Oswald Chambers 1 Peter 1:16- Be Holy for I am Holy
We must continually remind ourselves of the purpose of life. We are not destined to happiness, nor to health, but to holiness. Today we have far too many desires and interests, and our lives are being consumed and wasted by them. Many of them may be right, noble, and good, and may later be fulfilled, but in the meantime God must cause their importance to us to decrease. The only thing that truly matters is whether a person will accept the God who will make him holy. At all costs, a person must have the right relationship with God.
Do I believe I need to be holy? Do I believe that God can come into me and make me holy? If through your preaching you convince me that I am unholy, I then resent your preaching. The preaching of the gospel awakens an intense resentment because it is designed to reveal my unholiness, but it also awakens an intense yearning and desire within me. God has only one intended destiny for mankind— holiness. His only goal is to produce saints. God is not some eternal blessing-machine for people to use, and He did not come to save us out of pity— He came to save us because He created us to be holy. Atonement through the Cross of Christ means that God can put me back into perfect oneness with Himself through the death of Jesus Christ, without a trace of anything coming between us any longer.
Never tolerate, because of sympathy for yourself or for others, any practice that is not in keeping with a holy God. Holiness means absolute purity of your walk before God, the words coming from your mouth, and every thought in your mind— placing every detail of your life under the scrutiny of God Himself. Holiness is not simply what God gives me, but what God has given me that is being exhibited in my life.
Thank you for the suggestion, Jib.
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152 comments:
me first, me first!!!!
mwuhahahahaha
did you cheat?
Why, yes, I did!
:-)
Alesia, I had to jump on that 2nd post position fast so I asked a simple question.
Mr. Hyde, I like your post topic. It is easy to forget that life is mostly a pile of suffering made tolerable by short periods of ecstatic joy followed by pure terror but you took care of that one. Reality is when one gets old and all of the original equipment goes on vacation or just walks out on the job and has be replaced by temporary help.
Joyce, I am talking in your corner arn't I. LOL
I have to tell you that our 90+ temps are now in the very low 70's and it is wonderful. But would someone please explain to me why old men (ahem) get very cold natured when they reach 75+ or so and women just keep getting warmer and warmer as the years pass? Why Lord, Why?
Accepting answers right away and I will pick them up at the 2nd window after I pay for my order.
Grany
Alesia, I thought so but you work hard for it and you need some shouting privileges.
Our friends from Canton were here for a few days last week and I thought of you many, many times. They moved there in 2002 and love it. The winters are something they were not used to but have become seasoned and looking forward to snow again this year. Teressa is one of the faint hearted ones when it came to snow in Oklahoma but she tells me it's entirely different up there. Most of our snows are wet and clinging.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know I appreciate you greatly.
Grany
Jim C, this is what I was referring to from the Willisam Branham Website I linked:
"Vision Six:
Then there arose in the United States a most beautiful woman clothed in splendor, and great power was given to her. She was lovely of feature but there was a hardness about her that defied description. Beautiful as she was, she was yet cruel, wicked and cunning. She dominated the land with her authority, she had complete power over the people. The vision indicated that either such a woman would literally arise or that this woman of the vision was merely a type of an organization which is scripturally characterized by a female. Though the voice did not speak out and reveal who she was, he felt in his heart that this woman represented the rising Roman Catholic Church, and he inserted in parenthesis beside at the end of this vision which he had written out, (perhaps the Catholic church)."
Pelosi doesn't seem like a true Catholic, it's true. But, his vision doesn't say it is for sure the Catholic church, or even if it is an organization or a woman. I just thought the similarity between the vision and Pelosi was striking. I have thought a number of times about the scenario you described where a new Pope is chosen from a different location, other than the Vatican due to some catastrophy, and therefore was not the true Pope, and that that false Pope might somehow change things causing "true" Catholics to follow the old traditions. not him. Pelosi, in this scenario, would be following the new guy. Maybe my imagination got carried away?
Anne,
Take that vision of the woman into a different dimension and let's make some other types of comparison. What is the symbol of justice in this country? What statue do you see holding the scales of justice?
Now what other types of like characterizations are represented by a figure of a woman? I think it is very possible that the woman in his vision was other than Catholic. But going back in history of the nation, it was popular to demonize anything that wasn't local or national.
Anyone else have any ideas on the figure of a woman used to identify?
Women's lib might be one. Looks like a woman, smells like a woman, etc..
I just visited a website where people had written in regarding Palin's speech. So many were ticked off. One person was going to vote Republican and decided to switch. Another person claimed Palin's family reminded her of a Jerry Springer show. How thick can some folks get? Then I noticed I was on a CNN site. Small violin scratching in the background.
Hey Anne, Interesting thought about P. If I recall right, she could be the president very soon. Isn't speaker of the house fairly high up in the succession line of president? I remember 3rd? So let's say our boy speaking tonight and the Alaskan get elected. And, further, let's say both are born again as they profess. So, if the rapture happens soon, then boom, P is the president. That should send shivers down a brave man or woman's spine!!
Wow, maybe I've been reading Jim's scenarios too much....Just kidding Jim.
BTW, have ya'll kept track of the Rep of Georgia thing this week? It's getting harder because it's off the news radar for now. Here's another thing to make you go "hmmm"
Remember the USS McFaul is the missile destroyer that offloaded 15,000 tons of relief supplies to Georgia last week? So, where is it now? Can't find it. But I did get thinking about what if's, and it turns out the McFaul is carrying an unknown number of tomahawk cruise missiles that were upgraded from Carter era stock and now carry multiple weapons systems including capability to hit dozens of targets to 10m accuracy, or even tactical nucs (although this would be against the SALT II treaty) Guess what the range is for the new tomahawk? 2500nm. Guess how far it is from waters off Constantinople to dinner jacket's door? A hair less than 2100nm. Well, you get the idea. This would, by the way, go through Turkey and bypass other troublesome airspace.
In His Grip,
Scott
Marge - Just now got around to reading God's Daily Promises - you're right - it is good.
Did you notice it comes from "Your Daily Promises" instead of the usual "God's Daily Promises"?
What's up with that?
Here it is:
Christ as our High Priest
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT
I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemy but have set me in a safe place. Psalm 31:7-8 NLT
The depth of the Divine mercy
I did not then see what is now the most shining and obvious thing: the Divine humility which will accept a convert even on such terms. The Prodigal Son at least walked on his own feet. But who can duly adore that love which opens the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape. The words complle intrate, compel them to come in, have been so abused by wicked men that we shudder to use them; but, properly understood, they plumb the depth of the Divine mercy. The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.
C. S. Lewis in Surprised by Joy
What did everyone think of McCain's speech?
I think he should of talked more about specifics about how he was going to do the changes he mentioned. Not as fluent a speaker as Palin either.
Alesia,
obviously I have no problem with Palin going to be VP with kids-if I did I'd be a big hypocrite. It depends on if this is something she wants or something God wants. I thought the article you linked was well done for what it's worth.
yes the speaker of the house is 3rd in line sort of. if McCain and Palin were both raptured up she would take over. If McCain died while in office, Palin becomes president-it would depend on how long VP confirmation hearings went on. There is precedent for replacement of a VP. But having said that in her current position of Speaker of the house she actually does fulfill the prophecy to a certain extent.
Then again, we could still be talking about Hillary. IF (and I say this strictly as speculation and not as something that should come about) Obama were to drop out of the race, I don't think Biden would be pushed up to the presidential office. Instead, I think the DNC would meet in extraordinary session and make Hillary the nominee, since she was so close. If it's in time, the ballots can be changed; if not, people would be instructed to have her as a write-in candidate.
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Shalom, all! If anyone needs any more proof of just how easily a dictatorship can occur in America, check out this story.
I find it interesting that even though the events described in the film took place in America, the filmmaker can't get an American distributer.
<><
A couple of observations and warnigns about William Branham's visions...
I noticed that the web site containing his visions seemed to paraphrase them. Why aren't there full quotes of what William Branham reported? It makes me question how much might be lost in translation so to speak. Also, Mussolini is apparently mentioned in his 1933 vision but Mussolini had already established his dictatorship by 1925.
I also noticed that the visions were apparently received by Branham in 1933 yet this website (WilliamBranham.com) says "When he appeared on the national scene in 1946..." I wonder why he didn't appear on the scene until 13 years after he had these visions.
On the home page of the website, there is an article refuting the idea of the Trinity. Cleverly written but I would say: "Warning Will Robinson, Warning!"
Here's a website that makes a very good case for rejecting this guy as a false prophet.
What did William Branham “really” teach and believe!
Of course there are others who believe that it is likely that the United States will be hit with one or more nuclear weapons. Joel lays out that scenario in "Dead Heat." Of course he and we hope that this fictional work is way off in terms of foreshadowing anything to come.
Anyway, just wanted folks to be careful with the things that William Branham said in light of all the other things that he appears to have said which are clearly NOT biblicaly sound.
Lori, Shalom! I bought my copy of "Unlocking God's Secrets" from Amazon. I'm working my way through it, and have already recommended it to people who witness to atheists and agnostics. It is an excellent book.
Having said that, I have to register a few comments. Mostly, they are disappointments that having researched this book so thoroughly, Bob Morley would have just slid into some intellectually lazy comments.
The first is in Chapter 17, where he implies that translating the Scripture from Greek into Latin was done in order to take scripture away from the people. He says this was done in 382 when Saint Jerome, on orders from the Pope, started his translation work which became the Latin "Vulgate" Bible. Now, let's look at this date: 382 AD.
While the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John had been accepted for centuries, there was no clear ruling on other letters and writings. Each local church kept its own list of books that were used for reading and studying. There had been an attempt in 170 AD by Melito, Bishop of Sardis to produce a canonical list, but not many churches used it. The first attempt to produce a canon for the Universal Church came from the Council of Nicea in 325 AD under the direction of Bishop Eusebius and at the "urging" of Constantine. This canon list was refined at the Council of Laodicea in 360 AD and finalized at the Council of Rome in 382 AD. It included all the books we have in the New Testament, as well as The Septuagint. The Septuagint (translation of Old Testament writings into Greek) had been accepted for centuries, particularly because when Jesus quotes from the Old Testament the quotes are always from the Septuagint and not from a Hebrew translation. (This is why Catholics accept Maccabees, etc. as inspired canonical books, since they were part of the Septuagint.) This final canon was approved by both the Council of Hippo (393 AD) and the Council of Carthage (397 AD). So it was after the Council of Rome that Jerome was ordered to produce a translation of the Bible into Latin. But why Latin and not stay with Greek? Because by 382 AD Greek had ceased to be the "language of the people."
The eastern part of the Mediterranean at the time of Jesus was a land of true polyglots. To be successful in business you had to know several languages: Latin, since that was the language of the Empire, Greek, since that was the language of commerce and literature, and if you lived in Israel and were Jewish, Hebrew. This would be in addition to any local languages used at home. For Jesus that was Aramaic. If you travelled in the Eastern part of the Empire, you needed to know Greek; anywhere else in the Empire you needed to know Latin. Remember, though, that knowing how to speak a language is very different from being able to READ a language, much less write it. Only among the Jews, where you needed to know how to read and write Hebrew, was literacy common among the people.
Now fast forward 300 years to 382 AD. Greek is still used in commerce in the eastern part of the empire, but it's no longer the language of literature except for the wealthy. The great majority of people living in the Empire speak Latin as a first or second language. (The great majority of them, however, don't READ latin, or any other language for that matter.) Therefore, the decision was made to translate the books of the canon into Latin. This version of the Bible is called the "Vulgate". It's the same root as the word "vulgar", or "common" -- it is the Bible translated into the common Latin tongue. This translation was not an attempt to keep the bible from the people, but to make sure that when it was read to them (the most frequent way of transmitting it) they could still understand it.
I've got some other comments, but it's late. Talk to you all later.
<><
P.S. -- I hope in his second edition he puts in a table of contents and an index!
Jim G., Shalom! Just some comments about your comments on William Branham. Mussolini did establish his dictatorship in 1925, but didn't invade Ethiopia until 1935. It was an attempt to regain the Italian colony in Ethiopia that had been lost in 1896, and was presented to the Italian people as the first step in rebuilding the Roman Empire.
Branham did travel and preach throughout the US in the 30's; however, it wasn't until after WW2 that a revival began and Branham began to receive national notice. (It was during this same time period that Billy Graham got his start using tent meetings and the new medium of television.)
As for his vision of America's destruction, the idea of a single bomb being able to cause such destruction was literally the subject of science fiction in 1933.
Other than that, I agree that he was not a prophet and that his theology was not Christian.
<><
Jim C.
This one is just for you! I know you'll appreciate it. I can't even remember how I stumbled across it. Some will say it was the Lord, others the Devil;-)
Protestant and Catholic at Critical Mass
You've got to love the play on words in the title.
