And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
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147 comments:
I am number uno for a change!
I'm #2 and I stick to you like glue!
Your love has captured me
Your grace has set me free
Your life the air I breathe
Be glorified in me
Your love has captured me
Your grace has set me free
Your life the air I breathe
Be glorified in me
You set my feet to dancing
You set my heart on fire
In the presence of a thousand kings
you are my one desire
I stand before you now
With trembling hands lifted high
Be glorified
Your love has captured me
Your grace has set me free
Your life the air I breathe
Be glorified in me
Oh yeah
You set my feet to dancing
You set my heart on fire
In the presence of a thousand kings
You are my one desire
I stand before you now
With trembling hands lifted high
Be glorified
Be glorified in me
Be glorified in me
Be glorified in me
Be glorified
Be glorified in me
Be glorified in me
Be glorified in me
Be glorified in me
Be glorified
You set my feet to dancing
You set my heart on fire
In the presence of a thousand kings
You are my one desire
I stand before you now
With trembling hands lifted high
Be glorified
(Chris Tomlin)
From the last thread...Yes, let's pray for the man in Cal who lost his family in the jet crash. My heart goes out to him. What a tenderhearted man. Please Lord, carry him right now.
a good reminder in this Christmas season...
This week's promise: Give your worries to God, for he cares for you
Details, details!
"But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won't take it away from her." Luke 10:41-42 NLT"
Martha and me
"I can relate to Martha. If I were planning a party, she'd be the one I'd ask to help. Martha knows everything needs to be just right.
When Jesus showed up at Martha's door, she did what I would have done. She started getting everything ready. But her sister, Mary, had other plans. Mary didn't share Martha's need to please, so she sat with Jesus. She knew the house was a mess, but she also knew that Jesus wouldn't be there long, so she forgot about the cleaning and plopped down at his feet. What nerve, Martha thought to herself. Doesn't she know there's work to be done?
Finally, Martha had to speak up and expected Jesus to scold Mary.
But that's not what Jesus did. "My dear Martha," he said, "you are so upset over all these details!…" Jesus took Mary's side. He said that Mary was the one who had the right idea. She did nothing but listen and was praised; Martha did everything but listen and was chastised.
The Lord's priorities are not the same as ours. Jesus isn't as concerned about our lace tablecloths and clean kitchens as we are. He's concerned with the state of our heart—the time we spend at his feet, reflecting on his words and resting in his presence.
Kathy,
We are further east than the crash site but do know some people who live in the area.
The reaction of the Korean husband reminded me of something. The Christain attitude is a large part of it but also the appreciation which most immigrants have who legally come to live in the USA.
It's something we all tend to take for granted because we have "had it made" our entire lives so to speak.
Lisa,
I loved how the husband called the pilot "a treasure", what a forbearing heart in the midst of great sorrow! And it gives evidence of a changed heart by the Holy Spirit.
ANGIE, recipes posted on your blog site "In the Twinkling of an Eye".
Sorry it took so long and I am still looking for the white one.
Grany
Jeri from SA,
you have always been #1 in my book.
I hope everything and everybody is perking along fine and you are doing great also. Still praying.
Boro_Eagle, I am still praying for you also.
I will be away from my computer the rest of the day so will catch up with you all tomorrow.
Love and blessings,
Grany
Grany,
Thanks! Got them.
Angie
Front page "Aliens" may exist article
Nothing earth shattering here-just observing how often this subject comes up in the media. Interesting that life on other "planets" is still searched for. Now that they have the "string" theory w/the parallel universes-it doesn't seem to be mentioned as another possibility.
Now this one is a little more interesting. The remake of the "The day the Earth stood still" is coming out. HOLLYWOOD REMAKES AN ALIEN The original 1951 movie was a black-and-white, Space Age parable about a planet in peril ... from the potential threat of nuclear war. Calling the movie a "parable" is particularly apt, because veiled allusions to the Christ story are shot through the tale about an alien visitor (Klaatu, played by Michael Rennie) who brings a message of peace and unity to a world riven by the Cold War."
The new "Day," opening Friday with Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, preserves the basic story of an alien with a mission who comes down to Earth. This time, however, the mission is not to keep earthlings from trashing the celestial neighborhood, but to keep humans from trashing Earth.
What I tried to do was take a picture of this moment in time. ... What that moment seemed to be is that we're living in an age where we've made quite a mess of things: the war, the economy, the planet, this thing that keeps us living," he said.
......
"And yet, Derricksen said, humanity seems to do its very best when things are at their very worst. That's when people somehow find a path to change they can believe in. "I wanted to make a film about that reality, that the precipice of disaster is sometimes the very place where transformation takes place."
(Get that? "path to "change" they can believe in" HA! HA! Are we ever going to hear the end of this
Obamaism?)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951 film)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Look under "Themes". "I had originally hoped that the Christ comparison would be subliminal".[5] The fact that the question even came up in an interview is proof enough that such comparisons did not remain subliminal, but they are subtle enough that it is not immediately obvious to all viewers which elements of the film were intended to make Klaatu comparable to Christ."
Then they list what parts of the movie represent "Christ" as the "Alien" man.
Try this one
When Hope is Deferred
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
12-11-2008
"So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, 'Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!'" (Job 2:7-9).
I walked into the room and Angie burst out crying. "I'm so discouraged! I don't know what else to do. Will I ever get better!?" After three years of fighting a medical condition the doctor just told her no progress had been made in the last six months of treatments. Alternative treatment was needed that might have more severe side effects.
Great men of God with healing ministries had prayed for her. Thousands had prayed for Angie through our ministry. A string of doctors had failed to yield any position results. When hope is deferred, the psalmist says, the heart becomes sick. During these seasons, we can only do one thing. We must hang onto whatever faith we have to get through each day and entrust our lives to Him. "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Hab 3:17-18).
When faith doesn't see results it challenges what we believe. We must pray as Job prayed: "Teach me what I cannot see" (Job 34:32). God says there is a purpose in everything we go through. Later that day Angie talked to a friend who once had the same issues, but was now better. "Angie, God is going to reveal things to you through this season of adversity that you would never receive had you not gone through this. This is part of your calling even though Satan is the instrument. God is always bigger than Satan's afflictions."
Our greatest tests come when we cannot see positive results from our faith and obedience. In such cases we must die to our expectations and entrust them to our Lord.
I just wanted to tell all of you here how beautiful and amazing you all are. I can "see" the light of Jesus shine through your words. So many times you have ministered to me and the Lord has been using you to build my own faith. I will be so happy to meet all of you someday!
Kathy, thank you for the note, it made my day :), dear sister in Christ.
Goodnight all and Lord bless. :)
Diana
If you have not read about John Harper & the Titanic scroll down toThe True Hero of the Titanic
It was hot air all along
Lori, ALesia and Lisa; good posts.
Islamic Banking
Diana, thanks for your kind words. We're glad you're here, too, because you make a wonderful contribution to the cave. BTW, do you know how we got started? You might want to go back to the original posts. It's kinda interesting, to me anyway!
But, please don't get discouraged if we get into one of our hot "disagreements". We usually mend things up but a couple spelunkers have left. I'm still hopeful that they'll miss us and come back!
Mac
that was an interesting article by Lindsey wasn't it? for so many years people have hypothesized that the delusion and lie would be something of a religious nature-still not saying it won't be or couldn't be but the supposition that the lie and delusion is global warming has some merit. In fact according to recent polls many younger "evangelical" Christians find global warming to be a more important topic than abortion.
the topic of global warming has significant ramifications on the geopolitical front and economic front.
Lisa, Shalom! With your links to "The Day The Earth Stood Still", I thought you might be intertested in knowing that Mr. Moviephone passed on the movie. "Bad script, bad acting because of the script..." -- one of the most entertaining reviews I've heard on CNN Headline in the past few months.
BTW, last night I saw a preview for a movie called "2012" -- pretty neat preview. It showed a monk in the Himalayas (or some huge mountain range in the far east -- you do the math) ringing a warning bell, while in the background you see the ocean starting to crest over the mountains. At first I thought it was a movie about "Noah's Ark -- the Sequel." I'll see if I can find the preview on YouTube.
<><
Russian Liquidation Sale
Only 2 states away from a Constitutional Convention-This is VERY concerning. we will be going the way of the first article if this comes to pass
I think I would agree with the "senior Bush official" on this one-A US Nuclear Umbrella for Israel if attacked by Iran?
Egyptian Pres says Iran wants to devor the Arab world also
The Dinner Jacket has some interesting words on Bush and BHO and calls our support of Israel "shaky"
don't we or didn't we have someone here who was from NH? seems they got hit by a really bad ice storm and many are without power and will be for some time.
Jib,
The only one I can think of is Donna, she's in Vermont?
Donna - you safe out there?
HI Folks,
How sweet of you all to think of me :)
We had a good size snow storm with sleet and all of that. Schools were closed, etc, and roads are slippery, etc.
We have power, which is surprising because it seems the power goes out often.
I guess lots of areas don't have power.
But all here is fine.
Thanks for checking.
:)
DONNA, do you need company? Whenever we are hit with ice storms here in Okieland, we break out the firewood, candles, hot cocoa, pop corn and play old fashioned games like checkers, monopoly and whatever else to while away the hours. It is great reflecting back on those days but mostly, we just find it is quiet and peaceful.
Hope you are doing great and taking it all in your own sweet time and stride. If you need anything, just holler, real loud!
HI EVERYONE! I have been busy getting ready to skip school for a few days here at the OK Corral. My daughter is coming to pick me up on Sunday and I am going to her house for a few days. My son is coming down from Missouri on either Sunday or Monday and we are just going to enjoy our visiting. I probably won't be on the computer while up there.
I am fixing meals for hubby to have while I am gone and right now I am in the midst of fixing him an Apple pie with Carmel and nuts. The carmels are sugar free and I am still debating on whether to make it that way or not. He will have turkey breast cooked on the grill with homemade BBQ sauce, veg casserole, and for the other main dishes it will be beef stew, and salmon grilled, then frozen so all he has to do is get the package out, read the directions and feast. Anyone else need spoiling out there in blogger land?
His pie is only one dessert but I can't think of anything else to fill my sweet presence being gone. LOL @;o}
How about a rhubarb pie without the sugar?
Love you all and you all be good, ya hear?
Grany
I read the following & it made me think of the hardship folks here are going through...
"Throughout the Bible, we see God giving rewards to his people according to what they deserve. In the Old Testament, obedience to God often brought rewards in this life (Deut. 28).
But obedience and immediate reward are not always linked. If they were, good people would always be rich, and suffering would always be a sign of sin. If we were quickly rewarded for every faithful deed, we would soon think we were pretty good people! Before long, we would be doing good deeds for purely selfish reasons.
