Sunday, December 20, 2009

The real beginning of Christmas ~ By Greg Laurie

Commentary from WorldNetDaily
Greg Laurie
By Greg Laurie

Posted: December 19, 2009 ~ 1:00 am Eastern

© 2009



How often do you look at your watch in a given day? Or check the time? Or ask someone else what time it is? Why do we do that? We do it because we govern our lives by time. There is a time that we get up in the morning. There is a time when we go to work or school. There is a time when we go home. There is a time when we go to bed and when we get up the next morning and repeat the process. We live our lives by the clock, and we have a constant awareness of time.


According to the Bible, we even live our lives for a certain period of time – not a moment longer and not a moment shorter. You can eat free-range chicken and organic vegetables and use all of the lotions and potions and special vitamins available, but you will not live one day longer than God wants you to live. Nor will you live one day shorter. The Bible says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NIV).

As one person said, "Men talk of killing time while time quietly kills them." The problem is that we spend a lot of our lives doing things we would rather not be doing. We have control over some of these things, but not all of them. For example, the average American will spend six months of their lives sitting at traffic lights, one year searching desk clutter for misplaced objects, five years waiting in lines, three years in meetings and eight months opening junk mail.

As C. S. Lewis said, "The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is."

We live by time, while God exists outside of time. I am not implying that God is unaware of time, because He is completely aware of every minute and second of our lives and everything that is happening in them. But God lives in the eternal realm. Therefore, we might say that God's interpretation of time is quite different from ours.

God has His own timing, and there are times in life when it appears to us as though God is late, as though God is somehow disengaged and not paying attention. And sometimes as we look at the way the world is going, we wonder whether God is aware of what it is like right now.

That is how it was at the time of Jesus' birth. Israel was tired of waiting. They felt it was time for the Messiah to arrive. They were difficult and dark days in the history of Israel. In fact, the time in which they were living when Christ finally came was almost as bad as it was under Pharaoh's rule in Egypt, because they were under the control of Rome and the tyrannical rule of the puppet King Herod.

While Herod was known for the great buildings he erected, he was also known for his paranoia. He would have anyone he saw as a potential threat to his throne killed. He had two of his sons put to death because he thought they would try to lead a coup against him. It was said of Herod that it was better to be one of his pigs than one of his sons.

The fact is that 6 B.C. was a lousy time to be living in Judea. People were wondering when God was going to intervene. They had not heard from him for 400 years. Not a single prophet had delivered a message from heaven. There had been no miracles and no angelic appearances – only a stony silence from heaven. The people were probing. They were searching. They were wondering when things were going to change.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Request For Transfer

The following came in an email from my good friend Rev. Gerri. The author is unknown.

The Task Ahead of You
Request For Transfer

TO: Commander-in-Chief Spiritual Armed Forces, Jesus Christ

Dear Lord:

I am writing this to You to request a transfer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons: I began my career as a private, but because of the intensity of the battle You have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I have only the skills of a private.

I realize that You have promised to supply all I would need for the battle. But Sir, I must present You a realistic picture of my situation. My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is now stained with tears and blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist, encourage, and instruct the troops. My weapons are marred, tarnished and chipped from constant battle against the enemy. Even the Book of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless use. The words are now smeared.

You have promised You would be with me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear You. I feel so alone. I'm tired. I'm discouraged. I have Battle Fatigue. I would never ask You for a discharge. I love being in Your service. But I humbly request a demotion and transfer. I'll file papers or clean latrines. Just get me out of the battle -- please, Sir.

Your Faithful, but tired, Warrior.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TO: Faithful, but tired, Soldier, Spiritual Armed Forces

LOCATION: The Battlefield

SUBJECT: Transfer

Dear Soldier:

Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present My reasons: You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep My Word to supply your needs. You do not need a demotion and transfer. Besides, you'd never cut it on latrine duty anyway. You need a period of "R & R" (Renewal and Rekindling). I am setting aside a place on the battlefield that is insulated and fully protected from the enemy. I will meet you there and I will give you rest. I will remove your old equipment and "make all things new."

You have been wounded in the battle, My soldier. Your wounds are not visible, but you have received grave internal injuries. You need to be healed. I will heal you. Also, you have been weakened in the battle. You need to be strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your strength. I will instill in you confidence and ability. My Words will be rekindled within you, giving you renewed love, zeal and enthusiasm. Report to Me tattered and empty. I will replenish you.

Compassionately,

Your Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Validation

By John Kubicek

A wonderful friend of mine, Leah, a truly amazing person that I was lucky enough to get acquainted with on twitter, sent me a direct message yesterday that linked me to an awesome video on youtube.com. Leah said that I would love it, and I did. I don't know if Leah knew, or not, just how much I needed to see this video right now.

And whether she knows it or not, Leah is always sending me incredible messages just when I needed to be lifted up. You could call it, "Validation." You will understand what I'm saying much better once you watch the following video:

October 03, 2008 - Validation from hughnewman1024

"Validation" is a fable about the magic of free parking. Starring TJ Thyne & Vicki Davis. Writer/Director/Composer - Kurt Kuenne. Winner - Best Narrative Short, Cleveland Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Jury Award, Gen Art Chicago Film Festival, Winner - Audience Award, Hawaii Int'l Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Comedy, Breckenridge Festival of Film, Winner - Crystal Heart Award, Best Short Film & Audience Award, Heartland Film Festival, Winner - Christopher & Dana Reeve Audience Award, Williamstown Film Festival, Winner - Best Comedy, Dam Short Film Festival, Winner - Best Short Film, Sedona Int'l Film Festival.


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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

You are the Wind Beneath My Wings

From Thespadecaller on youtube.com
Leaving with us this musical treasure, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, the giant man with the little ukulele and an angelic voice, passed away on June 26, 1997. This Spadecaller video presentation honors the man and his music. Aloha!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

The Health Care System & the Mark of the Beast

The following is lovingly brought to you by anewlife4us7 at youtube.com

(Formatted by John Kubicek for easier reading on this blog.)

September 5, 2009

anewlife4us7 writes:

In late 2008, I believe the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the Mark of the Beast will arise from the Health Care System. I had always believed that it would arise from the financial system, and although it will most certainly become the only means in which one will be allowed to buy and sell under the new world system, it will come under the guise of health care system. Unless you submit to this anti-christ system of world government, you will not be allowed to participate in the world system, but will rather be considered an appointment to the health and well being mankind.