For those who are worried about me, I'm still Protestant. Actually, my grandfather immigrated to the United States from Sicily. He was raised Roman Catholic as a young boy, of course. When he was a young man, a Pentecostal preacher (Brother Mario Bongiorno) heard God tell him to move from New York to San Jose, California to minister to the Italian American community there and start a church. My grandfather was the first person he led to the Lord. They started a Christian Apostolic Church. This is the denomination that my father was raised in. Needles to say, my grandfather was pretty strongly anti-Catholic because he felt like they never gave him the Gospel. he was on fire for the Lord, too. I grew up attending an Assembly of God church. I do recall going to a Nazarene vacation Bible school (James Dobson and Jesus are both Nazarene) one summer shortly after my parents divorced. Shortly after getting married, my wife (who accepted Christ through Young Life while in High School) and I attended a Calvary Chapel Church in San Jose. We then attended a great independent Bible church in Eastern Washington, Onecho Bible Church, (literally inbetween wheat fields out in the country) while in grad school (first non-charismatic church that my wife and I ever belonged to), attended a very solid "Christian Church" (the denomination) for about 7 years and are now at a great Foursquare Church.
Yes, Oregon is beautiful. I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Grew up with Ronald Reagan serving as either my governor or President for many years. As beautiful as California was, the left turn it has taken politically has been quite sad to watch. I love the West Coast though. I especially enjoy the summers that are sunny and warm but not humid. So much of the United States is beautiful though. We've been truly blessed. Having said that, the Creator is soooooooo much better than his beautiful creations. Praise be to God!
Oops. I wrote:
Needles to say
Meant to write:
Needless to say
Hi, Just popping in. Great post and very timely, for us with all that's going on around here.
Great comments, too. True and funny.
I'm behind with convention watching...and just tonight watched the recording of Palin. I think she's pretty cool, of course, and gutsy. I do wish she didn't knock her opponent so much, but oh well.
I taped the McCains and will watch them today.
I'll go back and read Grany's prayer from the last post and will pray along with others.
Thank you for your prayers for us, as we REALLY need them! My husband is exhausted mentally, physically and spiritually (IMO).
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.
Scott...intersting about McFaul.
Lots of scarey things going on.
Grany, that was quite a post at 10:31!
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Jim G I just read your post about your grandfather and family....how cool.
Another Italian, too. I am mostly Italian, and Irish and a bunch of other things as well.
Seems like we have several (at least partly) Italians here!
Mangia!
<><
Hi Donna,
I'm
half Italian
7/16 German
1/16 Jewish (We're pretty sure my grandmother was half Jewish. Her maiden name was Fink and all her siblings had Jewish sounding names.)
Evangelical faith drives Palin's pro-Israel view
Buon giorno!
Jim G, not to worry, I don't take everything Branham says as gospel truth. I also wondered some of the same things you did, such as descriptions of his visions and not direct quotes. As to the trinity doctrine, Isaac Newton didn't believe it either, nor did he believe in a "personal devil", but I still consider what he said. I am a "Berean".
As to Pelosi, McCain and Palin (or Obama and Biden) don't have to be raptured, just taken out,such as in a terrorist attack. Then Pelosi is next in line and could be the country would be under martial law, etc. etc.
Jim G., Shalom! Thanks for the link!
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A Summary of the Jews in End Times Bible Prophecy, by David Reagan
The blog that this article appears in looks great, too!
Hi all;
I have to agree with jim g. on William Branham. It seems from reading thru the posting on the site that he was against any organized religion and believed that the doctrine of said churches was flawed. I have seen other sites on him but they didn't give as much information on the man himself.
This site talked about how he saw a "vision" of a whirlwind when he was young. A voice came from the vision that told him of his future calling. He did not "test" the vision or any ones that followed (there is no documentation that he did that I saw in these postings) and was warned later that it might not be of God. This was a red flag for me when I read it! He did not seem to be concerned about this. Later he had visitations from angels and did not "test" these either as far as was stated on this site. It seems again that this is much like Todd Bently and his angel visitations ect.
I would be VERY concerned about following after non tested "signs and wonders" especially in this time of fleshly deception even if that person is preaching the Gospel and especially when anyone preaches another gospel. Half truths and subtle deception are the true Church's greatest enemy in all times!
Should you believe ANY "prophecy" from someone just because you trust that person even if you get a "check" in your spirit about what is being said?
1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Maranatha!
You guys are all Dukes.. Duke mixtures that is! LOL @;o} Oh, yeah!
But now on a serious note, remember that when William Branham started out in the ministry, the man was sold out to God completely. Read what the criteria was for judging a prophet and then ask, did his prophecies come to pass. Don't forget that Sampson was also an anointed of God when he ruled as a Judge during that era of Jewishness. He corrupted his self and was brought low by his captors but never the less, he was still used by God in the final act. Does it say that God deserted him anywhere in the scriptures? What man among us is not defiled in one way or another and yet God still uses the imperfect to demonstrate His love and mercy. If there is one hair on our head that is Holy without God, then that indeed is a very rare person.
By the way, I lived during the era of William Branham and it was only his later life that became corrupt and basically it was a given that the cause of his fall was he took too seriously the criticism of the RELIGIOUS community that wouldn't believe or accept God's truth anymore than the Pharisees did when Jesus and John the Baptist were ministering to the Jews. Was he wrong in doing that? You bettcha he was big time.
So we haven't anything to put us up on a higher pedestal to judge what or what not God has said. Did the prophecies come to pass so far?
I would also like to share this passage of 1 Samuel 10 speaking of Samuel anointing Saul.
1 SAMUEL 10
1Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
2When thou art departed from me today, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?
3Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
4And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
5After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
6And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
7And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
8And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.
9And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
10And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
11And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?
12And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?"
This same man in the following chapters sent his men out to find David to do him harm and Saul became tormented by demons because of his actions against God's Anointed one David.
It would be wise to remember God admonished us "Saying, Touch not My anointed, and do My prophets no harm." Ps. 105:15
God's purposes have to be served by imperfect man and no matter how self righteous we may want to appear we still have a sinful nature that we have to battle every second of every minute we live.
To sum it up: Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
Grany
Branham.
It appears a satanic spirit was behind this man.
Non-Trinity and Non-Hell. Welcome to the Jehovah's Witnesses.
These threads of non-truths are slipped in here and there into certain denominations & other religions. Satan will go along w/99% truth as long as the 1% hidden in there will send your soul to hell.
Realizing the source what should we consider as possible truth in his prophesy? Is that not the real question?
I've heard the argument that prophets (for example Todd Bentley) can have a "mixture" of Holy Spirit and "False Spirit".
So you take the good out of it- Real Healings & Conversions and attribute them to the Holy Spirit & the bad things that happen to a False Spirit.
I don't presume to know the answer to this question but would the Holy Spirit work along side Satan's Spirits? Do false spirits also produce good fruit along with the bad (to greatly deceive) or is it impossible & they can only produce bad fruit?
Someone like Branham. The prophesies that come true were from the Holy Spirit all along but the one's which did not come true or lead to false teaching were from Satan. Or are they all from Satan to begin with?
How about Nostrodamus? I think he was involved in the occult but many of his predicitons came true.
You have all these occultic 2012 predictions. This goes all the way back to the Myans. Looks like a "plan" from Satan. The demons are still channeling this same information through their hosts.
Do we give this any creedence or write if off as Satanic and not worth any consideration?
What exactly is worth "Watching"? Is it only geo-political? or someone like Branham? Perry Stone?
Should we find out what the enemy is doing? And if so-to what extent?
(I'm talking about this realizing I speaking to grounded prophesy interested Christians-not the general body of Christ-although they should be "watching" better than most are.)
Isaiah 30:9,10
"That this a rebellious people, Lying children, Children who will not hear the law of the Lord; Who say to the seers, "Do not see," And to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits."
It's interesting to look back in the Old Testament and see how the Lord operates.
Isaiah 66(True Worship & False)
66:2 ...."But on this one I will look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit. And who trembles at My word."
66:3 .....He who burns incense, as if he blesses and idol. Just as they have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in their abominations, So I will choose their delusions, And bring their fears upon them;Because, when I called no one answered, When I spoke they did not hear; But they did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight."
So if His people continue in practicing something He does not approve of- a delusion will be sent for judgment.Also Remember "And I will send them a strong delusion." II Thes 2:11 I think many of these are carried out by evil spirits.
Judges 9:23 "God sent a spirit of ill will..."
1 Samuel 18:10 ..."and a distressing spirit from God came upon Saul.."
1 Kings 22:21,22 "Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said. "I will persuade him, And the Lord said to him, 'In what way?'So he said,"I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.'And the Lord said"You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so."
Deut 13(Punishment of Apostates)
13:3 "You should not listen to the word of that prophet of that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord you God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him."
(So here is says "listen to" which may be an active verb in "listening=following" and not just knowing=not acting upon but I'm not sure how to find that out.If you don't know then how can you warn others?)
GT:
1 John 4: 1: Exactly! Don't go by what you hear others say. The bible passage you listed was on my heart to use and then I forgot it. But we are to test or TRY the spirit that is influencing or moving a person to prophesy or speak as unto God by the Holy Spirit that resides in us. The many facets of the Holy Spirit is to keep us from following after false doctrines and lying spirits.
If you accept everything that comes down the pike as from God you are going to be wandering around in the wilderness for a long time. If you have doubts about the message, pray and seek God's leading in it. But don't go by feelings of your human nature. When it is of God you will know in your Spirit being and then you have to get your soulish part in line with it. The mouth is a wicked thing above all else, like a tiny rudder that is not easily controlled and it can cause you to lose control of your whole being.
My whole thing about the Wm. Branham prophecy is simple. Was it a Word of Prophecy from God or from familiar spirits that controlled him? We were not able to be there but we weren't able to be there when Jeremiah spoke either but what God told him and he prophesied came to pass and still is. What God told Isaiah came to pass and is still; Daniel, Ezekiel, Amos, Joel, etc. right on down the line has been a Word from God to all of us. Now, do you have to use a different yardstick for the current era or go by the old one? I don't want to accept the Wm. Branham prophecy but if it did indeed come from God we better repent fast and pray for discernment and understanding. Add a whole lot of God's wisdom and trust in God's mercy and grace with all of our beings.
I believe that it did come to pass and there are many other prophecies during his early years that came about. But there is a young man living in the USA today by the name of Kim Clement. He is being hailed as a true prophet of God and a whole lot of his prophecies have come true. But there are a bunch of errors also. How can this be? Simple. We allow our fleshly man to overcome our humble relationship with the Holy Spirit and off we go seeking fame and fortune. We speak to be speaking and it isn't the Holy Spirit doing it either.
So, my advice is still, be careful what you are saying and judging.
Grany
Just a few thoughts about William Branham.
It says in 1 Chron. 16:22 (and again in Psalms 105: 15)
"Touch not mine annointed, and do my prophets no harm."
When the Bible says anything once it's to be taken seriously. And this message is recorded the second time. Granted, we could get into a discussion about it being in the O.T. However, Jesus often quoted from the O.T.
I believe the Bible all the way from the front cover to the maps :)
That being said, IMHO it is much better to shelf the matter, and leave it to God.
Of course, we are to test the spirits to see if they be from God. Again, a given. However, we don't know the heart of William Branham. We don't know that these visions weren't from God, and there are a few dozen (if not more) "unknowns" here.
Again, why was one of his visions a few years ahead of the actual event? Consider Daniel's vision for the last days. Thousands of years away from the time God gave them to him. In fact, so much so, that God told Daniel to "seal up the book, until the time of the end."
God does use people. And people can make mistakes. However, the calling of God is still upon their lifes.
Were William Branham's visions from God? I dunno. I chose to shelf them, and leave that up to God. But I will say, all but two of them have come to pass. And I also know (I heard about the visions several years ago, from Perry Stone's magazine) William Branham did not want to receive these visions, and asked God to stop giving them to him. Were they from God? Hmmmmm. I dunno.
But more important, I know that God doesn't want any of us to label, or pass judgement on any of His family. I know it's hard word. But it's a word I beleive we all need to hear, in regards to God's servants. Me, too.
There are plenty of negitive things I've thought about some of God's ministers before, but the Holy Spirit has checked my spirit, and I've had to repent before God, and now to you, that read and post here.
We are entering into a season and a time to repent. How can we believe God for revival until we experience revival in our own hearts first? This is the season of God to clean our own doorsteps, IMHO.
Just a few thoughts, said, in love and not condemnation. I love being here, and I love and appreciate your comments. This was written in the spirit of, we can all be better, and grow in the grace and love that God has planned for each and every one of us, amen? Amen.
Take it for what it is worth. And above all, remember that God loves you, and wants the best for you. (and so do I) Believe me, don't think I'm some spiritual giant
But, with the help of God, I live each day, knowing that it is God, operating in my life. And I need spiritual operations often :)
Have a great day in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Grany,
Good example of Saul. He did have the real Holy Spirit but then God infected him with an Evil Sprit.
