Devotional Thoughts

Blend

2009-10-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

combine into one; "blend the nuts and raisins together"; "he blends in with the crowd"; "We don't intermingle much"
an occurrence of thorough mixing
blend or harmonize; "This flavor will blend with those in your dish"; "This sofa won't go with the chairs"
a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings; "`smog' is a blend of `smoke' and `fog'"; "`motel' is a portmanteau word made by combining `motor' and `hotel'"; "`brunch' is a well-known portmanteau"
mix together different elements; "The colors blend well"
the act of blending components together thoroughly

I'd like to talk about this word. I've been thinking about it because it seems to be a verb that's needed by everyone that participates in serving on Sunday's.

The audio team must literally blend the sound from the stage with a mixing board. (blending board might catch on) This blend communicates the most important things to the hearers, and serves to reinforce all the things that the people on the stage are working to communicate.

The media team must carefully blend lyrics & images with transitional timing for a presentation that points to the Savior!

The band must be multiple instruments blended together to make one sound that communicates passion for the Savior. Here's the math:

1 guitar = 1 sound
1 guitar (playing 1/2 as much) + 1 piano (playing 1/2 as much) = 1 sound
1 guitar (1/6 as much) + 1 piano (1/6 as much) + 1 bass (1/6 as much) + 1 drummer (1/6 as much) + 1 guitar (1/6 as much) + 1 keyboard (1/6 as much) = still blend to 1 sound

The choir must listen to people around them as they sing their parts, and blend vibrato, tone, and articulation to make a unified sound.

The gathered body of believers blend personalities and gifts, meeting in one accord, as one body! The Body of Christ!

Quick Bible Study that's mmmmmmmm good!

Look at this word that's often found in Acts: "homothymadon"
Do a quick Bible study & read Acts 1:14, and follow the chain links.
Now, read the definition of the word "homothymadon!" (highlights and italics are mine)

A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rushalong" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize (or blend) in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master (this should be my new title), so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.

Listening @ Starbucks from 8-9 AM

2009-07-28T10:40:00.002-05:00

Starbucks @ Kroger Shopping Center

My intention is to find a place to sit and listen. Today it will be with coffee, and maybe a book, and computer for journaling. The hope is that I will listen to interactions that may happen, discern world views that are in our culture, and pray about how we can introduce Jesus into these world views, and proclaim the Gospel so that faith can come through hearing, and hearing the Word of Christ!

As I approached Starbucks, a young black man was sitting outside. I had my Million Dollar Bills in my back pocket, and was "ready to draw." I greeted him, and he immediately asked me for some "help." I asked him why? He said that he had recently moved here from Las Vegas, having left his multimillion empire that he had built, to start over here. He had acquired a job to raise capitol for his book project, "Great America, He made me a Star."

A quick prayer went up, and having been convicted about being more generous in tough economic times, I pulled my wallet out, and gave him some money, on the condition that I could tell him "where it comes from." He agreed, and I sat, and shared my testimony from a very high level. By that I mean, I was preaching the Gospel to myself so that he could hear. I introduced myself. His name is Kevin.

I shared with him that because I had transgressed the law of our Creator, I deserved the depths of hell. However, that same Creator made a way for me to be forgiven. As passionately as I knew how, shared the story of the just for the unjust. I exalted the Gospel of Jesus with tears in my voice, and some in my eyes. I told him that the reason I am able to give him any sort of help does not come from a goodness within me, but from an "alien righteousness" that comes from Jesus.

Having spent most of my time with an introspective focus, only glancing at his eyes now and then, I smiled and looked at him, and asked him had he ever heard a story like that before. With the same introspective focus, he quickly stated that he had been saved since 1994, and began to tell of his journey. He claimed to be an "oracle" of God. I asked him if that was in the Bible, and he said that it really wasn't. I would have to understand the Book of Revelation to see his place in the Bible. After telling me he was an oracle (kept thinking of the Matrix,) he told me he wanted to correct me in one area. He told me that it was my sub-conscience telling me of my guilt, but my heart was really good, I just had to come to that reality. (paging Oprah).

So, I asked him if he was a good person, and took him through the good person test, God's law. It took a really long time to get through 4 commandments, but the verdict was simple. He was a liar, thief, blasphemer, and an adulterer at heart just like me. When I questioned him of his verdict on Judgement day, and he pleaded Christ, which was very interesting to me.

I asked him if he believed that man was generally good, or generally bad. He said that they were generally good. I asked him if I could see his Bible, and he said he didn't have one (?!?) I pulled my Gideon NT out, and we walked through Romans 3 (yes all of it). I told him that what he was saying contradicted what the Bible is saying. He shared that this scripture was all history, and needs to be understood in history. Then he talked for a long time, very detailed how people can discover God. In that, quoted L. Ron Hubbard. I couldn't place the name, but I new was a clue to his understanding and worldview.

I asked him if he believed in a place called hell, and he said that we were already living in hell. I asked him why Jesus had to not only die, but to suffer a horrible death. He said Jesus was an example to show how we could end the conflict within ourselves....... SCIENTOLOGY IN LEAGUE CITY / FRIENDSWOOD?!?

I knew that in order for this to be profitable, it was time to teach. I told Kevin about Cliff, the blind man. I said, "Suppose you saw a blind man about to walk off a cliff, would you not do everything in your power to stop him from walking off? It would even be kind to physically pull him away until you could convince him of his potential demise. I told him that it was illegal for me to physically restrain him, but for now, it's legal for me to use my words.

I emphatically expressed to him that he was following a path of destruction, and that if he continued, his ways would be futile, and even worse, he would have to face a different Jesus, with a different Gospel on judgment day. The volume of the conversation rose as he asked me if I believed that he, L. Ron Hubbard, and Steven Spielberg were wrong. I pleaded with him that if they preached that same message, then it contradicted the Bible no matter how successful they were. He firmly leaned forward and stated (with a joking/fake punch to my arm which I hope to get some sort of crown for), "You need to free your mind, and embrace all the religions."

I answered gently that he was wrong, and on a path to destruction, and that I will pray for God to bless his income, but to squash his pursuit of heresy. (with a compassionate Aragon grin.) At this, he laughed, stood up, and hugged me. He said, "Frank, you're a smart man, and know exactly what you are doing. I've got to go to Bally's."

I asked him, in honor of our "open minded" discussion if he would accept my Bible as a gift. He laughed and called me tricky. He then hugged me once more, and kissed me on the cheek, and said, "Be blessed."

We parted ways, I ordered coffee, and recorded this, believing that God will rescue him both physically and spiritually.

Conversation # 2:
The small Internet business group was here again. There were only 2 of them this time. From what I could hear, they talked tech. stuff, hoping that the rest of their group would show up. People like community.

Conversation # 3:
Two retired guys, took their seat in front of me, and leaned over the table to talk to one another. Seemed to simply be enjoying conversation.

Conversation # 4:
Girl that worked there had been sick all weekend with stomach bug, and this was her first day of work this week. She said she was tired, and ready for a nap, then took the trash away.

Conversation # 5:
Two ladies walked in, and one seemed to dominate the conversation about some sort of training, flipping through papers, and looking at her in the eye, as if making a presentation.

