Saturday, February 27, 2016

My Two Life's Verses Are The Best I Have To Offer

(1) One side of the coin....
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake." Psm.115:1.

We are all born with a destiny, determined by God's own sovereign will and His foreknowledge of our own free will choices.

From before my beginning, my Creator knew exactly what my life would consist of and what I would think, say and do ... good or bad. He did not program me to do His will or to do evil, but gave me a mind, a predisposition and a will to choose. I have not always done the perfect will of God, even when I knew it. I cannot even say I always did my best to do the will of God. Nor can I say I always tried to do my best. But I can honestly say, I tried to try to do my best.

I was not the son I could have been if I had simply done my best, but I tried to try to be a son of honor to my parents. Neither was I the husband or father I could and should have been... if I had done my best. I always tried to try to be a good husband and father, but I faltered many times. And more importantly, I was not always the Christian I could have, and absolutely should have been ... God knows that better than I. He also knows, and always has known, that I would never rise to the heights of goodness and faithfulness He set before me, as other, greater men of God have obviously accomplished, walking more closely to Him.

In addition to my great God's foreknowledge of my few successes and many failures, He has always known that my fluctuating commitment to Him was, for me, an effort to even try to try to always do His will with my life.

In these last days of my time on this earth, I am peacefully content, because I know He loves me, to give account of myself to Him. I have His word in my heart that "By grace, through faith, I am saved and that not of myself; it is His gift to me, not of my works, lest I should be vainly boastful."

It is not through humility that I cannot boast of any positive accomplishments, but because I have more often failed than succeeded and have done nothing worth while which God, Himself, did not do through me... a simple by-stander and witness to His greatness and goodness.

(2) The other side of the coin....
"For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words." Ecc.5:3.

Only God knows the worth or worthlessness of my busy life. Even I do not know, but He has always known before the beginning of time and I shall give an accounting for all I have done and haven't done ... and so shall we all.

I write these words to be read, by whomever passes by, that nobody who looks upon my life and ministry and the things I may be given credit or blame for, will understand that all the glory belongs to God and all the blame belongs to me. So do not seek to live up to what you may think that I am ...."But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt.6:33. Seek to be Christlike. Jesus is the standard. His likeness is the goal.

The Apostle Paul wrote a similar avowal and confession in Romans 7. Read it. RB


Romans 7:14   For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 

  Romans 7:15   For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

  Romans 7:16   If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

  Romans 7:17   Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

  Romans 7:18   For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but howto perform that which is good I find not.

  Romans 7:19   For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

  Romans 7:20   Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

  Romans 7:21   I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

  Romans 7:22   For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

  Romans 7:23   But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

  Romans 7:24   O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

  Romans 7:25   I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. 

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Volunteering For Guilt, Sickness, Pain, Fear And Death

Anyone who thinks they can accept an invitation to dance with the devil and walk away, with impunity, doesn't understand the infectious nature of voluntarily embracing evil. "The wages of sin is death...." (Rom.6:23), is not just referring to the final separation from God in the "second death" (Rom.20:14). It is also alluding to the fact that doing evil drains the physical and spiritual life out of one's mind and body. Sin kills people physically and mentally... even Christians. Whether it is promiscuity, addiction, stealing, drunkenness, hatred, lying and even gluttony, not the worst of sins, but with serious consequences. And, compounding the damage sin does to the body and mind, is the additional damage guilt, regret and worry over it, does to the entirety of a person. Volunteering for sin is volunteering for sickness, pain and death. We all sin, but repentance, to God, is the only remedy for relief and restoration. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

What did Jesus do when He was tempted of the devil for 40 days and nights? He fasted, prayed to the Father and quoted scripture to the devil. That is a powerful formula for overcoming temptation. Jesus knows exactly how difficult is the allurement of sin, but He also knows how to overcome its devilish temptations.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Heb.4:15. The Spirit of Christ dwells in us and will help us as we seek an escape from temptation by following Christ's example....

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor.10:13.

Take the strength and comfort in God's word. With His help you can do it. RB

Saturday, February 6, 2016

If There Were No God There Would Be No Atheists

True "faith" in a falsehood is impossible. So remember this ... The evolutionist lives with constant doubt and is vulnerable to your faith and witness.

How strange is the existence of this contradictory category of people who are here, but were not created; Real people whose primary focus is upon a God who does not exist; People whose life has no purpose beyond their own lust, hunger, sleep, success, and survival; If there is no God, there is no justifiable moral standard; And yet they seek to convince others that their unbelief, in an obvious, universal truth, is superior to believing in it.

The Latin, Greek and Hebrew meaning of the word "science" is "true, studied, certainty of knowledge". Biblical faith is derived from reading, hearing and studying the Bible, which imparts its true knowledge and says of itself, "So then faith cometh by hearing .... the word of God." Romans 10:17. Faith, therefore, as is God's science, "true, studied, certainty of knowledge" and thus, an essential element in God's universal creation ... by employment of His "true" science of which He is also Creator. RB

So ... ".... keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called." 1Tim.6:20.

If there were no God, there would be no Atheists.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

All 50 States Reference Their Alliance With God In Their Constitutional Preambles

Now what does that tell you about the grassroots Citizens and Founding Fathers of the 50 united states of America?

Each and every U.S. State, from the 1776 original ones to Hawaii in 1959, built their State Constitutions squarely upon a "Preamble" confession of faith in the great God of our nation and of our Forefathers. That fact cannot be denied. Here are all 50, first sentence, Preamble Confessions of faith in the God of the Bible.

As a Texan, I call your attention to the fact that Texas is a "Republic". RB

The Preambles Of All 50 States Of The United States 

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble.  We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble.  We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble.  We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity . And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble.   We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. Establish this Constitution

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution .

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath   so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations,   for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty . establish this ..

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties .

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III.  That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to  Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution. Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to .enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other .

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia a reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 State Constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, just maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong... 

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." - William Penn

"Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions ...." Heb.11:33.

Whereas these State Preambles, written by each state's representatives according to the will of the citizens of their states, make a first sentence confession of their belief in the God of the Bible, they, even as the heros of the faith listed in Heb.11:33, who stopped the mouths of lions, these American heros "stopped the mouths of" Atheists and Agnostics. RB