"Be ye therefore ready also." Luke 12:40
The great need for the Christian worker is to be ready to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience is. The battle is not against sin or difficulties or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in work that we are not ready to face Jesus Christ at every turn. That is the one great need, not the facing our belief, or our creed, the question whether we are of any use, but to face Him.
Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord's surprise visits. It is not service that matters, but intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This will give our life the attitude of child-wonder which He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious (that is, using religion as a higher kind of culture) and be spiritually real.
If you are "looking off unto Jesus," avoiding the call of the religious age you live in, and setting your heart on what He wants, on thinking on His line - you will be called unpractical and dreamy; but when He appears in the burden and the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. Trust no one, not even the finest saint who ever walked this earth, ignore him, if he hinders your sight of Jesus Christ.
Oswald Chambers
152 comments:
One!
Actually, Mr. Hyde, it was a good one! The "missing link" comment that is.
Oh, WOW!
Oswald Chambers hits it squarely on the nail, AGAIN! Each man/woman is responsible for their own calling. That place where we are to service God's Kingdom and where we have been given the ability to be fruitful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Great topic and one that I take to heart daily.
Grany
Terrorists 'plan attack on Britain with bombs INSIDE their bodies' to foil new airport scanners. Jib, have you thought of this one? Grose!
I need to clarify what I said. It is very easy for me to get caught up in routine, daily chores and think that this is mundane and unfruitful. Other people are doing such great things in serving Abba but here I am cooking, washing dishes, etc. Not much ministry in that is there! But then I realized that my husband might just be the last soul to be added to God's kingdom and that changes things. No matter what someone else is doing, I am supposed to be faithful and count it all joy, no matter what circumstances I find myself in. Bloom where I am planted sort of thing.
Then I rememberd this scripture from 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 and it puts a whole new light on the subject. Every man/woman's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide (survive the fire) which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet as by Fire!."
That all happens at the Judgment seat of Christ where we are judged for our deeds. He said "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10
If I let someone else fulfill the calling that I am supposed to be responsible for, they will receive the crown. If I let that happen, I am living outside the will of God for my life. He blesses us when we submit to His Calling but too many times I try to get ahead of the Lord and do it my way. He isn't interested in my way. The thoughts of God are higher than my thoughts, way higher and His ways are far above anything I could ever even think of trying to understand. My own thinking isn't even close to God's. My own understanding is not worth the energy it takes to try figuring it out. But then, neither is any other man's.
So, as Oswald Chambers said "Trust no one, not even the finest saint who ever walked this earth, ignore him, if he hinders your sight of Jesus Christ."
Grany
Wise words, Grany.
I was praying last night and confessing that I get too caught up in "daily stuff". And even when I'm studying or reading the Bible I can be distant from Him. There's something about that Chamber's quote that tugged at me when I went looking for a new post. Hard to put into words but I want to be constantly expecting Him.
Talk about bombs inside you, mac ate a packet of dry figs yesterday....
Could that be a halo around his head? The photo almost has an Eastern Orothodox icon feel to it.
I love figs!
Dried figs.
Fresh figs.
Fig Newton cookies.
Figures of speech.
Go figure.
Time for bed.
(I think that qualifies as Italian haiku poetry.)
We were talking about just this thing tonite at our bible study.
Being wholly available to God, regardless of what he calls you to do. Clearing out all of the junk, good or bad that hinders you from hearing that call of the Holy Spirit to do what He asks and brings into your path.
Mundane or exciting, it does not matter. Whatever it is that He calls you to do at that moment is a grand thing to accept!
Jim G., that photo is really creepy! I agree about the Orthodox icon feel to it. It especially creeped me out because today, Spirit-Digest.com, in their headline section, had links to the video of how Jesus named the anti-Christ, and another one about the sycamore being struck down in New York.
<><
I also thought it was funny too Hyde
Grany
your words are something I needed/wanted to hear. i am called to be doing what I am doing and yet at least once a week I wholeheartedly wish to be doing something else. sometimes more frequently than that. and this next week may be multiple times.
I also read something on the Kingdom project-restoring a Christian worldview to business and business practices which goes along the same lines.
I'm still needing a revelation on what to write for March (due in 13 days) for our deacon's newsletter. perhaps I'll snitch what Grany just wrote and add to it some thoughts from the Kingdom project. another thought I had was on trials making us mature in the faith. or perhaps one I've already done. we'll see.
Jib, Shalom! Perhaps you can get some inspiration from this message from Jesus to Anne, a lay apostle:
My dear apostles, I am directing you. I am giving you guidance. I am prompting you, again and again. Do you hear Me? Are you learning to separate My voice from the voices of the world? Do you hear Me when I urge you to greater and greater abandonment? You are suffering, I know. I am listening to your prayers and I am with you in your pain. Please do not think that you are experiencing suffering simply because you are serving Me. Look at those who do not serve Me or even those who do not know Me. Are their lives free from suffering? I am helping you to reject the temptation to believe that if you were not walking this path with Me you would be freed from suffering. It is not true. It would be true to say that if you were not united to Me, you would be suffering without the benefit of My companionship. Such lonely suffering. Such hopeless pain. Instead, I offer you the widest variety of consolations. I offer you understanding of the relationship between sacrifice and holiness. I offer you soothing graces to assist you in preparing your soul for heaven and bringing others comfort and grace. Dearest apostles, you are surrounded by heaven. You are surrounded by grace which supports you, even when you feel you are unsupported. If you feel you cannot stand, allow yourself to fall back and rest in My arms. I will care for you and give you all that you need to continue. Your life is changing, it is true. This should not alarm you. You should expect your life to change as I draw you more and more fully into the plan that I have for your time of service to heaven. It is always the way that I bring you forward, never backward. There is always movement and change. If you were to reject service to Me, your life would still change. Change comes in life whether you are serving heaven or not serving heaven. You may wonder why I am telling you these things. I am helping you to resist the temptation to attach your commitment to Me to suffering. If you are suffering, it is because suffering is part of My plan for you. Each life will include suffering. Beloved apostles, you are trying so hard to serve heaven. Please believe that heaven is serving you, too. You are protected and loved. You need only remain on the course I have laid out for you and all will be well.
<><
The news is up... and there is an article posted about the surgical bombs... so disturbing.
I saw that photo of Boo yesterday and thought the same thing. I actually was wondering if he has those seals placed at that level for that reason.
I voted at 11am, I was the 8th person to vote today at my polling place. My husband went after work at 12:15 and he was number 9, my son just got home 15 minutes ago and he was number 11.
Either there are very few Republicans where I live, or apathy runneth over.
WHAT ARE GHOSTS,
AND OTHER INVISIBLE SPIRITS??
By Jim Wihelmsen
This article is good- especially in light of all the "Ghost Hunter" movies & such.
Just stopped by and found the reunion going on. So good to see all my brothers and sisters here, though following all the links as taken me two days.
Maranatha...
Mike
Just got back from our grocery buying trip and I am tired too. Our beautiful snow is almost gone and what was so very pretty here was an ugly mess in Ft. Smith today. The pure driven snow was nothing but large dirty clumps of filth. No beauty what so ever and as I was looking at it the thought came to mind about what we must look like before JC and after our remedial cleansing.
As long as it was cold and traffic kept moving the scene didn't look to bad but by the time we started home, traffic had thinned out and the globs of filthy snow was slowly sinking into the storm sewers. Kinda like life without Christ.
I think BOO looks kinda out of character with that rim of gold around his head. Also, the link about the name of Satan that Jesus spoke regarding lightening coming from the heights was spooky. Very weird things going on but you know what? Our Lord reigns forever and ever. Amen!
Oh, pretty pleaseez Abba, won't you send him really, really soon?
Grany
Good to see you, Mike!
Forgot to say - stunning vid of the acrobats, Jib (previous post). I wanted to be an acrobat when I was a little kid.
Lisa, I also relate I lot of these ghost sightings etc to demonic stuff and I suspect that certain practices conducted by people attract them. Chuck Missler thinks they are territorial and I agree.
I wanted to be an acrobat when I was a little kid.
hahahahahahahaha!
Hey all,
I agree figs are great in any form. One of my patients is an episcopal priest and brings me dark chocolate dipped ripe figs when they are in season. Awesome!!
