Heb 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Heb 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Thanks to Alesia for the suggestion.
153 comments:
One! Uno! Eins!
That was total luck!
Thanks Nate.
You guys sure don't miss a beat!
:)
<><
Hi friends,
Wanted to let you know of a tragic situation that took place in my family last week.
My grandfather, the one I had been praying for and witnessing to for the last year, committed suicide last Tues. night. The details are still unclear, but it seems he decided to end things on his own terms rather than face the likely prospect of moving to a nursing home (he was having more health trouble and had cancer that was growing rapidly worse.) The fact that my grandmother died last year was probably also a factor.
I'll have an opportunity to speak at his memorial service this weekend and I have been trying to organize my thoughts about what I want to convey to those gathered. There are MANY hurting/lost/dysfunctional members in the family and I want to shine a light out for them in the midst of this tragedy. I'm finding it very hard to "gel" my thoughts in a sensitive but uncompromising way. It would be easy to take the "I remember the time when Grandpa..." route which is what most of the family will do. But I know without doubt that I am to use this opportunity for something more than a trip down memory lane. Mac, the Scripture you used for this post was a real confirmation for me. I've been wavering on what to say and now I know that I need to speak plainly but lovingly about the things that are True.
I would covet your prayers for my traveling to and from as well as all the hours I'll spend there in between. And maybe prayers for hubby who will be holding the fort down while I'm gone!
Blessings,
Jen
Grany, Shalom! Here's an odd question: were these old mining shafts required to have air vent shafts?
The thought occurred to me, based on your last post. ... and due to the strict laws in place now, the shafts are pretty well left as they were. If you are not extracting or reclaiming the top soil (which just applies to surface extraction at this time) then the regulators don't favor imploding them.
What if some idjit(s) with more dynamite than sense were dropping sticks down the ventilation shafts, say, over their lunch hours? Every Tuesday, grab some burgers and fries and maybe a fortified soda and head out to some new site. Chances are, most of those old mines already have had some kind of collapse, allowing the gases to collect. The gases are heavier than air, so unless there's something blowing them out the vent shaft those gases are staying down there.
Heck, if enough gas has collected, they don't even need dynamite. Just a couple of M-80s. Heck, just dump half a gallon of gasoline down there, wait a minute, then toss a lit cigarette in.
How's that sound to you?
<><
Jen, I am so sorry that you all have to go through this terrible tragedy.
Unfortunately, I know all too well how devestating suicide can be for those left behind.
Please know that you and your family and friends will be in our prayers.
May He use you during this time to bring comfort to many and to bring many to Him.
<><
Marantha
Mac told me to repost my comment from the previous post and I try to be good and obey my host.
Thanks Mac and tell Alesia I love sweet taters too.
Hi Lori,
I didn't see your comment until just now and yes, we think that is what is happening. Jim and I both poured over the maps we still have of the area and those mines go back a long ways in days that mining regulations were not in place and due to the strict laws in place now, the shafts are pretty well left as they were. If you are not extracting or reclaiming the top soil (which just applies to surface extraction at this time) then the regulators don't favor imploding them.
The mining inspector that I was referring to is now retired and I was not able to contact him. I will keep digging though. If it wasn't due to the mines I mentioned, then there is some serious stuff beginning. If you go to Google Earth, put in the name of the town and you can begin to see some of the terrain that makes up a coal basin. When you have coal deposits you will also have other minerals involved as coal puts off gases and oil is closely associated in that same deposit. The part of the state is very unstable but one thing that is positive is the small population in the areas. Another odd thing about today, we didn't have our usual noon time rumble that happens every Tuesday. When Jim told me what he thought it was and related to sonic booms from planes, it didn't click. Just something about it that doesn't add up. Why would the USA waste jet fuel sending big planes out of California or Arizona to do manuevers? I think it is the mines and that structure or lack of, that is causing the shaking. If not, and the tremors move further north and east, start praying girl.
We also have Cookson Hills which blend into the almost mountains of Arkansas near Fayetteville. We live in the pretty part of the state and most of the big hills (which is what people call our rough terrain) are a mixture of the old deposits and are mainly flint, sandstone and lime stone. none of which are very solid.
Well, it might get interesting to say the least and here I thought I was safe. I will have to get my coalminers lamp and check out what gives.
Grany
February 3, 2009 6:07 PM
Jen, my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Remember that G_D exists outside of time, and prayers for your grandfather's soul can still be applied by G_D to him. We have no way of knowing what passed between him and G_D in the moments before his death, so there is still hope for him.
<><
Jen, consider it done.
Praying for all those things, Jen, and keeping you all in prayer.
JIM C.
I know this is hard to understand about mining in this region but remember, Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907 but it took a few years to achieve Statehood for them. Here is something from the US House of Representatives that kinda explains some of it.
Most of the land that is now Oklahoma was acquired by the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. In the 1830s, the U.S. used the land to relocate Indian tribes and the Indian Territory was formed from the land set aside by the Indian Intercourse Act of 1834. The Indian Territory originally extended beyond present-day Oklahoma, but the size was gradually reduced over the course of the 19th century. In 1889 Congress authorized the opening land seized from the Indian Territory for homestead settlement, and a year later Congress passed an act that officially created the Oklahoma Territory.
RG 233, Records of the U.S. House of Representatives
Coal mining was being done prior to statehood and at one time, there was the portion called Indian Territory which was much larger than the present state of Oklahoma. When they applied for Statehood, they wanted 2 different states recognized. Indian Territory and Oklahoma. The US Government would not allow that to happen and so it was combined into the present day Oklahoma. Much of the open land that was Indian Territory was put up for claim during the famous "land rush" event and for the Native Americans who had been removed from their original homeland, it was just one more white man's lie.
Now for your question about the condition of those mines. Venting wasn't done by law during the early days of production. Those laws didn't come into effect until the middle 1900's. I found this web site very informative and discusses Methane gas emission from active and inactive mines. HARNESSING METHANE
My gut feeling is abandoned coal mines and I just talked with a friend in the industry and a bunch of them are thinking the same thing. Methane is very volatile and even lightening can set it off. In fact Jim, they don't use dynamite to blast anymore. It is all done with electricity and ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures, regardless of density; slurries, water gels, or emulsions; all of it is controlled by each state the mine is located in. Remember the Murah Building in Oklahoma City in 1995? That was ammonium nitrate mix.
But, farmers use ammonium in farming operations here also but in the region those shakes occured in, farming the land is mostly just raising cattle with little crop production. Most of that is done on the river bottoms that border around the Arkansas River in the middle of the state and the Red River that borders Oklahoma and Texas.
Those old mines in Coal County were probably there in the early statehood days and when the coal was exhausted the owners just walked away from them. Now you have laws that force reclamation of the disturbed land and it is very expensive to carry through on.
So, yes, I am very inclined to think it is related to the old mines that have been abandoned and if you will look at the pattern from October 30, 2008 to present, check out the locations on the map, you will see a pattern emerging. The area is very irregular with huge hills that are sometimes just a few inches from being classified as mountains. It is all very pretty but I wouldn't want to build a home on those hills in Coal County Oklahoma. Have you ever tried to climb a hill that is almost 100% flint rock? Be prepared to slide alot and most of it will be downhill.
Grany
You all might enjoy reading this article pertaining to the Indian Territory. It is quite a story and not very long.
SMITTEN WITH GOLD FEVER
That article I posted a link to came from here:
SMITTEN WITH THE GOLD FEVER.; PROSPECTORS LOOKING FOR MINES IN THE INDIAN TERRITORY.
October 26, 1890, Wednesday
FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 25. -- George F. Nipps, who lives near Ardmore, Indian Territory, was to-day in this city and detailed the extent of the gold excitement in the Arbuckle Mountains. Mr. Nipps has not caught the "gold fever," and talks in a conservative manner of the rich finds that have been made. For twenty years he has lived in that Territory, and he is one of the wealthiest "squaw men" in that country. [ END OF FIRST PARAGRAPH]
In that article they mention Fishomingo and today it is called Tishomingo and it is anyone's guess what it was really called by the Indian's who settled there. Also, the mountain range is Washita instead of what I posted in a previous discussion with Jim C. as Ouachita. Kinda like Cholo and Colon soundings. The Ouachitas are down around Hot Springs, Arkansas and the Washita are close to Mena, Arkansas and south western Oklahoma that starts around Poteau.
