Since today is George Washington's Birthday, I wanted to post an excellent quote by him...
"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
And while I'm at it, a quote on the smaller "world" we all are part of: the Family :)
"The family is God’s incubator for children.”
- Tony Pogue
Monday, February 22, 2010
More on the Tongue
Yesterday at Church my Daddy gave a very interesting talk on the Apostle Paul and his life and work, and Mr. Trent Hendrix gave a wonderful (and very convicting/encouraging) message on how we are supposed to use our Tongues! One of his main Scripture passages was Ezekiel 2:3-8.
"Son of man, I am sending you to...a rebellious people who have transgressed against Me to this very day. I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God.' As for them, whether they listen or not- for they are a rebellious house- they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house..."
There were things that stood out to me in this passage:
1.- Several times it mentions "speaking" the Words of the Lord. It made me think, Do I know enough of what God's Word says to incorporate it in my speech?
2.- I realized one part of this passage was very necessary to the rest: "listen to what I am speaking to you". I have to heed what Scripture says! I can't make Scripture say what I want it to-- it can only mean what God wants it to mean!! Even when it's difficult.
3.- Fear Costs! Fear is death wish to anything. And look at what God tells us not to fear! "neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles are with you and you sit on scorpions" How often does fear keep me from being a witness to the Lord with my life?
4.- "Speak My Words to them whether they listen or not" How discouraging this can be! It is so hard to apply this, especially with family members you love. For me, it's hard to keep on keeping on when the person your heart wants to help doesn't seem interested AT ALL!!!
5.- Last of all, it is sooo easy (at least for me) to fall back into old ways of thinking, ways of thinking that are worldly and anti-God. And look at what God says here: "Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house..." Rebellion is especially hard for me... I want my way NOW!!! (What a terrible attitude!)
Another Scripture he used was Galatians 4:6- "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
He asked all of us, "Are you "full of grace" or are you a "salt shaker"?" He pointed out that neither are right if not properly balanced with the other! If you are always kind and full of grace in your speech, but you don't share the Truth of God (which sometimes hurts) it's no more right than being "too salty"-- speaking the Truth of God, but with no love or grace towards others! One thing that I noticed was the ending of this verse: "so that you will know how you should respond to each person". That is so true. When we speak God's Word,with Grace, we can answer in a godly way, that points others to Christ.
I hope this encourages all of you as much as it has me! Do any of you have any tips for keeping our tongues in submission to Christ? If you do, I would love to hear them!!
"Son of man, I am sending you to...a rebellious people who have transgressed against Me to this very day. I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God.' As for them, whether they listen or not- for they are a rebellious house- they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house..."
There were things that stood out to me in this passage:
1.- Several times it mentions "speaking" the Words of the Lord. It made me think, Do I know enough of what God's Word says to incorporate it in my speech?
2.- I realized one part of this passage was very necessary to the rest: "listen to what I am speaking to you". I have to heed what Scripture says! I can't make Scripture say what I want it to-- it can only mean what God wants it to mean!! Even when it's difficult.
3.- Fear Costs! Fear is death wish to anything. And look at what God tells us not to fear! "neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles are with you and you sit on scorpions" How often does fear keep me from being a witness to the Lord with my life?
4.- "Speak My Words to them whether they listen or not" How discouraging this can be! It is so hard to apply this, especially with family members you love. For me, it's hard to keep on keeping on when the person your heart wants to help doesn't seem interested AT ALL!!!
5.- Last of all, it is sooo easy (at least for me) to fall back into old ways of thinking, ways of thinking that are worldly and anti-God. And look at what God says here: "Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house..." Rebellion is especially hard for me... I want my way NOW!!! (What a terrible attitude!)
Another Scripture he used was Galatians 4:6- "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
He asked all of us, "Are you "full of grace" or are you a "salt shaker"?" He pointed out that neither are right if not properly balanced with the other! If you are always kind and full of grace in your speech, but you don't share the Truth of God (which sometimes hurts) it's no more right than being "too salty"-- speaking the Truth of God, but with no love or grace towards others! One thing that I noticed was the ending of this verse: "so that you will know how you should respond to each person". That is so true. When we speak God's Word,with Grace, we can answer in a godly way, that points others to Christ.