While it is true that God will reward us for our earthly deeds (Rev 20:12), our greatest reward is eternal life in his presence.
from today -- Ahmadinejad: Zionist regime will be erased
Shalom, all! I just got the neatest e-card from my brother. It's based on the central campus of Iowa State University, and features the State Singers, the choir my niece Joy sings in. Just click on the address:
http://www.president.iastate.edu/holiday/
BTW, the Campanile is the bell tower, complete with tuned bells that allow you to play music on them. That's the music you hear at the end. The couple kissing underneath the bell tower is an old tradition: You're supposed to kiss your favorite girlfriend underneath the bell tower at midnight. This is because back when my mom attended school there, the woman's dormitories locked up for the night at midnight, so the women had to sneak back into the dorms through a window or some such.
Merry Christmas, all!
<><
Lisa, Shalom! Here's a link to the teaser trailer I promised you earlier for the film "2012" that will be coming out in June of 2009.
2012
I found a few other movie trailers when doing this search. The first is a fan-film trailer (meaning some one just put this together all by himself):
2012 The Movie Trailer
It's pretty cool, because it doesn't have anything to do with the 2012 movie mentioned above. The guy put together sections from a number of science fiction films and TV shows, but he did such a good job that it was 3/4ths done before I realized it wasn't an official movie trailer. What really freaked me out was a section he put in there about "The Return of the Shining Ones who will save us." As the tagline says, "Coming (all too) Soon"
I also ran across a teaser for a film that looks REALLY interesting; and I hope they do as good a job on the film as the premise suggests. Seeking Closure has a slightly different take on the 2012 theme. A large body, aka "Planet X", is going to hit Earth, killing everybody. Because of the angle of approach (close to the sun), it's not discovered until too late. Now, everybody on Earth has only 3 hours to live. What do you do? The link is to the page that has both the teaser and the film's theme music.
Enjoy!
<><
You're supposed to kiss your favorite girlfriend...
There will only be ONE for me.
Oops... made a mistake on the "Seeking Closure" link -- this one takes you to the teaser trailer:
Seeking Closure
<><
Mac, let us know when you meet your girl under that clock at midnight for that awesome kiss, will you?
Hey, just checking in. Its been kind of hectic around here lately.
One of my kids has been passing out and staying out for extended periods of time. She was hospitalized overnight 2 weeks ago (I stayed overnight with her.)
Tests have all come back all normal (thank God).
She was put on meds a few weeks ago, but today she was taken off them today as they've determined its not seizures.
Lots has been ruled out, but nothing ruled in. Very puzzeling to all.
But tomorrow she is having some kids over to decorate the tree (seems to me the tree thing is actually a pagan thing, but we have one anyway) and eat and drink and be "festive"...so that will be fun.
Hope all is well with you all.
<><
Will do, Anne.
Will keep your daughter in prayer, Donna.
Jib, I think there are probably sub-categories of the DELUSION.
Wise as Serpents
This one's great!
Burglar: I was held captive by ghost for 3 days
Would-be thief says 'supernatural figure' prevented him from fleeing.
Christmas: Mirth or Myth? My video stream is cutting on & off driving me nuts so I'm giving up on watching this for now-so tell me what you think.
As a JW I had researched all of this because they don't celebrate any holidays rooted in paganism. (being a False Religion-deny that Christ is God but rather believe He was created by God)
So here is one example of a false "Christian" religion using this topic to "separate" themselves from the "world." I remember I was so shocked at the time about all of this. Since I had found out this particular truth which was exposed by the JW's (not discussed in typical
"Christianity") that the other things they believed must be true as well.(There is some dumb logic!)
So in my mind we have Satan using this anti-pagan aspect to draw people into the JW's. It is historically "true" yet used by the devil to deceive people.
I can't watch this video now but here is another Christian branch going along w/the same thoughts on the matter of pagan holidays.
I would think that if God was against Christians celebrating Christmas that there would be a general revelation through the unction of the Holy Spirit about such in the Body of Christ.
That's where I'm at on it @ this point in time.
What would happen if all Christians quit celebrating these paganized Holidays?
How would the world take them over if there was no resistance in keeping God in them?
Can they not be used as a good opportunity to witness to others?
After studying the Jewish Feasts & Celebrations we can see how every aspect of those celebrations are pointing to God & Christ. They were directly established by God for the most part. (Some others were adopted @ a later time)
After studying the "Christianized" Celebrations we can see how paganized festivals were morphed into a day pointing to God/Christ.
What do you think? Interesting discussion?
Great Is Your Faithfulness
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
12-12-2008
"Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord" (Lamentations 2:19).
Recently Angie and I were playing Bible Challenge, a Bible trivia game, with some friends. We got the question "Who is the author of Lamentations?" Angie shouted out "Jeremiah!" I thought it was someone else, but she spoke with such conviction, I went with her answer. It turns out she was right.
Angie laughed and said, "You know you're bad off when you're looking for comfort in the book of Lamentations!" Angie had been walking through three years of medical challenges and felt like she was still no closer to resolve than when she started her journey. At times she has been discouraged to the point of despair and felt totally abandoned by a God she knows loves her. And yet in the midst of all of it she found comfort in Jeremiah's words in Lamentations 3.
"He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed He has turned His hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old... Even when I call out or cry for help He shuts out my prayer... I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "my splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord." I remember my affliction and my wandering... I well remember them and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions NEVER fail. They are new every morning; GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'" (emphasis mine).
If you are at the point of despair, do what Jeremiah did and pour out your heart to God. And then call to your mind the fact that GREAT is God's faithfulness. He has not abandoned you and He loves you. Don't allow Satan to deceive you to think anything else. God will be faithful in your life.
Lisa,
I agree with you, about Christians celebrating the Holidays.
Without Christians becoming involved, these Holidays would have gone down the proverbial drain years ago, IMHO.
Take for example the WA. State Capitol, in Olympia, with the sign being placed there by "God haters." The lastest news is that nothing can be added to that display now.
A Festivus Pole was even ready to go up, if allowed. (from the T.V. program, Seinfeld. "Festivus for the rest of us," if you happened to catch that program)
Things can get WAY out of hand quickly, is my point.
I believe you said, you bought the book, Pagan Christianity, by Frank Viola, and George Barna. Any thoughts if you've finished the book?
I found the book highly insightful, but I didn't come to the same conclusion that they tended too.
That would make a pretty good discussion, also, in my book :)
praying for your daughter Donna.
I just received this in email - very touching...
One Solitary Life
hmm, I never knew this...
There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.
What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
This week, I found out.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol.
Wilma, Have a wonderful time. I think you should spring for the sugar for the rhubarb pie. I think Jim would give you a tart response!
Have a super terrific time with your kids.
I could use some spoiling, but I'll trust my Abba daddy to take care of that, since he already knows what I need.
Alesia, thanks for posting the facts about the 12 days of Christmas, I never knew that either.
Donna, Have the doctors performed a test for narcolepsy? It's more common in boys, but not unheard of for girls.... praying for her just the same.
Mac, Mr. Hyde's warming up the mistletoe! Higher, MR. HYDE!!!! That stuff is poisonous!
Meet me under the mistletoe midnight, Christmas eve, your sweet kiss is the first gift, I want to receive. The presents that we bought will have to wait beneath the tree. Meet me under the mistletoe midnight, Christmas eve. (Randy Travis)
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
Lori, a friend of mine had narcolepsy and she literally would fall asleep at the drop of a hat, with no warning.
My daughter is more like collapsing/fainting, but staying "out" for a long time.
Almost like being in a mini coma.
Its scarey.
But right now she seems fine and she and her friends are having fun.
Interesting history about the 12 Days of Christmas song. I had no clue Catholics couldn't pratice their religion in England!
Learn new things everyday!
Well, now someone has torched Sarah Palin's home church.
Chief: Palin's home church damaged by arson
Governor apologizes if 'negative attention' from campaign is connected.
Marge,
I didn't finish that book yet. Most of the time I stay on task but right now I'm reading two books back & forth. One about the Tabernacle & the other about the prophecies in Zacheriah.
So I've vowed to finish what I have before I order any new books.
So the pagan one is next in line to finish. (I then threw Isralestine in the middle of all this which I did storm through.)
I'm baaaaad!
Palin Link
My Hyde-you didn't tell us you had a job in LA this Christmas Season!
eeew, Lisa, that guy is NOT hunky.
Our Mr Hyde is much better.
When I saw the full moon yesterday I told my daughters how big it was-and now I find out it was not my imagination.
Look up tonight for a spectacular treat in the sky
Biggest full moon for years enhanced by shooting stars
Yes I am.
Hi Lisa,
I heard a radio message a few months ago by Skip Heitzig (I believe our Joel attends his church?) about the subject of Christians observing holidays/following traditions with pagan roots. His assertion was that it follows in the tradition of the kinsman redeemer, which of course Christ is the ultimate example of. You take something that's been ruined and redeem it for the Lord. It was a very interesting message and he gave lots of info on how the early church chose to start celebrations on dates that had already been designated as celebrations to the local pagan gods.
I've been a penpal for Prison Fellowship for nearly 15 years now and my penpal (he's incarcerated in TX) has taken the view that Christians shouldn't celebrate holidays because of the pagan association and every day is a reason to celebrate Christ's birth or His resurrection. It's an interesting debate, but I think there's value in the redeeming approach.
Blessings,
Jen
Hey there everyone,
I have read Pagan Christianity, it was amazing! Very full of history, which I love in the first place. I don't mind celebrating Christmas but would rather skip Easter because it really doesn't even follow the timing of Christ's resurection. I won't skip Easter though because our families are so entwined with it all, that is ok, I am not a stickler on dates and such. I decided this upcoming year to teach my kids more of the Jewish feasts, especially Passover. I do want them have a better understanding than I did.
Lisa (I think it was you), I read more than one book at a time too! What do you think of Israelestine? I was thinking of purchasing it off Amazon (my favorite place to get books) Too bad we all couldn't share our home libraries with each other. I have a feeling that we all have a ton of great books!
Diana
I've been listening to audios on this site for some time. There're some very good sermons here:
The Master’s Seminary
You can also do a search for specific subjects.
What Is Sin?
Ooohh, my sister sent this recipe, I have to try it soon...
Eggless Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups pecan pieces or halves
1/3 cup bread flour, sifted
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1 tbsp. dark molasses
1/4 cup condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. dark rum
1 (8") pie shell, baked
Directions:
Place pecan pieces or halves on cookie sheet and toast in a 375 degree oven about 15 minutes or until crisp and slightly browned.
Mix flour and 1/4 cup sugar together with fork until smooth. Bring water, butter, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and molasses to a boil. Add
sugar and flour mixture and whisk vigorously. Bring back to a boil over medium high heat and cook until thickened and clear, about 3
minutes. When the filling is cooked, add the 1/4 cup condensed milk along with the vanilla flavoring. Add rum and nut pieces. Stir
together and pour this filling into the pie shell. Allow to cool and set before cutting.
...Perhaps without the rum?
