New Year's Excuses

One thing is guaranteed when you make new year’s resolutions: attached to those will be new year’s excuses.  Let’s be honest with ourselves!  It doesn’t mean you have to be defeated by the excuses; you can overcome them and have the victory in reaching your goals.  But I am certain that temptations to quit will come.  It’s human nature.  It’s the weak flesh.  It’s Satan’s devices.  Whatever you wish to blame it on, obstacles will come.

So how do you intend to meet your goals despite certain opposition?  That’s the real question to ponder as we complete another year and look toward a new year.  Don’t be too hard on yourself; think back on some accomplishments you have made this year.  I’m sure there were some, even if small victories.  Perhaps you are feeling really bad about yourself, disappointed for not only failing to accomplish your 2016 goals but for falling deeper in a hole, whether in finances, body weight, business or career goals, relationships you hoped to repair or reignite, or other priorities you set for yourself.

I once was young and now I’m older, and here is the truth: life is a series of ups and downs, and every day you must face your challenges, whether new or old, with your head held high, eyes upon the Lord, hands folded in prayer, mind stayed on Christ and His Word, and fervor and determination to never quit trying.

Depression sets in when you feel hopeless. It is a heavy blanket that comes upon you and defeats you, and it is nothing to play around with.  You have to find hope, or else Satan can use that to weigh you down and make you unprofitable.  Your outlook is based on your perspective and what it is you choose to focus on, and is not bound to your circumstances, weaknesses, or feelings.  The Bible says in Colossians 3:2-3: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”  Notice that “set” is a command.  We have to determine what it is we will set our affections on, put our desires toward, and our hope in.  Choose wisely.  Search and find something to hope in, accomplish something, anything good no matter how small so that you can build on that good feeling of accomplishment.  As long as you are heading in a good direction, you will have endurance to continue because you will be encouraged.  Discouragement can take down the strongest of us, and we have to guard against it.  Don’t ever fall into the trap of thinking you are strong enough to not fall into discouragement; pride comes before a fall.

Feeling sorry for yourself is a form of pride.  Sometimes when we fall into the depths of despair we think we are so humble because we think so poorly of ourselves.  However, we fall prey to one of Satan’s devices: selfishness and pride, focusing on our own selves, our own hurt feelings, and our own inadequacies. We can conquer these feelings by putting our thoughts on others and how we can make someone else’s life better. In our verses above it says, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”  Dead men don’t fret!  Realize that you are already powerless in and of yourself; this is nothing new, you only thought you were invincible.  The truth is that we are but dust, prone to many sins and failures.  If we focus on Christ and hide in the shelter of His wings and allow Him to work through us, we will find comfort in that, peace, and confidence that we are not alone.  Hope will grow through that, because we are loved, but our power, strength and victory come through the Lord Jesus Christ, not in our own strength.

Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”  The chapter goes on to tell us to have the mind of Christ, a mind of humility, even as He Himself humbled Himself for us.  We can do the same, following His example.

Happy New Year, and God bless you as you make your goals, consider the excuses that will be obstacles to your goals, overcome them and accomplish great things for the Lord in 2017!

One-Way Conversations

Do you consider yourself a good communicator?  Good communication requires that we speak, but even more importantly, that we listen.  It is easy to dominate a conversation if we are not careful.  We must be considerate of the other person's thoughts on any given matter as well.  I think that is why I enjoy writing so much...no interruptions!  But it can get pretty lonely with a one-way conversation.  It's much more fun to have interaction with others.

I was thinking this morning about how I miss God.  As I often do, I analyzed my feelings in order to try to discover why.  I realized that I am doing a lot more praying and a lot less Bible reading lately.  I am in church a lot, and I look at verses often throughout the day, but it is an entirely different thing to actually sit down with the Bible and meditate upon it, pray to God and listen to HIM speak through His holy Word.  I realized that I am dominating the conversation because I'm asking all kinds of requests without God being able to really speak to me.  The Holy Spirit can urge us one way or another, but He uses His Word to really tell us what He wants us to hear.  That's where you'll hear the Holy Spirit the best, is when your eyes are on those pages of that ancient yet timeless book.

Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Psalm 119:105: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

I encourage you to think upon how much time you are allowing God to speak to you.  I know that is my goal for 2017 is to make sure I spend some time during the day alone with Him, not just praying, but allowing Him to direct me through the Bible.  It will not only direct me, but keep me from sin.  Do you need to stop dominating the conversation also?  It's great if you pray often, but just don't leave God out of the conversation.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Depths of Despair, the Shining Star

Have you ever felt like you were in the depths of despair?  I wrote this poem based on my thoughts as I drove home from NJ the other day.  It's the cry of my heart.  I hope my vulnerability strikes a chord with some of you, and perhaps as you feel like you are down low emotionally or spiritually that you can have the strength to at least look up through a hole in your despair to see the shining love of the Lord for you, you personally, as His precious son or daughter whom He loves so very much.  There are times there is nothing anyone can say to make you feel better.  All you can do is abide in His love to comfort you when there are no immediate answers or solutions to your problems.  The pain can engulf you, and all you can do is crawl. Just get those eyes looking upward, and keep that focus on Him.  He can shine through the darkest circumstances and the loneliest times.  A wounded heart can still have joy, not a hyperactive energy but a subtle peace and confidence that you are loved by God and that you matter to Him.  I hope this poem that I plan on making into a song will be a blessing to you.  May you have a wonderful, successful 2017!

My Shining Star

By Dawn Foss

Verse 1

This year I feel I have aged ten years,

It’s the hardest one endured for a while.

The loss I’ve had makes me oh, so sad,

My aching heart just won’t smile.

I feel all alone, I just want to go home,

My pride’s hurt, it’s shattered to bits;

As I lay in the mire with no wood for the fire,

My soul feels like calling it quits.

Chorus:

But then I look up to You, through the pain and the gloom,

In Your love I do abide.

When I feel blind and lame, I sing praise to Your Name,

And my soul is satisfied.

On You I can depend, You’re my very best Friend,

Even when hope seems so far,

When I feel weak and worn I can call on You, Lord,

For You are my Shining Star!

Verse 2

There once was a time when I thought I could climb

Any mountain that stood before me.

But I now see what’s true, that there’s much I can’t do,

Though I’ve tried to be all I can be.

How hard it has been to fail yet again,

The rejection has brought me down low;

Embarrassed I am like a lost little lamb,

How much farther can I go?

Chorus

But then I look up to You, through the pain and the gloom,

In Your love I do abide.

When I feel blind and lame, I sing praise to Your Name,

And my soul is satisfied.

On You I can depend, You’re my very best Friend,

Even when hope seems so far,

When I feel weak and worn I can call on You, Lord,

For You are my Shining Star!

Bridge

Though I don’t always understand Your loving, Master plan,

I find my strength in praising You alone;

When health and strength are gone, You still fill my heart with song,

I’m thankful for the joy my heart has known.

Chorus

For when I look up to You, through the pain and the gloom,

In Your love I do abide.

When I feel blind and lame, I sing praise to Your Name,

And my soul is satisfied.

On You I can depend, You’re my very best Friend,

Even when hope seems so far,

When I feel weak and worn I can call on You, Lord,

For You are my Shining Star!

Ending

My wounded heart can have peace, and quiet confidence,

Knowing Your love carries me far,

I matter to You, I know You'll see me through,

For You are my Shining Star!  

Let's Worship Jesus this Christmas

I wrote a song based on a brochure and outline from a friend.  It was about the Incomparable Christ.  I received permission from the American Track Society and my friend so I could use their info for the song.  It has some great truths in it, but most of all, calls us to worship and adore Christ, not only now, but throughout the year.  I hope and pray that 2017 will be a year of continual worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the One who is Incomparably Unique.

Listen to song "Incomparably Unique"

Dear Miss Dawn...

I'm trying something new.  I'd love to get some discussions going, mainly geared toward older kids and teens, but of course, adults can chime in as well.  I believe that good, healthy debate that is respectful and intelligent is what is needed in this country.  I have a desire to inform and teach from a conservative, biblical perspective on social issues that affect us.  I'd love to hear from you!  I know people have had a hard time writing to me on this blog, so I'm using WordPress as it seems to work better.  Please check out my link and feel free to write me a question that is on your mind under the "Dear Miss Dawn" section, and then I will address it in the form of a blog, and everyone can chime in!  The only thing I ask is that everyone is respectful and kind.  This is a safe zone.

Come along, and let's see if we can solve all the problems of the world! LOL!  It's worth a try!

https://dearmissdawn.wordpress.com/



Christmas Gifts - To Give or Not To Give?