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. Psalm 51:13

Jesus is a Miracle Worker

2009-07-25T08:28:00.001-05:00

Luke 4:40 (English Standard Version)

⁴⁰Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.

John 5:1-9 (English Standard Version)

John 5

The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath

¹After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

²Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. ³In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. ⁵One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. ⁶When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" ⁷The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me." ⁸Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." ⁹ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

John 4:49-53 (English Standard Version)

⁴⁹The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." ⁵⁰Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. ⁵¹As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. ⁵²So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." ⁵³The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." And he himself believed, and all his household.

Mark 5:25-34 (English Standard Version)

²⁵And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, ²⁶and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. ²⁷She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. ²⁸For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I will be made well." ²⁹ And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. ³⁰And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?" ³¹And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, 'Who touched me?'" ³²And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. ³⁴And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

Mark 5:35-42 (English Standard Version)

³⁵While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" ³⁶But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." ³⁷And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping." ⁴⁰And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." ⁴²And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. Psalm 51:13

Listening

2009-06-30T12:06:00.004-05:00

6/30/09
8:45-10:45
Starbucks

This morning, I spent time at the Starbucks at the corner of 528 & Bay Area, just down the road from the church. My goal was to listen, and of course, given the opportunity, share the hope I have in Christ. I found a seat in the corner, and listened with a book in front of me like a spy.

Desire to be connected if they want to be – Of course there were those that were withdrawn, but those that wanted to be connected, were very intentional about it.

Desired to be happy and showed it – The people that were there, which gave no indication that they were Christians, seemed delighted to be with each other. Despite the heat outside, or economic news, there was much laughter. A no pressure kind of atmosphere.

Loud discussion on where “booze” could be sold – For some reason, this conversation was with a full table of people. They discussed where the lines were that divided who could sale alcohol.

Heard the phrase “time wasted…” in two different conversations - People value time, and do not like it when people waste it.

Most of the people I listened to were over the age of 50, but were very tech savvy and curious – the majority of conversations I heard revolved around computers, blackberries, Iphones, Facebook, trouble shooting. At most there were 25 people in the store at 1 time, and 6 laptops out and working.

I feel like a spy

Heard a long conversation about surfing – It was from a woman speaking of her husbands hobby. She said he surfed everyday! He also made surf boards for people, and only charged for material.

Mother-ship purse – Lady left to get a much larger purse. She said, “this is the mother-ship purse. It stays in the car, and the smaller one comes in with me.” Thought it was funny.

Ephesians 1:15-18

2009-06-14T06:28:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 1:15-18 (English Standard Version)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, ¹⁶I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

That's my prayer for the people I'm working with this morning, as well as the prayer for my family. That we would have a "spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him..."

This morning, God has given us a full team of musicians. They are all very precious servants of the Lord, willing to serve Jesus this morning.

Drums - Mike
Bass - Kyle
Elec. gtr - Tom
Keys - Gwen
Piano - Leslie
HP Choir!

All people that love Jesus, and serve Him this morning. I pray that they will be hungry for the word. That their family will hear scripture dripped from their mouths. I pray that every decision would be filtered through the revelation of knowledge of Him. This is no ordinary morning, but it's the Lord's Day! Many people will gather today to sing the praises of Jesus, the One True God. I pray that God uses leaders like these to lead our country in repentance as His glorious Gospel is proclaimed.

God, please give us a hunger for You and Your word, and do so with the gentle hands of a Father.

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. Psalm 51:13

1 Peter 2:9

2009-06-12T08:08:00.001-05:00

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

I like the way that this is phrased..... that we "may proclaim the excellencies." Proclaiming the Gospel is a privilege. Lord, how can I be louder today?

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www.FrankAragon.com
Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. Psalm 51:13

Ps. 29:1-2 Pointing

2009-05-23T07:56:00.003-05:00

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

This weekend, we take the time to remember those that have given their lives. This freedom that we have is all I've ever known. As I approach this weekend, I fight apathy, and I hate that I do. It's so distant from me, and I do not want it to be.

Another thing strikes me. We have this great country because of the sacrifice of many. We have the sacrifice of many, because it was a gift from God. Why has God poured out blessings on this country? Because of those faithful praying saints of old? The strive for holiness from days gone by? Or was it just that He, "....will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."

I'm not sure if God has removed His hand of blessing or not. I do know that there was a time in near history that it didn't seem awkward to say, "God has truly blessed us," and expect a nod of agreement. Has the evolutionary atheist mind set truly been that indoctrinated?

Why not point to God this weekend? Why not "ascribe the glory due his name." Remind people that God has blessed our nation, and continue to seek his favor on our government in domestic as well as foreign affairs.

THE LAMB IS WORTHY!

Luke 11:9 Good Gifts

2009-01-28T01:38:00.002-06:00

Luke 11:9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread^[d] from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

My Martin has been in bad shape, and the back is finally pulling away from the guitar. It will be in the shop for about a month. After praying about it, I decided it was time to purchase a new one. I did some shopping, but had my heart set on a CA guitar from Danny D's. He didn't have any of the ones I wanted, and was reluctant to order more. Most of them were out of my price range. Sunday, I ran into a guy that had one, and asked him if he wanted to sale it. I went by his office today, and God had put it on his heart to give it to me as long as I use if for the Kingdom! Praise the Lord! HE GIVES GOOD GIFTS!

Prep for the Christmas Parade - Romans 2:12-16

2008-12-01T08:23:00.002-06:00

I've had the privilege of working with Good News Club with a group of incredibly talented ladies that have their eyes on Christ. For the past couple of years, we have designed a float for the League City Christmas Parade. When we first started it, the 2 purposes were to 1) Share the Gospel, and 2) Share info. about Good News Clubs.

We have a sound system hooked to a generator on the float. I'll stand and preach about a 1 minute Gospel presentation using the Law & Grace, then the kids on the float sing the Good News Theme song. We pass out Gospel Tracts (4000 this year), which have candy canes attached to them. Praise the Lord!

One of the things that helps my heart have courage for this, and understand its place in a "Santa" parade, is the understanding that men have the law of God written on their hearts, but still defy it. Within a hundred years from today, there only hope is that they hear of the solution to their sin. That can only be found in Christ!

Romans 2 - 12For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

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Frank Aragon
www.AragonBand.com

Thankful for God Demonstrating Love Romans 5:8

2008-11-27T11:00:00.001-06:00

We've recently experienced several changes in our neighborhood. People moving in, moving out, houses for sale, then for lease, then for sale. It seems every time we see the realtor sign in the yard, we begin to pray for our neighbors, sometimes out loud. Since we have young children, the behavior and moral perception of your neighbors can completely change how your home feels. Wouldn't you agree?

Finally some people moved in next door to us, and we watched them like a hawk. Of course we introduced ourselves, and Sara brought them baked goods, but our antennas were up, so to speak, to see if we could detect anything to guard from. So how would you know if your neighbor was kind, loving, or generally morally good? You watch their actions, and their reactions.

Today, I'm grateful for God's demonstration. Romans 5:8 says - 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

As we look at creation we know that God is wise, huge, and powerful. But it's the specific gift of sending His Son to die in my place, that screams of a God-sized love! That's how I know that God loves me. Thank you God for Your kindness.

By the way, Jim & Brenda, our new neighbors, were precious people. I pray that God find's His pleasure in them.

