Isaiah chapter 7

Isaiah chapter starts out describing a war where an evil alliance was formed between Israel and Assyria. They had made an alliance to go down and attack Ahaz the king of Judah. Then we read that Isaiah is talking to King Ahaz saying to ask God for a sign but Ahaz states that he will not tempt God this way. Isaiah then ask an interesting question. "It is a small thing that you weary men, but will ye weary my God also?" Isaiah proceeds to give him the sign anyway, he proceeds to tell of a virgin giving birth and him being called Immanuel. Clearly a foretelling of the coming of Jesus. Then he goes on to describe that the land will turn to thorns and briers, that it becomes war torn. This has all already taken place. For many years this land has been desolate and we all know how war torn that this region is. It is amazing how accurate that the prophecy that Isaiah gave really was. Looking ahead over the next 750 years all the way trough 2700 years later. It really is amazing.

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Missionaries to Spain

Here is a short video of Global Missions in Spain! 

Global Missions Update

Here is our Global Missions Director updating us on what is going on in our mission fields!

Set a fire down in my soul!

I was just listening to a song this morning as I was praying and the words go like this.

Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain
That I can't control
I want more of you God
I want more of you God

The song is by a band called Jesus Culture and it is a great worship song, But I was using it this morning as a prayer. I have been thinking about this song all morning. Here are my thoughts on it. Matthew chapter five describes us as being a city that is set on a hill that can't be hid and that we are the light of the world and you don't light a candle just to hide it. Why would God create a fire in us if we are just going to hide it away for us to enjoy it by ourselves when there are so many others in this world who are lost. The Bible states that it is  Gods will that no man should perish, and in Acts 1:8 as well as Matthew 28:19 that we are to be witnesses and teachers of the word of God unto all men. God, I want to be a raging fire, that I draw the attention of people, that they ask questions, that God gives me the answers, and that I have a boldness in the Holy Ghost! Let me be that Godly example! Allow me to be used in the areas that you want me to be used. Don't let me just be a flickering candle but a raging fire! Thank you God for this opportunity, but I hope, I don't ever squander that opportunities that you have presented me!

Isaiah Chapter 6 - Isaiah's Vision of the Lord

When: Approximately 758 BC in the year of King Uzziah's death.

We see a description of heaven in Isaiah's vision that would just be breathe taking. He describes the Seraphims as having six wings and standing at the ready singing "Holy, holy holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" Isaiah Chapter 6:3 ESV. The Prophet is describing these angelic beings as being right there to minister unto the King of Kings and Lord of Lords at all times and singing praises to his blessed and holy name. I looked into some more information about the seraphim and I pretty much just found a lot of speculation from a 12th century scholar and some medieval scholars, so I am really going to leave it alone.

What I love, is the description of God looking for someone to send to his people. Isaiah was just saying how impure that he was and the seraphim placed the hot coal from the altar upon his lips to purify him! Now the Prophet is standing the saying send me Lord, I will go! This is quiet a change in tune, one minute he is fearing for his life and the next volunteering for a special assignment for the most high God. It is amazing what an experience at the altar will do in a persons life.

Let me strongly recommend that if you have not entered into the throne room of God today please find a place to do so. You don't know where a little bit of prayer or an experience at the altar can take you! Give it a try and see where it goes! God bless you and have a great day!

Isaiah Chapter 5 Part 2

I am going to start at  verse 11 as I am working my way through chapter 5 of Isaiah. Verse 11 states "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! 12. And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Doesn't this remind you of eat, drink and be merry. It also seems to be a reflection of so many people today. Apparently this was also a problem in Isaiah's time, approximately 700 B.C. However, I think that this could be much more than drunk on wine, you see we can get drunk just on the things of this world. We get caught up in the next best technological gadget, the next relationship, following our favorite sports star and follow the stars from Hollywood as if we need to know every little detail of their lives. We become intoxicated with the things of this world! This is what the Bible is saying that we should have no other God's before him, simply saying that we shouldn't be putting these things before God. Any time we get addicted to these things they become Idols in our lives. When we are missing church to watch the football game (yeah even the super bowl) you are telling God that the game is more important than your relationship with him!