I hope this encourages all of you as much as it has me! Do any of you have any tips for keeping our tongues in submission to Christ? If you do, I would love to hear them!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Tongue: A Deadly Weapon
One of the things the Lord has been teaching me lately is how powerful my tongue is. As Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” And that's true. We have been given the power to build up or tear down others simply by our words!
“No one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison…so also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” James 3:8,5
Do any of you have trouble controlling your tongue? I do! As it says in the above passage, the tongue “is a small part”, yet I often find it to be the most difficult to bring into submission under Christ!!
A passage I found the other day sounds terribly like myself:
“…Grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining advantage.” (Jude 16)
After doing a little research, I found something very shocking. What do you think is the characteristic of the “strange woman” of Proverbs described most? Her speech! Over and over we find passages like the ones below:
“To deliver you from the strange woman, from the adulteress who flatters with her words.” – Proverbs 2:16
“For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech.” – Proverbs 5:3
“The woman of folly is boisterous, she is naïve and knows nothing.” -Proverbs 9:13
Do you know that three of the seven things that the book of Proverbs says that God hates and are abominations before Him deal with the Tongue?
“Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil. A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” - Proverbs 6:17-19
One of the things I seem to struggle with the most is “babbling” on with nothing edifying to say, or simply blurting out things that are hurtful to others (even if they might have some truth to them). Scripture speaks clearly to this:
“The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined.”
-Proverbs 10:8
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” -Proverbs 10:19
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” -Proverbs 25:11
“A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.” -Proverbs 18:2
“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.” -Proverbs 11:22
One of the other things I battle the most is Pride, which naturally overflows into my speech! When I read what Proverbs said about this…ouch!
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” -Proverbs 27:2
I think we, as daughters are often careless with the great responsibility of edifying others with our speech. There lies before us a great decision: Will we identify with what the Scriptures call the ‘Strange Woman’?
“She is boisterous and rebellious, her feet do not remain at home.” -Proverbs 7:11
Or the ‘Godly Woman’ of Proverbs 31?
“She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” -Proverbs 31:26
As Thumper says on Bambi, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!” President Calvin Coolidge said it this way, "I have never been hurt by anything I didn't say."
“Even a fool when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered wise.” -Proverbs 17:28
“No one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison…so also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” James 3:8,5
Do any of you have trouble controlling your tongue? I do! As it says in the above passage, the tongue “is a small part”, yet I often find it to be the most difficult to bring into submission under Christ!!
A passage I found the other day sounds terribly like myself:
“…Grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining advantage.” (Jude 16)
After doing a little research, I found something very shocking. What do you think is the characteristic of the “strange woman” of Proverbs described most? Her speech! Over and over we find passages like the ones below:
“To deliver you from the strange woman, from the adulteress who flatters with her words.” – Proverbs 2:16
“For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech.” – Proverbs 5:3
“The woman of folly is boisterous, she is naïve and knows nothing.” -Proverbs 9:13
Do you know that three of the seven things that the book of Proverbs says that God hates and are abominations before Him deal with the Tongue?
“Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil. A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” - Proverbs 6:17-19
One of the things I seem to struggle with the most is “babbling” on with nothing edifying to say, or simply blurting out things that are hurtful to others (even if they might have some truth to them). Scripture speaks clearly to this:
“The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined.”
-Proverbs 10:8
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” -Proverbs 10:19
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” -Proverbs 25:11
“A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.” -Proverbs 18:2
“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.” -Proverbs 11:22
One of the other things I battle the most is Pride, which naturally overflows into my speech! When I read what Proverbs said about this…ouch!
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” -Proverbs 27:2
I think we, as daughters are often careless with the great responsibility of edifying others with our speech. There lies before us a great decision: Will we identify with what the Scriptures call the ‘Strange Woman’?
“She is boisterous and rebellious, her feet do not remain at home.” -Proverbs 7:11
Or the ‘Godly Woman’ of Proverbs 31?
“She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” -Proverbs 31:26
As Thumper says on Bambi, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!” President Calvin Coolidge said it this way, "I have never been hurt by anything I didn't say."