Astronomers: Jesus Born On June 17
Just stumbled across this site. I think many here will appreciate it.
Conservapedia
Examples of Bias in Wikipedia
This sure is starting to sound a lot like Daniel chapter 7:
U.N. Set To Pass Mideast Peace Resolution
U.S., Russia Both Back Resolution Calling For Israelis, Palestinians To Fulfill Obligations Under 2-State Plan
with the UN and 4 countries, the "Quartet"...
For those interested, I posted a web album at Shutterblog of this year's Living Nativity our church is putting on this weekend. I'm off to So Cal tomorrow for a month and won't be blogging much probably. I just want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas!
Kathy/Overcomer
Lisa,
No worries. I totally understand reading a couple of books at once, along with having one you have started, and left on the back burner, so to speak :)
Kathy,
How do you like these low temps. and snow? Yikes, huh? And brrrr, even!
Enjoy your time in So. CA.!
And try to pump some of the warmer weather up our way, okay? (smile)
Also a very Merry Christmas to you, and your family, too!
Love,
Marge
Diana,
I'd be happy to share mine. Email me & I'll send Isralestine w/a couple other good ones.
It's better to have them read than sit on a shelf. Just send them back at some point as I like to reference them once in a great while-so no hurry.
I just gave on of my books to a friend's son yesterday called "Judgement Day" by Dave Hunt. I didn't quite finish the book but the end was just going over everything we already study on Biblical Prophesy. His family is your typical American non-practicing Christian type.(The same I was raised in.)
Pray for "Justin" to become inspired to search out God through it. When he was 16 yrs. old he had a motocross dirtbike accident where he is now paralized from the waist down & in a wheelchair.
He is 20 now & in college.His dad is our electrician and sometimes he comes over w/him & hangs out. It was raining yesterday so after my girls were done pestering him -he was in our garage reading the book when we left.
(He seemed really pleased I had given him the book.)
Lisa
Today something happened that I would not have anticipated.
A few weeks ago I was reading Joel's Trumpet where it linked to that Iranian? Pastor who has a TV show witnessing to Muslims for Christ.
On the comments someone mentioned that they just realized by listening to the show that their "tongue" language was Farsi.
Not being very familiar w/tongues other than praying in the spirit I thought to myself-"I wonder what the language I speak is?" I thought it was probably just a non-common language that nobody would understand. Then I thought well-maybe it's some African type. It sounds simplistic & is very fast.
So today I'm driving alone to do some errands & praying in the sprirt when all of a sudden my tongue language changed.
It went from the origional-then like flicking a switch-to a new one. Now it's quite complex & sounds almost French or something to that effect. (I never took French so I wouldn't know. Spanish is the only other language I know @ am not fluent.)
Oh if it was Farsi as well- the Spirit could witness through me to my dear Muslim friend !
So now that I have no idea why it switched or what it is- I guess I just have to wait and see if this means something in particular.
She knows I don't speak anything besides English so I don't want to run up & test this one out on her.(She's here right now-tempting but No Way! I could just see myself doing something really dumb.)
I best wait on His timing.
Lori
most definitely WITH the rum and I'm sure Grany would agree. Get yourself a nice spiced rum. my aunt has a chocolate bourbon whiskey pecan pie. it is amazing.
Kathy
Safe travels
Lisa
Ha. I told God if he so chose to bless me with a tongue language I wanted it to be Farsi. I work with a number of Muslims.
Praise-God is faithful even in the little things. we found the stuffed cat. all is well.
Prayer request
am in a class at church in which the man teaching is a minister and while he encourages us to be open to truth he himself is rather closed minded. told me today that my interpretation of the passage in Corinthians about our works being tested was wrong-it was just that over time it would be shown whether a ministry would be shown to be blessed or not. not how I read it before and after spending some time with a Greek/English Interlinear Bible with Strong's words less so now. He is also a very strong covenant theologian and truly feels that the church is Israel. He also seems to be of the opinion that we don't have to work at practicing our faith-or perhaps I misunderstood. please pray for me. I feel led to stay in the class for some reason and have been doing a lot of heavy reading-for now instead of Israelology I am reading Frucht's book Messianic Christology. We studied some of this in college but the additional nice thing about this book by Frucht is that this book in particular includes both traditional and current Rabbinical thought. Not sure why I am supposed to be reading this but God has laid it on my heart to do so. Our pastor is to be in class this next week.
Happy travels, Kathy.
Jim G, I'm with you on Wiki. More power to Conservapedia.
Jib, I'm with you in prayer re the minister. I get the feeling, though, that many people form an opinion and are unwilling to budge, even given Scriptural evidence to the contrary.
I've been spending some time listening to these sermon audios from The Master's Seminary. There are a few on Covenantalism but I've been primarily using the eschatological resources on this site. I'm pretty impressed with the scolarship but I should warn people that these guys seem to be cessationists and probably 5 point Calvinists. They are also Dispensational, premil and pretrib and argue their cases very well.
Hi jib,
I had a similar experience over the summer with some persistant JWs. I would normally not have given them cause to return, but I felt the need to leave the door open to them even though the lead lady was very knowledgeable of her points and somewhat brusk to speak with. They visited a dozen times or more over 6 months and while I never made headway with her, I thought that perhaps the things I was sharing were making an impression on the younger member who came along to learn the ropes. Perhaps you won't make headway with the pastor, but surely others will benefit from your persistence and it might lead them to dig deeper to solidify their own understanding of the topics.
Lisa,
I had asked the same question last year because I sometimes notice different "flavors" when I speak in tongues, particularly French-ish and an Asian dialect. With my background in linguistics and work with immigrant students (I've had over 2 dozen language backgrounds in my classes) it was very clear to me that I was switching between languages/dialects and not on purpose. I was excited because I thought it would be a wonderful way to speak with students and their families if given the opportunity.
Someone (I think it might have been John, but not sure) explained that because tongues is a heavenly language and not something we can ever learn, it isn't meant to be used as a translator tool for witnessing, etc. Others may hear a language they understand when they hear someone speaking tongues, but it's not something the speaker can set out to do. There's a section with more detail/Scripture in Hagin's book on tongues (I think you have it?) He gives some good examples, especially one about missionaries preparing to go into the field. They asked why they couldn't just use tongues to communicate with the local population instead of having to take languages classes to learn the dialect of the region they were headed to. According to 1 Cor. 13:1, they might have been able to speak with the population in their native tongue ('tongues of men'), but it wasn't up to them what would come out (could be 'tongues of angels'). What matters is that you're speaking an inspired utterance.
I was bummed at first, but quickly realized that when the Holy Spirit presses me to pray or speak, I won't be limited to just 1 language group. So far I haven't felt pressed to speak to any strangers in tongues, but I'm confident that if I would, I'd be understood just fine, no matter the native tongue of the listener.
Blessings,
Jen
THE MISSION OF ISRAEL
AND OF THE MESSIAH IN THE PLAN OF GOD
Oh, forgot to add...
Speaking of Wiki, there's an interesting article at WND by Joseph Farah about his own bio on Wiki. Apparently, he's currently listed as an evangelical and noted homosexual of Lebanese/Syrian heritage. He detailed some of the trouble he's had in getting the libel dealt with. I'm really glad I'm not teaching right now....I bet all the kids are using Wiki for their research papers and I'd have to constantly argue with them that their sources weren't reliable. It was bad enough with all the web sources being used 5 years ago. Most kids just assumed that anything on the web was credible, not to mention the cut/paste issue. It was torture trying to get them to actually check a book out of the library and take notes on it! Wonder if books will even be used when I finally get back into the classroom. Anyone hear of Kindle?
Following on from Jen's comment...Wikipedia lies, slander continue
thanks for the links mac think i will check them out tomorrow
Lisa,
Your comments about tongues reminded me of a great book I read on the whole subject. It is "The Beauty of Spiritual Language" by Jack Hayford.
In that book, Pastor Hayford tells of a time when he was on an airplane and somehow got into a conversation with the guy next to him (who wasn't a believer). I don't recall the exact details of the situation but Pastor Hayfor felt like the Lord was asking him to pray for this fellow in his spiritual language (unknown tongue). Pastor Hayford recalled how hesitant he was to do such a thing (for obvious reasons). Anyway, he did obey the Lord and the man was shocked. The man said that he spoke a now extinct Native American tongue and the only reason he recognized it was because his grandmother spoke it. He also understood the praises that Pastor Hayford for speaking to the Lord while praying in tongue. Unfortunately, I no longer have the book.
Here’s a short excerpt from Hayford’s book
Trying again...
I thought this was wonderful and thought you all might want to check it out:
What is Sin, by Jack Kelley
Jen,
I had no idea about Wikipedia until my freshman daughter told me about it. The school does not allow the kids to use the site for research, thank goodness.
Thanks for all the tongue info!
As with all spiritual gifts it's the matter deciphering between what the flesh(own thoughts) & what the Holy Spirit is prompting us to do.
It would be reasonable to believe that the more time we spend living "in Christ" in the spirit the easier it is to "hear" the lead of the Holy Spirit in these matters.
So that's why I know if I just go & speak to someone in tongues w/o the Holy Spirit's direction it would be of no service.
I definitely struggle more in CA living in the Flesh vs. Spirit than TN. It's something in the air-but I'm making it a point to overcome. (I knew this would be the case moving back & I wasn't wrong on this one.)
I'll read up more on this switching of tongue language & see
what comes up. There must be "some" reason why this would be done. Even if just to catch my attention.(which it certainly did (:)
I read a story of a young woman who was praying in a small room above the Church sanctuary. There was someone (either an unbeliever or a Muslim-I forgot) who was irate at the time and happened upon her. She didn't know anyone was there but when this person saw her he heard the Lord speak to him in his own dialect through her prayer. He was instantly converted.
Last week Perry Stone was mentioning the Early & Latter rain again. I've heard that some people believe the Latter rain has already happened in the revivals of the early American years but Stone believes they are yet to come.
He was mentioning that God will only use those who are living in the Spirit-of course-when this occurs. Now wouldn't this be quite an exciting time period if the Holy Spirit poured out upon Christians in our time period such as in the days of Acts? (I'm talking about the real deal-not these prophetic fraud wanna be's)
If it's pre-trib timing? So who knows what we may be prepared for now to accomplish for God's glory in the future. We may just be prompted to speak in tongues to strangers or use whichever spiritual gifts we have been given or will be given in a supernatural & full measure.
Meanwhile we'll just have to keep waiting on the Lord & His perfect timing.
Jib-you certainly have a challenging situation with that Pastor. Why don't you give us a couple more details about him & we can all pray that his spiritual eyes may open up? Do you think he has read or would read any good books on the subject?
Jen is correct about the other people listening to the discussions. I still remember a Christian lady who said something to the same effect Jen did to the JW's hoping to plant a seed when I went door to door. What this lady said(which I don't remember in detail) was reasoning about "the body of Christ" as Christians-and not just one sect of people. Her manner was very warm & kind. I never forgot that experience & the seed sprouted & reasoned me right out of the JW's w/some other distractions.
