Tuesday, July 27, 2010
2Th 2:13-14
2Th 2:13-14 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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thanks for the links on the questions
Sure is quiet around here. I'm thinking folks are either on summer vacation or they are newlyweds.
How can hope for the future help me live today?
What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:18-25 NLT
"Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life."
Matthew 19:29 NLT
Facing trials
We have strength and courage to face the trials of this life because we can look beyond them to the glory that God has in store for us. We know the sacrifices we make now will be rewarded by God.
Things are quiet over at the Omega Letter as well. Also at the Cumbey blog. It happens from time to time. I think we sometimes overdose on news and etc and have to rest up.
Well posted, honey.
Lisa, this was the headline at "Spirit Daily" today:
UNHOLY COMMUNION: LINK IS MADE BETWEEN ALLEGED UFOs, ABDUCTION AND DEMONIC ENTITIES
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Thanks Jim C. I'll pass it around.
Was it in Spirit Daily? Or just World Net Daily? I'm just hoping more Catholics become aware - well not only Catholics but all Christians actually.
Just WND. It's pushing one of the books on sale at the WND Superstore.
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Pastor Mike Fabarez
Don't Grow Weary
In a world that rarely rewards truly good behavior, it is not a surprise that God’s people would be tempted to grow weary in doing what is right. But don’t.
The Bible calls us to constantly renew our perspective and our strength, remembering that doing the right thing is always the right thing.
After reminding us that “sowing and reaping” is an unwavering reality (even if the sprouts of consequence are long in coming), Paul calls the Galatian churches to “not become weary in doing good, for in the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
We must not forget that God is on the throne and he will inevitably reward righteous behavior. Don’t give up. Don’t despair. Keep faithfully following his path and upholding his precepts. In the end he will vindicate every good deed.
In the meantime, look to him for strength. He can give you the perseverance you need. “The Lord gives strength to his people” (Psalm 29:11) and God “increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah40:29). So ask him today for the courage, the power and the perspective to keep doing what’s right regardless of what others may say. In time we will see it was all worth it.
Lisa and Jim, here's a 10:39 video worth your time on the subject.
Prayer request from Ron Rhodes:
Dear friends,
I am writing to request emergency prayer for my elderly mother, Alpha, who is now in the hospital with a severe case of pneumonia. The X-rays are cloudy for both lungs, and the antibiotics are ineffective. Please pray for the Lord's comfort and healing mercies for my mother.
Much appreciation,
Ron Rhodes
Posted at the OL today. Devotion by David Wilkerson.
ONE MINUTE BEFORE MIDNIGHT
We see in 1 Samuel 13 that Saul faced a crucial moment that every believer must eventually confront. It is a time of crisis when we're forced to decide whether we'll wait on God by faith, or get impatient and take matters into our own hands.
Saul's pivotal moment came when ominous clouds of war were gathering over Israel. The Philistines had amassed a huge army of horsemen, iron chariots and
legions of soldiers brandishing the latest weapons. By contrast, the Israelites had only two swords in their entire army—one for Saul and one for his son, Jonathan. Everyone else had to use makeshift weapons, such as wooden spears or crude farm tools.
A week earlier Samuel had warned Saul to wait for him at Gilgal before going into battle. The prophet had said he would arrive after seven days to make the proper sacrifices to the Lord.
When the seventh day came and Samuel hadn't arrived, Saul's soldiers began to scatter. Worse, the king didn't have God's direction for battle.
What approach did Saul take? Did he stand firm, declaring, "I don't care if it takes Samuel eight days to arrive, I'm going to stand on God's Word to me. Live or die, I will obey his command"? No—Saul panicked. He allowed himself to be overwhelmed by his circumstances. And he ended up manipulating his way around God's Word. He ordered the priest who was present to make the sacrifices without Samuel and in so doing committed a grievous sin against the Lord (see 1 Samuel 13:11–12).
No—God is never too late. All along, the Lord knew each step Samuel was taking toward Gilgal. He had set the prophet on a heavenly navigation system, pinpointing his arrival to the very second. Samuel would be there by day seven, even if it was one minute before midnight.
God has not changed throughout the ages. And he is still concerned with whether his people obey this command: "Obey the voice of the Lord, and [do not] rebel against the commandment of the Lord" (1 Samuel 12:15, paraphrased). It doesn't matter if our lives are spinning out of control—we are to walk in total confidence in the Lord. Even if things look hopeless, we are not to act in fear. Rather, we are to wait patiently on him to deliver us, as his Word promises.
The fact is, God stood right beside Saul as the massive Philistine army pressed in. He knew the crisis Saul was in and his eye was on every detail.
Our God sees every detail of your crisis. He sees all the life-problems pressing in on you. And he's fully aware your situation is getting worse daily. Those who pray and wait on him with calm faith are never in any real danger. Moreover, he knows all your panicky thoughts: "I don't see how I can ever repay
this debt…I don't have any hope for my marriage…I don't know how I can keep my job…." Yet his command to you still holds true: "Don't panic or get ahead of me. You are to do nothing but pray—and rely on me. I honor everyone who puts his trust in me."
Consider these words God has given to his church:
"Without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6). "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8).
"Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield" (Psalm 115:11).