One debate that has gone on for years in my family is the idea to give or not to give Christmas gifts with everyone in the family, and if we do, how much are we allowed to spend?  On one hand, it gets very expensive and takes time to do all the Christmas shopping.  It’s about spending time together, not getting wrapped up in materialism, right?  However, on the other hand, it brings joy to think of others, to give a gift as a token of appreciation and thankfulness to those we love.  Isn’t that why we decorate and bake Christmas cookies?  Isn’t that why people decorate their houses for the holidays, to show how much we care?  I always say, putting up Christmas lights outside is a gift you give your neighbors.

I love tearing open gifts.  It’s so much fun!  I don’t need much, but it’s nice to be thought of, and to know that this mystery box has something in it that I have no clue about, but someone thought of me personally when they got it and wrapped it.  Then to leave for home with a few things that are new is really fun!

I believe that gift giving is symbolic of the gift God gave to us in the person of Jesus Christ.  Do I think people can get carried away?  Of course they can.  I think that spending money within one’s means and not overdoing it can be just fine.  Avoid feeling like  you have to outdo someone else.  If everyone gives as they are able with no expectations, then it works well.  There are some years we have more money so people might get a little more.  Other years the “harvest” is thin and we can’t give as much.  It may even be dependent on what our loved ones want.  One year my daughter wanted a camera, so we got that for her.  That was more money than we would normally spend, but the next year it was mostly clothes with a smaller price tag overall than the year before.  And that was okay!

What do you think about Christmas gift giving?  To give or not to give, to spoil or not to spoil, to be thoughtful or less thoughtful, or to be a mean ol’ bah humbug…these are the questions.

James 1:17: “ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Paperclips Magazine ad

http://paperclipsmagazine.com/onlinemag/#page/10

See the link for an ad about my books and music in the Paperclips Magazine. They sought me out when they discovered my I Will Stand book! If you are interested in a spiritual resource for a Christmas gift, my book table is set up this week at Meriden Hills Baptist Church/MidState Christian Academy. Merry Christmas, and may God bless you richly in 2017!

To give you a taste of what I Will Stand is like, here is a sample chapter:

I Will Stand for Kindness

When I am around people who make me feel bad, I will

say a prayer for them, offer them grace by forgiving them,

and try to encourage them the best I can. I will represent

God’s voice by speaking kind words, even when they don’t

deserve it and when I don’t necessarily feel like it. I realize

that my kindness will shine the love of Jesus through me,

possibly reaching someone who has never experienced that

before! I will look for opportunities to perform random

acts of kindness, being a leader by treating those around

me with respect. I will show common courtesy by having

good manners, letting others go before me, and placing a

high priority on the needs of others. I will be thoughtful,

showing concern toward those who are hurting and doing

what I can to help.

I will stand for kindness.

My Instruction from God

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving

one another, even as God for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men

should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets”

(Matthew 7:12). This is known as “The Golden Rule.”

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words

stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

My Honesty with God

What have I done recently that was kind? Am I a courteous,

respectful person? Do I mind my manners and speak

kindly to others? What is my response when others are

unkind to me?

My Action for God

Commit a random act of kindness today, particularly looking

for a person who really needs it, one who may not

always be kind to others, and likely won’t or cannot return the favor. Smile at 

someone today, open the door for someone,

let someone go ahead of you in line, speak kind words,

looking for something good that you can compliment them

on, or give a word of encouragement. Set the example!

The Problem with the Snowflake Generation

I watched a short video today that someone sent to me.  It is a little survey of college students and their reactions to the question of gender neutrality.  It's only a little over 4 minutes (4:13).  It shows how this next generation cannot admit the obvious.  They're so mixed up and cannot recognize reality when they see it.  These college students did not feel empowered to tell an obviously short white guy that he's not a tall Chinese woman.  They were so afraid of being politically incorrect that they accepted lies as truth.  They didn't want to tell a grown, mentally sound man that if he claimed to be 7 years old, he should not be a student in a first grade classroom.  The question was raised that if they cannot answer the easy, obvious answers, how are they going to deal with the really difficult decisions and questions in life?  "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything."  http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/434158/watch-college-kids-cant-explain-why-short-white-man-isnt-tall-asian-woman

People are so afraid to correct someone else.  I think that's the key problem here.  People are so afraid of being judged that they do not want to judge others, even when it is so obvious.  What's the harm of teaching and instructing and correcting?  Why do they go to college if they don't want to be instructed on how to do something the right way, and avoid the wrong way?  Why do they think it's smart to claim all truth is relative? 