So even if this pastor never get's it the others may @ some point.
I should note that the minister in question is not the pastor of the church but a retired minister who winters here teaching a class.
it looks like we will be missing the next class, the unfortunately the pastor of the church will be at, because my folks get into the airport around lunch time and the airport is about 45-60 minutes away depending on traffic. we would have to leave before sunday school is over to get up there in a timely fashion.
He is from NH
He is retired after many years in the ministry. I have no idea which seminary he went to. He said he came out of the holiness movement-not sure what he means by that.
He is highly regarded by others in the class. In fact he asked us to say what we felt when we didn't do the things we ought to do (I assumed he meant after becoming a Christian) and I said ingratitude because He has done so much for me and at times I do so little and was told but not is so many words by he and one other that I was making my faith works based. that I didn't have to work at my faith it just was. we may be having a semantics problem-I was talking not so much about salvation/faith as living a victorious life in Christ which to me is what the question was asking.
I find it odd that a seminary trained minister would have the need to ask the pastor of the church (who has a doctor of divinity and is seminary trained ) to come in because to the teacher he just found grace in the OT (Romans 4 is next)
we serve an amazing God. I prayed last night for a sing from God that my heart and motive were pure and that my beliefs regarding our accountability before God and that God still had a purpose and a plan for the nation of Israel and that I, someone who hadn't been to seminary, wasn't barking up the wrong tree so to speak with this retired minister leading our class.
here is what I received. Keep in mind that I don't think I've read from my uttmost for his highest in a few weeks.
"If you cannot express yourself well on each of your beliefs, work and study until you can. If you don’t, other people may miss out on the blessings that come from knowing the truth. Strive to re-express a truth of God to yourself clearly and understandably, and God will use that same explanation when you share it with someone else. But you must be willing to go through God’s winepress where the grapes are crushed. You must struggle, experiment, and rehearse your words to express God’s truth clearly. Then the time will come when that very expression will become God’s wine of strength to someone else. But if you are not diligent and say, "I’m not going to study and struggle to express this truth in my own words; I’ll just borrow my words from someone else," then the words will be of no value to you or to others. Try to state to yourself what you believe to be the absolute truth of God, and you will be allowing God the opportunity to pass it on through you to someone else.
Always make it a practice to stir your own mind thoroughly to think through what you have easily believed. Your position is not really yours until you make it yours through suffering and study. The author or speaker from whom you learn the most is not the one who teaches you something you didn’t know before, but the one who helps you take a truth with which you have quietly struggled, give it expression, and speak it clearly and boldly."
is Our God not amazing?!!!! I am truly humbled by His exceedingly quick and forthright answer to prayer.
Well, Jib, yes He is amazing. Here's what happened. I went to get my copy of My Utmost for His Highest to look up your passage, the book fell open to this highlighted passage:
"We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the growth of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail[such as 'coincidentally' coming across something which 'speaks' to one's situation]. Never believe that the so-called random events of life are anything less than God's appointed order. Be ready to discover His divine designs anywhere and everywhere." Nov 14
This is relevent to me because the passage you found was so relevent (due to the many difficult discussions I get into with so many people who have far more education than I). So, your confirmation was confirmed for me!
I just have to smile.
In my opinion, God speaks to us all every day.
Though oftentimes we don't stop to always hear that still, small voice. (Me, too!)
Lisa,
There is praying in tongues, and also the gift of tongues.
Two different things, really.
I believe what you felt in TN., and aren't feeling so much in So. CA., are the prayers of the Saints, driving back the forces of darkness.
It made me think about a couple of Frank Perreti novels.
Remember, This Present Darkness, and Piercing the Darkness?
Good books, and very true, as I'm remebering them, too. (it's been years since I read them. I may have to go and dig them up :)
It's C-O-L-D in the Pacific Northwest, and it is suppose to remain this way for awhile :(
A good time to catch up on indoor things, though.
Stay warm/dry, and God bless all!
the cold must be messing up my spelling, LOL! (not a bad excuse!)
Important warning for Internet Explorer users...
Serious flaw in Internet Explorer not fixed yet
Christian Zionists: The Real Terrorists
Christmas Links
Anne
thanks you so much for your post and your confirmation of my confirmation. it was every encouraging.
on a different note seems our Joel has been busy speaking at a Prophecy conference as a special speaker. A brief synopsis of the main points of all the lectures can be found here.
Shalom, all! In line with the danger Christian Zionists pose to world peace, I'm trying to figure out who to complain to regarding this article, that appeared on Yahoo via Reuters:
Hamas leaders say will not extend Gaza truce
The truce had dampened violence but began to unravel early last month after a deadly Israeli raid prompted militants to resume firing makeshift rockets into the Jewish state.
Note there's no mention that the "deadly Israeli raid" occured when a tunnel was discovered under the fence, aimed for an Israeli outpost. The tunnel wasn't for smuggling, but for kidnapping Jewish soldiers. The Israelis destroyed both the tunnel and the house where the tunnel originated -- THAT's the "deadly Israeli raid".
I just noticed the name of the person who wrote the article -- Nidal al-Mughrabi Nidal Al-mughrabi -- which may explain the bias.
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Inviting People To The Cave
From time to time we have been asked if it was OK to invite someone to the cave.
We feel that the Cave belongs to all of us as expatriates of Joel’s blog. Despite the fact that we’ve had our many differences over varied subjects – we still love, support and pray for each other. Alesia and I feel that it is a great idea to invite others here. We feel that those who post here are mature Christians who understand that we’re not perfect and that we all need fellowship as we wait for the Lord’s return.
So Alesia and I were thinking that perhaps there should be general permission for anyone to invite someone who they can vouch for. In other words, if you know someone who is interested in fellowshipping and you can vouch for their integrity, go ahead and invite them.
We are just throwing this idea out there for feedback at this stage.
Please give us your thoughts.
Mac and Alesia
Mac and Alesia, I agree. All here have protected the integrity of the cave and I have been happy with all the newcomers. It's nice to see the new faces, so to speak, and hear new perspectives.
JCChick are you still around?
Jib And Anne;
That discussion on God speaking to you and confirming words was great timing for me too! I am not educated either. I never finished college, have spent years as a mom at home. I have been praying for my sister-in-law, more fervently lately. she is an athiest, ex lesbian. Since I have started my own blog ( and I invited her to visit it) she has not e-mailed me like she used to, kind of blowing me off. I feel the time is coming when I will need to express God's truth to her better than I have in the past (in person) but do not feel prepared to do so right now. I had a dream of her last night but do not recall exactly what it was about. She, by the way, is highly educated and intellecual. But, now I understand what to do better in order to speak with her in a more clear fashion.
Diana
I would encourage you to go to the way of the master website and watch their video on witnessing. I found it very helpful. They say these days to effectively witness one needs to appeal to the heart and emotions rather than the intellect (unlike the 70's and 80's). The best thing you can do is pray for her and be open to talk with her. you don't know that she isn't reading your site and watching you to see if you are the real deal. the fact that she's an ex lesbian while not being a Christian to me says volumes and she likely isn't the atheist she claims to be. something or someone has hurt her badly-she might be the victim of sexual abuse or even domestic violence (a highly unreported phenomenon in the gay and lesbian population). it's not likely that she'd volunteer the information even if directly asked either. It is entirely possible that at one time she confessed Christ and is trying to stifle that still small voice because she doesn't want to listen and do what God wants. All you can do is love her and pray for her. My mother has been praying for various family members since she was about 13 and she is 70. none came to Christ until she was in her mid 30's and one still has yet to come to Christ. that's a really long time to pray and not see results or at least much in the way of results.
A lack of formal education can occur in different ways-I have formal education but not the kind that a seminary student would have. even though I went to a Christian college and had to take a lot of Bible classes it is not to the extent or depth that someone who has been to seminary has had. I don't know the greek and hebrew nuances nor the cultural context in which things were written. I also have forgotten much of what I knew because it was a long time ago.
I also have a lot of respect for experience. So I was really starting to wonder-who am I to question someone with years of experience and seminary training on this stuff, is it rude, is it out of pride, is it even necessary that I do so, why all of a sudden am I reading stuff in more depth than I read in college etc. I prayed specifically on
1-was I correct in my understanding on accountability before God as Christians (we are accountable before God for our actions after our conversion, the teacher feels we have no accountability apparently)
2-God's further plan for Israel and that the church was not Israel (God is not done with Israel and the church is not Israel, the teacher thinks the church has replaced Israel and by his own admission has no idea why the Jews are even in a Jewish state right now and what God will even be doing with them)
3- and I was even supposed to stay in that class (apparently so-which isn't my inclination)
Lisa,
Do you belong to a Spirit-filled, Bible believing church? That has made a huge difference for me. When I first started going to church, the thing that I experienced and needed the most from others was the love of God that I experienced. I don't know where you live in Southern California, but the church I go to is in San Pedro, which is by the LA Harbor.
I think Marge made an excellent point about what you don't feel is the prayers of the saints pushing back the darkness. Probably because of my years of living in darkness, I'm very sensitive to its presence. And because I work in education, I feel it even more strongly around me. I work as an administrative asssistant and don't have the education of the faculty, but I see great pride in education and knowledge.
Sometimes when I get together with my friends from church, I'm aware of God's presence with us, protecting us. I wouldn't be surprised if angels weren't surrounding us.
Just remember that the forces of light are far stronger than the forces of dark and that you are a beloved child of Almighty God. He will keep you safe.
Angie
Marge,
If I understand it correctly the majority of tongues is praying in the spirit which from what I can tell at least in the Pentecostal circles is that most people who request it receive it.
The other is the gift of prophesy &/or interpretation of tongues which is a specialized ministry gift & not as common.
That's about all "I think" I know about the difference not coming from a background or Church which readily teaches or encourages it.
Speaking of being intellectual or highly educated-with God He doesn't seem to be impressed by all that nonsense. If the scholarly & intellectuals of our day really knew how dumb they are compared to the intellect of God!
Sometimes ignorance really is bliss. For certain situations He will use the "intellectual" but is it not even more impressive to the world when He works through the "commoner"?
It seems the well schooled or those who are impregnated with academia have inserted a "block" in yielding to the Holy Spirit or even being receptive to the gospel.
It is a spirit of Pride or Self Worth that is very hard to break down in order to move toward a meek & contrite spirit which is responsive to divine instruction & the yielding of one's will.
This can also hinder even those Christians in seminary & theological schools. They spend so much time studying all the various teachings of men mixed w/the teachings of the Holy Spirit then have to decipher which to accept & reject as truth.
You have some who "get it" & yield to the Holy Spirit & others who adopt as truth what their own reason feels should be the way.Sometimes the latter do eventually "get it" @ some point in their lives but it's not always right out of the shoot.
