Category: POWER OF POSTS

In-depth look at the importance of “posting” sayings, verses of Scriptures, pictures, photos, etc., around your home, You never know who may be “looking.”

Posted in HEROES OF THE FAITH, HISTORY CHANNELS, POWER OF POSTS, PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED

The Power of “Posts:” Part Five

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

Yes, I didn’t plan this to be a series; I only wanted to share with you what I had discovered on the back of a calendar, and, initially, planned that one “post” for the end of the year.

While I was researching for what became a short series, I ran into this quote, which I share with you today, during a morning Bible study. Once again, I just can’t over-emphasize the importance of beginning your day with prayer, and Bible study. First thing. Every day. If you’ll do this, faithfully, I promise you’ll “run into” all kinds of things, which just happen to fit into the “that’s just what I needed” category. See, God knows what you need. If you’ll spend time with Him … you will, then, give Him the time to show you … “just what you need.”

I was in the beginning of this series, when I discovered this quote from, and, yes, I will proudly say it … one of my heroes … It’s ok to have heroes, you know … people, from the past, and present, who inspire you … God will always put people in front of you, to inspire you. Jesus is my hero. Period. Period. I want to be like Him, I want to think like Him, I want to speak like Him, I want to “do” like Him. Period.

Jesus also places people around us, circumstances around us, which will help us fulfill that goal. He also allows us to read and learn about people, from history, who had that same goal. People we can, yes I’ll say it, people we can “look up to,” people who inspire us. How about Paul? Peter? John? Etc. Well, Jesus is still alive, His influence is still alive, and there are many “modern-day” people who can, through their example of following Christ, inspire us today.

One of these heroes, to me, is Pastor Richard Wurmbrand. And, his wife Sabrina. I notice that, today, according to my “Google Doodle,” is “International Women’s Day.” Well … to women around the globe … to men around the globe … I urge you to learn about Richard and Sabrina Wurmbrand. If you want to learn about 2 heroes …

While I was doing the research for this series, I ran into a quote from Richard Wurmbrand. Mr. Wurmbrand was a Pastor in Romania. What he endured as a prisoner, inside a Communist prison, for 14 years, is incomprehensible. He was, eventually, released, and went on to found “The Voice of the Martyrs.”

I am now going to write this: When I was growing up in Georgia, the movie “Walking Tall” was released; a true story about Sheriff Buford Pusser, a former professional wrestler. A man I remember seeing. A man who suffered tremendous injury at the hands of criminals, whom he would spend the rest of his life fighting. Again … please allow me to use this as an example, in context. In the movie, Buford (played by Joe Don Baker) was on trial … in one of the most memorable scenes from his movie, and his life … from the witness stand … he ripped open his shirt … allowing the, perhaps, at first, unbelieving jury to see the wounds his enemies had inflicted him with … again, please remember the context … making a statement, to the now-horrified, stunned jury, that, if they allowed this to happen to him … “they” would allow the same thing to happen to “each of you” …

Pastor Wurmbrand began his ministry of being a voice for persecuted Christians in England with Rev. Stuart Harris. Later, Richard moved on to the United States. It was the year 1966 … Years after his release from a Communist prison … Richard Wurmbrand would stand in front of perhaps, at first, unbelieving members of the United States Congress … he appeared before a U.S. Senate Internal Security Subcommittee, where he stripped to the waist and revealed 18 deep torture wounds on his body to perhaps, at first, an unbelieving group of U.S. Congressmen, to see the wounds his enemies had inflicted him with …

Yeah … I have heroes … Not many, but these are two …

Pastor Wurmbrand would write the classic “Tortured for Christ,” and “In God’s Underground.” It is a quote from the latter that I discovered as I was in the midst of this series. The day was February 29th, 1948, and Pastor Wurmbrand, in Romania, was walking to church. He was forced into a van, and taken prisoner. How scared would you be?

In his book “In God’s Underground,” here’s what Pastor Wurmbrand wrote about that day, the last day of February, 1948:
“I knew that I faced questioning, ill-treatment, possibly years of imprisonment and death, and I wondered if my faith was strong enough. I remembered then that in the Bible it is written 366 times-once for every day of the year-‘Don’t be afraid.’ 366 times, not merely 365, to account for leap year. And this was February 29-a coincidence that told me I need not fear!”