I saw this in the spirit, had it confirmed in a Dream, and am now witnessing the fulfillment of this in our world today. The WORD of GOD says, that we know in part, and prophecy in part, therefore I do not claim to know the fullness of this truth, but I firmly believe we will see this come to pass very soon. Never before have I felt such an urgency to warn the body of Christ to seek the Lord, to truly know in whom you have believed, trust NO Man, but seek to know the true will of the father, hide his word in your heart, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

The Bible says that my people perish for a lack of knowledge. Please do not take what I am saying as absolute truth, but rather humble yourself before the Lord your God, seek wisdom from Him who is able to make known that which is truth from err. There is a darkness and vile evil that is blanketing our world, all these things have been foretold, and will certainly come to pass. For God is not a man that he should lie, he has given us the gift of his word, more over the gift of eternal life, that is salvation through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and the power of his Holy Spirit, our comforter.

Seek him Beloved, while he can still be found, ask him to reveal himself to you, in all humility and brokenness, be ye separate from the world, less ye fall into the greatest deception this world has ever seen, or shall ever see again, for the day of the Lord is coming quickly, and is already upon us.

[See the video below, or click here to see it at youtube.com]


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Sunday, August 30, 2009

God’s Universal Health Care Plan ~ by Garland E. Harris

From GarlandEHarris.com

By Garland E. Harris

God has a plan for universal health that doesn’t involve the government. Although God would heal the land of any of His people that complied with His Word.

Bible, Authorized King James Version:
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

If the land of a people is sick, then the food grown on that land will not be able to provide the proper sustenance for the people of that land and the people will get sick, sicker and sickest. There is so much to be dealt with in food growth, production and distribution that it is outside of the scope of this article, but God has provided health care for all people regardless of the current food problems.

First, God designed the body to heal itself. Almost every doctor and health care professional knows this. A doctor can set a broken arm, but the bone refuses itself together. Once a cause is removed, if removed in time, the symptoms will disappear. Even a tiny splinter would kill you if it wasn’t battled until it is ejected from the body and the wound is healed.

There are many herbs and foods that serve man by aiding in or jump starting the healing process for the body.
Psalms 104:14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

The apex of God’s health care or healing plan is in the awesome power of His Word, whether it is spoken, written or incarnate (Jesus Christ).
Psalms 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

God’s Word is healing in itself, because it is light instead of darkness. God’s Word is life and makes life available to all those who believe it no matter where they live or who they are. God is so gracious and loving that even unbelievers in Jesus Christ can be and are healed divinely at times as long as they believe to be healed. So, I would like to prescribe to you the healings in the Bible. Take at least one of these a day and pray (believe) to receive. And please note that there are no incurable diseases. Only your negative believing can make a disease incurable. God can and will heal them all. [READ ENTIRE COLUMN]

Friday, August 21, 2009

Things can be tough, but God Is There

"In the darkest time, God is there," says Marty of Diamond Rio.

There is no doubt that you may want to share this with your friends and relatives that may be going through a dark time. You may be surprised how much better you will feel to be able to support others that are going through "dark times."

It's all about lifting others up.




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Sunday, August 16, 2009

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

By John Kubicek

It wasn't long ago - or at least I didn't think it was long ago until I realized it has now been three weeks - when I posted "Don't Give Up!". The music and the lyrics of that song by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush hit me hard, in a good way. It was what I needed to hear at that time.

So, last night, I had another deja vu moment. I accidently found this song, and then searched and found the lyrics. I came across a song that not only had I not heard for decades, but hadn't even thought about it. When I came across this one, it also hit me hard. Once again, it was another wonderful surprise to hear this song, and I'm sure it was no coincidence that this great song came back into my life at this time, for a reason! Listen to this song, and read the lyrics. It is a continuation of the theme, "Don't Give Up." I'll explain after you see this, hear this, and read the lyrics:




The Lyrics for "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" ~ By The Hollies

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there

For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share

And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
In "Don't Give Up," the theme was about having somebody give us encouragement during difficult times. The focus was on the part that Peter Gabriel sung, from his perspective, having somebody there for him, giving him a lot of tender loving care, and keeping him going. But, in this song, it would be from the perspective of the person giving the tender loving care. This song would be from the perspective of the words that Kate Bush had sung. It is from the perspective of those of us that have a burden of caring for somebody else above ourselves.

Isn't it amazing how our Lord has set this all up?

Our own burdens seem so much lighter when we go out and help to carry somebody else's burdens! The more we care about helping out somebody else, the more we tend to forget - and not worry - about what faces us, and the burdens that we carry!

And in hearing this song, you will find that Love lightens the load, our love will make the load to be no burden at all!

I think that the Lord has taught us something today. I know that I learned something, anyway. My life just became a little better, even if it is a long, long road. Loving people, it "Doesn't weigh me down at all." Again, read this segment of the lyrics:
"If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another"

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Does God exist? If so, what are His attributes?

Let's get a little scientific... shall we?

I know, it has been way too long since I've posted anything here. I'll be honest, I've been busy on other projects, much having to do with the political side of my blogs. I don't feel bad about that, either, by the way. God has a purpose for all of us. We can't all be pastors. Some of us have to do what we need to do for God in our way, using our talents. A great example would be Mike Huckabee. He's been a pastor, a governor, ran for President, and now a great host on Fox News, not to mention a frequent guest on Fox and Friends.


But I digress. I saw the following in a great email this morning from my good friend Susan, and felt it highly worthy of being shared in this venue.

Does God exist? If so, what are His attributes? Is He a God of Love? Is He an angry God? Is He passive and complacent? Has He revealed His demeanor at all? Saul of Tarsus, commonly known as Paul the Apostle, a first century theologian, wrote to the Christian Church at Rome, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). According to Paul, if we make an unbiased investigation of the world around us, we can determine God's existence and His attributes by merely observing the things of nature. In essence, by examining creation we can discover the Creator.

God: Necessity or Convenience?