Those people who just start out humble & ignorant of God's ways from the beginning don't have so much to cloud up their thinking.
I can see the struggle w/my hubby on this very issue w/his law background. It's a battle of what's right in his own mind vs. God's ways.
We just had a conversation about our Muslim family friend. I got the "Well, you don't think God would send her to hell just because she's a Muslim? She's a good person....."
So as you can see-this is going to be a snail's pace progression of Christian maturity for my hubby.(:
Jib;
Thanks, I will check out the Way of the Master program on that. I have heard some of their stuff before and found it very informative.
My sister-in-law has been sexually, physically and mentally abused most of her life by various people (family, boyfriends, girlfriends). She married last year and seems happy. She has two boys via artifical insimination with her ex- "wife". It is oh, so complicated! There has always seemed to be a special kind of relationship between us, she has said that I am her favorite family member. She has shared some things with me but has never opened up emotionaly. I have shared what Christ has done in my once messed up life and she seems to think that is all fine and dandy for me but she does things differently. There have been many times where I felt the Holy Spirit convict me to pray for her more, and it is getting stronger. I have shed some serious tears at the throne of the Lord over her for God has put a love in my heart for her that is not equal to others I know who are lost. She has been to my blog and I have posted many things there about Jesus, she has seemed to have pulled back from me, not answering my e-mails and being short when she has. I am preparing myself for her to reject me and even come to dislike me or even hate me but all of that will be for the glory of God. I will pray for her more because of it.
I know what you mean about questioning someone with years of experience and/or training, I have come about that often. I was so frustrated in one church (which I have been to many over the years) over non-biblical teaching in our class by much more experienced people that I I actualyl left. I wasn't sure if I should leave the church but with 4 children and them not being fed, I felt the Lord tell me I should leave and spend more time teaching my kids the bible myself. I have wanted another church to attend and people to fellowship with but the Lord has not lead me to one yet. I asked the Lord to actually teach me himself, as if I was a new babe in Christ, and He has followed through on that request. I have had some wonderful times of teaching, bible reading and talks with my kids and we have learned so much. Manly about who God really is, His character displayed in the old and new testaments. My daughters and I have been amazed with what the Lord shows us in His word!
Please keep us all informed on how the class goes. When you speak up others will start to question and maybe they will dig deeper into the word for themselves. That is what is really important, that we read the word and ask the Lord to teach us.
Diana
Lisa,
Yea, I get the same kind of comments from my dear hubby too. His sister (the same one I commented on earlier) decided to go to the Universalist Unitarian Church (where you can even be an athiest and belong)and he said "well, it is a start, at least she is going somewhere." Yet at the same time he will argue with his aunt on how she should not be praying to her dead parents (who he believes to be in hell cause they acted so evil. I also feel a great urging to fast and pray alot lately for his maturity. All of our faith and maturity in Christ will need to be grown before the days become even more evil and deceptive.
Oh, also, my seminary student brother will not answer my e-mails. The last one I sent him I asked him about his support of Obama (if you remember that conversation a few weeks ago) and told him that i thought that maybe all of his education may actually interfere with his spiritual life. Wish I would hear back from him. He also is very intellectual and has spent a few years teaching highschool before heading to seminary with his family. He is younger than I am too so maybe the family dynamics are playing a role here to (he is the youngest of our family and was the goof off!)
Lisa,
I agree. I believe anyone that asks for the baptism of the Holy Spirit receives. If they ask in Faith.
And that the Holy Spirit can use any believer as He sees fit.
I come from a Methodist (albeit, Old Time Methodist) and Presbyterian background. My Mother started going to meetings with a group of Presbyterians in the early 1970's. Come to find out they were Full Gospel meetings. Of course, at the time I thought my Mother had lost her mind, in the nicest of ways :) It wasn't until the mid 1970's that I received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. And I've never been the same since :)
Mac and Alesia,
I think it's a great idea! More thoughts on subjects, and from different perspectives :)
In fact, I am going to invite another believer today :) Her name is Lisa Shaw. She's also a Full Gospel minister, and a lovely lady that posts at, Ways of the Holy Spirit, blog. (click my name to come visit, anytime) I believe we'll all be blessed with her addition to Mr. Hyde's cave.
Thank you, Mac and Alesia, for your gracious and welcome offer to open up the cave. May God continue to bless you, and your ministry here.
Love,
Marge
Angie,
I'm in San Diego-as So.Cal as you can get.
Yes-I do believe the church here is Spirit filled. It has a gentle way about it- I suppose that has to do w/the Pastor's personality. This particular Church is probably 3x the size of the TN Church (both would be considered Mega-size) but this pastor here is far more approachable. You can email him directly & he will actually answer you. He is gentle yet does speak the full truth. **And-pastor Ray is a passionate prophesy scholar.
I tried to speak w/the more dynamic TN pastor & not only does he not have an email link but unless you were very persistent or had an "in" w/him- his under-pastors handle all the inquiries & issues. I don't know if the TN Church is really more "Spirit" filled or not. It's certainly more energetic in Worship & the pastor lays it on the line very directly which I admire. He really doesn't appreciate Bible prophesy in the sense that the SD pastor does. I think he feels people can get too distracted and loose the task @ hand of spreading the gospel & remaining in close fellowship. (I get the hint as if Christians are chasing their tails in a circle & what does it accomplish? Although I must say he began to touch on it a little bit more before we left.)
(It was the SD Church which originally brought me back in fellowship w/the Lord & where I got the H.S. burnsen burner set under my butt.)
But both these Calvary associated non-denominational style Churches believe in the gifts of the Spirit for our day but don't prophesy in Church or that type of thing.
Interesting the gentler SD Pastor Ray knew as a young boy that he was called into service-went to school & so on while the dynamic TN Pastor lived a worldly life in Costa Mesa CA before his calling. (Is that why one is gentler and the other more brisk?)
I just met a couple who attend an Assemblies of God Church here. (20 years) She mentioned that when this pastor 1st started out they prophesied in Church w/tongues but then some of the people who interpreted these "prophecies" were telling the Pastor what "God" said he should be doing & his Church ended up splitting over it.
Since that point in time their Church no longer practices the prophesy/interpretation aspect in the congregation.
Marge does indeed have a great point about the prayers of saints pushing back the darkness. We have a pretty strong "Mom's in Touch" group here praying & involved w/ Schools. My friend just noted that the public schools which do not have Christians praying over them are far less accepting of Christian influences & have a worldlier "agenda".
I'm certain prayer does effect the Spiritual Climate of where one resides. I hear some parts of Africa are excruciating difficult for even seasoned pastors. The princes & principalities of the air have a stronghold & I hear there is nothing quite like experiencing such spiritual warfare.
Marge,
You mean a Presby Church was Full Gospel?
It's almost hard to imagine @ this point.
Diana,
I remember a time when I was young & invincible & knew just about everything.
There was no way the Devil was going to get the best of me-no sir.
Ha-what a joke! We'll the Lord let me have it my way and after years of getting the tar knocked out of me I've learned my lesson.
Sometimes I guess that just has to be the best way to learn. At least I have no doubt what-so-ever about my shortcomings. It has now been completely ingrained into my psyche though my acts of stupidity.
What freedom we have only in the Lord!
Hang in there w/your brother. 2009-2012 should be very interesting to say the least w/Obama in office.
(My hubby has some confidence w/the people Obama has chosen so far & doesn't think he will spring any major changes on us until 2010.) I don't know if I agree w/that but I guess we'll find out.
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit can be defined as: at the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit places a believer into permanent union with Christ and with other believers in the Body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:13 and Romans 6:1-4 are the central passages in the Bible where we find this doctrine.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit - Who Has It?
Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has experienced baptism in the Holy Spirit. That is why Paul could state, "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body… we were all given the one Spirit to drink" (1 Corinthians 12:13).
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" (Romans 8:9).
JIB,
Just a few comments, for whatever they're worth. And maybe you'll find them worthless. :-)
I've found that education and experience don't necessarily equal wisdom. And wisdom, of course, comes from God. There are a few people in my life -- three in their 70s and one in his 50s -- who have knowledge of scripture and wisdom...and they apply their knowledge and wisdom to their own lives. When these people say things, I tend to give them more weight than I would with most people.
In fact, the man in his 50s has said that there are seminarians and there are those who have a calling.
Angie
Lisa,
No, the Presbyterian Church wasn't Full Gospel. A few of the Members went to some Full Gospel meetings, though :) And afterwards, the Presbyterian Minister told them, he wasn't going to preach against it, or for it :)
Anonymous,
This is something that shouldn't cause division within the body of Christ. Everyone receives the Holy Spirit upon receiving salvation, thru Faith in Jesus Christ, yes.
Have a wonderful day in the Lord!
And God bless everyone, too!
Lisa,
Not having children, I'd never thought of praying for schools. That's a very good thing to do! For a few weeks a few years ago, I prayed for the people of the churches in the area. I stopped and forgot about re-starting. Unfortunately, it seems like most of my prayers lately focus on me. :-(
Angie
Inviting People to the Cave
Mac and Alesia,
I like your suggestion. One thing I might add though is to be sure and communicate to any new invitees the same general rules. So, two things required:
1.) You can vouch for the their integrity and commitment to Christ Our Savior.
2.) You have communicated this rule to your invitee so that if they in turn invite someone, the integrity is preserved.
Meteorite destroys NZ warehouse in fire, witnesses say
From the UK's Daily Express:'
KILLER VIRUS GRIPS BRITAIN
MILLIONS face being struck down by a deadly winter vomiting bug sweeping the country.
Scores of hospitals have been forced to close wards to new patients as they struggle to cope with the influx of norovirus sufferers.
One of London’s leading hospitals has even had to turn away 999 emergency patients after being overwhelmed with cases of the virus, while another hospital has drafted in GPs to cover for staff hit by the bug.
As the crisis deepens, health campaigners are warning that hospitals face going into “complete meltdown” over Christmas and New Year.
Last year more than three million people were struck down by the bug as it reached epidemic levels. Now experts are warning that the virus could affect even more this year.
It appears to be taking hold much earlier than usual.
...
At its height last year the virus, which causes projectile vomiting, diarrhoea, mild fever and headaches, was striking down more than 200,000 a week. The illness can prove deadly for the vulnerable – children and the elderly.
...more at link...
Doesn't anyone bother to wash their hands anymore?
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Jim C, you're scaring hyde with that virus story. I’ll never get him out of his closet now…which might be a good thing!
Jim G, two really good points. I totally agree.
If anyone DOES have any concerns and if they feel they’d rather not express them at the cave, please feel free to e-mail me or Alesia.
This was one of the more thought provoking articles I have considered. Pretty heavy duty if you ask me.I've often wondered about "God's regrets". What do you think of this? Any comments?
God's Regrets
by David Servant
The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The Lord said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them" (Gen. 6:6-7).
I [the Lord] regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands (1 Sam. 15:11).
