Committed In Being A Soldier for the Lord

Do you know what it means to be a soldier for the Lord?

It means you are brave, resiliant, disciplined, and full of
courage. You have read the book, you have kept the faith,
you have kept your eyes focused on the Source, and not
on your strength.



You don't allow the cares of this life nor the temptations of it
to rob you of your goal, or calling.

You are called unto holiness, not depression.
You are called unto the great commission, not television
nor the computer.. but unto witnessing.
You are called unto love, not anger
You are called to live righteous (As Christ teaches) not
as the world teaches..

For those time when life is hard, you set your chin like flint
and say I am a child of the King of Kings. He has brought me
through many things before, and He will bring me through this.
I am not alone, I am not defeated, I am not overwhelmed,
I have a advocate, with almighty God who is fighting my
battles for me. Therefore I go forth in Joy in the name of
Jesus of Nazareth, and enjoy this blessed day which He
has given unto me, to use for His kingdom.

Lord.. it is not about me... it is about you.
I commit my troubles and past, and life to you, and I seek
to be all you have called me to be. Teach me your ways,
and I will obey.

love
millie

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and
not be weary and they shall walk and shall not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own
understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He Shall direct
your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

There is always hope, and you can find a anchor for your soul when you
get weary. He gives strength to the weary, and fresh mercy and hope daily.
Be part of his army, not the defeated part, but the part who renews themselves
in His presence, word and hope daily.

****************************************************************



SOLDIERING FOR THE LORD



I AM A SOLDIER IN THE ARMY OF MY GOD. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS MY COMMANDING OFFICER. THE HOLY BIBLE IS MY CODE OF CONDUCT. FAITH, PRAYER AND THE WORD ARE MY WEAPONS OF WARFARE.

I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, TRAINED BY EXPERIENCE, TRIED BY ADVERSITY AND TESTED BY FIRE. I AM A VOLUNTEER IN THIS ARMY, AND I AM ENLISTED FOR ETERNITY. I WILL EITHER RETIRE IN THIS ARMY AT THE RAPTURE OR DIE IN THIS ARMY BUT I WILL NOT GET OUT, SELL OUT, BE TALKED OUT, OR PUSHED OUT.

I AM FAITHFUL, RELIABLE, CAPABLE AND DEPENDABLE. IF MY GOD NEEDS ME, I AM THERE. IF HE NEEDS ME IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, TEACHING THE CHILDREN, WORK WITH THE YOUTH HELP ADULTS OR JUST SIT AND LEARN. HE CAN USE ME BECAUSE I AM THERE. I AM A SOLDIER.

I AM NOT A BABY. I DO NOT NEED TO BE PAMPERED, PETTED, PRIMED UP, PUMPED UP, PICKED UP OR PEPPED UP. I AM A SOLDIER. NO ONE HAS TO CALL ME REMIND ME WRITE ME VISIT ME, ENTICE ME, OR LURE ME. BECAUSE I AM A SOLDIER. I AM NOT A WIMP. I AM IN PLACE, SALUTING MY KING, OBEYING HIS ORDERS, PRAISING HIS NAME, AND BUILDING HIS KINGDOM! NO ONE HAS TO SEND ME FLOWERS, GIFTS, FOOD, CARDS, CANDY, OR GIVE ME HANDOUTS. I DO NOT NEED TO BE CUDDLED, CRADLED, CARED FOR, OR CATERED TO. I AM COMMITTED. I CANNOT HAVE MY FEELINGS HURT BAD ENOUGH TO TURN ME AROUND. I CANNOT BE DISCOURAGED ENOUGH TO TURN ME ASIDE I CANNOT LOSE ENOUGH TO CAUSE ME TO QUIT.

WHEN JESUS CALLED ME INTO THIS ARMY, I HAD NOTHING IF I END UP WITH NOTHING, I WILL STILL COME OUT AHEAD. I WILL WIN.

MY GOD HAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPLY ALL OF MY NEEDS. I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR. I WILL ALWAYS TRIUMPH. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST. DEVILS CANNOT DEFEAT ME. PEOPLE CANNOT DISILLUSION ME. WEATHER CANNOT WEARY ME. SICKNESS CANNOT STOP ME. BATTLES CANNOT BEAT ME. MONEY CANNOT BUY ME. GOVERNMENTS, CANNOT SILENCE ME AND HELL CANNOT HANDLE ME. I AM A SOLDIER. EVEN DEATH CANNOT DESTROY ME.