On the spiritual warfare note, I agree with Mac, Missler. Unfortunately, I had a lot of exposure to it when my dad taught a high school bible study in LA in 1971. A couple thousand kids converted to Christianity in a few months from attending his lectures in our house, but during that time the spiritual warfare was VERY out in the open. My parents prayed a wall around us (their children) every night, but I was 5-6 yrs. old and still saw a lot of wild stuff. So, I've always understood that when spiritual warfare becomes noticeable it means our Lord is either using you greatly, or about to.... we should all be on guard for the days ahead.
In His Grip,
Scott
Mac and Scott,
Territorial for sure. Even Daniel experienced that very thing with the Prince over Persia keeping the answer to his prayers from getting through. But I am fully convinced that the whole thing with Ghost, except for the Holy Ghost, is demonic. Satan always tries to counterfeit God's works and provisions.
As to the increase in spiritual warfare, the times will become even more evil as we draw closer to the Lord's coming for his Church. That is why Jesus warned against deception way back when. He knew we would be enduring great bombardment and the main vehicle will be deception and discouragement.
There are so many really weird ideas about spiritual warfare and too much shrugging of the shoulders when it comes to the fight. But one thing I have learned from my own personal walk, if I am not sharing Jesus Christ and am no threat to Satan, he leaves me alone. I am no threat to his kingdom. He still hates me because of Jesus Christ but unlike God, he can't be everywhere at the same time.
So, yes! I know he is territorial and a real bully to boot. But we are the Bully busters that God placed in each and every territory. Not by power, nor by might but by my Spirit says the Lord! Remember also, the Name of Jesus is above every name, in heaven, on earth and under the earth.
One of the reasons I love the Book of Ephesians so much. Anyone want to know who we are in Christ, let Ephesians tell it like it is.
Grany
Jim
yes i can use that may be not this time but next time. I do think I am going to combine Grany's revelation with Esther.
These guys have waaaaay to much time on their hands
The acrobats for those who missed them
JIB,
Sounds good and I love Esther. I think Fruch has a special study on Queen Esther but I am getting ahead of myself.
I am going to receive Footsteps of the Messiah PDF format so I can enlarge the print to the size that I need. I have the book that I purchase back in 2007 but I am going to give it to my beloved pastor because I know he would greatly enjoy it. But it is my understanding the Dr. Fruchtenbaum is attempting to put all of the material on ebook format or at least make it possible to download the whole thing on our computers.
My grandson is getting it for me as a belated Christmas present and I am really looking forward to it.
JIM C.
Liked the comment at 7:39 P.M. If you don't mind, I am sending it to a friend of mine that needs the encouragement for her walk with the Lord.
So many great links and comments and I am like everyone one else, chasing the links around but I loved the acrobats too. When I was just about 8 years old I learned to do a free stand back flip and oh, I loved doing it. One day, without looking behind me, I did one and back flipped onto a bulldog and that was the end of my flipping career. Mean little sucker. To top it all off, the little boy that I had a crush on was standing right there and laughed at me. Broke my spirit but I got over it real quick.
But that routine was beautiful.
Thanks for sharing all of the links with us.
Grany
Grany,
Your story about backflips is flipping hilarious!!! Thanks for sharing. Laughter is good medicine.
Grany,Scott,
I agree about the attacks coming when we're either in the middle of assignments or about to start into one. I'm in that state right now and I can't help but notice that it's at the time when I've been sharing the good news with abandon to some friends/family members. I've also noticed that my opportunities of late haven't been with unbelievers either. It's been with saved family members/friends who are looking in the wrong places for answers or are stuck in the same ruts and aren't living victoriously. Makes me wonder why so many opportunities to get the "body" back in shape are presenting themselves?
I read a really interesting/somewhat scary if you're not tight with God article recently about spiritual warfare and territories. Can't remember where it was, but I had been researching the Bermuda Triangle and found it through one of those links. The article named the demons which are mentioned in Scripture and other traditional literature and their assigned realms/territories/tasks. It was quite eye-opening and made me ponder just how organized the whole spiritual realm really is. Don't know if I'd want to see it in my current human state or not. Just so glad I know that Jesus is my strong tower and shelter where I run to in these times of discouragement and struggle.
Blessings,
Jen
Talking about ghosts, demons and stuff, we must all realise that they are (demons that is) subject to our Lord Jesus in a very powerful way.
When I was at University - long ago now - I had a roommate who was not a Christian and I was a very young one - very much on FIRE!!! - :).
My roommate had a dragon in a box on one of his shelves. I never felt comfortable with the thing, but did not know why - was a young christian then and knew nothing of the supernatural.
One night I rebuked this dragon sculpture/thingy just because I had an urge to do it. can't remember what I said, but I rebuked it in some manner.
That VERY night I was alone in the room and something grabbed me by the throat strangling and pushing me literally up against the desk behind my bed. I wasn't afraid and rebuked it in Jesus name...it left IMMEDIATELY. Frightening when you think about it afterwards.
Anyways, a couple of days later I hit the cupboard that the dragon was on (in a box) out of frustration (long story why) and wham the box fell out of the cupboard (as I hit it hard and part of the cupbaord also broke) and the dragon thingy fell in a million pieces on the floor. I even tried to fix it with glue, but couldn't. My room mate luckily was not upset.
He got saved a couple of months after that.
What you guys make of this? I have always wondered about it, even some times, as my memory about it is fading, thinking that I must have been dreaming about the choking?
Nice to see ya all!!!
Thuunda
(still cannot figure out my google password)
Hi Thuunda,
I can relate to a physical episode...when I was a tweener (don't remember the exact age, but it was after elementary school because I remember the sheets on my bed and I didn't have them until I was in junior high school), I woke up in the middle of the night with the very real sensation of being pulled out of my bed by my ankles. I grabbed the headboard tightly and held on, trying to figure out if I was dreaming or perhaps my legs had fallen asleep. But as I became fully awake, I understood that it was really happening, although not in a way that I could respond physically (kicking my legs wasn't going to do anything). I called on the name of Jesus (thank the Lord I already knew Him!) and eventually it subsided. I raced down to tell my parents and I'm sure my mom thought I was just dreaming, but I knew I wasn't.
Last year, my mom went through a 24hour period of assault which caused her to go into a panic attack so strong it almost gave her a heart attack. She doesn't have anxiety problems, but she said she knew immediately that it was major battle in the spiritual realm. She hung on to the Bible and called on Jesus for hours until it finally let up. A few days later, her father took his life. We know that Grandpa was going through the same attack because of the last words he wrote which described the same things my mom was experiencing days before. Both my mom and I had been witnessing to him for years and I had been writing to him in the months before very plainly about God's love for him. Mom and I feel very strongly that Grandpa was coming to Jesus and the devil was none too happy about it.
I do believe that at times, we will feel the spiritual battle in a physical way, but the great news is that Jesus' name is above all those weapons and they must bow to Him.
Blessings,
Jen
Thuunda, I don't know if you were dreaming or not, but I would not be surprised if you weren't.
Two of my daughters experienced physical sensations of attack, one of them saw the attacker in the form of a man the other felt hands on her throat strangling her. Both called on Jesus and the attacks ended. The "man" was suddenly gone. One daughter was newly on fire for Jesus, the other was about to make a decision to leave a questionable relationship and enter a Christian college. I am positive they were not dreaming. These episodes happened thousands of miles and years apart. Neither daughter knew about the other's experience. I praise God for His protection.
Hi Jen and Anne,
that's a bit of a relief to know I'm not alone. I don't like to talk about it in person as people will think you're crazy...lol.
I knew it happened though...after all I was there :)
Oh and hi JIB, saw your message from earlier!
Thuunda
Oh and Grany, good to see you!
Any new good youtube songs you've picked up. I still listen to the other one you gave a link to quite often - the violin one.
Thuunda
Thuunda,
In what I have studied about the demonic it is very common to be strangled & also pulled by the ankles physically. So I doubt you we're dreaming.
I don't know this but I wonder if spirits can attach themselves to material objects- like that dragon thingy? We know they like human bodies.