I suppose it is comforting to know that even God has His bad days. But on a more serious level, we can't help but wonder why God would regret something that He himself did. We just read that God said He was sorry that He "made man on the earth." He wished He hadn't done it. But if God is all-knowing, and if He knows everything that is yet to happen, why didn't He decide not to create man on the earth before He got started, knowing that He would regret it otherwise?
Now that is an interesting question. I've got an interesting answer, but my informal surveys have shown me that only about 75% of the people who hear it understand it. I'm hoping to improve that percentage in this e-teaching. So put on your thinking cap, and please read slowly!
A Little Knowledge about Foreknowledge
The answer that I'm about to offer requires a little knowledge about foreknowledge and an understanding of some simple logic.
Imagine that you flip a coin ten times, and each time the coin is in the air, I predict if it will land heads or tails. Imagine that all ten times my prediction comes true. Imagine that you flip the coin one hundred times, and every time, without a single error, I tell you in advance what the outcome will be. Would you be convinced that I have the ability to know the future, at least as far as the outcome of coin tosses is concerned? Probably you would. But just to make sure you are convinced, imagine flipping the coin ten thousand times, and my correctly predicting the outcome ten thousand times. With that, you would be certain I had an ability to foreknow the future outcomes of coin tosses.
Now imagine yourself saying to me, "I'm not going to flip the coin again, but if I did, would it land heads or tails?" What would be my answer?
I would have to answer, perhaps to your surprise, "I don't know." The reason I wouldn't know is because my ability to know the outcome of a future event is, of course, predicated upon there being a future event with an outcome. If a future event never occurs, then there is no outcome, and thus there is nothing for me to foreknow.
Did you get that? If you did, you are probably going to be among the 75%. If you didn't, here is another example:
Imagine that you display an ability to predict, in advance, the final score of every high school, college and professional football game played this season in the United States. Your ability is thoroughly tested and verified. Everyone in the nation knows you have a special gift.
So, near the end of the season, the National Football League decides to cancel the Super Bowl. Why go to all that expense, as well as risk injury to the players, when there is someone like you who has accurately foretold the outcome of every game this season? So instead of playing the Super Bowl, they bring you to the center of the field at the Super Bowl stadium, and before fifty-thousand fans and millions of people watching on TV, they ask you, "Who would have won the Super Bowl today if we had played it? You are never wrong, so we trust you! Tell us, please!"
What would you say? Unfortunately, you would disappoint millions of fans, because you would have to say, "I don't know." The reason is because you have not been foretelling the future by super-intelligently calculating the outcomes of football games in advance, or because you are actually controlling everything that happens on the field and the sidelines. You simply possess the ability to foreknow the future. But in this case, there is no future to know. That is, you can only foreknow the outcomes of games that are actually played at some point in time. If a game is never played, there is no outcome, and thus there is no outcome for you to foreknow.
Just as in the two examples I've offered, God possesses foreknowledge of people's choices, a foreknowledge that is, of course, inherently limited to foreknowing actual choices that are made by people at some point in time. He doesn't foreknow the outcomes of football games that are never played any more than He foreknows the favorite colors of people who never exist. What can't be known can't be foreknown either.
Let's apply this concept to God and His regrets.
God has created all of us with a free will. That is, we choose what we do. We're not programmed robots. That being so, God can't foreknow what we will choose unless we are given the chance, at some point in time, to make a choice. Once we choose, an outcome occurs, and there is something for God to foreknow. We therefore must be tested at some point in time, and there must be an outcome of our tests, in order for God to know before time what we will do. The game must be played in order for the outcome to be foreknown.
This is why Scripture sometimes informs us that God learns facts from observation (see Gen. 18:21; Ps. 53:2), that He is surprised by what happens (see Is. 59:16; 63:5; Jer. 19:5), that He tests people (Gen. 22:1; Ex. 15:25; Ps. 11:5), and that He even changes His mind based on facts He learns (Ex. 32:14; 2 Sam. 24:16; Amos 7:3, 6). These examples do not contradict God's foreknowledge, but simply underscore the fact that He cannot foreknow decisions of free-willed people unless free-willed people actually make decisions at some point in time.
Let's consider God's initial regret. Imagine going back in time to when He originally created people. Possessing free-wills, those people started making evil choices by their own volition. Now there was an outcome, and thus there was an outcome that could be foreknown by God even before He created them. But unless He had created them and allowed them to make their choices, there would have been no outcome to foreknow. Clearly, by creating people with free will, God took a risk---in every sense of that phrase---that they would not obey Him.
All of this being so (now read slowly), God could not have decided not to create humans based on His foreknowing that they would make evil decisions. Had He not created them, He could have never known, or foreknown, how evil they, as free-willed beings, would become. Again, foreknowledge of a future outcome is predicated upon there being a future outcome.
This could be said another way that will make your mind spin a little bit, because it is said from looking forward in time from the beginning, rather than from looking back in time at the beginning: (Read slowly again!) God knew before He created anyone that He would regret creating people, but it was too late to change what He was going to do because He had already done it, which is why He foreknew the outcome. Did you get that? Again, His foreknowing what people would do required that, (1) He had already decided to create them, (2) He had created them, and (3) they had already turned towards evil. Hard to wrap your time-oriented mind around all that, I know! That is why most stories in scripture are told from our time-oriented standpoint.
Abraham's Test
Understanding this concept helps us better comprehend stories in Scripture such as God's testing of Abraham. The idea of testing implies a discovery of certain facts of which one is ignorant. So did God foreknow that Abraham would be willing to sacrifice Isaac? Yes, but only because God did test Abraham, a man with free will, by telling Him to sacrifice Isaac at a point in time. Only as Abraham tied Isaac to the altar and lifted his knife was there an outcome for God to foreknow. Which is why God then said to Him through an angel, "Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me" (Gen. 22:12). It was at that moment in time when an outcome became available to know, and thus to foreknow before time. God could have just as well said, "I've always known that you would prove to Me today that you feared Me, because I foreknow everything that occurs, but I had to test you in time for there to be an outcome for me to foreknow."
This is why all free-willed people must be tested (see Prov. 17:3). In eternity past, God foreknew everyone who would repent and believe, and He wrote their names in the Lamb's book of life before the foundation of the world (see Rev. 13:8). But everyone would have to be tested at some point in time for there to be an outcome for God to foreknow. The game has to be played.
The story of Abraham's testing also helps us to understand why God often seems to intervene in human affairs "at the last minute," as it were. If God had stopped Abraham at any moment before he lifted the knife above Isaac---if the test had ended sooner---then the outcome, which revealed Abraham's fear of God, would have been less trustworthy. For example, let us imagine that as soon as Abraham tied some firewood to his donkey and started up the mountain that God had said, "Stop! Now I know that you fear Me!" That would have ended the test. Abraham would have headed home, having never lifted his knife over Isaac. However, if instead of that God had not stopped Abraham, allowing him to continue up the mountain, Abraham might have changed his mind halfway up and turned back, which would have revealed a very different outcome to God. Forgive me for the redundancy, but God can't foreknow the outcome to tests that never occur. So He tested Abraham until the last second. That is when his free-willed heart decision became assuredly manifest, and it could thus be foreknown by God.
Perhaps this also explains why God has allowed millions of His own people to be tested with martyrdom, not delivering them from their trial as they were tempted to renounce their faith to escape death, but refused. "They loved not their lives unto death" (Rev. 12:11).
The concept regarding the inherent limitations of foreknowledge also has ramifications regarding God's permission of evil and suffering in the world. I once heard someone say---in an attempt to explain why God allowed the death of a child---"Maybe God knew that when that little boy would become an adult, he would become a terrible sinner, and so God took him from the earth before that time in order to save his soul from hell." Now think about that in the light of the fact that God can't foreknow the choices of free-willed people if those choices are never made. In order for God to foreknow what choices that child would make as an adult, He would have to allow that child to grow up to be an adult and make his choices. It would be impossible for God to foreknow that child's adult choices otherwise. If God took him to heaven as a child, the child would never make choices as an adult that could be the basis for God's reason for taking him to heaven as a child. Thus it could not be rightly said that He took a young boy to heaven because He foreknew the evil that boy would commit when he grew older.
And why doesn't God stop all evil in the world? This same concept applies to the answer to that question as well. Imagine God observing an evil person repeatedly commit evil deeds that harm others. God could decide to end that person's life, send him to hell, and thus stop his evil deeds. But if God did that, He would never know if that evil person might have repented one month later had He allowed that person to live. Again, the game has to be played to know the outcome, or in God's case, to foreknow the outcome. So God generally shows mercy to sinners, allowing them to continue sinning for years, in hopes that they will repent, escape hell, and gain eternal life. Human suffering, however, is the inescapable consequence. Of course, God's mercy and long-suffering eventually end for unrepentant sinners. But aren't you glad He didn't decide to end your life before you repented?
A Free-Willed Mouse
Perhaps one more example might help us to understand foreknowledge's dependency upon time-oriented outcomes:
Imagine putting a mouse in a simple maze that is shaped like the letter "Y." You place the mouse at the beginning of the maze, and he starts down the single corridor that leads to the fork in the road, the place where the mouse will have to make a decision to turn to the left or right. You aren't controlling the mouse. He is free-willed.
Let us imagine that you don't want the mouse to turn to the left, but want him to turn to the right. So you put some cheese at the end of the path that turns to the right, which he can smell and that will give him incentive to take the right-hand path. But you don't know what he will do. You have to wait and see.
Let us imagine that the mouse, against your desire, turns down the left corridor. He has made his choice. Now you know it. (Now read slowly again.) Even if you had the ability to foreknow what that mouse would do, you would still have had to allow him to start down the wrong corridor, because until he started down that corridor, there was nothing to foreknow regarding which corridor he would choose. Foreknowing that the mouse would go the wrong way requires that you not prevent the mouse from going the wrong way. Again, because you foreknew the mouse would go the wrong way---based on the fact that he did go the wrong way---you couldn't stop him from going the wrong way---at least until a short time after he made his wrong decision and started down the left corridor.
Moreover, if you, based on your foreknowledge that the mouse would turn to the left, had made it impossible for the mouse to turn to the left by completely blocking the left path, the mouse would have had no choice to make, and you would have no way of foreknowing that he would turn to the left, and thus no basis to block the left path! Again, hard to wrap our time-oriented minds around all that! But it illustrates why God must allow free-willed people to make evil choices. It explains, at least in part, why God allows so much human evil.
Similarly, we often read in Scripture of God not preventing people from committing evil (even though He foreknew their evil deeds), but rather, making decisions based on their evil deeds after those deeds are committed. For example, when God regretted that He had made man on the earth, He determined to send a flood to destroy them all (except Noah's family). When God regretted that He had made Saul king, He decided to find a man after His own heart.