We have some very interesting names tacked onto our towns and you can forget chewing gum and pronouncing them.
Grany
Grany, Shalom! So, you do NOT think that someone is blowing up old coal mines "just for fun"? The regularity (every Tuesday around noon) would argue against it being a natural occurrence -- someone is doing SOMETHING to collapse the old mines for some reason or another.
Maybe someone in the Oklahoma state agency responsible for coal mines would know if someone is doing a project on reclaiming abandoned mines that would involve imploding them?
<><
Jen,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I remember praying for you to have an open door to witness to him.
Was he the one you wanted to give My Heart Christ's Home, or was that someone else.
Praying God's comfort for you and your family.
Grace
Jen
prayers go up for you and your family.
The 10 toes
the first time I had heard of the 10 kings being in place before the AC comes on the scene was when I read Frucht's footsteps of the Messiah and here is someone else who feels that global governance will be in place BEFORE the AC comes to power and not the AC putting the 10 in power after. A literal read of the prophecy involved does seem to indicate that they are correct-the AC takes over a global governance of some sort which is already in place.
has an interesting end point-it could be that the rapture won't take place until after the global government is in place but before the AC comes to power.
Apologies if this was posted on the bill to create us detention camps The irony of this is that a former Halliburton subsidiary got the contract.
Marge
our pastor said much the same thing this last Sunday-that we each have a story to tell and that we should tell it.
well chips are not the least of it. the new stimulus..uh spending bill before congress right now mandates 100%participation in electronic medical records by all docs, hospitals AND patients. the personal medical records of patient will be available to people that the patient most likely would not want the information available to and such things as bad habits, obesity, consumption of transfats and salt, non compliance etc will all be documented. I do believe that there is a provision in the bill for not covering the care of non compliant patients which would cover the rest of it. the big brother nanny state will be coming fast and this will all be in place by law by 2014!
Jen,
I'm sorry for your loss. May the Lord use you as a vessel of His Love to your family. May He speak through your words and your actions. May He be glorified. God bless you sister for your love and commitment to our Lord.
Good Evening,
On the last post there was a link to a video, "Victor/Victoria" which led to a discussion regarding Ray's Method of witnessing.
I understand Ray and Kurt's method of witnessing, to help people understand what constitutes a sinner, "all have sinned, etc." and that we all "need a Savior."
This confrontation with Victor is just one presentation of Ray's methods. In any case Victor needs our prayers, that he will yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit for salvation or conviction of his need to repent of his life style as we all know that the LORD wants to deliver him from that. We all come to the LORD just as we are, with all our filth, and He cleans us up and refines us as we yield to His voice.
I also know that people who post here or just read this blog have many different understandings about what the scripture teaches and there are probably a lot of different denominations among us.
I also suspect that there are a few who are basically going it alone using blogs and the internet for the Christian fellowship they need and desire for maturing in the Faith.
As each of us were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ, we were each given at least one spiritual gift to be used, some were given several gifts. Have each of you identified the gift or gifts you were given? I hope so. And, I pray that you are using them.
I know that everyone was not given the gift of evangelizing, but I think that the LORD commissioned each of us to share the gospel with each one He brings into our midst. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you.
So even if you weren't given the gift of evangelizing, we need to be prepared to share the good news.
I think the following is a good outline one could use as a guideline in preparing. Memorize the scriptures that you will use and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you through each witnessing experience.
Do you have a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ?
A personal relationship with Jesus is the most important decision you could ever make in your life. It is unlike any other relationship. For if you go into eternity without this relationship, you will spend eternity apart from Him.
So, if you will allow me, I'd like to tell you how you can come into a personal relationship with Jesus.
First you need to recognize that . . .
God Desires a Personal Relationship With You
God created you (Genesis 1:27). And He didn't just create you to exist all alone and apart from Him. He created you with a view to coming into a personal relationship with Him.
Remember, God had face-to-face encounters and fellowship with Adam and Eve, the first couple (Genesis 3:8-19). And just as God fellowshipped with them, so He desires to fellowship with you (1 John 1:5-7). God loves you (John 3:16). Never forget that fact.
The problem is . . .
Humanity Has a Sin Problem that Blocks a Relationship With God
When Adam and Eve chose to sin against God in the Garden of Eden, they catapulted the entire human race--to which they gave birth--into sin. Since the time of Adam and Eve, every human being has been born into the world with a propensity to sin.
The apostle Paul affirmed that "sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin" (Romans 5:12). Indeed, we are told that "through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners" (Romans 5:19). Ultimately this means that "death came through a man...in Adam all die" (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Jesus often spoke of sin in metaphors that illustrate the havoc sin can wreak in one's life. He described sin as blindness (Matthew 23:16-26), sickness (Matthew 9:12), being enslaved in bondage (John 8:34), and living in darkness (John 8:12; 12:35-46). Moreover, Jesus taught that this is a universal condition and that all people are guilty before God (Luke 7:37-48).
Jesus also taught that both inner thoughts and external acts render a person guilty (Matthew 5:28). He taught that from within the human heart come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly (Mark 7:21-23). Moreover, He affirmed that God is fully aware of every person's sins, both external acts and inner thoughts; nothing escapes His notice (Matthew 22:18; Luke 6:8; John 4:17-19).
Of course, some people are more morally upright than others. But we all fall short of God's infinite standards (Romans 3:23). In a contest to see who can throw a rock to the moon, I am sure a muscular athlete would be able to throw the rock much further than I could. But all human beings ultimately fall short of the task. Similarly, all of us fall short of measuring up to God's perfect holy standards.
Though the sin problem is a serious one, God has graciously provided a solution:
Jesus Died for Our Sins
and Made Salvation Possible
God's absolute holiness demands that sin be punished. The good news of the gospel, however, is that Jesus has taken this punishment on Himself. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to bear the penalty for our sins!
Jesus affirmed that it was for the very purpose of dying that He came into the world (John 12:27). Moreover, He perceived His death as being a sacrificial offering for the sins of humanity (Matthew 26:26-28). Jesus took His sacrificial mission with utmost seriousness, for He knew that without Him, humanity would certainly perish (Matthew 16:25; John 3:16) and spend eternity apart from God in a place of great suffering (Matthew 10:28; 11:23; 23:33; 25:41; Luke 16:22-28).
Jesus therefore described His mission this way: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). "The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10); for "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:17).
But the benefits of Christ's death on the cross are not automatically applied to your life. God requires you to . . .
Believe in Jesus Christ
By His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus took the sins of the entire world on Himself and made salvation available for everyone (1 John 2:2). But this salvation is not automatic. Only those who personally choose to believe in Christ are saved. This is the consistent testimony of the biblical Jesus. Listen to His words:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life" (John 3:16).
"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and
believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at
the last day" (John 6:40).
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will
live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).
Choosing not to believe in Jesus, by contrast, leads to eternal condemnation: "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:18).
Free At Last: Forgiven of All Sins
When you believe in Christ the Savior, a wonderful thing happens. God forgives you of all your sins. All of them! He puts them completely out of His sight. Ponder for a few minutes the following verses, which speak of the forgiveness of those who have believed in Christ:
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness
of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace"
(Ephesians 1:7).
God said, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more"
(Hebrews 10:17-18).
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are
covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count
against him and in whose spirit is no deceit" (Psalm 32:1-2).
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his
love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:11-12).
Such forgiveness is wonderful indeed, for none of us can possibly work our way into heaven, or be good enough to warrant God's good favor. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we freely receive the gift of salvation. It is a gift provided solely through the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). And all of it is ours by simply believing in Jesus.
Don't Put If Off
It is a highly dangerous thing to put off turning to Christ for salvation, for you do not know the day of your death. What if it happens this evening? "Death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart" (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
If God is speaking to your heart now, then now is your door of opportunity to believe. "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6).
