Socialism vs. True Harmony

 

Socialism is not the key to harmony in a society it is the ruin of it. If it weren't for men like Alexander Graham Bell, Orville and Wilber Wright, Booker T. Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Columbus, etc. we would have never become a nation of new discovery, a nation of hope, a nation for the people, by the people, of the people. But despite all this John Dewey wanted the Christian religion gone from 'The Collective Society'. The thing that was the very foundation of America from the start. He saw it a threat to the harmony and growth of society. But without Christ there can't ever be true peace, true joy, true love. Only with the Bible as THE guide can anyone ever have a strong society. We're all sinners born into a sin filled world. There's no Utopia to have on this earth, but we can have hope in Christ, joy in His grace, and show love to others because He first loved us. Not a "Peace, Love, and Rock'n'roll" kind of thing, but a law abiding, level headed, care for others around you. That's the true "Harmony of the Collective Society".

Another Interesting Book...

I found a book that's so interesting, thought provoking, and well written that I wonder it hasn't been republished in recent years. Here's the opening paragraph... 

"There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither bond nor free; there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." 

~ Galatians 3:28 ~

"Woman was the finishing grace of creation. Woman was the completeness of man's bliss in Paradise. Woman was the cause of sin and death to our world. Woman was the means of our redemption. Woman is the mother of the human race; our companion, counselor, and comforter in the pilgrimage of life; or our tempter, our scourge, and our destroyer. Our sweetest cup of earthly happiness, or our bitterest draught of sorrow, is mixed and administered by her hand. She not only renders smooth or rough our path to the grave, but helps or hinders our progress to immortality. In heaven we shall bless God for her aid in assisting us to reach that blissful state, or amid the torments of unutterable woe in another region, we shall deplore the fatality of her influence."

What Shall I Do To Be Saved?

"And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..."

~ Acts 16:29 ~

"Whatever you may gain, life will be a lost adventure, if you do not gain salvation. The condition of the poorest creature that ever yet obtained, though he had but a mere glimmering of intellect, just enough of understanding to apprehend the nature of repentance; although he lived out his days amidst the squalid poverty and repulsive scenes of a hovel or a workhouse; although he was unknown even among the poor; and although when he died he was buried in the pauper's grave on which no tear was ever shed - the condition of even this poor outcast of society is infinitely to be preferred to that of the most successful merchant, the greatest conqueror, the profoundest philosopher, or the sublimest poet that ever existed, if he lived and died without salvation. 

The lowest place in heaven is infinitely to be preferred to the highest place on earth.

Go on then to urge the question, "What shall I do to be saved?" Let no one turn your attention from this matter. As long as you covet this, your eye and heart and hope are fixed on the sublimest object in the universe; and when officious but ignorant friends would persuade you that you are too anxious, point them to the bottomless pit, and ask them if any one can be too anxious to escape its torments.

Point them to heaven, and ask them if any one can be too anxious to obtain its glories.

Point them to the cross of Christ, and ask them if any one can be too anxious to secure the object for which he died." 

~ John Angell James, Exerpt from 'The Anxious Inquirer After Salvation' ~ 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

~ Romans 5:8 ~

Different Types of Investments

What is an investment? Well when you look in the 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language we see this, "The laying out of money in the purchase of some species of property, literally, the clothing of money with something." 

But we also know that beyond the physical realm of investments there are also the spiritual investments. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21.Then there is, I think, another investment, "Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction." Proverbs 10:14. "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinners is stored up for the righteous." Proverbs 13:22. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6. Do you see it? The third investment is in your children and their spiritual life.So let's review the three investments we can make...

1 ~ Investing in stocks, bonds, property, or other alternatives to hard cash. 

2 ~ Investing all aspects of your life into Christ's eternal "trust fund".

3 ~ Investing your time, wisdom, knowledge, and God's Word into your children and your children's children.

So what made me think on the differing investments of life? Well, as I was working on reorganizing all my hope chest stuff, I realized that all my cookware and other home making necessities were really investments. They were things that would later save me and my future husband money, thus allowing us to use that money we saved for other expenses. In the same way, all the studies and research we do in our Bibles are another kind of investment. As we study and search the Scriptures God gives us wisdom, knowledge, and a deeper love for Him. Same goes for our children. The investment of all you've learned from God should be poured out on your children. Teaching them from the Scriptures and other godly books.That got me thinking. How could I better invest in my children, before I'm even married? Then I had, one way was getting books! But not just any genre. Rather good, godly books that would encourage my future children to grow in Christ. With some of the money I've made on yard work and selling flower bouquets this month I spent on some amazing books! At least I think they are are a wonderful additions to my library! 

