12/01/12 and 12/03/12 KEVIN MILES AND ME

12/01/12 and 12/03/12 KEVIN MILES AND ME

On 12/01 I posted the following statement.
I wonder if Kevin ever got tired of being Miles? I know I do.

I realized that most people might not know the identity of Kevin Miles, therefore it was a teaser. But I added that I get tired. I came back two days later and explained this post.

12/03/ I posted this.

Kevin was, actor Kevin McCarthy: Miles was character Miles Bennell, in the 1956 movie, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers."

So, the questions was, "I wonder if Kevin ever got tired of being Miles?"

Miles was the only voice of reason at the end of the movie. He was crying out, screaming a warning, only to be thought of as a raving lunatic, a drunk. No matter what he did, the people walked blindly into the very destruction, of which he warned them.

Though Miles was only a fictitious character, we see this in the real lives of Noah, Isaiah and the other O. T. prophets of God.

t was also seen in the life of Jesus, as He wanted to protect Israel, but they rejected Him.

Sometimes I feel like Miles, crying aloud, only to be despised and rejected., but then again, that goes with being a servant of God.

12/02/12 WHAT IF YOU GET "LEFT BEHIND?"

12/02/12 WHAT IF YOU GET "LEFT BEHIND?"

Let me mention three different responses to the those who will miss the Rapture of the Church.

1- Some writers are offering "Post Rapture" instructions and encouragement to those who reject Christ at this present time. They offer a FALSE HOPE, since those people will not get saved during the Tribulation.

2- Some writers are offering "Post Rapture" messages of salvation for those who have never heard the gospel prior to the Rapture, since it is possible for them to get saved during the Tribulation.

3- I (and probably others) offer "Pre-Rapture" advice to those who hear the gospel now, but have not surrendered to Christ's lordship;

R E P E N T, because, if you miss the Rapture, you don't get a another chance during the Tribulation.

Let me say, if you think it is difficult to be a Christ follower today, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTH'N YET.

Besides, if you reject Him now and are left behind, He will send you strong delusion, so that you will believe the lie you have loved, and you will not be saved. NOW IS THE TIME TO GET SAVED.

2 Thessalonians 2:5-12 (vss.11-12)
(5)  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
(6)  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
(7)  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
(8)  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
(9)  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
(10)  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(11)  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
(12)  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

11/30/12 EMBRACING THE SICKNESS

11/30/12 EMBRACING THE SICKNESS

Most of us would be disturbed, maybe even sickened, if we saw a "dog fight." We were indignant when we heard that Michael Vick fought dogs. We are amazed that people, after they get arrested, fined and jailed, return to the arena where they turn vicious dogs loose on each other. The dogs are maimed and killed, dying violent and excruciating deaths.

Yet, our children are thrown back into situations that are maiming and killing them every day, in the name of education, and parents get upset with those who decry the dangers of the public education system. Aren't children at least as important as fighting dogs?

And, remember this too; only a very small amount of the horror is reported. I have met people who say that they have never heard any such thing. Well, it is out there, but they are not sensitive to the reality. It is in the news, in the neighborhood, in the next of kin.

Also, most people are satisfied with a deteriorating situation, a corrupting influence, or they are intimidated by the roaring of the lion, therefore they stay home, and do not even think about a rescue mission.

11/30/12 A FAILED SYSTEM

11/30/12 A FAILED SYSTEM

So, does a child, during his informative years, really have a better environment in the public,

government,

secularist,

humanistic,

Christ-less,

Bible accosting,

morally bankrupt

school system,

to develop

spiritually,

socially, and

mentally,

where he is bombarded with

secular humanism,

physical/moral/sexual/spiritual abuse and bullying from his peers and teachers,

mental and academic famine and fraud, and

the constant undermining of Christian and family values?

If so, what a hell hole he must have for a home. I understand that some parents, in EXTREME CASES (single parents, families with overwhelming handicaps), are not able to remove their children from the horror of Satan's snare, at least for a short while, but most parents erroneously think they are doing their child a favor by sending him into the vestibule of hell every day rather than raise him in a Christian, loving, moral, honest and safe environment.