When God is first in our lives, I cannot begin to tell you how much more satisfying and complete that it makes us. Lets give all that we have to God! Let's see what he can do! After all, what do we really have to lose?

Josh Mailman
You can follow me on Twitter as @Cardvilleyouth or Facebook. I hope you enjoyed!

Isaiah chapter 5 Part 1

I just finished up Isaiah chapter 5. It is quite a bit longer then chapter 4 but a very interesting chapter to read. We see Isaiah comparing the people of Judah to a vineyard where the intended crop was not what the caretaker hoped for. We see that he had planted grapes and cultivated the land, removed the rock built towers and hedges to protect the crop. Yet even after all this effort something still managed to get in? What is the caretaker to do? In fact he even ask that question. He says what more could I have done or in other words, did I miss something? I did everything right! I followed the books, I planted this just like the Internet told me too. Yet the only thing that I can do now is just let it go.

I am going to be real honest about this passage for a minute. I have felt this way before. When I see a young person walk away from God I start with the could I have done something different, I have prayed for them, and taught them, I have read all the best books and I gave them great illustrations and they were doing so well. But some how wild grapes have taken root. It was no fault of my own but to this day the results are the same. Could I have said or done something different? The only thing that I can do is to stay true, let my light shine and continue praying for those that have left that first love.

That concludes the first part of chapter 5 part 1. Feel free to comment or visit me on Google+.

A new app for learning new worship songs

Today I downloaded a new app on my phone. It is called isingworship. So far from what I have see of it is is really a handy tool to have.

It will display the Lyrics for you (either on the mobile device or even on a projector)
It will display on the projector providing that you have CCLI license number (this is an insurance you can get for displaying Lyrics on a multimedia device in front of your congregation, that protects you from copy write infringement lawsuits. I also recommend that  your church does this as well).
It will display the Cords for the song as it is playing.
The app is very user friendly.

I am not a worship leader but it does seem to be something that could be useful to a worship team that is trying to learn a new worship song

Negatives - Yea the app is free but the individual songs do cost money. From what I saw $0.99 to $2.99 per song.

I used it on my Iphone and I do not know if it is on Android or other smart phones.

Thank you for your time and I am looking forward to bringing other tools and resources to help you in the future...  

Isaiah chapter 4

I just finished reading chapter 4 of Isaiah and it is a really short chapter of only 6 verses. It almost appears that verse 1 of chapter 4 more aptly fits with the last verse of chapter 3. I say this because we see a quick change in topic from seven women taking one mans name to remove the reproach of their lifestyle to the remaining five verses talking about the blessed and holy that remain in Jerusalem. We also the description of what one could say is today's church as a place to rest and receive strength and healing whether physical or spiritual. That is just a few thoughts that I have on chapter 4. If you have any thoughts please feel free to comment. I appreciate the feedback.

Isaiah Chapter 3 (initial thoughts)

3:1. -4 For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

2. The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,

3. The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

4. And I will give children [to be] their princes, and babes shall rule over them.


I read this and it seems to be a very startling comparison to today's society, Those who are experienced both in politics and the craftsmen of yesterday seem to be gone. The people who could unite the people instead of divide them are no longer with us and as verse four states, that he has given us over to babies (people laking in experience, ie community organizers) to be our rulers.


5. And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.


Anybody else notice the division in our country over the last couple of years, neighbors and friends on different sides of the political spectrum can't get along anymore. Not to mention the young people of this generation want the best of everything now and their ideal job when they get out of school is upper management. They where there pants around their knees, don't take their hats off in doors or while they eat, say whatever and do whatever they please and do not care what child or person is around them.


6. When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, [saying], Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and [let] this ruin [be] under thy hand:

7. In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house [is] neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.


I read these two verses and I cannot help but think about the call of the occupy wall street to "Eat the rich". I am taking from the fact that the people who have material wealth (clothing and food), as being blamed for the destruction of the nation. I look at our current nation and see the hurt and the people without work and I hear the cries of the lower and middle class as the government tries to blame the Wall Street tycoons for their own destructive policies. In verse 7 I believe we see the same people saying that it isn't them that brought this on and that they are hurting as well, they were just doing business as they always had.


