Thursday, June 30, 2011

PRECIOUS LIFE RALLY THIS SATURDAY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

I couldn't think of a better birthday present on my 55th Birthday than to report on a RALLY FOR LIFE ...thousands of miles away from my home base in Illinois! PRECIOUS LIFE,  the most prominent Pro-Life organization in Ireland leads off with a RALLY FOR LIFE this coming Saturday July 2, to save our precious Babies from the Abortion Mills there.


Why is this important to Americans...or Canadians...or Danish or Tunisians even...It matters because when any life, created by God, is not even given a chance to be born, ALL mankind is affected!
Bernie Lutchman

This summer, the most important date on the pro-life calendar is 2nd July. That’s when we hope you join with thousands of others to speak up for the right to life.
 Ireland - north and south - is one of the last remaining places in Europe where abortion is still illegal. But our unborn children are under threat. Powerful pro-abortion campaigners in Ireland, 
the UKEuropean Union and United Nations are attacking our pro-life laws. That’s why it’s so important we show our opposition to abortion. On 2nd July 2011 lets do that! 



















Click here for Dublin map of Bus drop-off and pick-up points / car-parking / Rally 
RouteView photos from last year's Rally for Life in Belfast 2010 
 
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YOUR THURSDAY MORNING DEVOTION!


Just Because You’re Youthful



Why is it that I feel so insecure?

People look through me at times. It’s almost as if they are impatient for me to get done saying what I am saying so they can go on to their story. It’s as if my story is irrelevant. It’s as if my presence is irrelevant and I feel like a bug sitting on their nose. It’s as if they think what they have to say is more important for my growth.
What is maturity anyway?
Is it how we dress? Is it an attitude we cock for the sake of those younger than us? Is it knowledge? Is it etiquette? Is it measured by the decisions we make or the words we speak? Is it all of the above? And when did the mature become unteachable? Did Jesus give the mature an out in the Bible? Are we ever done maturing?
A verse comes to mind whenever I face someone who views me like this (or at least acts as if they view me this way): Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity (1 Timothy 4:12 NLT). In other words, follow 1 Peter 5:3: not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (NIV).
I will always love them though I may not feel much like loving them. In all things, I try to work through this insecurity and work on loving better; loving in spite of them; loving people because Christ loves me. This becomes an intentional step, a choice. It doesn’t always mean that what I perceive is true. It’s an attitude that I often observe. Maybe, too, it’s an attitude in me. I am after all a work in progress.
Have you ever treated someone younger as irrelevant? Did your thought that they don’t know anything ever come out in your actions and words?
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

YOUR WEDNESDAY MORNING DEVOTION!


THE GOD OF TIMING

PART 13
by Bernie Lutchman


WAR .....(and peace)...!!

A time for war, and a time for peace... Ecclesiastes 3:8b

Peace is not the absence of War! It is my contention that because we are at peace, we can war! What...you say? Well here is the deal. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) says "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places".

Brothers and sisters, we are in a WAR to the death and if we don't know it, we have lost. It is true that Jesus Christ want the Victory over the grave for us. It is true we can do nothing to earn our way into heaven. It is true that it is only through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ we are saved and brought into adoption as sons and daughters of the King.

But it is also true that while we are alive here on earth, we are into one knockdown, drag-out fight to the end. How we fare in this determines, not our destination (if saved) but the joy in our journey and the volume of our Eternal Reward. If we don't believe there is a battle or ignore the signs, though we may be saved, we have then laid the groundwork for the eventual defeat of our children and grandchildren. 

So how does "Peace" fit in this equation? Just as the Hebrew word for War here actually means "weapons of our warfare"...i.e. for the warrior in us; the Hebrew word for Peace is well known - SHALOM! Except this does not mean phony peace treaties or handshakes with men over land. This Shalom means peace of mind; your wellness; well-being or peace with God!

In light of the True meaning of these words put there by God, the equation boils down to this - ONLY IF YOU HAVE ARE AT PEACE (THE SHALOM OF GOD), WOULD YOU THEN HAVE THE HEALTH AND PRESENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS TO BE THE WARRIOR IN THIS FINAL DAYS WAR WE ARE IN!!!

All of this is contained in this one phrase in Ecclesiastes, believe it or not!