I know this irks some of y'all. I hope you don't un-friend me over this. But maybe, just maybe, someone will wake up and rescue their child before it is everlastingly too late.

Oh, and SHAME ON the churches that are not helping their people save their children. Ministry is costly, to all who serve. Churches, and workers should never deny children a Christian education, based on MONEY. But, that is another rant.

By the way, before you cast me off because of my radical position and relentless ranting, answer this: How many others do you know, are crying out in behalf of the children who will be misled, abused and lost because they are being raised by a Christ-less school system? Maybe we need a little more of this, just to keep the facts before us.

Some of you will respond by saying that you have known some home schooled or Christian schooled children who seem to be socially challenged or quiet or underdeveloped.

Well, brace yourself, the public school specializes and excels in these areas.

Don't tell me that there are no socially challenged, quiet or underdeveloped children in the public school system.

Don't tell me that the public school system is dedicated to PROPERLY socializing children or training them in interpersonal communications or reaching their full potential.

The public system is dedicated to cloning a mindless lot of lemmings, obedient to State authority.

They are producing violent, crude, enemies of freedom, justice and morality.

Not every teacher is a moral failure, but we all know that there are more of them than there are the exemplary ones.

Not every student is raping or abusing or bullying your child, but how many does it take to make it too many?

Oh, and the children are not even being educated in the public school system.

11/29/12 SACRIFICED TO MOLECH

11/29/12 SACRIFICED TO MOLECH

If most parents were to list the most important "things" in life, I think that most of them would say their children.

Yet, they turn their children over to an anti-Christ, anti-Bible, anti-family, anti-American school system, eight hours every day, for 180 days a year, which is dedicated to changing their children into

Statist (allegiance to the State above all else),

Secularist (belief in the material and rejection of the spiritual) and

Sexual deviants (acceptance of homosexuality and other sexual actions and relationships which are condemned by God).

Satan has a desire to direct the children and he will not spare any resource, while parents send the unsuspecting, unprepared and unprotected children into the jaws of death.

Of course, the parents will say the children are

getting a good education (WRONG),

getting social structure (WRONG).

One day the shocking reality will come that they have sacrificed their children to Molech, but it will be everlasting too late.

WAKE UP MOM AND DAD, YOUR CHILDREN NEED YOU.

11/28/12 THE GREAT CHILD SACRIFICE

11/28/12 THE GREAT CHILD SACRIFICE

I cannot believe how many parents I meet, who tell me about the abuse (mental, emotional, sexual, moral, academic, spiritual and physical) their children experience in the government schools (the public school system). They watch as godless, clueless Change Agents accost the family, the Christian and American values of their children, as well as the bullying and other molestation that takes place.

I cannot believe they see it and then send them back for more. If we think we have lost our country to the leftist viewpoint now, just give it another ten years. Less time for our children who are already entangled by the anti-Christ, anti-Bible, anti-family, anti-American agenda of the NEA.

We are not only losing the battle, losing the war with Humanistic Secularism, we are losing our children. Our first concern is our own children. However, leaving your child in the public school system is not only sacrificing them to Molech, it is abandoning the other children in society. Staying on board the sinking ship, when there is an escape, does not save anyone.

COME OUT FROM THEM, says the Lord.

AND, then there are the parents that are planning on sending their children to these government sponsored, licensed, funded war zones and experimental labs.

I ask the parents, "What will be your response when little Suzy comes home and tells you about things that are too crude to repeat or when she or little Johnny comes home and tells you that they have been fondled or shown sexually explicit material or have been told that Jesus is not the Son of God." THESE PARENTS JUST SHRUG THEIR SHOULDERS AND SAY, "They are going to have to face the real world sooner or later." THE WORLD HAS GONE MAD. THE CHURCH SHOULD NOT GO WITH IT.

ALSO, where are the churches, the pastors that should be

Leading an EXODUS from the tyranny of the academic Pharaoh;

Leading their people out of the Egyptian corruption called public education;

Condemning the false gods and darkness of the public school system.

If the spiritual leaders are still slaves in Egypt, no wonder spiritual Israel is still offering sacrifices to the gods of paganism.

