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I looked around me and saw towering skyscrapers that reached toward the heavens. Beneath my feet I walked upon asphalt streets and paved thoroughfares. Everywhere I turned was the concrete structures of man’s design and I began to understand – I began to see that I stood in the midst of manmade Christianity. 

Yet as I looked I remembered a wide open field, a panorama of life and light with the gentle blowing wind of the Spirit of God that caressed the air and touched my soul. I remembered the faith of Christ. The life that He promised to those who believe is more like the open field than the concrete city. God is calling and His voice beckons me back to the freedom and life of Christ.

But I have grown accustomed to the city. I am habituated to the order and the restrictions set by men, the concrete towers all lined up like soldiers at attention. I know the city – I know the parameters of men – and I know how to live within the walls created to maintain the illusion of structure and stability. But deep inside, somewhere in that place where the echoed whisper of God is still heard, I remember… I remember!

In that moment of revelation my heart is enraged and I want freedom – I want liberation – I want out of this concrete captivity! The walls of men surround me, but they no longer support… they suffocate. Man’s order is not God’s and I want to break free, to feel again God’s breath of life like the morning breeze and to walk in the vale of God’s ever-present love.

Behind me I hear a voice whisper, “Give it time.” 

When I look, I see a small blade of grass, a simple growing thing breaking through the asphalt and tearing down the concrete walls of man’s design. My heart leaps in delight! God’s life cannot be held back, it is stronger than all of man’s efforts to contain it. 
 
As you read this, know that the order of God is filled with beauty and life, rich in love and abounding in grace. The order of man is a prison, no matter how well constructed it might be.


 
 
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In the wake of the election, many have expressed grief and anguish at the direction of our Nation. I, also, felt a great sense of distress as I watched the votes being counted and the results of the presidential election becoming final.  Even in my own state, the rise of immoral laws and the acceptance of unbiblical virtues have left my heart despondent.

So, then, what shall we do?  Do we go into hiding?  Do we finally give up the thread of hope that our Country can find its way back to the foundation that made us great? Are we so overwrought with doubts and fears that we are paralyzed from action?

Or, do we rise up against the trends and plant our flag--saying: "This far and no farther!"?  Do we head to the streets like hate-filled anarchists and create havoc, and so become the very thing we oppose? Do we take to the streets, marching in protest?

Is there another solution?  Yes!  If you are a Christian, you are called to action--not an act of rebellion or an acquiescence of cowardice.  Your action, and mine, is to stand up and with clear and steady courage, proclaim the truth of Christ.  For some, this might just be the hardest thing they've ever done.


 
 
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As we begin this New Year, many thoughts are turned to the idea that 2012 might be the year that ends it all!  Movies, Mayan calendars, and doomsday prophets have all had their say in the great debate surrounding this year. 

But I see this as a year of hope.  There is something grand about the turning of the time, the resetting of the calendar to a new day - a new year and new opportunities presented by God. 

But, to get to this "Brand New Day" there are some things that must transpire.  Let me encourage you to read Psalm 40:1-3 before you go any farther.

Okay... if you've read the Scripture, let's begin.

First: Patiently Wait.  Know that God has a plan and purpose for you and it is not to leave you in the mud and mire of life.  He waits for you to cry out to Him, and when you do, trust that He will hear and respond.  So many who are hurting and hungry will ask: how long?  When will God show up? Be patient, and wait, for the Lord has promised deliverance to all who hope in Him.

Second: Trust God's Powerful Work.  He will lift you up!  God’s powerful work is to give you a firm and permanent place to stand.  Reach up to Him and know that He will take you from the mud to a Solid Rock—from the mire of sin to the firm place of salvation.

Third: Express Passionate Worship.  On this brand new day, voice your praise to the God of your salvation.  The delivered soul cannot help but worship Him.  The redeemed of the Lord will lift up their voices in songs of praise and in passionate worship of Him who has secured their lives.

Fourth: Become a Personal Witness.  God has delivered you! Now is not the time to become closed off to humanity and never let your light shine in this world.  An artist will sign his or her masterpiece in order to verify its authenticity. You are the masterpiece. You are not a cheap imitation but the signature portrait of God’s great love, the handiwork of the Master who others will look upon and sense the powerful draw to Jesus Christ. 

Remember: This is the day the Lord has made - let us rejoice and be glad in it!  You have a brand new day, a new opportunity, a refreshed hope to accomplish what God has purposed for you.  Let me encourage you to take this year and make it the very best for Jesus Christ.

All for His Glory
 
Your Servant,
Michael