God's Perfect Will

  Hello all,
  Today I am going to talk about what I would consider to be a pretty controversial subject: God's will for our lives; or as some like to call it: our destiny. Many believe that our lives are predetermined for us and that whether or not something works out was just "meant to be". I personally do not believe this way and will explain why later on in this post.

  Let me start out with a heavy statement: I think it is safe to say, judging by how this world is, that God is not here directly controlling the world as He once was with the Israelites. Looking through the history of the Bible, God has changed His workings with man. When the ascended Jesus rose up, the new dispensation of the grace of God was ushered in. Before this, an animal sacrifice had to be made to cleanse sin. Then it was baptism, and now, salvation is obtained through trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, believing on His name and making Him the Lord of your life by repenting of your sins. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
  Now of course, God is still with us after Jesus ascended, but we were given the Holy Spirit to dwell within us to guide us instead of the physical body of Christ.

  I said all that to get to my point...
  Many will argue that God must have a perfect will for us and that all of our decisions are made because they were what God had planned for us. Do you really think that God would plan for someone to become a drug addict, for them to abuse their family, to cheat on their spouse, or to be a homosexual? I highly doubt it. If God had our lives planned out for us, each and every single soul in this world would not perish. All would be saved.
And let's not forget to mention the fact that we all have a free will -- a free will to make our own decisions. God left us the Bible to show us how He wants us to live our lives. The Bible is His perfect will for us. Within its pages is God's plan for His children.
  If you want to know how to live a life that's pleasing to God, you have to pick up His Word and read it.  God's will is His word.

  Thank you for stopping in and may God bless you all,

A Gift from God

  I know my blog doesn't really reflect the personal bits of my everyday life; still, I couldn't help but share this joyous news:

 

  On April 6th at 6:17 a.m. my beautiful, little girl, Emilia Rose, was born. She weighed a healthy 7 pounds, 8 ounces and measured in at 19 inches long.

  Becoming a father has made me feel like a whole new man. God has blessed my wife and I with an overwhelming gift, and we couldn't be more grateful.

Thankfulness

  Today I'd like to touch on the topic of thankfulness.
  In the hustle and bustle of today's world we seem to forget to thank God for the things He has blessed us with. It seems like so many people today find it hard to be thankful because they are always focusing on what they don't have or how hard they are struggling. Ask someone how they are and you'll get the never-ending story of how they could be better; but ask them what they are thankful for and you can hear the sound of crickets resonating in the background. Now of course, I am exaggerating.

  I am far from perfect, and sometimes I tend to forget to thank God for the many things that I have been blessed with in this life. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I take things for granted. However, when it really comes down to it, I have much to be thankful for. I have been blessed in so many ways, and that goes for all of us. As long as we are still breathing, we have much to be thankful for.

  "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:20
  "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  As Christians we need to take the above verses to heart; giving thanks for all that we have and stop fretting over the things that we don't. We need to learn to stop counting our bruises and start counting our blessings. To be as the Apostle Paul was - content in any state. 
 
  Have a great day and may God bless you,

The Instruction Manual

  Welcome all, I'd like to start today off with a few questions for you all.

1. Would you like your quality of life to improve? Even your physical health?
2. Would you like to see your marriage improve?

  If you answered yes to either of the above questions, I encourage you to continue reading. If you said no, I ask that you continue anyway and pray that I can change your mind.
 The simple answer to all of them is simply the Bible. I cannot make it any clearer. If you want to know how to live a life that's God-honoring you have to read your Bible. Especially if we are claiming to be followers of Christ. We should be delving into God's Word on a daily basis.
 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

   Let me begin by saying that diet and Christianity go hand in hand. How is this so? Well first off, both your physical and spiritual well-being are a huge part of your over-all health. It also comes down to discipline; generally if you are disciplined in faith it will be easier to be so in the health aspects of your life as well. What does the Bible actually say about diet? Well, let's look at the Jewish diet in the Old Testament. My favorite example is that they were not allowed to eat pork, for it was unclean or 'not kosher'.
 "And the swine[Pork], though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you." - Leviticus 11:7,8
  The World Health Organization has actually come out and said now that eating pork causes cancer. How is this possible? Well, pigs do not sweat; hence, why they wallow in the mud. Well, due to this fact they do not release the toxins from their body as we do (yes people, it's healthy to sweat). Thus when we eat pork the toxins are transferred to our body. There is more to it than that but it's too lengthy of a topic to get into right now. As a Christian man, I do make an effort to practice what I preach. My diet is disciplined and I have chosen to not eat pork to benefit myself and my family. And believe me, I feel better than I ever have.

