From the heart: Election changes things...No, Jesus changes things!

I am happy if you voted yesterday, as I thank God we are in a country that gives us that freedom. While I am happy that the Republicans have seized the Senate and gained control of the Congress, I'm not happy because they are Republicans, but because they are the more conservative of the two parties and Obama needs to be stopped (if possible), and Democrats sure weren't going to do that!  That being said, I think both parties fall way short compared to what God expects of our nation.  ALSO, it is yet to be seen what the Republicans will do in the next 2 years, but regardless, it won't be a Christian country in two years.  We're still going in the wrong direction, AND even more so, the sleeping Church needs to repent.  We're in this mess because the church went worldly, the church stopped preaching the whole counsel of God.

Again, we're not in this mess because of the politicians, but again, it's because of a lukewarm, if not dead church (http://ref.ly/Re3.14-22).  So as to not sound totally hopeless, God always has a remnant of people that will serve him 100%.  The question is, is that you? Is that me?  I hope so.
All this election can do is possibly, just maybe (but doubtful), slow impending judgment until America repents of her sins.

So what are we going to do as the church? Are we going to leave spiritual matters to the politicians? We better not!  Are we going to claim victory because of an election, while the church has not changed one bit? I believe our only hope is a repentant church that returns to Jesus acknowledging we have left our first love  - JESUS!  (See http://ref.ly/Re2.4)

So as I close this brief article out, I challenge you who are born again, blood bought Christians who believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus our Savior, will you give your all for Jesus and pray that our nation be spared, or at least that we can make a difference for God's kingdom no matter what the final outcome of our nation will be.  (See (see http://ref.ly/Je18.8 & http://ref.ly/Jon3.10)

I still love America in spite of her falling from God, especially in recent years, but I love the church more. There is nothing on earth as awesome as the church functioning the way God intended it.

So my final words are that the "battle" wasn't won at the election.  

It is won on our knees as a repentant and praying people in love

with Jesus who are willing to obey the Lord without compromise.

I'm excited in Jesus, as ultimately He is in control.  Jesus is our victory!  Now and forever! AMEN!

My Review: Strange Glory - A life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have only known bits and pieces about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, so I really enjoyed the book from the very beginning. I also liked the way that the author, Marsh, shared about the life of Bonhoeffer making me feel like I was there with him on a personal level.

I have known about Bonhoeffer for years, but this is the first biography I have read on him. The author filled in a lot of unknowns for me about him from childhood to his death. Some of the minute details, while not necessary, did give a more complete picture of Bonhoeffer. I did find the beginning of the book a little slow because of these details, but I am still pleased that the author shared them to give a complete picture of who Bonhoeffer was.

The book also gave some historical insight into the German church in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as some insight into Hitler and the Nazis. The only thing I did not like about the book was the author's possible insinuation of Bonhoeffer's sexuality. I am not going to get into that in this review; see other reviews if you are curious or read the book for yourself. I did not think it necessary to mention in the book, especially since it is speculation.  I feel you will enjoy this read, especially to become familiar with Bonhoeffer's very unique character.

This book has peaked my interest in reading another biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  The other biography is: "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy."

I received this book for free from the publisher’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.

The following are some famous Bonhoeffer quotes:

Is the Bible relevant today!

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever".
  
We are in a society that tells us the Bible is outdated.  We need to see that the Bible is not just a history book (though it has great history), it's also not just a  scientific journal (though the Bible reveals many scientific facts), it is also a great book about the end times.  It even talks about Israel often, and it has never been wrong! But we must never forget that the Bible is the description God gave us about who He is, and what He desires and plans for humanity. 

Many even in the churches today are falling for the lie that we live in a new time and that the Bible is not relevant. This has led to a sick and weak church. The Word (Bible) is indeed relevant today. It is for you and me right NOW!  Follow the Word now and it will change your life. 

I believe the Bible is relevant today in a lot of areas - we just don't want to admit.  It's not popular to stand for the Truth (Bible). But many of the areas that we won't touch or are told "don't judge" (a future devotion, boy will you be surprised) are areas where God's Word has plainly stated this is wrong, this is sin!

For example, the Bible is very clear on the subject of the sanctity of marriage as being one man and one woman. Also, the Bible is clear on the fact that abortion is murder (forgivable, but murder all the same), that having sex outside of marriage is fornication, and the list goes on.  So let's stop using the excuse that the Bible is not relevant today.  It is totally relevant today.



This was a short devotion as we start our journey together in Christ and through the holy scriptures.


I am available for prayer or ministry through my email: WordNowbyJim@gmail.com

Have a Jesus' blessed day!


Jim