Happy Thanksgiving! The Lamb is Worthy!

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Frank Aragon
www.AragonBand.com

Upwards Football Closing Ceremony

2008-11-22T23:51:00.007-06:00

2 Kings 5

Today, during the Upwards football closing ceremony, I shared the story of Namaan. Of course, I related his problem of leprosy to our problem of sin, and our very specific solution to sin. The kids were young, and the story didn't really punch like it did in my mind. However, I made much of what Jesus did for us on the cross!

Real quick, a funny event happened. Here I am, sitting with parents and kids I don't know, waiting for my turn in the program. They asked me if they could have a cd to play for the slide show. They also played it as the kiddos were coming in. What was funny was that during their sweet little slideshow, the song they chose was "Mighty One!" That's def. our "hardest" song. Of course, the gracious man behind the sound board was just playing the CD. He had never heard it.

O well, guess you had to be there.

Neigbor Concerns - Pr. 21:10

2008-11-20T10:58:00.001-06:00

Pr. 21:10 - The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

I'm concerned because in our neighborhood, there are a couple of houses that have adolescence that are looking for trouble. I have prayed for them, but certainly could do a more fervent job. At our recent neighborhood gathering, they did not attend, but were the source of multiple conversations. Those conversations were mostly hostile, involving the subject of guns (yikes).

I didn't know what to say. I've had some encounters with these guys, and it is as if they wake up trying to figure out how to look criminal. I had some older guitar magazines with some cool stuff in them that I gave them. (which contained hidden gospel tracts...I'm not a chicken!) They seemed grateful, however, didn't say much. Drugs are certainly involved.

How do you reach neighbors like this without putting your children in jeopardy? I'll certainly pray more.

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Frank Aragon
www.AragonBand.com

New Creation

2008-11-12T08:48:00.004-06:00

So am I a new creation?
God is changing me everyday. As I read His word, and lift up the desire to see his Kingdom glorified, He changes every part of me. As I lift up those around me that need God's intervention, He changes me. He constantly softens my heart, and daily makes me thankful for every breath. Laughter becomes sweeter, and songs of my Savior are dense with meaning. My voice becomes warmer, and every song needs to be longer. A new creation!

Closer to the Start - New Creation from Ed Young on Vimeo.

Love Deeply 1 Peter 1:22

2008-11-11T08:51:00.003-06:00

1 Peter 1: 22 - You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.

This is what we have in common, brothers and sisters. We're not all the same, and we don't all have the same taste. Especially as a worship leader, I know that we do not all have the same taste in music. I KNOW THAT!

This is what I know we have in common:

You were cleansed from your sins
We have the joy of a clean slate! The burden of guilt has been lifted at Calvary! There is a joy and a grace that we walk in together, knowing death has lost its sting.

When you obeyed the truth
We have a history. One that is not pretty because of the mark of sin on our life. However, we have a conversion story. A day when we repented toward God, and put our faith in Christ! (Acts 20:21). Our rebirth was radical, and we love to reminisce!

You must show sincere love
We are compelled to show the love that was shown to us. It is sincere. It is from the motive of the grace shown to us, and it is revealed in our hearts in our day to day life. However, this must be demonstrated, not just felt.

Love each other deeply with all your heart.
Please note that this is a response because of what Christ has done for us. It is genuinely a response to the Gospel in our lives today. Any other motive will be short-lived, and be in the flesh as opposed to being in the Spirit.

Heard a message a couple of weeks a go from Yancey Arrington at Clear Creek Community Church and would encourage you to hear it. He addresses how the Gospel is not an elementary doctrine, but is the cornerstone for the believer's life, and has application to the daily walk of every believer. - Listen

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Frank Aragon
www.AragonBand.com

Birth

2008-11-10T23:56:00.001-06:00

Last night I played music from about 10 to midnight, so as a result, I didn't get to have movie night with my family. It's just a night where we get to eat in the living room, and watch a good movie. But I didn't get to be there, and an interesting discussion happened. My wife is pregnant, due Jan. 15, and my 4 yr old son was inquiring of my 6 yr old exactly what was gonna happen during the birth.

He asked, "How does the baby come out?" Sara was in the kitchen at the time, and overhears the conversation.

So he asks how the baby comes out, and Simeon told him with assurance that they cut her tummy open and take him out! (Little false teacher.) Elijah, being accustomed to Simeon makin' stuff up the he doesn't know (like his dad), had that skeptical look on his face, and says, "Nah....I think the baby just comes out of her mouth."

I had a good laugh at that this morning, but it reminded me how radical that day is going to be. How that we don't hear a peep out of the baby now, but there's going to be an AMAZING DAY when "all waters gonna break loose!" This little bump I feel in Sara's belly is gonna spring forth into to a new world, and it will surely be a radical day.

You know with all of those in Christ, they too had a radical day. Dead in our sin, then one day, made alive in Christ. It's radical. Free from sin! Free! A clean conscience! Hallelujah!

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Frank Aragon
www.AragonBand.com

Prov. 21:23

2008-09-23T08:09:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 21:23 (New King James Version)

23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.

This is so true.

I was with my family at Lupe Tortillas (mmmmm), and we sent the kids of to play in the giant "litter box" that they have. We got to be on a short date. (she kissed me) There are a lot of people here from the electric comp. working on all the lines that are down. One such man passed by, and while talking on his cell, loudly shouted multiple obscenities in a very casual way, describing the status of his situation. As if I were up "on the box", I yelled out a smart remark. He turned and looked and me, and said, "oops, I'm sorry, and walked on to stand w/ his buddies as he finished the conversation.

Now, maybe I was justifed, however, him and his friends couldv'e given me a hard time, and I would've had to apply other verses, like, "turn the other cheek!" (ouch). However, had I been on gaurd, I probably wouldn't have shouted anything, but instead, prayed for the man to be ok in his dangerous work, and ask God to bless him and his crew for restoring power so that I could eat beans and large Lupe tortillas.

Lord, teach us to gaurd our mouths. Help us to be slow to speak (James 1:19), speak truth in love (Eph. 4:15), hope all things (1 Cor. 13:7), and whatever happens, help us to conduct ourselves worthy of the Gospel of Christ! (Phil 1:27)

The Lamb is Worthy!!!!

--
www.FrankAragon.com
www.AragonBand.com

Proverbs 3:5-6

2008-08-26T10:27:00.001-05:00

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall directyour paths

Anytime we search for wisdom, we should ask God, then make the time to meditate on the Proverbs. They are not promises, but nuggets of Godly wisdom to guide anyone that will take the time to write these on their heart. We all make multiple decisions daily. Some impact life,some impact moments. I think one could spend a year expounding on all the verses that help us deal with decisions. Learn to cherish this one:

Trust
What is something you trust? This word means, "to have a confidence in." And of course, the most important exercise of trust, is when we trust Christ. The grace of God helps everyone on this planet. However, to understand the richness of His grace, and be wise, one must trust in Christ Jesus. In other words, they come to a point that they can no longer trust themselves, and their own righteousness, but instead, trust the One that died for there sins.