Yeah … I have heroes …

I was going to sub-title this last installment of the series, “What’s on your wall?” as I share with you a deeply personal photo, which I have, here on the wall, in our office. It is right next to a framed portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

Again, I encourage you to “post” sayings, verses of Scriptures, pictures, photos, etc., around your home, to encourage you … and … those who may just happen to visit. In my case, every time I enter the office, or as I leave the office and turn around to look, this is the photo I see … there on the wall … to encourage me, and “all those who enter.” This, by the way, and this is really personal, is the exact photo I have on the wall … I took it down, and scanned it … so this is the photo I see, both when I enter, and leave, the office.

The question is:
What’s on your wall?

I am also going to share a link to a story we did on Richard and Sabrina Wurmbrand, over on our blog, which includes a video …
Featuring actual recordings of Pastor Wurmbrand, and the story of Richard and Sabrina … the only change I may make, as I really think about their story … is that I think I should put a photo of both Mr. and Mrs. Wurmbrand on the wall …

Here’s the actual photo from my office wall:

Here’s the link to the story and video:

Richard and Sabrina Wurmbrand Post

Blessings to you, and your family,
Today. And, every day.
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

 

Advertisement
Posted in POWER OF POSTS

The Power of “Posts:” Part Four

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

I guess it’s about time to share the original idea behind what has turned into this short series.

The original idea, and original post, was scheduled to be written in time for the New Year’s holiday. It was to only be one “post,”
what I am sharing now … but, as you know … things change when confronted with the keyboard … and the words begin to flow …

Regardless of the time of year, I only hope to be an instrument used to share what I am given, for that particular time … even if I didn’t know I was to share it … which, so often, results in the expansion of one “post,” as now, into multiple “posts.” I hope to continue to be sensitive to what God wants me to share … even if … even if … that over-rides my own, original idea …

So, anyway, it was the end of last year, 2016. I found a great “verse” at the very end of the year … at the very back of the calendar … which, I thought would make a wonderful verse to share with you. A great message to share with you, as we approach the New Year.
Well … today is the 1st day of March … so, maybe, I’m not so far behind …

The verses and quotes on my own calendar, as I’ve written, have meant so much to me, as I go through each month. So often, the verse or quote has helped me, and encouraged me, many times, many days, over that particular month. I still encourage you to give these types of calendars as gifts … You just never know … who is reading them … and, who will read them …

As I’ve written, my new calendar has already blessed me this year. Which reminds me, as I look up at the calendar, it still says February. Guess it’s time to “turn the page.” But, not before one more glimpse of that beautiful Mountain Scene … big, snow-covered mountains in the background …
and, yes, of course … the lake in front … with the mountains perfectly reflected in the lake … (Don’t you love that!!!) …

It’s now on to March … and, guess what? There’s a beautiful mountain scene, with a lake in the forefront … but, no reflection … Why? Because the lake has ripples … knocking out the mirror … because … of the waterfall … on the right side of the picture … I agree … next to the ‘ol “mountains reflected in the lake” scene … I’d have to say a waterfall in the picture is right up there with the “mirror lake” in popularity on these scenes …
I’m glad, because I love them, too.
I now “steal” a glance at the Scripture verse, from Psalms 145:9:
“The Lord is good to all:
And His tender mercies are over all His works.”
That’s a good one!
Oh, man! Another dentist appointment on the 16th!

I’m so glad His works include mountains, lakes, and waterfalls!
He made ‘em all, you know.
By His Word.
That’s awesome. I’m glad I have all four (mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and His Word) on display in my home … every day.
For all to see.
Because … you never know … who may see …

Now, “Back to the Back.” The verse, on the back of the calendar, which my original intention was to share with you, is printed on the cardboard backing of the calendar. I wonder how many people have thrown out this calendar without reading what was written on the cardboard backing. You know I can’t be guilty of this … because … here it is … March 1 … and I still have the calendar in front of me.

The calendar was published/printed by the “DaySpring” Company, one of the leading Christian retail businesses. As a courtesy, I will share a link to their online store. Again, I hope that everyone who purchased this calendar, or, as I, received this calendar as a gift, read the verse/message, written there on the cardboard backing of the calendar.
Here is a direct link to DaySpring:
DaySpring

Quoting directly from the calendar backing:
“Here is a message written by DaySpring co-founder, Roy Lessin.
We hope it will encourage you today.”

When I read the verse/message, I knew I had to share it with you … “immediately” …
The great thing about “Good News” is that … it is Good … and, can be shared any time of the year. After all, I pray God’s blessings on
you, and your family, for every day of the year … not just at certain times …

Here’s the Message, quoted directly from the cardboard backing of this DaySpring 2016 Calendar, as written by Roy Lessin:

Just think,
You’re here not by chance,
But by God’s choosing.
His hand formed you
And made you
The person you are.
He compares you to no one else-
You are one of a kind.
You lack nothing
That His grace can’t give you.
He has allowed you to be here
At this time in history
to fulfill His special purpose
for this generation.”

