Some desire wealth, others desire fame, while yet another yearns for peace and quietness, but E.M. Bounds loved prayer and the work of God. He truly had his affection set not on the things of this world but on things above where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and thieves don’t break through and steal. His treasures consisted not in temporal and worldly investments but in eternal and heavenly rewards. Waking up at four in the morning he’d pray till seven, and then numerous times throughout the day would enjoy intimate communication with his Dearest Friend. If God called him to a work it didn’t matter the trials, the fatigue, the obstacles; God called him to do it and therefore he was faithful.

Caught in the midst of the US Civil War, Bounds wouldn’t forsake the family of God even when danger loomed near. In the mid-1800’s, union Forces moved into Missouri bringing Marshal Law with them. Many pastors opted to flee to the south to safety but Bounds chose to not forsake those God had given him to shepherd. He traveled house to house. It was his duty to minister and preach to the family of God. Finally the inevitable arose, Bounds was banished from Missouri for not submitting to a tyrannical measure of the Union Government. He was soon after captured and sent to prison. While in prison he didn’t tire but sought for opportunities to share Christ, the concept of loving your enemies, and the means of salvation from sin.

Once being freed from prison, he ministered as a chaplain in the southern army. Often at the front lines, he’d help the wounded, stand by a solider while he breathed his last, and share the gospel whenever the opportunity arose. Revival after revival sparked in Military camps as Bounds with his colleagues forsook not the assembling of themselves together and preached the word. Living to the ripe old age of 76 years, he never wearied while in the work of God; he preached, he prayed, and ministered whenever opportunity arose. Though definitely not indwelt with perfection, E.M. Bounds was faithful. Because he was faithful God ministered his grace upon him and poured blessing after blessing of rich spiritual insight, deep intimacy with his Creator, and avenues in which to communicate those blessings that he had been given.

Let us follow this worthy example! May we forget the fascinations that this temporal life has to offer and become bound to prayer and the work of God.

“Good Prayers,” Says an old divine, “never come weeping home. I am sure I shall receive either what I ask, or what I should ask. Prayer pulls the rope below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly: others give but an occasional pull at the rope: but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continually with all his might.”

That is the best kind of bell ringing—ringing the bells of heaven—making a sensation in the world celestial and pulling the power down upon the word terrestrial. Reader, do you know how to handle the bell rope, to pull it vigorously and constantly? We know some that do. Hell trembles when they seize the rope.

E.M. Bounds

“…And why all this desolation, bloodshed, and unparalleled cruelty? They tell you, to reduce you to obedience. Obedience to what: to their sovereign will and pleasure. Why then you shall be pardoned, because you consent to be slaves. And why should you be slaves now, having been freemen ever since the country was settled? because, forsooth, the king and parliament of an island, three thousand miles off, choose that you should be hewers of wood, and drawers of water for them… For shame! for shame!…You may be told that your forts have been taken; your country ravaged; and that your armies have retreated; and that, therefore, God is not with you. It is true, that some forts have been taken, that our country hath been ravaged, and that our Maker is displease with us. But it is also true that the King of Heaven is not like the king of Britain, implacable. If we turn from our sins, He will turn from his anger…Let a general reformation of manners take place–let universal charity, public spirit, and private virtue be inculcated, encouraged, and practiced. Unite in preparing for a vigorous defense of your country, as if all depended on you own exertions. And when you have done all things, then rely upon the good Providence of Almighty God for success, in full confidence that without his blessing, all our effort will inevitably fail….”

     But if there be any among us, dead to all sense of honor, and love of their country; if deaf to all the calls of liberty, virtue and religion; if forgetful of the magnanimity of their ancestors, and the happiness of their children; if neither the examples nor the success of other nations–the dictates of reason and of nature; or the great duties they owe to their God, themselves, and their posterity, have any effect upon them–if neither the injuries they have received , the price they are contending for, the future blessing or curses of their children–the applause or the reproach of all mankind–the approbation or displeasure of the Great Judge–or the happiness or misery consequent upon their conduct, in this and a future state, can move them;–then let them be assured, that they deserve to be slaves, and are entitled to nothing but anguish and tribulation. Let them banish from their remembrance the reputation, the freedom, and the happiness they have inherited from their forefathers. Let them forget every duty, human and divine; remember not that they have children: and beware how they call to mind the justice of the Supreme being: let them go into captivity… and be a reproach and a by-word among the nations. But we think better things of you–we believe and are persuaded that you will do you duty like men, and cheerfully refer your cause to the great and righteous Judge. If success crown you efforts, all the blessings of freemen will be your reward. If you fall in the contest, you will be happy with God in Heaven.”

- Letter discovered from The Life of John Jay written by his son William Jay.