Follow Me In Prayer
Would you like to place your faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, thereby guaranteeing your eternal place in heaven along His side? If so, pray the following prayer with me.
Keep in mind that it's not the prayer itself that saves you. It is the faith in your heart that saves you. So, let the following prayer be a simple expression of the faith that is in your heart:
Dear Jesus:
I want to have a relationship with you.
I know I can't save myself, because I know I'm a sinner.
Thank you for dying on the cross on my behalf.
I believe you died for me,
and I accept your free gift of salvation.
Thank you Jesus.
Amen.
Welcome to God's Forever Family
On the authority of the Word of God, I can now assure you that you are a part of God's forever family. If you prayed the above prayer with a heart of faith, you will spend all eternity by the side of Jesus in heaven. Welcome to God's family!
If you've just become a Christian, I want to help you. I'd like to send you some free materials that will help you grow in your faith.
If you're already a Christian, I'd like to hear from you too. I have many free materials that will help you mature as a Christian.
Please write:
Ron Rhodes
Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries
P.O. Box 2526
Frisco, TX 75034
God bless you!
****************
The above is just a sample to help
you get started on your preparation to be a disciple of Jesus. Should be in your own words as the Holy Spirit leads you.
Maranatha,
Mary Emma
Kathy,
I agree w/your final assessment but God does not consider us to be "sinners."
Read all the verses I posted & read the Bible. It's only the unsaved which are labeled as "sinners."
We have been redeemed through Christ and are now Saints-co-heirs of Christ & children of God.
As you well know that after being "born again" through the power of the Holy Spirit-our mind is supernaturally renewed & we are being continuously sanctified & justified in Christ.
We are all in the process of ultimately becoming "Christ-like".
And in that process we will still sin but as time & testing goes by our mind/soul & spirit are transformed to sin less & less. (At least that's the goal as we yield & grow under the direction of the Holy Spirit.)
Read the Bible-you will see that God does not call His redeemed children "sinners". He will say that is what they were but no longer in Christ.
We are forgiven-completely washed clean through His payment & grace.
We are white as snow-our transgressions no longer to be recalled. There is no way God would categorize us with the unsaved which the Bible calls sinners.
But don't take my word for it - look in the Bible and see if any saved Christians are actually called sinners. This was a topic my pastor in Tennessee covered quite extensively last year & the reason why I remembered this particular revelation.
My pastor here in San Diego reminds us that we are joint heirs’ w/Christ & part of a "Royal" family-so in God's eyes we are the crème de la crème. (Sometimes it doesn't feel like it getting beat up down here - does it?)
So I agree we will always have a battle of the flesh on our hands but you are not a "sinner" in the eyes of your Father in heaven.
GT,
Did you finish "What's So Great About Christianity"?
He's reading the Adversity book right now.
It's strange. He always goes to Church Sundays without fail & seems to get something out of it.
He goes up & speaks to the elders or pastor & looks pretty good after the service.
Then by the time Tuesday rolls around again without fail I'm fending off spiritual attacks.
It's like the cloud that follows Pig-Pen around from Charlie Brown.
I suggested that he should speak w/the church pastor/counselor instead of seeing a shrink for depression which his heart doctor recommended. He's considering it but goes to the shrink anyway who puts him anti-depression meds.(now he's really "different.")
Then today he comes home & tells me the shrink gave him some "Zen" tapes to practice relaxation breathing exercises.
Throw in a mocking of my faith in God's provision for us & a statement that he really likes his life here on earth & insinuates that I don't value my family life because I look in anticipation toward the kingdom of heaven- you've got my typical Tuesday night scenario before I go off to my small group Bible study for 2 hours.
And the past two Tuesday evenings were not any better. I'm wondering if Satan is really ticked that I'm
attending this Revelation Bible study!
Jen - thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May The Lord comfort and protect you all and bring you His peace!
Be a shining light and an example of what Jesus would be like for all your family.
Lisa - Me thinks your hubby is threatened by your going to bible study and neglecting your family for 2hrs, with the help of satan and hence the spiritual attacks! Pray into this area and then ask him why he causes discord before you go to bible study. I had a similar problem when I attended a course that my wife did not want me to, so my Mondays used to hell days but with talking it out it got better - so happy talking.
Yours in Christ
jeri
Jen,
I just went back and read some of the earlier posts after seeing what Nate wrote.
I am so sorry. I can't even get close to knowing how you must feel.
I remember some of the posts that you've written in the past, and the light of Jesus shines brightly in your life. And, I know that you know that He is right there walking with you every step of the way.
I will certainly be praying for your travel safety and for your husband and all other family members and friends. It would be wonderful if your husband could accompany you, but sometimes it is not possible or feasible. But, Jesus will be with you every step of the way. And, I know that He will guide your every word.
Your Sister in Christ,
Mary Emma
Maranatha!
Jen;
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and safe travel. Also will be praying that the light of Jesus will shine through you to your family members. Dear sister, know that your spritual family is holding you up to our father right now and in the days ahead.
Lisa;
I agree with your assesmant on the "sinner" issue. Honestly, I have not known many Christians who see it that way too. I have noticed how the Lord does not classify His children as sinners any longer either. If we are actually new creations in Christ how can we therefor still be called sinners? Placed into the same catagory as those who are still perishing?
Also, Lisa, keep pressing on. Your hubby probably is threatened by your attending bible study instead of staying home with the family. I had this same struggle a number of years ago with my hubby. I think that he hated the fact that i loved someone more than him (Jesus). As far as him attending church, if he is professional man than church attendance would be important. Church is where many people make and keep business contacts. We seem to be thought more highly of professionaly if we attend a church, in certain peoples eyes. Will be praying that the Lord opens his eyes to things, and soon. Your hubby just does not understand what "heaven" means and he does not have an understanding of the Lord returning to set up His kingdom. My d.h.(dear husband) looks at it as the "end of the world is near, death and doom and gloom only" but I look at it as "the beginning of Christ's rule here on earth is near, the end of the old way, the wrong way is coming to an end. Praise the Lord!" Different understandings due to one of us reading the word of God and the other neglecting the word.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Diana
Oh, one more thing..we were praying for my d.h. work situation a while back (and also mine but you all already know that the Lord blessed me with a great job at a bridal store). Well, he and my dad (who he sub contracts for) have work to last them the next few months now! Praise the Lord! :)
HI Grace I don't want to speak for Jen but I am quite sure that he is the same grandfather who she was going to give the Christ booklet to.
She sent it to me, I then sent it to my college roommate who is a Christian but has been having lots of struggles and I don't think she has ever really given her entire life over to Christ to use as He wants.
For me, giving everything over to Him was like a second re-birth.
I has accepted Christ and was a Christian. But the second phase was realizing that I was supposed to yeild to Him entirely for all things.
It took me a while to get to that point and that little booklet helped get me there years ago a few months or so after I accepted Christ.
I mentioned the booklet here, as it was so meaningful to me and I yearned to read it again....and poof...Jen had it in her purse for months wondering what to do with it....and sent it to me. So sweet.
I asked my college roommate last week or so if she'd had a chance to read it yet and she said no.
I will let her know about Jen's grandfather and how the booklet was initially going to go to him and how she wound up with it.
Maybe it will get her off her butt to read it (excuse my language).
Ok...now....yes He sees us as white as snow. He sees the end result. He sees us without sin, without blemish due to what Jesus did on the cross...not because of anything we have done.
But, while we are here on earth we are still going thru the sanctification process... and we will still sin.
Kathy knows all of this already, no need to worry about her not understanding all of this.
Mary Emma thank you for the post re: witnessing.
It is good basic information for us all to know and understand and use in getting the Good News out to people.
Maranatha!