The book of Enoch names the demons & what they taught men. I'm not sure if it lists the territories or not. We know Satan can only be in one place @ a time but I often wonder if he assigns a particular demon to hassle us & report back as to what we are up to.
I had asked my husband why he never accepted the gospel years ago. He didn't initially know but after reading the OT lately- he said he remembered. It was because he couldn't believe that some of the events really occurred- therefore he tossed out the whole idea. He thinks the NT is more realistic.(Now I'm wondering if he believes the whole Word since He gave his life to Christ. Hummm. Maybe that takes time in some people.)
THUNDA,
Great seeing you too! I have to be honest with you about youtube selections. For Christmas I received a beautiful collection of classical music that includes the inspired songs of the early artist and composers. But I do know that youtube is a treasure trove of wonderful music. I'll check it out and see what is on there for you.
Now about your experience with the assult. Can't say that I was attacked anything like that but I have been present when others were. Even as a child I knew it was evil and so the first words out of my mouth were "Jesus, Help us". When I was quite little and very sick, my grandparents and mother called some wonderful Christians to come pray for me.
They were huge (remember that part real clear)and I know it changed my whole life. Yes, I was very little but I remember wanting to know everything my grandfather could tell me about the Lord and Abba. But the main thing about the elders coming to pray; they sprinkled oil on my head, laid hands on me and in some strange language prayed for my healing. I had been diagnosed with leukemia by a specialist at the Des Moines, Iowa Children's Hospital and the year was 1939 or 40. Never had any further problems with the illness and my followup testing came back clear and normal.
See, I told you all I was normal!!!!
JIM G., glad to give you a chuckle or two. If I tried to do a back flip now and even got my feet off of the floor an inch, landed on a bulldog, that dog would be flattened.
But I have experienced numerous times the twinkling of an eye answer to my pleas for help with only "JESUS"! Now let be sure that I am saying this correctly. If I had set out to commit mischief, I don't believe my cries would have been answered. A thief cannot expect God to bless him or aid him in his sin. PERIOD! But the times I have cried out were none of that. After my mother and brother had both passed on into heaven within 5 weeks of each other, and on my way to Sunday morning church services, the grief just overwhelmed me as I was driving on our familiar road to the church building. I was almost to the place of crumpling and the car was really going too fast for that, my heart cried first and it escaped out of my mouth, "JESUS,HELP". Immediately and I mean immediately, the grief left, the sobbing stopped, and I could actually feel the presence of the Lord in my car. It was the most beautiful experience I have ever had. I continued on to the church parking lot and just wanted to sit there in the Lord's presence. About a minute after I parked, one of the friends came up to the car and put his hands on the top. I started to open the window on my Honda and all of a sudden he started praising the Lord and then crying but with joy. The presence of the Lord just got stronger and several more came out of the church to see what was taking place because my friend was almost dancing. As they got closer they began to shout, sing, praise and dance. We had Sunday School right out there in the parking lot.
Needless to say, the rest of Sunday was a real celebration and victory. God is so real and so loving that you and I can never totally wear him out, out do him, out love him, or out give him. We just don't give him enough of ourselves and we become dried figs on a tree that should be the delight of Abba.
JIM G. did you notice I used your Figs to compare us all to?
If we spent as much time praising and exulting Abba as we do complaining and finding fault this world would not be the same place and we would already be seated at the Wedding Feast of the Bride.
What a way to start the day, Praise Him, Praise Him. Praise him in the morning, praise him at the noonday. Praise Him,praise Him, Praise Him at the setting sun!
I feel a song coming on!!!!
Grany
The news is ready.
Apparently, Italy has cut funding Iranian projects and getting chummy with Israel... links # 9-11
Another barrel bomb has washed ashore #7
Another top al-Qaeda figure is killed, (how many of these guys are there?)
#34 Why is the IRS buying shotguns?
OOPS!
Wedding Feast of the Lamb!
Get your garments ready, are they white as snow?
Alas, I am sorry to tell you, I'm not a fig fan, but I love Jesus and all the other fruits he provided; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... oh yeah, and strawberries, blueberries, cherries, watermelon, cantalope, honeydew, apples, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, limes, tamerind, pineapple and the illustrious tomato. Figs, papaya, mango and guava are not on my yummy list.
favorite bean.... coffee and chocolate! Can I get a witness?
Are you washed in the blood of the lamb by Alan Jackson
Better link
Lori, I have to admit: when I saw the headline about the Egyptian Air Force choosing Pratt and Whitney, my first thought was what does the EAF want with lawnmowers?
<><
LOL Jim, one of our best friends (Bobby) works for P & W. He resembles J. McCain, so when our families traveled together two years ago, it turned heads. Quite funny when we had a waiter in Tenn. who was the spitting image of Michael Phelps! The three of us got our pictures together.
Anyway, I know he's really happy about the contract. He took our family to P & W family day last year and we were treated to a private air show by F18's, F15's and other aircraft as well as a tour. That was a rare privilege indeed.
So, I do have to innocently ask, do they also make lawn mowers?
Yes, Grany, just the one word "Jesus" can turn a situation around in seconds. After my thyroid surgery last spring, I was in the hospital overnight and 4 times during the night I had a wave of naseousness come over me. I knew that throwing up would be extrememly painful with my neck having been stitched up just a few hours before. All I could whisper was "Jesus, help." And all 4 times I was protected from it. Thank you, Savior!
On another subject, I see that Joel is hosting the next Epicenter conference in Philly!!!! Wonder if hubby will get me tickets for an early birthday present....anyone else thinking of going?
Blessings,
Jen
Lori, I don't know if they make lawnmowers themselves; but every lawnmower we had when I was growing up had a P&W engine.
Best Card Trick Ever
Oh, Jen, how fun that would be for many of us to meet at the Epicenter conference! But, alas, I don't think that will be happening for me. You never know, though, do you?
What if you all were there and all of a sudden, in the loudest voice ever, you heard "COME UP HERE"?
Now that would be worth making the trip for.
I would love to attend one of his conferences but alas, Philly is a long way for me to ride my horse. I want to start practicing my horsemanship so when we come back to lick the socks off of Satan I won't be falling off my steed.
Any ideas Jim C?
Grany
Oh, Grany, your comment just brought back a (bad) memory! The last time I road a horse ... 18 years ago?... I was thrown off in the middle of a full gallop. I came to with the horse's hoof right next to my head. Again....Jesus saves!
And that wasn't the worst part. The next day, we left on a family vacation to Busch Gardens. Let me tell you....riding roller coasters with a possible concussion is NOT a good idea.
JEN,
you live dangerously and it is a very good thing that God has very well trained guardian Angels all around you.
We used to go to the horse races in Hot Springs, Arkansas and my favorite thing to do there was to watch the horses in the paddock. I am only confident with them when there is a fence between us.
Also loved their corned beef sandwiches. YUMMY!
Make that "lived" dangerously ;-)
My horseback riding and roller coaster days are definitely over!
Twilight and why there is no beautiful side of evil (Personal Testimony)
I guess I'm the equestrian here then hugh? Always ready to ride!
The Last Days: Not a Test of Knowledge But Faith
Lisa, very interesting link about Twilight. I was completely unaware about this series. I'm sending it on to a friend who teaches the SS class for 9th grade girls at my church.
Anne,
I've been concerned about this series ever since it came out. Especially because many of the Christian women I know are reading it.
I'm not sure what to think about this either. Christians are bestowed with various gifts and discernment is one of them but don't you think that even if it was not your spiritual gift that "living in the Spirit" would guard you from a desire to get wrapped up in occult themed books/movies such as Twilight?
As far as I see it the original idea and therefore the movie/book series has been inspired by an actual demon/demons. Christians should not be reading this-period.
The reason why I came across the article is because I'm currently doing some research on Twilight to present to the directors of the Christian school my daughter attends.
I volunteer & as I was in the copy room I over heard a high school student telling others that she spent the entire week she was sick from school reading the Twilight books. I was standing there & no one seemed bothered one way or another.
Of course I was extremely bothered but didn't say anything. I don't know why- I just didn't feel led to speak out @ that point.
So I tell my daughter the story and she says "Yeah mom- it seems like 1/2 the school has read those books."
Now this bit of information put a hot prod into my conscience so now I get to be the big pain bad mom & tell the school & school pastor about it.
