Some Gave All – Pew Or alter Christian – Which are you?
Our recent reminder of the 9-11 tragedy is poignant in today’s world. Because of many selfless acts on that day and many other days and years. The people on the Flight 93 gave all to keep their plane from being a targeted boom used by those who would do us harm. Thousands of rescue workers gave their life in the process of trying to save others, and to put out fires and so many other situations that day. There is no selfless gene that has been discovered by researchers yet. Hearing that still small voice and listinging to it helped save thousands of lives on September 11th, 2001. Normally there were over 12 thousand people normally tht worked or visited the Towers daily, on that day fewer than 6,000 were there, and some of them sudnely got urges to go take care of something before the plains hit. That is when the Still Small Voice of God reaches down and you head it. The Holy Spirit often warns us of things to do and not to do that are important, but because of things we think are more important, we chose to ignore the leading of the Spirit of God. The one Jesus said in Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; :17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. :18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. :19 .. but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. :20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. :21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. :25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. :26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. :27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Lyrics from Billy Rae Cyrus’s Debut song album Some Gave All
Our recent reminder of the 9-11 tragedy is poignant in today’s world. Because of many selfless acts on that day and many other days and years. The people on the Flight 93 gave all to keep their plane from being a targeted boom used by those who would do us harm. Thousands of rescue workers gave their life in the process of trying to save others, and to put out fires and so many other situations that day. There is no selfless gene that has been discovered by researchers yet. Hearing that still small voice and listinging to it helped save thousands of lives on September 11th, 2001. Normally there were over 12 thousand people normally tht worked or visited the Towers daily, on that day fewer than 6,000 were there, and some of them sudnely got urges to go take care of something before the plains hit. That is when the Still Small Voice of God reaches down and you head it. The Holy Spirit often warns us of things to do and not to do that are important, but because of things we think are more important, we chose to ignore the leading of the Spirit of God. The one Jesus said in Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; :17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. :18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. :19 .. but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. :20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. :21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. :25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. :26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. :27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Lyrics from Billy Rae Cyrus’s Debut song album Some Gave All
I can't forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cries
As he said these words to me
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
It was written about solders laying down their life on the battle field but I believe it fits all who risk their lives to serve others.
SACRIFICE OF GRACE AND LOVE
Some have fallen where and when God wills
Some on battle fields or Calvary’s Hills
They made a sacrifice for others dear
They have heard a call so strong & clear
A call of sacrifice from a heart of Love
A call Jesus answered from up above
Not always of thought but of decision
Not from the mind but of selfless vision
They usually did not pick the place or time
When God’s bell of grace did chime
They soon answered that call of sacrifice
For but some say a role of the dice
I know in my heart it was in God’s sight
And driven by His shared light
It’s Jesus’ sacrifice that shines bright
And brings God a family that give Him delight
Copyrighted by John Axford 9/12/2010
It is a matter of Spirit, duty, call to action readiness that makes a split second decision to put someone else’s life, liberty or freedom above your own. Where does such bravery, since of duty, patriot dreams, unselfishness come from? I think it comes from a servant’s heart, the heart of God, by whom all forms of sacrifice was first initiated. It is a form of communication between God and man. Often times it was as a covenant between man and God, man and man, and Savior and those in danger.
We are in danger so Jesus came down in a selfless act of God. He knew our fate and options long before He chose to die for us at the request of his Heavenly Father.
Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. :15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. :16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. :17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. :18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Likewise His disciples –Servants By Choice! They all Chose to risk their lives, and many lost their life, for standing and preaching the truth about a marvelous Gift of God Life In Christ Jesus.
Act 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, :28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
How do we as Christians choose to follow suit?
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Do we choose to risk ridicule and in many instances here in the USA and in other Godless run nations our lives? By preaching, teaching, simply sharing the story of God’s ultimate Love for us, with others we know or meet. They had a servant’s heart, do we? It was born out of the Father’s love. It was a crop harvested from a seed sown by Abraham the father of nations, act of obedience and Love for his Father God, and for his son Isaac.
What are your daily actions as a person, a Christian born out of love. Are they born out of your own lust, or are they born out of the Love of God and His Son Jesus so willingly sacrificed for you and me? Church or “Pew Christians” who sacrifice their spare time from their daily routines to come spend in many cases an hour of their precious time (time is money, don’t you know), and in some churches until they are through, learning about a Jesus they call on when in time of need.
Other Alter Christians choose to spend time giving their time, money, will, and all to the God who gave His all for you in Love. In varying amounts, this Alter Christian will chose to sacrifice whatever it takes, to worship Him. Spending time in His presence, in His Love revealed, His plans for you, His gifts, calling and election for them.