If I said I believe I can fly, would you allow me to jump off the bridge?  I wonder what their responses would be to that?  "If you feel you can fly, then go ahead.  Who am I to judge you, or say your altered sense of reality is wrong?"  Well, I could be hurt.  Would they tell me the truth to avoid my demise and death?  Or would they be too afraid to offend me?  Which is worse, being offended or dying?  You can lovingly guide your friends and prevent them from making mistakes, and you can do that to strangers, too.  I have flashed my lights at an oncoming car who has forgotten to put his headlights on.  I didn't worry that he might feel embarrassed.  I wanted to prevent him from getting into an accident.

Are people hurt by more than just physical means?  Yes, we know that is affirmative.  Not directing someone emotionally is just as harmful.  My grandmother told me once that my clothes didn't match.  I was a teenager, and was very offended and embarrassed that she said that to me (in my own home; this was not in front of any of my friends).  I yelled at her and ran into my room.  She hurt my ego.  I changed my clothes.  I remembered for the rest of my life a principle of color matching.  I was glad.  And trust me, I was not damaged for life!  I appreciate that my grandmother cared enough about me to teach me, and to still love me even though I acted like a 2 yr. old.  She used to say, "If your family can't tell you, who can?"

If a student makes a grammar or math mistake, will they say it's just self expression?  When they get a 45 on a test, will they argue that grades don't matter, and that you can't possible close someone into such tight standards?  

Getting back to those college students, I believe they are trying to avoid conflict or confrontation, and justify this cowardice by saying they are being sensitive.  They avoid conflict at all costs, and in doing so, they can't handle conflict that is brought upon themselves, and they totally freak out!  The result of this Snowflake generation was clearly seen with the responses to the Presidential election.  They needed pet therapy, needed to stroke and squeeze play-doh, have time off, be excused for exams, have hot cocoa, etc. in order to comfort themselves.  There are people who have worn safety pins to distinguish them as people who are safe, who won't hurt you on this conversation of the election.  There are those who don't cry when they don't get their way, but rather get angry.  In the false name of "protesting" they are rioting, looting, shooting and harming others, including law enforcement.

Conflict and correction is good for us.  The Bible does this.  Humility of spirit helps us to grow into maturity.  Pride is the destroyer of our souls.  This next generation's rejection of truth, God, and the Bible has this natural consequence of rebellion.  1 Samuel 15:23: " For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. "

2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  

Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  

2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and isprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

I want to learn and grow.  It does hurt and I sometimes feel embarrassed when I do wrong or make a mistake.  But I sure am glad afterwards that I learned that, and plan to never make that same mistake again.  That embarrassment helps me to remember the consequence of that error.  Yes, I'm thankful for mercy and kindness and grace, and those things are important and is why God told us to speak the truth in love.  There is a nice way to say things.  Sometimes questioning someone who is clearly off track can help to find a teaching moment that will not hurt as much, as we can show understanding rather than ridicule. Then lovingly bring them into truth.  You'll be their hero, not their enemy.

Christmas Fair Vendor

You probably have never heard a Christmas song about a Christmas Fair vendor...until now! I hope you enjoy this song I wrote, as well as the pictures highlighting the fairs and events I have been to the past couple years. I've had a blast! I am very thankful for my family and friends who have supported me along the way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqvA530_pcY

The Beauty of Christmas caroling

I went Christmas caroling yesterday at a couple nursing homes.  It was with a few people I work with.  We had so much fun, and it was a real blessing to the senior citizens.  They were so happy that we came, and they enjoyed the music.  Even those who can't speak come and enjoy the songs.  Many are familiar to them from when they were younger.  They bring back happy, sweet memories.  One lady usually makes a lot of noise, but she was silent during the music, and the others were surprised.  I think it was something she enjoyed and kept her attention.

In celebration of Christmas caroling, I wanted to give you something to be joyful about as well.  On my new album, The Joy of the Season, I have a medley of Christmas carols I sing, and then I follow that with a song that is near and dear to my heart: "That's What Christmas is All About."