What is wrong here? I'm really upset about it. Don't the elders & leaders have any discernment skills? Is everyone so worried about their own set jobs they can't see the forest through the trees? That in the midst of the trees there is a wolf hiding & preying upon the children? (Not to mention the adults.)
If this wasn't a Christian school realistically I wouldn't be surprised.
Well- I hope I calm down but right now I'm fuming over this. But perhaps the emotion is needed for me to have the boldness to speak up about it. Otherwise I'm naturally laid back & not the type to make waves.
Lisa, Yes, spirits do attach themselves to objects. For a number of my teen years I lived on an animistic Native reserve. We were surrounded by the spirit world and it's manifestations. During my my high school years, we no longer were on the reserve, but our family continued to minister there. While there, my sister was also choked by a spirit, and Jesus came to her rescue. Numerous other manifestations occurred during that time. Because of these "wonderful" years, I prefer not to be reminded of them, so I do not read any books which have issues with the occult (Christian or not). The battle is too real for me.
One of the most common ways for evil spirits to infest a house is to accompany and dwell in a physical object. This way they have their own place to reside in and hide when necessary, and then come out to oppress God's people. Last year my wife brought home a cute crystal ornament for me, but it did not feel good immediately, so we threw it away. The spirits will attach themselves to any number of things, such as clothes, ornaments, jewelry, and especially religious icons/images. If the object needs to be kept, with a prayer of cleansing for the object, and a prayer of protection for the people involved, either pass it thru water, or preferably, pass it thru fire. My parents have had objects which would strongly resist the fire.
Numbers 31:20 Purify every garment as well as everything made of leather, goat hair or wood."
21 Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, "This is the requirement of the law that the LORD gave Moses: 22 Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead 23 and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water.
In the same way that a person does not want rats in a house, so also one does not want objects which have spirits attached. There is no need to panic, or be afraid, but with the authority of Jesus, cast out, or cleanse them.
If you have gifts in your house from those who have significantly dabbled in the occult, or from syncretistic priests, ask the Holy Spirit how those objects should be treated.
The real war is always spiritual.
Wayne
I have read all of the twilight books and found them quite interesting. My daughter brought them to my attention, and as she was reading them, I also of necessity had to read them. (I have also read all of the Harry Potter books, except the final one). On the other hand, I have no desire to watch the movies. The first Potter movie was more than sufficient for me, as the story became far too dark for me.
Potter is poorly written light fluff, but it has the power of making people comfortable with those who actually delve into the spirit world. (you're a witch? cool). It fails to mention that residual cost that comes to everyone who calls on a supernatural power. (In the same way, when we invoke God to change someone else's life, of our situation, he also changes us in the process).
I enjoy the lighter vampire movies, but those which have occult in them cross the line for me. After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that vampires are popular for a very basic reason.
It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that, the judgment.
Vampires, if they stay out of trouble and are careful, will never die, therefore never be judged. They have the freedom to ultimately control the life and death of lesser beings, using them for food and sexual gratification as their heart desires, but they will never stand before the judge.
The good vampires, as in twilight, are basically moral (and of course, very beautiful and handsome). Yet they will possibly never stand before the Judge, thus they are free.
Eccl 12: 13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Again, twilight is a basic story with all of the gifted creatures that Sci-Fi brings. [For most vampire stories, these are not (exterior) demonic powers, but personal abilities common to mystical stories. Not much different than the powers of our super-heros, like Spidey, super and bat man.] It is well written with good story lines.
The bigger problem with these stories is the inversion of good and evil, the beauty of one who lives on the life-blood of others and for the most part, is simply trying to survive in a competitive world, just like us other kids. It also gives the hope that one will be able to avoid standing before the true Judge. Without that clear end result, one can be far more comfortable simply surviving and winning victories by whatever works - pragmatic moralism.
Welcome to our current world
In the end, Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord, even the vampires and lycans.
Wayne
The news
I saw some of you talking about the Epicenter conference in June. I'm seriously thinking about going...and so is my brother. Philly is only a couple hours from me.
I would love to see all of you there!
Dave
Don't anyone come here anytime soon for the beach ! These photos were taken about 20 min. away... and yes, those are sharks!
There was a fatal attack yesterday about 40 min north of here.
Lisa;
"As far as I see it the original idea and therefore the movie/book series has been inspired by an actual demon/demons. Christians should not be reading this-period."
You are absolutely right on the money with this one!! You should definitely confront those Christians with this, they should know better!
It is too easy for anyone to get distracted with various worldly/occult ideas even without reading "junk". I believe it is a form of "subtle" deception. Thanks for bringing this up.
Maranatha!
Todays (Thurday) Glenn Beck's opening story is about Iran's Mahdi, the 13'ers. Worth trying to catch it.
Mike
Oh, wow! That Palm Beach shark picture is quite something! Scary.
On the subject of spiritual attacks...my kids have had problems in their sleep at various times, as I have as well. Seems to be a favorite way of trying to disturb me and my house by the enemy. Right now my youngest has had the problems. He will wake at night and have what appears to be night terrors (kind of like sleep walking but terrible!) and he cries and yells at me, calls me a bad mom, told me he wanted to punch me in the face. That one sent chills down my spine and I rebuked it and sent whatever was attcking him away in the name of Jesus. He settled down right after and said he was ok and able to go back to sleep. He is 4. My now 13 year old daughter used to do similar things at his age, she has always been very close to the Lord and has a tender, spiritual side to her, hense the attacks. There was even a woman at the assisted living center that I work at that said something mean to me in such a voice that it did not sound normal and sent my radar up. I left her room immediatley, she normally says mean things and tries to bite and pinch (she is very weak and needs nursing home type care)but that night she just had a tone I had never heard before. yuck. I am so glad to have Jesus on my side! :)
Blessings to you all!
Diana
Wayne,
Thanks for the info. I had no idea demons can inhabit objects. And the passage you quoted makes practical sense in that context.
That means there could be more to idols & icons than meets the natural eye.
What? Icons? Are you serious Lisa? I have a ton of icons on my desktop. I better delete them!!!
On a more serious note. I totally agree that the vampire stuff is not right. Appreciated the link Lisa posted called Twilight and why there is no "beautiful side of evil".
The battle is heating up. Sure is a blessing how the Lord made clear through His Word who wins and who loses and let's us decide ahead of time which side to be on.
Have you ever thought about how irrational it is to reject the grace and mercy of God? I mean, it's like He says, in the short term, you can have this world and all it offers. But I will destroy it all in the end so it's not a good investment choice. The value will crash in the end.
Why move into a beautiful house if you know a huge earthquake and fire will destroy it? Why not move into the Lord's house? He is a strong and everlasting tower.
Ahmadinejad says capitalism will die Feb. 11
(Ciudad Tehran CNSNews.com) — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Feb. 11 would mark the demise of “the liberal capitalist system,” adding that its champion, America, was on the decline and that Iran and its Islamic Revolution were on the rise.
According to a Jan. 28 translation from BBC Monitoring Middle East, Ahmadinejad spoke on official Iranian television, saying that this year’s “Ten Days of Dawn” celebration, marking the anniversary of the country’s Islamic Revolution, would see the “demise” of the American system.
“I believe that 22 Bahman [February 11 in the Persian calendar] this year marks the demise of the liberal capitalist system,” Ahmadinejad said
A blogger posted this response:
If Iran should choose to cut off the straits to cripple the global economy (of which is the most likely route Iran will take), the U.S. will suffer great economic loss and the other nations who feed off of us will fall like dominoes economically speaking as well. My question is, what shall we as American citizens do to survive the coming economic crunch?
Well doesn't this man tie into Imadinnerjacket's statements. Check out Raj Patel.
Raj Patel, Maitreya and The Prince who shall come.
President Obama was visiting a primary school and he visited one of the classes. They were in the middle of a discussion related to word and their meanings.
The teacher asked the president if he would like to lead the discussion on the word 'tragedy'?
So our illustrious president asked the class for an example of a
'tragedy'. One little boy stood up and offered: 'If my best friend, who lives on a farm, is playing in the field and a tractor runs over him and kills him, would that be a tragedy?'
'No,' said Obama, 'that would be an accident.'
