Running Aimlessly or Running for the Prize?

Solomon cried out “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless! While, Paul says, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly” and then tells the Corinthians to run in such a way as to get the prize. Both men had a view of life that conflicted with the other. What caused the difference between these two? One believed there was a personal purpose for their existence and found it; the other did not.

Paul had an understanding that he had a purpose for being alive. Think about this: Is anything ever created by man without there first being a purpose for man to create it? No one spends time designing and producing something only to say when they are done, “I wonder what this is good for?” Everything man designs has a reason before it is created. This same principle is true for God and you, his creation. There has never been a person on the earth that did not have a special purpose assigned to them when they arrived. God only creates people he plans on using.

We must first believe that this logical concept applies to us individually to gain the hope and strength we need to live as Paul: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Once we believe we have a purpose, we will begin to discover what it is.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

The Theology of the Shattered Windshield

Paul writes to the Ephesisans “I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them.” (4:17)

The life of a believer is to be lived focusing on the truth and the reality of God. A believer needs to hold to the knowledge that God is the creator and sustainer of our lives. God is supreme and his wisdom surpasses our understanding. His standard of righteousness is absolute and unchanging through all generations.

A believer must live in this world but not allow the things or the ways of the world to distract them from the big picture.

When a person drives a car they are focused on the road and the activity outside the car. The driver looks through the windshield, not at the windshield. The safe driver can not look inside the car for very long without having some major problems outside the car.

So it is in comparison with the life of the believer. A believer is inside the world but must be viewing life through the windshield of God’s revelation to man as found in the scriptures.

Paul says we must “no longer live as the Gentiles do” who have no view outside the windshield. They spend their entire lives trying to find direction and avoid accidents but they never look outside the car. Their whole focus is on the interior of the car as they speed through life. They have no perspective of God, eternity, truth, or reality. They are living in “the futility of their thinking.” It is easy to understand why, though. They have never seen or believed anything else. It is as if they are driving at night with the dome light on and the headlights off.

This is important to the believer for two reasons. Although we have accepted the reality of God and have, at least for a moment, looked up through the windshield long enough to realize we are speeding through life on very busy spiritual highway, we too often continue to “live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” We, too, spend the majority of our lives focused on the inside of the car and not on the highway. We are not looking through the windshield at the more serious issues.

Paul says, that he “insist on it in the Lord” that we live by looking through the windshield as we make decisions and evaluations.

One of the biggest challenges for the sincere believer who has lived their life looking at God through their windshield is when something strikes our windshield causing it to shatter. A disaster, a situation, something unexpected and undeserved comes from outside the car. It hits our windshield, disappears and leaves a fragmented, shattered windshield filled with distracting lines and breaks. This presents a new challenge for the believer who has been looking through this clear windshield at God.

Up until now the challenge was to either look through the windshield or look inside the car. This new challenge forces the believer to either focus on the shattered windshield or to continue to look through the fragmented pieces of the windshield at God.

We must realize, and know by faith, that your shattered windshield has not changed anything outside the car. The only thing that has changed is your ability to see it clearly and focus on it through the advantage of a crystal clear windshield. A crack in your windshield does not represent a crack in the kingdom of God. A shattered windshield is not a true representation of everything outside the car. A broken windshield is simply a distraction from the reality that is still outside your car and bigger than your life. Do not allow a shattered windshield to pull your attention back inside the car where you are forced once again to live in the futility of your thinking.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

Order Galyn's New Book Framework for Christian Faith HERE

Scriptural Secrets for Marriage

1) Words Make a Difference
Proverbs 12:18, “Reckless words pierce like a sword.”
What you say to your spouse is creating in them images and attitudes. This can be good or bad. People who ridicule or use their spouse as a source of jokes are wrong. Proverbs 11:13, “A gossip betrays a confidence.” Certain information about the marriage relationship does not belong in daily conversation with other people. If you are having a disagreement with your spouse you should talk about it with your spouse.

2) My wife is my best friend Genesis 2:24, “they will become one flesh” speaks of the unity of the couple’s soul and body. Spending time together and sharing conversations will enhance a relationship. It is sad when men need to have men’s night out to get away from their wife, the very person they should want to share their life with.