<><
Lisa,
You are right. I can't think of anywhere in Scripture where we are called sinners after coming to Christ. Because Christ's record is our record our Heavenly Father looks at us as His children, no longer as His enemy. The chasm between me and God was so vast and it was because of my sin. It just shows how much we are loved. I do love a fresh snowfall, because it reminds me that my sins are now white as snow. I'm perfect in my position and in practice I am to walk pleasing God and with the mindset of excelling still more. 1 Jn. 1:8 does tell us that we are deceiving ourselves if we say we have no sin. I am still sinful, but if I confess my sin, He is faithful and righteous to forgive my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. In one sense, there is still a washing that goes on. If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Thank you Lisa and I'll be praying for your husband.
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Vatican orders Bishop to recant
US to pull troops out of Kyrgyzstan within 180 days
...that delete was me. It is the Word that clarifies that the "anyone" who sins are His children, those who have been brought into that perfect position in Christ by His blood.
Jen, I join my prayers with all of the others here for your light to shine even brighter throughout this trying time. One thing I really want you to remember and keep in front of you; God's Grace is beyond anything that we could ever hope for or imagine. God looked on your grandfather's heart Jen and knew every crevice and detail that was in it. You did plant the seeds.
The battle is the Lords but the victory is yours! Praying for all your needs to be met profusely!
Grany
JIM C.
There are investigators covering all of it. Jim still thinks it is sonic booms in the Tuesday mid morning events. The EQ is another matter. We saw that the control tower in Ft. Smith, and the one near Bentonville, AR. both recorded air traffic of classified aircraft. That is just another word for military flights. We are both pilots and hubby is a very well known pilot in this whole area. My point being, he is familiar with flight control personnel and they visit freely during off hours.
When the real reason is discovered I know it will be reported. I went to bed last night thinking about the whole thing and I was totally surprised this morning when I had a real calm about it. So, when I find out anything I will let you know.
Besides Jim, the method of implosion could and probably is electromagnetic signals. Farmers here cannot get dynamite without a long Federal form that would bring them to the first suspects list. Methane gases and all of its little cousins don't require a lot of coaxing to erupt.
Grany
Hello,
I would like to add another very good source to teach you how to share the gospel.
It is a book by D. James Kennedy, Coral Ridge Ministries entitled, "Evangelism Explosion."
It is selling for $10.19 on Amazon.com.
I tried to copy the table of contents, but I wasn't able to copy it. The book has a lot more subjects than learning to share the gospel, like discipleship training, etc.
If you're interested, you can go take a look at Amazon.com
Kelly
Kelly,
Seeing your post just tickled me to death.
I'm a So. Baptist, and we bought the right to adapt Dr. Kennedy's Evangelism Explosion into a training manual for our own use.
And, I still use his two diagnostic questions when I am witnessing to someone I do not know. It sure is helpful in taking the temperature so to speak, as to what they believe or don't believe and what or who they are trusting to get into Heaven.
Diagnostic Question #1
Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you know for certain where you will spend eternity?
Diagnostic Question #2
Suppose you were to die tonight and stand before God and He were to ask you "Why should I let you into Heaven?"
There are a lot of really good guidelines out there for training purposes. I'm sure all of you will find one that you like if you need help in that area.
Your Sister in Christ,
Mary Emma
Yes, Jen, you planted seeds for your grandfather in a variety of ways.
I believe there are many ways to plant seeds...even a look or a smile.
Just know we are all praying for you and your family and loved ones.
Hi Kelly and welcome.
Lisa
Lee Strobel might be more to your hubby's liking. I know he (strobel) seems to be getting sucked into the emergent church stuff but since Strobel was and is a lawyer he might respond more to him. His hallmark book is of course "The Case for Christ"
you might also try anything written by Josh McDowell. Another great apologist was Francis Schaffer.
Diana,
I like your d.h. initials for Dear Hubby. (:
Jeri & all- you're right about Tues nights-I'll talk this one out. Last night was the 3rd time so that's a good hint that this is a "pattern" of behavior.
Jen,
I'll be in prayer for your situation & may the Lord lift you up on His wings & soar.
Today I took Lorraine on a Homeschool educational field trip to Sea World. This has never happened in all the times I have ever gone to a public tourist place-when we went into an attraction-someone stole our new bag of popcorn out of the back of my friend's stroller.
I have never ever had anything taken out of a stroller before. I guess we must really be in an ecomonic situation for someone to take another's bag of popcorn. Nothing else was taken-no baby supplies. Odd.
Hi Nate,
Thank you also. I recognized my mistake and I wrote Lisa another note. You will find it with the date and time stamp of Feb. 4, 2009 7:14am.
Christ's record is our record. Praise God for that and I sure do look forward to the day when perishable will have put on the imperishable!
Blessings...Kathy
Amazing:
Building Stonehenge - This Man can Move Anything
UN Treaty to be considered for signing which takes away all parental rights and gives them to state and over seen by social services and cps
apparently BHO is appalled that only the US and Somalia are the ones not to have ratified this treaty (it was already signed in the Clinton era but never ratified) and BHO says that for us to be mentioned in the same breath as a lawless land is "embarrassing". Is it possible for us to find some land on that hasn't been claimed by some country already and have our own nation?
In light of all the weirdness going on with home-education rights, my 17 year old son has decided to opt out. He took control of his own education and is getting his GED. He has already far exceeded most of his friends, he was in physics and pre-calc at 16. He is also the drummer for a local Christian band.
I have to say, I'm so blessed to have home-educated him all these years. I am saddened by the recent turn of events but know that they are part of something bigger.
Please keep my son in your prayers for any continued education, that it be God led and also for his future employment.
Mac, I know you're an Aussie, but you might enjoy this song anyway.
Born Again American
Dear friends,
Please pray for my dear grandmother who is now on a ventalator. She fell yesterday and is in a coma. She had a massive stroke. She is a dear, 91 year old, catholic lady. Please pray that our Father will comfort her, speak to her heart while in the coma and that He will welcome her into His kingdom. I have always known her to love Jesus.
Thank you
Diana
Lori, thanks so much for that "Born Again American" link!
<><
Let's watch & see if it's these 10 Nations which will form before the AC comes to power:
1) North America
2) Western Europe
3) Japan
4) Australia, South Africa, and the rest of the market-economy of the developed world.
5) Eastern Europe, including Russia
6) Latin America
7) North Africa and the Middle East
8) Tropical Africa
9) South and Southeast Asia
10) China
Diana, I am praying for your Grany!
Lisa, I wonder if hubby is actually checking you out. Like Jeri SA said. The reason I ask you this, my D.H. did the very same thing all of the time I was attending my church. Each and every activity that I attended was tested religiously just before I had to get leave. Sometimes, and it was often, the testing came the day before. Then one day I had all of the attacks I was going to put with and as he started the torment, I put up my hand, simply saying, "Abba, bless His socks right off of Jim because he doesn't really know what he is doing"! Never had that battle again and I mean never!
Yes, we have to live out our faith daily and when d.h. decided to start attending the Methodist church here it was answer to pray because it was his decision and I supported him in it. I go with him to the only service that they have on Sunday mornings but I also attend the Sunday evening and Wednesday night services at my church. His choice of attending the Methodist church is based on his mother and father's membership there and he joined after we were married.
Let your light shine Lisa and just love him into the kingdom.
I want to welcome all of the new comers here and it is good hearing from everyone. JERI of SA, I miss your input but you and wife are very much in my prayers.
My AT&T broadband was down most of yesterday evening so I wasn't able to get on. I missed you guys and dolls and just wanted you to know it.
Grany
Lisa, did you read where Gaddafi's demanded to be ruler over United Africa?
GADDAFI
Jib, Did you ever study up on Determinism vs. Indeterminism ?Free Will
by Dr. Norman Geisler describes these terms-which for me-produces a headache.**But you might like it (:
Always be Ready.com Apologetics Ministry-Has some good links/info.
Strange Instructions
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
02-05-2009
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands" (2 John 6).
A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras, when in the middle of the night he suddenly sensed God speaking to him: "Leave this house quickly and run away!"
Not exactly a convenient thing to do. But Chellappa was accustomed to accepting even strange instructions from the Lord without debate, so he dressed quickly and ran into the darkness.
After a while, he was in open country. As he passed beneath a large tree, he felt God tell him, "Stay here and start to preach!" Now, even for an experienced evangelist, this was puzzling--because there was no one to be seen. Why did God want him to preach to an empty field in the middle of the night? But he stopped under the tree and began to preach the gospel.