8. For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings [are] against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9.The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.


We live in a society where anything goes. If it feels right do it, yet the Bible is stating that this mentality will lead to the destruction of a nation. It even goes as far as to reference Sodom which God destroyed in Genesis for it's homosexuality and immoral living and we see it in our once God fearing country as if it is no big deal. It is a very big deal to God!


10. Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.


Some encouraging words for those who live right! God is not going to abandon you and in fact looks upon you favorably. Look what he did for Noah when he was the only righteous man that God could find on the Earth!


11. Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.


A reap what you sow kind of verse that ties in nicely with "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life".


12. [As for] my people, children [are] their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause [thee] to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.


We see here that people who were not ready to rule who had no experience (through no fault of their own maybe), but they were placed in a position of authority where their decisions, based on good intentions, just don't work. The consequences is very bad.


13. The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

14. The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor [is] in your houses.

15. What mean ye [that] ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.


We see that God is going to stand and judge all those who are placed in authority who have allowed policies that were not in accordance to his word. God's is making a stand for those righteous who are serving him.


16. Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

17. Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.


People are walking around and being greedy, taking everything that they can, being greedy and not giving anything, This is not the rich. We have already seen that they are going to blame the rich. I believe it is those who take from the rich and poor a like. God is an advocate of growing your funds, we see this in the parable of the Talents. But what we need to understand it is the people who want everything for nothing and keep demanding more and they do this pridefully.


18. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of [their] tinkling ornaments [about their feet], and [their] cauls, and [their] round tires like the moon,

19. The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,

20. The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,

21. The rings, and nose jewels,

22. The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

23. The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.


We see the people ornamenting themselves with nose rings, jewelry and necklaces, bracelets and rings. Very descriptive of today's culture. I understand that this is talking about Jerusalem and Judea, but our situation is very similar. Here take a look.


24. And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.

25. Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.

26. And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.


All this will not be turn out well. We will see a war where our mighty men and sons, brothers and fathers are taken from us in violence. we will see that people will be desolate and without the things that longed so much for. All that will be left is sit a mourn the loses as Job sat and mourned for the loss of his children.


The contrast is startling. I see so much of today in this chapter of Isaiah! Please leave me comments and some scripture to help develop my thoughts on this. You can follow me on Twitter at Cardvilleyouth, facebook as Josh Mailman, or on Google +. Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you!

Isaiah chapter 2

I just finished reading the second chapter of Isaiah. It has me really thinking about the world events as of late. Palestine being recognized as a state and the violence that has been going on in Syria, Gaza and in Israel. I am looking forward to the day when the Lords kingdom is on the earth and idols are melted down and there is peace on the earth. Just think about this. What would CNN and foxnews report on? No more defense budgets and armies. No more companies dedicated to creating new weapons systems designed to kill people. A world of actual peace with our great wonderful God in charge of it! Oh I am looking forward to the fulfillment of Isaiah chapter 2.

Isaiah 1

I read Isaiah chapter 1 in my personal bible reading tonight. I could not help the strong language that the prophet used in regards to the backsliden state the nation of Israel was in. Then I wonder how does he really feel about us at times. When we let things creep into our lives does it make him sick when we come to church and worship as if nothing has happened? Does it become a burden to him to see the assembling together of those who are laiden with iniquity but have no intention of repenting. Ohh Lord. I pray that I am never a stench in your nostrils but found to be holy and acceptable in your sight.

Great things

It is amazing the things that God is doing at Cardville United Pentecostal Church. When you look close you see all kinds of little small events that work together so that when you stand back and view what is going on you see this intricate and amazing work! I cannot help but stand in awe as God works out the fine details of peoples lives to bring them to a point where call on his precious holy name. I cannot go into specific details because it deals with the privacy of new members of the church, but I can say that it is wonderful how the Creator of the universe will put someone in your path at a craft fair to invite you to church, or you experience a hurt in your life that places a draw in your heart toward God. What a great God. No wonder he says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Thank you Lord!