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6).
Unbelief is deadly, its consequences tragic. And we face dire consequences if we try to extricate ourselves from our trials instead of trusting God to see us through them.
Just read theOut of India book. Great to pass onto Christians who don't see anything wrong w/Yoga.
Fascinating life story & testimony.
Ann Rice'Quits' Christianity
Lori, That was a good clip- I posted it over @ Marzulli's.
I do believe some people can become hassled by demons over the internet. I remember when the Todd Bentley scenario was going on full swing people were being imparted demonic spirits & other manifestations just by watching clips on the computer.
Here is his blog page:Aliens Revealed Blogspot
That link doesn't work, Lisa.
I think demonic influences attach themselves to people who show interest. I'm speaking of personal experience when I was doing different yoga meditations. Perhaps people watch something on TV that triggers an event but I bet that person had already been involved in some form of occult practise.
Should you feel guilty?
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commandments of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. Psalm 19:7-13 NLT
No reason to feel guilty
In the beginning of this passage, the psalmist speaks of the perfect law of God and the way it protects us, makes us wise, and gives us joy and light. God's Word is sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb, warning us, and giving success to those who obey.
Recognizing the power, sweetness, and beauty of God's Word, however, brings us face to face with the darkness of the sins lurking in our heart—some that we are all too familiar with and others that we have committed unknowingly. Confession shines the bright light of God's forgiveness into these dark corners of the heart, exposes them, and cleanses them. This cleansing forgiveness in turn brings freedom from guilt. Once forgiven, we have no reason to feel guilty anymore.
Church Plans Quran Burning Event In Florida
I just LOVE the picture that goes with this story:
http://www.spiritdaily.com/lighterside.htm
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More power to that church, Lisa.
Good one, Mr Carroll.
Anyone heard from Grany?
Scented Saints
*I don't think the Quran burning event is such a good idea.
Now I can sleep alot better at night knowing that Prince Charles is going to "save the world".Prince Charles believes he was born for a purpose
The guy is falling for the New Age world outlook. "We seem to have lost that understanding of the whole of nature and the universe as a living entity." (Comes from Hinduism.)
It's amazing to witness how society has been primed & is so willing to accept this new (old eastern mystic) world view.
I don't know how many of you have seen/heard the song, Taylor the Latte Boy it's actually a cute song about a girl who thinks the Latte boy has a crush on her. My older son performed a rebuttal after his friend performed the Latte Boy song on Saturday night. The video is shaky, but I think he did a good job.
Christine posted this one today:
PRINCE CHARLES ~ THE SUSTAINABLE PRINCE
MAC,
I just finished reading your great article at Omega Letter, "Imagine". Ya did good brother.
Sean, at Eschatology Today, has just posted a new article that is well worth the time. It is titled "On The Brink" and regards the most recent clashes in Israel-Hamas fits of rage.
LORI, loved the video of "Latte Boy".
Now, big question! Where is everyone?
Grany
Thanks Grany. There was an editing hitch where a few sentences were attributed to me but should've been in quotation marks. Other than that any real meat did not come from me but God -trust me.
It's good to see you. Yeah, the cave's been quiet. I suspect part of the reason is facebook which seems to have taken over from blogging.
I guess this is still a good place to take refuge in though.
The OL has it's quiet moments as well.
I love the opportunity that the Cave has given me for privacy and comfort in sharing God's Word and also, the love for our fellow beings.
Facebook is alright but it reminds me of a bunch of gossip driven humans without much substance. I enjoy it to a degree but it sure puts the clamp on feeling free to discuss really important things.
Besides that, it is like taking a shower out in the open without any privacy. Suds won't cover all of my nakedness, not even a smidgen.
Blessings to you and by the way, loved the pictures on Alesia's FB page.
Give her my love and best, of the best blessings for you both.
Grany
MAC,
You are a child of God and His word tells us that "all things good he is the author of" and I know that there is a mountain range of GOD'S GOODNESS IN YOU, BECAUSE HE PUT IT THERE.
If our goodness was left up to us, we would be like the figs too rotten to eat, Jeremiah 24:1 through 10
Besides that Mac, God loves you so much that He sent his son to this planet we call Earth and it was for the sole purpose of given us all His blood for our sins. He didn't stutter, or complain about the cost but he counts it all joy when we come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ sacrifice.
No more sin for those who have accepted his sonship with Abba. Nor the redemption of the Cross.
He also already knew us before the earth was formed, before the flood, before the Garden and way before we were born. So, he knows what our sins would be before and after but he didn't hold back anything of Grace and Redemption.
Love ya brother,
Grany
He loves us all with Great and Mighty joy and that is unspeakable and full of glory.
is there a link for Mac's article?
we are in OH doing the family thing. i had hoped to meet up with Mac and Alesia-no time boo.
Trevor has an ear and sinus infection plus two very small second degree burns on fingers from touching a marshmallow roaster right after it came out of the fire.
never mind I found it and you're a regular too! wow
Hyde
feel free to link if you still want to
Nighty night everyone! Have a blessed and peaceful sleep that refreshes and renews both the physical and inner man!
Grany
Roll Call: Here
Here... and Happy Birthday, Alesia!
Here :-)
There.