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
ECCLESIASTES 3:1

Yes, the cardboard backing ends with the Scripture verse from Ecclesiastes.

I encourage you to read, and re-read, this message.
Now, and always.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Today. And, every day.
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

 

Posted in BIBLE STUDY, POWER OF POSTS, WEATHER-OR NOT

The Power of “Posts:” Part Three

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

I can’t wait to “turn the calendar!”
A new Scripture message, a new promise … however …

I must say, this time of year, right now … there is even more to be excited, expectant about … about just turning the calendar over to a new month …

As I write this, it is one degree above zero, with gusty winds. Which would put the wind chill well below zero … turning that calendar over … I can’t wait … We do get a break tonight: Instead of the originally forecast -15 … it will only be near -10 … We had a snow storm yesterday … the day before … with more snow tomorrow, Saturday … and, then, it gets serious for another storm expected to roll in on Sunday, and continuing until sometime early Monday afternoon … I read the forecast again … and again … and five words stand out: “Storm Total 1-2 feet.” I know, I know, don’t worry … we may, just, only, get a foot … I can’t wait to turn the calendar!

Next time, when I “turn the calendar,” there will be one word that stands out: “Spring.”
I can’t wait to turn that calendar … There is also another set of words which make next month greatly to be anticipated: “Daylight Savings Time Begins.” For those in the rest of the country, that means it won’t start getting dark at 3:30 …

By now, I must admit that I have fallen to the temptation to “turn the calendar” RIGHT NOW.
Thank God for the promise of Spring.
We’re making it through another “Tough New England Winter.”
Thank God … period …

The Scripture for next month, March, just happens to be from Psalms:
“The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works (145:9).”
Hey … that’s a good one!

I want to be reminded … I love to be reminded … and, yes, I need to be reminded that “The Lord is good to all.” I love to read, and see, in writing, words about His tender mercies.
Since this series all started with what was going to be one, simple “post” about last year’s calendar, I can’t resist looking for what the quote was for last March’s calendar.
It was a quote from Nikos Kazantzakis:
“In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.”
That’s pretty good to hear anytime.

By the way … I cleaned the pellet stove last February 24 … I look ahead to last year’s calendar, the month of April, and guess what? It features a scene with mountains, and yes, there it is … a lake …

God has just impressed upon me how a calendar is a microcosm of our lives, in direct relation to His promises and His Word: Yes, there will be Winter, but Spring is promised to come … Summer is promised to come … Some Winters may be harsher than others … but, the promise of Spring, of Summer, is always there … Sometimes, even Summer can be harsh … but, it will only last for a “season.” Even Spring can have its bad moments, but, just look ahead … And, it’s not just looking ahead … How about behind? Here it is, February … Storms coming … Storms just left … Didn’t God just pull us through January? We made it through January. Yes, we did. Proof that God is with us, helping us every step of the way.

Guess what? God ordained the seasons. Yes, He did. So, Who better to lean on? He was the One who put Spring, and Summer … directly after Winter …
Guess what? God even gave us the Autumn … the Fall … to get ready for the Winter ahead. If we’re not prepared for what’s coming … well … whose fault is that???

So, the calendar can serve as a daily reminder of what God has done, what He has brought us through, and then … also … at the same time … regardless of how rough a season we are going through … He reminds us of the promise of what is to come … Isn’t Heaven just like that? The promise of Heaven? God certainly, yet again, knew what He was doing, in just setting up the seasons …

I enjoy looking at the history of certain phrases we use in our everyday language. I tried to find out the origin of the phrase “turn the calendar,” but I couldn’t find anything about how that got to be such a popular phrase.

For reasons I can’t explain, the words of the classic Byrds’ song came to my mind … I can’t explain it, but there they were …
“To everything there is a season … turn … turn … turn …”
This song was quick (and unashamed) to give Scriptural reference to Ecclesiastes 3:1.

I love the idea of a calendar being an example of our lives as God’s children. The look back at what He’s already done. The look ahead of future promises. Both just as sure. Both just as true.
And, the realization of what He is doing now. Below zero, and all I can do is think about how blessed I am, right now. What He is doing for me, in my life, right now.