“Even a fool when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered wise.” -Proverbs 17:28
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Who Are Your Heroes?
A month or so back I listened to the first half of Mr. Doug Phillips' cd set, "Identity Theft". On it Mr. Phillips asked the questions: What kind of films do you watch? What kind of songs do you sing? What kind of books do you read? Who are your heroes? Who do you try to emulate?
Do you ever listen to a cd and for some reason your toes start hurting??
Mine were. But it wasn't because I was convicted for reading grossly immoral things. Rather, I was convicted about my carelessness. As Proverbs 19:16 says, "He who is careless of conduct will die."
The reason I was convicted was because it is so easy to drift back into old mindsets, and we must constantly be on guard against this. And unfortunately, I tend to fall very easily into the trap of thinking, "Oh, I don't think I'd ever think that way again." And sooner than I think, I'll have a thought or will say something, and I think, "Where did that come from?!" It came from an unguarded heart and a thought that was not taken captive. As David Brainerd said, "I have ever found it, when I have thought the battle was over and the conqest gained, and so let down my watch, the enemy had risen up and done me the greatest injury."
This is so important! I want my children (my daughters, especially) to have very different heroes from some of the ones I had when I was a little girl. I don't want my daughters to look up to Condi like I did! I'd much rather my little girls look up to Sarah Edwards with admiration, than to Sarah Palin!
I am so thankful that the Lord has worked in my life, and has given me a new heart, filled with new hopes, and new heroes. But it is still hard work pulling up the remaining weeds of feminism (and there are lots of them!).
One of the things I've realized is that the world is full of people who want to be our heroes. Another thing I've realized is that our heroes have an incredible sphere of influence over us. We must seek out people who are worthy to be looked up to, but they can be found. The people I look up to the most are the people who point to Christ with their lives. That's the kind of person I want to be.
So, who are your heroes?
Do you ever listen to a cd and for some reason your toes start hurting??
Mine were. But it wasn't because I was convicted for reading grossly immoral things. Rather, I was convicted about my carelessness. As Proverbs 19:16 says, "He who is careless of conduct will die."
The reason I was convicted was because it is so easy to drift back into old mindsets, and we must constantly be on guard against this. And unfortunately, I tend to fall very easily into the trap of thinking, "Oh, I don't think I'd ever think that way again." And sooner than I think, I'll have a thought or will say something, and I think, "Where did that come from?!" It came from an unguarded heart and a thought that was not taken captive. As David Brainerd said, "I have ever found it, when I have thought the battle was over and the conqest gained, and so let down my watch, the enemy had risen up and done me the greatest injury."
This is so important! I want my children (my daughters, especially) to have very different heroes from some of the ones I had when I was a little girl. I don't want my daughters to look up to Condi like I did! I'd much rather my little girls look up to Sarah Edwards with admiration, than to Sarah Palin!
I am so thankful that the Lord has worked in my life, and has given me a new heart, filled with new hopes, and new heroes. But it is still hard work pulling up the remaining weeds of feminism (and there are lots of them!).
One of the things I've realized is that the world is full of people who want to be our heroes. Another thing I've realized is that our heroes have an incredible sphere of influence over us. We must seek out people who are worthy to be looked up to, but they can be found. The people I look up to the most are the people who point to Christ with their lives. That's the kind of person I want to be.
So, who are your heroes?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A Quote for Today
"We are all missionaries... wherever we go, we either bring people nearer to Christ, or we repel them from Christ."
- Eric Liddell
- Eric Liddell
Finding Joy in the Little Things
"...God loves a cheerful giver."
-2 Corinthians 9:7
For many years I thought this meant that God just wanted us to give. But I've come to realize that you can either give grudgingly, or cheerfully. Joy is what makes the difference.
I have a terrible habit of giving outwardly, while inwardly (sometimes outwardly... well, alright, alot of times) complaining. The Lord has greatly convicted me. He has revealed that what He desires from me is true joy when serving those around me.
We recently watched a film called Saving Sarah Cain. While it had many wonderful truths in it, one of the most convicting was when the oldest daughter, Lydia, said, "Dish-washing has never been a chore" (paraphrased). WOW! Can I say that? Ouch...