A little girl raised her hand: 'If a school bus carrying 50 children drove over a cliff, killing everyone inside, would that be a tragedy?"
'I'm afraid not,' explained Obama.
'That's what we would call a great loss.'
The room went silent. No other children volunteered. Obama searched the room.
'Isn't there someone here who can give me an example of a tragedy?'
Finally at the back of the room, Little Johnny raised his hand. In a quiet voice he said: 'If the plane carrying you and Mrs. Obama was struck by a 'friendly fire' missile and blown to smithereens that would be a tragedy.'
'Fantastic!' exclaimed Obama.
'That's right. And can you tell me why that would be tragedy?'
'Well,' says the boy, 'It has to be a tragedy, because it certainly
wouldn't be a great loss.... And it probably wouldn't be an accident either...
Unbelievable Lisa...........
I guess I won't be seeing you on your kness praying ferverlantly for a "Damascus Road" experience for our current President.
TO ANONYMOUS,
Maybe not but I am and there are thousands of others doing the same thing, daily. Are you?
I got the notion out of that Twilight discussion that there is no need for me to hurry out to the book store or library to read anything connected to it. Not my cup of tea in any sense of the word. But I did receive a wonderful audio on one of Dr. Fruchtenbaum's books. It is the one on Geneses and very enlightening.
JIM G. I liked your comment about rejecting God and running after the things of this world. Especially the end result.
I only get to spend 30 minute periods on the internet because of an eye situation. So, this was my 30 minutes.
Grany
Lisa, Shalom! Well, it may be something more than just cutting off the Straits on Feb 11. Feb 8 this year is 24 Sh'vat (Zech. 1:7-17), where verse 12 reads:
Then the angel of the Lord spoke out and said, "O LORD of hosts, how long will you be without mercy for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah that have felt your anger these seventy years?"
Things could get interesting...
<><
What is the Wrath of God?
<><
Is it possible that there is more than worms and turtles in that satellite Iran sent up? I still wonder about an EMP.
Anonymous,
It's a dumb joke. Lighten up.
Grany, re praying for BHO, that's one area I know I need to work on. I remember the video by James White that Kathy linked to after the election. He made some very good points. I should also pray for those who are still making jokes about Bush and Palin. Our local comedians keep dishing them out. They should get real jobs...
Anne, I wonder if those turtles are toilet trained.
...maybe they have little turtle nappies.
Ah, another half hour to enjoy myself.
Hydehohoho,
I can not say in all truthfulness that I cherish the prayer time regarding BOO but I do feel that it being impressed upon me to do it, fun or not. I have tried every arguent under the sun to not do so because basically I don't trust the man but my heart cries for BOO's soul. I have to say that when he is truly saved to the fullest then I can enjoy the passage but until then, I do a lot of repenting!
Now to check the links here and then off I go for the evening. The only thing left to help my situation is spit and dirt but it has to come from Israel.
You all are busy lil munchkins.
Anne,
It's very unlikely that there was anything other than the animals put in there. (I notice nothing was said about bringing the animals back.) Based on the pictures of the rocket being launched, it wasn't big enough to carry anything else. While you hear talk about "suitcase nukes" and the like, you can't send a suitcase nuke into space and expect it to work.
Rocket launches are rough on electronics. There are the forces involved in the launch itself, plus the vibrations, and when you get to space (or on a ballistic trajectory) there are the great thermal differences that need to be taken into account. That's why you can expect any kind of nuclear device designed to be launched on a missile (which is a rocket with a warhead) to be about the size of a garbage can, and to weigh a few hundred pounds.
So far, Iran has been focusing on producing fissile uranium, U-235. It takes 52Kg (114lbs) of U-235 to reach a critical mass. By contrast, it only takes 10kg (22lbs) of plutonium to become fissile. For this reason, nuclear weapons designers focus on plutonium. (Designing with plutonium is also much more technically difficult -- more on that in a minute.)
Plutonium, though, is an artificial element, created from uranium as part of the nuclear reaction in what are called "breeder reactors." (Unless the law has changed, all of America's commercial nuclear reactors are also designed to be breeder reactors, so the government can get the plutonium it needs for nuclear weapons. I don't know if this law is still in place.) The varieties of uranium that are suitable for reactor design are UNsuitable for bomb design. The centrifuges that you hear tell of are to separate U-235 from its more stable cousins so the U-235 can be used to make bombs. Iran would need to either use its uranium to create plutonium; or to be taking its U-235 that it's making and put it into reactors in order to get plutonium -- not a good plan.
Assuming Iran wants to make everything by itself, it will be at least 7 years (maybe more, depending on what work has already been done) for Iran to be able to make a nuclear device that can be launched on a rocket. This does not preclude Iran buying an already-existing weapon and using that.
As for the differences between a uranium bomb and a plutonium bomb: Plutonium bombs are usually made of a hollow sphere of plutonium. Surrounding the sphere are explosives that are designed to all detonate at once, forcing the plutonium into a very compact sphere that has critical mass. While you can make a uranium bomb like that, it's much simpler to use a "fission gun" design: Take a metal tube about 3 feet long. Put a sub-critical mass of uranium at one end with a precisely machined "core" taken out of it. At the other end place a "gun" with a small bullet of uranium machined to precisely fit that "core". Put an explosive behind the uranium. When the explosive goes off, the "bullet" is forced into the "core" and the mass reaches criticality. Add the electronics and seal up both ends of the tube and you have a nuclear bomb.
This is a design that could be assembled in a garage, once all the other pieces (electronics, etc.) are assembled elsewhere. It would weigh between 300 and 500 lbs. It would fit into the back of a cargo van and driven to its target. This is the type of bomb and delivery device that the Discovery Channel used when making that 2-hour special on what would happen after an atomic bomb hit DC.
Given that Tehran is using U-235, it's unlikely that they would use a missile to deliver the payload. They would more than likely put it in the back of a van and smuggle it through Syria and Lebanon into Israel, then drive it to Tel Aviv.
Honestly, Jim, I marvel at your expanse of knowledge. I should never again use google, but rather just send you my questions! Here's one....
I'm planning a pirates/mermaids birthday party for the kids this year. I want to make bubble tea since it looks like pearls at the bottom of the cup. What's the best way to manage that? ;-)
Love ya!
Jen
Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel
This weekend, I'll be on Mike Huckabee's television show
to reveal the latest round of attacks on the culture and
heritage of America -- the re-writing of our children's
textbooks. See Below -- Mat.
Right now, the Texas public school system is embroiled in a major
battle over efforts to re-write our history and remove references
to our Judeo-Christian heritage from their textbooks.
The Texas State Board of Education will soon finalize the language
that publishers use to align their textbooks to current "acceptable
standards." Many of the suggestions that are coming forward are shocking:
+Replacing the term "American" with "Global Citizen."
+Stating that students need to be shaped "for responsible
citizenship in a global society."
+Removing all references to Daniel Boone, General George Patton, Nathan Hale, and Columbus Day.
+Replacing "expansionism and free enterprise" with
"imperialism and capitalism."
+Even stripping "Christmas Day" from all textbooks.
And since it is one of the nation's largest states, Texas greatly influences the textbooks and ultimately the curricula employed by many other states. Tens of millions of children will likely be impacted.
Pastor Chuck Smith was speaking about this case today so I looked it up. The strange story of Clarita Villanueva.
Jim C, maybe it's just late, but my eyes kept crossing while I was reading. But, I'm guessing the bottom line is no, just the turtles etc. That's a relief...I think, who knows what might happen.
Must go to bed.
Well, between Lisa's joke (and I do appreciate humor) and Jim C.'s latest science lesson, I'm sure we can expect men in black suits to show up at the cave here very soon with a warrant in hand to search and question everybody;-)
I see nothing...I hear nothing...I know nothing.
Lisa, I'd be careful about passing around the story of Clarita Villanueva. Some stuff about the story just didn't ring true. For example, there's no date as to when this occurred.
So I did some research. Almost every web site I could find simply reprinted Lester Sumrall's account. However, I found a couple that had significant differences. In one account, it wasn't a jailer that died after kicking her, it was a janitor.