Yet, because of God’s Word and His promises, I can “turn the calendar,” even now … even with “1-2 feet” on the way … I can sit here, warm and safe … and, turn the calendar to what lies ahead in March … in April … in May … in June … in July … in August … God is there, on every date … regardless of what the date is … regardless of what the season is …

All seasons hold the bounty of God’s blessings.
All seasons hold the promise of God’s Word.

I hope this helps. I know that many of our friends would be happy to just have a simple snow storm to go through, instead of the weather they have gone through.
I hope this helps, in some way, to encourage you. That this will fulfill the words of Proverbs 15:23, that “a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

I continue to encourage you to, every day, especially first thing in the morning, as you “turn” your daily calendar, to read your Bible, and pray:
“The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned (Isaiah 50:4).”

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

 

Posted in BIBLE STUDY, POWER OF POSTS, WEATHER-OR NOT

The Power of “Posts:” Part Two

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

There is just no way to understate the significance, every day, day-to-day, day-by-day, of “posting” God’s Word around the house … where you … and, others, visiting … will see it … You just never know …

How often I have caught a glimpse of a profound message, even a bumper sticker on a passing car, which seemed to be “just what I’ve needed to hear” … Needed to see … at that exact moment in time …

One of the great things about “posting” these messages around the house is that, not only does it encourage you, but, it can also be a “witness” to someone visiting your home. Don’t ever … ever …. forget the power of that.

I just want to pen a few words about how large an impact, such a “small thing” as just having a calendar with Scripture verses, can have. There is a multiple-blessing potential here. It blesses you, and it blesses your visitors. Plus … I can’t think of a better gift you can give someone, than a calendar … something they will actually use-and see-every day of the year. Yes, a calendar with Scripture verses. Another set of multiplication comes into play: You bless them, the fact that you have blessed them blesses you, they have a constant Scripture reminder in their home, and their visitors will see the verses, too! Think about the power of that! You just never know.

Every year, I am blessed to receive a calendar with Scripture verses. As soon as January 1st hits … it goes on the wall. Now, I know that puppies and horses are cute … and a ton of other calendars are available … but, I look forward, every year, to getting that calendar. Often, it is a calendar featuring Psalms. Awesome! Sometimes, it is a mix of Scripture verses and inspirational quotes. Both “hit home” for me. Plus … they always have a beautiful background.

For example, my new calendar, for January, has a beautiful mountain scene, with snow-covered evergreens in the forefront, huge mountains in the back, and has this verse from Psalm 65 (verse 11): “Thou coverest the year with Thy goodness.” That’s a good one! Perfect for every day … day-to-day, day-by-day …

Whoops! That reminds me: I still have January’s calendar showing, and, here it is, February 3. That’s ok. It’s a beautiful scene, with a beautiful verse. OK! OK! I’ll turn the calendar over:

Beautiful! A lake, surrounded by mountains … with, you guessed it … the reflection of the mountains … in the lake!!! “Posted” above the mountain peak on the left is 1 John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” Hey … that’s another good one. Yeah, I could go all month looking at that … reading that … being reminded of that … being blessed and encouraged by that … Get the idea?

Man, I never get tired of the old “mountains reflecting in the lake” scene.

I never get tired of reading how much God loves us.
Get it?

Boy, am I tempted to look at March …

Well, the whole idea for this series came from a message I read from the back of last year’s calendar … looks like I’m not going to get to that right now …

Man, I never get tired of the old “mountains reflecting in the lake” scene.
I never get tired of reading how much God loves us.

By the way, this calendar is the one I use in the office, here at home. It’s the one I am “posted” in front of, for so many hours a week. It’s the calendar I write in front of, including this. It’s the calendar we use to note important appointments … even a “pay-by” date of certain bills … it is the “go-to” calendar. It’s the calendar I sit in front of as I work on “the business.” It’s the calendar I sit in front of as I check the weather, online. It is the “office calendar.” I’m glad it has Scripture verses. When I am doing all of these things, here in the office, I am glad I always have something so beautiful to look at. Things like mountains, lakes, snow-covered trees, and, later, sun-drenched landscapes and sunny scenes. Things like God’s Word. Things like God’s promises. His love. His grace. His mercy. So, it’s not just today … but, every day, in the future … every day of this year … I have all of this to look forward to …  

By the way … I have a dental appointment, I see, on February 22.

I need God’s Word. I need to be reminded of His promises.
I want God’s Word. I want God’s promises. After all, they are for me, too. Every day.