Is God necessary, or merely convenient? 20th century science successfully proved with certainty that the universe is not eternal -- that it did have a beginning. An eternal universe is contrary to our Natural Laws (laws that remain unbroken within the observable universe). Furthermore, beginning with Einstein's Theory of Relativity, science has determined that space and time are intertwined. So much so, in fact, that they are no longer separate concepts, but referred to as the "space-time continuum." Once upon a time, there was a time when there was no time. Thus, explaining our origins by pointing to the eternal existence of the universe is no longer a valid position. Now, there are only two options to answer the riddle of the existence of all things: Either Someone made the world, or else the world made itself.

The first option is summed up by this formula: Matter + energy + information = concept and design (creation). The alternative is expressed by this formula: Matter + energy + time + random chance = complexity and apparent design (an incredible accident).

God: Concept & Design Revealed!

Do we see God's handiwork? Over several millennia, mankind has developed an appreciation of the beauty and complexity of the universe. However, it wasn't until 1953, with the discovery of the structure of DNA molecule by James Watson and Francis Crick, that mankind finally began to understand the incredible design that permeates all life. Anyone who truly investigates the mystery of the DNA molecule -- this incredible micro, digital, error-correcting, redundant, self duplicating, information storage and retrieval system, with its own inherent language convention, that has the potential to develop any organism from raw biological material -- understands that life is the result of concept and design. Information Science tells us that concept and design can only result from a mind. Therefore, a Creator is the scientific default for all that we see. Unless mankind is able to identify a natural mechanism by which the universe could have created itself, a Creator is necessary.

You are here: Philosophy >> God 2
(Read God Part 1 First)

God: Validated by Scientific Endeavor

In an attempt to disprove the necessity of God, graduate student Stanley Miller performed the famous Miller-Urey "spark and soup" experiment in 1953. Miller based his experiment on observations made by Harold Urey in 1952 regarding necessary atmospheric conditions for Spontaneous Generation of the "building blocks" of life. The ironic result of Miller's work was the validation of the Creation argument. Urey demonstrated that the presupposed atmospheric conditions of primitive earth were lethal to the "building blocks" of life. Oxygen destroys amino acids. However, without oxygen to deflect UV light, UV destroys amino acids. Thus, life can't develop as a result of Spontaneous Generation with or without oxygen. Geology indicates oxygen has always been a part of earth's atmosphere (every layer of strata, including the lowest layers, consist of oxidized rock). Furthermore, Miller demonstrated that Spontaneous Generation creates material lethal to life's "building blocks." The Miller-Urey experiment produced 85% tar, which is poisonous to life. Actually, Miller's experiment only produced amino acid "building blocks" in very small amounts (approximately 1.9% of the total product), but they themselves were harmful to life due to their structural makeup. The principle of "chirality" requires that all amino acids in proteins be 'left-handed', while all sugars in DNA and RNA, be 'right-handed'. Miller's experiment produced roughly equal amounts of left and right-handed material, thus establishing the mathematical absurdity of creating even the basic elements of life from a "spark and soup" process. Miller also demonstrated the necessity of information in his designed process. Miller performed the experiment twice, once under "natural" random conditions, and a second time using a manmade "trap" to keep the resultant amino acids from being zapped and destroyed by subsequent sparks. The first test, which represented "natural" random chance, produced no amino acids. Thus, science, even in an attempt to disprove God, further demonstrated the necessity for a Creator.

God: His Attributes

So what are the attributes of this Creator God? First of all, the Natural Law of Cause and Effect states that an effect is always less than its cause. If all of the energy in the universe came from God, it stands to reason that God is all-powerful (Omnipotent). If all the combined knowledge of mankind is the result of God, it's logical to propose that He is all-knowing (Omniscient).. If everything we see originally came from an unseen God, it holds that He exists outside our physical dimensions (Transcendent). If all humans were created by God to be personal beings, then God must be a personal being Himself. So what does this Omnipotent, Omniscient, Transcendent, Personal, Creator God want from mankind? Surely, man was created for a reason. What is it that all personal beings want? The answer: a personal relationship with other personal beings.

God: His Purpose for Creation

Interestingly, the Bible describes God as an Omnipotent, Omniscient, Transcendent, Personal Creator who wants a personal relationship with mankind. However, mankind is separated from God by sin, a result of His gift of freewill. Furthermore, the Bible tells us that there must be retribution for mankind's crimes against God -- the breaking of His Divine Law. But that's not fair. We did not create ourselves with this ability to sin. We should not have to pay the consequences. Well, what would be fair? If God paid the penalty for us? "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10). "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Explore More Now!

Jesus said "Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." May you find Him now - He's right there waiting... and knocking... Can you hear Him?


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Friday, July 17, 2009

Taking advantage of a crisis (In a good way!)

By John Kubicek

Rahm Emanuel was right when he stated, "Never let a serious crisis go to waste … it's an opportunity to do things you couldn't do before." Only, I'm sure he wasn't talking about anything like this!



Did you ever wonder when you'd have a chance to share the Gospel with somebody? Would you want it to be in a situation such as what happened in the above video? God had a purpose, and He offered the opportunity. The elderly couple survived the ordeal by making use of that opportunity. I'm just sayin' ...


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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Independence Day

By John Kubicek

The following was derived from an email sent to me by a very good friend, Rev. Gerri Janeway. This came from an email by Bob Gotti, of
Poetic Pulpit.



Faith of a Nation

An Unchanging Truth that truly changes some,
This is the work of The Spirit, sent by The Son.
The Father, The Son, and The Spirit are three,
And when we see Them as One, we are truly set free.

Free from the path of sin, as unbelievers we had trod,
Freed only through The Grace of an Unchanging God.
Once as a Christian, for we believed in His Name,
Our person and our lives will never be the same,

We strive to be different in what we might do or say,
However, some who have believed have fallen away.
As a Body in this Nation, we have truly been deceived,
And worse yet, by a peoples who do not even believe.

They say God Bless America and United we stand,
But, they fail to see the sin throughout our troubled land.
We are not truly United and divided we will fall,
For as a Nation our eyes are not on The Lord at all!

As a Nation we speak of our power and strength from within,
While we embrace and endorse all kinds of wicked sin.
Although we have Bibles, how much have we learned?
For even The Lord asked "Will I find Faith when I return?"


Copyright ©07/2002 Bob Gotti) / http://www.poeticpulpit.com/



Freedom In Christ

When we receive God’s Salvation, we are freed from condemnation,
No longer at enmity with our God, we’re now lead by Staff and Rod,
In Christ, with God, we have peace, a relationship that will not cease,
Saved out of the world of strife, we’re granted, by God, Eternal Life.