What was to be done? Appeals had been lifted up only to be ignored. Remonstrance made only to be bashed and scorned. To the Colonists dismay, their actions quickly became rebellious, contrary, and in need of punishment. Military forces, with all of its evils, arrived on American shores; Not as it had been in other times for their protection, but rather, to subject and control them. How were they to react? Peaceably and weakly relinquish their inalienable rights and God given liberties? Or, rise and fight against the greatest military force and wealthiest nation on earth? Before these issues, men of high repute, and unquestionable character waffled and became irresolute. Maybe take the path of least resistance? Maybe just submit to their tyrannical King? Why choose a path of difficulty and suffering?

At one point in history, related in the Book of Ezekiel, God looked for a man to stand in the gap and could find none. At another point in history, the year 1776, this couldn’t be said. With praise and adulation to our sovereign God, we humbly thank him for preparing individuals so that when the gap desperately needed filling and courage was needed – someone was there. Someone with resoluteness and bravery to see into the future, understand the past, and be decisive in the present. This man was Patrick Henry.

At this time, the Leaders of Virginia, residing in the House of Burgesses, were discussing how best to appease their great Monarch. When to their surprise, one of the newest members rose and proceeded to explain his ideas on the issue and submitted resolves to be voted upon. As they looked at his resolves they realized the content was nothing short of treason; what could have gotten into this man? Finally in a need to explain himself, Henry arose, beginning quietly but assuredly, and then breaking into a torrent of feelings and emotions.

He presented his reasons for why it was necessary to separate from the mother country. It’s time to become independent, what better time to revolt is there then now? Will the future make us stronger? No, only weaker! Now is the time to act, already the chains of slavery are clinking on the ocean traversing ships. Future produces dark and gloomy pictures with no ray of hope. Then he declared, with head held high, hands lifted toward heaven, and a gleam in his eye which seemed to pierce through his audience to their very souls;

“…Is life so dear or peace so sweet to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God. I know not what course others may take but as for me give me Liberty of Give me Death!

The American Revolution was sparked right then and there. The spark quickly grew into a flame and raced across colonies and through General Assemblies. Not many months later the Declaration of independence was signed by the president of the 1st Continental Congress, John Hancock, and sent to Great Britain and the nations of the world. It’s contents clearly stated absolute separation from their Mother country and that they were assuming* among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Natures and natures God entitles them.

What a privilege we hold in our American Heritage? Oh how glorious it is to truly enjoy the blessing of liberty and life. Oh how much was given so we could enjoy! Let us not forget but guard and protect. It is our duty as Christian Patriots.

*Excerpts taken from the Declaration of Independence

Why?

Because the United States of America was based on the Bible, Christian principles, and absolute standards of right and wrong. Our Country believed in liberty – Which means freedom to do not what we want but to do what we aught.

Now a days when people use the words liberty and freedom they are saying ” Everything goes!” “There is no right and wrong.” “You can’t tell me what to do!” This kind of mind set is ruining the lives of the individuals of America!

We must go back to our foundation. We must be re-encouraged to take God at His word and do what He says. 2Chronicles 7:14 says,  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

We as a country are in perilous times. Man is doing that which is right in his own eyes, mocking God, and choosing to do those things which are not natural.

May the state of our Country not discourage you but encourage you to make a difference. One way to do this is to learn your past. Learn where we as a country have come from and make steps in your own personal life to return to Christ and his ways. Lets make Christ the center of our hearts, homes and lives.

To encourage us in this way of thinking. Lets take a look at a great man of the past who has been forgot in the history books, and forgotten in our conversations. Yet he had the greatest — certainly not the sole, but the greatest contribution to the sources of American liberty, government, economics, education. Do you have any idea who this man is?

Here is the quiz:

                                  Who is this man?

• He was a humble Reformer.
• He was a great expositor of the Scriptures. He loved expounding on the teaching of Jesus Christ.
• He was a man that took God at his word.
• He was said to have played a pivotal role in the founding of America and in the birth of the republican form of government.
• German historian von Ranke said: ” He was the virtual founder of America”
• French historian Taine said: ” This man and his following are the true heroes of England…. they founded Scotland: they founded the United States”

Any ideas?…….

• D’Augibne, another French scholar and historian, said, “He was the founder of the greatest of republics.”
• One of America’s greatest historians ever, George Bancroft called this man “The father of America” He also said “He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of this man knows but little of the origin of American liberty.”
• Every republican government that exists in the world was produced by the influence of this man!

Who is this? Take a guess!!

Then check back later for the answer!

Sadly it was not till recently I came to truly understand the impact this man had on our country. What an incredible man of God. He truly is one to learn from, read about, and follow as he followed Christ.

I have been reading an incredible book call “What if Jesus had never been born” By D. James Kennedy.

It goes through and talks about the impact Christ had on the lives of people. It talked about the devastation people, cities, countries, nations went through and are going through because they did not let Christ be a reality in their lives.