Salvation of the 144,000

Had an awesom Bible Study last night at chuch and I got something out of the study that I had never got until now. It was very iteresting to me. You see in the Youth Sunday School Class (everyone should go to Sunday School) they have been talking about end time events and what not. Why not considering what is going on in the world today right? Especially with Palestine being recognized as a state today by the UN general assembly.
The youth had some questions that their teacher did not readily know the answers to so she took them to the Pastor Roix who thought that they were great questions and decided to address the whole church with answers. I do not remember what the particular question was that led to the revelation of the Word that I got, but I know that it was about the 144,000.
You see, from reading the scripture, it appears that the 144,000 are made known after the rapture takes place. We get this from Roman 11:25 "...that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Getiles be come in." This tells me that is after the rapture. The event of the rapture would mean that the dispensation of Grace has come to a close and we see the 144,000 are revealed in Revelations 14:1 but at the end of Verse 1 we read this "...having his Father's name written in their foreheads." This is going to take some more study on my part and I am not saying that this is Fact however, I throwing it out there looking for comments and thoughts (please support with scripture). But it is looking like these 144,000 are saved under the old covenant, not the new that would end at the dispensation of grace. Or is it that the 144,000 are no longer blind at this point and get a revelation of the plan of salvation! I will be updating this post as my position developes.

Reading and family prayer

Last night I read Genesis Chapter 2 with my family, then we had a time of prayer together before we went to bed. In prayer I thanked God for the helper that gave me and that she is so much more then that. She is the mother to my 3 little boys, she cooks, cleans and works so hard around the house. I thank God for that woman! But she is also my moral support and I love her more then words can say! I only hope that I can provide for her the way that she deserves, that I can protect her and help her in anyway that I can. That is the thing about being Husband and Wife. I am so glad that God didn't match me with someone who is exactly like me, but instead, paired me with this wonderful woman who is different enough that we accent each other perfectly! God is so great!

Family Prayer

Last night, before putting my boys to bed, we all sat on the couch in the living room as I read Genesis chapter 1 to them. After this, we got down on our knees in front of the couch and we prayed together. It was long but we as a family are praying together. This is a nightly thing that we do simply because we want to draw closer to our God and serve him the best that we can. The old saying is that a family that prays together stays together. In these trying times that we live in what else can we really rely on? Government? Friends? Our jobs? While some trust in chariots or horses I trust in my God. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. God bless you and I encourage you to pray with your family every day!

We had a Special Speaker at our Church Last Sunday

We had a Special Speaker at out Church last Sunday and this is the awesome message that he preached. It was title "I got drunk last Sunday". The Preacher was Rev. Strout of South Carolina. Great man of God!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Thank you for listening and I hope that you enjoyed the message! God Bless!

I am working on a new youth room idea for the youth of our church. It looks like we are going to call it the war room and the them will be Spiritual Warfare. I will be posting some pictures as soon as it is complete. If any body out there in cyberspace has an idea, please let me know. I would love to hear some input from my readers. Planning on taking our community for Jesus by storm!

Politics and Religion

Lately, all we have heard is about the upcoming Presidential Election! People at work, on the radio and even at the grocery store. Politics are everywhere!
I am not going to even pretend that I am not Biased. I know who I am going to vote for (Romney) and I will tell you why. He is the closest match to my core values. For Example he is Pro-life, for the sanctity of marriage, and not to mention that he knows money and just maybe we can get a budget passed.
But what I want to ask you is this, should politics be in religion and religion in politics? I say yes! Just because a person is religious does not disqualify their opinion. However, Lagy Gaga said that the Pope's opinion did not matter when it comes to the sanctity of marriage (when did we start looking to people like her for advice?). I encourage religious people to get out there and make a stand for what they know to be right! If Religion does not get into politics, then politics will get into religion and start dictating what can and cannot be taught. Wasn't the whole reason why we came to North America for religious freedom? If anything I say sticks with you, let it be this. My American readers, please, vote your conscience on November 6th! We need to stand up for what is right! Not disqualify someone based on their religion!