True Freedom from God we receive, when in Christ, we truly believe,
While in this life we are free of fear, as The Lord God is always near,
While seated now upon His Throne, Christ watches over all His Own,
And our Father has complete control, over every trial, big and small.

We can be free of discouragement, in The Spirit, who God has sent,
Sent to be our Counselor and Guide, to all believers, to dwell inside,
While in this life, to encourage us, as in The Lord, we place our trust,
With our eyes fixed upon His Son, through all trials when they come.

We too have freedom from defeat, for in Christ we’re now complete,
By saving us from the power of sin, we now can live our life for Him,
As His Spirit helps us to live above, all our trials, guided in His Love,
For in Jesus Christ we have victory, through His power from Calvary.

Believers today can rest assured, knowing Jesus Christ, as our Lord,
Even through life’s darkest night, we’re guided by The Savior’s Light,
With God’s promise of Eternal Life, through our Savior, Jesus Christ,
And we have this freedom eternally, all through the Cross of Calvary.


(Copyright ©06/2009 Bob Gotti) / http://www.poeticpulpit.com



Who’s Following Who?

Why do many politicians deceive, those in the land who truly believe,
The Word, written long before, these men stood on the Senate floor?
God’s Word, written by men of Old, regarding what God has foretold,
About the things to be fulfilled, not how man but how God has willed.

How can we be blessed by God, as these men with a convincing nod,
Speak to people across this land, while they assert a Godless stand?
Making stands that have inferred, new ways opposed to God’s Word,
Moving from our firm foundation, as they weaken this beloved nation.

How can politicians stand so aloof, while distorting fundamental Truth,
Only to further their own policy, while dismissing The God of Eternity?
Their ways are not apparent to all, as Knowledge of God is truly small,
In the minds of much of this world; as the darker policies are unfurled.

How can these men be so arrogant; pursuing policy, they’re truly bent,
On treading underfoot all God’s ways, in their quest for men’s praise?
Self-willed politicians, filled with pride, they cast all God’s ways aside,
Basing reason on human deduction, they pave the way to Destruction.

Are these politicians, truly deceived, by the power they have received,
Or fully aware of a darker plan, that is hidden from the common man?
A plan that’s known by many of us, who in God have placed our trust,
But, it’s God’s Plan that will prevail, while man’s dark plans surely fail.

Is there no Godly fear in their heart, while from Truth they truly depart,
Making policy on their own accord, dismissing the ways of our Lord?
In these days who’s following who, as mere men govern me and you,
Do they not realize and understand, God still reigns over every land?


(Copyright ©06/2009 Bob Gotti) / http://www.poeticpulpit.com


Slipping Away Into Silence

Some souls are considered foolish; some may be just a bit unwise,
As times become nearly ghoulish, all can’t seem to open their eyes.
Accepting things that should not be, accepting with a wink and nod,
Having eyes that will not see, minds dismiss the wisdom from God.

Some seem asleep in The Body, men who say in God they believe,
And ignore things morally shoddy, to follow men who truly deceive.
Aren’t we here to be God’s Light, in a world that is darker each day?
Instead of embracing what’s right, many appear to be going astray.

Today many of God’s Holy people, bought at an exceptional price,
Gathering weekly under a steeple, forgetting God’s Great Sacrifice.
We’re here to be vessels for Christ, to hold up high all God’s Truth,
But, it seems like we’ve been iced, frozen by fear of man’s reproof.

Have we been silenced by those, leaders without God who are lost?
By the devil they’ve been chose, to become an enemy of the cross.
Which side are you on these days, on Christ’s side to be His voice?
Or working for man’s empty praise, as in darkness he does rejoice?

The time may be slipping away, to be that voice for Christ our Lord,
It would be grand if we could say, all together in one strong accord,
That The Lord above changes not, and He’s coming back my friend,
And God has cast the enemy’s lot, and Judgment shall be their end.


(Copyright ©06/2009 Bob Gotti)
/ http://www.poeticpulpit.com



True Liberty

The day in which one celebrates, Independence of a union of states,
Independence from powers outside; freedom that was once denied,
The freest nation in this world, a point that others sometimes herald,
Causing many who are weary in heart, to come here for a fresh start.

A day of real joyous celebration, all across this now powerful nation,
As our voices together are raised, with full hearts a nation is praised,
Festive fireworks are always planned, in many cities across this land,
Celebrating what many of us see, as the greatest nation in all history.

Liberty we celebrate by proclamation, extends to all within this nation,
However that liberty extends only, to the borders of this dear country,
Beyond the borders and the sea, the nation’s people may not be free,
When many travel to other lands, freedoms turn into other’s demands.

Demands which turn into bondage, leaving this land of great privilege,
Privileges that others only dream of, as they look to this land we love,
A land that is so blessed by God, many agree, on this day with a nod,
But, forgetting Him most of the year; living so privileged, without fear.

There’s a freedom many don’t know, as their freedoms for them grow,
Liberty, from the bondage of sin, that captivates our land from within,
That freedom which we celebrate, doesn’t free men from Satan’s hate,
As the Devil leads a war against God, all across this land that we trod.

Freedom from such an evil foe, comes only when the Savior we know,
Who left all the Glory of Eternity, coming to earth to set captives free,
The only true freedom on this earth, comes to man, by a spiritual birth,
Through the Liberty in Jesus Christ, when in Him they receive New Life.


(Copyright ©07/2008 Bob Gotti) /
http://www.poeticpulpit.com




"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared
To all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and
Worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and
Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for The
Blessed Hope--the glorious appearing of our great God
And Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to
Redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself
A people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

(Titus 2:11-14 )

In Christ's Love, Bob Gotti

Please be sure to visit the Poetic Pulpit!



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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I am most curious, Mr. Obama

I bring you this open letter, with permission, by a great friend of mine, to President Obama. "Susie" asks the President where his heart lies. While the judgement of anyone is way above our pay grade, it doesn't mean that we can't ask somebody where they stand. We need to know. We want to know. Character matters.