3) Guard your Heart because Love is not Magical. The phase “falling in love” gives the impression that falling in love with someone cannot be helped. Our culture gives the impression that love is an outer force beyond our control. No! We need to guard our hearts. If a man “falls in love” with another woman while he is married this is not magical, it is wrong. A married person cannot allow a relationship to grow outside of marriage. Don’t be deceived; guard your heart.

4) Learn how to Argue Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin.” Anger and disagreements are not sin, nor are they wrong. Some things should make us angry. Sin occurs when the argument begins to focus on destroying the other person and not resolving the problem.

5) Love begins with the Husband Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” A wife will respond to a love like that.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

Cease Fire, Inaguration and now this . . .

"Three massive offshore oil reserves discovered off Israel's coast."
"Discovery of the natural gas field 90 km. offshore from Haifa."

From the business section of Sunday's Jerusalem Post:
Jan 18, 2009 10:54 Updated Jan 18, 2009 23:49
Huge gas reserves discovered off Haifa

News Video

Article in the online edition of the Jerusalem Post

The Jerusalem Post reports:

• "A historic natural gas reservoir found offshore from Haifa is poised to meet Israel's natural gas demand for about 15 years and reduce the country's dependence on gas imports from Egypt and offshore from Gaza. "
• "If the Tamar site opposite the Haifa coast succeeds in producing the significant quantities of natural gas predicted, we are talking about a revolution which will have an impact on the Israeli economy for the coming generations."
• "The vast reservoir is poised to bring down electricity prices, reduce the country's dependence on gas from foreign countries, in particular from Egypt, and thereby turn Israel from a gas importer into a gas exporter."
• "Big celebrations are still premature. It needs to be remembered that the drilling is complicated and production possibilities are not yet completely clear. In addition, gas transportation is a much more complex and expensive process compared with oil transportation."
• Shares of Delek Drilling, which holds 15.6% of the Tamar prospect, jumped 41.7%.
• Shares of Avner Oil Exploration, which holds another 15.6%, surged 21.4%.
• Shares of fuel exploration company Isramco, which owns 28.7%, leaped 123.8%

We have been talking about an event like this happening before Russia invades with the terrorist states for several years. We will wait and see. A cease fire, Obama and now, Israel's own natural gas.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

First, Save the Vessel

If a ship with valuable cargo had sprung a leak would it be better to move the cargo to a higher level on the ship or fix the leak in the ship? Is the cargo safe at a higher level of a sinking ship? If the leak is not fixed is the plight of the ship inevitable? Is not the cargo going to be destroyed eventually if the leak continues to be ignored?

The answers seems simple. The crew’s efforts to save the cargo to the upper deck of a sinking ship is wasted effort. The only fruit of their labors is a false sense of security and the temporary satisfaction of being busy.

Every crew member is going to realize that there is a problem when water starts to leak into their ship. How each individual crew member responds will depend on their perspective. A shortsighted crew member may try to rearrange the cargo or move it to a safer place on the sinking ship.

The best action would be to repair the damage to the ship. When the vessel is secure then the freight is safe.

Most churches and believers see problems in our world, our nation, our homes and our lives. Like the crew we rush around trying to preserve our world, our society, our marriage, our kids, our finances, even our lives. Churches and believers often fail to secure the vessel. The vessel is the Word of God. The Word of God is the foundation for every area of our lives and every decision we make. The Scriptures reveal God, his plan, his ways and his Son, Jesus Christ. For situations in God's creation to have meaning and to make sense we must have the correct perspective.

Indeed people and societies are frantically looking for answers just like the crew is frantically moving cargo. But, until the people understand God’s revelation to them in the Scriptures they will not have understanding or insight. All of our attempts to rearrange their lives will only be rearranging the cargo before the disaster.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

The Six Tests of a Spiritual Man

The use of the term “spiritual” in some groups may describe someone who does not dress like the world, or appears to live absent from reality, or speaks in tongues, or feels close to God. Galatians is about this very issue.