For all my other readers, get involved! Make a difference! If only by helping out a neighbor you are showing the love of Christ in your community! Stand up for what is right! God Bless you all! Have a good night!

I am proud to tell you that the Cardville Youth raised 1,000 US Dollars to give to Sheaves for Christ this year. This money will go to help young people attend Camp and also support children at the Tupelo Childrens Mansion as well as Lighthouse Ranch for Boys! Not to mention scholarships for college students and also helps provide missionaries with vehicles to get around in other countries! The Maine District raised for SFC this year a total of 31,000 US dollars! Way to go young people! Keep up the good work and may God bless all those who sacrificed in giving to a worthy cause this year!

Something that bothers me

Recently a friend of mine made a post on facebook concerning something that he claims to be sin! However, no single bit of information or supplemental fact was offered to verify his claim! I hope everyone understands that there are some thing in the Word of God that are very clearly called sin! However, there are also some very legalistic Individuals who claim thing to be a sin just because they want to feel as though they are in Control! I again, implore all those who read my blog to study the Word of God, while praying for understanding.

I know that this blog is not nearly as long as my others, but I hope that it has said something that has caused you to think! Please feel free to contact me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/josh.mailman or follow me on twitter at @CardvilleYouth

Psalm 1:1

I would like to start by saying that I plan on slowly moving through the book of Psalms one verse or chapter at a time. Really trying to focus on each particular passage to gain understanding from each and every line! I hope you will return frequently to help me and leave comments so we can get some different perspectives on the word of God.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

The counsel of the ungodly. Well, I guess we should start here. Who are the ungodly? Well the simple answer would be anyone who is living their life so that it is contrary to the Word of God.

So in other words, do not take advice from non christians. They do not understand things the way that you do and it would be foolish to ask someone who does not believe in the Word of God for advice!

Standeth in the way of sinners.

Well, I can only look at this one way. If you are standing in the way of sinners, you must be going along with their ways! Meaning you are standing with them! Not against them, but in agreement with or maybe even partaking with sinners! The Bible states that a man cannot serve two masters, so in that context you are either for sin or you are against sin! It is that simple. So the opposite of this statement would be. Blessed is he who standeth against the way of sinners! To make a stand against sin!

Sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Have you ever been around that person who is angry all the time? Nobody really wants to be around that person! I know I sure don't. They are such a debie downer! Always criticizing everything. But do you also notice that person who seems to be the most critical also seems to be doing the least! The fact of the matter is that scornful people can cause division and again there is not place in the Church for division! We should be uplifting and helping our brother's and sister's in Christ! Blessed is he who sits in the seat of the up lifter!

Thank you for taking the time to read my Blog! I am looking forward to writing more soon so keep checking in! You can follow me on Twitter at @CardvilleYouth  or on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/josh.mailman Thank you for your continued support! God Bless!

Start of a long Journey

Tonight, I sit at my dining room table with my laptop and bible in front of me looking for a word that I share with the World. You see, as of late, I have been out just doing my daily routine. Trying to get through the day, earning money to support my beautiful family that God has blessed me with. My wife Denae, My three sons, Landon, Colton and Braydon. But through it all something is nagging at me like you wouldn't believe. There are so many people out there in this world who are just going through their day with out a thought of where they will be spending eternity!
I have no idea how many people will read this, to be honest, I have not wrote on this blog in quite a long time. When I did write on here a lot over the Winter, I noticed that I had a lot of readers from the U.S, Russia and Germany, with a very few from places like the Ukraine, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Can I relate to everyone who reads this.. no. Not in the least. But we all do have one very important thing in common. We are all going to spend eternity either in Heaven or in Hell.
I don't really care what "denomination" that a person is. It means nothing to me and it means nothing to God. When Jesus returns, he is not going to look at the sign in front of the church  that you attend to see whether or not he is going to take you in the rapture! Not at all! He is going to see that you are following him according to the word of God, nothing else matters!
It does not matter the name of your Pastor! You can't get to heaven based on who your pastor is! The Bible clearly states in Philippians 2:12 to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling! It's a pastor's responsibility to teach you truth, but it is your own responsibility to make sure that you are ready to meet your creator!
It is too bad that there are so many "men of God" who will not call sin a sin. They make broad interpretations and allow things to go unchecked. To whom ever may read this! I implore you! Please, Please, Check what your pastor is teaching you! If it does not line up with the Word of God! Find another pastor who preachers truth!