Roll Call: Everywhere....but mostly here and there:)
Scott and Jenny Robinson
Here.
HEAR!
“Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Therefore, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your strength.” and Jesus added "and your neighbor as yourself.".
Good to know you are all alive and well.
Grany
I'm especially glad the bat is here and not in my attic.
Grany, shalom! Just one correction (and apologies if I am misinterpreting what you wrote): Jesus didn't "add" it as if he were stating something on his own authority. He was quoting Leviticus 19:18. I began to realize the importance of this statement in Christian belief when I did a BibleGateway search on the phrase, and found that the episode was recorded not only in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but the phrase is also repeated in Romans, Galatians, and James.
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I love this
jim,
you are so right about not added to the scriptures but completing the circle of full love. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us that we could behold His glory. Yes and good word my round brother.
LORI, that is beautiful and I am adding it to my favorites.
Hubby has had a terrible time healing from a tooth extraction a week ago and he returned to the dentist today to see what was taking place. We prayed last night (he came to me asking for prayer) and we believed and agreed that the problem would be diagnosed quickly and with little or any pain. Our dentist told him the problem was a dry socket (ouch) but Jim said that the procedure was almost painless. Also, he was really worried about the larger jaw tooth right next to the one that was extracted. It had begun to really hurt and be very sensitive. It is fine and the only problem is the struggle and pressure of getting the roots out of the molar that he pulled out at home. So, praise the Lord, God not only answered prayer but my DJH knew it was only God. Even the dentist recognized it because the procedure went so smooth and without a great deal of pain or discomfort.
Hallelujah!
Grany
Urgent prayer needed for a 22 month old toddler who messed around with a nail gun which ended up shooting a nail into his chest hitting his heart. He is in criticslc condition. Thanks
Here (but not in my usual place).
Am in San Jose, CA which is where I was born and raised. Visiting with some dear friends and seeing some extended family as well.
Mac, I like your write up on John Lennon & seeking truth!
Lori,
praying for the lil fella.
Praying for that toddler, Lori.
Hi to everyone.
Thanks Lisa.
Obama Warned Israel May Bomb Iran
"We [Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS)] write to alert you to the likelihood that Israel will attack Iran as early as this month. This would likely lead to a wider war."
You really need to read the new article by Dewey Bruton that is linked in my post here. It's fascinating! There are also several other posts by CJ on this forum that are worth reading as well about Elul as a good "watch date" ; )
ATTY,
clicked on the link, read about a minute and suddenly my computer was out of my control. Pages were flying past me and the only way I could stop it was unplugging from the power source.
I don't know if anyone else has had any problems but with my security, it shut down my computer quick!
I did a safe mode scan and you wouldn't believe the infections that were there. I know it was the link because Friday night before turning off the whole computer system here, I always do a safe mode run and it was clean then. Just got on the computer prior to accessing the blog.
Just wanted you to know and also, give a warning to be careful.
Interesting idea that the link (what I got to read) author presented. However, there is a weakness in his argument. As long as God is gathering the Church out of the world, the 70th week remains future. In Luke 21:24, God's judgment with Israel will begin counting off when the last repentant sinner is ushered into the church.
Add to that this passage, Second Thessalonians 2 "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, (2) not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. (3) Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
(5) Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? (6) And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. (7) For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. (8) And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. (9) The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, (10) and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (11) For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie (12) and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."
The road work will begin but it won't become complete until the church is gone.
End of the Church Age
Good to see you, ATTY.
Grany, I went to ATTY's link as well and didn't have a problem. I'm running Firefox and AVG. If you haven't got it yet, get yourself Spybot Search and Destroy. It has a resident feature that also offers protection.
MAC,
Thanks for the suggestion. I will download and give it a try. I wanted to read all that article and maybe I will get to after all.
ATTY, very interesting.
I had no trouble with the link using IE.
Lori, how is the little boy?
Hi Mac and Great Grany and sorry Great Grany, I don't know what happened to your PC : (
I've been going to that site several times each day for the last year or so and never had any problems. I don't even think there are ads on that site, which is what usually puts cookies, etc., on your PC.
You can also see what I was referring to on this page also, the site it was on originally : ).
It's a new article by Dewey Bruton and very interesting!
I'm waiting to hear from my friend, Kathy. As soon as I know, I'll let you know.
My niece's friend died today. Damon Morris was about to start High School in a couple weeks. He had a blot clot in his toe and it apparently didn't stay there. My niece's name is Taylor and she's heartbroken as is his family, I would assume.
Apparently, the 22 mos old is an old story that keeps getting recirculated. I just found information online that makes it appear as a hoax. It's been posted several times with different names.
Forum discussing this topic
here but not in my usual spot either.
Military Tribute Piece
Just checking in to say Hi all!
I hope you all are having a great summer, I am busy with grandkids, and Bible school, and swimming lessons. I love this time of year.
ATTY,
thanks for posting the second link and it worked fine. The problem was probably with Firefox and the new update. I enjoyed reading it and it is indeed very interesting. Lots of things to chew on.
This is a very busy era that we are living in and all of the little details seem to be turning into a huge passion towards a one world government in our time. Makes getting ready to fly a lot more appealing.