Every account other than Sumrall's gives the year as 1951; however, I found at least one that gave a totally different story, in that Clarita wasn't arrested for prostitution. She was having a seizure outside a bar, claiming that she was being bitten. The bite marks were appearing on her body, for no reason. In this version, she was suspected of being on drugs and put into a cell, where the bite marks continued to appear. The next day she was taken to the court on vagrancy charges, and had another attack in front of the judge. An ambulance took her to the hospital, where the attacks stopped. She stayed there for six weeks and was released with no further problems. (This account is from A Look Through Secret Doors by John Mackim, 1969, Ace Publishing)
I then checked Amazon, and found a copy of the "Alien Entities" book there, along with some reviews. All the reviews were glowing, but one made me wonder. David K wrote:
... I tried contacting LeSEA ministries and asked for newspaper articles or any other independently written sources to confirm the cases of Clarita Villanueva and Cornelio Closa, but they could not provide anything. I am surprised by this, as I would think that Lester Sumrall would have been bombarded over the years with requests to prove that these cases were true and actually happened. It also bothers me that Sumrall did not include the dates that these events took place, making it even harder to search for a newspaper article about them. DOES ANYONE HAVE THIS DOCUMENTATION? I WOULD LIKE TO CONFIRM THESE ARE TRUE.
So I have to take Mr. Sumrall's account with a grain of salt.
<><
Anne, Shalom! You wrote:
But, I'm guessing the bottom line is no, just the turtles etc. That's a relief...I think, who knows what might happen.
Well, my guess is that this is some Iranian plot to breed a race of giant space turtles, which Ahmadinejad will use to take over the world. And how will he do this, you might ask?
Slowly. Very slowly.
<><
Jim C,
Your knowledge and sense of humor never ceases to amaze me! thanks for the laugh...
lori
I would love to see Jim C, Jim G and Mac in a room together, and just listen. I think I would die laughing.
Wait, Some Great Day I will see them together! Won't that be fun.
The news is up ... couldn't do it yesterday, because I had a massive migraine. Yuck!
I read your topics, took interest in your discussion of satanic material and influence and have to be vocal on this one.
The Bible is very clear... "avoid all appearance of evil," would include any printed, or video taped material that is questionable. It's harsh, but Jesus himself said, that the road is narrow.
I'm no exception. More than once in my life have I picked up a book, read a website, or viewed material that did not give God glory. Many times under conviction, I junked it, many times I didn't and paid the consequences.
It's important to recognize that still small voice. If there is any doubt, throw it out. The enemy is out there like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. We need to stop throwing him bait.
You already know that I totally agree with Lori. Dwelling on the dark and sinister side of life has a profound tendency to enjoy the ride, walk or gallop. Remember this passage in all of life's pursuits:
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." – Philippians 4:8"
There are a lot of things that my brain would find enjoyable but would my consumption of it by reading, speaking, thinking or doing make my walk with Abba true, productive of righteous living or even go so far as to be a beacon on a hill for the cause of Christ.
Do you remember what it was that caused King Saul to loose his anointing? How about King David and the cause of his sin that brought about great heart break. Then we have Lot.
It is easy to convince ourselves that all of this is just reading for the pure joy of it or even talking about it. But is it innocent? Pure? Of a Good Report? I can't answer for you but I have enough to answer to the Lord about without adding anymore to it.
OK, I am out of here.
Jim C.,
Chuck Smith mentioned a couple books on the story. Clarita Villanueva circumstance was also recorded & published in medical journals because they were amazed by the scientific unexplainable demonic manifestations. Smith either knew or knew of the pastors who delivered the woman so I think the story is true even if you found some discrepancies.
To me- her situation brings all the glory to God & shows how He will call on those willing to deliver the oppressed. Also, that no matter the background of the individual- there is hope in Jesus name.
So when I read about these accounts I see the glory and power of God. It strengthens my faith to see how Christians can be used for His glory and in doing so break the strongholds of the devil.
Why some of you focus the dark side of these stories I don't understand.
We are all designed for different purposes in the one body so if reading these accounts creates fear
then- your correct in not going there.
There is a big difference between reading a fiction fantasy occult book (which I don't do) & reading about accounts where Christians are called by God to deliver the lost & oppressed.
Pastor Smith also mentioned in regards to the "manifestations" of the demonic the reason behind failure in trying to rid them.
People are drawn to the "effect" of the expression which they can see & are so awestruck by the seeming power of the demon that they take their eyes off Jesus.
It's a tactic and distraction that demons use so they won't be expelled from the host.
Some may have a higher rank & other times the Christian's faith is weak or not strong enough for the particular situation. Therefore it takes fasting & praying- more effort- to kick them out.
Jesus disciples were called to rid these entities & if we ever are called upon to do so we can too. (I know Jim C. has a different Catholic outlook.)
These evil entities are nothing compared to the Holy Spirit which dwells within us and are basically toast.
We're not called to live in fear but in the power of the Spirit.
Hopefully we'll be w/Jesus before much of the supernatural is physically expressed on earth. We know from God's word in no uncertain terms that during the Trib-some wild supernatural events will be allowed to be made manifest by Satan.
For me- I have a desire to learn how to live in the Spirit w/o fear & know my weapons of Spiritual warfare & how to combat the enemy. Whether for myself or for others if called to do so.
There's one thing in knowing about the enemy & his tactics but yet another in knowing what to do about them.
Sometimes I just ponder & ask myself. Am I truly fully submitted to the Lord? Is there an area of my life He might ask of me and I'm not willing to submit to and fully trust in Him?
I apologize if anyone was scared or feels convicted in reading Clarita Villanueva's account. It wasn't my intent-at all.
2 Chronicles 32:7 "Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him."
Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
The Consequences of the Rapture
Clarify: "fantasy occult book (which I don't do)" as in referring to the "Twilight" series.
I also wouldn't read a non-fiction occult books either unless I needed to for research purposes in writing for the purpose of Apologetics. (As some are called to do.)
I have to say I agree with Grany and I say this from personal experience because I spent a decent part of my life fascinated with this phenomena. I strongly believe that we should be very careful approaching these topics...if at all. I believe an active interest is enough to attract an interest from "the other side".
I feel I need to clarify my position on "Twilight". When one has a teenage daughter who "just has to read" a certain series, with or without dad's approval, Then of necessity, dad must also read the same literature. A basic - "it's ungodly and unhelpful" will neither keep the channels of communication open, not encourage said strong-willed daughter to read more critically and honestly.
Having experienced the spirit world in real life, one has to learn where the real fight is. That fight is different for each person, and the door downward is different for each person. For that reason, some can eat meat offered to idols, and others do so at their peril.
In my discussions with my daughter about these topics, we spent a lot of time on the "why is this popular" topic. IMHO, the primary evil in "Twilight" is not the vampire, but the beautification of evil. If Twilight was occult, red flags would be popping up all over the place and few would read it. (This is not to say that this is not an occult door for some individuals).
The far greater danger in these books is a redefining of the world. In the past, vampires were basically ugly underneath and lacking self control. In the past, they almost always lost in that cosmic struggle between good and evil. In this series, one no longer cheers for the death of this gentle, caring doctor and his "family", but wants to overlook their one significant weakness. To condemn this family is to condemn a doctor who has spent the last 400 years seeking to heal humans and alleviate suffering. What's wrong with that? Thus, evil has been made beautiful and in the process, made all evil a bit more beautiful.
If one criticizes this series because there are vampires in it, then one misses where the real attack on our society is taking place, and one loses a connection to the youth of today.
I am not recommending that you read these books for fun, as there is far more out there that is far better, both literarily and and spiritually. But, if you know girls who are in love with this mushy series, carefully consider on which front you want to wage the battle. They will read it, but what will they learn from it.
May God grant us all wisdom as we try to reach a generation which has no foundation or starting point for holiness.
God Bless,
Wayne
Personally, I tend to keep away from some of this stuff...I prefer to focus on what the word says, on God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit and the writings of the saints.
I know this other stuff is out there, but personally I keep away from it.
I know there are some Christians, like Wayne, who want to be on top of some of these things so he can speak intelligently to people about it.
Hal Lindsy wrote a book a while back, "Satan is alive and well on earth" which was very informative...but personally for me, I prefer to keep away from it.
I hope you are all well!!
