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Daily Devotional:
Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514.

 

Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

The Sovereignty of God

Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, "Why have you made me like this?"
— Romans 9:20


There was a sense that something big was about to happen on the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds thought "the Kingdom of God would begin right away" (Luke 19:11). Scripture does teach the Messiah will come and establish His kingdom on earth. That is still in our future. But Scripture also teaches, in places like Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53, that the Messiah first would come and suffer and die for the sins of the world. Yet that concept was largely lost on the people of this day.

They wanted Jesus as their king—as long as it was on their terms. They wanted a deliverer and a Messiah that would conform to their plan—instead of theirs to His. They wanted Jesus to destroy Rome—not their cherished sins or their hypocritical, superficial religion.

There are people like this today. They will sing the praises of a Jesus who will give them wealth, success, and personal happiness. But they recoil from the idea of a God who would ask for obedience, commitment, and sacrifice. They like God as long as He fits into their plans. But the moment He does something they don't like, they get mad at Him. It is okay to say we don't understand God. It is okay to ask God, "Why?" But we have no right to be angry with Him. And it is ridiculous for us to say that we are. Who are we to argue with God?

As Chuck Swindoll says, "God is able to do what He pleases with whomever He chooses whenever He wishes." This is called the sovereignty of God. We don't always like it, because it is not what we want. But God can do what He wants when He wants to do it.

Greg Laurie [Signature]

Have Pastor Greg's devotions blessed you? Write and tell him!
Greg@harvest.org


 

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Copyright ©2010 by Harvest Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Greg Laurie

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Every American Needs To Read And Understand This!!!
 
 

  545 vs. 300,000,000
EVERY  CITIZEN NEEDS TO READ THIS AND THINK ABOUT WHAT THIS JOURNALIST HAS  SCRIPTED IN THIS MESSAGE.  READ IT  AND THEN REALLY THINK ABOUT  OUR CURRENT POLITICAL DEBACLE.

Charley  Reese has been a journalist for 49 years.

Charley Reese Speeks Out About Taxes
545  PEOPLE
By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world  who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever  wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if  all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have  inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget.  The president does..

You and I don't have the  Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of  Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress  does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You  and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve  Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one  president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human  beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally,  and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague  this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve  Board because that problem was created by the  Congress.   In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty  to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central  bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a  sound reason.. They have no legal authority.  They have no  ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one  cotton-picking
thing.   I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash.  The  politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what  the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility  to determine  how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy  convincing you that what they did is not their fault.    They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What  separates a politician from a normal human being is an  excessive amount of gall.   No normal  human being would have the gall of a  Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating  deficits..   The president can only propose a budget.    He cannot force the Congress to accept  it.


The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the  land, gives sole responsibility to the House of  Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.   Who is the speaker of the House?    Nancy Pelosi.  She is  the leader of the majority party.  She and  fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want.  If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if  they agree  to.


It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can  not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of  incompetence and irresponsibility.   I can't think of a  single domestic problem  that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.  When you fully  grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal  government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to  exist.


If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it  unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in  the red ..

If the Army & Marines are in  IRAQ ,  it's because they want them in IRAQ

If they do not  receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available  to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no  insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift  the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can  abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to  regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can  take this power.   Above all, do not let them con you into  the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the  economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing  what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they  alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the  power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the  people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the  gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of  them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel  Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have  read it.......... Is up to you.


This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:
   
            Tax his land,
            Tax his bed,
            Tax the table
            At which he's fed.
   
            Tax his tractor,
            Tax his mule,
            Teach him taxes
            Are the rule.
   
            Tax his work,
            Tax his pay,
            He works for peanuts
            Anyway!
            Tax his cow,
            Tax his goat,
            Tax his pants,
            Tax his coat.
            Tax his ties,
            Tax his shirt,
            Tax his work,
            Tax his dirt.
   
            Tax his tobacco,
            Tax his drink,
            Tax him if he
            Tries to think.
   
            Tax his cigars,
            Tax his beers,
            If he cries
            Tax his tears.
   