I thank each and every one of you for coming to my blog and hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Caroling Medley

That's What Christmas Is All About

To purchase my album, as well as other books, music, and t-shirts, see my new website, and go under the link "Shop." www.dawnfoss.com  They make great Christmas gifts!  If you want yourself or others you love to grow spiritually, and get closer to the Lord, it will not happen by accident.  Filling your hearts and minds with good things is what is needed.  It can make a world of difference!

A Thanksgiving Offering to God

When I wrote this song in the 1990's, I was thinking about the concept of God's goodness.  With all the magnificent and majestic power God Almighty has, what if He had one little tiny bit of evil in Him?  What if He could wake up in a bad mood and decide to randomly kill some of us without any thought at all?  What if it weren't true that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28)?

I wondered if many of us actually thank Him for the attribute of His goodness.  I wanted to be one who stopped, like the leper who was healed, and thank Him for being so good.  Remember the story of the ten lepers?  Jesus healed all ten, but only one turned back to thank Him.  He replied in Luke 17:17-18: "And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger."

Let's not be like the nine, but like the one who came back and thanked God for His goodness.  Let's give credit where credit is due, and realize that our ability to work, to care for our families, the blessings we receive, are from God.

James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

I hope you enjoy my offering to God in this song, "Thank You For Being So Good" and may that be your prayer to God today also.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Listen to "Thank You For Being So Good" by Dawn Foss

Press Release for "The Joy of the Season" Christmas album

http://www.tatepublishingnews.com/2016/11/11/artists-shares-songs-about-the-joy-that-the-christmas-season-brings-in-one-uplifting-collection/

I'm happy to share this press release for my new Christmas album.  It has a very happy, joyful sound, and I trust it will bring Christmas cheer to you and your family!

God bless you this Christmas, and may you have a very happy new year as well!

I Will Be Here song

I wrote this song, "I Will Be Here" shortly after having a miscarriage in the 1990's.  I just had it published about 3 years ago, along with 3 other songs I wrote in the 1990's.  Those songs went on a back burner while I raised my family (sorry; I know "reared my family" is proper English, but it just sounds funny!), and now that my children are grown, I have decided to publish some songs that I hope will be a blessing to others.  This song is featured on my Beauty in Pain album, and is available online through many sites, including Tate Music Group, amazon.com, iTunes, dfgal1109.wixsite.com, www.dawnfoss.tateauthor.com, and others.  The ones from dfgal1109.wixsite.com are from my personal stock, so can be signed if you request it.

I hope this song is an encouragement to you, and soothes your soul.  Don't we have a lot of anxieties in this life?  Sometimes a soothing song is the best medicine, and I speak that as a family nurse practitioner!

God bless you.

Dawn Foss

Listen to "I Will Be Here"

Check out my Beauty in Pain album, and listen to more sample songs from the album.

What Does Our Country Stand For?

Government that wants to have total control and tons of regulations tends to squash the spirit of America that was created to thrive and explore and create businesses with honor and independence.  The alternative is communism.  Government was set up to protect that way of life, not provide for the people, but so they can provide for themselves.  Soldiers were and are honored to protect our country because of the ideals she stands for.  These so-called "protesters" that we have seen lately are full of hate and full of destruction, and they are enemies of the American Way and democracy.  They ought to feel ashamed of themselves.  I hope that their eyes will be opened one day soon so they can see where they err, and get back on track so we are once again a unified nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice (yes, JUSTICE) for all.  With freedom comes what? Responsibility.  That's a hallmark of a great nation, mature, responsible people who have a sense of right and wrong and tend to choose right when the choice lies before them.  That's a godly nation to be proud of.  Not settling for mediocrity or complacency, but thriving with a spirit of Excellence.

Wisdom and Understanding by Dawn Foss

Check out my video for one of my songs, "Wisdom and Understanding", taken from the book of Proverbs.  It's the first song on my album, "Walking in Wisdom: Singing the Proverbs."  For more information, see www.dawnfoss.tateauthor.com.

Sowing and Reaping

Have you ever planted a seed? You probably made sure it was planted in good, nourishing soil, and then put it in a window to get the sunshine in needed.  You watered it regularly so the soil could stay moist as the plant drew from it each day.  With excited anticipation you watched it grow, perhaps speaking to it with love in hopes that it would react with more enthusiastic growth!   It might have seemed to take forever for this little seedling to grow, but it was well worth the wait.  Perhaps you were growing a fruit or vegetable, or a beautiful flower.  Whatever it was, you rejoiced because something new was coming forth into this world that would bring pleasure.