Finally, he reached the point at which he called on his unseen listeners to give their lives to Jesus. He was surprised to hear a voice from the top of the tree and see a man climb down, crying. The man tearfully gave his life to Jesus. When Chellappa asked why he was in a tree out in the middle of nowhere, the man admitted, "I came out here to hang myself."
How is your obedience quotient? God calls us to be obedient to that small voice inside that can direct us to sometimes do strange things. Jesus was obedient in ALL things. "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19). God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to God's voice. Ask for His grace today to be obedient to His voice.
according to the ticker on Joel's main website he'll be interviewed by Glenn Beck on Feb 9th at 5pm est on FoxNews
also there is apparently an epicenter conference to be held in San Diego on Apr 4th according to the ticker as well.
the web address which is not currently working is
www.epicenter09.com
haven't had a chance to look-I'll get to it at some point
btw Lorwe haven't forgotten to send you the dvd's we promised hubby is still transferring them to disc I think. why it is taking so long since he doesn't get rid of the commericials I don't know. best not to ask sometimes
that should be Lori not Lorwe-fingers are dyslexic today!
No problem Jib... I have enough reading material and dvd's to keep me busy. For Christmas I received some Perry Stone dvd's and books, Ed Hinson dvd's, VanImpe dvd's and something else that I forgot about... I've gottent thru most of it, but still have much left.
Mac, Shalom! I just read about Tim Tams and "the Tim Tam Dunk". Are they really as good as they say? Better than Oreos?
<><
Grany, I didn't know that Gadafi has risen & is spouting off.
Gadafi declared to be King of Kings by African leaders“Christianity is not a faith for people in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Other people who are not sons of Israel have nothing to do with that religion.”
Pat Robertson: Dividing Jerusalem a Call for War of Armageddon
Hamas Returns from Cairo with Illegal Cash, No Deal
Netanyahu secretly warns Hamas
Jordan King urges international efforts to relaunch stalled peace process
Arab nations appeal to UN to stop Israeli 'piracy'
TURKEY: Long Friendship with Israel in Peril
Moscow Moves to Counter U.S. Power in Central Asia
Russia plans to start up Iran nuclear plant in 2009
7 Ex-Soviet Nations to Form Rapid Reaction Force
Italy seeks support on UN Security Council reform
How 'Doctor Death', the world's most wanted Nazi war criminal, became Muslim
Blair hails 'God's love' in extraordinary speech alongside Obama at prayer breakfast
My neck of the woods:
'Worst day in history': Brumby warns of fire danger - OZ
Jim C, I haven't had the pleasure of tasting Oreos but I can vouch for Tim Tams. Mmmmmmmm!
Israeli Voters Expected to Shift Right
mac,sorry to hear about the high temps
Its so cold around here. ... 4 below zero last I looked.brrrr
Lori, thanks for the links. They look like the type of headlines we would be seeing as we get closer to the end times.
I met with a friend of mine today who is a CHristian and goes to a conservative Bible believing and teaching church.
She brought up Oprah's "The Secret" or something like that and raved about it.
I was really surprised.
Has anyone heard much about "the Secret?" Sounds like its more along the lines of positive thinking.
Donna,
The Secret-bad news. That website "Always be Ready.com" has some info on it. Why don't you forward this link to her?
The Secret I'm surprised how this New Age stuff is creeping into our churches unawares & how many Christians buy into it. Sad to say-it's very typical as most people don't have enough discernment to see the nuances of New Age in the books & teachings going around.
(Remember my Bible based TN Church-promoted "the Shack" & "Purpose Driven" books which are in the same league.)
Thanks Lisa. I'll look into it.
It USED to be a secret. But everybody knows about it now. Thanks to Oprah.
OH those silly bats!
Mac;
"He recalled scenes last week of wooden power poles self-igniting."
Now thats really hot!! Never heard of that happening before. Has anyone else heard of this? Praying it cools down for your neck of the woods Mac.
Maranatha!
Mac, Shalom! First: on another forum someone raved about the Tim Tam dunk -- you bite off opposite corners of the Tim Tams, then use the Tim Tam like a straw to suck up your coffee or tea. Apparently, Target stores around the country have been stocking them, and they're VERY popular.
This led to a debate over the relative merits of Tim Tams over Oreos, the proper way to "open up" an Oreo, and how to eat the creme inside. The only thing people agreed on is that you cannot eat an Oreo with coffee or tea, you MUST eat it with milk.
Second, you simply MUST be joking about those temperatures. For our American audience, 45 degrees Celsius is 113 degrees Fahrenheit!!! Tell me, is that dry heat, or is there any humidity in the air? Temperatures in my part of the US can reach the mid-30's C (95F), but what's really the killer (in the literal sense of the word) is the humidity. Imagine temps between 30-32C (86-90F) with 85% humidity. That feels like 39C (102F). It occasionally gets hotter but it rarely gets less humid.
My prayers go out to you and your neighbors.
<><
GT, Shalom! We usually don't have problems with the power poles self-igniting, but I think that's due to the humidity around here. What we DO have problems with are exploding roads. It gets so hot that either the concrete has expanded faster than it can handle, or it's expanded further than the expansion joints can handle, and the concrete just goes "pop".
<><
Jim C;
In Arizona it can get beyond 110F in the summer. I haven't heard of power poles self-igniting though. Does anyone live around that area?
Also, the humidity is very low in the desert, usually below 30% which would make it ideal for self-ignition. The only thing I can think of that would cause the poles to self-ignite would be the chemicals used to treat the poles to prevent insects and rot. I have seen poles ignite from a lightening strike once, the bolt traveled down the wire and burned the insulating off until it caught the pole on fire.
Maranatha!
I don't really know anything about the poles igniting but the humidity was very low. What we did have was a firebug running around lighting fires. Also it got so hot that train tracks buckled. This was exacerbated by the fact that instead of using expansion joints they took cheap short cuts and welded tracks together.
Europe should close ranks around Sarkozy
President Sarkozy vows to avoid Britain's economic 'mistakes'
Sarkozy pledges 'results' at G20 economic crisis meeting
Global Call to Fight Financial Crisis at German Summit
Damascus Faces the Same Water Problem as Israel
Israeli politicians offer territory swaps & tunnels to solve crisis
EU, Russia in first major talks since gas cutoff
Zero Hour approaches
Iranian leader forces British Council to close offices
Brains 'are hardwired to believe in God
S-U-B-M-I-S-S-I-O-N
Hi all;
I have a urgent prayer request. My wife works for a man who is very sick. The doctors found out that he has severe heart trouble (among other health problems)and must have emergency surgery tomorrow. He has had a very hard life and had to retire recently with his health problems. I am lifting him up to the Lord for his salvation and healing. I would ask that anyone who is lead, to pray for Bill.
Maranatha!
Lord, we come to you boldly on behalf of Bill. Father, you know the condition of his heart, both spiritually and physically and ask that both be healed. Give him a fresh opportunity to experience your love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Let his life and salvation being a living testimony to you and bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
amen
GT
too true. it hits low 100's here around mid May and we generally spend most of the summer between 110-115F although it is not uncommon for us to have temps closer to 120F for weeks at a time. The reason the Yuma territorial prison was highly feared in the old west and why people would commit suicide rather than be incarcerated there is that the temps frequently were over 120F, close to 130F in the shade. when our humidity gets over 55%, generally around end of June, we start having our dust storms (the only other place that gets dust storms like we do is the Sahara desert and there is a special arab word for the type of storms that we get but I can't spell it) and the monsoon rains. It is unfortunately also about the time the temps get closer to 120F as well. One of our first summers here hubby and I were outside at around 9pm and we just couldn't believe how cool and wonderful it was and gee maybe we should take a short walk. the outdoor thermometer showed a temp of about 100F. Funny we never thought the words cool and 100 would ever be combined in a single sentence. Our lows in the summer are generally other peoples highs. Can not imagine living out here without air conditioning and yet folks do. swamp coolers however don't work during times of high humidity
Amen Lori
Father you are the Great Physician and all healing, even that which modern medicine provides, comes from you. Guide Bill's doctors and help them make wise decisions. You alone provide spiritual healing and we ask for physical and spiritual healing for Bill.
several interesting postings from Prophecy today yesterday
Hamas wins the propaganda war. The substantive part of the text that I found interesting was on the UN and Israel which covered essentially most of the UN's dealings with Israel.