This story was also used and an example if once someone has been in filled w/the Holy Spirit whether it's possible for the Holy Spirit to leave that person and that person to fall away.
Obviously at one point Saul was in good standing w/God. He had the Holy Spirit within him.
(Only reserved for prophets and people God called. Not everyone as in after Jesus died & rose again.)
1 Samuel 18:12 "Now Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, but had departed from Saul."
Then he gets the Holy Spirit back:
1 Samuel 19:23 " ....Then the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went out and prophesied until he.....And he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
(Do you get hot when you prophesy or what's the naked thing about?)
(Now I think the Holy Spirit left again @ some point.)
1 Chron 10:13,14 "So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jessee."
Saul had taken a sword and fell on it because his armor bearer wouldn't kill him. Then the Philistines stripped him,(& after parading around) put his armor in the temple of their gods and his head in the temple of Dagon.
There is a skeptic site where they list this as Bible contradiction. One instance Saul kills himself and another says God killed him.
So the skeptics say "Which one is it? Saul or God-see the bible is contradictory! Dum,da da dumb.
Marge,
Your writing is very gracious and never offensive.
But we are to speak against false prophets in order that others may be saved from the lies going forth through them.
I don't think the majority are intentional lies as these prophets really think the information is coming from God but they fail to test ALL the spirits.
I also agree w/looking into the OT for answers and we should.
But I think "not touch my prophets" refers to God's true prophets and not the false. In the OT the false prophets were kicked out and stoned to death.
At least we don't have to do that now. Yeck!
Lisa,
God told Saul to “Smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not...” (1 Sam. 15:3). But instead, Saul spoke a half truth and “spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord...” (v.15). Samuel said it was rebellion like witchcraft and idolatry (v.24). Because he did not obey the Word of the Lord he would be removed being king. Saul admitted he feared the people and obeyed their voice. What a crucial thing to learn of Saul who was God's anointed. But Saul lied when he said it was the people who told him to spare the sheep and the oxen.
When you allow witchcraft in, you also allow the evil author of it a place in your soul. When that passage of Ps. 105: 15 is limited to OT then we have to limit the rest of the Psalms to the OT jews or era. Jesus said he didn't come to cancel or do away with the law but to fulfill it. I don't believe that God's anointed changed after Christ entered the picture at Pentecost. The anointed ones were increased and as believers and followers of Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit we become Anointed. Anointed means something far more than a spooky person acting strang. Anointing is simply an enabling Presence to carry out the work and ministry of God through mankind.
What does the word of God tell us about setting ourselves up as righteous judges? Are we to say who is saved or not saved? Are we to judge another persons Anointing? I say NO! You measure the man/woman by their fruit just as Jesus said, Paul said, etc. Good fruit doesn't come from rotten trees and while we are judging another person, someone else is judging us.
David didn't lift his hand to harm Saul but he didn't stop the people from discussing the evil that Saul was doing. Were the people the anointed ones of God? No! David was and Saul was. Anointing against anointing is a no-no. God is the better to judge it and remember also, that God's word said that the wages of sin are death and Saul sinned greatly against God.
For that matter the people of Israel sinned greatly against God when they demanded that they have a King like other nations. It was not against Samuel it was against God.
The same is true today when the Muslim nations are out to destroy Israel. They really are out to destroy God and by trying to remove the name of Israel from the earth they believe they will overcome God.
Grany
The jews also stones Isaiah and condemned Jeremiah to prison. God charges the people of Israel as killers of the Prophets. These same people accepted the false prophets that told the people of Jeremiah's day that only fair skys and blessings would be their lot in life. Jeremiah told them What Thus Saith The Lord and they tried to destroy him.
grany;
"So, my advice is still, be careful what you are saying and judging."
I agree with this, as I said before the visions ect. need to be tested, and I don't see where that was done. As far as what Branham believed that is known and written down. I am not "judging" Branham just questioning what is known about him and what he believed. There are many that claim God's anointing but are they really? I am just urging caution. Can we afford to be wrong? Just look at the Todd Bently situation and the harm that caused.
I will go along with marge and put it on the shelf. I happen to believe the Biblical test that Prophecy has to be 100% or it is not from God. I love you and God Bless!
Maranatha!
I think I'll say something safe...
Joel has several new posts up!
:-}
Another link of interest:
Sarah Palin speaking @ Wasilla Assemblies of God-where she was saved
actually the specifics of what John had said concerned a Spirit filled leader and although intriguing Branham's prophecies were not what we were discussing.
Grany,
I was not limiting the stoning of people to false prophets. But God did command the Jews to stone the false prophets. I was not mentioning the story of "Saul" as a false prophet example.(As you mentioned he had other problems)
We also know "stoning" was common in those days and also many prophets & believers in the Lord were stoned & killed by the world.
Look @ how many of God's prophets Jezebel took out in 1st & 2nd Kings.
Someone listed some Biblical reasons for stoning:
1. For touching Mount Sinai Exodus 19:13
2. For taking "accursed things" Joshua 7:1-26
3. For cursing or blaspheming Leviticus 24:16
4. For adultery (including urban rape victims who fail to scream loud enough) Deuteronomy 22:23-24 5. For animals (like an ox that gores a human) Exodus 21:28
6. For a woman who is not a virgin on her wedding night Deuteronomy 22:13-21
7. For worshipping other gods Deuteronomy 17:2-5
8. For preaching the wrong religion Deuteronomy 13:5-10
9. For disobeying parents Deuteronomy 21:18-21
10. For witches and wizards Leviticus 20:27
11. For giving your children to Molech Leviticus 20:2
12. For breaking the Sabbath Numbers 15:32-56
13. For cursing the king 1 Kings 21:10
1) Stoning
Stoning, which was the ordinary mode of execution (Ex 19:13; Lev 20:27; Josh 7:25; Lk 20:6; Acts 7:58; 14:5). The witnesses, of whom there were at least two, were required to cast the first stone (Dt 13:9 f; Jn 8:7). If these failed to cause death, the bystanders proceeded to complete the sentence, whereupon the body was to be suspended until sunset (Dt 21:23).
Deut 13:8-10
"you shall not consent to him or listen to him, not shall you eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him;but you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. And you shall stone him with stones until he dies, because he sought to entice you away from the Lord your God..."
Now this story is in reference to a dreamer or prophet that tells them to go after "other gods-which you have not known."
So these are obviously false gods of that time. Molech,Dragon,and what have you. But for our application there are the obvious "other gods" Allah & the rest.
But why was God so righteously upset? Because they were enticing His people away from the one true God.We know who wants to entice us from the one true God and his name is Satan.
So whatever Satan's method is. Whether an actual "god" or through false teaching-the end result is the same. He is enticing people away from the truth. And eventually in time he may lead them far enough away from the true God that even when they "think" they're following the true God when in reality they are not.
So with all of that in mind-I think God is very serious about false prophets and we should do well to heed His concerns.
GT
I am not "judging" Branham just questioning what is known about him and what he believed. There are many that claim God's anointing but are they really? I am just urging caution. Can we afford to be wrong? Just look at the Todd Bently situation and the harm that caused."
I totally agree with you. What I am saying is time will tell if God did use Branham to warn the people or not. If it does come to pass, then God did give us the warning and if not, it gets added to the heap.
Love you too and all of the others. It is great being part of the family of God isn't it.
Grany
grany;
Amen! Worts and all LOL.
LISA,,
Thank you for your comments and like you said, God is serious about his warnings and I have been taking them that way for a long time.
One day, many years ago, I made the mistake of allowing a minister who was traveling through to speak a word of some sort over me at a Woman's gathering. He started out just fine but I had this creepy, crawling thing going up and down my spine. Something wasn't right but I was pretty naive and didn't know any better. All of a sudden I started sneezing and couldn't breath right. An older, wiser, veteran of many crusades took me by the arm, yanked me away from the man and in a very clear and commanding voice admonished him to not come any closer. This huge room became very still! Pins could have dropped the size of a mustard seed and no one would have missed it. I was so embarrassed because of my sneezing but this man was a real charlatan pretending to be something he was not. He was so angry at this older woman and started after her as if to harm her. She stopped, turned around and eyeballed him, spoke 3 words and He froze on the spot. Picking up his materials, he left the area. Years later we learned that he had preyed on women at church gatherings and had harmed many in a physical way.
So, I was protected by 3 things in addition to the Holy Spirit:
1. A Holy Fit of Sneezing;
2. A very anointed mature Christian who moved when the Lord said move.
It has been a big lesson to me for many, many years.
Oh, I failed to mention, the 3rd protection, The woman said,
"Jesus Rebukes You".
Grany
I may be getting too complicated and it may be best that I just keep quiet. (And rest in peace-RIP)
But- part of the point I was asking in my post of 9:49 a.m. is that God does send deceiving spirits to work for His purposes.
Is it not possible then that someone like Branham was used by God to test the Body of Christ?
So what if all Branham's prophecies come true but by the other teachings (which some are contrary to God's word) God is testing His children to see if they will still follow Branham based upon the prophesies alone and not check all his teachings against God's Word?
I guess we will find out later but it might be sooner than we think.
Grany
Lisa,
Thank you for your kind comments.
As far as William Branham goes?
Grany is correct. Time will tell.
Everyone,
I just got back from errands, etc. And it was super fun, getting caught in the Puyallup Fair traffic,......NOT, LOL! Oh well, it's only until the 23rd, and "us locals" can, and will survive another year of the Fair :)
Has anyone seen, The Last Lecture, on PBS? I saw it awhile back, (bits and pieces) and then early again this morning. (and again just bits and pieces.) Anyhow, I watched enough to know that I wanted to buy the book. The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. (he died this last July 15th) It's only 206 pages, and right now it's, On Sale, at Borders Books. (40% off!) But, OH MY GOODNESS!!! What thoughts this man shares! (ultimately for his young children to hear)
To my knowledge, he wasn't a Christian, although I haven't begun to read the book. However, by listening to his, Last Lecture, I wondered if he really knew God. I dunno. However, I do know the voice of the Holy Spirit, and I sensed I needed to buy this book, and perhaps buy additional copies to share with some of my friends and family. (did I mention I enjoy reading? LOL!)
I did finish, A Divine Revelation of Prayer, by Mary K. Baxter. VERY GOOD!!!
And I'm half way thru three books, at the present time.
1. You Were Made for More, by Jim Cymbala (Wow! GREAT!!!)
2. Protect and Defend, by Vince Flynn (ahem, fun reading :)
3. And another secular book, that I was led to buy called, The Spontaneous Healing of Belief, by Gregg Braden.
(if this author were saved? OH MY GOODNESS!!! we need to pray for his salvation)
Anyway, we should remember to do what Micah 6:8b says to do:
'what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to walk humbly with thy God."
And remember, the words we speak will cause some sort of a harvest.
There have been times, in my own life, I've asked God for a "crop failure," after I've repented of negitive things thought and said.
Have a wonderful weekend! And keep walking in the love of God.
Religious Pluralism - Panel of Christians Speaks On CNN's Larry King Live
**This is an old interview but worth taking a look at. See what the spokesman for each denomination had to say.
Marge, you need a reading machine of some sort donnt ya? Just make sure you have good lighting and so forth.
I have to go fix dinner for my beau and me but I just wanted to say, don't let gloom and despair get into your heart. Prophecy is for the edifying and glorify of God and we know who wins.
I am going to fix some great Orange Roughy for dinner with white wine sauce and fresh steamed veggies piled high with fresh, home grown garlic and herbs.
Then to top it all off, I have made Jim a sugar free but naturally sweet fruit tart. It is so pretty and so healthy! Yuck!
Give me butter! I agree with Paula Deen, without butter life is the whey!
Grany
Jib,
I had to laugh at your post at 1:13. Although, once the "preach" gets on me, I just go with it, is all :) You are, no doubt, correct.
That's what is such a blessing here, though. A couple of subjects and discussions going on all the time. I love it!
Grany,
Great minds post at the same time, LOL!
Enjoy your dinner! It sounds yummy!
House Churches Growing in Iran Despite Persecution
Israel allows transfer of arms to PA
Abbas pledges to reach peace by end '08
France is looking at possibility of sending European Union mission to improve security in Palestinian territories
Israelis warned not to travel to Sinai
Bolivia announces move of Middle East embassy from Egypt to Iran
Six ex-Soviet neighbors back Russia over Georgia
Nuclear nations (45 countries) resume tough talks on India trade
India and U.S. chip away opposition to nuclear deal
South Korea says critical moment for North nuclear deal
Jim C, go ahead and email Uncle Bob with your comments. He appreciates a challenge!
Everyone else; good discussion!
lori
marge wrote:
"That's what is such a blessing here, though. A couple of subjects and discussions going on all the time. I love it!"