This man in the above quiz let Christ become a reality in his life and because of that he left an impact not on just those in his generation but for generations and generations come!

God wants to use you and I to leave a multi-generational impact too. But we must be willing to stand for the truth, take God at his word, and live lives wholly committed to Jesus Christ.

Discerning the attacks, Dr. George Grant, a professor, lecturer and writer, wrote a book titled  The Importance Of The Electoral College. In this book, Grant eloquently presents the intent and the need for the Electoral College. Initiating with  the full text of Article II; Section I, amendment XII, and Amendment XX, of the U.S. Constitution he lays the building blocks. Next, he manifests how the reasons for destroying the Electoral College are lame and foolish. They were purely developed from a lack of understanding of good government. Furthermore the numerous benefits from the Electoral College truly outweigh any possible defects.

With resolve and purpose, Grant then launches into these beautiful benefits by relating the long history of the Electoral College. He explains how it protects the essence of a federalism; a joining together of sovereign communities for the goal of a greater good while never losing their distinctiveness, it protects America from anarchy, and it produces true respect for all parts of the United States whether it’s  the farmer in Iowa or the merchant in New York City.

Building his case, Grant creates the seriousness of revolutionizing America’s Political System. He holds up the illustrious Founding fathers as individuals worthy of imitation. Calling them “reluctant revolutionaries” to their Mother country, Grant, pleads for the same application to the perception and handling of the Electoral College.

Slowly but surely the foundations of America are being eaten away. The destruction of the Electoral College will be just another step in the slow surety. The only hope is in followers of Jesus Christ defending what they hold dear. They only can do this through preparing themselves by delving into God’s principles and knowing how the principles relate to government, politics, business, etc.

Herein lies the importance of Dr. George Grant scholarly work. He’s helping fill a void by assisting other’s in their preparation to defend America’s most cherished beliefs. He declares the founding principles, he presents the proper applications, he persuasively leads to the correct conclusions.

The Apostle Peter encouraged the believers of the First Century Church to grow. He laid out in the first chapter of his 2nd epistle, eight steps for Spiritual growth.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Pet. 1:5-8).

The order is key. Faith must be the foundation of Virtue (character). Then follows knowledge. Too often, knowledge is sought without developed character and the result is pride. The world does not need any more proud know-it-alls. That’s  why character, built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ (faith) is so essential.

On a recent evening, Dad gathered us together for a memorable family night. Pulling out a much loved volume of the Character Sketches, he began to read a story of an animal which exemplifies the character quality of Decisiveness. Everyone listened in rapt attention with the goal of being the first to discover the ‘mystery  animal.’ Hands went up throughout the story as guesses were made. And the answer was…….the Red Fox!

Attentiveness was key as Dad went on to read through the many amazing characteristics of the fox. Its cunning ability to slip away from the keen scent of hound dogs, the loyalty it displays to its mate, the unique  ways it hunts woodchucks, rabbits, & mice, and the remarkable accuracy of its eye & ear senses were just a few of the fox’s remarkable attributes.

Then came the test. A number of Character Sketch Crossword Puzzle books were issued and the challenge given to fill out the puzzle for the Red Fox. Let’s test your knowledge of the Red Fox – perhaps you’ll learn a fact or two. Answers will be posted in about a week.

1. What animal the fox hunts by hiding & waiting for them?

2. When afraid, their body emits strong _ _ _ _ _ .

3. What closely related animal is faster than the fox in snow?

4. Direction the fox will trot when hunting: _ _ _ _ _ _

5. The fox exemplifies the model _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ within the animal world.

6. The fox hunts this animal with the body held low and parallel to the ground.

7. The shape of the eyes in the fox family: _ _ _ _ _

8. The fox can hear the squeaks of a _ _ _ _ _ 150 feet away.

9. The part of the body that allows the fox to release body heat _ _ _ _ .

10. The foxes heavy tail reduces its _ _ _ _ _

11. What the fox will do it senses confidence when it smells you: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

12. The English translation of: Vulpes Fulva – _ _ _ _ _ _

If you are looking for a creative family activity. The Character Sketches & accompanying Crossword Puzzles make for a meaningful family event that teaches character and knowledge through the lenses of Scripture.

Decisiveness: The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God.

I have been greatly encouraged by a book called Prayer by Andrew Murray. It is a book that has compiled 6 of his books into one!

The book with in the book    that I have been reading lately is “The Prayer Life” How convicting, thought provoking and motivating it has been.

We as American Christians don’t understand prayer. We look at it as a time waster instead of a time well spent. A question that Andrew Murray encouraged every follower of Christ to ask oneself is “What is the cause of my prayerlessness, of my powerlessness to effect any change in the matter? Here I live in the Spirit, I have been born again, but I do not walk after the Spirit– the flesh lords over me!”