There are some exciting rules of sowing and reaping.  The first one is that we sow first and reap later.  It takes time for a plant to go from a seed to a seedling to a mature plant.  If you hope to get a crop the day after you plant your seeds, you will be very disappointed.

The second rule is what we sow gives a greater yield than what we planted.  Sowing a seed of corn yields a stalk with several ears of corn that contain many kernels of corn.

The third rule is that we reap the same thing that we sow.  In other words, a corn seed will not produce wheat, but rather more corn.

How do we apply that to our lives? Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Sowing good seeds, such as living a godly, moral life will bring joy, peace, and life that will be multiplied for years to come.  Sowing seeds of rebellion and lust will bring a harvest of sin and death.  It might not be today, but it will come eventually and produce pain and misery that exceeds the relatively small pleasure you had for a season.  “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:15)

How about you?  What kinds of seeds are you planting in your life?  Are you planting seeds of kindness that will reap more kindness back to you, seeds of hatred that will cause many others to hate you back, seeds of hard work that will result in great accomplishment, or seeds of love that will result in many lives touched for the glory of God?  Let’s be careful as we live our lives today to purposefully plant the kinds of seeds in our lives that we want to grow into flourishing results we can be proud of, that give us pleasure, and most of all, honor God.  It may be a while before the harvest is ready, but never grow weary in well doing. Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  Let’s plant beautiful gardens that will bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-26: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance [self control]; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ‘s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Fall Harvest Friendships

http://meridenhillsbaptist.org/fall-harvest-friendships/

Something to Celebrate by Dawn Foss

I hope you enjoy my music video of one of my songs in my new album, "The Joy of the Season"!

The Sounds of Christmas

The Sounds of Christmas is an online station that plays Christmas music 24/7 from November 1 through December 31. So whenever you are ready to start listening, check out this link: http://www.soundsofchristmas.com/ You will see my album on the front page rotate through, and there will be a recorded ad for my album twice a day for two months on this site. If you click on the picture of my album, "The Joy of the Season", it will take you to my new website, and there is a Shop button where you can check out all my books, CD's, and t-shirts. No shipping costs if you're close enough for me to deliver to you.

Darrell Scott - Liberty University Convocation

Do you want revival in your heart?  Do you want revival for this nation?  Listen to this preacher.  He nails it on the head.  I couldn't help but shout unto the Lord (and I'm a reserved person) when I heard him preach.  I am so encouraged, and my heart is so revived.  This is a MUST SEE video before you get out and vote.  Your heart will be stirred.  It starts a bit slow, but by 2/3 of the way through this until the end, you will be touched mightily by the Holy Spirit.  EXCELLENT message!  Please listen and share if your heart is touched.

Should Christian Believers Vote?

My friend George Zeller wrote this EXCELLENT response to the question of whether or not a Christian believer should vote, and I wholeheartedly agree.  I love the perspectives he gave of those who don't want to vote, because I couldn't figure out for the life of me why they wouldn't.  It helps to see what the thoughts are behind it, but I totally agree with his reasoning in his response, and it's what I've been telling people.  You have to vote POLICY.

With his permission I am sharing this.  I believe it's critical we get this message out, esp. with only 2 weeks to go.  I heard on the radio today that 15% of evangelicals are still undecided!  I believe we all need to do our part with the wisdom God has given us, and then of course, we will allow God to do the rest, and we will still be faithful, even if things don't go the way we hope.  But as good stewards of what God has given us, we need to know we did our part and our best to preserve this nation and the intent of our founding fathers based on the constitution and Bill of Rights.  The following is from George Zeller, a teacher and preacher from Middletown Bible Church.

[The following is written in response to a question from a dear believer in Pennsylvania.]

I have always considered voting in America a wonderful privilege.  The citizenry is allowed to choose its own leaders.  People in many countries are enslaved by totalitarian regimes and are not able to vote or have any say in deciding who governs.  We still enjoy this freedom, a freedom paid for by the blood of thousands of soldiers who breathed their last on battlefields.  To me, not voting is making light of their great sacrifice.