Ugh, Lori, don'cha just hate it when you fall for a hoax?? Oh, well, maybe all those prayers went for some other good?
Well, I just bought a hand cranked grain mill, a good one. I already have a cheap one which I rarely use. I'm determined to do more bread baking and grinding my own flour. My first recipe will be my grandmother's Swedish rye. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Here...wrapping up a week at my parents' house with the kids. Had a fender bender midweek (we're all fine...lost a mirror and some paint) so getting home tomorrow will require an extra angel escort :-)
Blessings,
Jen
pray for the families and the rest of the agency team members who were killed this last weekend in Afghanistan. I know a couple of the team members who are currently stateside and they are just reeling. More
i can not say in such a public forum
Do you seek the counsel of others?
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom. From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. Proverbs 2:1-7 NLT
Accepting advice
The degree to which people will listen is determined by the degree to which we have wise counsel for them. If you want people to listen to you, you yourself must listen to the right adviser. Like Samuel, listen to the Lord's counsel—read his Word and hear what he says. There is no wiser counselor than he who knows every moment of every tomorrow and knows how you will fit into those moments.
If you think you know it all, you probably know less than you think. If, in humility, you recognize how much help and counsel you need, you will likely seek it and get it. No one wants to waste time counseling a fool, because the fool doesn't want counsel. We all enjoy sharing wisdom with the wise, and when we do, we discover new wisdom for our own needs. Proverbs 14:7 tells us that we should stay away from fools if we are looking for wise counsel.
Alesia
if you only knew
Alesia,
Yes! and again I say yes. I can only learn from doing and observing. One reason my knews are well padded and not as smooth as they were when I was baby. Life is kinda like the bike I bought for my son. It came in a kit and I had to put it together the night before Christmas. Hubby was on snow fight duty and there was just me. The instructions were written in a language that I was not accustomed to and what in the world was socket wrench? After 3 or 4 hours of failure, I wrapped each piece of the bike up, put a ribbon on it with a number attached. He got to unwrap the bike piece by piece and we all worked our silly selfs frantic until it was rightly put together and a real ride-able one at that. In the process I learned more than what a socket wrench was.
my knews didn't have anything to do with it. It is my knees that are hard worn from bowing on them.
Well, Grany, would you mind getting on your knews for this one?
Prayer request for a man who just a few days ago surrendered to God. He doesn't have a good idea of what that means and my DH is discipling him. His name is Jon and he is very much at risk right now, the evil one is working hard to snatch his new found faith away. This would be disastrous for Jon on so many levels. I can give no further details, but please pray especially that the Holy Spirit would stir up a desire to know and learn about the Lord.
BTW, Jim C, Jon was/is Catholic so any advice you have would be appreciated.
ANNE,
These knews were made for bending and I am doing so right now. Yes, I know I typed "Knews". Remind JON that no weapons formed against will prosper and the enemy that is trying to condemn him right now is already defeated and wants company.
Got 'em in my petitions until you say otherwise.
Found a new gardner's kneeling pad that works wonders and with a little Icy Hot applied it is amazing how much better I can move and get up. Thank you Lord.
Grany
Anne, Shalom! Chances are your friend was never properly catechized so the things I'd normally suggest for a lapsed Catholic (going to confession, Holy Communion, the Rosary) probably wouldn't work, and I don't know how comfortable you would be to suggest them.
I recently came across a devotion I used almost 20 years ago, then forgot. Something is telling me this situation is why I've come across it again.
Even though it's properly called a chaplet, it has the title "Rosary of the Holy Wounds." Purportedly, a nun in France in the 1880's was given visions of Jesus in all His crucified glory. In one of the apparitions, she asked Him which of his wounds pained him the most. He replied that there was a wound on his shoulder where the cross wore away the skin, which no one saw so no one wrote about it. He then gave to this nun a devotion to be prayed in honor of His Holy Wounds for the conversion of sinners. It's prayed using a standard rosary, and it goes like this:
On the first four beads after the crucifix, say these prayers, one for each bead:
O JESUS, Divine Redeemer, be merciful to us and to the whole world. Amen.
STRONG God, holy God, immortal God, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.
GRACE and mercy, O my Jesus, during present dangers; cover us with Thy Precious Blood. Amen.
ETERNAL Father, grant us mercy through the Blood of Jesus Christ, Thine only Son; grant us mercy, we beseech Thee. Amen, Amen, Amen.
Then, on the large [middle, or Our Father] beads, say this prayer:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal the wounds of our souls.
On the small [decade, or Hail Mary] beads, say this prayer:
My Jesus, pardon and mercy, through the merits of Thy Holy Wounds.
It's short, easy to remember, and easy to say during times of testing. If he has a hard time remember those four first prayers (I'm still trying to memorize them), just pray the short prayers.
There's another chaplet prayed on a rosary that is good to use: the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. These prayers were purportedly given by Jesus to a nun in Poland during the early 1930's. Jesus wants people to call constantly upon His Divine Mercy. This one's a bit longer, with some optional opening prayers (one which I love, that I'll give below), but to start with, have him say these prayers:
(The optional beginning)
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
(3x) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
On the large (Our Father) beads, pray:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
On the small (Hail Mary) beads, pray:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
At the end, pray this three times:
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Then the optional closing prayer:
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.