11/28/12 DON'T REFUSE THE ONLY WAY

11/28/12 DON'T REFUSE THE ONLY WAY

When only one way of deliverance is offered, it is foolish to refuse because:

if you refuse the lifeline, you will drown;

if you refuse the cure, you will die;

if you refuse to leave the burning building, you will burn;

if your refuse to accept the warning, you will suffer.

According to the Scriptures, if a person refuses godly counsel, he is headed for tragedy.

Consider God's words of wisdom, and avoid the impending tragedy.

Proverbs 1:22-33
(22) How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity (foolishness)? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
(23) Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
(24) Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
(25) But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
(26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
(27) When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
(28) Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
(29) For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
(30) They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
(31) Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
(32) For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
(33) But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Proverbs 11:14
(14) Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 12:15
(15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Proverbs 15:22
(22) Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Proverbs 19:19-21
(19) A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
(20) Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
(21) There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Proverbs 27:5-10
(5) Open rebuke is better than secret love.
(6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
(7) The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
(8) As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
(9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
(10) Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

I am not referring to one of many, but the ONLY WAY OF DELIVERANCE.

God Knows,

God Shows and

God Bestows His wisdom and His deliverance on those who seek and surrender to His counsel.

When people try to live their lives separate from the only way, which God reveals through godly, Biblical counsel, then people suffer the consequences.

11/26/12 DON'T BE CRAZY LIKE THIS FOXX

11/26/12 DON'T BE CRAZY LIKE THIS FOXX

A friend shared a link, which is a video clip of Jamie Foxx telling the crowd at the 2012 Soul Train Music Awards that Barack Hussein Obama is his god and his lord and savior, and the crowd offered up their praise in response.

That answers a question, because I knew Jesus was not Jamie's god, lord and savior. Now we know. And, the truth be known, Jamie is only one among many.

But, just so you know,

He (Jesus) is Lord,

He is Lord,

He is risen from the dead and he is Lord.

Every knew shall bow,

Every tongue confess,

That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Better now than later.

11/26/12 THE BLESSING OF EMBARASSMENT

11/26/12 THE BLESSING OF EMBARASSMENT

I think some people need a major embarrassment or humiliation early in their lives, otherwise their pride and haughtiness will build into an impenetrable wall of resistance, to men and God.

The shameless person never humbles himself, never sees his himself as others, including God, see him. A major humiliation might drive him to humble himself.

Instead of admitting his own need, he blames others for misunderstanding him. The longer he goes without humbling himself, the more obnoxious and hardened he becomes. It takes grace to be humble.

It is good, for everyone, to muse on these words. Focus verse is in (parenthesis), but context gives it depth. Also notice, in the passages with lists of sins, pride is part of that rogues gallery.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (17)
(16) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
(17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
(18) An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
(19) A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 11:1-2 (2)
(1) A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
(2) When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:5 (5)
(5) Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 16:18-19 (18)
(18) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(19) Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 18:12 (12)
(12) Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 21:2-4 (4)
(2) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
(3) To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
(4) An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

Proverbs 21:23-24 (24)
(23) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
(24) Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Proverbs 28:25-26 (25)
(25) He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
(26) He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Proverbs 29:20-23
(20) Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
(21) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
(22) An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
(23) A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Mark 7:20-23 (22)
(20) And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
(21) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
(22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
(23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Romans 1:28-32 (30)
(28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
(29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
(30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
(32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (5)
(1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
(2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
(4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
(5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

11/25/12 MAD AS A HORNET

11/25/12 MAD AS A HORNET

One day, in my college science class, while dissecting the piglet on my table, my attention was drawn to the life and death struggle taking place in the window box next to me.

A wasp had flown into a spider web. He tried to free himself by sheer power, only to entangle himself more.

He responded to his captivity by a final and violent surge.

It was over. I saw first hand what it meant to be, "as mad as a hornet."

When he was finally secured by the spider's silky shackles, the captor came in and gave the wasp a paralyzing bite, then encased it in a silky shroud.

Remember,

the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness God (Ja. 1:20), and

man is bound by whatever overcomes him (2 Pe. 2:19).

James 1:19-22 (20)
(19) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
(20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
(21) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
(22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2 Peter 2:18-20 (19)
(18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
(19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
(20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

11/24/12 FORMULA FOR FAMILY

11/24/12 FORMULA FOR FAMILY

An internet cartoon says God "...promised men that they would find good and obedient wives in all corners of the world... then he made the world round and he laughed and laughed."