FOR WHEN MY COMMANDER CALLS ME FROM THIS BATTLEFIELD, HE WILL PROMOTE ME TO A CAPTAIN AND THEN ALLOW ME TO RULE WITH HIM. I AM A SOLDIER IN THE ARMY, AND I'M MARCHING, CLAIMING VICTORY. I WILL NOT GIVE UP. I WILL NOT TURN AROUND.

I AM A SOLDIER, MARCHING HEAVEN BOUND.

HERE I STAND WILL YOU STAND WITH ME? GUESS WHAT? IF YOU'VE ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, YOU'RE ALREADY ENLISTED! QUESTION IS, WHICH PART OF THE SERVICE ARE YOU IN:

1: ACTIVE DUTY....SERVING THE LORD FAITHFULLY, DAILY, AND ON DUTY 24-7's?

2: RESERVE DUTY: SERVING ONLY WHEN CALLED UPON OR TWICE A YEAR, CHRISTMAS AND EASTER?

3: GUARD STATUS: BACKING UP THE ACTIVE DUTY GROUP? OR

4: A W O L ! ABSENT without THE LORD?

THINK ABOUT IT..........................

He Is Our Awesome God

Good Morning Everyone,

Ever had anyone ask you to prove God?

To me that is almost laughable. When we look
around every day at the clouds, the skies,
the thousands of birds, animals, and creatures
that inhabit this planet. Each with different
genes, cell structures, and perfectly timed
unity in the working of their system, and organs,
each cell working together to make it possible
for beings to live, to move around, to think, reason,
breath, and even laugh.

The infinite amount of wisdom
and knowledge it takes to make such structures,
Is beyond our realm of thinking. For all the
scientific studies and advances, man cannot create
man, or any other animal.
or even learn how to completely heal.

For all of our advances, we have yet to understand
why a heart beats. We remain uninformed in
many areas, even with scientists working everyday
making new discoveries.

Our thinking of God is so far beneath the
awesomeness of Him.

When we look at the Universe, the myriad
of stars, how can man think this came from
a big bang. What caused the big bang?
Something had to cause a big bang to happen?
Nothing comes from nothing.
Everything comes from something.

Each thing on earth coordinated to work so in
tune with each other, bringing life, fresh air,
needful weather, crops that sustain, all of these
are part of God's plan. Each a miracle in it's own
right.

Denying God is like cutting off your foot.
You know you need it, but you are too stubborn
to give in and say it.

God proves himself in countless ways everyday.
He gave you your last heartbeat, and last breath.
He has timed your life from start to finish.
He knew you as you were being formed inside your
mother.

His voice has been heard by all generations.
Men have denied him, mocked him, tried to get rid
of His word, tried to murder all his followers, and
yet.. He Still Lives.

God will always prevail.
He proves himself with each breath we take.

Worship and give him praise this morning,
for his constant watchcare and love for you.
How marvelous He would even notice us!

When I consider Your heavens, the work of
your fingers, the moon and the stars, which
you have ordained.What is man that you are mindful of
Him?
Psalm 8:3-4






He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and

The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Ever cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

Fulfilled Messianic Prophecies

Good Morning Friends,

Today I want to send you something that I feel
will have a real impact. Please take time
to read the article below by John Ankerberg,
it will fascinate and thrill you.

I run into a lot of naysayers, atheists, agnostics,
and many other religions online in chat rooms. One
thing it has made me do is dig deeper into the word
each time not only to further my knowledge, but
to be able to reason with others WITH scripture.
God's word is very powerful when spoken, it has a life
to it.. in John 1:1 we find out the word is God.

Today I am sharing with you a article, I hope you
will share with your friends. It really helps break
down the argument that no prophecies have
really been fulfilled, and if they have the proof is
nebulous at best. At the end of this letter is a website
with over 100 prophecies that have been fulfilled.
There are more, but this website will be interesting
for you for sure, and something you can share with
others who argue no prophecies have been fulfilled.

Let me know what you think.

