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Showing posts with the label Sanctification

Casting Crowns before the Lord

The four and twenty Elders fell down before him that sat on the throne, and worshipped him that liveth for evermore, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy will’s sake they are, and have been created. Rev. 4: 10, 11 (1599 Geneva Bible) Dear Friends, This Scripture from the Book of Revelation weighs heavy upon my heart as I observe the modern Church in America. The Geneva Bible study note for verse 10 explains: Three signs of honor given unto God, prostration or falling down, adoration and casting their crowns before God, in which the godly, though made kings by Christ, do willingly empty themselves of all glory, moved with a religious respect for the majesty of God. Are you moved with a religious respect for the majesty of God? Or truly committed to laying down your life for Christ and willing to “cast” your “crown” before Him? I ask because I see little dying to sel

We can all be a light for Christ right where He has placed us to shine

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.” (Matthew 5:13, ESV) I recently read the article “George Barna: America Is Being Destroyed Inside Out ” published in the Christian Post. The article quotes George Barna, a Christian pollster and founder of a research group called the Barna Group as saying: "The enemy of America today is not Iraq. It is not Afghanistan or communism. It is not Somalian pirates. It's the moral degradation and spiritual complacency of Americans... In essence it is the willingness of Americans to become victims of the imposition of values and objectives that defy our common good.” In the same article, Mr. Barna said that “the deterioration of American society is fueled by the breakdown in leadership and core institutions such as family, government, and education.” While I agree that America is imploding d

‘Walk (and dress) in dignity as a child of the King’

Christian commentators have been abuzz with expressing their opinions of Miss USA contestant Carrie Prejean and her public statement of believing marriage is to be between one man and one woman. Some commentators have even proclaimed Miss Prejean to be a new face for conservative values and that the GOP should be courting her as a standard bearer. However, there have been a few godly voices pointing out that Miss Prejean's lack of modesty is not Biblical and perhaps she is not a good role model for Christian girls. I happen to be in this camp and pray Miss Prejean will receive wise godly counsel on Biblical womanhood and the responsibility she has to be modest and present a chaste and pure appearance as a Christian woman, which will give her words and Christian profession more credibility. Sadly, many parents and churches are not teaching young men and women how to act and dress as representatives of Christ and the seductive message their lack of clothing sends to others. Praise th

Thank You

Dear Friends, I am amazed at the changes taking place in my family and even within my own heart/attitude. The LORD is truly showing Himself to be kind and merciful in the Wittman household. If you have been praying for me and my family, I want to say “thank you.” Since I left the Constitution Party in early 2005, I have been going through a time of spiritual growth which has had its ups and downs. The best way to describe it is as a “wall” was blocking my view and sometimes I felt quite alone and in the dark. I always knew the LORD was with me, but I was not seeing quite as clearly (or hearing quite as plainly) as when I was a new believer. Yet, I also knew that the LORD was taking me through a time of growth. As a new believer, this thought would periodically come to me: “You can serve God and praise Him in good times, but what will you do when hard times come?” I would then think: “LORD willing, I will still praise His Name as He is my strength... Lord, please make me able to stand i

Sarah Palin and the feminism which has invaded the church in America

The blogosphere has been full of stories and opinions about the recent nomination of Sarah Palin for Vice President of the United States. Conservative Christian leaders such as James Dobson and Phyllis Schlafly have embraced her candidacy and she is receiving endorsements from pro-family groups. But I suppose the most surprising fact of her candidacy is that even though she boasts of being a member of Feminists for Life and complimented Hillary Clinton for the 18 million cracks made in the “glass ceiling” not too much is being said about the role reversal (Mr. Palin is reportedly “Mr. Mom” and the primary caregiver for their children) in Ms. Palin’s family by these very same groups which have made their mark by standing up for the traditional American family. They seem to have cleanly swept the feminism of Ms. Palin under the rug. But perhaps the problem of feminism goes much deeper than para-church ministries and pro-family groups and instead stems from within the modern day church. L

Time to turn the page...

Dear Friends, Those of you who have read my work probably know by now that I am one who "travels lightly," which means I have learned to hold loosely the things of this world, including positions which the LORD has placed me in. Sometimes this causes confusion for my co-laborers in Christ and fellow Christians. This is not my intention, but instead I am simply trying to follow as closely to the Lord's leading as possible and serve where He is directing me. So, I am going to share my personal testimony with you which also will give an update on what I have and will be doing in the near future. Praise the LORD and thank you for your interest. ------------------------------------------------------------ My Testimony: I am married to Jeff Wittman, mother to two sons, Matthew and Christopher, and grandmother to Joshua and Abby. I am a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America and attend Worship at the RP Church in Sparta, Illinois. The LORD began my new birt

Christians Are Called To A Higher Standard

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9 – NKJV) Before my new birth in Christ in 1993, I had thought I was a “good” person, but in my heart I knew I was hell bound due to my sins, even though I had everything a woman could want: a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, a lovely home and many of the finer things of life. But I was still miserable because I knew I was not serving God and even though I was trying to make myself into a “good” person, it just wasn’t working! Over a period of several years, the LORD brought me to the end of myself and in desperation I reached out to Him and He was there. He then led me to repent (turn away) from my sins and rely upon His completed work on the Cross (Christ’s sacrifice and atonement