I agree! What a great and fun group! Grany, I will help you serve coffee or whatever else is on your menu when we all meet!
<><
Marge - my 2 cents re Gregg Braden; unless he has changed his views, he is a New Ager, not a Christian. When I was in the NA, I read some of his stuff. I have his book "The Isaiah Effect". Braden is endorsed by people like Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra.
What's time going to tell?
If all Branham's prophecies come true and if so? What does that mean? (FYI-looking @ the odds I think they just might)
Does that mean I can't call him a false prophet (because all his prophet-cies came true.) but I can still classify him as a false teacher?
Or because all his prophecies came true I should believe his "Anointing" was from God and that his interpretation of scripture is therefore superior.
I should renounce my belief in a literal hell and trinity belief (as most Christians define it.)and adopt his belief instead?
I'm playing the devils advocate here. There are people who are not solid in the Word and would or will be effected if all his prophecies do come true.
What should a Christian's response be to this? (If all Branham's prophecies come to pass.)
Grany,
I know your looking @ Branham's prophecies as a possible "warning for the Body of Christ" type thing.
I headed in a different direction w/the thought.
Lisa, I agree; here's a lesson for us all.
Mat 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'
Mat 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
Mac,
You are so correct! Gregg Branden is a super, big time, New Ager! No question about it. (I believe I mentioned that this book was secular, and that the author needed to be saved.)
However, there are quite a lot of things that The New Age has "borrowed" from the Bible. That's one of the reasons that some Christians question some things from the Faith Movement, Word of Faith, whatever. It's unfortunate when New Agers use Bible truths and go out and use them, and they work! Because they are spiritual laws. Consider meditation. Along with "seeing" something before it comes to pass.
When we (as believers) meditate on the promises of God, and begin to "see" them become a reality in our lives, before the manifestation, that's the law of Faith in operation. Remember, that the Bible says, in Joshua 1:8 (and in many passages) "to meditate day and night......." And God had Abraham "visualize" himself becoming the father of many nations, before Issac was born, etc.
Thanks for calling it to my attention, as I do appreciate your concern. However, there are times I like to see what is coming out from the other camps, so to speak.
Especially living in WA. state. It keeps me up to date, as to what the New Agers are thinking, and such.
I will admit, it probably isn't wise reading for a new Christian. Beware, and know your Bible, first.
Lisa,
I can only say that often people do have a calling on their lifes, and then they depart from sound doctrine, granted. However, we need to also remember that in Romans 11:29 it says,
"For the gifts and callings of God are without repentance."
Anyway, just a few thoughts.
Everyone,
If anyone wants to see the Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch, you can go to:
www.thelastlecture.com
I just knocked out his book, and it's really, REALLY GOOD!!! Oh, I hope he was saved!
He does mention that he came from a Presbyterian background and attended church. Although he's gone, we can pray for his remaining family. I know I did.
Have a wonderful weekend, and keep smiling. God loves you!
Very interesting articles:
Latest Lamplighter Magazine
I just have to say that, personally, I am very cautious and particular about what teachers, preachers or people I read or listen to when it comes to Biblical or spiritual things.
If there are any doctrines that they teach that in my opinion are way off base, I tend to throw out the baby with the bath water.
There are so many wonderful teachers and preachers out there...so I focus on them...but still remain berean.
I personally am very cautious of any modern day "prophets". If their basic doctrine seems sound, then I will listen...but remain cautious and skeptical.
I have listened to Perry Stone a little, since many folks here think highly of him, but am not sure what to think about him either.
So..just thought I'd throw in my two cents!
Ahmadinejab arrives in Beijing for visit
Iran rejects French warning over possible Israeli strike
Israeli PM Ehud Olmert 'to be charged on Sunday
Israel-Syria talks to renew in two weeks
US to take part in Israel-Syria talks
Libya says oil market is oversupplied
2008 GOP Platform Eliminates ‘Commitment’ to UN "..will never support a U.N.-imposed tax"
UN to demand Israel pay Lebanon $1 billion
Delegates: 45-nation group OKs US-India nuke deal
U.S. may pull nuclear deal to punish Russia, source says
US warship confronts Russian military in ‘tinderbox’ port
EU wants to ban 'sexist' TV commercials some of the comments are interesting.
Jim C.
I sent your comments to Uncle Bob. If you email him, I'm sure he'd love to dialog with you.
lori
Gov't To Seize Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac..could cost tax payers billions
Olmert invites world to help him divide Jerusalem
Joel 3:2
"I will gather all nations and will bring them down into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and there will I deal with and execute judgment upon them for their treatment of My people and of My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations and because they have divided My land."
(Israel is not scattered anymore but what will a division bring?)
Who thinks they will get this done in 4 months? (I don't)
Moriel Ministries-Jacob Prasch
**I think he has a new website-had not seen this layout before.*Good articles.
Mac, thanks for the Lamplighter Mag link. Very interesting, especially the one about Ps 83,
oh and also the one about the chimpanzee and European Human Rights Court, and the one about legislation in Spain about apes being human, or something. (Good ol' Peter Singer)
you know Mac
this particluar posting for this is gripping, every time I log on to post I find myself drawn to the words. I'm glad you liked the suggestion.
I found another blog on Drudge which had an interesting post Russia raids Israeli airfields in Georgia It talks in one paragraph how the northern attack route against Iran makes sense-just reverse for Gog and Magog.
JIB, that is an interesting link about the airfields of Israel. Thanks for sharing it. I am still linking all of the others and some from the last post. I am slow linker because I keep chasing rabbit trails all over the place.
Wonder where the hook is?
Grany
Mac,
I like that newsletter. Here is a clip I found particularly interesting:
The poll surveyed over 35,000 Americans, and when asked if they believed there is more than one way to Heaven, the results were as follows:
Hindu 89%
Orthodox 72%
Buddhist 86%
Muslim 56%
Mainline Protestant 83% Evangelical Protestant 57%
Jewish 82%
Mormon 39%
Catholic 79%
Jehovah Witnesses 16%
Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas said he was “shocked and
appalled” over the fact that the majority of self-identified
Evangelical Christians believe there are many roads to Heaven.
He attributed the attitude to biblical illiteracy and to politicalcorrectness. He concluded with the observation that “if there are many paths to heaven, Jesus suffered and died for nothing.”
Look @ the JW's. They are told that being a Jehovah's Witness is the only path to God for they are the only one's w/ "The Truth."
This is drilled into them. Is this why their #'s are so low? That they won't compromise? Then it's the Mormons who are next in line.
Then Muslim & Evengelicals are almost tied. about 1/2 & 1/2.
This is a sad state of affairs.
The Mormon's & JW's are more dedicated to their beliefs than everyone else.
My Mom's sister is a JW & has been most of her life. She just stayed a few days w/my mom (Who lives in SC) and left her with a JW Bible & book. My mom says:"oh and she even gave me a bible!
"I had told her that many people don't think the JW's believe in God. and her sister said, "Well who's religion is actually named after Him?" "Jehovah is God's name!"
So I warned my mom not to get involved in the JW's and why but she just wanted to switch the subject. She mentioned that I was not in it that long implying I don't know enough about it to comment.(And you all know me well enough- UGGGGGG!!!!)
I just finished some digital photo work and just had to share this new tech with you all. Now for those of you who already knew this, well it is just a refresher course. But for those of us who do photography of different sorts, this link has a great idea for a new way of keeping track of where the heck you took that picture.
Geotagging your digital photos tips and tricks - CNET How-To
URL: http://reviews.cnet.com/9602-12576_7-0.html?messageID=2510974&tag=nl.e410
Sorry, you will have to copy and paste but it is worth it IMO.
You couldn't imagine how tootally beautiful it is here right now. The air is clean, clear (crystal clear) and the sun shining on the still healthy green leaves, just is too much to believe in the creation of nature. God does beautiful work, doesn't he!
Grany
The Alarms Are Going Off
I have a question for you all. I have really struggled with this through the years.
***What exactly is repentance and what does it look like?*****
I know that sounds like it would be a simple answer, but when you put the rubber to the road it can get muddled.
I know people (myself certainly included) who really want to walk with God and still struggle with habits, snares, addictions, ups and downs and downright rebellion in areas of their lives.
But their heart is to walk in holiness before God.
I know that salvation is by grace through faith, but repentance from sin is certainly evidence of true conversion.
What about something that you struggle with in your life and just cannot get past it? Then, after you get victory in one area it seems that another thing raises it's ugly head. Does this mean that you are not repentant?
I have read that Jack Kelly thinks that repentance is not from sin but a turning away from unbelief in God. I am not so comfortable with that.
I would love to hear your input.
Grace
Grace,
Here's a start. I need to read these too!
Repentance
P.S. I love your name. Don't forget about God's grace as you study repentance. Abide in Him.
I tracked down John and asked and he posted this in reply
"I was talking to my pastors last weekend, and they recall a prophesy given maybe 10 years ago, by a well respected apostle/prophet (they could not remember exactly who), who gave a word that said just before Jesus comes back that there would be (1) a woman in the WH, and (2) that there would be a born-again spirit-filled believer in the WH.
Nobody at the time, to the best of their knowledge, ever thought that this might refer to the same person!
There are only two contenders (at least at the moment) for a woman to be in the WH at the present time, and one has fallen (at least seemingly for the moment) by the wayside. I would not classify the latter as a "born-again" believer, in spite of her protestations of faith in a God of some sort. The other contender, if you read her bio, was born a catholic, and then as she entered her teens, was baptised in an Assemblies of God (=Pentecostal) church. This would seem to imply that she was, at the least, "born-again", and made a public confession of her faith in Jesus, and probably received the Baptism of Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues!
The church she presently attends is a non-denominational church (Wasilla Bible Church, Wasilla), that, refers (somewhat indirectly, but precisely) to the separate experience of the Baptism of Holy Spirit, as experienced by the early church disciples, as being something for all believers to receive (as distinct from being born-again) with a specific reference to Acts 2:1-4 in their Statement of Doctrine - however, they do NOT reference 1 Cor 12-14, concerning the supernatural gifts of Holy Spirit.
None of the others have publicly indicated that they are either "born-again", let alone spirit filled, although John McCain's frank and open speech concerning the time he spent as a POW strongly indicated (in a very quiet way) that his faith in God (the Judeo-Christian God) helped him pull through. He obviously had a spiritual awakening during that time, but what he truly believes is not very clear.
However, if the GOP wins the presidential race, I think we can take this as a sure sign that we are very, very, very close to Jesus' return."
as I thought had nothing to do with Branham and no I have no idea of the veracity of anything else this person might have said. Thought it was very interesting though
thought some of you might be interested in what Pat Boone had to say about the convention but more so about what happened before Gustav made landfall with many of the delegates
Convention Memories
Jib,
Who is the John you are referring to that you tracked down? Sorry if I missed it in an earlier conversation. I did see you mention him in your comment posted September 4, 2008 9:03 AM.
Jim G,
the John in question is Boatman
Silly me. I should have referred back to that list of names posted August 23, 2008 12:12 PM.
Then again, I didn't even realize that the John you were referring to was a cave dweller;-) Where's he been anyway?
Grace,
I know I have recommended a couple of books for you, before. But, Destined To Reign, by Joseph Prince, explains the difference in walking in true grace, that is removed from the law. It's something that we all need to hear, IMHO.
And I'm one chapter away from having read all of Jim Cymbala's book, You Were Made For More. Just what you are asking about, and explained by a seasoned Pastor.
Both are wonderful books with a heavy annointing from the Holy Spirit upon them. Please pray about securing copies and reading
them.
Also, reading, The Authority of the Believer, by Kenneth E. Hagin would be a great bonus for you, IMHO. As Kenneth Hagin always said, noone is going to get very far in their Christian walk, until they're learned to deal with the devil. The only place satan belongs is under our feet! It's up to us to use the name of Jesus, to come against him and his evil spirits, and cast them out of our lifes, and homes. Prayer wouldn't get the job done. It is up to us, because Jesus has paid the price for our salvation, healing and deliverance. Anyhow, I would strongly suggest you buy that book, as well :)
Everyone have a God centered Sunday.
And God's richest blessing upon everyone, too!
Grace, perhaps this article might help. I couldn't find it on the Omega Letter site but I had it on my blog. I find I have to read it now and then when I get down on myself.
The 'Defeated' Christian
What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?
I’m comforted that a giant like Paul penned these words:
Rom 7:20-25 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
Marge, I tend to think that we don't have authority over Satan other than the power of the Holy Spirit working through us to resist him, and that it is the Lord's feet that crush Satan's head. By the time I left the New Age I had attracted some disconcerting "experiences" in my house due to my dabbling with yoga-meditation. In my case I can verify that it was prayer and asking in Jesus’ name that stopped those experiences, not my authority. I think there’s a difference.
Do Christians have the authority to rebuke the devil?