So taking part in the voting process is my right and duty as a citizen. Yet I recognize that there are some Christians who refuse to vote for reasons that they claim are Biblical.  I classify such people into two groups:

1)  There is no reason to vote because God is going to place into office the leaders He wants.

Every person in power is there because he (or she) is “ordained of God.” God is the One who removes kings and sets up kings (Daniel 2:21).  We don’t do this; God does.  “God is the Judge: He putteth down one and setteth up another” (Psalm 75:7).  Jesus once told Pilate, “Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11).

All of these things are true, and how thankful we should be that God is ultimately in control of the world and who its leaders are, but this is no reason not to vote. We must never lose the balance between God’s sovereignty (God puts men into office and removes them) and man’s responsibility (Americans are responsible to vote).  The one does not offset the other.  We should do our duty knowing that in the end, God will do what is best for His overall plan.  Even when the wrong people get elected (even people who are corrupt and crooked), it is so encouraging to know that God is still in control and He puts people into office for His reasons, and our Father knows best.  Sometimes He gives people the kind of leaders they deserve.

What if we use this same reasoning with the preaching of the gospel?   Pioneer missionary William Carey met such an extremist when he proposed his missionary work. His name was Mr. Ryland Sr., and he rebuked Carey with these words: "Young man, sit down! You are an enthusiast. When God pleases to convert the heathen He’ll do it without consulting you or me."  God is sovereign.  God will elect certain men to salvation.  So why should we witness?  Why should we pray?  The argument on not voting is the same: God will put certain men into office, so why vote?   The point missed is that God in the sovereign outworking of His plan takes into account our witnessing, our praying, our voting, and everything else we do.

A very extreme Calvinist position would deny that a believer has a responsibility to the lost: "If God does the electing then I need do nothing. If God wants them saved, He will save them. Either God will bring them to faith in Christ or He will not. It's totally God's work whether we do anything or not." The Bible answer to this is best expressed by the apostle Paul himself: "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10). Yes, Paul labored for the lost, prayed for the lost, preached to the lost, suffered for the lost and poured out his energy for the lost. Why? "that the elect may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." Paul knew that God's sovereignty did not interfere with man's responsibility. Paul knew that God would do His part. Paul also know that he must do his part: "woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16).   The same principle is true when it comes to voting.  May we do our part, knowing that God will work out all things for His glory, in His time and way.

2) Believers should not vote because they are citizens of heaven and are to be separated from the world.                                  

This apparently is the old Plymouth Brethren position, a view held by men that I greatly respect and whose writings I highly value (Darby, Kelly, Mackintosh, etc.).  They also hold that believers should not hold public office.   I differ with them on these matters.

Though we are not of the world, our Lord told us we are in the world (Phil. 2:15) and have been sent into the world (John 17:18), to represent our living Head (2 Cor. 5:20).  We interact with the world all the time by working, shopping, traveling, etc.  What belongs to Caesar we are to give back to Caesar; what belongs to God we are to give back to God (Mark 12:17).

If all believers were to follow this policy, then all the votes would be cast only by the ungodly and we would be ruled only by the ungodly.  If believers can be businessmen, shop owners, factory workers, teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, etc. and shine for Christ in these professions, why can’t they be employed in governmental positions?  In the history of our great country, so many of our leaders were also dedicated servants of Christ, and our country was the better for it.

Conclusion:    Claim the right and privilege you have as an American and vote.

How Should I Vote in This Election?

Both Presidential candidates are morally corrupt, even though the main media focuses only upon the corruption of one of them.  People may argue about which one is the most corrupt, but I don’t see much profit in that.

So it is really a matter of policy.

Which candidate would appoint justices to the Supreme Court who respect the Constitution and uphold the law (rather than legislate from the bench)?

Which candidate would be better at preventing the slaughter of the unborn, even those that are nearly born?

Which candidate would not have open borders and not allow illegal immigrants to enter our country freely? [And many such people hold views which are contrary to our American way of life.]

Which candidate would apply good business sense to the problems that plague our economy, including our immense national debt?

Which candidate would label Islamic terrorism for what it really is?

Which candidate would do the best in promoting or at least allowing religious freedom? 

Which candidate would respect law and order and support the police?

Which candidate would be the best commander of our military and take care of the Veterans?

There are also many other important issues.

It is sad to have to go into the voting booth and have serious reservations about one’s candidate of choice, but that might be necessary this year.  

–George Zeller, 10/16