The President has left us some questionable actions that may really make us ask the questions. "Susie" is not judging, but making an inquiry, so that we will know where the President's heart truly lies. There should not be any problem with just asking, right? But as "Susie" wrote in an email, "...if I get suddenly arrested by Homeland Security for being a 'terrorist' - by the new definition of the word - you'll know why. And that my intentions were Godly minded ones, not hate filled ones..."
I am most curious Mr. Obama, why on God's created earth you call yourself a Christian, i.e. a Christ Follower, and do none of the things that He has or would? In fact the things that you do do are completely and totally opposite to all that He is.

The Word of the Living God says that His children should pray for those in authority over them, and in obedience this I do in as far as it relates to what God Himself stands for..

Every night I pray for your salvation and for that of your family, too, as I know that the man is his families spiritual leader. I also pray for the restoration of this Christian nation to the principles upon which she was founded by the fathers. Just as I, too, again in obedience and love, always pray for the blessings of God upon His chosen people, the nation Israel. His written Word says in Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you."

God is not a man that he should lie, Mr. Obama. What He inspired by His Holy Spirit to be written, no matter how many thousands of years ago it was, Mr. Obama, He still means today. God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of Almighty God.

I have spent much time on my knees recently, far more than at any other time in my life. Praying that we in this country will turn from our collective sins before and against the Holy and Righteous God. And turn back to Him in collective and united repentance, seeking first His wisdom and Will in all matters.

If we do not Mr. President? Then it will most certainly be just like the dearly beloved Ruth Bell Graham, Billy Grahams wife, said before she left this earth to go Home to be with our risen Lord and Savior. Ruth said these following words: "If God does not judge America for her sins, then He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah."

I end this inquiry the same way I began it. Why is it that you call yourself a Christian and deny all that He is in the choices that you are making? The massive decisions you make as the person God has allowed to become the elected president during these biblically prophetic times will have far reaching and devastating consequences sir.

This is a most sincere question that I have been led to come here and ask you. And I beg of you for the sake of your eternal soul, and the future, if any, of these once great United States, along with the millions of unborn children who are silenced before they have the opportunity to even have a voice with which to ask anything at all.

I implore you sir, to look deep within yourself even as with humbled human hands clasped and uplifted towards Heaven, asking Almighty Jehovah God to reveal to you the truth of this matter. As you sir, ask this most important question of all your life of your own self.

For in the end - it is His opinion that matters most of all and by which we all will be judged.

Thank you very much for your time.

In Christ Jesus, I gratefully remain,
"Susie"

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Friday, June 5, 2009

Can you only imagine?

To hear the song, click on the play button at the bottom of the following:

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Please don't write me off while I am still alive!

A message from John Kubicek (the Editor of this blog)

This is the first time I've written here for, uh... how long? WAY TOO LONG! Yeah, well, go ahead, YELL at me! You have no idea what I've been through, either, now do ya?

Life has been exciting, to say the most. Just for starters, a new friend in my life, and another mouth to feed. That would be my adopted kitty, Pearse. You can read more about that here.

I had been planning on writing to let you know that I had taken a short hiatus from this blog. I had been wanting to do a few things to enhance the appearance of the Cross Tribe Network. I'm working on it.

But there are those times when I wonder how I'll "find the time" to do all the things I want to do. I found that there is a good locator device available that helps us to "find the time": It is called Motivation. How about some great videos to help you with operating the motivation device?

Let's start with the video, "In My Life," which shows us how Life is a journey, and we choose the path that we want to take:



That was such a beautiful song! It is the perfect lead into this next video, where Cedar Rapids native and PGA tour pro Zach Johnson shares some thoughts about perseverence, striving for excellence, and supporting those that are dealt the hardships of life:



And I'm not even going to say much about this one, because it speaks for itself. Folks, this is what our "choice" is all about. This is about the freedom to choose to excel in life:



I'll do my best to keep this blog going in the months coming. Right now, I am still looking for the time to get everything done. Translation: So much to do, so little time.


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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Where Did It All Go?

By Guest Columnist Rev. Gerri Janeway

Let me begin by saying, it did not happen overnight. Little by little, America began its downward spiral to moral decline. As a nation, it opened itself up for an attack by Satan, who had long awaited the opportunity to discredit and destroy the Godly influence of America, not only on all Americans, but also on the entire world. The Scripture foretold of this time, describing it as a time that never was, and never will be again.

It seems the entire world has gone crazy and has fallen apart overnight, but it didn't happen overnight. It was a subtle move. A little here, a little there, conditioning our people to accept the vile and immoral acts as commonplace and the norm. America accepted the attitude, "live and let live," and "what someone else does, doesn't effect me." (So wrong!) We sat idle as people like Madalyn Murray O’Hair campaigned and won her stand to take prayer out of schools.

We sat still and allowed mainstream TV to promote profanity first, and then sex and violence. And now, on the legacy (ABC, CBS, and NBC) and cable networks, homosexuality is being shown as “normal,” and making fun of Christianity has escalated into calling them right-wing terrorists bent on destroying America.

While men slept, the enemy came in and sowed tares among the wheat and now those tares are choking the very life out of America and smothering all signs of Christianity and morality. We have played our part in setting the stage for the “new world order” and the Anti-Christ. Our only hope is repentance as individuals and a nation for our sins and complacency and to fall on the mercy of Almighty God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “IF my (Christian) people which are called by my name (Christians) will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then will I (God) hear from Heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land."

So, what do we do now?

The answers are very plain. We must acknowledge our sins, both personal and collective sins as a nation, walk in humility, and pray and turn away from those sins. God will then hear us in Heaven and will forgive our sins and heal our land (nation). It is now up to the Christian community to repent and cry out for mercy.

First, the Christian community must repent and pray seeking the forgiveness and mercy of God, then present a time of repentance to the nation(s), much like Jonah did to Nineveh. We can sit idle and take this lightly, shake our heads and say this is a terrible time, or we can move to action and do our part to turn America and the world back to God. America's destiny IS in our hands and IS within our grasp. We all have a personal responsibility to participate in this united time of prayer of repentance.

It is my sincere hope that God will hear us and send Holy Ghost conviction into every heart and into every home, business, school, legislature, courtroom, place of entertainment, and visit the media with a call to repentance, one that no one can or will want to shake off. I pray that there is a renewal of the “fear of God” birthed in every heart of the people of America.

It is my prayer that every parent, both Mom and Dad, will take their place as parents and accept the responsibility of their children's destiny and restore family altars and guidance in both moral and Christian principles.