Dragons: Legends &  Lore of Dinosaurs

Taking Back Astronomy
By Jason Lisle

The Wonder of it All: The Creation Account According to the Book of Job
By Steve Terrill

God's Thoughts After Him: Great Science Who Honored the Creator
By Christine Dao

John Calvin: Man of the Millennium
By Philip Vollmer

The Fossil Record: Unearthing Nature's History of Life
By John D. Morris & Frank J. Sherwin

The Life and Times of Archbishop James Ussher
By J. A. Carr

Start your own collection of good foundational books for your future family's library!

Here are some links to places with good Christian books: Vision Forum ,  Institute for Creation Research and Answers in Genesis

I'd love to hear from you and what books you've found through the years!

The Inadequacy of Man and the Sufficency of God

Once in a while I thought I'd post some Bible study notes on here for all of you to "mull" over. So read, research, study, and of course leave a comment!

Mark 7:32-37 is the story of a man who was deaf and dumb and was healed by Christ. But the part that I fixated on was verses 34-35. "Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be open." Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly."

Those verses started me thinking. Without Christ what do we truly have?
What wisdom do we have? Save by the mercy of God.
What joy do we have? Save through Christ's sacrifice and grace.
What mercy can we truly show? Without first receiving mercy for our unforgivable wrong toward our Creator.
What love can we have for others? Without the example of Christ for the unlovable.

So how can anyone have wisdom without God who is the fountain of wisdom?
How can anyone have joy that's not based on worldly possessions, without having Christ as their eternal joy?
How can anyone truly have mercy on others around them unless they first receiving mercy for their sin?
How can anyone show love toward others unless Christ, the God of the universe showed it first toward those who didn't deserve it?

We our sinful nature rebels against anything good or just. All our "good deeds" are as worthless as plastic coin. Our selfishness and pride are so deeply ingrained in our souls that nothing we do or say would be truly good or just without Providence and His word. Incapable we truly are without God first changing us to be more like Himself, who is the only One who can do all things right.

Here are some references that I found:

Wisdom ~ Colossians 2:2-3, 1 Corinthians 1:24-25, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Exodus 31:3, Ephesians 1:17.


       Joy ~ John 15:11, Job 20:4-5, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 35:9, Psalm 51:12, 1 Thess. 2:19-20, Isaiah 12:2-3, John 16:22, Rom. 15:13, Gal. 5:22-24.


  Mercy ~ Matt. 5:7, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 57:10, Psalm 103:8, Gen. 39:21, Psalm 100:5.


    Love ~ Gal. 5:22-24, Col. 3:14, John15:9,12, Isaiah 63:7-9, Jeremiah 9:24. 

I know there are many more verses that would apply as well so feel free to share what you find! I'd love to hear about it!

Making A 180...

Taking Every Day Captive

"Yet, if at any stage of life you feel you're "flying by the seat of your pants," taking each day as it comes without having anticipated it, planned for it, shaped it, and prayed over it, then take time off and get back to poring over your goals. Then you will control your days, instead of letting them control you."

~Anne Ortlund~ 

'Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.'

~ Proverbs 29:18~

Blessed Are The Meek

Today I read a little devotional which I thought explained Christian meekness so well.

The Meek of the Earth

By Henry H. Morris, Ph.D.

(From Days of Praise June 26th 2011)

"Seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgement; seek rightness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." ~ Zephaniah 2:3 ~

   This phrase, "the meek of the earth," occurs three times in the Bible (Psalm 76:9, which promises their salvation; and Isaiah 11:4, which assures them justice). Our text promises deliverance from God's wrath. 

    "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" Matthew 5:5, said Jesus, referring to the promise of Psalm 37:11: "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

    There are many other similar promises: "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way" Psalm 25:9. "He will beatify the meek with salvation" Psalm 149:4, so we need to put on "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" 1 Peter 3:4.

    That meekness is not weakness is made clear from the first use of the word in the Bible. " Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" Numbers 12:3. Moses was strong and courageous, but also deeply humble and self-sacrificing; a man of prayer and trust in the Word of God, willing to defend it at all costs. The Lord Jesus defined meekness in terms of His own human character: "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" Matthew 11:29. 

    A meek spirit enables a Christian to maintain composure in the face of opposition, to accept adversity without complaint; promotion without arrogance; demotion without resentment. It produce a peace which no trouble can disturb and which no prosperity can puff up. Therefore, as our text commands: "Seek meekness!"

Why I started this blog...

Some of you might wonder, "why did she name her blog 'The Opportunity"? Well, it all started with this poem and others like it.
Opportunity
By Edward R. Still
This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:-
There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;
And underneath the cloud, or in it, raged
A furious battle, and men yelled, and swords
Shocked upon swords and shields,
A prince’s banner wavered, then staggered backward hemmed by foes.
A craven hung along the battle’s edge,
And thought, “Had I a sword of keener steel –
That blue blade that the king’s son bears– but this
Blunt thing!”– he snapped and flung it from his hand.
And lowering crept away and left the field.
Then came the king’s son, wounded, sore bestead,
And weaponless, and saw the broken sword,
Hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand,
And ran and snatched it, and with battle-shout
Lifted afresh he hewed his enemy down,
And saved a great cause that heroic day.