Homosexuality and moral physics while I might have had scattered thoughts of some of the material I never put the pieces together into a cohesive whole and his argument makes sense
interesting thoughts on America staying a whole country
Jim C
this is for you
Deep Dish Pizza Quiche
Ingredients:
4 ounces Cream cheese -- Softened(nonfat cream cheese)
4 large eggs
1/3 cup cream(Fat Free Half&Half)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (Grated not the plastic stuff)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups Pizza cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup pizza sauce(Ragu has sugar free pizza sauce)
1 cup mozzarella cheese(low skim)grated
Toppings to taste (lots of fresh veggies, turkey pepperoni, cooked lean ground beef, BOCA Italian sausage, etc...)
How To Prepare:
Beat together cream cheese and eggs till smooth. Add half and half, parmesan cheese and spice.
Spray 9" or larger glass baking dish with oil, Put 2 cups pizza cheese in dish and pour egg mixture over it.
Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until eggs are set.
Spread on pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and favorite toppings. Bake until bubbly and browning.
Let stand 10 minutes, serve.
Number of Servings: 10 (yea right)
this thing even tastes good cold!
Gore tells kids not to listen to their parents or at the very least that they are smarter than their parents
I saw this last night on Glenn Beck-amazing
Training mid level health care providers to do invasive surgery ie abortions under the guise of early pregnancy care
Amen, to Lori's, and JIB's prayer, for healing for Bill.
The latest Perry Stone message was good-3rd Trimester.
It was about "he who endures to the end will be saved." And what Perry thinks the primary warning is about- becoming offended by God. Also an interesting view of John the Baptist when he was in prison & asking Jesus if he was indeed the Messiah.
Why did he really ask Jesus that question-what was he hinting at?
What was in John's heart?
Pro-God-buses for London streets </a
link looks weird, but it works.
Jib, shalom! That article re: training midwives, etc. to do abortions is scary. I heard from my brother (who is a major player in our state's medical association) that there is pressure on medical schools to force doctors and interns to be trained in performing abortions. Understand that under these rules, when an intern is doing his or her gynecology rotation, he or she would be forced to participate in abortions or be expelled from the program. You could not be licensed as a doctor unless you could perform an abortion, and you can't prove ability until you've done it.
I know that FOCA (Freedom Of Choice Act) has been mentioned here before. I can't remember if "Prevention First Act" has been mentioned. You can find the text of the bill here, and read a summary of the act and its effects here. It's effects are similar to FOCA (doctors and pharmacists forced to provide abortifacients, penalties against hospitals, etc.) but hasn't been publicized as much. In fact, the PFA has already been introduced in the Senate, unlike FOCA.
<><
Thank you Lori, and everyone for your prayers for Bill. I know the Lord is working in Bill's situation and His will is perfect.
Maranatha!
Ray Comfort & Randy (Donna-this example is a smooth transition.)
Praying for Bill, GT.
Living In Light Of His Coming
all;
my dear grandmother passed away this morning. I am sad yet rejoicing that she is with Jesus. We will be traveling, please pray for safe travel.
Thank you
Diana
Diana,
Do you know the song, by Dottie Rambo, "Sheltered Safe Within the Arms of God? It came to me, as I read your post. That's where your Grandmother is right now, you know.
Agreeing with you, in prayer, for safe travel.
Love,
Marge
Diana, I will add my prayers to all of the others for your safe journey and your rejoicing for Grany's release from pain and suffering.
I wish I could tell everyone how very much you all mean to me but just know, you are all my bright and shining names and faces in this Grany's heart. My prayers are with you all everyday and I mean that sincerely. I have to admit that praying for all of you is very easy to do and full of love and joy!
You have all lit more than one little candle in this life and you need to be told that everyday. I know you by your testimony and we really are family you know. Even the ones who never post a word and remain silent. I know you are there and that warms my whole being.
Boro_Eagle, I mean you too! And Child of the King, Angie, Judy and all of the rest. I have a tremendous witness that time is short for this earthly existence and I can't wait to get to the Latte Shop.
Grany
GT, adding Bill to my prayers for healing.
I tried to find the song, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" to post the link for Diana and couldn't find it on youtube.com
Then I popped back here and low and behold, Marge posted a song similar. Is God listening or what?
There is a link that Ray Gano sent to me today and why isn't our meddling media telling us anything about what is really happening in the ME?
Grany
JIB, is the name of that dust storm, Haboob? Here is a link if anyone would like to read about it. Sounds nasty to me.
HABOOB
and here is another description:
"Haboob
A haboob is a type of intense sandstorm commonly observed in the Sahara desert (typically Sudan), as well as across the Arabian Peninsula, throughout Kuwait, and in the most arid regions of Iraq.[1] African haboobs result from the northward summer shift of the intertropical front into North Africa, bringing moisture from the Gulf of Guinea. Haboob winds in the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Kuwait are frequently created by the collapse of a thunderstorm. The southwestern deserts of Arizona, including Yuma and Phoenix, also experience haboobs. During thunderstorm formation, winds move in a direction opposite to the storm's travel, and they will move from all directions into the thunderstorm. When the storm collapses and begins to release precipitation, wind directions reverse, gusting outward from the storm and generally gusting the strongest in the direction of the storm's travel.
I think I will just deal with an Oklahoma twister now and then. I am too old to become Lydia of Arabia (you know, Lawrence of Arabia?)
Grany
yup Grany that would be the one. seeing a 100ft wall of dust roiling toward you in the distance is quite something else.
we have them essentially june and july although for some odd reason I seem to recall we had one this winter but don't remember when.
prayers for a little baby are being requested. i honestly can't say much except that this child was born of much pain and trauma and very early. when the news reports come out on the circumstances around the baby I will post a link
Grany
the picture in the article doesn't quite do it justice.
Joining you all in prayer for Bill, for Diane's family and safe travels, for the newborn and for all the other issues and concerns of everyone here and elsewhere.
HOpefully soon he will come back and make all things new and then we won't have to worry about all of these things.
Lisa, thank you for the link I will check it out.
I read today that
"This year, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will focus on the return of Jesus Christ—and how you can live a faithful life in the meantime."
You can read more about it here
<><
Donna,
Funny, As I read your post my husband is on the cell phone talking w/some real Christian friends saying "There has only been & will only be one Billy Graham."
About 5 minutes ago he was telling me that he's really upset to find out that the streets of heaven are paved w/gold. (like-how dare God line the streets w/gold when there are people starving down here.)Seriously he's really bothered by it!
I told him that he can talk to Jesus about that & he replied that it's not his doing it's God the father's fault.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!-Did I marry him to develop patience in me or what?
Don’t tell Al but it got to 115F in Oz today and very windy. Hottest day on record. Cool change is upon us - praise God!
Stimulus to ban religious worship
Haboob 2008 has some video and some picture galleries. this particular wall of dust was 90 miles long and 2000 feet high
combo of dust storms and monsoon rains
Banks that have received bailout money read it and weep
more evidence of worshiping the earth rather than the Creator and pain illogical thinking not sure why the one woman thinks that getting ice from someplace else means she has reduce her carbon foot print but that's just me
We surround them
financial tips from the Glenn Beck news letter from Richard Paul Evans who wrote the Christmas Box. He isn't a financial guru but he has some interesting things to say
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Final tip and imo the most important although one can argue about the amount
Did any one see that movie "Hildago" about the cowboy racing his Mustang horse against the Arabian Horses & they were caught in a Haboob? It was really quite a scene.
The only sand storm I was ever in was self-generated. I was in one of those open framed dune buggies racing around the sand dunes in Oregon. I literally ended up with sand in every single crack & crevice of my body. I know TMI!
