My hope for the Dakota nation.

I spoke this May 18th 2014 at the Dakota Peace Celebration in Mankato MN, where 38 Dakota's were hung. We are one blood, one nation. Adam and Eve were God's first creation. One blood. Then Noah, eight souls on the ark, one family, one blood. It is important that we realize, we are all of one blood, we are one nation. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 NIV) 13 Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” Exodus 33:13 May 18, 2014 The Way and the Glory “Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.” (Exodus 33:13) “Moses the man of God” (Deuteronomy 33:1) was surely one of the greatest men who ever lived. He was the leader of a great nation, he received the tablets of the law from God. It was said that “there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10). Yet, “the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). It was such a man as this who made two remarkable requests of God. The first was, as above: “Show me now Your way.” The second, just a moment later, was: “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18). These were not selfish requests. Moses desired the way of the Lord on behalf of his people. God answered this request with the gracious promise: “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). But then he also asked to see the glory of God. So God placed Moses “in a clift of the rock,” covering him with His hand as His glory passed by, allowing him to see the remnants of His glory, as it were (Exodus 33:22-23), since he could not have endured any more. With such a vision of God’s glory, Moses was then able to lead the Israelite multitude for 40 years in a terrible wilderness, transforming them from a mob of slaves into God’s chosen nation, ready to bring God’s Word, and God’s Son, into the world. We also can see His way and His glory. Jesus said: “I am the way” (John 14:6). Then He prayed: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory” (John 17:24). Interesting, this was yesterday’s message, and would have fit perfectly with Emmitt Eastman! May 17, 2014 Running to Christ “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) When one realizes that he is lost and that only Christ can save him, he should not delay a moment but come immediately to Christ. There are, in fact, several men in the New Testament who actually ran to Him. There was the man possessed with a whole legion of demons. “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him” (Mark 5:6), and Jesus set him free. Then there was a young man who wanted to learn of Christ. When he found that Jesus was going away, he came “running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Unfortunately, his sincerity failed when he realized the cost. Zeal without sacrifice is dead, as is faith without works. There was another wealthy man who was willing to pay the price. “And [Zacchaeus] ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way” (Luke 19:4). The conversion of Zacchaeus was genuine, and he demonstrated it by a changed and sacrificial life. In Christ’s suffering on the cross, He spoke of His awful thirst, and an unknown observer “ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink” (Mark 15:36). Christ will not forget this expression of concern and sympathy. After His burial, Mary Magdalene came back to tell Peter and John that the tomb was open. “So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. . . . and he saw, and believed” (John 20:4-8). All who hasten wholeheartedly to Christ, sincerely seeking to know and serve Him, will find salvation in His name, for “the name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” HMM

No more tickling ears

I believe we are living in a time when teaching the truth isn't good enough, apart from being filled with the Spirit. If you are a teacher, pastor, leader, we need to be filled with God's Spirit in order to be far away from this promise: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Tim 4:3) I believe we have seen the last generation that has come, and is going on now, that could simply teach without power. (Luke 24:14) "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." If we are trying to do this, to live, or to teach in Christ, we must receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit that was promised. You must no longer teach in your own power and strength. You must be clothed in His power and authority, and not your own anymore. The world does not need more of us, it needs more of Christ. Beware Christian leaders, beware of the seduction of your own abilities. They at best are failing.

Waiting on The Lord: No Compromise, and staying in the fear of the Lord

From my facebook post today: I feel like I am being asked to join a circus, complete with a merry-go-round. (My wife had a vision of this this morning as we prayed!) I am being asked to consider some things, so could still use prayer. From "The Great House of God", (Lucado), Just like we need forgiveness other people do too. There comes a time in every relationship where it can be damaging to seek justice, and settling the score only starts a fire. There comes a time when the best thing you can do is accept your brother and offer him the same grace you've been given. (My paraphrase) I have given up the right to choose what is best for me, I have given that choice to the Lord, who always knows better anyhow. Don't forget, "You alone are wise, oh Lord." Like · · Share Tim Stromer A friend just showed up yesterday after work, exactly where I was helping out, and he said, "I really felt like God was telling me to come here, and now I know why." He had no idea I would be there. Yet another friend felt strongly he was supposed to call me and counseled me, and prayed over me. Man it's sweet to have Godly friends! Another friend sent me this last night:April 29 Listening with Purpose 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Yesterday we learned about hearing the Word with eagerness and attentiveness. Now, let’s think about approaching the Bible purposefully, expectantly, and prayerfully. Christians study the Scriptures not just individually but also corporately to learn more about God and His ways. Underlying this simple concept is a big challenge. To gather biblical knowledge with purpose means determining in our heart to obey what we hear (Ps. 119:33). And to do so expectantly means we believe that the Lord is going to speak specifically to us (Ps. 25:4). Sermons, Sunday school lessons, and quiet times on our own are all things to be anticipated. God uses these to build us up, strengthen us, or offer us comfort—He certainly makes listening to Him worthwhile. And obedience is the only proper response to this kind of personal attention. Approaching the reading of Scripture prayerfully prepares our hearts to listen well and ushers in an attitude of purpose and expectancy. Today’s passage tells the story of young Samuel’s first encounter with God. The priest Eli gives the boy valuable advice—that when the Lord calls, he should say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (v. 9). Pray those simple words with conviction before you open your Bible, and you will hear God more clearly. If you want to experience God working in your life, come to Scripture with a prayerful, expectant, purpose-filled attitude. The mourner will be comforted. The weary will gain strength. Those convicted of their sin will repent and know peace. All will sense joy. Recognize what a gift God’s Word is. 12 mins · Like Tim Stromer Also from my daily study today: May 1, 2014 Waiting “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:4) Whether things are going well or not, we must not be misled into a false sense of security. The disciples were looking at the beautiful and serene temple and grounds, but Christ predicted unprecedented destruction. “There shall not be left one stone upon another” (v. 2). Nor should we allow ourselves to be deceived by false prophets (vv. 5-6). Scripture gives ample information to allow us to identify and shun these “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” But to our shame, false teachings permeate our churches and television airwaves. Furthermore, when natural calamities and world turmoil cascade in on us (vv. 7-8), we must not be frozen with fear. These things must come (v. 7). Persecution must come also (vv. 9-12). We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated in our witness or tripped up by bitterness. Instead, we must “endure” and remain loyal to Him (v. 13). We must be at work to spread the gospel to all nations (v. 10) in spite of the opposition. And, “take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (v. 33). Let us commit ourselves to the attitude of heart and life He commanded. 4 mins · Like Tim Stromer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY This came to mind as well. Man I LOVE the Lord, He is SO kind! Thank You Lord, I will wait.