After a long day at work, sitting here, I sure love looking at that calendar. I sure love God’s Word. I sure love looking at the beautiful world He created. By the way … He created it … by His Word …

So far, upon returning home from School, to “the office,” I’ve done business in Washington State, in Utah, and on the East Coast. And, it’s early, yet. I have also worked on two loads of laundry. I’ve swept the snow off the deck … I can’t remember how many times … I go back in, I work a little, go back out, and I have to sweep the snow again … Are you sure I can’t look ahead to June???

I look now at the calendar. I see the beautiful scene, with the mountains reflected in the lake. That never gets old, does it? I look up and read God’s Word. I behold God’s beauty … I behold his love … I “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.”

I have proof … I see it every day … many times a day …that God covers the whole year … every day … with His goodness …

Blessings,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

 

Posted in BIBLE STUDY, POWER OF POSTS

The Power of “Posts:” Part One

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

I try to not miss an opportunity to encourage you to remind yourselves, every day, of God’s great promises, by simply putting up Scripture verses around the house. In places where you will see them every day. Because, let’s face it … we need encouragement, every day … need reminders, every day, of God’s great love, and promises He’s made to us …

Yes, places like the refrigerator, on top of the dresser (you may call it a bureau), yes, by the bathroom mirror is always a great place … the sun visor of your vehicle … in front of you on the computer desk … etc.

I know we are supposed to “hide” (that means “deposit) God’s Word in our heart, so that it is always there, which should always be the first place we “have” God’s Word … but, there is a special power behind seeing God’s Word by our eyes, by reading His Word … And, not just doing your “daily Bible study” (which you should always do), but having God’s Word “posted” around your home, where you will see it, read it, be reminded of it … even when you are not in a “Bible Study.” There is power in that. Real power.

It strikes me now, the command of the Old Testament, of placing God’s Word, not just in your heart, but physically placing it … in places where you will see it … where it will be “posted” for you to see. Why? To be reminded of God’s Word and His promises. I’m specifically thinking of “the door posts,” the “lintels” of your home. Perhaps it meant placing something, something you could clearly see, that would serve as a reminder of God’s promises, and His provision … Yes, I am thinking of the first Passover also … that it was important for … not only you to be able to see something that symbolized God’s Word, provision, and promises … but … placing something which He would be able to see … something that symbolized His Word, His provision, and His promises … He would be able to see … as He “passed by” … He would be able to see something which you specifically placed … on purpose … for one reason, and one reason only … to serve as a “Testament,” if you will … as a reminder … as a visual symbol … of His great love, His great mercy, His promises, and His Word …

That is powerful!

So, this idea of “posting” things which will remind you of God’s love … His promises … His provision … is not really such an original idea at all is it? Yet … it still carries Power … real Power … the Power of His Word … His Promises … displayed, yes, “posted,” throughout your home … visual reminders to all … not just for you and your family … but, to also serve as a witness to all who may visit your home … or, just pass by …

Just think: If “Someone” had the ability to see inside your home … even as they just “passed by,” would they see reminders of God’s love … His provision … His promises … Would they see constant reminders of God’s great faithfulness … reminders of His promises … reminders of His Word …? Yes, this idea of having reminders of God’s Word, even if Someone was “passing over” your house … seems to go back quite a ways …

Still a great idea, don’t you think?

I must say, that in all the times I have written about how important it is to have God’s Word “posted” around the house … even in your truck … or van … or car … I have never, ever, not even once, been given the comparison which we’ve just shared. It had never occurred to me, until I sat down now, and began to write …

Frankly, this revelation strikes me so deeply that I can’t add to it …
So … I’ll “page up,” and, type a “Part One” in the title … I sat down to write a different message, a different title, and a different series …

Something else:
It now just “hit me” that, when we share a message with you through our online ministry …
it is called a “post.” Or, by doing that, it is called, “posting.”

Oh, boy … I am just reminded that in the “early days,” when an important message was sent, it was called a “post.” Even our everyday means of sending communication today, is through the “post” office … Oh, man … I am really getting this … a “post” required a sender … and a receiver … if an important “post” was sent … it could mean life or death …

Because of the world we live in, I just feel compelled to add, in reference to this “life and death” scenario … in recent years, a new phrase has become part of our language, and it strikes me now, in light of this: The phrase, “Going Postal.” Just think about it.

In many cities, the important news of the day, written on paper … a “news” paper … many of these publications carried the word “Post” in their title … And, not just on “Saturday Evening.”

The word “post” and “important message” have been related for a long, long time.

If Someone sees what I have “posted” throughout my house, even on my truck visor, I want them to know that I am aware of … and, fully believe … God’s promises, His provision, and His Word.

Blessings,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.