This young woman had found Joy in the little things, serving her family cheerfully, in preparation for someday having her own family.
Sadly, I am often too caught up in desiring to achieve "great things" that I fail to realize that the thing I can do to bring the most glory to God is to find Joy doing the little things!
-2 Corinthians 9:7
For many years I thought this meant that God just wanted us to give. But I've come to realize that you can either give grudgingly, or cheerfully. Joy is what makes the difference.
I have a terrible habit of giving outwardly, while inwardly (sometimes outwardly... well, alright, alot of times) complaining. The Lord has greatly convicted me. He has revealed that what He desires from me is true joy when serving those around me.
We recently watched a film called Saving Sarah Cain. While it had many wonderful truths in it, one of the most convicting was when the oldest daughter, Lydia, said, "Dish-washing has never been a chore" (paraphrased). WOW! Can I say that? Ouch...
This young woman had found Joy in the little things, serving her family cheerfully, in preparation for someday having her own family.
Sadly, I am often too caught up in desiring to achieve "great things" that I fail to realize that the thing I can do to bring the most glory to God is to find Joy doing the little things!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
It's been so long...
It's been a little while since I've posted, so here's one more great quote...
"If you want to grow, you must be willing to stretch."
- Anonymous
"If you want to grow, you must be willing to stretch."
- Anonymous
A Quote For Today
"Remember always that tomorrow is the devil's day. Satan does not care how spiritual your intentions are, or how holy your resolutions are if only they are determined to be done tomorrow."
-Michael Billings
-Michael Billings
More on Joy
"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice!"
-Philippians 4:4
I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a very hard time implementing this in my life! When things get difficult I'm the first to whine and complain. I stomp my foot and demand that God give me my way. NOW!
What a wrong attitude! Rather than informing God that this is not how I wanted my day to go, I ought to be thanking Him for being at work in my life.
How quick I am to rejoice when things are going good- but how slow I am to rejoice in pain or disappointment!
A verse I've been really thinking about lately is not only an encouragement, but also a great conviction:
"For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
-Romans 8:28
And because this is true, I need to learn to find Joy in all things, all the time!!!
-Philippians 4:4
I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a very hard time implementing this in my life! When things get difficult I'm the first to whine and complain. I stomp my foot and demand that God give me my way. NOW!
What a wrong attitude! Rather than informing God that this is not how I wanted my day to go, I ought to be thanking Him for being at work in my life.
How quick I am to rejoice when things are going good- but how slow I am to rejoice in pain or disappointment!
A verse I've been really thinking about lately is not only an encouragement, but also a great conviction:
"For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
-Romans 8:28
And because this is true, I need to learn to find Joy in all things, all the time!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
One More!
If you haven't already realized it, I have a terrible weakness for quotes! :) So here's one more...
"Do not waste your youth. Take on mighty challenges."
-Scott Brown
If anyone has any quotes they enjoy, I'd love to hear them, so drop me a comment!
"Do not waste your youth. Take on mighty challenges."
-Scott Brown
If anyone has any quotes they enjoy, I'd love to hear them, so drop me a comment!
The Joy of the Lord is our Strength
After taking the "Joy Challenge" I told everyone about several days ago, I thought I'd share a few verses on Joy, as well as some of my thoughts.
"Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; and let them say continually. 'The Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.'"
-Psalm 35:27
"Rejoice always: Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's Will for you in Christ Jesus."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Sing for joy in the Lord, O you upright ones; praise is becoming to the upright."
-Psalm 33:1
"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice!"
-Philippians 4:4
"Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you might abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
- Romans 15:13
"A joyful heart makes a cheerful face..."
- Proverbs 15:13
"...God loves a cheerful giver."
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
- Proverbs 17:22
Something that struck me as I began searching my Bible for references to Joy, was that so many had OUTWARD evidences of the INWARD Joy! Look over the verses again: "shout for joy", "sing for joy", "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face"!
One verse I've been meditating on the past day or two has been Proverbs 17:22- "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Perhaps it might have something to do with the fact that Mamma's been sick this week!)
Just recently have I realized that the attitudes of those around us affect us, especially when we're sick. If you are not feeling well and those around you are complaining and griping, does it make you feel better or worse?? WORSE!