I think it is safe to suspect that God has quite a few regrets beyond just the two that are mentioned in Scripture and that I quoted at the beginning of this article. Surely He is not happy with the state of the world and the evil choices of free-willed humans. Every reader likely agrees with me on that. But the game has to be played---God has to allow outcomes to tests---if He is going to judge everyone righteously, according to their deeds, which He will (see Matt. 16:27).
And when atheists argue that God cannot exist because if He did He would not allow all the evil in the world, they reveal that they haven't thought much about human free will and the inherent limitations of God's foreknowledge. When God created free-willed humans, He took a risk, and consequences, good or bad, were inevitable. Only when those free-willed humans actually made their evil choices was an outcome available to be foreknown, and when it was, God set a redemptive plan in motion. That plan will one day be fully accomplished, and God's redeemed children will be living in a perfect world---having proven their worthiness by passing His tests. They'll be rejoicing forever over the final outcome, and so will He---with no regrets.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea....And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. "And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new" (Rev. 21:1, 3-5).
But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (1 Pet. 3:13).
Andrew Strom has a new website & format if interested.
Revival School.Com
I was wondering if anyone got around to reading Jack Kelley's latest article on What is Sin?
I made a link to it the other day...but no one's mentioned it.
I thought it was a GREAT article..it talks about a lot of the things we talked about a few weeks or so ago...about sin and forgiveness, etc.
Here's the link again.
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It was a great article, Donna.
Request for prayer
Please pray for David. David is a member of the Omega Letter and a former atheist. He accepted the Lord last year and I was privileged to witness it. Unfortunately David suffers from a number of medical conditions that are debilitating – one of them is a form of paranoid schizophrenia and he has a number of close friends who are Jehovah Witnesses. One of the OL members e-mailed me and I thought I’d post it here to put everyone in the picture:
Just got done talking to David – our weekly conversation! Though he sounds so very much improved and more clear headed than ever, I am quite concerned that he is going to a Jehovah Witnesses Church regularly. He hasn’t said anything alarming or even non-scriptural...yet. But he talks about how they are the only friends he has and the only people that come to visit him, and so they have quietly wooed him back into the fold with their friendliness and care.
It angers me that not one single person, not even the pastor, of the Baptist Church his mother has gone to for years and years, and to which David attended when his paranoia allowed, has visited him. NOT ONE! I even wrote to his sister, Linda, with my concern and she kind of ho-hummed it and said the pastor is very busy and blah blah blah. No wonder he goes to the JW church.
That said, will you pray with me about that? Just pray as you are led? He is so vulnerable. I won’t post this request for obvious reasons, but know you have a burden for him, also, and trust that you won’t ‘lecture’, as most do on OL! He cannot tolerate lectures and it would set him back so far that we’d lose him. On the bright side, he sounds fantastic. He is on new medication and though he is far from ‘healed’, he is so much better. He is actually laughing and what a joy that is to hear. He’s fun to tease, but won’t take it from most, I don’t suppose. I’m praising God for this progress.
Please pray for him. Thanks.
Shalom, all. After that news report on the killer virus in Britian, I wanted to post an update:
Pandemic fear after woman catches Man Flu
A woman from Stroud has caught Man Flu, prompting fears that women may have become susceptible to a new strain of the disease for the first time. Thirty-five-year-old Andrea Jennings complained of a sore throat and feeling ‘a bit bunged up’ and then instead of just struggling on regardless announced she was going to take the day off work and endlessly complain about how ill she was to her partner. It was at this point that government scientists confirmed Andrea was suffering from Man Flu.
‘I’ve had colds before and in many ways this very feels similar,’ said Andrea. ‘But since I realised it was Man Flu I’ve struggled to do anything more strenuous than lying the sofa watching Match of the Day DVDs and reruns of Top Gear on Dave. It’s been awful.’ Concerned that she might actually be dying caused Andrea to visit to the doctor who gave her a patronizing chuckle and informed her that she just has a bit of a virus and advised her to take paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids. Scientists say that a rare mutation has caused the Man Flu virus to spread to women for the first time, although there have already been instances of Man Flu being passed to birds. In the Far East, millions of chickens were destroyed when farmers noticed them lying in bed all day, showing signs of headaches, dry mouths and other symptoms quite similar to those of a hang-over.
Here's some more stunning news reports:
Christmas ruined as Sarah Palin shoots Rudolph
Spider given ASBO for frightening small woman
(ASBO = Anti-Social Behavioural Order)
Obama squanders CIA briefing finding out what really happened to JFK
Here's some more on Obama:
Obama stripped of title after failing drug test
Obama comes out as French
Richard Dawkins embarrassed after death and subsequent resurrection
Confirmed atheist Richard Dawkins was forced onto the defensive yesterday after he died but subsequently rose from the dead in a miraculous resurrection, much like that of the son of God Jesus Christ.
‘There are a number of perfectly logical scientific explanations for what has happened’ he told journalists flocking to hear his story or just touch the hem of his clothing. ‘Although I was pronounced dead after the unfortunate incident on Friday, the doctors clearly made a mistake. The fact that there was thunder and lightning, and those around claim to have heard the sound of angelic voices is completely irrelevant.’
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Grany, Shalom! I don't know how far along you are in re-reading Maccabees, but I found this news link and was struck by it:
Balducci's offers ham for Chanukah
It's especially funny when you think that the original Hannukah came about because the emperor tried to force Jews to eat unclean foods. I like one of the comments to the article:
I AM Jewish and I find this very offensive. Imagine, spiral-cut ham at $8.99 a pound - outrageously expensive!!!
Oy! to the world!
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Scientists find hole in Earth's magnetic field
Scientists baffled by mysterious acorn shortage "I had read about the collapse of the bee colonies, and it made me wonder, is something else going on here? Could this be affecting other systems?"
Democrat Says Fairness Doctrine Should Extend to Cable, Satellite TV
Russian warships causing no ripples in Pentagon
Russia in talks with Iran over sale of anti-aircraft missiles, despite Israeli objections
Russia to supply Lebanon with 10 MiG-29 fighter jets
Saudis call for record cut in Opec output
Rice: Arab nations want meetings on Iran's nuclear program
Israel-U.N. Rift Widens
Israeli diplomat: No more talks with Syria at this time
Assad Draws Peace Map - Syria On Northwest Shores Of Kinneret
Livni: Syria peace must involve more than just eating hummus in Damascus
UN Security Council supports ME peace process fundamentals
UN Security Council: Israel-PA peace process is irreversible
The Statement of The Quartet
Nasrallah Calls Arab World To Unite & Prevent US, Israel From Destroying Gaza
Donna,
I read it a few days ago and printed it out as a matter of fact. I really appreciate you sharing it and please continue to do so!
One thing that Jack is always good at pressing home is, that we are all sinners through and through. We are in such need of a Savior.
We get saved and start to clean up our act in our own eyes and lose sight of our wretched heart condition when comparing ourselves to others. Especially others that have come to Christ and still struggle with very "public" sins.
Grace
Friends,
I just need to take a moment to gripe. I need tea and sympathy..
One son was vomiting all night two nights ago; last night the other son started vomiting at 6pm (the boys are little so I need to hold their heads and clean up after them); one daughter started at 8pm and as soon as my husband walked in the door, he started. The other daughter started at 9pm. It has continued through the night with the 4 of them! I am still healthy even though I have been the one cleaning everything up and holding heads over buckets! It has been exhausting. I refuse to eat anything. Please pray that the Lord will give me more strength and patience in all of this mess and keep me healthy! Thank you so much!
Oh, and I got offered a job, finally! It is as a full time bridal consultant. I do not know how long that industry will hold out as things get worse but the hours are such that I can take some classes at the local community college to do something else in the near future. I just never finished school after starting a family and all.
Blessings to all of you and thank you for your prayers.
Mac: Prayed for David this morning. My husband's dad has that same disorder. We are not in contact with him as he left the family when his kids were little but Steve remembers what it was like.
Diana
Hi Jim,
Thanks for sharing the warning about man-flu. We're suffering with it here as I speak...terrible, wretched affliction of the most horrible kind! I'd rather endure kid-flu (except that it tenderizes my heart so much when they cough and wheeze that I go into full-fret mode and get nothing else done.)
Woman-flu is definitely the easiest to endure as life basically goes along as normal.
Blessings,
Jen
Jim C. Shalom!
I am not afraid of man flu as I have an immunity to it, being a mother to 4 children! I have, however, witnessed this illness in my own dear husband several times. He recovered rather quickly though.
Blessings! :)
Diana
***All of this being so (now read slowly), God could not have decided not to create humans based on His foreknowing that they would make evil decisions. Had He not created them, He could have never known, or foreknown, how evil they, as free-willed beings, would become. Again, foreknowledge of a future outcome is predicated upon there being a future outcome.***
I disagree with David Servanat that He would not have known until He created us that we could become evil. I think this man gives God too little credit for knowing what those created in His image would be capable of. I believe God knew every person who would ever live and what choices they would make before He created anything. That He created us anyway and protects us even when we think He's nothing more than some mass delusion or we think He's nothing more than some survival thing built into our genes, etc., speaks of His great love for us.
As for His regrets, I can no more explain His regrets than I can explain His love.
Angie
Angie
I agree with you. He uses circular reasoning to prove his point
Mac,
I'm agreeing with you in prayer, for David to get well, and become a strong Christian. I'm also in agreement with you, that some believers reach out to him, for fellowship, and support. Including his sister.
I have seen the involement with not only JW, but the Mormon church in my community. Two years ago, we had some flooding issues, and they were the main ones out there, offering their support, and elbow grease, etc. They sent teams of young people out to help people clean up their yards, and such after the flood waters went down.
These churches know all about the gift of helping. Something that is listed in doing the works of Jesus.
Grace,
Good to "see" you back posting! How is everything going with you?
Also agreeing with the prayer requests for healing from the flu.
Have a wonderful day in the Lord!
Jim C.,
Grany is on a Christmas visit with her daughter/son/family :)
JIB!
For some reason, I just went over to Nate's We are overcomers site. (haven't been there in ages)
I completely forgot about your son's Santa picture.
It is BY FAR the world's BEST Santa picture I have ever seen.
I just know you had to make cards or something from that pic.
Thanks for the roar of laughter.
was it the one of him strangling santa? yes we did make cards out of that one. it captured his personality really well. this year's picture was nice also but not nearly so funny
Man Flu? Woman Flu? How come I have never heard of these?
Flu & Bird Flu were the only ones on my radar screen.
Diana-what a time for you w/everyone barfing all over! Yikes!
Great news about the job!
Jim C.
I thought you would like this book I just finished if you have not read it. Since you have "priests" in the Catholic church the book really goes into detail on how/why God established the "priest" role & how it related to sin, sacrifices, offerings....
"The Tabernacle: Shadows of the Messiah, by David M. Levy."
*The book is simple & well thought out w/some nice diagrams.
Alesia
Just checked out the album at the weovercomers and actually we used the picture of him sliding down the sand at White Sands nat'l park for the year before's card and we used the picture with santa for last year's card.