Love,
millie


copy and paste this into your browser

http://www.100prophecies.org/

**********************************************************

Fulfilled Messianic Prophecies
By John F. Ankerberg

Think how difficult it would be for someone to predict the
exact city in which the birth of a future US president
would take place seven hundred years from now. The
prophet Micah accurately predicted similar
information -- the birthplace and birth date of the
Messiah seven hundred years prior to the event
(Micah 5:2). How difficult do you think it would be to
indicate the precise form of death that a new, unknown
religious leader would experience one thousand years
from today? Could you predict a new method of
execution not currently known -- one that will not even
be invented for hundreds of years? That's what David
did in 1000 BC when he wrote Psalm 22.

On the other hand, if you were able to think up fifty
specific prophecies about someone in the future you
would never meet, how difficult do you think it would be
for that man to fulfill all fifty of your predictions?

For example, how could someone "arrange" to be born
into a specific family (Gen 12:2-3, 17:1, 5-7; 22:18;
Matthew 1; Galatians 3:15-16) in a specified city,
which is not even in the family's hometown (Micah 5:2;
Matthew 2:5-6; Luke 2:1-7)? How does one
"arrange" to be virgin born (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-24;
Luke 1:26-35)? How does one "arrange" to have God
inform and send a proper messenger to go before him
(Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:10)? How does one "arrange"
to be consider a prophet "like Moses" (Deuteronomy 18:15;
John 1:45; 5:46; 6:14; 7:40, Acts 3:17-26; 7:37)?

How does one "arrange" to be betrayed for a specific
amount of money, 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:13;
Matthew 27:3-10)? How does someone orchestrate
his own death, which included being put to death by the
strange method of crucifixion, and then arrange to have
his executioners gamble his clothes during the
execution (Psalm 22: Isaiah 53: Matthew 27:31-38)?
How does one plan in advance that his executioners
will carry out their regular practice of breaking the
legs of two victims on either side of him, but not his
own (Psalm 34:20; John 19:33)? Finally, how does a
pretender to being the Messiah "arrange" to be God
(Isaiah 9:6; Zechariah 12:10; John 1:1; 10:30; 14:6),
and how could he possibly escape from a grave and
appear to people after he has been killed (Psalm 22;
Isaiah 53:9, 11: Luke 24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8)?

It might be possible to fake one or two of these
predictions, but it would be impossible for any man
to arrange and fulfill all these predictions (and many
others) in advance. So, if it can be proven that such
prophecies were predicted about the Messiah hundreds
of years in advance, and one man fulfilled all of them,
then that man would logically have to be the predicted
Messiah of the Old Testament.

God gave hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah
for at least two reasons: to make identifying the Messiah
obvious, and to make an impostor's task impossible.
With all the identifying characteristics in the Old
Testament that point to one man, the science of
probability tells us that, not only is this particular
Man the Messiah, but also that God indeed exists.

taken from The Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible
copyright 2000 by AMG publishers

it is only one of the listed articles that speak
to the accuracy of the Bible and prophecies fulfilled
and yet to be fulfilled.

Is Your All On The Altar?

Is Your All On The Altar?

copyright Millie Plastaras 6/5/2006

Blessed -- happy, fortunate, prosperous and enviable -- is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly (following their advice, their plans and purposes), nor stands (submissive and active) in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down (to relax and rest) where the scornful (and the mockers) Gather.
Psalm 1:1

Over time the concepts like the verse above have become lost upon the church. The followers of Jesus have lost the concept of how to be in the world, but not of the world.

Come out from among them, and be separate says the Lord, do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you, and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians 6:17-18

So how much should we separate ourselves from unbelievers? Do we need to avoid them? Do we act better than them? Are we better?

In truth, the Bible says, all are sinners, so we are not better, we are just forgiven. We are never perfect, we are all still growing and learning and changing. Only Jesus was perfect. There are no holier-than-thou people.

If we avoid the world, who will witness to them, in love

and prayerfully, and be a light?

There is a line, where we should not cross, if we really have been born again. We must not let the worldly thoughts, and ways, and teachings corrupt our thinking and our walk with God. Make no mistake ... we are accountable even more now that we have asked Jesus to be LORD and Savior of our lives.

Remember He saved us ... from what? Spiritual death, and the sin that so easily besets us.

Knowing this, remembering it daily, should cause our hearts to cry out in thanks, and our minds to seek to please Him above all else.

So how much should we separate ourselves?