FATHER GOD, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, I CAME TO YOU SEEKING PERFECT PEACE AND REST IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS. FATHER, ABBA, SEND HOLY ANGELS TO WATCH OVER MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND I AS WE FACE A DAILY ONSLAUGHT FROM AN UNRELENTING ENEMY WHO SEEKS TO KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY THAT VERY PEACE FROM OUR SOULS. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY YOU GAVE US TO PREPARE US FOR THIS WAR OF THE AGES, BUT NOT JUST THAT, YOU GAVE US THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE - THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE WORD OF GOD...THE VERY WORD OF GOD, WHO IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
FATHER GOD, WE LOVE YOU, PRAISE YOU, ADORE YOU, WORSHIP YOU AND GIVE YOU ALL THE GLORY, IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS, AMEN AND AMEN!!!!


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

LIZ CLARKE TO TOUR THE US THIS FALL!

Northern Ireland's LIZ CLARKE will be touring the Midwest in select venues, this coming Fall. On the heels of a wonderfully anointed and successful tour of Nashville early last Fall, Liz will be presenting many of her hauntingly beautiful Celtic originals and favorite Christian songs like this one. Liz is managed by PLANKTON Records.
Check back here for more information on her Tour as well as VIV NEVILLE's!!






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YOUR TUESDAY MORNING DEVOTION!


THE GOD OF TIMING

PART 12
by Bernie Lutchman

HATE EVIL, LOVE GOOD

A time to love and a time to hate...Ecclesiastes 3:8a (NLT)

It is becoming increasingly harder to love your enemies in this disgusting evil world. A prime example is the Sodom and Gomorrah like party the homosexuals in New York state threw last weekend after gutless politicians spit in the very Face of God, and legalized an oxymoron - "Gay" Marriage. 

While we are instructed to love the sinner (and consequently, hate the sin); there is a cut-off line. This dividing line is when unrepentant heathens are called on their transgressions - as Christ called us out - and refused to repent. Matthew chapter 18 gives the process to church discipline. Somewhere in that process, we break fellowship with those people. There is nothing in the Word of God OR the Teachings of Christ and Paul, where we are told otherwise.

Quite the contrary. If it is a church discipline issue, we ask the member to leave. It is otherwise, we dust our shoes off and move on, leaving the person to face Jesus on his/her own. You now have NO responsibility anymore, because you have shared the Truth of Christ, the Gospel and Eternity with them.

So hate all evil, even evil people, yet pray that they come to their senses and be saved.  If Christ can save you, Apostle Paul and I - all of us, the chief of sinners - He can save the most evil person in the world. He can even save the person who thinks he/she is good enough, does a lot of good works, but has no forgiveness for their sins...and thus were never saved! THAT person is even more deceived than the evil doer, who comes to Christ late in life!

Do good, love doing good and the best way you can start to do good is to tell others YOUR testimony, and how they too can come to know Him.

If you are struggling with this today: namely, how to fulfill the Wishes of Jesus while being holy and righteous in His Eyes, then seek His Counsel. Pray! There is nothing more satisfying than talking to your best friend, Jesus! But don't just ask Him how to deal with Him, but follow this simple process:
Adore Him in Worship
Agree with His Omnipotent Power
Ascribe to the Lord great things
Acknowledge your weakness before Him
Ask for Divine guidance.

John 1:12 - He already gave you the authority to execute plans and Do Good in His Name. If you do some or all of those five things above - you are way ahead of the game of hating evil and doing good and you will bring a cold cup of water to a dry and thirsty land!

Father God, I pray in agreement with all the instructions Jesus and Pau gave us in how to draw near to you. I acknowledge my weaknesses before you and abide in all You decide for me, Lord Jesus, since you know best the plans that Father has for me.  Open my eyes today, not just to the dangers out there, but to the opportunities to do, say and hand goodness to a fellow traveler who does not know the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior...even a fellow citizen who has been deceived by religion into thinking she/he is alright when they were never reconciled to you. Bless and anoint my path this way, in this day, in Jesus' Holy and Precious Name, amen

Images by Google images.

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Monday, June 27, 2011

YOUR MONDAY MORNING DEVOTION!

THE TIMING OF GOD, PART 12 RETURNS TOMORROW!
There is no better way to start a new week than the conscious and complete realization that we are totally in the Hands of God. Here is the reason why~~~



Today is in God's hands and so are you.
His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.
The hands that hold you will never let you down
by Roy Lessin, Dayspring Cards

Sunday, June 26, 2011

YOUR SUNDAY MESSAGE AND DEVOTION!

HOLD FAST

Saturday, June 25, 2011

YOUR SUNDAY MORNING DEVOTION!