I need to make an extra effort to allow the Joy of the Lord to be at work in my life when those around me are sick.
I have been so convicted when I think of how often I complain rather than joyfully serving those around me who are sick. How selfish! Yet I want those who serve me to be nice, and kind, and JOYFUL! But I know the only way I can change this in myself is to rely on the Strength of the Lord, which is my Joy (see Nehemiah 8:10)!
I would really appreciate your prayers as I struggle with not only expressing Joy to those around me, but more importantly, having the Joy of the Lord in my Heart.
"Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; and let them say continually. 'The Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.'"
-Psalm 35:27
"Rejoice always: Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's Will for you in Christ Jesus."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Sing for joy in the Lord, O you upright ones; praise is becoming to the upright."
-Psalm 33:1
"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice!"
-Philippians 4:4
"Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you might abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
- Romans 15:13
"A joyful heart makes a cheerful face..."
- Proverbs 15:13
"...God loves a cheerful giver."
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
- Proverbs 17:22
Something that struck me as I began searching my Bible for references to Joy, was that so many had OUTWARD evidences of the INWARD Joy! Look over the verses again: "shout for joy", "sing for joy", "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face"!
One verse I've been meditating on the past day or two has been Proverbs 17:22- "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Perhaps it might have something to do with the fact that Mamma's been sick this week!)
Just recently have I realized that the attitudes of those around us affect us, especially when we're sick. If you are not feeling well and those around you are complaining and griping, does it make you feel better or worse?? WORSE!
I need to make an extra effort to allow the Joy of the Lord to be at work in my life when those around me are sick.
I have been so convicted when I think of how often I complain rather than joyfully serving those around me who are sick. How selfish! Yet I want those who serve me to be nice, and kind, and JOYFUL! But I know the only way I can change this in myself is to rely on the Strength of the Lord, which is my Joy (see Nehemiah 8:10)!
I would really appreciate your prayers as I struggle with not only expressing Joy to those around me, but more importantly, having the Joy of the Lord in my Heart.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A Quote from Today's Birthday Boy
The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
- Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan would be 99 today!
- Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan would be 99 today!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Quote of the Day
"Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation."
- Andrew Murray
Hope I didn't overwhelm everyone with that last post!
- Andrew Murray
Hope I didn't overwhelm everyone with that last post!
Deo Vindice?
For those of you who are interested, Deo Vindice means "The Lord will Vindicate". It was the Motto placed on the Great Seal of the Confederacy, reflecting their faith in the Sovereign Providence of the Lord. If you can't tell already, I'm a big fan of the Confederacy :)
Just to show the mindset of the people, here's how the motto was changed from Deo Duce Vincemus (Under the leadership of God we will conquer) to Deo Vindice--
"The word ' duce' is too pagan in its signification, and is degrading to God, because it reduces him to the leader of an army; for scarcely does the word 'duce' escape the lips before the imagination suggests 'exercitus,' an army for a leader to command. It degrades the Christian God to the level of pagan gods, goddesses and heroes, as is manifest from the following quotation; 'Nil desperandum Tenero duce.' This word duce is particularly objectionable because of its connection with the word 'vincemus'--(we will conquer). This connection makes God the leader of a physical army, by means of which we will conquer, or must conquer. If God be our leader we must conquer, or he would not be the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, nor the God of the Christian. This very doubt implied in the word 'vincemus' so qualifies the omnipotence of the God who is to be our 'leader,' that it imparts a degrading signification to the word 'duce' in its relations to the attributes of the Deity.
"The word 'vincemus' is equally objectionable because it implies that war is to be our normal state; besides, it is in the future tense --' we will conquer.' The future is always uncertain, and ,therefore, it implies doubt. What becomes of our motto when we shall have conquered? The future becomes an accomplished fact, and our motto thus loses its significance.
"In addition to this there are only two languages in which the words will and shall are to be found--the English and the German--and in those they are used to qualify a positive condition of the mind and render it uncertain; they are repugnant to repose, quiet, absolute and positive existence.
"As to the motto proposed by us, we concur with the House in accepting the word 'Deo'--God. We do so in conformity to the expressed wishes of the framers of our Constitution, and the sentiments of the people and of the army.