LORD
The object of our faith is more important than the amount, or sincerity of our faith. I can have mountain size faith that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, or anything I can dream. This can cause great turmoil, and will ultimately fail miserably. However, I can have the smallest measure of faith in the One that created me, the One true God, and mountains move.

all your heart.
Every time we see the word "heart" in the Bible, we can define it as -
Mind - what we think about, and what we have knowledge of
Will - What we determine to do because of the knowledge
Emotions - We are consumed with this understanding and it shows.

Lean not on your own understanding
This is not a command to go brain dead, but rather, to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33) instead of seeking the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). In the world system, motivations root in the glory of man, but in the God's system, motivations spring from the Glory of God. The wisdom here is to not trust the man centered understanding, but rather, in the God centered.

in all your ways acknowledge Him
and the result of God-centered motives will result in God being part of every life choice you make.

And He shall direct your paths
This line of wisdom leads to exactly where God wants you to be. To chain this wisdom around your neck 24/7, will keep you near to God, and according to Psalm 73:28, that is your good.

--
www.FrankAragon.com
www.AragonBand.com
13 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh, and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD God of the Hebrews: "Let My people go, that they may serve Me, 14 for at this time I will send all My plagues to your very heart, and on your servants and on your people, that you may know that there is none like Me in all the earth. 15 Now if I had stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, then you would have been cut off from the earth. 16 But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. Exodus 9

Exalted in Chains

2008-07-22T06:30:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while, I think about his subject. I wonder how far I should go with authorities. Of course, I must submit to them. (Rom. 13). However, do to the way our gov. works, I must submit to them as much as they are rightly defining the laws by which we live. In an age of "deconstructionism," how long will it be that words that are law have no meaning, and are 100% subject to the judicial interpreter.

In reading Philippians 1, there are a few hints to help answer the question, "how far should I go?"

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,....." It seems a good thing to keep in mind is that God's Kingdom is first. Not that I get my way, but due to whatever circumstances one might be in with authorities, I know that the Gospel will now make ripples because of the "things which happened."
13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; It should be apparent that the motive for the persecution is for Christ. If, as the circumstance unfolds, I believe that what is happening would be seen as a political statement, government defiance, or some sort of strike, then I may want to back off since it will not be obvious that "my chains are in Christ."
14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
This will inspire the church, not confuse them.
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. The end goal of whatever decision that is made is that Christ gets the glory through some busted clay!

Father, give us strength to stand, and humility to bow, and the wisdom to make a good decision.
--
www.FrankAragon.com
www.AragonBand.com
Prov. 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

Circumcision and Light Sabers!

2008-07-19T22:55:00.002-05:00

Tonight, as we read the scriptures before bed, we got to Gen. 18. This where God changes Abraham's name, and sets up circumcision as a sign of the covenant. Of course, Simeon is a sharp cookie, and he didn't understand how God could bless someone, and kill them, since he thought circumcision meant death. Elijah (now 4) thought it was when you cut off your hand because I just got through explaining to them today what Jesus meant by "it would be better to enter life with one hand, that to go to hell w/ 2."

This then lead to the explanation, which was thoroughly confusing to them. So, by way of illustration, all I had available was a light saber and a target bag, which seemed to be sent from God. They both winced as I tore the end of the bag off, then we continued to read.

Why circumcision, Lord? Thank you for my family, and help me to teach them Your ways.

--
www.FrankAragon.com
www.AragonBand.com
Prov. 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

My Food - John 4:32-34

2008-07-01T08:15:00.001-05:00

John 4:32-34 (New King James Version)

32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know."
33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?"
34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

Jesus is my Lord, and has called me to follow him. He is my example, and as further explained in scripture, I seek to do what He did (1 Peter 2:21). Here, Jesus explains to His disciples that He is satisfied doing the Father's will. John MacArthur says that it's a possible reference to Moses saying, "3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD." (Deut. 8:3). He stated this while he was tempted (Mt. 4:4; Lk. 4:4).

I find that at the end of the week, I am most satisfied when I have done what Jesus was doing in this passage. He turned aside, and offered Living Water to a thirsty soul. There are so many things to do in a week. Even when there's nothing planned, little things take over. The end of the day, your stuck tending to the house and your family, which is very important. It seems that we should figure out how to seek God's Kingdom first (Mt. 6:33, Eph. 5:17), and go after it with our whole heart. Constantly praying, Lord, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Lord, I have much to do today. My appointments will not satisfy, but doing Your work will. Give me sound mind to know when to turn aside, and share the Living Water with someone today.

--
www.FrankAragon.com
Prov. 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

Coldness

2008-06-29T06:11:00.001-05:00

What happens when there is a coldness in the air? When, as an evangelist (Eph. 4) type go into a situation that is cold. When it seems that the Lord that I worship, is strange to them. That when I go with instruments, and stand before believers, and begin to celebrate, there is little or no response. Almost a confused look. What then? Let's say that it's an entire week of music.

Bring the speaker up on the stage to witness this. It is strange that in the old days, the preacher for the evening would sit on the stage, observe, and model. This is something that hasn't been done.
Use lots of scripture. This is something that seems to be awkward, but I wonder if that would break the spirit of disunity, or prepare the heart for salvation.
Figure out songs of the heart. Maybe it's just as simple as not knowing what they know to sing, you know. What songs fall from their lips. If they are "boyfriend" songs, then it might explain the depth. However in "hoping all things," it might just be that they don't know the songs that I do, and this should be in the prep work.
Pray way more before. Not just right before we lead, but set aside personal times (periods during the day), and when we get together to rehearse at least before, during , and after.
Spend personal time w/ the congregation. Be available as much as possible.
If the "coldness" persist, then begin to probe. Pray with those whom you inquire. As God to give them a personal awakening.
Afterwards, be honest with the overseer, and help then to see what you did, and why you did it. Tell them your concerns, and assure them that you will pray for them as often as you can. Cont. to follow up with them, and watch God change as that faithful servant ministers week in, and week out.

ER

2008-03-17T23:37:00.002-05:00

I ran across this tonight. I know that there are not very many that view this blog, but in case someone stumbles across it, I pray that you'll consider these questions, and then genuinely consider the answers found in the Bible presented by Ray Comfort.

Ezekiel 1-7

2008-03-17T08:01:00.003-05:00

Wow! I picked up the Message version by Peterson, and decided to dive into the book of Ezekiel. The purpose of the book was kinda fuzzy in my mind. Monday's are usually my brain dead day, but unfortunately, people usually can't tell the difference from other days. I'll pick back up in Romans tomorrow, but just wanted to read and explore today.

Ezekiel is intense. It reminds me of Jeremiah. It's during the Babylonian captivity, and God calls Ezekiel with an amazing vision. I have to admit, the way it's phrased makes it sound like he saw a space ship. I've seen those shows that I don't like, but they suck me in. You know, the ones about all the UFO sightings, and it's creepy music, and a guy with a deep voice. But after I got to chapter 8, I think there's a good reason why that first chapter is so strange. God is other. He is different. As the Bible says (somewhere), His ways are not like our ways! With the sin of Adam hanging on to us, we are prone to do such horrible things. If he lifts his hand from us, we'll even eat our babies! Cannibalism!