Using Our Gifts for the LORD

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” – Proverbs 3: 9, 10 “We all have a certain amount of time allotted to us” is the title of an entry in my prayer journal for August 30th. I had overheard this statement on the radio that morning, and it was one of my first thoughts for the day. After reading Scripture, I then went on to pray that I might spend my allotted time wisely by investing in the kingdom of Heaven. What are some of the ways to invest in the kingdom of Heaven? I think prayer is one of the best investments we can make. Oftentimes we find ourselves at the end of our ability to change circumstances or others whom we care about that need our help. And just as often, I have found that if I start with a prayer for a particular person or situation, the Lord will begin to work a change with me. I don’t know about you, but being used by the Lord to bless

Of Sheep and Goats

By Angela Wittman “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6) Dear Friends, Last year I bought the book "Day By Day with Jonathan Edwards (Selected Readings for Daily Reflection)" which is compiled and edited by Randall J. Pederson and published by Hendrickson Publishers. I was in need of a daily devotional and I wanted something spiritually substantial to read each morning, as a light breakfast of fluffy evangelicalism just isn’t enough to keep me going throughout the day. I also purchased a copy of the 1599 Geneva Bible published by Tolle Lege Press in 2006 for my evening devotions. I have found that the Word of God, the thoughts of the early Reformers and a hot cup of cocoa before a roaring fire is the most perfect way to end my day. If you are looking for a daily devotional that will strengthen your faith and solidify your thoughts of God, I recommend both of t

'All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD'

By Angela Wittman 1 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8 –KJV November 28, 2006 Dear Friends, I hope you have taken some time to reflect upon what you are

By Whose Standard?

By Angela Wittman See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. (Deuteronomy 30:15,16 KJV) When it comes to knowing the difference between right and wrong, by whose standard do you use? Do you take a look at the latest poll to see if certain behavior is sinful? Or do you look to the never changing Word of God and those ministers who preach it faithfully without eliminating certain portions of Scripture, which may not be "politically correct"? Do you go to church to have your ears tickled? Or do you want to hear the Word of God preached? I am sure many of you will say you want to hear the Word preached, but just don’t tell me what I can and cannot do...After all, that’s judgmental, condemning

A Meek and Quiet Spirit

By Angela Wittman Dear Friends, This essay is written for today's conservative Christian women who are strong, smart, capable and doing a man's job. Yes, I said doing a man's job. I can remember as a new Christian hearing women in the church complaining that men weren't doing their job, and the women were having to do it for them. Then I also saw many of the Christian women whom I admired, lose their husbands and families to divorce. You may have read the Barna Group's most recent poll results concerning Christians and divorce: "Although many Christian churches attempt to dissuade congregants from getting a divorce, the research confirmed a finding identified by Barna a decade ago (and further confirmed through tracking studies conducted each year since): born again Christians have the same likelihood of divorce as do non-Christians. Among married born again Christians, 35% have experienced a divorce. That figure is identical to the outcome among married adults

Take a Stand for Jesus

By Angela Wittman For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 KJV) Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point- a great crossroads in our life. From that point we either go toward a more and more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest- our best for His glory. -(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest) Dear Friends, While reading the above selected excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, I was reminded of how exciting it is to know, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. I can remember as a young believer praying to see God at work, so I could join Him. I would see outwardly successful "ministries," and think the Lord must truly be at work there, only to find out the work was one of human endeavor, rather than spiritual. The emphasis would not be on winning the lost to Christ, or teaching young believers Scripture; but it would be on p

Love the LORD with all your heart

By Angela Wittman Working so hard at the things that you believe in, No one can tear you away. But don't you lose sight of the very one who calls you, You may be sorry some day, some day. For wood, hay and stubble, will all burn up in the fire. But to love the Lord with all your heart, should be your one desire. Love the Lord. (Taken from Unless the Lord Builds the House , by Keith Green; released in 1980 [Copyright Sparrow Corporation]) Dear Friends, This essay is written with great love and tribute to the Lord of my life who suffered on the cross to make atonement for my sins and who has imputed His righteousness to me for all eternity. Many of you do not know that I have recently undergone quite an extensive pruning -- a refining in which the LORD burnt away much of the dross in my life. The result was quite devastating to my self-esteem and self-confidence. I felt as though the ground beneath my feet had given way and I was dangling in mid-air. I did not know what to do or w

Just whose fault is it anyway?

by Angela Wittman ...Nehemiah cared nothing for the applause of men and was totally unwilling to compromise the mission he had undertaken for God. The paganism Nehemiah feared was not the paganism of the pagans; it was the paganism of his own people. (Confronting Paganism, In The Presence of God by R.C. Sproul) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 Dear Friends, Since becoming a Christian twelve years ago, I have been aware of a serious illness plaguing the Church. At first I did not know what to do about it or if I should even say anything, as I was such an ignorant new convert. Who was I to question the church leaders and/or their wives? You can imagine my feelings of intimidation, as they would recite Scripture from memory and sing hymns without even looking at their hymnals. On the other hand, I could not recite the books of the Old or New Testament, much less entire p

Is it really 'All or Nothing'? ABSOLUTELY!

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 16:24, 25 KJV) Dear Friends, Have you made a radical commitment to Christ? Are you determined to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus? Have you lost your life for His sake and, as a consequence, found new life in Him? I pray you have as none of us can resist or escape the call of the LORD upon our lives. Just as there is no compromise or exception when following Jesus, there can be no compromising or exceptions to abolish the murder of babies in the womb. We may win a few battles incrementally, but to win the war being waged against the preborn babies, we must outlaw all murder via abortion. Regulation of abortion is not the solution and it will not save the lives of these little ones. A friend recently asked me to read about Eli