THE GOD OF TIMING

PART 10
by Bernie Lutchman


STAY UP, LOOK UP, LISTEN UP....AND THEN, SPEAK UP!

A time to be quiet and a time to speak...Ecclesiastes 3:7a (NLT)

Abraham Lincoln is reputed to have said "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt!"

St Francis of Assisi is reputed to have said "Preach the Gospel...use words if necessary".

God said "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)

God has given a certain measure of wisdom and Godly discernment to every man and woman.  How we use these gifts reflect on our own character, rather than our creator!  

However, in order to use our God-given gifts, we have to hear from the Giver. Hearing implies listening, receiving and literally soaking in His Presence. The original Hebrew word God uses here in Psalm 46:10 is "raphaw" or to make yourself completely helpless before Him, to go slack and "let go"; to cease striving...you get the point!

Solomon says "...a time to be quiet". Literally that also means "chillax"; hold on; calm down and more! You get the idea by now! Ability to make the correct decisions in life, depends on our knowledge and how to apply this knowledge. The latter comes with not so much with Age and Experience, but FROM the leadership qualities we each have, still undeveloped.

It is when we have been at the Feet of God, listened to Him (through the Revealed Word of God -the Bible)  and now feel confident in going out and sharing, that we should start speaking up and proclaiming Truth in as many places as we can.  

So Go Bold! Stay up! Look up! Listen up! Then, Speak up!  Amen!
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Friday, June 24, 2011

YOUR FRIDAY MORNING DEVOTION!


THE GOD
 OF TIMING

PART 9
by Bernie Lutchman

A time to tear and a time to mend...Ecclesiastes 3:7a NLT

On the surface, this verse makes no sense.....for instance, why do you even have to rip or tear anything up? Shouldn't we be in the business of healing, mending, bringing people together? You would be correct in saying these things.

But I am thinking about this another way...after pondering this phrase a while. Jesus said in  
John 12:24 " I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels--a plentiful harvest of new lives". So for something to be planted firmly in the ground - it was die, crack open, rip, tear or be plain old busted up!

We can choose to go through life withdrawn into ourselves, never reaching out or loving or whatever, thereby taking no chance of being rejected, shot down or slandered....or we can take a chance of life, with the complete knowledge and blessed assurance that Jesus is yours and He has your back, therefore you can't lose! AND because of the latter, you will succeed, more often than not in reaching out a loving hand to a hurting or lost soul!

Therefore, which is it? Are you ready to tear up the ground to make it ready to plant the seeds of happiness and future peace for someone else and thus mend a broken heart ....or.....?????!!!!

Of all people, Oscar Wilde had the following quote which kinds of sums up what we are talking about "How else but through a broken heart, may Lord Christ enter in!!!"

Image by Google Images
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Thursday, June 23, 2011

YOUR THURSDAY MORNING DEVOTION!


THE GOD
 OF TIMING

PART 8
by Bernie Lutchman

FREEDOM!

A time to keep and a time to throw away...Ecclesiastes 3:6b

We Westerners are pretty possessive about our stuff and try to hold on to it as much as we can! Even those of us who know better, participate in this. But you know, when it is all said and done, all we need to live is basically the same stuff we have in front of our eyes are the present time! Think about it!

Some people keep all the luggage and baggage they have been carrying around forever, literally and figuratively. Even though they go to church and claim to be Christians, they walk around loaded down because they refuse to either throw off their baggage or do not know how to.  There is a choice. You can choose to keep all your troubles or not just throw them away but place them FIRMLY in the Arms of Jesus!

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV says (in part ) "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery".

So He set us free so we don't have to live with this bondage, guilt, baggage and Samsonite luggage. Therefore, why are you carrying this around?!
He set us free that we may live.
He set us free, with His Life He did give.
Keep strong in His Way
Never shall you sway
But all your burdens, fears and cares - throw them all away.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

THREE SPRINGFIELD-AREA MEN NAME THEIR BIBLE HEROES

Recently, the Springfield, Illinois State Journal-Register - one of the oldest newspapers in America - asked six of us in the local Faith community (five of us Christians) just who their favorite Bible or Spiritual/Scripture heroes are/were!