God's ways are different. They are set apart and holy. And even at this time, He chose the foolishness of preaching to communicate His message, even if they wouldn't listen! Even if they wouldn't listen! In Peterson's version, the repetition of the phrase, "Rebellious People," is frightening. Last night at the Board Walk, we (Me, Clay, Mary, and Alicia) sensed a lot of fist shaking! The negative always seems to stick out, but there seemed to be many that kinda "gnashed their teeth." I had to make sure thee were no stones around! Maybe the modern day "gnashing their teeth" is "flipping me off."

God, thank you for your Grace! In chapter 3, God emphasizes Ezekiel's responsibility to proclaim the warning. How that if he did not do so, many sins would fall on him! That's intense! But if he did, then it would be the hearers responsibility. That tells me that God is concerned about the lost hearing the Gospel! Generations keep coming, but He pursues each one, "forgiving thousands!"

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
NeedGod.com
ExamineYourself.com
myspace.com/thearagonproject
Mt. 28:6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 26:20-25 ~ Discover the Judas in You

2008-03-14T07:12:00.003-05:00

Matthew 26:20-25 (New Living Translation)

New Living Translation (NLT)

20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table^[a] with the twelve disciples.^[b] 21 While they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."
22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, "Am I the one, Lord?"
23 He replied, "One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!"
25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, "Rabbi, am I the one?"
And Jesus told him, "You have said it."

Judas had a sin and death problem
Jesus had a compassion problem
Jesus knows you're like Judas, so he conquered sin and death!
Responsibility: Repent, Believe, Obey

1 Cor. 15:56The sting of death is sin, andthe power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Tim. 2:2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

--
FrankAragon.com

Romans 6

2008-03-13T09:23:00.001-05:00

Again, just some thoughts about Romans. We are going through John MacArthur's study of Romans in Sunday School, and in the discussion, there are some things that are troubling me. In a group setting, there are always those people that speak up and give their two cents, but then there are those that take it all in, and try to make some conclusions after everything is said.

The confusing thing has been an uncertainty of the role of the law today. I don't think this has to be very complicated, but questions about certain verse will come up, and it's good to work together to reconcile those verses.

Let me start with a little clarification of what the law is. You can kinda divide the OT law into 3 sections. Ceremonial, Sacrificial, and Moral.

Again to put it simply, Christ fulfilled all of the law, and to the New Testament believer, Ceremonial and Sacrificial are done away with as they are fulfilled in Christ. (Col. 2:16; Heb. 8:5, 10:1) If you read that Col. 2:16 verse, you'll see that the 4th commandment is fulfilled in Christ as well, so we no longer obey all the Saturday rules.

To the unbeliever, the law, especially the moral law, serves to show a person the holiness of God's character, and to see how far short we fall of that (context of Rom. 3). As a result, someone who reads that should then be forced to look for a solution. Their solution is either 1) Keeping the law to obtain righteousness, which is the true definition of legalism. 2)OR, (Gal. 3:24) Discovering that Jesus came to become righteous for us! (2 Cor. 5:21)

Upon seeing how kind Jesus was to do this, a person repents and puts their faith in Christ, and is born again. As they grow (Rom. 6), There is a desire to obey the commands. (1 John 2:3-4; 3:22,24; 5:2-3).

As we see in 1 John 2:4, if there is a person that claims to be a follower of Christ among us, and doesn't keep the Commandments, then we have the authority of scripture to know that it's very possible that this person doesn't know the Lord! How much should we be concerned about this? Well, Paul tells the church of Corinth:

1 Cor. 5:9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."^[b]

So how do we "judge" those inside the church? Mt. 18:15-20 tells us how to do it. The ultimate goal is to see a sinner repent, and won to Christ! Not to be kicked out on the street. There are very few churches that practice this because they feel as they will be labeled "legalistic" if they do. Remember, a legalist is when someone puts demands on someone to obtain righteousness instead of simple trusting in the finished work of Christ.

BTW, according to 1 Cor. 13, this must be done with love!

And one small thing to tackle. (maybe not so small). If you follow this logic, it should lead a person that has never understood the place of the law in New Testament church (1 Tim. 1:8) to examine themselves (2 Cor. 13:5). As you go through the 10 commandments (Ex. 20, Mt. 5), if it causes you to have a Godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10), then think about Jesus dieing on the cross to take your punishment for those sins. It should break your heart as you see the kindness of God. Apologize for breaking his laws, for sinning, and confess those sins. Forsake them, and tell him how much you trust what he did on the cross, and how he finished that work by rising from the dead! Call it a commitment, or call it a rededication, or whatever. Read your Bible, and obey what you read, and go serve the living Christ!

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
NeedGod.com
ExamineYourself.com
myspace.com/thearagonproject
1 Sam. 14:6 "Let's go across to the outpost of those pagans," Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!"

Romans 6; Col. 3

2008-03-10T10:49:00.001-05:00

As I studied this morning, I was thinking that this would be an excellent thing for "Aragon" to go through together. Just to make sure we understand that God is growing us and changing us. We might even write about it.

God does sanctify us, and I am so glad he doesn't expect perfection immediately. Instead, he uses a lifetime to grow us!

I was thinking of the next Dnow topics

Theme: My Theology is who I am, is my theology

1. Justification

2. Sanctification

3. Perseverance

4. Glorification

That sounds intense.

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
NeedGod.com
ExamineYourself.com
myspace.com/thearagonproject
1 Sam. 14:6 "Let's go across to the outpost of those pagans," Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!"

Matthew 26; Luke 7

2008-03-05T07:03:00.001-06:00

Many people are looking on as this Easter season approaches. Especially after the "Passion of the Christ" movie came out a few years ago, the world tries to make sense of the cross. They wonder why so many would take it so personally. Why would people subject themselves to the "power of religion?"

I think about these two passages, and remember radical worship that changed all those that were even close. The fragrance must have been overwhelming. Knowing what Jesus knew about the cross, this must have meant so much to him. Because all this was to demonstrate his loving-kindness and greatness, such fragrant demonstrations that point to our Wonderful Savior must please Him.

My desire is that my act of worship be in Spirit and in Truth. That it would be broken, and in full cognisance that I've been forgiven much. And radical, so the whole world will smell, and understand that the cross is where God's justice met his mercy!

A Sinful Woman Forgiven

Luke 7:36^(AV) One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. 37^(AW) And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and^(AX) wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If^(AY) this man were^(AZ) a prophet, he^(BA) would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." 40And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher."

41"A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred^(BB) denarii, and the other fifty. 42^(BC) When they could not pay, he^(BD) cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." 44Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house;^(BE) you gave me no water for my feet, but^(BF) she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45^(BG) You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to^(BH) kiss my feet. 46^(BI) You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Therefore I tell you, her sins,^(BJ) which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48And he said to her, ^(BK) "Your sins are forgiven." 49Then those who were at table with him began to say among^[h] themselves,^(BL) "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 50And he said to the woman, ^(BM) "Your faith has saved you;^(BN) go in peace."

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Matthew 26: 6^(J) Now when Jesus was at^(K) Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,^[a] 7a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? 9For this could have been sold for a large sum and^(L) given to the poor." 10But^(M) Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11For^(N) you always have the poor with you, but^(O) you will not always have me. 12In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it^(P) to prepare me for burial. 13Truly, I say to you, wherever^(Q) this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told^(R) in memory of her."