Mar 9:28-29 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Eph 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Grace,
Just a suggestion. Before you read
"The Authority of the Believer, by Kenneth E. Hagin” I would concentrate on the other "grace" books Marge mentioned.
Also, a couple people here wanted the "In Christ" book. I'll send that to you if you'd like.(Just email me from my blog page.)
It's just a subject matter I wouldn't jump into before you've come to terms w/the former.
Hagin's "Tongues, Beyond The Upper Room" was good if your interested in finding out more about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and why or how some Christians speak in tongues.
But-there is something about "The Authority" book which didn't sit well w/me. I think it has to do w/the amount of "Power" one has or is supposed to have over Satan. Not even the angels directly rebuked Satan. There is power through Jesus name so I think that's well & fine. So in my opinion this Hagan book takes a truth too far.
I think Jen read it as well but I don't know what she thought about it.
Mac's post at 2:27 describes Pauls battle of the Spirit and the flesh as written in Romans 7.
Romans 8 then describes how this victory comes about:
Romans 8
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus WILL free us from the Law of sin and death!
I agree w/what the link said about taking "authority" too far.
On the other hand that "Got Questions" site is a little too conservative. I was just reading "If a Christian should exercise demons" out of someone & by the time you got to the end it basically said No & just reading the Word of God should do it.
Give me a break. I don't think the general Christian public should go around exercising demons out of their fellow man but those Pastors who are knowledgeable to do so certainly are able to cast them out of people.
As we speak many of Todd Bentley's followers are having problems w/the Kildani spirit demons. (The snake ones) And are desperate for help.
So Balance in all things. Seems like many times it swings too far right into hyper discernment or too far left into virtually no discernment.
The one link I posted w/Sarah Palin in her Church was good if you haven't seen it.
I don't claim to read hearts but if she's not filled with the Holy Spirit & Born Again I would be suprised.
(I'm testing the hard return problem-Andrew Storm's article:)
WHAT if MANIFESTATIONS DON'T STOP??
3 TESTIMONIES Are BELOW:
(1) Geri McGhee writes:
I received the following email from a child of God who has been
victimized by "soaking" in what she was told was the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps, there are others of you who are being tormented after an
experience with what you thought was the Holy Spirit; when in
reality; you were taken captive by a demonic spirit(s)...
"Dear Geri: I remember going to some meetings where they
believed in all of this that you have mentioned in your message on
"soaking". I have experienced the shaking, tingling, electrical
sensation going through my body, along with various other things
that they said was the Holy Spirit, not realizing that it is the Kundalini spirit... Have you ever delivered anyone from this horrible spirit and is it hard?
I have the cold sensations over my head, tingling, electrical
sensations going through my body, I can feel a serpent like
movement all over my back, I have this shaking when I pray, I feel
movement over my head, genitals, legs, etc, the list goes on and on.
You may share my testimony because I have struggled with this
for many years and no one has been able to help me. I have done
some research on this spirit, and what I have found is the very
same thing that you have told me. I just recently visited a church
where they brought back the impartation of TODD BENTLEY and
passed it on to some people including me, not knowing what I
was getting into. All of these manifestations are present at his
services as well. I can feel it in my chest, on my back and it is a
horrible crawling serpent sensation..."
Well that last one failed-this one won't:
(2) “I WAS DELIVERED”-‘Revival –Fire’
I have a recent testimony of deliverance that may be helpful to some people.
In 2003 I ended up in a Toronto Blessing type meeting; I was a youth worker for a Christian organization at the time. I had some spiritual experiences during this season at the Toronto type church. Something was transferred to me during this time. How do I know?
During this season God had begun to work in the lives of the young people I had been ministering to…After my Toronto meetings, when I now shared at the youth groups spiritual phenomena began to take place. Laughter broke out, some felt drunk, and others would feel like slumping on the floor when I prayed. At the time I didn’t quite understand it, some of it concerned me, but I didn’t want to quench it if it was God. One thing that did concern me was that one of the young people, who got ‘drunkenness’ for a couple days, wasn’t even saved.
Anyway, I’ve always had a love for the word of God, good doctrine and truth. Some of the things in the Toronto stuff never sat right with me. I did ting there were some new age influences. I did relax on the manifestations through and I have laughed, shook, jerked and ‘whooooaaaahhhhed’ with the best of them. Since that point I was a defender of ‘Toronto’.
When Lakeland kicked off I was hopeful, however having graduated from theological college, I was now more ‘skeptical’ about healing ministries. Don’t get me wrong. I believe in healing, however mass hype and hysteria and unsubstantiated claims caused me to be wary. I began to research Lakeland, Bentley,etc…As I read the articles, etc, I began to become more and more convinced that I and allowed myself to come under a false spiritual environment.
Having had hands laid on me by Toronto people I began to wonder about impartation and what I had received. One day wile out in the town some American Indians were doing some of their Native Music on the streets. I stopped to listen and as I listened I began to feel movement in my gut. The movement I felt was very similar to what I would feel during times of ‘praise & worship’. I thought to myself, Why is my spirit being moved (in an enjoyable way) by this pagan music? At this point I began to wonder about what sorts of spirits I had opened myself up to.
Anyway, the ‘new mystics’ meeting that I had ended up at last week(I didn’t know that is who they were) cause me to still feel that something wasn’t right. Although my eyes had been opened to the deception, I still felt there was a spiritual tie. I say this because my ‘spirit’ would respond to what was happening in the meeting at times even though it was obviously chaotic. Also during worship some people came up while I was worshipping and prayed for me. Again I felt that is wasn’t good.
The few days that followed this meeting were pretty awful emotionally. I felt drained, down and depressed. I then remembered that this is how I would often feel when I would come out of the Toronto meetings. In those days I would interpret this as God bringing negative stuff to the surface to deal with things. However as this began to happen again I began to doubt that this was the case. I also found it hard to pray or read the Word.
Anyway, while in bed, a few nights later, my wife was led to begin to pray for me. As she was praying while laying hands on my stomach she saw “a little black thing”. However she noticed that this little black thing was held tight and gripped by a fist. As she prayed it left. She did not tell me this until the morning. (FYI-I’ve heard of this very thing before-it may have been in Hagin’s books or somewhere.)
After she had prayed I felt better, went to sleep and woke up the next day much lighter. She then told me what she had seen. How I interpret it is like this: Thought the laying on of the hands and opening myself up to a deception the enemy got access.
Recent events caused me to see the truth of the deception regarding the spirit at work, my eyes were opened but there was still a spiritual tie on the inside.(probably due to transference)
The fat that it was held tight by a fist cause me to believe that the sprit had been ‘bound’ but that I had not been delivered. Perhaps this binding of the spirit is what has caused me to see the truth, however deliverance did not come until my wife prayed. Anyway, ever since this experience I have found that a lot of ‘things’ have ‘lifted off me.’
(Last one)
(3) “A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE”-Debylynne
“Revival-fire”- I found your post very interesting, especially when you talked about the “responses” you would feel and sense in yourself to things that you knew were not of God(ie.Indian music)and how similar they were to what you “felt” in response to “god” in these services. I have had the same experiences and it has really troubled me. Even when I was watching the clips about the Kundalini and I would “feel” myself begin to respond and “jerk” and “twitch” and shake and I would turn it off immediately because that rather “freaked me out”. I have never been to Toronto, nor have I had “direct” contact with anyone that has been there-but I have watched this stuff on God TV and I have “laid hands” on the TV screen to “receive” and thought it was ALL of God.
I have repented wholeheartedly, but I wonder if there is still something on the inside of me that need stronger action taken against it. I have not had my husband pray for me concerning this, but I believe I WILL..”
ANDREW RESPONDS: It is vital to understand that every Christian believer has God-given authority over their own “temple” so-to-speak. Yes-it is important to repent before God with true “godly sorrow” if you have opened yourself up to these spirits. But it is also vital to know that you can COMMAND these things to go in the name of Jesus Christ! I often talk about “RENOUNCING” things from the very depth of your being. It is not just with your “mouth only”. You are rejecting and expelling these things with every part of you-spirit, soul and body-in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. And they WILL go!
The same applies to other areas of darkness in people’s lives. If you suffer from depression or a bad temper or any other form of darkness you can’t get rid of-COMMAND it gone from the very depths of your being in Jesus name! I refer to these things as ‘strongholds’ rather than ‘demons’. And I have seen people utterly delivered of things they thought were “ingrained” in them-just by deeply and forcefully COMMANDING them gone in the mighty name of Jesus. Try it! Don’t delay. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” (2 Cor 10:4)
God bless you all!
Andrew Strom.
Lisa,
I agree with the 8:37 comments, from Andrew Strom. It's what the Bible instructs every believer to do, actually.
It's been years since I read the book, the Authority of the Believer. But, as memory serves, these are the same instructions Kenneth Hagin gives in the book.
Everyone enjoy a blessed and joyful Sunday!
P.S.
In fact, the only thing I would add to the 8:37 comments, are family curses. Or if anyone was involved in the occult, or anything along those lines.
Andrew Strom is right on!
I was innocently looking on Joel's Trumpet because that picture of the Dubai "Tower of Babel" is really quite something.
Then-I started reading the comments and it really made me feel great in a bad way.
If you think our discussions and debates get off track-look @ this one. I would have to say it's the exception because they are usually more subdued on the Trumpet.
It just goes to show the struggles we have w/our fallen human nature and how we should(& how difficult it is @ times) to strive to remain in Christ.
Does anyone have the feeling the enemy is turning it up a notch?
It's nothing I can put my finger on just a sense within.
One of the strangest articles I've seen (talk about bulding the tower of Babel!)
the world’s biggest scientific experiment, which critics claim could cause the end of the world
Dr Lyn Evans, who has been dubbed Evans the Atom, will this week switch on a giant particle accelerator designed to unlock the secrets of the Big Bang.
[One critic's comment]
‘Nothing will happen for at least four years [note, 2012],’ he said. ‘Then someone will spot a light ray coming out of the Indian Ocean during the night and no one will be able to explain it.
‘A few weeks later, we will see a similar beam of particles coming out of the soil on the other side of the planet. Then we will know there is a little quasar inside the planet.’
‘The weather will change completely, wiping out life, and very soon the whole planet will be eaten in a magnificent scenario – if you could watch it from the moon. A Biblical Armageddon. Even cloud and fire will form, as it says in the Bible.’ (end of quote from article)
Of course, Evans says his critics are crazy (not sure which sounds crazier, replicating the big bang or saying that will cause the end of the world) and seems to think this will give us useful information, like what is that mysterious stuff called dark matter, between particles?
Experiment to take place on Wednesday.
Anne in question response to your question:
like what is that mysterious stuff called dark matter, between particles?
the spirit world?
Lisa,
You mentioned if anyone else felt it was kicking up notch... let me tell you, I have never in my life experienced temptation like I have these last two weeks.
I keep telling the devil to flee, he keeps coming back. I am in continual prayer and seeking God on this one.
I feel as though this is one last desparate attempt on satan's part to steal off God's kids.
Without going into specifics, prayer would be greatly appreciated.
I know God's going to win on this, but it is still a difficult battle.
thanks
lori
Thank God for his word... I can all things thru Christ that strengthens me. I am more than a conqueror. The trying of my faith produces patience.
II Peter 3:14 ...be diligent that you may be found by him in peace, without spot and blameless.
vs. 17 You therefore, my beloved, seeing that you know these things beforehand, beware lest you follow the error of the lawless, and fall from your own steadfastness.
Be vigilant and cautious, because your adversary, the devil like a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.
Rise up, therefore, against him, as you are steadfast in the faith, knowing that your brethren who are in the world also suffered these same afflictions. But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, who God has given to us, will strengthen us to endure these little affflictions that we may be made steadfast and remain in him for ever. I Peter 5:8-10
Lori, my thoughts exactly (about the spirit world, dark matter).
I've said a prayer for you.
...Be vigilant and cautious...like a roaring lion...Jesus Christ will strengthen us to endure...
What good reminders.
Hi Anne,
Too weird that you posted that article snip...I read that earlier this afternoon and wanted to link it here with a few comments, but wasn't sure if I was being led to do that, so I prayed about it and went to do some chores. Then I saw your post about the very same article. I guess that's my confirmation then?
I've read about this experiment casually over the last few months and kinda dismissed the hype about it going wrong because as we know, the world isn't going to be "eaten alive" with all that is yet to take place, according to the Bible.
However, today's article mentioned a new piece of info that I hadn't seen before and that involves the fact that the potential "disappearing matter" aspect of this experiment, should it go wrong, wouldn't show up for at least 4 years. Of course my mind jumped to 2012....there is that number again. Although I'm not convinced that it's a target date because everything connected to it seems satanically-inspired. Could be Satan's way of getting people worked up and then let-down on purpose to wreck their faith or the fact that he's not omniscient and 2012 is his best guess about God's master plan. We won't know til we can Monday-morning quarterback it.