In some ways that is funny, since it is almost impossible to find an obedient and submissive wife today. I heard a woman say this cartoon should end with, "...and SHE laughed and laughed."

At that point I said, "That would be appropriate, since this is not actually in the Bible." Instead, God promised and provided the components for a successful family, including a husband that loves his wife sacrificially (as Christ loves the Church), and a wife who lovingly submits to her husband (as the Church submits to Christ).

Marital and family breakdown begins with rejecting God's order. Husbands should lead in love and wives should submit in joy. Remember, this is not my opinion, it is God's revelation.

I have quoted 1 Peter 2:21-3:12. I hope you will take the time to read the context. I have used the New Living Translation (NLT), which is a Functional Translation (conveying the ideas of the passage). I usually use KJV or NASV, which are Formal Translations (providing a more literal and exact meaning of the passage). However, the NLT makes it easier to understand the passage. My main focus is 1 Peter 3:1-7, but I have included the context, since verses 2:21-25 are the background and 3:8-12 completes the thought.

1 Peter 2:21-25
New Living Translation (NLT)

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered[a] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.[b]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

Footnotes:
1 Peter 2:21 Some manuscripts read died.
1 Peter 2:22 Isa 53:9.

1 Peter 3:1-12

Wives
1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over
2 by observing your pure and reverent lives.
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
5 This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands.
6 For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

Husbands
7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”[b]

Footnotes:
1 Peter 3:8 Greek Show brotherly love.
1 Peter 3:12 Ps 34:12-16.

11/23/12 DOLLAR DIPLOMACY

11/23/12 DOLLAR DIPLOMACY

Has anyone else noticed that Yale graduates and Harvard graduates and most other high dollar schooled people, spell diplomacy, M O N E Y ?

Hussein and Hillary have been doing diplomatic intervention in the Mideast, which amounts to domestic pick-pocketing.

Anyone could be a great DIPLOMAT if he could buy off his enemies.

11/23/12 TOO MANY KNOW IT ALLS

11/23/12 TOO MANY KNOW IT ALLS

I have noticed that it is getting more difficult to reason with people. It seems most people are experts on almost everything. This is especially true when it comes to issues, such as morals and religious beliefs. Regardless of how uninformed or misinformed people are, they will not even open their minds to reason. They know the answers before the questions are asked. It is as if there is a pressure valve that shuts down their thinking when these subjects arise. The Bible says these people are blinded by Satan and love darkness because their deeds are evil.

The message of God enlightens and saves, but allegiance to the god of this world blinds and destroys.
Acts 26:18
(18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4
(3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
(4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Spiritual blindness and resistance to God results in eternal loss.
John 3:19
(19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

11/23/12 JUST FOR FUN

11/23/12 JUST FOR FUN

My poor friend. He responded to an advertisement for a four door coupe, built in Nepal. The seller said the car (the Nepali Dali) was being shipped to him straight from the Nepalese seaport of New Yak City.

But when my friend met the owner, standing at the corner of Gull and Able, he was disappointed to hear that the ship had been sunk in the Mojave Sea by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

However, the seller told my friend he would sell him a brand new, antique directional finder. My friend quickly bought the navigational device, with instructions in Latin, accompanied with a translation in Esperanto. Unfortunately, my friend got lost on the way home and has not been seen since the day after tomorrow.

By the way, if anyone sees a lost mind laying around, I would appreciate you returning it to me. It has hardly been used.

11/22/12 GREAT IS THE LORD

11/22/12 GREAT IS THE LORD

The status update on FB today asks, What are you thankful for.

The Scriptures refer to "ears that hear," in other words, spiritual awareness. Reflecting on that thought, I am thankful for;

Ears that hear the voice of God, otherwise I would either be deafened by the cacophony of misinformation and intimidation and far removed from the loving, encouraging word of God;

Eyes that see the presence and truth of God, otherwise I would be blinded by the shroud of sin's darkness;

A Heart that feels experiences the redemptive power of God, saving me from sin, shame and separation;

A Mouth that praises God and calls on Him, in faith believing;

Feet that walk in the light and follow in His steps.