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
NeedGod.com
ExamineYourself.com
myspace.com/thearagonproject
1 Sam. 14:6 "Let's go across to the outpost of those pagans," Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!"

What our churches would be like . . .

2008-02-22T07:26:00.006-06:00

God has graciously given me the burning desire for His name to be made famous among the nations. He has given me the gift of music to sing and play, and the burning desire and abilities to proclaim the Truth given to us in scripture. He's worth every second that I get to serve Him.

As you know, I have a burning desire, and a deep concern for local churches to move outside the walls of their buildings and share the glorious Gospel. As I have been part of a church plant for the past 5 years, Anchor Baptist Church is my family. It's what my family knows as fellowship. It's the "Body of Christ" that we experience on a weekly basis. I also get to travel and work with other fellowships. Lately, God has given me the oppurtunity to preach in the church. Usually I'm outside the walls of the church. I get to encourage FBC Hull, FBC Daisetta, Central Baptist Daisetta, and FBC Devers, on Sunday, March 2. My encouragement is for them to move outside the walls of the church to preach the Gospel. Look at this Scripture:

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Above is a clip of "It's a Wonderful Life" that I found on YouTube. In this classic, George Baily was shown what the town would be like if he didn't exist. There were many things that changed. The question that I'm pondering is:

What would our churches be like if "revival" happens by just hoping people come to church, instead of us being obedient and going to preach the Gospel?

People would come in to be discipled, and we would produce more pew sitters. Those being discipled would take on the personality of the church, which excludes fulfilling the Great Commission. There would be a continued expectation to meet their needs instead of using their gifts, and bearing their cross. This would lead to heightened internal conflict because everyone has their own opinion of why more people aren't coming to church. The first thing to criticize is the way the message is being delivered, or the style of music. The presentation of the church or the quality of programs would seem to be the problem, . The answer to these criticisms would be change! CHANGE IT ALL! Rethink it all! Deconstrut, and start from scratch. A bunch of, "I think the church of Acts would be . . . "

The only hope the lost world would have is if they tripped through our doors. When they did, maybe they wouldn't smell the wiff of strife in the air, and they would listen to the end of the message to hear the Gospel.

Money for outreach would continue to struggle. There would be confusion why so much doctrine would be taught, because "that sure doesn't win people." And besides, it's not practical to the person that doesn't leave the church to go preach the Gospel. Sunday School teachers would have to find ways to make kids care for doctrine, and studying God's Word. The youth ministry would have to invest mega bucks to hold the students attention so they could slip in a little Bible. And with the current scenerio, remember there would be lots of youth that would see their parents trying to figure out why all this Bible stuff is relevant to there life. They would begin to ask, "Why doesn't our church preach about something that's relevant to me, like the way I spend my money, marriage, or how to be more successful at work. Enough with the doctrine. I don't use it anyway!"

And the one guy in the church that shares his faith is annoying. He's a nusance to society. He makes everyone feel guilty for not doing what he does. A dogmatic approach to scripture has no place in polite society. Besides, he has a special gift, but he should keep it to himself. The newcomers would see that he is an exception, and God only calls certain people to share the Gospel to the lost. Hopefully, he'll get to share with your lost family members. If he doesn't preach the "hell-fire" stuff and not tick 'em off, it'll be great.

God, please burn into men the burden to take your Gospel to the world. Please, Lord, raise up laborers for Your Glory, and Your Namesake!

Proverbs 19:2 - School

2008-02-20T07:01:00.001-06:00

Proverb 19:2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
haste makes mistakes.

I've been thinking about going back to school for a while. I'm not finished with my undergrad. I'm only a few hours away from finishing. A few things happened.

1. Like this verse says, I have a lot of enthusiasm for the Lord! My zeal for the bride of Christ to obey Him and share their faith is overwhelming. I'm teaching about it in other churches, yet at Anchor, it's not happening. I announced on Sunday how disappointed I am in the men for not stepping up to fulfill the Great Commission. However, I barely have any instruction for them. Maybe it's time to gather some wood for the fire.

2. Bro. David Fannin cornered me again. I told him it was a long story, which in reality it's not. No money, no schooley.

3. That Nelnet thing offers money to go to school. The fact is, I"m going to have to borrow to go back. I had to pay like $100.00 a month, and I guess it's worth it if I can get the education in.

Of course, my struggle is the immediate impact. I DON'T SEE HOW IT'S GOING TO HELP! It's just going to prove, finally, that I can finish something that I start.

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
NeedGod.com
ExamineYourself.com
myspace.com/thearagonproject
Pr. 21:31 - The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.

Sweet time

2008-02-19T20:52:00.001-06:00

I had such a great time with the boys tonight. Walking into a Dairy Queen brought back old times of getting out of church, and heading to Dairy Queen. I love to give my kids good gifts. I loved watching their eyes light up when we walked up and saw the giant posters of Ice cream.

Ps. 1 says
1How blessed is the man who ^(A)does not walk in the ^(B)counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the ^(C)path of sinners,
Nor ^(D)sit in the seat of scoffers!
2But his ^(E)delight is ^(F)in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates ^(G)day and ^(H)night.
3He will be like ^(I)a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, ^(J)he prospers.

My prayer is that one day, these two little guys will delight in God's Word. I know that times are going to get tough. It may come to the point where a liberal president causes us to further stray from Godly principles. There also may be a revival that accompanies that. I pray that these two, whether in vocational ministry, or just in leadership of their families, will indeed be at the forefront of the revival. That they will pick up the habit of leaving Gospel Tracts, and love opening up conversations about the Living God!

Lord, please help them to delight in You!

Habits

2008-02-14T11:36:00.003-06:00

Sara came up with a statement. It seems to be a good one to live by. She said, don't start a habit you don't want to keep. Very Proverbial.

I should examine the habits that I have, and then see they're ones I want to, uh, be. Yea be. What I do, is who I am. That reminds me of Psalm 5. "5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity." What we do, is who we are. We often justify that my intentions make me who I am, when in reality, what I actually do determine who I am.

Ps. 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Sick, but joyful

2008-02-13T22:26:00.002-06:00

Spent most of the day sickly! Lead worship for Chapel, then got home, and "the fever" hit me. When I get a fever, I go down. I let my family go to Awana tonight, and I stayed home. It was eerily, pleasantly quiet. Mary gave me Don Piper's "90 Minutes in Heaven," and I started reading it at the beginning of this week. The Bible says death, then judgement, so I'm very skeptical that he was actually in heaven. However, that was his experience, and one things for sure, brother faced "trials of many kinds" during his recovery. The amount of pain that he explains makes me appreciate my "light affliction."

God seemed to illuminate a truth to me while at A&M. It seems to be along the lines of 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Jesus told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." When I would go through tough decisions, or hard times, I would say, "Well, worst case scenario is that we don't make any money, we live on the street, die of hunger, and live with Jesus forever!" I'm not sure if I really believed that or not, but I did know that God would take care of things, and that if all else fails, we'd be with our Father.

Sickness seems to come and go. With more people in our immediate family (table for 5!), there are more little souls to coach through this life, and therefore more trials, temptations, and tribulations to work through.