My name is Josh Mailman. If you wish to talk or wish to hear more, add me on facebook or follow me on Twitter! This is all for now! I will write more tomorrow!

Some more thoughts

I have been pretty busy lately and have not had the opportunity to write, but man do I have a lot to talk about.
We are full steam ahead on getting ready for Youth Convention! The Money is quickly being raised and it looks like we may even have a little left over to go toward Sheaves For Christ (SFC). Had one young man, get his paper for the fundraiser that we are doing to raise money for Youth Convention and he calls me the next day. He tells me that he has good news and bad news. He said that he has raised 225 dollars but needs a new paper! Both are good news to me! The fundraiser hadn't even been going for 24 hours!

Also, the expansion project at our church in Greenbush, Maine is in full swing! Work is getting done quickly and smoothly. Really enjoying the opportunity to work so closely to the men and women of God and having such a good time with them! The lasagna was great as well!

To top it all off, there has been quiet a few new people attending services! Even though we are using folding chairs in the sanctuary right now (not the comfortable pews that we are used to) and our projector is being held up by a 2 x 4. It doesn't look pretty right now, but God is blessing us just the same!

That is all for right now, I have to go to work. God Bless you and keep you!

Day 2

Day 2 is drawing to a close, I took my car to the garage to get it worked on. It cost me 324.00 dollars. I suppose that it could have been worse. However, I have had Some thoughts running through my head all day. All about David when he first attempted to bring the ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It didnt work the first time, yet he tried again. Yesterday may have not gone so well but I will continue on offering my life as a sacrificce every step of the way!
Today I was working on some Youth things and doing a lot of praying and contemplation. I am praying that God will do a mighty work in these young people! Youth week is not far away! What a move of God we are going to experience!

Day 1a

So day one did not go so well. It started out with a heart full of determination but here is what happened. I never thought the devil would attack so quickly. My car broke down, the dryer quit on my wife, and we found out that my son has a skin condition called eczema.
I kind of felt like Job. But I am not giving in. I am giving it my all. The prize is too valuable for me to back off over a few temporal things. God will not give me more than I am able to bear.
Looking forward to seeing what God is going to do through all of this!

The Race: Day 1

Today is the big day. I have been building up for this! Today I am standing at the starting line waiting to hear the sound of that starting pistol and I am going to be off down the track, giving everything I have to achieve the prize that awaits me at the end. I stand here and I am thinking about all that is at stack. 

You see, this race is like no other. The only way that this race ends, is when I die. The prize that I seek is to hear Jesus Christ say to me "well done thou good and faithful servant" I long to hear those words. 

My past is full of mistake, but you see, I am looking straight ahead. Today is a new day. He has made me into a new creature! I am not what I used to be and I cannot run forward very well if I am constantly looking back at myself with guilt. I have my eyes set on that finish line. In fact, I can almost see it from here.

The race is long and hard, unlike other races, there are so many things that have the ability to trip you up. I have watched others run this race, and I have seen some as the start fall on their face quickly some get right back up and start running again with even more determination then ever before. Unfortunately, I have seen others fall on there faces, and they stand up in shame and walk off the track with their heads hung in shame. It breaks my heart to see this, inside I am screaming for them to keep going, I cry out to God to give them the desire to finish this race! But they just walk away from the greatest event that will ever take place in their life! 

Oh I pray God that I never get discouraged to the point that I just give up! Let me press on, if and when I fall, Lord help my get right back up. Be there, like you was there when Peter called out to you as he was slipping beneath the waves of the Sea of Galilee on that stormy night, and you lifted him up! 

I hope you follow me as I run this race! Daily I will post here in hopes that I am encouraging others to keep running the race! I am going to write about what I read in the Word, Experience in prayer, and in life. Come with me as we race to that finish line and make receive the prize! Lets make heaven our home!