"The preamble of the Provisional Constitution declares that 'We, the deputies of the sovereign and independent States of South Carolina, etc., invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain,' etc.
"In this respect both our Constitutions have deviated in the most emphatic manner from the spirit that presided over the construction of the Constitution of the United States, which is silent on the subject of the Deity.
"Having discarded the word 'duce,' the committee endeavored to select in lieu of it a word more in consonance with the attributes of the Deity, and therefore more imposing and significant. They think success has crowned their efforts in the selection of the word 'vindex,' which signifies an assenter, a defender, protector, deliverer, liberator, a mediator and a ruler or guardian. 'Vindex' also means an avenger or punisher.
"No word appeared more grand, more expressive or significant than this. Under God as the asserter of our rights, the defender of our liberties, our protector against danger, our mediator, our ruler and guardian, and, as the avenger of our wrongs and the punisher of our crimes, we endeavor to equal or even excel our ancestors. What word can be suggested of more power, and so replete with sentiments and thoughts consonant with our idea of the omnipotence and justice of God?
"At this point the committee hesitated whether it were necessary to add anything further to the motto 'Deo Vindice.' These words alone were sufficient..."
-Quote taken from www.civilwarhome.com
Just to show the mindset of the people, here's how the motto was changed from Deo Duce Vincemus (Under the leadership of God we will conquer) to Deo Vindice--
"The word ' duce' is too pagan in its signification, and is degrading to God, because it reduces him to the leader of an army; for scarcely does the word 'duce' escape the lips before the imagination suggests 'exercitus,' an army for a leader to command. It degrades the Christian God to the level of pagan gods, goddesses and heroes, as is manifest from the following quotation; 'Nil desperandum Tenero duce.' This word duce is particularly objectionable because of its connection with the word 'vincemus'--(we will conquer). This connection makes God the leader of a physical army, by means of which we will conquer, or must conquer. If God be our leader we must conquer, or he would not be the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, nor the God of the Christian. This very doubt implied in the word 'vincemus' so qualifies the omnipotence of the God who is to be our 'leader,' that it imparts a degrading signification to the word 'duce' in its relations to the attributes of the Deity.
"The word 'vincemus' is equally objectionable because it implies that war is to be our normal state; besides, it is in the future tense --' we will conquer.' The future is always uncertain, and ,therefore, it implies doubt. What becomes of our motto when we shall have conquered? The future becomes an accomplished fact, and our motto thus loses its significance.
"In addition to this there are only two languages in which the words will and shall are to be found--the English and the German--and in those they are used to qualify a positive condition of the mind and render it uncertain; they are repugnant to repose, quiet, absolute and positive existence.
"As to the motto proposed by us, we concur with the House in accepting the word 'Deo'--God. We do so in conformity to the expressed wishes of the framers of our Constitution, and the sentiments of the people and of the army.
"The preamble of the Provisional Constitution declares that 'We, the deputies of the sovereign and independent States of South Carolina, etc., invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain,' etc.
"In this respect both our Constitutions have deviated in the most emphatic manner from the spirit that presided over the construction of the Constitution of the United States, which is silent on the subject of the Deity.
"Having discarded the word 'duce,' the committee endeavored to select in lieu of it a word more in consonance with the attributes of the Deity, and therefore more imposing and significant. They think success has crowned their efforts in the selection of the word 'vindex,' which signifies an assenter, a defender, protector, deliverer, liberator, a mediator and a ruler or guardian. 'Vindex' also means an avenger or punisher.
"No word appeared more grand, more expressive or significant than this. Under God as the asserter of our rights, the defender of our liberties, our protector against danger, our mediator, our ruler and guardian, and, as the avenger of our wrongs and the punisher of our crimes, we endeavor to equal or even excel our ancestors. What word can be suggested of more power, and so replete with sentiments and thoughts consonant with our idea of the omnipotence and justice of God?
"At this point the committee hesitated whether it were necessary to add anything further to the motto 'Deo Vindice.' These words alone were sufficient..."
-Quote taken from www.civilwarhome.com
149 Years Ago Today!
149 years ago today, delegates from the six seceded Southern states (South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana) met and began drafting a Constitution, creating a new repulic, the Confederate States of America, dedicated to the principle of State's Rights. Below is the preamble...