What if I told you that when you get home, you will have a Walmart gift card on your doorstep with an eternal balance on it. Anytime you needed anything from Walmart, you could use that card, and it would never run out! Wow! What security. How much more is the promise of a perfect eternal life! Do you trust Him? But still the joy of seeing your daughter dance in tap shoes too big for her! Sometimes, this joy that I have makes me want to jump like a calf out of his stall! (Malachi 4:2). I know many of you are looking forward to seeing me do that :)

Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV)

2008-01-28T09:53:00.001-06:00

Romans 5:

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Praise the Lord that He:

1. Justifies by faith - It requires faith in Christ to be justified. That's it! Granted that once we are consumed with the riches of this world, our natural eyes make this rich amazing grace impossible to see. However, with God, all things are possible. I'm living proof. Why do I have zeal for the Lord? Because he saved me! He saved me!

2. We have peace with God - Looking at the splendor of God's creation, and the magnificence of the human body, God must be something spectacular. He must have limitless power. I shutter at the thought of having him as my enemy. Yet, before being justified, I certainly was an enemy of God! Not like an "I'm okay with You God" kinda peace. Put like a war treaty. He was the offended party because of my rebellion Though Almighty had every right to crush me, he crushed his son instead! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

3. Grace in which we stand - I do not present myself by my own merits, but only on work done at Calvary. I boldly stand, immovable, in that Grace. "Grace that is greater than all our Sin!"

4. Rejoice in hope - Not an anxious "maybe it will, maybe it won't" happen. But a, "I can't wait 'till it gets here" hope! I am convinced of this hope. It's the rock in which I stand. I can't help but to rejoice.

5. Glory of God - This is all for Him. To demonstrate his amazing kindness. It's all for Him. This life have been changed FOR HIM! Use me for Your Glory! Yours alone! THE LAME IS WORTHY!!!

--
FrankAragon.com
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All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

2008-01-01T09:43:00.001-06:00

At the beginning of December, I decided to read through Jeremiah. I have always had a difficult time grasping the major prophets, thus couldn't navigate through the messages. This Christmas season, I now understand how much God hates idolatry. He desires to be our primary affection. I came across the end of chapter 31, and it says

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them,^[a] says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

At first I struggled with this. Does this mean in the new covenant that people everywhere will know what sin is, so we really don't need to tell them. As I started studying commentaries, I realized the word I was missing was covenant. God has pursued a relationship with mankind so that he could be praised for His loving-kindness and mercy. He provides a narrow gate of "whosoever" and desires none to perish. This covenant relationship makes a person new, and gives them a new heart.

In one of Paul Washer's sermons, he challenges the listener. He says that if you have a new relationship with God, then you will have a new relationship with sin, that's how you know you are a Christian. This new law is written on their hearts, and there is a fruitful repentance that begins today, and carries on until the day of Christ Jesus.

What amazing fellowship we have to know that our sins are remembered no more!

--
FrankAragon.com
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All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.

Gideon

2007-11-15T07:47:00.001-06:00

Judges 7:2 The Lord said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.

Now of course this is an obvious principle. The principle that God does things for His own glory. I always wonder what the implications of this are. Will God diminish our abilities so that He will get the glory? I guess He could. But I think even more than that, He desires that our motives are for His fame! "Do it all to the glory of God!"

Judges8:27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.

Why? Why did they do this? After all that they saw God do, how could they? Lord, please help us to keep You first. Please help us from putting anything before Your glory. Glory to the Lamb.

DON'T GO TO MICAH'S CHURCH (Judges 17)

2007-11-13T08:43:00.001-06:00

Judges 17

Micah's Idols

1 There was a man named Micah, who lived in the hill country of Ephraim. 2 One day he said to his mother, "I heard you place a curse on the person who stole 1,100 pieces ^{[ a]} of silver from you. Well, I have the money. I was the one who took it." "The L ord bless you for admitting it," his mother replied. 3 He returned the money to her, and she said, "I now dedicate these silver coins to the L ord. In honor of my son, I will have an image carved and an idol cast."
4 So when he returned the money to his mother, she took 200 silver coins and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into an image and an idol. And these were placed in Micah's house. 5 Micah set up a shrine for the idol, and he made a sacred ephod and some household idols. Then he installed one of his sons as his personal priest.

6 In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
7 One day a young Levite, who had been living in Bethlehem in Judah, arrived in that area. 8 He had left Bethlehem in search of another place to live, and as he traveled, he came to the hill country of Ephraim. He happened to stop at Micah's house as he was traveling through. 9 "Where are you from?" Micah asked him.
He replied, "I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, and I am looking for a place to live."
10 "Stay here with me," Micah said, "and you can be a father and priest to me. I will give you ten pieces^{[ b]} of silver a year, plus a change of clothes and your food." 11 The Levite agreed to this, and the young man became like one of Micah's sons. 12 So Micah installed the Levite as his personal priest, and he lived in Micah's house. 13 "I know the Lord will bless me now," Micah said, "because I have a Levite serving as my priest."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
There seem to be a lot of people that are shopping for a church to attend. There are some that have left Anchor and are church-hopping, looking for a place to call home. Then there are some that have contacted me to ask about Anchor, because they have just moved in the area, or are disgruntled with their own church. Looking for a new church can be dreadful. If you ask me, the greatest dread is going to church, and winding up at "Micah's church."

Micah had a church background, but slightly missed it somewhere along the way. And, after a heart-felt episode with his mom, established his own "house-church" with good intentions and sincerity, but did not worship the One-True-God! Sure it had some good stuff mixed in, especially since it was founded on the establishment of the 8th commandment - You shall not steel! But, immediately broke the 1, 2, and 3rd. A church with good doctrine, mixed with seriously bad doctrine. Of course, verse 17:6 sums it up by saying that there was no King, so people did what was right in their own eyes. The authority structure in Micah's church was different than God's church. God's authority was His Word, Micah's was his word.

There are a lot of new churches starting in the League City area due to the new growth. There will be many options for people. Because every man has a conscience given to them, everyone is looking for a religion and community to help cleanse that conscience. PLEASE DON'T GO TO MICAH'S CHURCH.

To clear it up a little, here is what Micah's church could look like today:

They downplay the authority and integrity of God's Word. Without God's word being he central heartbeat and definition of the church, people will indeed do "what is right in their own eyes." Therefore:
The Glorious Gospel of Christ is not exalted, but instead, they focus on the fulfilment or purpose that Christ can give you instead of how He took our place to save us from the wrath to come.
The pastor/elder board dominates the decision making of the church without Biblical explanation or Worldview. Usually, their decision making strategy is based on pragmatism, just a like a new business would be. Though they wouldn't admit it, nickles and noses drive their decision making.
Church discipline is a bad word. Without the authority of the Bible, how can "correction or reprove" take place? Many times, Micah's church will justify homosexuality, a woman's right to murder her baby, divorce. Because they downplay this, it's easy to feel no "threat" of accountability, and you can easily get lost in just coming to church. Very appealing to the flesh, especially mine.
Their motto is "Show them Jesus with your actions, not your words!" This seems right to our generation (and even me) however, God's word tells us to preach the gospel to every creature! Again this goes back to authority. BTW, as an open-air preacher, the greatest "persecution" comes from "Micah's church."

I've gotta quit because I'm getting worked up. I can't bear the thought of someone I know getting involved in one of these churches, and raising their family in a setting that doesn't exalt God's Word.