As an Alter Christian, we must choose what to sacrifice to Him, is it your chosen addictions & sin, your hardened heart, your life. As Romans 12:1&2 says Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. :2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. :3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Psalm 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.
A woman sat begging alongside a dirt road. Dozens of people passed her by without even affording her a glance. No one even cared to see that she wasn't begging for herself, but for the child she held tightly in her arms. At last, a young boy passed by and saw the woman. He journeyed home, gathered some food and a blanket, and then he returned to the woman and her child.
Selfless acts of kindness are the true signs of a Spirit-filled life. We can call ourselves Christians, but our actions must verify the claim. Mary and Joseph begged for help once in Bethlehem. How would we have responded if they had come to us to beg? How we treat people who are in need is Christ's criterion for judging how much we love Him. In all ways, we should strive to serve the poor and needy.
Prayer: Remind me that I merely serve Christ when I serve others. Let me serve gladly, without expectation of reward. Teach me to give to others as You give to me. Amen.
2Sa 6:14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
2Sa 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
2Sa 6:17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
2Sa 6:18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
2Sa 6:19 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
Mal 1:9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. :10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
Mal 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.
Mal 1:12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.
Mal 1:13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.
We must raise up a new standard of Prayer and parsing Got the Father, God The Son and The Holy Spirit. What as an Alter Christian are you willing to sacrifice on the altar of your life to God today that is worthy of the sacrifices of Jesus. You Service, you Love, Your All. Will you give more time in prayer and praise, in helping others as Jesus would do. Sharing His love and sacrifice with those who need to hear the Good News that Jesus Saves, that he Loves them, and that Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. :29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. :30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We are in danger so Jesus came down in a selfless act of God. He knew our fate and options long before He chose to die for us at the request of his Heavenly Father.
Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. :15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. :16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. :17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. :18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Likewise His disciples –Servants By Choice! They all Chose to risk their lives, and many lost their life, for standing and preaching the truth about a marvelous Gift of God Life In Christ Jesus.
Act 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, :28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
How do we as Christians choose to follow suit?
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Do we choose to risk ridicule and in many instances here in the USA and in other Godless run nations our lives? By preaching, teaching, simply sharing the story of God’s ultimate Love for us, with others we know or meet. They had a servant’s heart, do we? It was born out of the Father’s love. It was a crop harvested from a seed sown by Abraham the father of nations, act of obedience and Love for his Father God, and for his son Isaac.
What are your daily actions as a person, a Christian born out of love. Are they born out of your own lust, or are they born out of the Love of God and His Son Jesus so willingly sacrificed for you and me? Church or “Pew Christians” who sacrifice their spare time from their daily routines to come spend in many cases an hour of their precious time (time is money, don’t you know), and in some churches until they are through, learning about a Jesus they call on when in time of need.
Other Alter Christians choose to spend time giving their time, money, will, and all to the God who gave His all for you in Love. In varying amounts, this Alter Christian will chose to sacrifice whatever it takes, to worship Him. Spending time in His presence, in His Love revealed, His plans for you, His gifts, calling and election for them.
As an Alter Christian, we must choose what to sacrifice to Him, is it your chosen addictions & sin, your hardened heart, your life. As Romans 12:1&2 says Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. :2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. :3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Psalm 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.
A woman sat begging alongside a dirt road. Dozens of people passed her by without even affording her a glance. No one even cared to see that she wasn't begging for herself, but for the child she held tightly in her arms. At last, a young boy passed by and saw the woman. He journeyed home, gathered some food and a blanket, and then he returned to the woman and her child.
Selfless acts of kindness are the true signs of a Spirit-filled life. We can call ourselves Christians, but our actions must verify the claim. Mary and Joseph begged for help once in Bethlehem. How would we have responded if they had come to us to beg? How we treat people who are in need is Christ's criterion for judging how much we love Him. In all ways, we should strive to serve the poor and needy.
Prayer: Remind me that I merely serve Christ when I serve others. Let me serve gladly, without expectation of reward. Teach me to give to others as You give to me. Amen.
2Sa 6:14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
2Sa 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
2Sa 6:17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
2Sa 6:18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
2Sa 6:19 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.
Mal 1:9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. :10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
Mal 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.
Mal 1:12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.
Mal 1:13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.
We must raise up a new standard of Prayer and parsing Got the Father, God The Son and The Holy Spirit. What as an Alter Christian are you willing to sacrifice on the altar of your life to God today that is worthy of the sacrifices of Jesus. You Service, you Love, Your All. Will you give more time in prayer and praise, in helping others as Jesus would do. Sharing His love and sacrifice with those who need to hear the Good News that Jesus Saves, that he Loves them, and that Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. :29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. :30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