  I'll touch briefly on marriage, as I have already done posts on this topic which I highly encourage you to view.
  Marriage was designed by God for one man and one woman. A marriage that is founded on Christ shall not fail.  Now this doesn't mean that there will not be trials in your marriage. However, it does mean that two evenly yoked people founded on Christ will easily be able to over come such hardships. No marriage is perfect, seeing as there is always room for improvement. Even in my own marriage. And yes, my wife agrees with me.


  Long story short, we need to read the Bible. We need to be delving into God's "Instruction Manual" on an every day basis. It is by doing this that we can discover all the aspects in our life that need change and growth.


  Thank you for stopping by and may God bless you all,

"The Night Before Christmas - From A Thinker's Perspective"

Hello all,

  Again it seems like it has been so long since my last post. It has been busy around the Faulkner household, as we've been prepping for our first child to arrive.
  Since Christmas has just passed, I thought I would share a little poem written by my father-in-law to get your minds running. I am aware that this may offend, but I ask all who read it to keep an open mind. Who am I kidding? All of my post have the potential to offend... But anyway, here it is:


Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the street,
Not a Christian was celebrating, nowhere did they meet.
No stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
'Cuz they knew that St. Nicholas would not be there.

See, these children aren't lied to at all as they grow.
'Cuz their parents are Christians, the Bible they know.
For those who aren’t sure, God's word makes it clear,
"Thou shalt not lie", the good Lord we do fear.

Now, for those who proclaim "Jesus is the reason",
You must search the scriptures, fall was the season.
For Luke the physician made it abundantly clear,
The shepherds were in the field at that time of year.

Another interesting fact, the reader may note,
Six months past John the Baptist, it's wrote,
Jesus was born at the harvest, you see
Early October, most scholars agree.

So, what's the big deal, why all the fuss,
To celebrate His birthday, with presents and such?
The date may be wrong, but we're not sinning you know.
Well, let's search the scriptures to see if it's so.

Jeremiah makes it clear, chapter 10:2 thru 4,
"Learn not the way of the heathen", lest you He ignore.
So, what about birthdays, what does His word say?
Matthew 14:6 thru10, Herodias had her way.

So, why do we celebrate, how'd we move so far astray?
The Catholics are to blame, as they Christianized a pagan holiday.
Do the research, what you find might seem odd,
December 25th is the worship of a Pagan Sun God.

If this is true, and history tells us it is,
Do we continue celebrating and claim "ignorance is bliss"?
Or, do we choose to be separate as stated in God's word,
And live an upright life pleasing to the Lord.

Whether a Christian or not, you can be assured,
The merchants of this world will be sure that you're lured.
Millions spent on advertising by the powers that be,
Tempting the world with greed through radio and t.v.

So what about family, goodies and lights?
By all means fellowship and enjoy every bite.
Just keep in mind as you end the year,
The real reason for the season has now been made clear.


  My beliefs on Christmas (and most holidays in general) are somewhat different from most of the world's today.  The reason behind my acquired beliefs would result in too lengthy of a post to get into for now.  But, for those who are curious to delve deeper into the topic, I will include an educational, mind-opening documentary on the subject.

  "Truth or Tradition" by Pastor Jim Staley (duration 1:52:42)


  God Bless & have a safe and Happy New Year,

Married Biblically

  Since my last post was about marriage, I thought now would be a good time to talk about biblical marriage; especially since it has not been that long since they made it legal for "same-sex" partners to marry.

  First-off, I find this to be entirely wrong, immoral, and disgusting, and I will get into "why" later in this post.

  Some may be saying that this is old news, so why am I posting about it now? Well, here are my reasons:

1. The Bible supports what I am going to say no matter how old the news is.
2. What kind of man of Christ would I be if I did not speak out?
3. It's better late than never.

  Moving on.
  There are quite a few verses in the Bible that talk against homosexuality. Here are a few of them:

• "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."- Leviticus 18:22
• " If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."- Leviticus 20:13
•  ^"For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine..."- 1 Timothy 1:10
• "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."- 1 Corinthians 6:9,10

  I have heard it said before that this "only pertains to men, but is okay for two women to be together." Wrong.
  Again, let's see what God has to say about this:

• "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature."- Romans 1:26

  Look at Sodom and Gomorrah for example. God completely wiped out these cities due to their sins. One of the biggest sins the people of these cities committed was homosexuality.