Oh, and in cased you missed it, in the story of Judges 17, the Levite wasn't supposed to be looking in the first place (Joshua 21). That's not a dig on the people that have left Anchor, but rather, a warning not to be fooled by the bells and whistles of Micah's church.

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
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All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.

Judgment

2007-11-12T09:22:00.001-06:00

I remember at some point going through the crisis of belief about the teaching of a real judgment. Will we really be judged someday? If it's not a clear teaching in scripture, then why should we teach or sing about it? And there's sure not reason to stand on a street corner and warn people about something that we just feel is going to happen. So, I specifically began investigating. Just like the subject of hell, it wasn't long until I began to see the Bible as an entire courtroom.

Remember, a hermeneutic principle is that we always interpret what is unclear with what is clear. In other words, if there is something fuzzy, not very defined, or very brief, then we first look at what is defined, and clearly taught through scripture. This is because our presupposition is that this is God's Word!

Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

All of Hebrews is talking about how Christ is a better sacrifice. He is our great High priest that makes intercession for us. It is inevitable that we will all die once, and "be judged." Remember that when the "after-life" is discussed, we move from the temporal to the eternal. This means that it's hard to conceive us in our linear minds. Ephesians 1 tells us (many places in scripture) that believer's sins have already been paid for, and our sins have already been judged on the cross. Will we see that scene in heaven when Christ paid our specfic fine? I don't know, but that leads us to the two kind of judgements described.

2 Cor.5: 9 (NLV) So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

This is the Bema (bee-muh) seat judgement of Christ. In the context of 2 Cor. 5, this judgement is for believers. This is where the works that we've done will be judged. Whether they were with good motive, or good doctrine. What was in our hearts as we played music, loved our wives, served the community, or preached the gospel. I assume this is where we will receive our crowns, so that we can lay them before the feet of Christ! And the second judgment is the Great White Throne judgement.

Rev. 20:11 (NKJV) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

To me, this is the kind of stuff that gets a little fuzzy. We determine the unclear with the clear, although some would argue that this is pretty clear, and I would have to agree to some extent. This is the other judgment, the great white throne judgment. This is for the unrighteous. In other words, those that are not found in Christ. This is also evidence that there indeed is greater punishment and torment for those who do more wrong. Nonetheless, hell is still hell!

I think that we could study really deep, and try to work out all the kinks of what is going to happen when to whom, but as Ray Comfort says, "don't let your fire go out while you're gathering wood." While we study what happens in the end, and how people will be judged, don't miss that fact that we will be judged, and either our names will be in the Book of Life, or we will undergo the second death. The same is true for our friends, neighbors, and strangers that we meet on the street. The same is true for all the people that we play music for, and come in contact with as we travel. We'll continue to grow and study, but in the mean time, "get set on fire, and people will watch you burn!"

THE LAMB IS WORTHY!

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
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All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.

Vow

2007-11-06T08:35:00.001-06:00

Judges 11

Jephthah's Vow and Victory

29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through Mizpah of Gilead; and from Mizpah of Gilead he advanced toward the people of Ammon. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, and said, "If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, 31 then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering."
32 So Jephthah advanced toward the people of Ammon to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hands. 33 And he defeated them from Aroer as far as Minnith—twenty cities—and to Abel Keramim, ^[a] with a very great slaughter. Thus the people of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

Jephthah's Daughter

34 When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the LORD, and I cannot go back on it."
36 So she said to him, "My father, if you have given your word to the LORD, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the people of Ammon." 37 Then she said to her father, "Let this thing be done for me: let me alone for two months, that I may go and wander on the mountains and bewail my virginity, my friends and I."
38 So he said, "Go." And he sent her away for two months; and she went with her friends, and bewailed her virginity on the mountains. 39 And it was so at the end of two months that she returned to her father, and he carried out his vow with her which he had vowed. She knew no man.
And it became a custom in Israel 40 that the daughters of Israel went four days each year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.

Duet. 23

21 "When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. 22 But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. 23 That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.

Prov. 20

25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,
And afterward to reconsider his vows.

I'd like to pursue this further, but this is what I see. God is serious about vows. This is why his covenant toward us is so amazing, and we can trust it.

Gen 15:8 And he said, "Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will inherit it?"

Even Abraham asked God how he can trust His promises. So God showed him, and also showed us.

Gen. 15:9 So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." 10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11 And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.
12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."
17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 18 On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying:
"To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— 19 the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites."

God persues us! He makes a covenant relationship with us, is we approach Him in repentance and faith.

God put him in a deep sleep, because this covenant had nothing to do with Abraham. When we come to God in repentance and faith, He relentessly pursues us!

Ephesians 1:15-23

2007-10-16T07:11:00.001-05:00

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understandingbeing enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

I have the incredible opportunity to go next week to FBC Devers, TX. I'll be singing and preaching in the revival meetings from Sun - Thurs. I've never taken a role like this. It's always just been the music. However, God has set this before me, and I'll do it with all my heart. This verse is my prayer for them. That God would give them the spirit of wisdom and the revelation of the knowledge of Him. God, open their eyes! Help us to see the power of victory o'er the grave. The transforming power of the gospel!
--
FrankAragon.com
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All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.

1 Peter 5:5-7

2007-10-15T09:01:00.001-05:00

5 God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

We spent at least an hour visiting with a really cool dude last night. He was open and honest, and engaged in a spiritual conversation. He was a family friend, not a stranger on the street. This caused me to walk with gentleness and discretion. It's not necessary for me to log all of the conversation, but, as we progressed through the Gospel, this verse came to the forefront of my mind. I knew he had heard the Gospel many times, and that this was not new information to him. But, as I sought to teach the teachings of Christ, we resolved the issue. The core of the issue was not that he thought he was a good person, for he was familiar with the school master. He didn't think his sin was too great to forgive, for he was familiar with the sacrifice of God the Son. His core stumbling block was that he wanted to be his own boss, and not submit to anyone else. The idol of guitar and popularity was what he was pursuing. I wish no ill feeling towards him, and only pray that God would give him more time to repent. That he would follow the command of the next verse as well:

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

God, please extend Your patience with him, and grant him repentance and faith. Please expose the hypocrites in his life, so that he will not what is true and false. Help him see your kindness towards him on the cross.
--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
NeedGod.com
ExamineYourself.com
myspace.com/thearagonproject
All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.

Exodus 34:5-8

2007-10-10T07:13:00.001-05:00

5The LORD descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the LORD.

6Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; 7who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."

8Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship.

Thank you, Father, for Your Word. It is for certain, that God proclaims His own mercy! Wow! He surely is a merciful God. Many times, my explanation that God is just and merciful seems to be so thin. I certainly don't want people to believe that our Father is a harsh task master, but an even greater fear is they perceive my description of the Creator is a push-over substitute teacher that will overlook transgressions so not to have to deal with making righteous.

Instead, as the LORD proclaims, He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth. God does forgive sin, yet, He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished! With the holy standard of the law, who could go unpunished? It's only at the cross, where His grace and justice meet! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Thanks be to God!

--
FrankAragon.com
AnchorBaptist.net
NeedGod.com
ExamineYourself.com
myspace.com/thearagonproject
All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.