Hope this helps. I'll keep him in my prayers.
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Jim, thanks. I passed the info on to my DH since he's the one in contact with Jon.
Grany, thanks for the prayers. I'll let you know if I learn anything which I think I should pass on. (Think I'll get one of those gardening pad things)
Thanks to all who are praying,dear friends.
Latest Earthquakes
A Russian perspective on the grain issue:
Grain prices in the European Union have been on the rise for several weeks now. In France, the price of wheat has nearly doubled over the past month, soaring to 210 euro per ton from 110 in July. And the United Kingdom has seen the market price of barley double over the last six weeks.
Who's to blame for higher bread prices?
(This is Russian media)
Report: Barak planning 'military operation' against Lebanon
...Israel "intends to undertake a large-scale military operation...to avenge the killing of a senior Israeli officer."
Here's an interesting link with a very powerful video:
Satan Has Many Disguises
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Is Islam Really the Second-Fastest Growing Religion?
By George Will
Netanyahu, the anti-Obama
"Netanyahu, his focus firmly on Iran, honors Churchill because he did not flinch from facts about gathering storms. Obama returned to the British Embassy in Washington the bust of Churchill that was in the Oval Office when he got there."
Just ran across this YouTube video. It's a hymn called "Hear, O Lord, The Sound Of My Call". It apparently was very popular years ago in the Bahamas, and this arrangement uses steel drums and other Caribbean instruments. Very interesting!
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Some interesting articles that were linked from Spirit-Digest:
Evangelicals pretty sure of the Second Coming; Protestants, not so much
The Eerie Storms of Summer
(Make sure you click on the link, "the darkness looked evil". Looks almost like something from a Disney cartoon. Truly creepy.)
And this last one from fivedoves.com:
2010 and the signs in the sky JESUS warned of...
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Far Reaching Ministries-Mountian Corps in Sudan These guys are really something & an inspiration for us too.
(I'm glad I can directly link to Strom's articles now - no disjointed posts.)
DEATH of the USURPER CHURCH
JIM C
Your link on Facebook regarding the Finnish storm brings us back right here to the Cave. I don't think that was your intention but you might want to correct it.
Grany, I just loaded Facebook for the first time today an checked the link, an it's working fine for e. When you put your cursor over the link, in the lower left corner of your browser the location of the link should appear. (This helps you be sure the link is actually going where it says it's going.) Could you try it again and tell me what appears?
JIM C
The problems has been taken care of. In fact, now it is only visible when your name is clicked on FB.
Good job!
Hey...just checking in...seems to be a lot going on...with the Russians helping the Iranians start up their nuclear plant, and now a 7.2 earthquake in the pacific....just thought I'd touch base!
HOpe all is well with you all!
Lori posted a great article on the significance of Aug 21st with the fuel rods going in. wonder what the next week will bring
George Will is reporting from Jerudalem:
Netanyahu's warning
Now Israel faces a third threat, the campaign to delegitimize it in order to extinguish its capacity for self-defense. After two uniquely perilous millennia for Jews, the creation of Israel meant, Netanyahu says, "the capacity for self-defense restored to the Jewish people." But note, he says, the reflexive worldwide chorus of condemnation when Israel responded with force to rocket barrages from Gaza and from southern Lebanon. There is, he believes, a crystallizing consensus that "Israel is not allowed to exercise self-defense."
Jib, are you back home? Were you on vacation?
Jim G, are you home yet?
Donna, great to see you again!
yes we are still in Ohio although returning today to AZ. it has been quite hot and muggy the last few days. pray for safe travel.
Quite hot and muggy?
It's so hot I leave a puddle wherever I walk.
Hyde, I'd recommend eating more clay. That should help you absorb more water. I'd stay away from sand -- it has a tendency to get in your joints. Very painful.
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THE JOY OF AGING and other remarks
An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Target. 'Target?' the preacher exclaimed. 'Why Target?' 'Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week'
More at the link
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Mr Carroll, would you advise extra fibre intake along with the clay? I'm concerned about the weight increase.
I'd like to post a prayer request. We've had some bad flooding in Central Iowa this last week. Two days ago, 11 high-school friends were driving to one of their houses late at night, in 3 separate cars. They didn't see that the road had been submerged by a creek that normally is just a few inches deep. They weren't able to stop in time and all three cars were washed away by the flood. One of the girls in the first car managed to get out her cellphone and place a 911 call, but she was unable to give their location before the call dropped. It took about an hour for the cell call to be traced and help to arrive. When rescuers arrived, they found 10 of the teens clinging to a partially-submerged tree. The body of the 11th teen, 16-year-old Jessica Webb, was recovered a hundred yards downstream, just a few yards from her car. Jessica was the one who had made the 911 call. Everyone says that if she had not done so, there's no saying how long it would have been before the others would have been discovered and rescued.
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You've got it Jim, I'll be praying. We've been getting a lot of rain, too, but not as much as Iowa.
New Jerusalem Song
The Golden City Song
Thanks for asking Anne. Yes. Just got home a couple of hours ago. Left San Jose this morning and made it home in about 11 hours. Had a wonderful visit with family and a number of dear friends. One of the highlights was having breakfast with Randy and Becky (the missionaries whose e-mail updates I post here from time to time) this morning. They flew in to San Jose late Friday evening.