Anyway, the scientist involved is essentially trying to prove the absence of God at the most basic element of matter, which I assume would be used to put an end to any and all belief that a creator exists. I almost wish I could be there when his test, rather than solve this great 'mystery', unlocks a whole new set of mysteries that he will have to humbly announce to his community. (I've read that he admits if he doesn't find that particle he's expecting to find, he'll be back to square one in terms of what he believes.) There is a pending suit against the group that is conducting this experiment, trying to get a restraining order put into place, but as mentioned, the test is scheduled for Wed. Something to watch for sure!
Lori - will update my prayers for you and agree with you for victory over these snares. I've been seeing new attacks against me (mostly health-related) and some against family/friends increase as I spend time on the battlefield. I used to avoid the battle as I didn't want to cause any attention that might put me in crosshairs. Now I just go get a bigger sword. The final outcome is too important to be spending time on the sidelines.
Lisa - I haven't read any more of Hagin's books although it's on my 'to do' list. Not sure which I would choose. And not sure when I'd have time to read anything these days as I find myself in the midst of all kinds of projects and 'assignments', but should the Lord tarry, I'm sure I'll get a few more to work through. I almost have hubby ready to read Epicenter which would be a great move forward. His head is half-way out of the sand now, but he hasn't gotten fired up yet about things. This election stuff has really given us some good topics for conversation, though, and he watched Joel on Glenn Beck last week. All good bits of progress.
OK, gotta run. Nap time is over.
Blessings to all,
Jen
Jen, I love that: "Now I just go get a bigger sword."
Anne, I read some info on the "experiment" but not w/all the details of what could happen. Wow-it does sound like the Trib. They should not be allowed to do something like this since there is a possibility it could effect the entire earth. Sounds like some kind of mad-men experiment! WaaHaaaHaaa! I wonder if it will make the earth's atmosphere really go nuts-watch out Wednesday & beyond!
Did anyone see the movie Expelled?
On the front page of answersupdate newsletter (From Answers in Genesis)is an article called "Talking to Aliens?" It said in the movie "Expelled" a famous atheist Dr.Richard Dawkins of Oxford University, responded to a question stating "that life could have been "seeded" on earth by aliens.
The U.S.federal govt., through groups like SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on alien research.(tax dollars mind you)
And that currently NASA is using tax dollars to teach students how to communicate w/Aliens. One program is at the University of Wyoming called "English 4050/5560" otherwise known as "Interstellar Message Composition." Here is one student's work: "We are an adolescent species searching for our identity."
**Thought it was interesting the topic got on the "front page" of the Genesis based Christian organization. Since their focus is not on prophesy or end time deception they only see it from a "Who created life?" type perspective.
Lori-know we are praying for you & Grace.Just vision Jen's big sword {:
Just when you thought the Da Vinci Code controversy was wearing off, several more high-profile Hollywood projects are reportedly in the works that will once again challenge some basic Christian precepts.
Lisa, I saw Expelled months ago. I remember when Stein pushed Dawkins about the possibility of intelligent design, Dawkins denied the possibility of God being that designer, but that if creation had been intelligently designed it would have been by aliens! (Or maybe it was if life had been designed by an intelligent being.) Amazing. I think my jaw dropped into my popcorn.
I was sorry that Ben didn't ask him who designed the aliens.
Shalom, all! I have posted here before about Mark Mallett's blog, "Spiritual Food for Thought." Last week I posted a link to his blog entry about statues of Mary having their left hands falling off. He posted that entry last Monday (a week ago tomorrow). Since he posted that entry, he has received numerous letters from people reporting not only that their statues of Mary have lost their left hands, but also many "signs and wonders."
He posted a new blog entry this afternoon. You should understand that he rarely if ever updates his blog on Sundays -- Sundays are days of rest to spend with his family. This blog entry contains a prophetic warning and a prophetic dream that I think you should all read and think about.
Be advised: The photo at the top of the blog is very disturbing. It shows the hands of an aborted person placed on a quarter for a size comparison.
The kings of Judah have filled this place with the blood of the innocent. They have built high places for Baal to immolate their sons in fire as holocausts to Baal: such a thing as I neither commanded nor spoke of, nor did it ever enter my mind. (Jer 19:4-5)
<><
P.S. One of the regular posters on the End Times thread at CAF commented on this prophetic dream saying, "I pray what the person saw in the dream will not happen, however if there were to be some sort of attack on the U.S that might explain why everything seems to be working against me buying a ticket to fly home and visit my family at the end of September.
Jim C.
I agree. It's very sobering but definitely worth reading and letting the Holy Spirit speak to us in whatever way He chooses.
Mark Mallett – The Hour of Decision
I saw this article a couple of weeks ago. The following caught my eye.
Higgs, a 79-year-old Edinburgh University professor who as an atheist angrily rejects the idea of calling the boson the "God particle"—believes it will show up very quickly once the beams are colliding in the LHC.
"If it doesn't," he said during a visit to CERN earlier this year, "I shall be very, very puzzled."
CERN's 'Big Bang' Experiment Given Green Light
I have no idea if the elusive particle will show up but I'm hoping they don't and that the Lord opens this guy's spiritual eyes.
The fool says in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.
Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1
As far as this experiment bringing an end to the world, we know that is in God's sovereign hands.
Unfortunately, the fact that some have suggested we don't know what the repurcussions of this experiment might be (I'm certainly no expert on this), I can see how it might be used to "explain" a great number of people mysteriously disappearing from the face of the earth.
Won't people everywhere (saved and unsaved) hear a trumpet sound though?
Matthew 24:31
1 Corinthians 15:52
1 Thessalonians 4:16
I had that same thought Jim G. wouldn't it just be an explanation.
that prophecy that John spoke has somewhat preoccupied my mind as we head into this next election cycle-I just find it so fascinating to run through various scenarios with it.
Lori-praying for you. remember not to battle in your strength but the strength of the Lord. wish someone had pointed that out to me at one point.
seems BHO might have slipped up on camera about his muslim roots.
My muslim faith
a few of them are r rated and some are religiously offensive but overall very funny-especially if you've ever read any of the chuck norris little known facts. (chuck norris btw recommended this site with great delight)
Tongue in Cheek LKF's about Palin
Jim G., Shalom, and thanks for posting the link! I was so upset by what I was reading there I totally forgot to include the link to the blog!
Lori, you are in my prayers.
Lisa, glad you've gotten a handle on the "hard return problem!"
Grace, I was up until 2AM last night researching your question about "repentance". Seems it's an "easy" question on the same order of "why is the sky blue."
Repentance, repent, penance, penitent -- they all have the same root, which can be described as "on a course." To "repent" is to change course. If you've ever been sailing, you know how you frequently need to change course -- winds blow you off course, the tides force you away from your goal. "Repentance" is the process of using G_D as your compass to change course in your life.
If by "what does repentance look like" you mean, how do you know if you have repented, that's a horse of a different color. You may want to think in terms of "contrition" -- being contrite or humble in your confessing to G_D that you have sinned. There's a prayer that's taught to Catholic kids from an early age called the "Act of Contrition" that I think sums up what you're asking:
O, My God, I am sorry with all my heart
for having offended thee.
And I detest all my sins
because of Thy just punishment.
But most of all
because they offend Thee my God,
Who art all good
and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve
with the help of Thy Grace
To sin no more
And to avoid
the near occasion of sin
For Repentance, you have to be sorry "with all [your] heart", not just because you're going to be punished, but because you've hurt someone (G_D) that you love. You can't just be sorry; you have to "firmly resolve" to change you course -- throw out of your life those things that lead you past "the near occasion of sin."
The problem is that we are human. Our strength fails, our firmness is weak, and so we constantly need a course correction. G_D does not care how many course corrections we need, so long as we still call on Him to guide our course.
<><
I saw that one, Jib. I thought that was very funny. Freudian slip?
PS Lori, still praying.
Crescent of Betrayal
"I think gay Republicans are going to run away" if Palin supports efforts like the prayers to convert gays, said Wayne Besen, founder of the New York-based Truth Wins Out, a gay rights advocacy group.
That Da Vinci Code is still a thorn in my side. Hubby brings it up and has watched it several times. (I think the subliminal message rubbed off on him!) I saw it but don't even remember what the big deal was. That Jesus was supposedly married? (NOT!)
Jim,
The hard return is not quite the handle on the problem your thinking about. It's truly stubborn determination. I retyped the whole thing. }: (Talk about hard headed-I was not going to let it detour me!)
Several links to thank all of you for, but Jim C, thanks for the Mark Mallett alert. I look in on him now and then and am grateful for his courage to speak out.
I plan to take part in the 40 days for life, prayer and fasting. I came to the decision after watching a very graphic video of abortion, more graphic than anything Justice for Life puts out. I could not control my tears and sobs. I realized we have become so desensitized to the reality of abortion that words no longer have an effect on most of us. We must use images.
40 Days for Life coming to 170+ cities this fall40 Days for Life coming to 170+ cities this fall
Justice For All
Video Abort Please, please be aware that this video is extremely graphic and disturbing. It shows many actual abortions and the torn apart bodies of babies. I suggest prayer before deciding to watch, because it could be just voyeurism, or casual indulgence. I have been reluctant to pass on the link to others because these little lives deserve dignity in their tragic end, not exploitation.
Jim G~Thanks for the great start to research the scriptures. I am prayfully reading them. Thanks for the reminder of grace too.
Mac, awesome articles from Omega. Yes, walking in the cool of the evening and just talking with God about it and asking for his deliverance and a word to my heart about it. If truth be told we are all in this same place at one time or another.
"...Grace, I was up until 2AM last night researching your question about "repentance"..."
Jim C~
Thank you for your diligence. You have a special place in my heart!
I know that in my case I have failed in an area so many times that I have given up instead of continuing to changing course. I loved the prayer. I know that my heart is contrite and that God is working in me to do His good pleasure.
I have really been asking the Lord lately if the sorrow over the lack of victory in this area is fear of losing my salvation, or is it Godly sorrow for not pleasing God.
One thing I know, is that as a child of God, it never feels good to sin. You are ALWAYS torn. I am really tired of the battle and the lack of peace.
I really liked the part in the prayer that said "and to avoid the near occasion of sin". To me that says to not even walk in that direction by entertaining thoughts about it, avoiding situations that would make it easier to commit the sin. Yep, throw those things out of your life that lead you to the near occasion of sin.
Years ago I was a smoker. I could never quit. Try and fail. Finally my mom came up for a visit and I did not want to be a "bad" witness so I fought that hard fight. It was the hardest thing I ever did. I found that if I even entertained the thought of smoking it made the temptation even stronger and more difficult to resist.
Marge, I have not forgotten that you recommended the book to me and I have looked it up! I need to lay out the cold hard cash for it and plan to do so!
I will be honest with you though, since I have not read the book I am a little fearful that he is a bit of a "name it and claim it" guy. I do not know that though, so I will give it a chance.
Lori, my heart and especially my prayers go out to you today. I agree, it seems that for quite some time things have gone up a notch in my life. To the point of ridicule from some in my family for trying take a stand for what is right and live a righteous life. I am picking up that great big sword today with you. We cannot fight this with reason, it takes the word of God.
Grace
Anne, Shalom! At the bottom of Mark Mallett's latest blog is a link to a radio interview he did where he discusses a "warning" he received after reading the prophet Amos. He recv'd it after traveling through some American cities on his way back to Ottawa. You can hear the interview in MP3 format here. It's very compelling (or creepy, depending on your point of view) to hear him read the warning in Amos, substituting the names of American and Canadian cities for the names used in scripture.
I wanted to warn you to watch the YouTube video while you can. YouTube has a way of censoring content for supposed "terms of use violations" when they don't support their point of view. You'll see in this article how YouTube has removed several videos that show Planned Parenthood's support for race-selective abortion.
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Grace,
You will find that, Destined To Reign, by Joseph Prince, is about the true message of grace, that Paul taught. And it's not mixed with parts of the law, as soemtimes taught today.
There is More For You, by Jim Cymbala, is not about confession, either. It's a very good book, and I would urge anyone to read it.
Kenneth E. Hagin, was the pioneer of the modern Faith message. And he never taught, "blab it, and grab it, either." Sadly, some in the "off shoot" of the message, have made it into what I consider a "hyper" faith message. which borders more on presumption, that Bible faith.
Keep in mind, that the salvation message used (sometime ago now, granted) to be called, the great confession. Please, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, on confession.
My prayer is that you will be blessed reading these books, or whichever one you wish to buy. Reading the Bible, and books along these lines, help us accomplish what is instructed in Romans 12:2. renewing the mind. Something we all need to do.
May everyone have a blessed day!
Grace, Shalom, and you're welcome! I, too, really like that part of the prayer that mentions "the near occasion." One of these days, I want to write a book with that title. Don't know what it will be about, but it sounds like a great title!