Anglicans Add Hindu Snowmen, Chinese Dragon to Christmas Displays
Anglicans Add Hindu Snowmen, Chinese Dragon to Christmas Displays
One more time-Hindu Snowman
Bad Times Draw Bigger Crowds to Churches
Two church members were going door to door, and knocked on the door of a woman who was not happy to see them. She told them in no uncertain terms that she did not want to hear their message and slammed the door in their faces.
To her surprise, however, the door did not close and, in fact, bounced back open. She tried again, really put her back into it,
and slammed the door again with the same result-the door bounced back open.
Convinced these rude young people were sticking their foot in the door, she reared back to give it a slam that would teach them a lesson, when one of them said, "Ma'am, before you do that again, you need to move your cat."
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Jim C.,
That's a good one!
(I'm alergic to cats and have always favored dogs over cats.) I know, the cat lovers are going to let me have it now.
Ted Pearce Music Video
El Shaddai Ministries Since it's Hannukah I thought to post part of this newsletter. (The 8 day reflection on his site looks good.)
It’s been an exciting year! Hannukah is upon us, which is known as the festival of lights. I highly recommend everyone listen for free to our teaching on Hanukkah and follow along with the notes provided. Knowing Hanukkah will happen again and realizing the teaching in Matt 24 when Yeshua talks about the end times is a direct correlation will help us understand end time events.
I had said earlier this summer before all these economic problems were exposed that the total Solar eclipse in the middle of the dire straits was a sign that judgment was coming upon the nations. Then on the Feast of Trumpets in the 7th month the DOW drops 777 points which was a 7% drop resulting in a $700 billion loss after a failed $700 billion bailout. Is God trying to get our attention or what?
Remember that there is only one total solar eclipse in 2009 and one in 2010 and they are both right in the middle of the dire straits. So again in the Fall Feasts of next year and the year following we will see judgment coming upon the nations. Three things people want is income, protection and good health. God will knock out all three legs mankind is leaning on for support. This year it was the economy. The other two legs left are military might and health. These things happen in order. When the economy of nations goes down the toilet it brings war. Then the consequence of war is often disease.
Remember the Exodus:
Ex 10:22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
With Hannukah as a backdrop, we see darkness coming, but praise God there is light in our dwelling! We are to be the children of the light. What does that mean?
Pr 6:20-23 My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not the Torah of your mother: Bind them continually upon your heart, and tie them about your neck. When you go, it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall keep you; and when you wake, it shall talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp; and the Torah is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
2Ti 3:16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
The commandments are the Lamps and Torah is the Light. As physical oil brings physical light so the Torah is what illuminates and brings the spiritual light.
Mt 25:1 -8 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Pr 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Where there is no Torah there is no vision and only darkness.
La 2:7-9
Pr 29:18
Joh 14:6
Ps 119:1
Ps 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law (Torah); is the truth.
And what is Life?
Pr 13:14 The law (Torah); of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Pr 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law (Torah) as the apple of thine eye.
Pr 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (Torah), even his prayer shall be abomination!
Mal 2:6-9
Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law (Torah) he meditates day and night.
Ps 119:97 O how love I thy law (Torah)! it is my meditation all the day.
Ps 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law (Torah) of the LORD.
Ps 119:44,45 So shall I keep thy law (Torah) continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
Isa 51:7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law (Torah)
We meditate on Torah, look at Torah, listen to Torah, speak Torah, walk in Torah, seek Torah, delight in Torah, the Torah is in our heart. There is liberty in Torah! For Torah is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. For Yeshua is the Living Torah and we have the mind of Messiah! Isn’t great to know He is the same yesterday, today and forever!! He didn’t decide His past teaching was wrong and all messed up so He’d have to come and correct/change it!! His initial Word could stand forever! Torah does not mean “law” it means “teaching” and is still good for reproof, correction & instruction in righteousness!!
I have posted on our website readings and thoughts for every night of Hanukkah,
Be Blessed and Happy Hanukkah!
Pastor Mark
Evolving Turkish Islamic "Union".
This was posted on Joels T. Really Interesting looking @ Turkey & what they are up to considering all that's going on prophetically speaking. Following are some notes:
The Caliphate?-called president or leader-doesn't matter how you define him. The true essence will be of brotherhood ,friendship & love.
Love peace,brotherhood,and rationality....welfare, freedom,
democracy-There would be alot of love for Christians & Jews. Everybody is equal to one another. Will not make use of force or violence because it will be for
"The common goodness & common welfare of all humanity."
"Love is stronger than violence."
"If you use violence you cannot attain your goals. You need to use love, esthetics, compassion & sincerity."
There may be "signs" of this Union before the coming of the Mahdi.The Muslim countries can only come together in this Islamic Union w/the Mahdi. There will be preparatory stages which will lead the Mahdi to this Islamic Union. Before the Mahdi "the conditions" will be ready for this Union.
He will be a Spiritual leader, and someone who is loved by most & respected. His rule will be based on love & solving all kinds of problems only through love. "Every word he utters will be respected."
"This leader's rule will be one of love, friendship,& brotherhood." Any other leader before the Mahdi would not have enough power & would be weak.
It's a system which will eradicates racism, religious wars, terrorism, all kinds of enmity between states & people,
It's a system which respects differences & all kinds of different beliefs. It's based on love & compassion. It wants every state & every country on this earth to be powerful.
Based on mutual love & respect,
compassion, sincerity & brotherhood.
Islamic alliance against a Christian alliance/ European Union? They are not in any type of opposition. They will be in great cooperation because in 15-20 years time we are awaiting the 2nd coming of Jesus. There would be no opposition of eminently between them as they are both looking toward Jesus & have a common loved one. "There will be complete corporation a very perfect alliance between Muslims & Christians in the very near future." We are both looking for the 2nd coming of Jesus.
"When we look at the signs since that have been explained to us since the ancient times I can tell you that these will be happening in a very short time" People will feel this love & mutual compassion.
You wrote in 2004 Both the Mahdi & Jesus are here? "I am certain that the Mahdi event has already been realized and among us." Jesus I'm not sure of. He will be resurrected in 10-15 years from now on.
They will feel him like the rays of the sun. His force will be spiritual. Some people will feel the Mahdi consciously & some people will feel it sub-consciously. Everyone will be effected by the event of the Mahdi.
The internet has been invented for the Mahdi...Global Economy crisis is something for the event of Mahdi....War between Iran & Iraq..The signs in the planets-comets, Sun & Moon eclipses during the month of Rahamadan, drying up of rivers, great explosions in the Sun,.....greening of the deserts,.... building of skyscrapers, cell phones (mentions lips on the end of a whip) recording technologies & voices,1000's of signs of the times which have been proved to be real...all these great numbers of signs have been realized in a prophetic order in this past 20-30 yrs. This is a great miracle and similar signs which hint at the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "People will be surprised and be witnessing many surprising incidents."
“The Mahdi will never claim he is the Mahdi.”
He will be fighting against the materialist & Darwinist system. He will defeat this though books,studies, & different activities going on. Love & rational agruments. If the people still don't believe they will be free to believe in whatever they want.
Only the followers will feel that the Mahi & Jesus are real but they themselves won't know that is who they actually are.
The seat of authority for the Mahdi will be working in Istanbul.
Mahdi will rule the world then Jesus Christ when he is ressurected will tell people about Islam. Then the whole world will be united under the Islamic Untion. Jesus will be helping the Mahdi-the last of the 12 Imams.
Israel will be comfortable & living a peaceful life. The people of Israel will be accepting the Muslim religion. A copy of the OT will be found & the sacred relics will be found.
Christian/Muslim interfaith dialogue-very beneficial.
"When Jesus returns he will free Christians from their myths." Someone similar was substituted for Jesus Christ on the cross & the point of the crucifixion as he was taken to another time/space dimension. He will be sent back to this time/space dimension & correct this & the Trinity belief.
Where is the Ark of the Covenant? The Mahdi will find it & the Jews will accept him after it's found.
Interview with Adan Oktar
Hi everyone! Greetings from Bella Vista, Arkansas.
When I left sunny Okieland, the weather was pretty decent and in fact the temp got up to 75 degrees, sun was shining and the birds were happy. Rabbits were running and the squirrels were looking for nuts! The evening I arrived at my daughters, the temps dropped to the middle 30's, sleet came in huge sheets and continued for hours, the sun has refused to come of hiding, the clouds are now on the surface of the ground and ice has been a constant until last night. Now we have low lying clouds (formerly known as fog) and moisture that puts a new meaning to humidity. My son arrived here on Sunday afternoon and we have been having a great visit. He has to return to northern Missouri tomorrow and there is a major weather warning of ice in the whole area he will be driving through. Please keep him in your prayers. I have greatly enjoyed cooking and wrapping presents with my daughter and yesterday we made so many kinds of cookies I am almost afraid to eat anything further.
I tried to catch up with your conversations but my laptop is not the greatest for just reading. I know, I know! Reset the display but you see, I don't want to spend any time doing this and miss out on the fellowship and love.
I will check in with you all later
Grany,
Good to hear from you! But please, no worries :) Enjoy your time with your family!
We had an inch of snow last night. But east Seattle is a huge mess right about now. A lot of snow :(
We've been hit with an artic blast, that is expected to last another week, or so :(
In agreement with you, about your son's safety in travel.
Enjoy!
Love,
Marge
Grany, Shalom! You wrote:
When I left sunny Okieland, the weather was pretty decent and in fact the temp got up to 75 degrees, sun was shining and the birds were happy. Rabbits were running and the squirrels were looking for nuts! The evening I arrived at my daughters, the temps dropped to the middle 30's, sleet came in huge sheets and continued for hours, the sun has refused to come of hiding, the clouds are now on the surface of the ground and ice has been a constant until last night.
Isn't the message obvious? Grany, you need to return to Okieland ASAP!
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Atheists to do religious education in schools (Australia)
Good to hear from you, Grany!
Nate, where are you?
Did I see snow in Vegas? Someone had better alert Al about that.
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning
Commentary..
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves..
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it.... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Hey Lisa,
I checked out the Ben Stein thing (it sounded familiar in some parts) and found more info at several placed, including Snopes (although I don't trust them 100% either.) Seems he did publish part of the commentary a few years ago but other stuff (the Anne Graham Lotz and Dr. Spock comments) have been added later by others. It does have his 'flavor' though and deserves a revisit in light of the recent attacks on Christianity in the public forum.
Blessings,
Jen
I was wondering about Nate, too.
I like Ben Stein's commentary..thank you for sharing it, Lisa.
75 in Okieland...sounds really nice!
We're joining you in prayer, Grany, for the safe travels for your son!
a couple of interesting articles from prophecy today
UN passes a resolution intedned to bind the incoming PM of Israel to negotiations ongoing now could this be setting the stage for Gog and Magog?
What to look out for in 2009
World's Tallest Snowwoman
New post is up.
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