  So many people try to use the excuse that they were born that way or that God created them to have homosexual desires. I laugh at even such thought. Here's the thing people; read His Word. God has not and would not create that which is an abomination in His eyes. Need I even mention the flood of Noah's day?

  So then what does God say about marriage? Well for starters, it is to be between one man and one woman. Honestly people, God created man and woman, not man and man. He joined together Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

•  "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female."- Mark 10:6.  
• "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."- Mark 10:7-9.

  Seems pretty obvious to me how God meant marriage to be and why He created man and woman the way He did.

 

  I must say that it is pretty sad how far this world has fallen from Biblical truth. We were warned. "But as the days of Noah were, so likewise shall the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days before the flood, they did eat and drink, marry, and give in marriage, unto the day that Noah entered into the Ark, and knew nothing, till the flood came, and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." - Matthew 24:37-39.

 

  Those who are reading this, I ask you to pray for this world and the state that it is in.

  I pray that you to will stand with the Lord when the time is come. Read His word and don your armor.

 

  Please see also: Joyfully Inspired // The Biblical Definition of Marriage  by Cryslyn Faulkner.

 

  God Bless,

 

Advice on Marriage

  Hello all,

  I'd first like to apologize about the fact that it's been over a month since my last post. This past month has been a pretty eventful one for my wife and I. Between work and other obligations, it has been hard to find time to sit down and write. Thankfully I have found the time once again.

  Well, my wife and I are closing in on our seventh month of being married; talk about a true blessing! Over these seven months we have had little ups and downs in our marriage, just like any other couple out there. But if one thing rings truer than anything else, it's that with faith in Christ we were able to overcome each and every one of them, and will continue to do so.
  I brought up this topic to ask the question: Why? Why were we able to do this? Some would say that it's because we are meant to be together and so everything will work out without any effort, as it is our destiny.
  My wife and I both disagree with this kind of thinking. I am sorry to be the one to break this to everyone, but there is no destined soul-mate out there for you. Although my wife and I do make a great team because we are evenly yoked, we both agree that marriage could have worked between her and another man or me and another woman. Marriage isn't this magical thing that just works itself out. No, marriage is a true blessing that has to be worked at, kept and maintained.

  The other night my wife and I were helping chaperone at one of my mother-in-law's homeschool dances. There I met a young Christian gentleman, who at one of the dances earlier in the year had discovered that Cryslyn and I had recently gotten married. He had approached me seeking relationship advice, and although the question caught me off guard, I did my best to give this young man the best advice I could.
  The biggest piece of advice I can give on marriage is to make it founded on Christ. For any good marriage to work it needs to be centered on Christ. You can look at this like a triangle (pictured below).

  With Christ placed at the top point of your marriage, the two of you will continue to grow closer together while at the same time grow closer to Him. If you are not fixating your sight on the Creator, you as a couple will more than likely look at life from a worldly, carnal perspective. Stating from experience, I personally believe that a marriage founded on Christ will not fail.

 
  Now, onto my next point. In our household my wife and I are partners in our marriage, though not on an equal level. Although we come to each other with decisions and talk things out beforehand, my wife knows that I am the head of the household, as it biblically should be, and she respectfully submits to me as she believes it is her place as a wife, honoring the scriptures as Paul wrote, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." -Ephesians 5:22-23.
  This does not mean that I make all of the decisions, because if my wife makes a good point or has a better idea then I am more than willing to go with hers. That's where the partnership of marriage comes into play. In our marriage, we as husband and wife are to submit to one another in fear of God.
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."-Ephesians 5:21.

  I've often heard it said that a family that prays together stays together. I'm not sure how much truth there is behind this statement, but I do believe that as a husband and wife you should pray together as well as for each other. Prayer is a surprisingly powerful thing, though as I've said in previous posts, I don't believe that if you pray for something that God will magically give it to you. But praying consistently whether in times of joy or peril is something that is always sure to help in a marriage.

  As you can clearly tell, I have an amazing marriage that I am very happy in. After all, what husband wouldn't be happy when his wife is a God-fearing woman who keeps up our home with a clean and godly environment for me to return to after working out in a fallen world? I'd say that I am a very blessed man. ;)

 Blessings to all. I pray that someone was able to take something out of this.