As for quitting smoking, I've found tying the vict... excuse me, the subject to a bed with leather straps for at least three days is very effective. The only thing is the straps have to be at least 1 inch wide by 1/4 inch thick, otherwise they're too easy to gnaw through. And you have to be careful to make sure the subject doesn't chew off their own hands in trying to escape.
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on of our gyns tells patients who want to quit to drink a bunch of syrup of ipecac, then chain smoke as many ciagerettes as possible right after and combine it with something you dislike to eat or drink. sounds a bit dicey to me for what it's worth-not sure how much of the ipecac he tells them to drink but supposedly once you start retching your brain is supposed to associate vomiting with smoking.
most folks I know who quite smoking successfully for good tell me they just woke up one morning and decided to quit-no weaning off, no patches etc. cold turkey. my grandmother broke her 3 pack a day habit that way. I have to admire people who can just up and quit something. my vice is food and it is quite hard to break also. I have come to realize however that as much as i like food I was substituting it for abiding in God and hungering and thirsting after Him. my daily prayer is for God to help me abide in him and to replace my craving for foods I shouldn't be eating with a craving for Him. It has been much easier to resist some foods this time around (yes a frequent dieter here).
Jim C, yes, I did listen to that audio about the "warning" Mark received. Interestingly, before Jim G put up the link, I had mistakenly read Mark's post on May 25,2008 which includes this:
"Three words came to me:
Very quickly now.
Events around the world are going to unfold very rapidly now. I saw three "orders" collapse one upon the other like dominoes:
The economy, then the social, then the political order."
I am finding myself praying more and more for unbelieving family and friends, that the scales would be lifted and that He would use me more and more. I was so surprised when I listened to the shofar that Nate linked, how my heart sang and longed to hear the Lord call to us, Come, now is the time! So, I, too, am sensing something big is about to happen. I'm also praying that I will not hype myself up, but that I will only focus on Him and not false alarms.
Jim C, on another subject, my daughter is looking for spiritual reading material for the next week or so and is considering The Life of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen. Also, Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton.
She is not Catholic but likes and trusts Mother Teresa. She is turned off by the "televangelists" and many evangelicals.
What do you think?
I just received the following e-mail from a friend. Very interesting in light of our other recent discussions regarding Palin.
(I realize the video was already posted but the rest of the e-mail info was new to me.)
OH MY GOODNESS!! YOU MUST READ THIS!! You will get goosebumps and get tears when you watch the video. Read this first, then watch the video.
WE MUST STAND UP AND PRAY CONTINUALLY AND FERVANTLY FOR AMERICA AND THE UPCOMING ELECTION.
Sarah Palin is 44
4 + 4 = 8
8 = Year of New Beginnings
Sarah Palin will be the 44th Vice President
He conintued to say, "She will be the Margaret Thatcher of America "
She will be, "The President one day"
Here are some reports from the prophets about Gov. Sarah Palin-
CHUCK PIERCE
I believe you are aware that Dutch Sheets was used by the Lord to call prayer before the 2000 Bush election that was so close. He said this morning that this election is perhaps even more critical than 2000 because of the Supreme Court. If the right political posture is not elected, we stand to lose decades of progress and the repurcutions are enormous. Last year Chuck Pierce and Greg Hood (both prophets) prophecied that in 2008 we are not electing a president but the vice president. Dutch said he could get no release in his heart to back Huckaby even though pressured by many in the body of Christ. Huckaby is a good man and a strong believer, but he was not
God's choice. Dutch also told us that he knows a man who gave McCain a prophetic word that McCain had made a vow to God when he was at the bottom during his POW days and now God was calling in that vow. McCain was visibly moved by this word.
Dutch was traveling to Texas on Friday and when he landed in the airport, his wife called and told him to get to the TV asap. He watched McCain introduce Governor Palin and said he began to weep, even though he knew nothing about her. (I experienced the very same thing and we have had reports of many others including Newt Gingrich.) He asked what the significance of this 44-year-old woman was and he saw the clock said 4:44. He asked the Lord what that was and the Lord said, 'Ezekiel 44:4.' 'He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD; and I fell on my face. NKJV North gate representing Alaska .
A few years ago Dutch and Chuck Pierce went on a 50-state tour prophecying over the state their part in God's purposes for the U.S. At the meeting in Texas that evening Dutch was relaying his experience about the Governor to Chuck who said, 'Do you remember what the word was the Lord gave us for Alaska ?' The Lord had shown them that Alaska is the alpha and omega state. It is the place where things begin and end.
You may realize that some of the Alaskan islands are on the other side of the Dateline meaning that the day begins and ends in Alaska. The Lord said that Alaska is a gateway for the Ancient of Days to come into the nation. The Lord told Dutch (back in Alaska ) to tell the people of Alaska to look forward into their destiny. Alaska has a assignment to open doors and a place where prophets and intercessors were trained. It turns out that the Govenor who was raised in a Pentecostal Church , according to our newspaper, founded the prayer movement in Alaska .
We will be having the last of our 90 days beginning in a major gathering Sept 11th. The significance of this is that Chuck Pierce had prophecied that there would be 7 years of war and Sept 11 marks the end of that time and the entering of the 8th year. Someone said that 44 = 4+4 or 8. Dutch asked why he and Chuck were in Texas for this announcement and the Lord reminded him that the word for Texas was that it is a prophetic state - that the Lord's purpose for Texas is this prophetic function.
Dutch then decreed she will enter the White House. Now, if you don't know him, he is cautious, has his feet on the ground, and never goes of 'half cocked' when it comes to prophecy. He said that he believes as of Friday the U.S. has come into a new level of alignment wilth the Lord and His purposes. By the way, the Governor will be the 44th Vice President. He continued to declare that she will be the Margaret Thatcher of America including that she would be President one day. Many other things came forth. I literally thought I would explode because the Lord had shown me many of these same things yesterday. I believe we especially need to rally prayer for the family and children of the Governor. They will be targeted by the enemy and I believe we need special prayer for the oldest daughter. Please take this seriously in your prayers.
Alaska
When the Lord said in Seattle to go to the Northern Gate, we had no idea why that was so very important. However, by the Spirit, I knew that Robert and Linda Heidler were to go with Mary Glazier, a key Apostolic leader in Alaska , who will be with us at Head of the Year. One cannot invest money like that without hearing the Lord. We felt we were to spiritually open the north gate because we felt Alaska would play a pivotal role in the year ahead. We are now seeing that play out with the appointment of Sarah Palin in as the Vice Presidential running mate for John McCain on the Republican campaign. Dutch Sheets and I are now in Waco with a group of intercessors praying concerning the upcoming elections. (This IS from Chuck Pierce's recent emailings)
Here is a video of Sarah Palin speaking in the Assembly of God church where she grew up. She is a spirit filled Christian and this video is really prophetic when listening to it in hindsight of where she is today. You can clearly see the hand of God. It sounds as though this video took place within the last year. It is 14 minutes long.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1766638341
Please pray for Sarah Palin's "destiny" in how it is to unfold within the USA right now.
Lord in the Name of Jesus, we bless Sarah Palin and ask that You will protect she and her loved ones for such a time as this. We bind and break off any demonic assignment against her and loose to her 7 fold blessings in replacement. We cover her in the blood of Jesus Christ. We loose the angels of God to go with her and carry her into her destiny created before she was born. Thank You Lord for Your hidden servants and all that You do to raise them up. Thank You Lord that she honors You with her life. Now we ask that You will honor her, in a job well done. Open the double doors and release her into Your chosen destiny in Jesus Name we pray, amen.
Job 38:22-23 NKJV
"Have you entered the treasury of snow, Or have you seen the treasury of hail, Which I have reserved for the time of trouble, For the day of battle and war?
JIM G.
WOW! WOW! AND MORE WOWS!
A few days ago Marge and I shared something that neither one of us knew the other one had experienced. It all flows together with what you have posted here regarding Dutch Sheets.
I don't care hear one "I don't believe that; or God doesn't do that; or any other mind arguments.
I just know that God moves in mysterious ways and when he moves he speaks to the Believers and Followers who believe him and have an ear to hear. What they hear and receive bears witness with their Holy Spirit and is shared by many. If you don't share that revelation it just means the revelation was not for you at this time. But God is not a respecter of persons and the vessels he uses are not to be the object. It is the message and the author.
Even the archangel Michael, when he argued with the devil and fought over the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him. Instead, he said, "May the Lord rebuke you!" Jude 1:9
If you will notice, that was over the body of Moses, before Christ was part of the Body of Believers and even before the BOB! Angels were not given the Authority of the Believers by the administration of Jesus Himself when he said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater (meizona) things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12.
You do see the word ANYONE and then he adds HAS FAITH IN ME.
Are you anyone?
Grany
Remember I was asking about Psalm 83 because we don't talk about it much?Take a look @ this article:
Psalm 83 or Ezekeil 38?
***It makes sense that Psalm 83 comes first. That's the reason for the omission of some of the Arab nations mentioned in Ezekiel & why they have "come to take spoil."
Anne, Shalom! Re: your daughter's spiritual reading; you can't go wrong with anything by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. If she likes his "Life of Christ", then she should definitely read "Life is Worth Living." It's a collection of transcripts from his radio and TV shows. (Radio in the 30's, on ABC TV from 1951 - 1957.)
Thomas Merton is good. "The Seven Storey Mountain" is his autobiography of how he went from political activism to becoming a Trappist monk. (The Trappists are the monks who take permanent vows of silence.) His "Spiritual Direction and Meditation" is an excellent introduction to contemplative prayer. He has fallen out of favor in Catholic circles recently because of others who have taken his writings and gone "out-of-bounds" with them, but his original works have still stood the test of time.
I have never made the time to read any of the works of St. Teresa of Avila, but now I think I should. When I was looking for examples of some of her writings, I came across her biography at Catholic.org:
When she was five years old she convinced her older brother that they should, as she says in her Life, "go off to the land of the Moors and beg them, out of love of God, to cut off our heads there." They got as far as the road from the city before an uncle found them and brought them back. Some people have used this story as an early example of sanctity, but this author think it's better used as an early example of her ability to stir up trouble.(!) (You can read this brief biography here.)
St. Teresa of Avila was a mystic who was a religious reformer. The mystic quality may make her writings difficult to plow through; then again, that could just be the quality of the translation. My two favorite quotes by her: "May God protect me from gloomy saints" and "If this is how you treat your friends, Lord, it's no wonder you have so few of them". Two interesting things about her: She is one of the Incorruptibles; and her heart shows the signs of Transverberation.
The Incorruptibles are saints whose bodies have remained incorrupt to this day. When St. Teresa of Avila died, she was buried in a simple wooden coffin. When her body was dug up nine years later to be moved to her home in Avila, the coffin was falling apart and her clothes were decaying, but she herself showed no sign of decay. In fact, her skin was still smooth and pliant. The Sisters reclothed her, and while this was happening, the sweetest perfumed scent filled the monastery.
Years later, as part of the investigation in her canonization process, her body was exhumed again and found to still be without decay. An autopsy was performed to confirm that the incorruptibility extended to all her organs and not just her skin, and it was found that her heart was Transverberated by an angel's dart. This is a special grace. To quote St. John of the Cross, "It will happen that while the soul is inflamed with the Love of God, it will feel that a seraph is assailing it by means of an arrow or dart which is all afire with love. And the seraph pierces and in an instant cauterizes this soul, which, like a red-hot coal, or better a flame, is already enkindled. The soul is converted into an immense fire of Love. Few persons have reached these heights." Her heart has a small cauterized wound that was done pre-mortem. Her heart was removed and placed in a crystal reliquary, where four centuries after her death it retains its color and shows no signs of decay. Since the nineteenth century in addition to the Transverberation, three sharp thorns are visible at the base of the heart.
One book I cannot recommend highly enough: "Story of a Soul" by Saint Therese of Lisieux, aka "The Little Flower." She was someone who was admitted to the convent by special permission when she was 15; she died of tuberculosis in 1897 when she was 24. "Story of a Soul" is a collection of her journal entries that explain her "little path" to loving G_D. Since she could not do "great things" for G_D (start missions, etc.), she found a "little way" to G_D. Originally, only 2,000 copies were printed to be sent to other convents; within 2 years over 2,000,000 copies were in circulation. It's been translated into 35 languages and is considered one of the top 10 spiritual books of the 20th century. Make sure she gets an edition that's been published since 1980: there were problems with the original editing that have been corrected in editions published after then.
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I forgot about St. John of the Cross! I used to read him often!
Jim, do you mind if I copy what you wrote and send it to my daughter? I will, of course protect what little identity I have of you, and also that of the cave!
I think I'll take a look at these books myself.
BTW, when I was in Rome several years ago, we visited the Catacombs some miles outside the city. It was a fascinating tour, but my memory is fuzzy on something which you might know about. I think one of the saints buried there was one of the Incorruptibles. Is that possible?