After I had read this I thought about how much we have changed from the way in which the Reformers and Puritans lived. How we have strayed so far from having that straight line drawn between right and wrong, godly and sinful. We, as Christians, should stand up for our faith, not run when the battle gets hard or looks like we will loose! What kind of example are we to the world if we just shrug our shoulders and say "we'll just live and let live"? Did Christ do that when He spoke to the Pharisees? No, very much the opposite. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." Matthew 23:27

So what then should we do as His ambassadors? 

For myself I enjoy writing and talking about issues and at times a bit too much. So I chose to have a blog where I can share what God has put on my hear. I hope this blog is an encouragement and exhorts you in your God given roles. Please feel free to leave a note or thought. Is there something that you disagree with or something that you would like to hear my opinion on? I'd love to hear from you!

I hope you all enjoy my Opportunity. 

What a Godly Keeper at Home (Or Housewife) is Not

By Stacy McDonald
(An excerpt from Passionate Housewives Desperate For God)       

       A godly keeper at home is absolutely not a lesser human being, a mindless robot, or a placid doormat under submission to all men; rather, she is created in the very image of God and equal worth and value compared to man (Genesis 1:26-28). She is the crown of her husband (Proverbs12:4, a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18). Because she trusts God's wisdom in establishing perfect order for His creation, she willingly submits to her own husband as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24).

      In God's economy, the godly housewife is no man's slave or piece of personal property; for her worth is “far above rubies” Proverbs 31:10. Nonetheless, she eagerly admits to being Christ's slave, which paradoxically makes her free indeed (1 Corinthians 7:22). She laughs when she hears rumors that she is an oppressed victim of a male-dominated dictatorship, because she knows that god's will is perfect and his Word timeless. Her place in society isn't ruled by the culture, but by God's unchanging and eternal Word. By His grace, she has no desire to question His ways (Isaiah 55:8); on the contrary, she rests in them.

      Hardly childish or unintelligent, a godly keeper at home opens her mouth with wisdom (Proverbs 31:26) and her husband and children praise her (Proverbs 31:28. She has opinions and ideas, and uses them for god's glory—not her own. She takes joy in being a helpmate to her husband so that her “husband is known in the gates” Proverbs 31:23 and so that his heart “safely trusts in her” and he “has no lack of gain” Proverbs 31:11.

       Though the counterfeit lure and charm of the seductress seeks to deceive and entice the housewife's husband, the godly woman's garden is filled with fragrant spices and delicious fruits (Song of Solomon 4;16). As she ravishes her husband's heart he sings of how her love is better than wine and her scent finer than expensive perfume (Song of Solomon 4:9-10). She is a “fruitful vine” at her husband's table Psalm 128:3, and the fruit of her body is blessed (Deuteronomy 28:4).

        Far from being a household drudge chained to her stove, the godly keeper at home is “like a merchant ship; she brings her food from afar” Psalm 31:14. Proverbs 31 reveals to us how a godly housewife impacts her community in various ways—feeding the poor, making purchases for the proper running of her household, dealing in wisdom with employees, and selling her homemade hoods. She is known in the community and honors her husband by representing him well while in public, yet her hub of productivity and her primary focus is the place she most loves to be—her home.

         The godly keeper at home wisely governs the household that God places in her care so that prudence ad sound judgment rule her decisions rather than covetousness or folly. Though she may wear pearls and high heels, she realizes that “charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” Proverbs 31:30.

Dispelling the Myth

Stacy McDonald

(Excerpt from Passionate Housewives, Desperate For God)

'Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is price is far above rubies'

Proverbs 31:10

       In the 1970s, the pro-feminist bestseller Stepford Wives turned the traditional housewife into a mindless, husband-pleasing, yes-woman who was literally heartless—because, come to find out, she was actually a robot. The message was clear: a woman who faithfully serves her family, loves pleasing her husband, and joyfully takes care of her home (from home) is not a “real person,” but a contrived fantasy of her overbearing and selfish husband.

       Instead of treasuring women and properly utilizing their gifts, our culture has attempted to discard the beauty and uniqueness of biblical womanhood and create an emotionally androgynous power-woman whose worth is measured only by the degree of her ambition, the shape of her body, and her money-making potential. Rather than women renouncing this affront to their dignity, amazingly, the slaves are demanding their slavery!

       In place of the glorious picture painted for us in Scripture of the passionate keeper at home, a hollow counterfeit has emerged—a desperate image concocted and promoted by Hollywood stereotypes, magazine models, and women's self-help books.