Randy shared some incredible stories of what God is doing in Columbia (South America) and Benin (Africa). Suffice it to say, our God is mighty and he is touching people in powerful ways all over the world. Very inspiring.
Good to be home. Had to check e-mails and poke my head in the cave here. Better get to bed though. It's already 1:07 AM here in Salem!
Praying as well Jim C.
Good to see you, Jim G.
Jim C
those torrential rains you had hit Ohio late yesterday-they were impressive. always tragic when some one dies young.
I had questioned in the past the use of grief counselors in these types of situations but no more. a friend of ours was at Daytona when his idol Earbhardt crashed in front of him and he spent the next 6 years in a prolonged panic attack. unfortunately he was misdiagnosed by doctors and it cost him his wife and children and job. he is late 40's with no degree, no hope of getting a degree and while he has a job he can't make enough money because of child support to live on own. his only earthly life line, his mom, just died 2 weeks ago and his dad wants him back out of the house. he's going to NC and hoping to restart there he's tapped out and has no reserves. pray for Steve.
Jim G
any stories you can share from Becky and Randy?
Hyde
ha I know what you mean. it's may be a bit more like what you're used to in AZ-it may be over 100 most of the time in the summer but the humidity rarely gets much more than 65%. single digits in the winter
JIM C.
My prayers are with you for Iowa and a cease of the torrential downpours.
JIM G.
I agree with JIB about hearing some of the stories Randy and Becky have shared about their missions. It is good to see your name here at the Cave again.
MAC,
It will be getting much better real soon now. This is the mid point in August and the season is getting ready to change to the cooler.
I only wish there could be a way to save all of this heat so we could use it this coming winter. Our winters are most generally pretty mild but last year was far from it. That most generally means a cyclic change has started and the last time that happened was in the early to mid 1970's. About 1973 and it lasted through to 1981.
Now I have to scoot.
Grany
Talk about your bad hair day:
Power Cutoff Leaves Salon Customer Bald on Top
Mingo said there was no way to wash the chemicals off the woman's hair because the salon's electric water heater wasn't working. The customer was left mostly bald on the top half of her head.
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I would have tolerated the cold water! Or, how about a walk next door to borrow a gallon of warm water??
Randy explained there are three major factions that have been struggling for power in Columbia for a long time -- the government, left-wing guerrillas, and right-wing paramilitaries that are basically a federation of farmers and land-owners who have banded together for self-protection.
Randy shared a moving story about one brother he has gotten to know while ministering in Columbia. When this man was a teenager, he became disillusioned with life and decided to run away and join the guerrillas (aka Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC). They are a brutal bunch and this young man became a fearsome and effective guerrilla soldier. Well, this man came to know the Lord. He went to the pastor immediately and expressed his desire to be baptized. The pastor told him that it is their church's practice to wait a couple months to see that the person has made a genuine conversion to Christ. The guerilla insisted that he really wanted to be baptized now but the pastor resisted. The guerilla was very eager to be baptized. He pulled out a gun and held it to the pastor's head and said once again, "I want to be baptized now!" The pastor relented. They took this man down to the river. Randy said it is a deep river with a strong current. They immersed him and he stayed under for a long time. Some folks thought he might have been washed away and drowned. But that was not the case. He was removing his guns and the ammunition he had lived with so many years draped over him. He left them at the bottom of the river and came up a new man. He has been an effective servant of the Lord ever since.
Another story Randy shared was about a brother who ministers in the jungles of Benin or Columbia. I don't recall which. I think it was Columbia. Randy said that on one of his trips, he had bought a nice pair of hiking shoes for the rough terrain. Randy felt like the Lord spoke to him and told him to give this pair of hiking shoes to this brother in Christ. The brother was so grateful. He said he had been praying for a new pair of shoes for three months. They fit perfectly.
I get share too much detail here but the Lord has provided Randy with some wonderful contacts that are able to assist him in getting safely around as he ministers in dangerous places. It's truely the Lord's hand. God has placed key people who look out for one another as they minister among each of the three factions in Columbia.
Meant to say "I can't share too much detail here but..."
Randy and Becky are very excited about the doors the Lord has opened that will allow the next generation of God's people to take the gospel to the world both in urban areas in the U.S. and to unreached people groups abroad. THE AGORA SCHOOL has teamed up with Valley Forge Christian College. All Agora School courses will be in fully accredited through Valley Forge Christian College. There are two great things about the Agora School.
1.) The semesters are geared to provide both Biblical instruction and real life ministry experience.
2.) Money raised by the students to pay for school are tax deductible through the ministry. All parent contributions will be tax deductible.
If you know any college age persons with a passion for Christ and a heart for evangelism, this would be an awesome school to consider.
The War over Biblical Inerrancy
a couple of thoughts as we look toward the coming Aug 21st date for fuel rods to go into the reactor in Iran. either Israel will attack setting the hook for Ez 38 to occur or there will be no attack and the reactor will somehow play into the covenant that is made by the AC and the many.
As a former librarian, I have to say I totally get this joke:
A Blonde Joke for Intellectuals
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JIM G.