Jim G.,
After reading that prophecy, the song entered my spirit, with the lyrics that say:
"Who is on the Lord's side?"
And I also recalled, when Joshua asked, the same question.
I beleive that the Lord is asking the American people that same question today.
May God bless His prophets in the land! Amen!
Hi Lisa, thanks for posting that link re: psalm 83 and Ez 38.
We commented at length about it a while back, which may be why it was not commented upon again.
Many Bible teachers do think Psalm 83 will proceed Ez 38.
I have not focused on that for a while...and have not read this article..but will...so thank you for posting it.
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I just found this correction to the email that relates to Dutch Sheets. On his web site this correction appears..
"Important Corrections
There has been an email circulating with quotes from Pastor Dutch regarding Senator McCain and Governor Palin, however there are several inaccuracies within its content that warrant this statement.
The comment about Sarah Palin starting the prayer movement in Alaska is incorrect. She did not start the prayer movement, however she is a woman of prayer. Pastor Dutch did not state that she is Pentecostal, the media has published that.
Also, the comments regarding the vow made by Senator McCain while a POW is slightly off. Pastor Dutch was told that someone sent Mr. McCain a letter that was prophetic in nature and asked him if he had made promises to God while a POW. It was very personal in nature and his response was not disclosed.
Lastly, the statement about Palin being the 44th Vice President is wrong. She would be in the 44th administration (she would be the 47th vice president).
Grany
Grany,
Thanks for the corrections.
However, it's still a wonderful word :)
May God never withdraw His hand, of blessing America.
Dicernment Catholicism
I read the article of "Entertaining Devils Unaware" just yesterday which speaks of those "un-decomposing bodies" and
other "mystic" type things.
Beware Jim C.-This will definately get you worked up so-I'm warning you in advance. David Prasch used to be RRC so he points out what he thinks is not good.
I've just been to Creation Ministries International - they have set out quite a good resource page. Jesus Christ Q & A
Shalom, Lisa! Yeah, you were right. The article got me upset. (BTW, the article was written by Jackie Alnor, not David Prasch.) What upsets me the most is the almost deliberate misunderstanding and mis-stating of Catholic beliefs. One example is where she writes:
On Ash Wednesday, the priests make a round mark with their thumbs on the forehead of their parishioners reminiscent of the way Hindu gurus mark the so-called third eye of their initiates.
This is where finding out the truth would have been so simple, that to spread this misinformation must be considered sinful -- knowingly bearing false witness. If she had simply asked a priest, she would have gotten an answer -- probably not one she would like, but the truth is often not what we like or even want. On Ash Wednesday, we imitate the people who, in repenting their sins, would put ashes on their heads. In this case, it's not so blatant (remember, when we fast we are to wash our faces, etc.) but it is still biblical. You walk up to the priest, who uses his thumb to make a cross on the forehead saying, "Remember, Man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shall return."
Now, I'd like to see any of you put ash on your thumb, make a cross on a piece of paper with it, put more ash on your thumb, and repeat that two hundred times at a reasonable rate (these people have to get to work or get home, you know) and see what the cross looks like then.
As another example of stretching the truth to the point of lying, in talking about Padre Pio and his gift of bi-location, she says "... Rome recognizes it as a sign of sainthood, ..." This is absolutely not true. It is a supernatural occurrence, which could be demonic or could be divine. Discerning which is which requires examining the fruits of the person's works and life. Examine the life of Padre Pio and what was accomplished through him, and tell me if it's the same as Todd Bentley's life.
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Uh...Jim? Could you calm down enough to answer my question...about copying your thorough report on the Catholic authors to my daughter?
Russia says to send nuclear warship to Caribbean
Russia said on Monday it would send a heavily-armed nuclear-powered cruiser to the Caribbean for a joint naval exercise with Venezuela, its first major maneuvers on the United States' doorstep since the Cold War.
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Anne, my apologies. Yes, please feel free to copy the list to your daughter.
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I hear you, Jim C and I understand your frustration. I do happen to know a bit about Padre Pio's story and Jackie Alnor gets it wrong. I wish some "discernment ministries" did their homework at times - especially because by their very nature they should be practising discernment!
Anne, Shalom! You wrote:
BTW, when I was in Rome several years ago, we visited the Catacombs some miles outside the city. It was a fascinating tour, but my memory is fuzzy on something which you might know about. I think one of the saints buried there was one of the Incorruptibles. Is that possible?
I think you're talking about St. Cecilia. Not much is known about her, except her name and the year of her death -- 177 AD. Her body was discovered in the catacombs in 1599, and is the first saint known to be incorrupt.
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Russia agrees deadline to withdraw forces from Georgia "Sarkozy, the current EU president, led today's negotiations together with the European commission president, José Manuel Barroso, and the EU's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana"
Iran army to hold war games amid speculation over Israeli strike
Venezuela to host Russia navy exercise in Caribbean
Bush cancels civilian nuclear deal with Russia
North Korea 'uses doubles to hide death of Kim Who's running the show?
China marches past USA to stake a claim to Iraq's oil
Religious 'Defamation' on Agenda at UN Rights Session
Iran's first nuclear plant nears completion
U.S. plans $7 billion missile-defense sale to UAE
Opinion piece: The Israel-Georgia Military Axis
No time to say Hello, Goodbye, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!
Thanks, Jim C. She did buy the Bishop Sheen book and after reading your review, suggested we read St. Teresa's autobiography together. I think I will.
I pulled out my old Catacombs of Rome book, and yes it was St. Cecilia.
Jim C.
I know there is alot of misunderstanding in regards to articles in discernment ministries and sometimes things are taken a bit too far.(Isn't that why we can count on you to balance these things out?)
Just from getting to know you I can attest to that fact.
But as far as Idolatry & Pagan practices morphing into Christian tradition-the RRC has everyone beat.
Catholics obviously don't consider these rituals/traditions idolatry or they would not continue in that practice.
But those who compare how the Jewish OT tradition & NT Christians worshipped in Jesus day with how the pagans worshipped their gods it becomes apparent that what has been incorporated into some Christian denominations is clearly idolatry. (We all know that is why Reformation initially happened.)
You’re much more informed on History than I as far as detail is concerned & you know how the pagan practices in Constantine's day were brought into the Church to appease the masses. That took compromise and they left the unpolluted practices in which the apostles were warning people not to stray from.
It was also predicted that the Church was going to indeed stray & it did.
And we know from History and God's word how He feels about any form of idolatry. The Jews were constantly in trouble for it. Again, & again, & again. Before the 2nd temple destruction they began to worship the Sun god and face the east gate. It was through that very east gate the Babylonians came in and took them out. Call it a double entendra.
I respect you are sincere and an extremely devoted Catholic.
There is probably no Church exempt from incorporating some type of practice in it today that was not there in the time of the Apostles.
The fear of many non-Catholics is that the veneration of Mary & the Idolatry (including statues, apparitions,relics, non-decaying bodies or parts etc...)which began w/incorporating Mystical practices within the Church is a form of Idolatry unacceptable to the Lord.
(Which I feel in my spirit is true)
So even though these discernment Ministries don't have all the facts 100% correct the intention is not to just be conspiracy RCC bashers-it's because they have a sincere fear for those involved in the RCC because of the things mentioned.
Various Christian denominations are relaxing their stance on the RRC & idolatry but we live in a time where the Church is in a state of apostasy & decay.
If we are not "caught up" in the near future and things continue as they are-looks like very few Christians will end up like one of the lone rangers standing up for what they find is truth as the Church falls into compromise and crumbles from worldly pressure.
But we also know from History God always keeps a remnant & my hope is that I'll be one of them.
In that 2nd Temple destruction the Holy Spirit put a seal on those who were upset by what was happening around them & were not going w/the flow.
What would really be great is a worldwide Revival-(Have not actually seen or been in one like some of you have) if we are not too far down the timeline near Daniel's 70th week. If we are in the "apostasy" faze of Matthew
then it seems kind of doubtful.
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Mat. 10:22).
So if Christians find themselves not hated as the world gets worse & worse it may be time to rethink their Biblical positions.
Christains will always be hated by the "world" to some degree. But the non-compromising Christians will also be hated by their fellow Christians who do go w/the worldly flow. (Just research what Rick Warren does to those who disagree w/him but he's sure chummy w/anyone who Will accept his views.)
We can all choose not to know what's going on in Christendom & live in our own semi-peaceful worlds. (Temporary bliss) If/when Christendom begins to truly accept each other (due to compromise) things will surely get very ugly & tense for those who buck the system.
Todd Bentley is an extreme Mystic example. The JW's,Mormons,even the regular Joe can exhibit great & abundant fruit-"works". It's definately something we are to examine but it is not absolute proof of following Christ in spirit & in truth.
The end result is that we leave those judgments up to God as nothing is hidden from His sight. Our requirement is to love,assist,serve, and warn our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ if we feel they may be vearing off or off course.
He knows if it's done out of love and the heart or out of some form of self-righteousness.
Those who truly fear the Lord & His judments tend to take more of a stand than those who don't. If everything's OK & fine w/Him then there is no motivation to say otherwise.
This is a whole other subject but fear or the lack there of does effect how people react.
(Muslims=Fear=Domination, JW's=Fear=Lack of compromise w/their beliefs.Christendom=no Fear=Compromise.)
So now I'm going to the realm of fantasy and go try "Steak & Shake" for lunch. (1st time) I'm sure that's quite enough of my rambelings for one day.(or week-month?)
Joel has 2 new posts up...warriors needed to pray for Rev. Botros and all those who help him evangelize. I've seen some of the videos of him debating the faith with Muslims and he's quite effective. Lots of people aren't happy with that fact. Also interesting that one of Joel's chapters in Epicenter deals with this very topic....Muslims coming to Christ in record number.
Blessings,
Jen
Here is a U-Tube video on the Priest Joel wrote about. If what he says is true then surely there is a Revival happening w/the Muslims but what's this Trinity teaching?
Father Zakaria answers questions about Trinity to Muslims. I listened to it-a little different explanation of the Trinity than I'm used to but maybe it is because it coming from a Muslim perspective? Or does it have to do w/being Coptic?(Jim C. could you dissect it for us? From what I know Catholics are strong on the Trinity.)
"He explains the triune nature/attributes of this one God this way: God the Father is eternal existence, God the Son (Jesus) is Knowlege (logos), and God the Holy Spirit is Life."
I read he's a Coptic Priest. Here is his website
I had a Coptic student the last year of teaching (04). To my understanding, they are one of the oldest Christian groups in the world. He and his family were Egyptian and had left their homeland because of the persecution. I was sad to leave teaching (went on bedrest and then had the trips) for many reasons, but a big reason was that I had very few Christian students and I knew he'd probably have lots of amazing stories to tell, once he learned enough English to tell them! His family suffered a terrible fire in their apartment 2 years ago and were left once again with nothing. My teacher friend said that rather than feel glum and depressed about losing everything (actually, so little), he said they were just so thankful that the whole family had been spared and could start over. A really gentle and sweet spirit.
Blessings,
Jen
Does anyone else think it's weird that there's seems to be so many PM's stepping down or as in Olmert's case, being removed?
It seems like there is a huge power shift going on in several gov'ts.
Jim C, did you email Uncle Bob? He's waiting to hear from you....
The latest on the super collider, scheduled to begin operations tomorrow...
Countdown to Big Bang machine
Lisa will find this quote interesting: "A pair of Russian scientists even think the LHC would be the world's first time machine, and that we should expect visitors from the future to arrive soon after it goes into operation."
Blessings,
Jen
Russian Physicists create a Stunning Electromagnetic device
US borrowing money from Russia
The clock is ticking They'll probably only hear a little "pshhhhhhh" and maybe a whirling noise, lol I could've saved the scientists a lot of $$$$$$$$... they should've just asked me how the universe started..
Guard: Al Qaeda chief in Pakistan killed
Christians from Muslim Background Charged With Apostasy in Iran
Former Iranian nuclear negotiator: Ahmadinejad is harming Iran
Iran demands U.N. response to Israeli "threats
Russia calls for UN arms embargo against Georgia
Shell agrees landmark $4 bln gas deal with Iraq
FM Livini emphasized the importance of Israeli security in any political agreement
Hamas Broadcasting from Temple Mount
Lebanon president calls rival leaders for talks
Turkey alarmed by Russian imperialism
Ex-Syria VP calls on U.S. to help overthrow Assad
Japan's Ishiba: PM race must help Afghan mission
Thai court rules PM Samak must quit
Lori, those news links are almost syncd and I am still reading them. The one on Russia having a table top eletromagnetic device is very unsettling to me. Electromags are nothing to play around with and the way Russia loves to sell these weapons to all of our neighbors doesn't bode well with me. The amount of power is also mind boggling.
Oh, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away; Oh, happy day, Oh happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away. Better be checking our laundry real well.
Grany
New post is up. Thanks for the suggestion, Jib.
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