We all chose Jesus as number One, naturally! So who are some of the close runner-ups? Three of the six people interviewed are Evangelical Christians and two are very good friends of mine, and super Brothers in Christ! These are men I trust completely to rightly divide and teach the Word of God. They are Pastor Gary E. Gilley, whose columns and books in the past 15 years inspired me to write and blog regularly as I have now! The other person is Kevin Elliott, one of the most humble and gentlest giants of the Faith I know. He has toiled in the fields of youth outreach in the Central Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is now director of the entire State of Illinois FCA! 
Springfield, Illinois. 
Here are our answers:
Shining light of integrity’

The little known Old Testament character Boaz is one of my favorite heroes in Scripture. During one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history, that of the Judges — when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25) — Boaz was a shining light of integrity, godliness and kindness. Although he personally had nothing to gain, Boaz takes mercy on a destitute widow, Ruth, and her aging mother-in-law, Naomi, rescuing them from a life of poverty and danger.

Rev. Gary E. Gilley, senior pastor, Southern View Chapel, Springfield

A servant of humility

It’s hard to think of a Biblical hero without thinking first of Jesus Christ. The Bible in its entirety is written about him and his plan to redeem mankind from sin while glorifying his father in heaven. I believe all people are drawn to those who exhibit true humility and the Bible speaks so clearly of Christ’s humility.

Philippians 2:5-8 says: “Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

— Kevin Elliott, Illinois state director, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Springfield

First martyr

The first martyr for the Christian faith, Stephen, is a major personal hero of mine. What inspires me is his knowledge of the word of God and his wonder of God who delivered Israel out of Egypt, for the will of God to fulfill his promises. Stephen’s absolute commitment to Christ was so complete, he saw Jesus, normally seated at the right hand of God, standing to welcome him home.

Bernie Lutchman, vice president/communications director, Business Men in Christ, Springfield/Decatur.
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YOUR WEDNESDAY MORNING DEVOTION!


THE GOD OF TIMING

PART 7
by Bernie Lutchman

FOUND!



A time to search and a time to quit searching...Ecclesiastes 3:6a 


You know, many of us seek our entire lives for some sort of meaning to this crazy whirlpool of modern life and never find it! The question is - are we looking in the right place? The other question is - what are we looking for?


This is a silly example, but it actually happens: how many times have you looked for your glasses in the house or office, only to have someone tell you that they were on top of your forehead all the time?!  I looked up the word "search" in the original Hebrew - "baqash"- and it means anything from ask, beg, demand, plead, request or search to seek or set about looking for!

Somehow, with all this variety of meanings, I am getting the impression of a wild goose chase!!! If you look back on your life, before you found peace, joy and complete joy with God, you were running all over the place. You tried every bestselling "Self Help" book in the bookstore or listened to the man with the big teeth - Tony Robbins.



Yet nothing felt right. So you kept on going....when all along, God wanted you to sit still enough so He could reach out and talk to you! This is what the second part of this phrase means "a time to quit searching"! Or as some say "enough already!"

God says "Cease striving" or "Be Still" and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)! The Hebrew word for "quit searching" is "abad" or "to lose, utterly destroy etc". In other words - give up yourself to Him!! Lose yourself IN HIM! Quit chasing windmills when the Rock of Ages is right in front of your eyes....if you will just settle down, give up the manic chase, smell the rose (or coffee) and let Jesus take the wheel!


Now, what is so hard about that??!!

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

YOUR TUESDAY MORNING DEVOTION!


THE GOD OF TIMING

PART 6
by Bernie Lutchman

"HUGS"!!

"A time to embrace and a time to turn away ....Ecclesiastes 3:5b

This phrase is a difficult want to wrap your mind around because it may seem harsh at first glance.  But think again, do you really feel like grabbing someone and giving them a hug 24/7?  No, because them an embrace due to genuine love, fellowship, comfort in grief or greeting will not mean much. So there is a time to turn away or to refrain from fondness and physical contact.  

Used at the appropriate time, with the appropriate intention, a hug or embrace speaks more than words can say. There is the sister hug, the man hug, the grandma hug, the long-time-no-see hug, the intimate hug, the holy hug ....and on and on!

Let this following short poem embrace you this fine morning, which the Lord has made as you reach your arms and hearts to Heaven and seek the Warm Embrace of our Creator, knowing He loves each and everyone of us! AND if you have trusted and accepted all He did for us on the Cross, this Heavenly Embrace will be the one which will never turn you away! 
Never be afraid to
Express care and concern
You never know if one day
It will be your turn
For life can bring us trouble
And bumps along the way
So why not cheer another
With a hug to make their day?
~ Jennifer Byerly ~ 
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