. (St Mark 16:15b-16) That was Jesus last command before returning to Heaven.

What a reminder that if we do nothing we are disobedient.

gms