Wayne, for my part, I think what you're doing is what a father should be doing – checking out what your children are reading, etc. I doubt that reading a book on vampires or watching a movie is going to adversely affect anyone. My interest in the occult was unhealthy because I spent too much time reading about that stuff when I should have been doing otherwise and I paid for it.
I totally agree...it's important to know what kids, especially our own kids, are up to.
As far as the "Twighlight" book and movie series goes, I saw the movie, just to see what the hub-bub is all about.
The Twighlight's popularity is a little concerning..it's a little freaky,but it's dumb and hopefully harmless, (unless you go overboard with it).
I personally have no desire to see anymore of these and hope my kids don't either, but they're young adults now.
At least these movies, etc, can open the doors for dialogue about the things that really do matter: that God is real and sovereign, that forgiveness through Christ is the way to God and Heaven, and that based on Bible prophecy it appears we are living in the end times so people better get onboard!
Well, great. I walked into Toys R Us today with my little grandchildren and the first display which must have been 20 feet long was all Twilight stuff, including action figures. I didn't stop to look at anything and my grandchildren are too young to notice. So, it seems to be everywhere and I was oblivious.
I wish I had done a better job with my children, as Wayne is doing, when they were young. I slipped up there and I regret it.
I guess I feel I need to be aware of the tricks of the evil one and yet I understand the draw to indulge too much. It's like the desire to gawk at an accident, seems like we almost hope to see something awful. I need to pull back when the Holy Spirit prompts me, telling me that's all I need to know right now.
Oh how I need this today, wretched person I am.
The louder the better!
Thuunda
Amazing Grace
Unbelievable!
Pink Ouija Board Targeting Young Girls Riles Critics
Hi Guys,
I agree with Wayne on this issue, being a father of 2 daughters! There is unbelievable peer pressure put on these youngsters to be seen in the right crowd, be seen doing the in thing, wearing the fashionable clothing, ect.
Unfortunately this also ends up as reading these books and seeing the movies. We have gone through the Harry Potter books and movies and now we are going through the ‘Twilight’ series both books and movies. As a parent you cannot just ban things because the child will then be drawn to whatever is the problem. Hence Wayne is right to go through the journey with his children and thus guide them within Christian principals.
The problem I have with all these kinds of books is that it draws the occult out in a glorified way and exposes children to it when the children have very little or no protection. Wizards and witches are seen as being good and bad, as are vampires and werewolves. I was very distressed with the books because they got darker and darker as they progressed. The same seems to be happening with ‘Twilight’!
I will never forget a child who was friends with my eldest daughter, who at the age a 5 had seen the Harry Potter movie and she was playing games incorporating casting spells, had an imaginary friend (a unicorn), wanted to be a witch and of course she had to have a wand……. Needless to say her parents were not saved and sadly remain so to this day. They dropped us because we offered to pray for them when they had a family tragedy.
Those are the children that satan is preying on and developing into what he wants. We need to earnestly pray for their protection!
Yours in Christ
jeri.
Once again things are heating up in the MidEast...
News
#1 Israeli Warships on Way to Persian Gulf
#2 Syria vows to respond to any Israeli aggression
#5 Deputy FM shakes hands with Saudi Prince in rare gesture
#6 Glick: The NIF and the next war
#9 Hamas: We did not apologize for hitting civilians
#11 Egypt restores monastery touting religious harmony
#13 Is Iran forcing a showdown in the Middle East?
#15 Defiant Ahmadinejad orders uranium enriched to 20%
#18 US Sen. Lieberman: Issue sanctions against Iran or attack it
#24 Missionary released from NKorea arrives in US
#26 India forms new climate change body
#36 Conn. Power Plant Explosion
They suggested they bungee jump!
Alesia, we haven't seen you around for a few days. I hope all is well.
In the same theme we've been discussing:
Gaming for Satan: New Video Games Mock the Church and Glorify Satan
<><
Hi Anne. Alesia hasn't done much internetting lately as she's got quite a lot on her plate re work and mac. Hopefully she'll get some time next week.
A love affair with God may change your life
Exorcism chapel opened in Mexico
Thanks, Hyde, I just knew you would be keeping tabs on her!
Hyde
busy with Mac? busy planning something maybe?
And now ... the news !
#1 Israel FM: Land for Peace deal is dead "..all future agreements must be based on 'peace in exchange for peace."
#3 Hamas top leader visits Moscow
#12 Former Bin Laden assoc. hoists US flag, plays anthem, to show opposition to al-Qaeda(incl. video)
#18 US seeks to place radar in Turkey as part of missile shield
#28 Pentagon draws plans for immortal synthetic organisms
This is rather quite interesting... go to the pdf and type in the search box, bio and follow the prompts and read the pages, I which I believe begin around page 19.
the page referenced in the article is 265
Iran anniversary will be 'punch' to West: Khamenei"The Iranian nation, with its unity and God's grace, will punch the arrogance (Western powers) on the 22nd of Bahman (February 11) in a way that will leave them stunned," Khamenei, who is also Iran's commander-in-chief, told a gathering of air force personnel.
(I guess we'll see fairly soon.)
Jewish Voice videos
Latest from Randy and Becky...
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From: becky@theagoragroup.org [mailto:becky@theagoragroup.org]
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 3:15 PM
Subject: A Big Prayer Request
To all our friends and family,
We arrived safely home this afternoon from an amazing ministry time in Colombia. Do to lack of internet access, we have not been able to update you, but plan to do so in the days ahead as we can, because while we were gone, Becky's mom suffered a stroke and heart attack in Alabama. We found out Saturday when we finally had internet again in Colombia.
Becky is leaving within the hour by plane, Ryan and Randy will be driving up tomorrow. Please join us in fasting and prayer as she faces a difficult and critical surgery on Tuesday. Her name is Phyllis.
We will send you some amazing updates, including introducing some of our precious young tribal church planters to you over the next couple of weeks, we know you will fall in love with them as much as we have; they are becoming our spiritual kids and family.
Forever family,
Randy and Becky
I just finished watching Perry Stone's Manna-fest and I highly recommend it. Very current and very easy to listen to. His URL is voe.org and even though I copied the address down, we had a blip in our electrical power for just a few minutes and it was lost in cyber world.
The snow storm promised us started at breakfast today and kept coming right down until about 5:30 p.m. and then it started freezing rain. Now we have a mixture of rain and snow which is going to complicate things. The local weather is saying that the rain will stop by 9 p.m. and then it will be intermittent snow showers. The last time we had those snow showers we received 8 inches of beautiful snow. I am game for some more pretty snow and shouting, "Bring it On".
Grany
During a Bible study last weekend, the Oak of Mamre kept coming up n the Noah story. I did some study and found that the tree still stands to this day. It was rumored it would die as the anti-christ appeared on the scene. I don't know much more about the rumor, but the tree died in 1996.
Last month someone stole the ring of Alexander the Great. I asked a few folks if they thought that was prophetic and they said, No. I don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill, but it just seems a little weird to me.
The next few days are going to be interesting as we find out what Iran's leaders are referring to. Personally, I think they might be just blowing hot air to force Israel and America's hand. Oh well, time will tell.
As believers, we need to fast and pray before Wednesday.
Jib, yes. Both our minds have been a little overwhelmed. But God is Good and True and Faithful.
On a lighter note...
I saw a car today with just two bumper stickers. They both gave me a chuckle. The first one said something like, "The only place Democrats want to drill is in your wallet."
The second one was simply this (you have to see the picture to get the full effect).
Miss Me Yet?
Of course, there's this NPR reporter who is perceptive enough to realize that "At first glance, it would seem to be from some person or group who isn't thrilled by President Barack Obama's performance so far.."
But then his liberal bias can't stand it and he is forced to add, "-- unless it's a more ironic message from those who didn't think too much of Bush and want to remind voters about him.
'Miss Me Yet?' Billboard With Photo Of Bush Is Real; Not An Internet Trick
As John Stossel would say, "Give me a break!"
Mac, that's very good news. I'll be praying for both of you.
Joel C. Rosenberg's Epicenter Team ALERT: Iran moves closer to nuclear warhead capacity. Netanyahu warns world to move fast.
news
Rome, EU, Israel Linkage Bears Watching This did sound fishy to me but didn't know quite what to think about it.