            Tax his car,
            Tax his gas,
            Find other ways
            To tax his ass.
   
            Tax all he has
            Then let him know
            That you won't be done
            Till he has no dough.
   
            When he screams and hollers;
            Then tax him some more,
            Tax him till
            He's good and sore.
            Then tax his coffin,
            Tax his grave,
            Tax the sod in
            Which he's laid..
   
            Put these words
            Upon his tomb,
            Taxes drove me
            to my doom...'
   
            When he's gone,
            Do not relax,
            Its time to apply
            The inheritance tax.
   
            Accounts Receivable Tax
            Building Permit Tax
            CDL license Tax
            Cigarette Tax
            Corporate Income Tax
            Dog License Tax
            Excise Taxes
            Federal Income Tax
            Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
            Fishing License Tax
            Food License Tax
            Fuel Permit Tax
            Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
            Gross Receipts Tax
            Hunting License Tax
            Inheritance Tax
            Inventory Tax
            IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
            Liquor Tax
            Luxury Taxes
            Marriage License Tax
            Medicare Tax
            Personal Property Tax
            Property Tax
            Real Estate Tax
            Service Charge T ax
            Social Security Tax
            Road Usage Tax
            Sales Tax
            Recreational Vehicle Tax
            School Tax
            State Income Tax
            State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
            Telephone Federal Excise Tax
            Telephone Federal Universal Ser vice Fee Tax
            Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
            Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax
            Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
            Telephone State and Local Tax
            Telephone Usage Charge Tax
            Utility Taxes
            Vehicle License Registration Tax
            Vehicle Sales Tax
            Watercraft Registration Tax
            Well Permit Tax
            Workers Compensation Tax
   

           
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.  We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
And I still have to 'press 1' for English!?
 

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1/17/2010

Pastor Tom Wrote:

Danny Glover and all of the other communist comrades in Hollywood need to pack up and leave this country if they truly dislike our values  and efforts that much. I for one, am absolutely tired of having to read stupid comments by ignorant people that the left winged press is so enamored with.

I will never watch another feature of any kind that has Danny Glover in it!

 

 

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Agape Fireplace Sales

Video on Freedom:

  Northside Christian Church's

Special Forces Outing

Northside Church's Men's Ministry

(Men's Ministry)

Shaver Lake 07/11/09

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

07/11/09 Tom Bludau said:
What a great day of fun and fellowship.  Everybody I talked to had a great time.
Don't miss out on the next Special Forces Event.

07/11/09 Daniel Harsh  said:
We had a good time.

07/12/09 Mike Lashley said:
Sue and me had a great time thanks

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  General Blog Posts & Comments

Only relevant posts will be included. We do not advertise for sites, products or services on this blog.

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On 07/17/10

Pastor Tom Wrote:

Have you ever been down so low that it seems you will die, or at least never get out of your present pit? My wife & I have been really struggling financially. We have been praying to God, the God that made the heavens and the earth, along with many others about this. It didn't seem to us as though God was doing anything or even heard us. Like there wasn't really a God at all. Then, my physician called out of the blue and asked if my construction company could remodel their kitchen. At that same time customers began to come into our new retail store that nearly bankrupted us.

You see, God did hear us. He was fixing the problem for us. We just wanted it fixed NOW. Like a child wants candy NOW. God may have been waiting for us to show Him we were really standing on His foundation. Maybe, He wasn't waiting at all. Maybe we all were waiting on those He called to act.

This story is two fold. First, do not give up on God. He is faithful. There may be obstacles in the way of His answer. Keep praying. Daniel of the old testament prayed for 40 days and nights, fasting and hardly sleeping before he was answered. It turned out that the angles God had dispatched were met by Satin's troops and nearly lost the battle. Only Daniel's continued praying turned the tides and allowed victory!

Secondly, when God nudges you to act or move - do it. Do not delay even a moment. There may be a life hanging in jeopardy somewhere. There may be a Tom & Sheila about to loose it all and give up on Gad, life and the whole deal. While you fool around and decide if you feel like doing what you know God wants, someone, maybe a brother or sister in Christ might be dying for an answer from God, and everybody is waiting on you. Think about that for a moment.