Here is a verse that really helps us decide.
Do not be deceived, Evil company corrupts good habits.

1 Corinthians 15:33

So, while we may not call our neighbor or acquaintances

an evil person, their habits are not leading us to spiritual things ... they are drawing us away. We tend to compromise just to get along with them. We tend to be ashamed to take stands on things we really know are right, according to God's word and concepts. We make it more of a priority to be liked by them than to be right before God.

Remember, it will not be popular to separate yourself.You will be called many things, and people will feel rejected, and hurt. But that is not our intent. Our intent is to love everyone, forgive easily, and keep ourselves holy before God.

This means we are accountable for

Our words

Our deeds

Our lifestyle

Who we hang out with

Who we confide in

Who we take advice from

Even how we spend our money and time.

All this changes us. Corrupt company corrupts.

I can guarantee you if you spend time with someone who is doing things that are not right, and perhaps even really questionable, sooner or later you will compromise your principles in the name of getting along.

Little by little it will change you and pull you away from God, without you recognizing it.. until soon you will find you are seeking the world's ways and approval.

In one of the chat rooms I sometimes frequent, there are people who have probably been a Christian for a while. I see them lecturing other Christians and patting sinners on the back. They do this, because they think it makes them able to witness better, and to be a friend. But I don't see that. I see them, slowly afraid to say things, that might correct someone, and say, you know what ... the Bible teaches otherwise. They are afraid of being mocked or rejected.

They just "want to get along".

But instead, we should say: I love you brother or sister, but I love you enough to tell you what God's word says. I have to be honest, these verses are very challenging to all of us ... but I believe in the depths of my spirit they are important for today's Christian to be reminded:

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh (for us, for you) arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose (patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God). For whoever has suffered in the flesh (havingthe mind of Christ) has done with (intentional) sin -- has stopped pleasing himself and the world and pleases God. So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by (his) human appetites and desires, but(he lives) for what God wills!

1 Peter 4:1-2

If Christ died for us, and suffered so utterly and sacrificially upon the cross, and we repent and leave our sins behind, how can we compromise our principles, and seek the world's ways and the world's advice, and expect to grow spiritually or please God?

We are either pleasing God or the world.

There is just no middle ground.

We must love others fervently, forgive easily, we must tell everyone we meet the gospel of Christ, his good news, that He loved them, and died for them, and longs to cleanse them from sin and the past and give them a new life in Christ.

A new life in Christ, the old has passed away, behold all has become new.

Are you new in Christ? Have you compromised your Christianity to be popular? Have you been sifted and found wanting?

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
You have longed for sweet peace,

And for faith to increase,

And have earnestly, fervently prayed;

But you cannot have rest,

Or be perfectly blest,

Until all on the altar is laid.

RefrainIs your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?

Your heart does the Spirit control?

You can only be blest,

And have peace and sweet rest,

As you yield Him your body and soul.

Would you walk with the Lord,

In the light of His Word,

And have peace and contentment alway?

You must do His sweet will,

To be free from all ill,

On the altar your all you must lay.

Refrain

O we never can know

What the Lord will bestow

Of the blessings for which we have prayed,

Till our body and soul He doth fully control,

And our all on the altar is laid.

Refrain

Who can tell all the love

He will send from above,

And how happy our hearts will be made,

Of the fellowship sweet

We shall share at His feet,

When our all on the altar is laid.

Words & Music by Elisha Hoffman 1905

I remember hearing this hymn sung when I was a child and a teen, and it used to convict me so much, because I knewI was living wrong, and I would go to the altar and talk to God, and tell him what I had done wrong, and ask him to cleanse me and give me a new start.
And He did.

He will abundantly pardon my friend.

Make yourself right with Him tonight.

Do not compromise your walk with Christ and let the world's ways creep back in. It is like you are crucifying Christ all over again. How that must break his heart.

Remember

Only one life,will soon be past

Only what is done For Christ will last

Changing Landscapes

Landscapes

copyright Millie Plastaras

7/7/2004

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,and their tongue fails for thirst, I the Lord will hear them!I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
Isaiah 41:17

Have you ever been on a trip, and as time passed,and you were driving down the roads you would see so many different kinds of landscapes? Some places have lush forests, and are teeming with greenery,and wildlife. Some places are dry, arid desert scenes, with unusual plants and flowers, and wildlife that is different from any place else.