      The rise of the Internet has only added to the confusion. As women have gravitated to the web en masse, they have met a flood of men and women of all backgrounds and persuasions propounding conflicting notions of what it means to be a woman. The cacophony of ideas and teachings that today's Christian women must wade through as they contemplate their rightful place in God's created order can be simply overwhelming.

      Of course, the challenge of determining the meaning of true biblical womanhood is not unique to our time. While today's women may be bombarded with more media steams than their counterparts of previous generations, biblical femininity has always been an unusual quality. This is what led king Lemuel's mother to observe, “who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10. Virtuous women have always been rare, and oh, how precious they are!

The Baby Conference

The Baby Conference Audio Album from Vision Forum on Vimeo.
This is a life changing conference that makes you really think of your stand on abortion, having many children, taking care of your aging parents or grandparents, and if what you believe is really what God says is right. 
You can buy this at Vision Forum on MP3 or CD.
Or you can download this entire set on bluebehemoth.com
This Conference will change your life! These issues are serious and effecting our lives today. This world has fallen so far away from God and the Word. No longer are things black and white but obscured by this corrupt world. 
It's time to change our world views to what God says is right not what the world approves of.

"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. 

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’"                                                        ~Matthew 25:34-40~

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

The Fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one's youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;

They shall not be ashamed.

But shall speak with their enemies in the gates."

~Psalm 127:3-5

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
~Colossians 3:17~

What is happening to our churches?

Segregation from Leclerc Brothers Motion Pictures on Vimeo.


    This is a serious problem that I also have seen happen over and over again as well. It's time to change the way we teach, raise and train our children. The time is now! We are not of this world, just in it and it is time to stop trying to appeal to the world ("...Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4) and to start to "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 
    Now is the time to change our churches before more of our children go astray because of the worldly views that we have allowed to grow in our churches. Let us not look back in 5, maybe 10 years to see the very name of Christendom a laugh and considered not but another religion by our very own children! Something they deride and reject as foolish childish stories! 

Parents, Pastors, Elders,

The Time Is Now!

 Don't wait until tomorrow for tomorrow never comes. We have but a moment on this earth to do God's will, let us not loose our children to the world through our own laziness.  

   

"Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord! Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed."

Psalm 112:1-2

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has a quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate."

Psalm 127:3-5

May what David stated be something we can be proud to claim as true with our families as well!

What Is The World To Me? By Georg M. Pfefferkorn

VS.

What is the world to me,

With all its vaunted pleasure

When Thou, and Thou alone,

Lord Jesus, art my Treasure!

Thou only, dearest Lord,

My soul’s Delight shalt be;

Thou art my Peace, my Rest—

What is the world to me?

"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

My body also will rest secure...

You have made known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Psalm 16:9, 11

The world is like a cloud

And like a vapor fleeting,

A shadow that declines,

Swift to its end retreating.

My Jesus doth abide,

Though all things fade and flee;

My everlasting Rock—

What is the world to me?

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens,

And look on the earth beneath.

For the heavens will vanish away like smoke,

The earth will grow old like a garment,

And those who dwell in it will die in like manner;

But My salvation will be forever,

And My righteousness will not be abolished."

Isaiah 51:6

The world seeks to be praised

And honored by the mighty,
Yet never once reflects
That they are frail and flighty.
But what I truly prize
Above all things is He,
My Jesus, He alone—
What is the world to me?

"All flesh is grass,
And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever."
Isaiah 40:6-8

The world seeks after wealth

And all that Mammon offers,

Yet never is content

Though gold should fill it coffers.

I have a higher good,

Content with it I’ll be:

My Jesus is my Wealth—

What is the world to me?

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

The world is sorely grieved

Whenever it is slighted

Or when its hollow fame

And honor have been blighted.

Christ, Thy reproach I bear

Long as it pleaseth Thee;

I’m honored by my Lord—

What is the world to me?

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

John 15:18-19

The world with wanton pride

Exalts its sinful pleasures

And for them foolishly

Gives up the heavenly treasures.

Let others love the world

With all its vanity;

I love the Lord, my God—

What is the world to me?

"But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them."

Hebrews 11:13

The world abideth not;

Lo, like a flash ’twill vanish;

With all it gorgeous pomp

Pale death it cannot banish;

Its riches pass away,

And all its joys must flee;

But Jesus doth abide—

What is the world to me?

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."

1 John 2:15-17

What is the world to me?
My Jesus is my Treasure,
My Life, my Health, my Wealth,
My Friend, my Love, my Pleasure,
My Joy, my Crown, my All,
My Bliss eternally.
Once more, then, I declare—
What is the world to me?

"Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be greatly moved."
Psalm 62:1-2

"He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen."

1 Timothy 6:11