Those experiences you shared from Randy have made my day. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Jim C
lmbo
Jim G
thanks. I also have friends for which much can not be shared. They work with the group in Afghanistan which lost aid workers recently. keep them in your prayers also
I have a grand daughter-in-law like the one in the video and yes, I understand it too. But I have to tell you this, my GDIL is not a natural blond.
"Those experiences you shared from Randy have made my day. Thank you for sharing them with us." Ditto me on that!
Important links today:
5. Obama warns Turkish PM ofer stance on Israel, Iran
US and Israel increase military cooperation As one Israeli senior army officer was quoted as saying: “There's been a constant stream of American officers coming through. I haven't seen anything like it in my 20 years in the army.”
6. OIC backs Iran nuclear program "The Organization of the Islamic Conference is an international organization with a permanent delegation to the United Nations which groups 57 member states, from the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Caucasus, Balkans, Southeast Asia, South Asia and South America."
7. Russia to fuel launch of Iran's first nuke plant "Last month, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, speaking to a group of Russia's ambassadors in Moscow declared, "It is obvious that Iran is moving closer to possessing the potential which in principle could be used for the creation of nuclear weapons." All these words from the regime leaders, and continued resistant action with their nuclear program, should leave little doubt to the dark intentions of the Iranian dictators."
8. Iran planning 3rd uranium plant
Head of Russian state nuclear corporation to visit Iran
Venezuela ready to see petrol to Iran
9. Epic fail in the straits of Hormuz
24. Harvard University fund sells all Israel holdings
oops, there are actually two links hiding there between 8 and 9, it's normal on the website, though.
Off The Wall News
Jan Markell's article today:
ON THE BRINK
Question...I've heard from several sources (most quoting Bolton) that Aug 21st is the deadline for Israeli strike bc of the danger of spreading radiation. But wouldn't the danger still exist days beforehand if the fuel is present, but not yet installed? do we know when the fuel will arrive at the nuclear facility? Isn't that D-day? Couldn't it be there already?
I don't know the answer to your question, Jen, but I asked on another forum if the other two reactors Israel took out were already fueled or not. The answer was no, they were not fueled. This is sobering, IMO.
But, back to your question, I believe the No. Koreans were "on the way" with the fuel rods. Don't know about the Osirak.
from euronews.net
A spokesman for the Russian state atomic corporation Sergei Novikov said: “The fuel was supplied by Russia quite a while ago. It has been kept in storage for over a year.
“The fuel was delivered and kept under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA inspector will remove the seals from the containers packed for transportation. Under their control, the fuel will be taken out and placed in storage next to the reactor.”
Russia is president of the UN Security Council for the month of August 2010
Lori
how convenient is that?
can anyone say hook?
Interesting info about 2 "incidents" against the Bushehr reactor in the last 2 weeks at Debka's site. Makes me wonder if Iran isn't testing their defenses to see how they'd handle an outside attack.
Debka.com
Excellent 3-D animation of importance of securing Israel's 1967 borders
Air crash near Bushehr, drones slam into reactor dome seems pretty tricky work. Add to this the fact that Debka also reported that there were a greater number of military personal (high ranking types) coming and going in their region. Also, Jordan has ID'd the source, maker and sender of the rockets used in Sinai lately. Of course those rockets are being sent from Iran, assembled in Palestine and especially by the Hamas/Hezbollah groups. Now I am waiting for the Jordanian government to disassociate itself from the PLO/Hamas/Hezies.
Thanks for the link, I'll add it
Lori, absolutly excellent youtube on the borders. Very helpful.
It's been raining all day here, so this joke from my brother is really appropriate:
A guy died one day and found himself waiting in the long line of judgment.
As he stood there he noticed that some souls were allowed to march right through the pearly gates into Heaven. Others though, were led over to Satan who threw them into the burning pit.
Every so often, instead of hurling a poor soul into the fire, Satan would toss a soul off to one side into a small pile.
After watching Satan do this several times, the guy's curiosity got to him. So he strolled over and asked Satan what he was doing.
"Excuse me, Mr. Prince of Darkness," he said. "I'm waiting in line for judgment, but I couldn't help wondering, why are you tossing those people aside instead of flinging them into the Fires of Hell with the others?"
"Ah, those," Satan said with a groan. "They're all from Iowa. They're still too wet to burn."
China Targets U.S.
"We have commented extensively on China's growing threat, and this report, coming alongside news that China has passed Japan as the world's second largest economy, confirms our worst fears as China builds a military far beyond its legitimate defense needs."
Anne
an army beyond that which they need for legitimate defense would be consistent with the Kings of the East coming with an army of 200 million so not a surprise there.
I used to think as a kid how neat it would be to live in the end times and in a way seeing prophecies come true before ones eyes is neat but having to live with the results of some of what is required for the end to come is not so neat. any one else holding there breath for this saturday? oddly enough we are to be in a stadium watching a ball game. one would think that that the retaliation if it were to occure would not happen that fast yes?
Yes, Jib, I, too, am holding my breath. I re-read Chuck Colson's A New Year's dream: nightmare or prophecy? this morning. I just wonder, was it prophetic? Is it related? I guess we'll find out.