Some places are tropical with thick foliage and carpeted with ferns and wild orchids and laced with tall vines.There are so many different places in the world, it is a constant source of wonder to us.

In my own life, I have thought of the landscapes I have seen. I was born in a beautiful small town in West Virginia. Close to the mountain, lush and green,and quiet and very serene. A beautiful place to start life.Friendly neighbors, small caring churches, and lots of family.But I was terribly ill, and the doctor said my mother and I wouldn't live through another winter if we didn't move.

So my whole family packed up and moved, to Tucson, Arizona. What a difference! Dry heat, cactus everywhere,scorpions, gila monsters, all kinds of new things. It took me a long time to adjust to this new landscape. But Arizona had the most beautiful skies I had ever seen.Spectacular sunsets, and gorgeous sunrises, with the most beautiful colors interwoven in them I had ever witnessed. Raging, unexpected thunderstorms that filled the skies with some of the greatest lightning shows in the world.But this new landscape helped change my health, and warm the lungs that were struggling for air.

In my late teens I moved to California. With it's beautiful beaches, and many kinds of scenery. It has beautiful mountains you can ski on, a variety of beaches, and as you travel up the coasts the beaches become more beautiful and rustic .With northern California even having occasional pine trees located on small lone islands close by the beach. A fascinating picture, where you can see the clouds rising out of the water. Or the beautiful Redwood forest,with trees rising as temples to the sky, tall and majestic, a testament to Gods glorious creation.

All of this reminded me of the changing landscape of my own life. People who were so familiar and dear when I was a child, it seemed as if they were a rock of strength to me. Dear, loving, strong wise, and very protective of me. And then one by one, they were all gone.

I grew up, and I had my own children, and watched them grow up through so many difficult times. We struggled and fought to make ends meet, and to raise the children right so that when they faced the world, they would have all the knowledge and wisdom needed to make it. It seemed like a constant battle sometimes, we went through so much together. They were so precious to me,they were a source of joy and my greatest focus for aa long time. And then they grew up and left as they matured and started their own lives. Some moving far away,and we wouldn't be able to see them often.

It was sucha big change. Suddenly, it was just me and my husband. So different from years spent taking care of everyone else. The loneliness crept in for both of us, and we missed what once had been, and people we knew, and it took time to adjust to who we are now, and who is with us now. And to the changing landscape in our health and daily lives.

People in our lives, yours and mine, will come and go with the passing of time. Some will be around us most of our lives, some for just a short period of time.Some leave through anger, or disagreements. Some leave by moving away. Some leave by death. Some leave, because it is just time ... the relationship has taken it's course and they move on with their lives.All leave a mark on our heart, and when they are gone the landscape in our life changes.

Did you ever feel you were in unfamiliar territory and nothing seemed familiar or welcoming? It all seemed disheartening and lonely, and a bit intimidating? I have, and I know that you all have.

This is part of life. Changes are inevitable.The changing landscape of time comes for all of us.The secret is, it is just the changing of the guard.We are on the way from here to there. And on this journey, we meet many. For a time they enrich our lives,and hopefully we remember to do that for them, while they are with us.

I have learned to count my blessings and be thankful for those who have come and gone. And to savor times with those still here in my changing landscape. To make each moment count, and to say loving things to those who are near and dear to me now. Not to miss a chance to express my love and joy at having them with me.

But the most important thing of all is.. the changing landscape from earth to heaven. From the bonds ofthis earth, to the richness of heaven's glory, into thearms of God. Just a change in landscape and freedom from the pain of this earth, and a arrival into all God has waiting.My friend, make sure you ready for that trip? Make sure you ask Jesus to be your Savior. Let him guide you through this varying landscape called earth. And when people come and go, remember He never leaves nor forsakes us. He is with you from birth to death, to the new landscape in heaven.

There is one constant in this life. Jesus Christ, the rock of our salvation. You will never be alone or deserted my friends. You have a anchor for your soul. So when you see the landscape changing in your life, it is the beginning of another portion of your life, look for the possibilities and make them count.

Remember the past with love,but move on, and enjoy now.. while it is here.Love deeply, forgive easily, and live for Christ, that is what will matter more than anything else you ever do. Don't let the changing landscape scare you, consider it a wealth of possibilities!

remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last