Thank you God. Thank you for being God, for  making everything that is and caring for everything that You have made. Thank you for proving to me once again that before I was even born, You knew me, even in my mother's womb. Thank you God.


On 04/06/10

Pastor Tom wrote:

Today my sweet daughter read out loud from a book detailing a father's struggle with an addicted son. The picture of the author reflected a totally together and affluent man on the outside that total veiled the brokenness on the inside.

I hope that if you or your family struggles with addiction, you will be strong enough to seek help. The addiction hurts not only the addict but the entire family as well. Do not attempt to journey this road by your self. Lean on God. He created all that is and WILL help you shoulder this seemingly unbearable load.

God promises that He will not allow us to be tested beyond that which we can bear. Remember that when life seems ready to break you my friends.


On 01/10/10

Reseller Hosting wrote:

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

britnifreeman1@gmail.com


 

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Agape Fireplace Sales Wedding Blog Posts
 

Melinda Fuentes & Peter Alvarado

Officially engaged on: -

Bachelorette Party on:  _

At: -

Bachelor Party on:   -

At: -

Brides Maids Favor Party on:

At:

Wedding Rehearsal on: 09/25/2009     At: 4 PM

Location:

Pheasant Run Golf Club & Resort

19 Clubhouse Dr.

Chowchilla, CA 93610

Wedding on: 09/26/2009     At: 3:00 PM

Location:

Pheasant Run Golf Club & Resort

19 Clubhouse Dr.

Chowchilla, CA 93610

Pastor Tom's Notes:
I just met this nice couple. I wish them a long life of happiness together.

Engagement/Wedding Pic 1

 

Engagement/Wedding Pic 2

 

Wedding Pic 1

None yet

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None yet

Wedding Pic 3

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Comment Posts:

 
CovenantEyes.com

Amanda (Hargis) Hough & John Haeberle

Officially engaged on: 05/2009

Bachelorette Party on:  09/12/09

At: Not set yet

Bachelor Party on:   Not set yet

At: Not set yet

Brides Maids Favor Party on:

At:

Wedding Rehearsal on: 09/25/2009     At: 6 PM

Location:

Kuhtz Residence

7876 E. Dakota

Fresno Ca 93727

Wedding on: 09/26/2009     At: 6:00 PM

Location:

Kuhtz Residence

7876 E. Dakota

Fresno Ca 93727

Pastor Tom's Notes:
Amanda & John have been a part of my life for years.  Amanda is one of my nieces and is the one who got me going to become ordained.  This is a special wedding for me as it will be my first to officiate. I wish them all of the best and pray this truly is a lifelong marriage.

Engagement/Wedding Pic 1

Amanda & John Camping

Engagement/Wedding Pic 2

Out on the Town

Wedding Pic 1

None yet

Wedding Pic 2

None yet

Wedding Pic 3

None yet

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Comment Posts:

 

 

Jennifer & Justin Lerma

Officially engaged on: 7/28/08

Shower Party on:  Done

At: Sanger United Methodist Church

Brides Maids Favor Party on: 5/25/09

At: Jennifer's parents house

Wedding Rehearsal on: 05/29/09     At: 6:30pm

Wedding on: 05/30/09     At: 6:30 pm

Pastor Tom's Notes:
Jennifer & Justin make a lovely couple.  Having known each other for over 4 years, they found themselves in love about a year ago. It was a beautiful wedding with a beautiful bride. Of course being the Father of the Bride, I have no bias at all!

Engagement/Wedding Pic 1

Engagement/Wedding Pic 2

Wedding Pic 1

Wedding Pic 2

Wedding Pic 3

Add Your Comment:

Comment Posts:

06/05/09
From Dad (Pastor Tom Bludau):
I wish the newlyweds all the best for each other and all the blessings God has planned to give them!

06/15/09
From: Amanda Hargis
Your wedding was beautiful!! Congratulations

 

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