Tomorrow is the day Perry Stone comes to CA-so I'm going to try & make it-I hope. It will be the 1st time I've ever step foot into a Pentecostal Church & it looks to be about the same size as my current one-quite large. Oh well-I can just blend into the crowd.
That was a good movie! BTW, it was inspired by a true story.
Lisa, have fun at the Perry Stone conference. His teachings are great. Don't let the pentecostals "scare" you. They were in your shoes once.
I found a link:
Miracles are happening in Israel
West threatens Iran sanctions, offers talks
Obama administration offers olive branch to Russia and Iran
Iran behind attempt to funnel millions of dollars into Gaza from Egypt
UN suspends aid to Gaza because of Hamas seizures
Israel turning rightward going into Tues. ballot
Ancient" Syriac bible found in Cyprus
US Seeks to Enhance Cooperation With European Allies
Germany's Steinmeier Calls for New Global Security Architecture
European Leaders Split on Russian Security Plan
UN: Cargo of Iranian ship seized en route to Gaza violates resolution 1747
Greek Cypriot leader says Turkey cannot join EU until troops withdraw
Special relationship between the Turkish & Jewish states at risk
B.Graham Assn: 'End Times' a Focus in 2009
Lori,
This should be an interesting experience for me if they speak/interpret in tongues there. I'll probably feel right @ home w/the Pentecostals since I pray in tongues-but I have yet to hear it from outside my personal use.
I haven't yet asked anyone in my Evangelical Revelation Bible study group if they also have that gift-but I will. (:
But-if some fool's gold dust & chicken feathers start flying around-I'm out of there! Perry Stone doesn't strike me as the type who would be in that type of environment.
gold dust and chicken feathers? lol
I'd be more worried about snakes!
(just kidding!)
FYI, my church is considered charismatic, but I have yet to hear a single person speak in tongues during service.
I think you'll do great!
Lori
that was an amazing article. if Jews are turning now due to these smaller miracles which the nations refuse to see how much more will they turn when God intervenes on their behalf in the of EZ 38 which will be seen by all the nations?
with this start of a religious resurgence in Israel and with more Jews immigrating to Israel because of the poor economic outlooks in multiple countries BUT Israel it is looking more and more like the end times with each passing day.
The church is to make Israel jealous something which I don't think we have done at all. We bicker about things that in the long run don't matter, fail in our single duty to witness to all the nations being a light before men and salt to our cultures what IS there to be jealous of? now imagine a Jewish people coming back to God in droves due to EZ 38 and seeking their religious roots, rebuilding the temple might they not feel a little bit superior to Christianity since replacement theology has held sway for centuries? Will they not then say "see you haven't replaced us in God's eyes"? What then happens when all the Christians disappear in the twinkling of an eye? Can you imagine the jealousy then? Could that be the spur and impetus for the conversion of the 144,000 witnesses?
random thoughts on a saturday
so much aid has come to Israel on behalf of Christian organizations, there cannot be any doubt that they are loved by true Christians.
more on the baby I heard about
no word yet on any family for the baby who is now motherless
Lori
no doubt that is true but not sure it would be enough to make me jealous. someone who had done me wrong or someone that I discounted getting special treatment from someone that I thought favored me would however make me very green
another article on baby
Has anyone here checked out this site yet? Thoughts? Comments?
End Times Bible Prophecy Made Plain
Jim G.,
I breezed thru the website, and scanned it. I dunno. But the words: ORDER NOW, pretty much sums up my thoughts about the site. I suppose I'm a "hard sell," though :)
Anyone else?
Lisa,
I would also be in the category of Full Gospel. No worries. I've never seen any chickens yet, (or their feathers) or any kinda gold dust.
Reasons to pray for Obama
very well written and very thoughtful piece.
Stimulus or discrimination
Shalom, all! I ran across a site you all might be interested in. Hebrew For Christians has all sorts of tips for people trying to learn Hebrew, including a set of web pages that list all the names of G_D used in Scripture, along with audio files so you can hear how the name is pronounced.
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I think we all should pray earnestly for some sense in our senators and representatives. if the current spending bill passes the aftermath will be what weakens the US irrevocably and permanently.
I keep thinking about how we as Americans have shaken our fists in God's face and wonder if He hasn't finally granted us our wish by giving us as a country, although not as individuals, what we want. I continue to see this all as God's judgment on us as a nation.
Marge,
The site does have a ton of articles that one can read without purchasing or signing up for anything. (I agree, the sales pitches are offputting.)
Hmmmm?
If Madoff relies on new money from new investors to pay debts owed to old investors (like interest on the national debt), it is criminal.
But, if the govermnent proposes to do this, it is an economic stimulus package that is legal and necessary. This world is crazy!!!
Not sure if the proposed stimulus package is more like a Ponzi Scheme a pyramid scheme or just plain economic stupidity.
Frankly, I don't see any way out of this mess. There is great economic disaster that we appear headed into at full speed. It just seems like the proposed solutions will make the problem greater in the end.
Ooops. I left out an important comma. That should have read:
Not sure if the proposed stimulus package is more like a Ponzi Scheme, a pyramid scheme, or just plain economic stupidity.
Checking in on mac...lots of headlines about the fires in Australia due to the extreme heat!
Jib, I liked that article about praying for Obama and other leaders.
I especially liked the first half. When he got into his personal opinions I think he might have turned off a lot of people.
Israeli elections will be happening this week. If Bibi gets elected he will not be into the land for peace deal, will not be into making the west bank settlers move and will not be into dividing Jerusalem.
Should be interesting! A bible proff always said we should keep our eyes on Jerusalem!
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RE: Australian fires:
84 killed in deadliest-ever Australian wildfires
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Jim G.
I ran across that site before & wondered the same thing.
It's hard for me to believe that this one particular Christian has been given the "key" to understanding all he claims to while the other well respected Bible scholars are all off base & chasing their tails.
I just come back to the same conclusion that God grants bits of knowledge to whom He pleases & when He wants His Bride to connect all the pieces together then He will provide the missing connections so that the full picture can be made.
Now I won't discredit the fact that possibly he's attained some relevant knowledge worth considering. He bases allot of his theory on this literal Planet X & "Wormwood" in Revelation. This "Wormwood" star is going to literally crash onto the earth @ the 6th seal?
This may just be a coincidence but after reading his site again I randomly flipped to the book of Lamentations last night & in it are a couple of verses which talk again about wormwood & referenced again in Jeremiah.
Does anyone know about wormwood? It describes something bitter that you eat/drink in the ancient times?
I wonder if the same word for wormwood is used in Lamentations/Jeremiah & Revelation.
Strongs # Hb/Gk Word Pronunciation English Equivalent
Old Testament (Hebrew) for "wormwood"
H3939 la`anah lah·an·ä' wormwood, hemlock
New Testament (Greek) for "wormwood"
G894 apsinthion ä-psē'n-thē-on wormwood
JIM G.
I did some pretty deep searching on that site about 7 months ago and it isn't worth the effort. That is, unless you just like to see what he thinks and is selling. My whole critique of his material "deception". I didn't mention because I didn't want other people mislead or deceived. Like Lisa said, I do not believe that God gave anyone person all of the information and answers. If he was going to do that he would have had one author for the OT and one for the NT. Try the spirits by the Holy Spirit Jim.
In case anyone is asleep out there in cyberworld, the spiritual battles are getting serious and mean. It is time to know the truth and the only truth is from the Word of God.
Grany
Thanks Anonymous,
So then both the Greek & Hebrew word mean the same as in the Hemlock Plant?
Conium/Hemlock Interesting read on the plant!
Bible Plants
Hosea 10:4 "They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field."
Amos 6:12 "Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:"
Hemlock -
(1.) Heb. rosh (Hos. 10:4; rendered "gall" in Deut. 29:18; 32:32; Ps. 69:21; Jer. 9:15; 23:15; "poison," Job 20:16; "venom," Deut. 32:33). "Rosh is the name of some poisonous plant which grows quickly and luxuriantly; of a bitter taste, and therefore coupled with wormwood (Deut. 29:18; Lam. 3:19). Hence it would seem to be not the hemlock cicuta, nor the colocynth or wild gourd, nor lolium darnel, but the poppy so called from its heads" (Gesenius, Lex.).