Judiazers had come to make believers “spiritual.” The Judiazers’ favorite method of obtaining a superior spiritual status was circumcision and other outward signs of the law. Paul explains that true spirituality is not found in methods or rituals. It can only come from God. If a person is trying to produce an imitation spirituality, the result will always be a work of the flesh such as jealousy, selfish ambition, factions and envy. (5:19)

Paul stresses the need for a person to become a “new creation” (6:15) and then to express that new nature (5:6) by producing the fruit of the spirit (5:22-23).

Since our new life is from the Spirit we need to “keep in step with the Spirit.”(5:25)

In Galatians 6:1-6 Paul tells his readers six things a spiritual person will find themselves doing.

First, “if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” “Restore” is used to refer to setting a broken bone. The spiritual person will be able to correctly diagnose and fix a spiritual “broken arm” of sin. In contrast, the unspiritual believer might tell the fallen brother to simply stop having a broken arm or give them a list of exercises to strengthen it or kick them out since they are useless with a “broken arm.”

Second, “Carry each other’s burdens.” “Burdens” is the word that refers to a load that is naturally too heavy for one person. We all have times in our lives where emotionally, financially, physically or spiritually our burden is more than one person could ever carry. The spiritual believer meets needs, they do not create needs.

Third, “take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.” Each of us has a gift we use. We can know we are doing it successfully without comparing ourselves to the “lesser” believers. Nor do we feel inferior due to the “great” believers.

Fourth, “Each one should test his own actions.” With a mind renewed to the word of God we can judge and correct our own hearts and attitudes.

Fifth, “each one should carry his own load.” This is a different word than “burden” used above. This is the weight of the supplies and equipment of a soldier. We each have been equipped to do our job. Do not expect someone else to carry your spiritual backpack of responsibility in the body of Christ.

Sixth, “share all good things with his instructor.” The spiritual person realizes the value of the sources that cause spiritual growth. Food, cars and possessions do not cause spiritual growth. The things that lead to spiritual growth will be defended and supported by the spiritual man.(6:1-6)

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

2,000 More Books Delivered Before a Blizzard

We had the last 2,000 copies of Framework for Christian Faith delivered today. School had been let out due to an approaching blizzard and I had just finished shoveling the 4 inches of snow that fell this morning. The truck pulled up and we packed the boxes inside. Tonight I packaged and addressed boxes of books to Finland, Pakistan, London, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and a few here in the United States. Before the driver arrived at our place he had spent two hours digging his truck out of the snow at his last stop. I gave him a book which he was glad to take. He had been reading Purpose Driven Life. Now, if we could just get a copy of Framework to everyone who has a copy of Purpose Driven Life we would have to . . . well, first, we would have to order some more books.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com/

"Framework" Book is Here

The first 1,000 copies of Generation Word's new book Framework for Christian Faith has been delivered. 2,000 more copies will arrive in the next day or so. We have shipped out the first wave of request coming from the United States and hope to ship to foreign countries early next week. We are burning the CD that is found on the inside of the back cover and placing the sealed, self-adhesive vinyl case in each of the 3,000 books. The response has been positive if not very positive and giddy. People get a twinkle in their eye and a look of amazement on their faces when they see this book for the first time. I think the potential for this book is tremendous. It is now just a matter of getting it into the hands of as many people as we can. This book has been described as a college textbook written for the common man. The two bookstores that I personally contacted took the books immediately and placed them on display in two different locations in each of their stores. Generation Word, of course, continues to hand the book out at no charge upon request realizing that people will continue to support our efforts to bring spiritual revival to America. Our goal is to empower believers with biblical literacy which will result in the renewing of their minds and the renewing the soul of our nation.

Here are some pictures of Ben, Hawkeye, Zac and Miku unloading the books. Miku took most the pictures since the boys enjoyed being in the pictures. I was still at work at the DCG middle school shop when the semi pulled up in front of our house. Please contact me if you want a copy.

Ben and Hawkeye



Miku

Zac

Ben and Zac

Hawk, Toni and Zac

Ben Preaching

Hawk checks out the new book

Toni and Zac with the new book

Hawkeye

Toni

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com/

Book Delivery

I received a call this morning from the truck company delivering the Framework for Christian Faith books. They were still in a warehouse in Buffalo, New York as of 9:30 this morning. Since they left the printers in Maryland last Tuesday, I was hoping they would be here by today or tomorrow. The shipping company said they would be delivering them on Wednesday. I was disappointed since we planned to begin mailing the books on December 23.