Christ In Prophecy
Hitchcock on a Cashless Society Video Interview
Link to Mana-Fest (Grany's suggestion)
Lisa, maybe it's just me, but when I saw the link "Hitchcock on a Cashless Society" my first thought was Alfred Hitchcock.
(And if you listen closely, you can hear "Funeral March of a Marionette" in the background...)
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How is everyone in the Northeast today? Our snow was not as much as they forecast and now it is beginning to melt. Poohy!
So, by the 11th, Iran's time?, it will be interesting to see if there is any snow left anywhere. Last year or the one before, there was similar threat made by Iran's nut case President. Maybe we should import a few hundred squirrels to help eliminate the nuts.
My whole purpose is to share something with all of you that I am really enjoying. I subscribe to an RSS feed from Gizmo Richards GIZMO'S. He posted a link to download some very useful mouse cursors called XsX multicolored cursors. They change color as needed for different backgrounds on the pages. Just wanted to share with you all. Scroll down until you see a duplicate of a small window, then you will see a red arrow pointing left, then go down until you see XsX Alpha Blended Cursors and click on it. Very simple and I am using them without any problems. Seems they have been around for quite some time and most of the regulars on there have used them several years.
Lots of good things on Gizmo's site.
Grany
Alpha Omega Report:
Commentary on the Mideast Situation
Jenny here
Curious how just today the church fires of East Texas have finally made national news. I saw just a blurb on Fox News tonight. Has anyone seen it earlier than today?
Unfortunately, fires number 9 & 10 happened last night. My friend who teaches with me had one of the fires in her area last night. She goes to a Methodist Church and they have the men of the church patrolling the grounds at night, plus they have installed cameras. They call themselves MOPS.... Methodists On Patrol or MOP Heads.
However, I am worried that someone will be killed soon in one of these fires. Sadly, most churches are using their elders and male church members to patrol their church grounds. Please pray for these men. Most church goers, especially the ones whose churches were burned to the ground, publicly testify that the church body is not the building but the members themselves.
We feel it is a hate crime and of course we are not getting National attention on it until this week. I guarantee that if other religions had their church burned down, national attention would have been given on the first one.
Praying for God to be glorified and to use what man meant for evil...He will use for good. Of course He will, maybe that is why the news media won't give it too much attention. Oh, I'm sure of it.
Praying for Israel,
Jenny
Jenny
this answer to your question is because Christians are the one religious group that can be victimized without repercussions.
Mac
so when and where is the big day? just family? praying it all works out
JENNY,
Living so very close to Tulsa and ORU + Rhema, I heard it on the news back in January. In fact, KTUL-TV had it as one of the lead news items because back last fall, election time, one of the churches in Tulsa was torched but they caught the culprits then. They were teen age gang members or something like that. Anyway, I would venture to guess it is not going to receive too much news coverage in today's journalistic topics.
We all need to be praying for the safety of our church homes.
Grany
I hadn't heard anything about the church fires in Texas either.
Joining you in prayer, Grany!
We have not had much snow this year. Most people around here would like more...seems like it's been snowing everywhere but here.
We are supposed to get more tomorrow.
Obama's new pick: Gov. of state that linked Christians, violence
Interesting morning. Woke up to the a "Meow" from our cat coming from- inside- the drywall that was just patched & taped yesterday from the flood.
So far I've hammered two holes into it but now he's silent & we can't figure out exactly where he is located.
Hopefully he'll figure out how to climb down & out the hole w/o too much more damage to the wall.
Life can be an adventure without ever leaving your house around here!
Just leave it to a cat to explore a newly opened area. Hope you can get him out...poor thing. (poor wall, too)
Our cat Claude has spent at least two (different) days locked in a small closet. We open the coat closet to get our coats, go to work, come home, open the closet and out pops Claude...mad as heck.
Now I check on both cats before leaving the house!
Tunafish!
3.8 earthquake rattles Chicago area. Well, really in the suburbs but 4:30 a.m. is way to early to start rattling and rolling.
On a serious note, LISA, how in the world is the cat moving between the studs in your walls. Sheet rock is nailed to the studs and thus limits the ability to move around much. In fact, not at all unless the cat is in the duct work of your heat/air conditioning system. Call your fire department and let them find it. If you had a stethoscope you could listen for it that way.
Give me a few minutes and I will be right there to help you knock some more holes in the walls. That sounds like fun. Of course, I want to be gone by the time your hubby gets home. Do I dare laugh?
Have a great day everyone,
From melting Oklahoma,
Grany
better get him out before something unfortunate happens or you are going to have a really stinky house and spend LOTS more money trying to find the cat.
I agree with the tunafish though. I lend you my stethescope but that's a little far to drive. you can pick up a fairly inexpensive one at walgreen's I think for about $20 or so.
gee the WH is snowed in and the home city rattled by and earthquake. don't suppose they are getting the message though are they
JIB,
The message will be delivered when the sky falls in. Then it won't be his fault it will be blamed on all of those crazy right wing conservative religious nuts. Who dat is?
Tuna Fish sounds good to me too and if the cat doesn't come out, feed it to the family for dinner.
Tuna Fish sounds good to me too and if the cat doesn't come out, feed it to the family for dinner.
Gotta ask: was that, feed the tuna to the family or feed the cat to the family?
Fish!
You know if we all got on it right now, we could gather at Lisa's house and have a banging good time but in all seriousness, and I don't really want to go there; the cat could be taking a nap!
So don't panic, get the stethoscope and listen for the heart beat. Our beloved kitty kat got up in the Hammond organ, by way of the foot pedals, and I thought we would never find her. Our neighbor is a volunteer fireman, moved here from OKC and was full time there, he found her in about 3 minutes. The trouble came trying to get her out. Since that time we have plugged the entrance to her romantic search for beautiful music.
LORI,
I meant family gets fed the fish.
And Lisa, don't tell hubby about the Tuna either being bait
The Illinois earthquake was only 3.1 miles deep
That's deep enough for me. Three and a half miles is the distance between my house and cemetery here. That's a fer ways to walk.
Can you imagine how they felt and what they thought was happening?
Rapture maybe?
Did you know that if your computer keeps shutting off "for no reason at all," you should check to see if it's plugged in? :)
The news is up... at last
#1 Jerusalem to ban most cars from old city
#2 Bizantine-era street uncovered in Jerusalem
#3 Netanyahu plan for expatriate vote sparks political row in Israel
#8 Lebanon PM: Nation stands united against Israel
#9 Turkey, Lebanon lift visa requirement
#14 Iran starts mass production of 120, 130mm mortar shells
#15 How close is Tehran to developing a nuclear bomb?
#19 Russian FM to visit Cuba, Nicaragua, Guatelmala, Mexico
#29 Arabs attack Christian Evangelists in Samaria
#30 Moroccan Authorities raid Bible Study, arrest Christians
#32 UN urges Nicaragua to legalize abortion
#37 EU president's secret bid for economic power
#38 Obama ups military aid to Arab league states
#40 Bernanke lays out vision for Fed monetary exit
#42 Nominate entire school to receive free winter coats
I knocked some holes in the wall (between 3 different studs)but it scared him up higher in the wall.
(He "was" down low to the ground.)
He's a real scaredy cat & skinny.
Can a stethescope really go though drywall & hear a heartbeat? I have one down @ the horse corral.
I prayed for help this A.M. & that's not working so far either. OK GOD- SOS -H-E-L-P. (Is this supposed to be a fiery trail? Meant for my good?)
The contractors are here now banging around & he won't meow right now at all.
It's been 24 hrs now- I figure he could last a couple days. I'm going to buy the wet cat food now & see if the smell will lead him out after the guys leave for the day.
A Look at Church Stuff and What Not (Cartoons of Conviction)
Poor little kitty.
Not sure what the news is talking about...we still have not seen any snow!
Donna, hon,
Don't worry about the news. They don't know what they are talking about either.
LISA,
Praying for your kitty cat to come out from where ever he is hiding and save you some grief. And yes, a stethoscope can hear through the dry wall. That's how we found the squirrel and her babies a few years ago. Our neighbor is a doctor and I wish I had a picture of that. Funny!!!!
Grany
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