I pray that any and all who are involved in leadership positions – both secular and religious – will accept the responsibility of repentance and set a moral and godly example of purity and honesty

My prayer is that schools that have taken the responsibility to educate our children will once again promote moral principles, both by guidance and practice, and refuse to instill any immoral or ungodly instruction in the hearts of our children.

I pray that elected leaders, officials, and legislators will embrace Truth and be people of integrity and people who are trustworthy again, putting away the reproach that all politicians are corrupt and liars.

It is time that we have judges sitting on the bench who will understand that they have a tremendous responsibility to make righteous and true judgments as men and women who have been entrusted to this high office of responsibility. They should also be held accountable to those who entrusted them to this office.

There is a need for business people to repent and stop selling out godly principles and stop bowing to the pressures of the world and stop promoting immoral agendas for mammon (money). No wonder the Scriptures state that the love of money is the root of evil. We must become people of integrity again who refuse to compromise the destiny of our children and nation for a few dollars.

We must understand that human life is valuable and that we would repent of abortion and so-called "mercy-killing,” which are out and out murder and suicide. We must realize that God is the only one who has the right to give and take life, and all others will be held accountable to him. We must repent over killing millions of babies who we disvalued and murdered through abortion, covering every corner of our land with the blood that cries out, “why was I not allowed to live?”

We must begin once again to love and not hate, show respect and honor instead of moral decay and deceit. We must become a people of integrity and godly principles based on the Word of God as our forefathers had done. This nation was great because good men and women of God, men and women of integrity, men and women of faith and moral responsibility, gave all that we might have this freedom and opportunity to live free:
    Free of war;
    free of oppression;
    free to raise our children in the ways of the Lord;
    free to follow our conscience and convictions as God leads us;
    free to work and provide for the necessary needs of our families and communities without oppression;
    free to choose how we believe (i.e. freedom of religion);
    and free in knowing that with any responsibility comes accountability to our families, to one another and to our God.
It time (past time!) to pray. We can no longer exercise the right of silence but must cry out to God in repentance and sincerity for forgiveness and mercy that God will heal our land. The answer lies within us as Christians to shoulder our responsibility on our knees in humility and repentance. What will you individually do for your nation? What are we willing to do collectively as the Christian community of America? Are we willing to pray and repent, or will we be momentarily be stirred but remain unchanged? We are responsible for our own destiny and entrusted with the destiny of our posterity (our children). Can we humble ourselves long enough to sincerely repent and join a united effort to turn America back to God?

Where do we begin?

A time of National Prayer has been called for the 30 days from April 15th through May 15, 2009 at 9:00 pm Eastern Time, for just 15 minutes of united prayer strictly for repentance and asking God to have mercy on our land. Then, on July 18, 2009, marches, demonstrations, outreaches and events will be happening all across America and in many other countries of the world as a united effort to call our people to repentance.

May God bless you and may God bless America again.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

The ONE Reason to Celebrate Today and Everyday!

By John Kubicek

Thanks to my very good friend on digg.com, 4Christ, who alerted me to this wonderful, awesome video that is on youtube.com, and that you can see below:

Revelation Song - Kari Jobe - Music Video


digg story ~ Submitted by 4Christ

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Ten Reasons to Celebrate on Resurrection Sunday

The following was posted at The Fox Forum:

Ten Reasons to Celebrate On Easter

By Bill Shuler
Pastor,
Capital Life Church

1. The faith of multiplied millions throughout history rises and falls on an empty tomb.

2. Many have tried, but no one has ever been able to disprove the Resurrection.

3. According to Sports Illustrated, the greatest comeback of all time was Jesus of Nazareth in 33 A.D.

4. Jesus’ disciples were willing to be beaten, imprisoned, and executed for what they witnessed.

5. Jesus fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy foretelling the Resurrection.

6. After His crucifixion and death, the risen Christ made numerous appearances, over 40 days, to over 500 people.

7. The amount of evidence, and the number of witnesses, for the Resurrection would be a slam dunk in a court of law.

8. The Resurrection proves that truth will never be subservient to death.

9. The Resurrection told believers that God brings forth life, not mere rules and regulations.

10. Jesus said, because I live, you will live also.

The true meaning of Easter must never be lost amidst painted eggs and rabbits. Mankind was forever changed, when the angel proclaimed, “He is not here, because He is risen.” It has been said that if the Resurrection is false, the earth has no hope. But if the Resurrection is true, it represents the earth’s only hope.

Following the post were of course the forum comments. There was one that I really liked, written by a user going by the name, "ptemple2k":

ptemple2k says:
April 10, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Ten very good reasons for Easter indeed! You may scoff and may not believe but here is the dilemma. If I am wrong I have nothing to loose; I’ve lived my faith and trusted my God and Savior. But if you are wrong you will find eternity in a very ugly place.

I know the rest of the story; it began with the Resurrection and will see completion with fulfillment of the Book of Revelation. The battle has already been won — Christ has defeated the devil but the spiritual warfare is yet to be completed until Christ’s return.

Times are ugly now but will become more severe with no relief in site.

Pray for those who serve to protect our freedoms and safety; pray for those held captive by terrorists.

Pray that our nation return to One Nation under God and In God We Trust. If we do not do this God’s ears may fall silent as He allows men to succumb to their deeds.
More comments can be seen at the post referred to above.

digg this story ~ Submitted by Lizbett

Friday, April 3, 2009

Lord Give Us Strength

By John Kubicek

Music and Lyrics by Anthony Damrow Music

Losing a loved one is never going to be easy. It is difficult even when we are "prepared" for it, as in the case of a long illness or old age. But there are times when we would least expect it to happen. A tragic accident or a sudden illness, somebody going "before their time". In either case, it is going to be difficult for us that are left behind. But, there is hope in knowing we'll see our loved once again.

It is ALWAYS going to be "before their time" from our point of view. But from God's perspective, we have to understand that life He creates will be for His Special Purpose!




I am not sure how he did it, but Anthony wrote that song and produced it to the audio - in a very short amount of time - that I put to the above video. I don't know, but I am not sure that Anthony was aware of the ultimate meaning of the lyrics when he wrote them. Thinking about the fact that this coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, it seemed to be fitting for this song to now be sent out into the blogosphere. I have the incredible feeling that the words in this song could very well be what Jesus would have been talking to His disciples about.