"We, the people of the Confederate States, each State acting in its sovereign and independent character, in order to form a permanent federal government, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity — invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God — do ordain and establish this Constitution for the Confederate States of America."
Five States later joined the Confederate States of America: Texas, Virginia, Tennesse, Arkansas, and North Carolina.
Hooray for the Confederacy!!! :)
"We, the people of the Confederate States, each State acting in its sovereign and independent character, in order to form a permanent federal government, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity — invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God — do ordain and establish this Constitution for the Confederate States of America."
Five States later joined the Confederate States of America: Texas, Virginia, Tennesse, Arkansas, and North Carolina.
Hooray for the Confederacy!!! :)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Have you Heard About the Joy Challenge?
If you haven't heard about the "Joy Challenge", visit the Feminine Farmgirl Blog, by clicking on the link in my Recommended Links!
Today's Quote
"Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins. God's love is still working. He comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out His wonderful plan of love."
- Eric Liddell
- Eric Liddell
Pray for the Rescue of Haiti's Children
I and my family have been praying for the survivors of Haiti's Quake, especially the orphans, and have been following the updates on Doug's Blog. What a blessing to have a Christian reporting about the work down there!
For any of you not familiar with Vision Forum, here's an article by Mr. Doug Phillips posted on his blog about a week ago:
In less than 24 hours, I will be boarding a plane on an important mission bound for Haiti. I am writing because I need your help.
Here is the story.
My mission to Haiti is four-fold: First, I will be establishing one of the only distinctively Christian reporting operations to tell stories of both the present crisis and the work of Christians on behalf of the sick and the widows and the orphans in the midst of Haiti’s present horror. Second, I will be working to facilitate the rescue and delivery of orphans to Christian families in America. Third, I will be identifying specific families that need direct support from the people of God in America. Fourth, my team will be providing specific relief to people in distress.
My starting team is seven individuals, including an experienced medical doctor, a logistics crew, and a film production team for news reportage. I should be joined by additional team members in Haiti including a driver, translator, and possibly more physicians in the days to come.
I believe that I can play a special role in getting important stories out to the people of God in a timely and meaningful way. I also believe that I can be effective in helping some of the most important Christian ministries to get the attention they need. I believe that we can be successful, by God’s grace, in meeting urgent medical needs of the sick and wounded in the wake of the recent disaster, documenting the needs of orphans in crisis, and helping to facilitate a plan to connect orphans with the very best families who can care for them.
Our camera team will document the story, and I will be posting regular video updates and written commentary on our outreach to Haiti as it unfolds. You can follow these updates on my blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. My staff will also be making them available through YouTube to the general public. WorldNetDaily has agreed to publish articles I write on Haiti as exclusive commentary on their website to help maximize the reach of our message. Our goal is to reach a broad audience with the details of our ministry in Haiti, and the outlet through WND will help in accomplishing this.
As I’m sure you know, the devastation in Haiti has been overwhelming. More people have died as a result of this earthquake than died in either the Nagasaki or Hiroshima bombings at the close of WWII. Already, the death toll from the earthquake ranks it among the top five most deadly natural disasters in the last century and the top twenty in recorded history. And the death count only continues to climb.
Our goal is to be ministers of Christ in the wake of this enormous disaster — to help rescue Haiti’s children — and we would solicit your prayers and support for this enterprise.
Here’s where things stand: Our transportation to Haiti has been secured. A private jet has been made available for our use to the country. We have transportation and an interpreter who will be guiding us through the disaster zones. We have a clear plan in place to make the most of our mission.
But we need help with the expenses including our technical needs, satellite broadcast feeds (which are expensive), equipment, supplies, and air transportation back through the Dominican Republic to America, in the likely circumstance that we are unable to get out through Port-au-Prince.
I have had to move quickly: I have made the decision to go even before all the funds have been provided; but I would sincerely ask for your consideration in supporting us on this important project. I would appreciate your support, be it prayer or financial assistance, for our mission. Donations to help our effort can be made online. Click here to donate.
Please stay tuned for our broadcasts and articles. May the Lord be pleased to use our humble efforts at this time of intense crisis.