I am thankful for His grace, without which there would be no hope.

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.

11/22/12 GIVE THANKS...

11/22/12 GIVE THANKS...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL. We show our thanks to God by offering Him our praise. I am posting three N.T. passages which mention GIVING THANKS to God, including the immediate context of each. Giving thanks is both a SHOW and TELL experience. Muse on the ways you can "show and tell" your thanks to God, based on these passages.

Three Passages

Here are three verses from the New Testament that address Givng Thanks to God. Giving thanks to God includes both TELLING and SHOWING. I included the context of each verse. Take a few moments to see how you can Show and Tell your thanks to God. The verses are designated in the reference by parentheses.

Ephesians 5:18-21 (vs. 20)
(18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
(19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
(20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
(21) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Colossians 1:9-14 (vs. 12)
(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
(12) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
(13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
(14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 (vs. 18)
(14) Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
(15) See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
(16) Rejoice evermore.
(17) Pray without ceasing.
(18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(19) Quench not the Spirit.
(20) Despise not prophesyings.
(21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.

11/21/12 DON'T GO BACK

11/21/12 DON'T GO BACK

I understand how a person who has been misled concerning his belief in God throughout his life can be deceived, defiant and held captive by Satan and sin. But how disturbing when a person goes astray after having been delivered from sin, and becomes entangled.

God says the saved person can become, "...again entangled..." "with those who live in error," and, "the pollutions of the world" after having, "escaped."
2 Peter 2:18-22
(18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
(19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
(20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(21) For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
(22) But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

In fact, a God warns believers to, "be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage..."
Galatians 5:1-9
(1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
(3) For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
(4) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
(5) For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
(6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
(7) Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
(8) This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
(9) A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

11/20/12 PRAISE WHEN WE LOSE

11/20/12 PRAISE WHEN WE LOSE

I was thinking about the terrible cost of being robbed. Oh, not the monetary cost. Sometimes people steal things that have little or no material value to them, but are irreplaceable to the victim, like photos, mementos, awards, correspondence, documents. The thief steals, discards and blithely goes on to his next victim. The victim may also suffer actual physical loss, relational trauma, broken dreams.

This is also true of the person who robs people of love, relationship, trust. The users in life will take from those who are closest to them and then blame the victims.

Parents lose children to selfishness, anger, jealousy, resentment, greed.

Families are decimated by individuals who rob them of their unity, dignity, strength.

The thief is so bankrupt of personal value that he/she has no remorse for the suffering they inflict on others.

Repentance is good step in the right direction to reconciliation. If this would happen, there would be much more to give thanks for this week.

11/19/12 GOD IS ABLE

11/19/12 GOD IS ABLE

I gave a praise note for something God did for me this week, and then shared an exhortation.

Yes, God could have kept me from having this problem, but He chose to see me through the situation rather than around it.

This is true with most of the issues of life. God does not save us from our problems, He saves us while we are having problems OR He delivers us from the problems we encounter. In either case, we must look unto Jesus, before and during our problems. This is not heaven, and we must fight the good fight of faith.

Regardless of the path God leads us, God is still God. He either would provide a way through our difficulty or He would give us grace to endure our difficulty.

There are people in other parts of the world who have REAL problems, compared to my inconveniences. Sometimes, we have real problems also. God will never fail to be God. The question is, will I be faithful in my trials, whether great or small? To grumble in the midst of our trial is an indication that we are not trusting God.

Remember, our trials only come to make us strong.
James 1:2-5
(2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
(3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
(4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
(5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

This is where the local church comes into play. Sometimes I can't carry my load by myself. The local church is supposed to be available to those in need. Don't miss your opportunity to be a blessing. Don't criticize others if they do not meet your expectations. A larger church can provide a larger base of support and encouragement to its people. A small church can provide great help, when each one is serious about God. But our focus should be, "What would God have me do," rather than, "What can others do for me." Even when others fail, we must remain faithful.