Hopefully, this song will be a touchstone for you, regardless of your situation. It is my prayer that you will appreciate what you have just a little more. And for those of us that have lost somebody, we'll know that we will see them again. That is the hope that Jesus gives us, and now is a time that we need to be reminded.

Anthony wrote the words to his song that may happen to deeply touch your heart at this time. While the words were written for the remembrance for his dad, he also made a statement about what Jesus meant to the people He taught, and what He means to us.

I can't think of a better way to think about what the Lord means to us at this time. It really all comes down to, "Lord Give Us Strength".

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

COME HIS CHILDREN

Next month is Child Abuse Awareness Month. This poem was written and sent to me by my Sister in the Lord, Rev. Gerri Janeway.
COME HIS CHILDREN

By Rev. Gerri Janeway

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children, listen, He speaks.

It seems yesterday was peaceful and calm
In just a few days peace has all gone.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children, listen as He speaks.

Daddies are drunken with selfish desires;
Not caring for families who are falling apart.
Fatherless children not knowing their dad
Hearts are broken, lonely and sad.
It's all about me, my fun and my pleasure,.
Not those children I father who should be my treasure.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and listen as He speaks.

Mom’s not at home. She must work to provide
The needs of her children are often thrown aside.
Mom is tired, discouraged and blue;
Depressed and weary not knowing what else to do.
Latch key kids at home all alone.
Wishing for simple things, 'like a happy home'.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and listen as He speaks.

Teens are struggling with school, home and peers
The world is bidding high for their souls.
Offering them everything that glitters but not all is gold.
Searching for Truth and Reality, Where were God's Seers?

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and listen as He speaks.

Young children abused and cast aside,
Many beaten and raped and destroyed inside.
Pain and affliction is all they've known.
Empty and hurting and all alone.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His Children and listen as he speaks.

Look in the nursery where babies lay;
Unwanted and unloved in hospitals today.
Unwed young mothers are only children too.
Babies with daddies too young to care
Have rejected their children.
They can't find the time to spare.

Many small babies and children,
Abused and beaten, they die, it's true…
At the hand of daddies or boyfriends too.
Where are the ones to love and protect
The little ones who can't defend themselves.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and listen as He speaks.

The blood of innocents cry out to me.
Abortion of millions of babies who sleep.
Children never allowed to live…
To great a responsibility and nothing to give…
A life so precious yet destroyed before birth;
You counted as nothing and said it had no worth.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and listen as He speaks.

With lawlessness, cheating and lies.
Leaders think the things they do they hide.
Drunkards, liars, whoremongers too
Think it's alright the things they do.
Harlot and druggies, hypocrites too
False accusers, the proud and profane;
All who have reproached and despised His name.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and listen as he speaks.

The stench of sin and shedding of innocent blood;
Has reached into the Heaven's above.

The Father's heart is broken and His Spirit grieved
Judgment is coming for the earth to receive.
Many are getting nervous and worried today
Hoping that things will change bringing a better day.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and listen He's about to speak.

Earthquakes and fires, floods and storms;
Famine and drought, violence and want;
Freedoms lost, bondage and death
Will be the reward of those with whom He dealt.

Yet, turned a deaf ear and blinded eye
Those who where hard-hearted and would not cry out
For the innocent blood that was shed,
The sins of the people so vastly that spread;

From adults to teens, to the children too,
Tainting all that was beautiful and precious too.
Blood mixed with wine and pleasure they knew;
Now my wrath mixed with anger will visit you.

”Hide", they cry, "from him who speaks;
”From him who makes the nations weep".
You will not hide and escape His wrath.
You will be destroyed as the winter chaff.

I extended mercy and you would not heed.
Now in your fear you pretend to believe…
It is too late for you to repent.
The day of mercy is far spent.

Come His children and take a peek;
Come His children and weep as He speaks.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God!

This is an excerpt from a column on Tentmakers Ministries:

So the idea of rage did not enter the picture until the 13th century. Jonathan Edwards, I am sure, used the word in the sense of 'rage' and yet his god was also certainly a 'narrow,' and 'constricted,' god.

Isn't it rather peculiar that those we see exhibiting the most intolerance, anger, and short-temperedness also usually preach a god in their own image? Look to the preacher who spends a great deal of his time and energy raking people over the coals, warning them of the wrath to come and then spend a few days with them observing how they interact with people. You will most likely discover they act just like the god they preach. We do become conformed to the image we worship, don't we?

Those most adamant in their warnings of the "wrath to come" love to quote the scripture, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." Then they usually quote a few strong wrath scriptures and tie it all together with a good dose of hell-fire. They never quote this scripture in context because it would take the wind right out of their sail.

Romans 12:19 (KJV) Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
You see, children of the Beloved, our Father wants to take vengeance away from us because we kill with it, we are unjust with it, we falsely accuse with it. When we kill in the anger of vengeance, we cannot bring that person back to life. But our Father says that He can, "kill and make alive again." (Deut. 32:39)

Our Father says the way to overcome evil is with good. If your enemy is hungry, feed him-don't kill him! If you want to kill him, kill him with kindness. Jesus holds the keys to death and hell. Jesus is able to use death and "hades" for our good, not our ultimate destruction. Even Paul, learned how to use destruction in the proper way. Remember when he turned a member of the Corinthian assembly over to Satan for the "destruction of the flesh" that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord?

So then, those who preach an "angry" god, preach a narrow god, one who can't redeem most of those who he died for. He is either powerless to save, to angry to want to forgive, or too lazy to give a damn.

Within ancient religions, we find such gods. These are the gods today peddled by many preachers who still preach the "angry god." Yes, they even call Him Jesus. But it may be surprising to you that the Manichaeanism Babylonian religion also preached a Father, a Son named Jesus, a Holy Spirit, and a Satan.

In the Zoroastrian religion, the predecessor of Manichaeanism, the two leading gods were Ahura Mazda and Ahriman. Ahriman was also known as Angra Mainyu. The word "Angra" is also found as "Angri" in some dictionaries. "Angri" was the bad god who would eternally have all the bad people in his kingdom when time ceased.