Dr. Hornsby needs prayer for brain and lung cancer.(Texas-getting medical treatment in SKorea)
Kiera, pregnant 18 yr old, who has a verbally and physically abusive boyfriend. (New Mexico)
Jim S- closer relationship with God.
Psalm 91 THE MESSAGE
You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"
MY HIDING PLACE!
Two articles regarding what's happening at Ground Zero:
Muslims Must Atone Before Mosque Is Built At WTC, Where Miracles Were Those Of Jesus
What About the Ground Zero Church? Archdiocese Says Officials Abandoned Project
This article is about the Greek Orthodox Church that was destroyed during the collapse of the towers. In their haste to help build the mosque, they have stopped any and all work on rebuilding this church.
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Here's something interesting from USA Today:
Americans uncertain about Obama's faith
Nearly one in five Americans incorrectly say President Obama is a Muslim, up from 11% last year, according to a Pew Research Center poll released today.
In the survey, about one-third of Americans correctly say Obama is a Christian, down from 48% who said so last year. In all, 43% say they do not know what religion Obama practices.
The survey "shows a general uncertainty and confusion about the president's religion," said Alan Cooperman, associate director of research with the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
From Gene Veith's blog:
What China must learn from America
"The prominent Chinese general Liu Yazhou, possibly at great risk to himself, is calling upon his country to adopt American-style democracy and rule of law"
George Will is still in Jerusalem
Skip the lecture on Israel's 'risks for peace'
"The creation of Israel did not involve the destruction of a Palestinian state, there having been no such state since the Romans arrived. And if the Jewish percentage of the world's population were today what it was when the Romans ruled Palestine, there would be 200 million Jews. After a uniquely hazardous passage through two millennia without a homeland, there are 13 million Jews."
That post about Obama's faith is very interesting. I don't believe he is a true born again, blood bought Christian. He might have gone to the church in Chicago and had a great time singing songs and listening to a rant on Whitey vs Black but as we all understand, that isn't the same thing. How can anyone who is born again, blood bought coexist with Marxist ideas? Besides that, the confusion that all of this debate has generated is an indication of his true status.
1 COR. 14:33 God is not the author of confusion.
Hi all.
This week on Jan Markell, a guy called Usama Dakdok is interviewed. He makes a pretty good case that BHO is a Muslim. Here's his website
BHO's pro-Islamic stance is a dead give away. If it quacks like a duck...
David Wilkerson has a very good post today.
"By faith Enoch was translated." This is an incredible truth, almost beyond our comprehension. All of Enoch's faith was focused on the one great desire of his heart: to be with the Lord. And God translated him in answer to his faith. Enoch could no longer bear to stand behind the veil; he just had to see the Lord.
I would like to ask for your prayers for my brother Bill (57 years old). He almost died two weeks ago--internal bleeding, failing kidneys, pneumonia, etc., but God has in His mercy spared his life.
I came down immediately to Florida and am still here.
Could you please pray for him as he goes into surgery in just 15 minutes to put in a permanent port for his dialysis? His blood is very thin and there is always danger in something like this.
Thank you and God bless you.
Prayed for Bill, are you in S.Fl?
Thank you so much!
No...I'm in Orlando.
Praying for Bill as well.
Vicky, keep us posted.
I am about to be drawn into a spiritual discussion with some who IMO are at rist of believing the doctrines of devils. Please pray for me, that I would maintain composure and that I would speak what the Holy Spirit directs and not my own words.
There is a significant spiritual battle going on.
Thank you!
Lisa, you've been quiet for days. Did you go on vacation?
Vicki and Anne,
Praying for your needs.
Vicki, do you have any other family members there with you?
Anne, I am praying for great discernment but also added Holy Spirit protection.
Just found out my therapist has been diagnosed with Lymphatic Cancer and her name is Fra-Leene and yes, she is a born again believer of Jesus Christ. She is probably only in her mid 40's and one of the nicest people. Has a very positive attitude concerning who her healer is. More on the order of the 4 Hebrew teens who were thrown into the fiery furnace. Her chemo treatment is making her very weak and she is fighting the sick side of it also.
Please keep her in your prayers for healing.
Thank you for all the joy and love you have put into my life. Your words and conversations have meant so very much to me during the past 3 years. Since March 7, 2007 at Joel's Epicenter blog. Wow, that is short time period and we have shared a lot of things and look at us now! Well Glory@
Thanks, Grany and I will pray for Fra-Leene.
I am with some people for the next couple of days, some who are believers and some hostile to believers. Thus the request for prayer. There have been some discussions and I've been able to speak truth, and also to pray with one.
The world is so lost and people are hurting so badly.
George Will's latest column:
Many possible Israeli concessions would be suicidal
Thank you Campsmore, Anne, and Mac, and others for your prayers. Bill came through the surgery fine and is now dealing with the after-effects of pain...but this shall pass.
Orlando is where I grew up and I have other relatives here. My elderly mother, brother Bob as well as Bill and their families are here. Left my husband up north and he is anxious for me to return, so I will be doing that tomorrow.
Hope it's a little cooler at home! There's nothing like the beautiful Florida sky though. The fluffy white clouds, sunsets, gorgeous vistas!!
New post is up.
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