It comes down to a testing and a building up of our faith. Faith is a journey, not just a whistle stop along life's way. There are easier ways to live (it would seem) than living by faith. But our final destination depends on trusting Jesus, even with our difficulties and disappointments.
Galatians 6:2-10
(2) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
(3) For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
(4) But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
(5) For every man shall bear his own burden.
(6) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
(7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
(8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
(10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

11/17/12 PUT IN PERSPECTIVE

11/17/12 PUT IN PERSPECTIVE
(Please recheck my figures and let me know if they do not add up. My figures are taken from various world population reports.)

There are approximately 13.8 million Jews in the entire world.

There are 1.6 BILLION Muslims in the world.

Just using these round numbers, there are 115 times more Muslims than Jews.

South Carolina vs. Western Hemisphere
There are approximately 13.8 million Jews in the entire world. There are 1.6 BILLION Muslims in the world. Just using these round numbers, there are 115 times more Muslims than Jews. To put this in perspective, there are almost 4.7 million South Carolinians. If you multiply that by 115, you get over 540 million people. The population in the USA is about 310 million. The population of Canada is about 35 million, the combined population of Central America (170 million). If South Carolina stood against the combined population of Canada, the USA and Central America, it would have better odds than Israel against the Muslim world. Just something to think about.

Yes, I do believe God is with Israel. That is not the point of this post. It is to put the populations in perspective.

I realize that not all Muslim countries are actively attacking Israel at the present time. I am simply pointing out the difference in Jewish and Muslim populations. However, Islam has historically wanted to annihilate Israel. Let me mention a few other facts.

1- LAND MASS DIFFERENCE.
Remember the difference in land mass between Israel and the Muslim world. Islam has over 1,000 times more land than Israel.

While much Muslim crying takes place concerning their precious "holy land," the fact is that it has only become precious to them in recent history, as a reaction to the Jewish presence. I have read that their "devotion" to Jerusalem is a recent and pretended devotion, and Jerusalem is not even mentioned by name in the Koran. They want Israel and Jerusalem primarily because the Jews are there. If the Jews were on the South Pole, the Muslim world would call it one of their "holy places."

2- THE WEALTH FACTOR. 
Though there are untold millions of poor people under the oppressive hand of Muslim rule. The fact is that many of those States have great wealth at their disposal and will not hesitate to use it against Israel.

3- EVIL COHORTS.The Muslim world is crawling with political friends around the world, which also hate Israel. Those countries will throw their money, military machine and political weight against Israel.

4- HUSSEIN IN THE WHITE HOUSE
The fact that there is a man in the White House who is pro Arab, pro Islam and anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Israel is a new hurdle for Israel to overcome.

THE BIBLE SAYS...
Psalms 2:1-5
(1) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
(5) Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

The nations will encircle Israel to destroy it. They will ultimately fail, because God will sustain it. This passage refers to the world's hatred of Jesus, but remember, the Tribulation and war on Israel will escalate in the days just before His return. Satan, and his pawns believe that destruction of Israel is victory over the God of Israel.

God is a God of mercy today, but when He returns to set up His kingdom, He will be a God of judgment. Do not be caught on the wrong side. Choose Jesus today. God is not happy with a world in sin.

11/17/12 BAD NEWS OR GOOD NEWS (smile)

11/17/12 BAD NEWS OR GOOD NEWS (smile)

Well, I have bad news and good news.

I was looking for a game to play with my grand buddies, when a popup said, "3 people have unfriended you. Find out who."

Well, I don't click on links like that, but I was sad to think that someone might not like me.

Then I checked my FB friends list to make sure it had nothing to do with FB.

So, the bad news, I lost 3 friends, the good news, I did not even know I had three more friends.

hehehe

11/17/12 THE ALMOST WANNABE

11/17/12 THE ALMOST WANNABE

John Wesley preached a message about the "Almost Christian," based on Agrippa's response to Paul's entreating him to trust and follow Christ in salvation. Agrippa said, Almost you persuade me to be a Christian. Of course, to be an ALMOST Christian is to be ALTOGETHER LOST SINNER.

I have thought about those who base their confidence on things other than Biblical revelation. Here is a partial list of what I call, The Almost Wannabe Christian (he almost wants to be a Biblical Christian).

1- The Head Christian (he has the doctrines, history and nomenclature, but is not saved).

2- The Lifestyle Christian (he has the culture, habits, worldview and behavior, but is not saved).