The enemy will use all his power to lead us to neglect prayer. How does Satan do this? He brings on wandering thoughts, discouragement over our attempts, feelings of hopelessness, and despair. Tempting us to put it off. And the list could go on and on.

“As soon as the Christian becomes convinced of his sin in this matter of lack of prayer, his first thought is that he must begin to strive, with God’s help, to gain the victory over it. But alas, he soon experiences that his striving is worth little, and the discouraging thought comes over him, like a wave, that such a life is not for him – he cannot continue faithfully!” Have you ever experienced such thoughts and emotions? I know I have.

Andrew Murray shared two key ways to fighting against prayerlessness.

The first being when you seek to conquer prayerlessness in your own strength and ability it is then you must recognize it and turn your restlessness and effort over to Christ. We must fall helpless at the feet of the Lord Jesus and open up our hearts before him (Luke 11:1).

Matthew 11:29-30 

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The Second being, we must realize that this is but the beginning. To fight against prayerlessness it will require deep earnestness, the exercise of all your power and a watchfulness of the entire heart. You must be eager to detect the slightest backsliding of your heart. Confessing of your sins and sharing your burdens must be precious to you. Not because you always enjoy it but because you know it is so key in keep yourself pure and close to your Savior (James 5:16).

Let nothing between your soul and the Savior. Jesus alone can subdue the flesh and the devil! It is so key that we keep coming to Christ. Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Matthew 6:24  “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” If you truly desire a prayer life with the Lord that goes beyond words of description,  it will require a surrender of something else. If you are not willing to forgive and to confess your sins then you will not be able to enter into and fully enjoy that closeness with your Lord and Savior

What is it that is holding you back from communing with God? A life of self-sacrifice is what God really wants, but are you willing to give up all for Christ?

Do we have a methodical way for discipling others? How are we preparing ourselves for the work of an evangelist and discipler for Christ?

Author, Dean, and Speaker Jim Berg lays out a practical plan for disciple makers in His book, "Changed Into His Image." Each fundamental truth expounded upon comes with rich analogies one can easily remember for the purpose of counseling fellow Christians. For example:

The Tea Bag Analogy: Almost every tea bag appears the same from the outside. The difference is quickly manifested when hot water is applied. When the hot water of trials and tribulation enter our life, it is then that our true colors, attitudes, and passions are revealed.

Motorcycle Analogy: A motorcyclist, rapidly approaching a stopped car, needs but to apply the break and cease the flow of gas to the engine. The engine will proceed to idle and the momentum comes to a halt. Such is the way of our flesh. While it will always be present (the idling cycle), we are to mortify the flesh. However, should one apply the break without ceasing the flow of gas, the breaks will soon wear out. So it is with the Christian. We cannot simply use will-power to resist the flesh but must renew our mind (Rom. 12:1) by remembering that we are dead to sin (Rom. 6), hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3), and seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6). In so doing, the ‘gas’ is cut to the flesh and the clutch disengages the engine (the flesh).

These are but two of the analogies Mr. Berg relates. At the end of each of the 13 chapters, there is a ‘Word to Disciple Makers.’ Here, practical advice is laid out on how to convey the truths to those you are discipling.

If you are looking for some practical discipling tips, desire to deepen your understanding of the Lord, or are simply seeking to be changed into His image, I highly recommend

‘Changed Into His Image’ by Jim Berg.

How many of us sometimes struggle with knowing the will of the Lord?

George Muller (1805-1898) was a man of prayer and one who regularly sought the will of the Lord. In so doing, he saw God answer prayer in amazing ways. His life is a tribute indeed to the Words of Christ, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:13)."

The following notes are taken from Mr. Muller’s own journal. During our time of study in the Wisdom Booklets this morning, we read this excerpt & were greatly inspired.

May God bless you as you seek to pray according to His will.  

How to Ascertain the Will of God

1. I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has now ill of its own in regard to a given matter.

2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

3. I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the word of God…If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.

4. Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God’s will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5. I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.

6. Thus, through prayer to God, the study of the Word, and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly.

7. In trivial matters and in transactions involving most important issues, I have found this method always effective.

I started studying about the Mushroom, since it is a fungus. The main parts of a mushroom plant are, the cap, the stalk, and the gills which hold the spores. I really enjoyed finding fungus and showing it to the family. One day this past month I was playing outside with my younger siblings and found a mushroom plant. It was living during the middle of winter. I was so excited and brought it to the house. The mushroom was pretty large. It was fun to find all the different parts that I had learned about, and then show everyone where the parts were located.
I am glad God created and formed even the ugly mushroom. An encouraging thought about the mushroom is how it endures through hard growing conditions and continues to send out spores to produce new life. When we, as Christians, endure hardness, God gives us testimonies that will encourage other believers to persevere.