(2.) Heb. la'anah, generally rendered "wormwood" (q.v.), Deut. 29:18, Text 17; Prov. 5:4; Jer. 9:15; 23:15. Once it is rendered "hemlock" (Amos 6:12; R.V., "wormwood"). This Hebrew word is from a root meaning "to curse," hence the accursed.
Revelation 8:11
"And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter."
Interesting thread on the Wormwood topic
Donna, I'm OK. Thanks for asking. The closest fires to me were 65kms away. But the death toll is expected to rise as the number of homeless. It is a catastrophe. Please pray for all those people.
Victorian bushfire toll reaches 108
After remembering that an asteroid crashed in Peru and affected their water in 2007, I did a little searching for an update and found the following websites. It makes one wonder the size of the wormwood that will be coming in the future.
Meteorite Strikes Peru!
Giant Fireball impact in Peru upends meteorite theory.
"Rather than flying apart," he told National Geographic News, "[perhaps] it shaped into a needle and pierced the atmosphere."
Anyone think that the wormwood star is figurative? I've heard people say that about Chernobyl and claim that it will be a nuclear disaster. I personally take that scripture quite literally.
European Leaders Split on Russian Security Plan
Afghanistan Needs More Than Military, Says German Minister
Elections 2009 / Netanyahu: I'll keep the Golan Israeli, Jerusalem undivided
Egypt hopes for Gaza truce deal in few days
American - What have you done?
Mac, I'm glad to hear you're safe.. stay cool!
Mac;
Adding my prayers with others for the people effected by the wildfires.
Grany;
"it isn't worth the effort. That is, unless you just like to see what he thinks and is selling. My whole critique of his material "deception"."
I agree Grany, it seems this guy has all the answers and "wisdom", in his own words. How about those who have made a lifetime study of eschatology. It seems he can discount everyone elses studies with a wave of his hand and act as if he has figured it all out!! I find his arrogance quite irritating.
Maranatha!
Grany, Lisa, and GT,
Thanks for the thoughtful comments regarding that site. I hadn't had time to spend too much time there but thought that there were likely folks here who had. Anyway, wise counsel from you all (as usual).
Donna
not sure which paragraphs you are referring to.
but I quite agree with his sentiment on whether Obama is a true christian or not-thus far I have seen no real fruit that would make me consider that he is a true Christian. most of his stances especially on social issues are diametrically opposed to what scripture says and teaches. It is the one area in his life that is consistent I'll give you that. I pray that he will become a true Christian and walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
most of the rest such as the Marine corps band strikes me more as arrogance than humility on the part of Obama if it is indeed true.
Hi jib,I just personally think the article could have stopped right after the first couple of paragraphs, and before he went into his own personal thoughts about particular political leaders, that's all.
Just my opinion.
Satan worship in America
wow Lori that was an interesting video. does make you wonder
Amazing technology
wonder what spy satellites can see. this was supposedly taken via satellite. use the controls on the upper left to zoom in. you can see faces QUITE clearly!
OK,
Back from my Perry Stone adventure.
Ironically I had bought a book approx a year ago called "Fasting" by Jentezen Franklin & that's is who's Church the event was held at.
Perry's family line of Pastors has known Jentezen's line of Pastors-reason for invite to California & this particular Church.
It somewhat reminded me of Grace Chapel in TN. The ceiling is painted black & the atmosphere is dark @ cozy. (Perry's immediate comment was "Who turned out the lights?") The worship band was similar to Grace's. Kind of rock'n out at times except this crew jumped around more. (Mac would feel right at home since he's accustomed to Kangaroos & Wallabies.)
But really it was fine & no gold dust or feathers were seen flying around.
I sat next to a pretty thin fashionable blond lady (30?) who regularly attends this Church & another Vineyard type Church. I asked her if this one was considered Pentecostal or Charismatic but she thought the lines were now blurred between the two types- so didn't have an answer. One of the ladies greeting there came to us & asked if we were sisters. (The whole church just came off of a corporate fast.)
She spoke of believing in the full gifts of the spirit, speaking in tongues, and manifestations.
I asked her what she thought of Todd Bentley & did a pretty hard sell of defending him although she acknowledged his fall. Apparently she was in a revival in Europe & saw many different manifestations-laughing, falling down,....& that she has the spirit fall on her so heavily that she was brought to the ground & shook for three days afterwards.
At some point she was also immediately released from the stronghold of smoking & mentioned manifestations again & how in her Church experience that things are never boring.
I felt the Spirit in this Church pm service as I did in my (boring?)am Church service.
At the end of Perry's message he had us stand up and hold a shoulder of a person next to us while he prayed to brake down Satan's strongholds & deliver the people we have been working on leading to Christ.
Then he had us pray for each other so the blond & I did that as well. Only at this point did I hear people praying in tongues. She prayed for me in & out of tongues & I same for her.
I told her about Joel Rosenburg & the Epicenter book & she mentioned that someone also just told her about it from her Vineyard Church.
(So maybe now she'll read it!)
*Anyway-I took a few notes of what Perry had to say so I'll tell you about that part later. He looked the same-just exactly like on his Manifest programs.
So all in all it was an interesting & good experience to branch out & fellowship with other believers in the body of Christ outside of my regular group.
I guess you can say I've already been groomed for it though the truly blessed e-fellowship I've shared with all of you @ the cave.
ok not a satellite camera but some sort of robotic camera but still non classified technology
Hey Lori,
All of my pre-Obama due diligence & I never knew about Saul Alinsky!
It doesn't take too much discernment to tell that Obama is not a born again Christian filled with the power of the Holy Spirit but now to find out he also admires a man such as Saul Alinsky?
I thought Farrakhan was bad enough! And Obama copied his "change" mantra from Alinsky-HA! I like that preacher-finally a man of color calling a spade a spade.
Here are some Alinksy Quotes-don't forget this guy admires Lucifer/Satan:
"A racially integrated community is a chronological term timed from the entrance of the first black family to the exit of the last white family."
"Always remember the first rule of power tactics; power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have."
"Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict."
"History is a relay of revolutions."
"Last guys don't finish nice."
"Life is a corrupting process from the time a child learns to play his mother off against his father in the politics of when to go to bed; he who fears corruption fears life. "
"Once you accept your own death, all of a sudden you're free to live. You no longer care about your reputation. You no longer care except so far as your life can be used tactically to promote a cause you believe in. "
"Tactics mean doing what you can with what you have."
"The greatest enemy of individual freedom is the individual himself."
"We must believe that it is the darkest before the dawn of a beautiful new world. We will see it when we believe it."
In her convention speech Monday she managed not to denounce America as "just downright mean" and not worth being proud of, but she did say this:
And Barack stood up that day, and he spoke words that have stayed with me ever since. He talked about "the world as it is" and "the world as it should be."
Maybe she's mixing up Barack with fellow extremist Saul Alinsky, who wrote this in his pernicious guide to replacing freedom with socialism, Rules for Radicals:
"The standards of judgment must be rooted in the whys and wherefores of life as it is lived, the world as it is, not our wished-for fantasy of the world as it should be."
From Moonbattery
Saul Alinsky and DNC Corruption
Alinsky had a true genius for formulating tactical battle plans for the radical left. He wrote two books outlining his organizational principles & strategies: "Reveille for Radicals" (1946) and "Rules for Radicals" (1971).
"Rules for Radicals" begins with an unusual tribute: "From all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins – or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom – Lucifer."
A couple more quotes:
"Make the enemy live up to his/her own book of rules. You can kill them with this. They can no more obey their own rules than the Christian church can live up to Christianity."
"Ridicule is man's most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counterattack ridicule. Also, it infuriates the opposition, who then react to your advantage."
New post is up.
BTW Lori, that really was an interesting video.
Joel has a new post up. Be sure to read the second segment about being in India, it is absolutely wonderful.
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