3- The Sinning Christian (he has adopted an errant branch of Christian theology that denies salvation from sin in this present evil world. He possibly was saved at one time, but is now backslidden because he presumes on Christ, rather than believes on Christ).

4- The Rules and Regulations, or Holier Than Thou Christian (he is trusting in his legalistic endeavors, which contradicts Biblical salvation. He was possibly saved at one time, but is now backslidden because he is trusting in self righteousness and works of the flesh).

Conclusion: Some people almost want to be a Christian, but they don't want it enough to deny self, take up cross and follow Jesus.

(it was pointed out to me that a similar message from a Calvinist was produced in the 1600s. I replied as follows)

Actually, when I stated that John Wesley preached a sermon, I was not really promoting the "WESLEYAN" version of anything. I was simply pointing out that my little outline was riding on the TITLE of another person's well known message. In fact, my outline has nothing to do with Wesley's message. I did peruse the "CALVINIST'S" version and of course, many good points were made. Unfortunately it is intermingled with the errors of Calvinism.

I have found that there are Calvinists who are Calvinistic in their doctrinal point of view but Biblical in their living, just as I have found Arminians who are Biblical in their thinking, but sinful in their behavior.

I did not link to the Wesley article, since that was not the point of my post, and I seldom link to other writings anyway.

However, let me say that the Arminians subscribe to the the earliest version (smile), which dates back to the Apostolic Church, written by Paul, Peter, James, Luke and a few other men of God. I would encourage the reading of the Holy Bible over the reading of Wesley or the Calvinistic writers.

I would say that John Wesley had eggs for breakfast on occasions, but I am sure there are documents which say John Calvin had them before Wesley did. hehehe. Please, no links concerning Calvin's breakfast, unless they are sausage links.

11/17/12 DOUBLE STANDARD

11/17/12 DOUBLE STANDARD

Two standards of honesty! Honestly?

We are to believe that people (government people for instance) are not to be held accountable for telling lies if they are talking to the media, but they are expected to tell the truth when under oath.

The Bible makes it clear that lying is always a sin and Christians are not allowed to take oaths, because we are to be honest at all times.

NO DOUBLE STANDARD, NO OATH TAKING...
Matthew 5:33-37
(33) Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
(34) But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
(35) Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
(36) Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
(37) But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

2 Corinthians 1:17-18
(17) When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
(18) But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

James 5:12
(12) But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

11/14/12 Whoa! Cloud Pillar

11/14/12 Whoa! Cloud Pillar

People better know, believe, follow Biblical faith.

Operation Cloud Pillar is the name of Israel's present military action. Israel just killed the leader of Hamas in Gaza, and says this is only the beginning.

Wow. Those of you who know the account of the exodus from Egypt will remember the Pillar of Fire by night and Cloud by day, by which God led and protected Israel from its enemies.

This is like really serious and consistent with end times prophecies.

Stay tuned, we ain't seen nothing yet.

11/14/12 Teamwork

11/14/12 Teamwork

When I play Pickleball (or any sport) with other people, teamwork is paramount. Each player should respect and cooperate with the other players on the team. I sometimes play with new or weak players. I give them their space, even if it will cost us points and the game. And, I do it without grumbling or fault finding. It is more important to have a camaraderie than friction when playing with others.

It is also true that a team has either an official leader (captain) or an unofficial leader. It is important for the leader to LEAD as a fellow player rather than to dictate as an oppressive ogre. It is also important for the supporting players to recognize and respect the leadership.

Teamwork is essential to successful sports, performing arts, business, government, church and family relationships. Break down the teamwork and you break down the team. This is why the Bible is so loud and strong on lines of authority in the family and in the church. Violate God's directive and suffer the consequences.

By the way, when people function together as one there is incredible power, joy, excitement, loyalty, success, fulfillment.

Being part of a team is not simply having your name of the roster or participating in the action.

Being part of the team is indescribable.

Not all marriages are teams.

Not all families are teams.

Not all churches are teams.

If you are not enjoying the benefits of teamwork, then make sure you are the team member you should be.

Remember, the team is not about me; it is about the task, the goal, the objective; it is about the team members working together as one unified force.