Your friend in Christ, Doug Phillips
For any of you not familiar with Vision Forum, here's an article by Mr. Doug Phillips posted on his blog about a week ago:
In less than 24 hours, I will be boarding a plane on an important mission bound for Haiti. I am writing because I need your help.
Here is the story.
My mission to Haiti is four-fold: First, I will be establishing one of the only distinctively Christian reporting operations to tell stories of both the present crisis and the work of Christians on behalf of the sick and the widows and the orphans in the midst of Haiti’s present horror. Second, I will be working to facilitate the rescue and delivery of orphans to Christian families in America. Third, I will be identifying specific families that need direct support from the people of God in America. Fourth, my team will be providing specific relief to people in distress.
My starting team is seven individuals, including an experienced medical doctor, a logistics crew, and a film production team for news reportage. I should be joined by additional team members in Haiti including a driver, translator, and possibly more physicians in the days to come.
I believe that I can play a special role in getting important stories out to the people of God in a timely and meaningful way. I also believe that I can be effective in helping some of the most important Christian ministries to get the attention they need. I believe that we can be successful, by God’s grace, in meeting urgent medical needs of the sick and wounded in the wake of the recent disaster, documenting the needs of orphans in crisis, and helping to facilitate a plan to connect orphans with the very best families who can care for them.
Our camera team will document the story, and I will be posting regular video updates and written commentary on our outreach to Haiti as it unfolds. You can follow these updates on my blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. My staff will also be making them available through YouTube to the general public. WorldNetDaily has agreed to publish articles I write on Haiti as exclusive commentary on their website to help maximize the reach of our message. Our goal is to reach a broad audience with the details of our ministry in Haiti, and the outlet through WND will help in accomplishing this.
As I’m sure you know, the devastation in Haiti has been overwhelming. More people have died as a result of this earthquake than died in either the Nagasaki or Hiroshima bombings at the close of WWII. Already, the death toll from the earthquake ranks it among the top five most deadly natural disasters in the last century and the top twenty in recorded history. And the death count only continues to climb.
Our goal is to be ministers of Christ in the wake of this enormous disaster — to help rescue Haiti’s children — and we would solicit your prayers and support for this enterprise.
Here’s where things stand: Our transportation to Haiti has been secured. A private jet has been made available for our use to the country. We have transportation and an interpreter who will be guiding us through the disaster zones. We have a clear plan in place to make the most of our mission.
But we need help with the expenses including our technical needs, satellite broadcast feeds (which are expensive), equipment, supplies, and air transportation back through the Dominican Republic to America, in the likely circumstance that we are unable to get out through Port-au-Prince.
I have had to move quickly: I have made the decision to go even before all the funds have been provided; but I would sincerely ask for your consideration in supporting us on this important project. I would appreciate your support, be it prayer or financial assistance, for our mission. Donations to help our effort can be made online. Click here to donate.
Please stay tuned for our broadcasts and articles. May the Lord be pleased to use our humble efforts at this time of intense crisis.
Your friend in Christ, Doug Phillips
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Another Great Quote
Alright, I just can't resist!!!
Here's another great quote from Howard Phillips:
"You will be the same person next year you are now, except for the books you read and the people you meet."
Here's another great quote from Howard Phillips:
"You will be the same person next year you are now, except for the books you read and the people you meet."
52 Book Challenge
A few weeks ago a friend from San Antonio encouraged me to take the 52 Book Challenge, where you read a book every week of the year. I accepted, and thought that some of you might like to join me.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I start a lot of books, and have a VERY hard time finishing them! :) This Challenge has been a great motivator to get me to finish books! It's nice to look back over the week and see the books I've...COMPLETED!!!
If you want to join me, drop me a note, so we can keep each other encouraged!
I don't know about the rest of you, but I start a lot of books, and have a VERY hard time finishing them! :) This Challenge has been a great motivator to get me to finish books! It's nice to look back over the week and see the books I've...COMPLETED!!!
If you want to join me, drop me a note, so we can keep each other encouraged!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Quote for the Day
"Strive to choose not that which is easiest, but that which is most difficult."
-St. John of the Cross
-St. John of the Cross
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