The truck company wanted to know if we had a forklift at our facility. I explained to them that our "facility" was my home, our "warehouse" was my garage and our "forklift" was my sons and any friends they could find to carry the books.

So, we will start filling request for the book on Thursday. If you want a copy of this 556 page "encyclopedia" send me your mailing address. I can also send you a copy of last years book Hope for America's Last Generation.

According the latest statistics and this article (you must read this) there has never been a better time for a book like Framework for Christian Faith. The extent of biblical illiteracy is unbelievable. I hope to comment on this article later.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

MP3, Projectors and the Bible School

Thanks to my friend Tim Vaniman the conversion of audio messages from .wav into .mp3 is going fast. Tim is converting them faster than I can get them uploaded. So far we have together converted about 320 messages in about two weeks. Tim is converting the Isaiah series and the Book of John now. He has already finished Genesis, Revelation, Romans, Eschatology and probably more by the time I finish posting this. All these mp3 audios can be found on a growing list at http://generationword.com/mp3.html .
Another advance we are trying to make in the ministry is the use of a projector for the Bible School classes. I am thinking that projecting some of the images in the book onto the wall during class will be an advantage both for the on-site class and the online classes. I am thinking of having a LCD projector on my left side with pre-designed charts, maps, etc. and an overhead projector on the right to scribble on while I teach. The white board just doesn't communicate to a larger group nor on the web videos. My son Ben has gone shopping for a computer screen that I could write on to replace the overhead projector. Here also, things are moving faster than I can keep up.

If you are waiting for the new book, Framework for Christian Faith, then this may be the week. Delivery of the first 1,000 copies is scheduled for Monday or Tuesday. Another 2,000 copies will follow later. We will get them in the mail as soon as we get them. We have had requests for this book from 10 countries so far. Email your shipping address to gw@generationword.com and I will make sure you get a copy at no charge.


Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

Techniques for Faith

Telling yourself to have more faith is like a little league coach telling his players, “hit the ball, hit the ball!” but never teaching them the grip, the stance, the follow through, etc. Being told game after game, “You’ve got to hit the ball, son!” is not going to develop a great batting average.

Believers need to exercise faith in times of disaster but also, in times of success. A person of faith should respond to situations by using the three techniques of effective faith.

FAITH FOCUS: This is where you apply 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on God” and focus on a promise such as “all things work together for good.” (Rm. 8:28) This step by itself is not faith anymore than a good looking batting stance is a home run. The purpose of the faith focus technique is to reverse your concentration away from the distraction and toward God so that you can enter His rest.

FAITH REST: By holding on to a promise of God you have cast your anxiety on God and are ready for Hebrews 4:10, “He who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work.” In this place of faith rest you have peace in the midst of problems or success (“the worries of this Life” or “the deceitfulness of wealth” Mt. 13:23). Here you rest from your “own work” (schemes, plans, etc.) and wait to hear God. You can not hear God If you remain frantic or distracted.
David writes in Psalm143:8: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go."

FAITH EXECUTION is what you do after God reveals his plan for you. You handle the situation God’s way. You heard his word while in the place of rest, now you are ready to emerge to fight the giant, flee to the mountains, build the ark, wait for the promise, or endure patiently in hope. You will have the strength to do whatever God wills because you are living in faith.


Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com

End of the Holidays/A New Beginning

I just got back from dropping off one of my sons at the airport. Justin's flight back to the Marine base leaves at 6:00 am. He was home for Christmas. Our house has been a non-stop revolving door. Five of our six sons were home, along with girl friends visiting, which brought by other friends of all ages. It has been an intense two weeks with memorable moments occurring so fast it is difficult to keep them from slipping into the sequence of time without being noticed. Taking Justin to the airport was the first sign that things are heading back to normal which is both sad and refreshing. The holidays give way to the refreshing hope of a new start and a second chance to accomplish goals, touch dreams and recall the memories.

Galyn Wiemers
http://www.generationword.com