Now it seems our friend Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" (a sermon copied by many modern day preachers) has made the God of Christianity an "angry" God. Unbeknownst to him, he has put himself in the hands of the bad god of the religion which is the basis for his theology. How ironic!! Those who want an angry god will get an angry god. But I am afraid they will be surprised to discover on whom the anger will fall. "Judgment will be merciless for the man who acted mercilessly. But mercy can laugh at judgment." (James 2:13, Barclay trans.) Angry people are usually least merciful. Ever notice how angry preachers get when they get into their hell-fire and brimstone routine? They are always pointing their finger at something which is going to be judged without mercy not realizing that when judgment falls, it will fall on their own heads.
[Please continue reading]

digg story ~ Submitted by my friend and Brother in the Lord, ChristNewsWatch

Thursday, March 12, 2009

What You've Just Seen...

So, once again, my very good friend and Sister in the Lord, Rev. Gerri Janeway, sent me an email that I needed to share with you today. Now, I've seen this one before, this story has been around. Oh, but there's a good reason it has. It's a great story, and the rumor is, something like this actually happened... somewhere, sometime... Okay, I won't keep teasing you; here's the story:

What You've Just Seen...

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative Church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. People are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him... You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget."

Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read! I asked the Lord to bless you, as I prayed for you today. To guide you and protect you as you go along your way...

His love is always with you,
His promises are true,
And when we give Him all our cares,
You know He will see us through.


"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!" ~ Psalms 103:1
This is just one of those remarkable stories that must stay "viral." It's a story that we must all stay aware of, and remember. God actually DOES use us all. We ARE part of His Creation, part of His Word. Our actions speak volumes.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Going Through a Dry Spell

By David Wilkerson
Thursday, February 26, 2009

Even though I preach to thousands, there are times I feel very dry, far away from the warm presence of God. When I’m dry and empty, I have no great yearning to read the Word and little compulsion to pray. I know my faith is intact and my love for Jesus is strong, and I have no desire to taste the things of this world. It’s just that I can’t seem to touch God for days, maybe even weeks.

Have you ever watched other Christians get blessed while you feel nothing? They testify of God’s answers to their prayers and shed tears of joy. They seem to live on a mountaintop of happy experiences while you just plod along, loving Jesus but not setting the world on fire.

I believe all true believers experience dry spells at various times in their Christian lives. Even Jesus felt the isolation when he cried aloud, “Father, why have you forsaken me?” [Continue reading]


Saturday, March 7, 2009

A Good Thing to Dream About!

By John Kubicek

Yes, I know, I haven't been writing a lot on this blog lately. I've been a busy person. I do my best to go through all the email I receive. However, I have to resign myself to quickly scan through everything I get sent. Now and then, there will be one that catches my immediate attention. Like this one, that stated in the subject line, "My dream on 01/31/09......", that I received from my great friend and Sister in the Lord, Rev. Gerri Janeway, who had forwarded an email, originating with Dawn of Berea, KY:

I have intended to share this dream with you guys, but with all the work I was doing with Glenn on a "house flip", I was too tired to even check email for several weeks. This dream was amazing and one that I will never forget, and I hope it blesses and encourages you.

Here it is:

I was standing on a beach with a huge group of people. I didn't know any of these people; it was just a large mass of people. The people were standing a good distance from the water's edge, but I was standing apart from them facing them (ocean behind me). I turned to walk to the water's edge where I saw a HUGE window (the size of a movie screen). It was a window with glass, panes, and the wooden frame. The sky was very beautiful - almost like a sunset (shades of orange and red). I could hear the waves of the ocean crashing, and even though there was a large group of people, no one was making a sound.

There was only the sound of the ocean. When I walked to the water's edge, I looked into the window suspended in mid air above the ocean. I could see all sorts of "signs of the times" going on -- soldiers at war in a desert, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. I ran back to the group of people and said, "He's on His way; He's coming!" (speaking of Jesus).

I ran back to the water's edge and looked into the window again. I saw the same things as before only they were closer to the window. Again, I ran back to the people with even more excitement and said the same thing as before, "He's coming! He's coming!"

And I ran back to the water's edge for a third time, looked into the window, and saw the same signs, but they were right at the window (just on the other side of the glass). When I ran back to the people, a man and child stepped out of the crowd and presented me with a t-shirt neatly folded. The child was standing to the right of the man. I could not see their faces and did not know them. When the man handed me the shirt, I unfolded it and looked at the front. It had "Psalm 44:4" printed on it in big letters and numbers. I took the shirt and laid it on the beach (careful to get all of the wrinkles out of it) facing the huge window.

As I laid face down on the shirt, I was still yelling to the people "He's coming! He's coming!"

The group of people also laid face down on the beach, facing the window. There was a bright light that began to shine brightly from the eastern part of the sky. It was so intense that I could feel it literally go through my body (somewhat hard to explain). There was also a great warmth and peace that came with it. As the light appeared, I said (very calmly and with sort of a "relief" in my voice), "He's here."

As the light became brighter and stronger, my body began to rise from the ground. I knew this was the Rapture talked about in the Bible, and at this point, I woke up. It was the kind of dream that felt so very real! I looked up Psalm 44:4 when I woke up as I had no clue what it said.

This is Psalm 44:4:
You are my King, O GodCommand victories for Jacob (another name for Israel)

I read the whole chapter 44, and there were some other Scriptures that reminded me of my dream, such as verse 3: But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the "light of Your countenance. Because You favored them."

Or verse 25: For our soul is bowed down to the dust; Our body clings to the ground."

Psalm 74:12 was a cross reference verse of Psalm 44:4
For God is my King from of old,Working salvation in the midst of the earth.

I truly believe that Jesus is coming SOON. I know we have heard this for many years, but never in history have all of the signs up to the Rapture been fulfilled. It is the next "big event" in prophecy. It is my prayer that you guys are ready to meet Him. If you have any questions or comments, I would be happy to hear them. Not one detail of this dream was "made up." I tried to remember every single detail so that you could, hopefully, "see" it as I was seeing it. It has truly made me more and more anxious to see Jesus.....what a wonderful day that will be!

God blessyou,
Dawn
Berea, Ky

What a wonderful thing to have a dream about!

And for some, I'm afraid, is that what was written about above was a nightmare. I'll explain. You see, there is a hotly disputed topic in the Christian theology: That topic is the Rapture.

Keep in mind that there are many denominations of the Christian RELIGION. For some Christian denominations, talk of the Rapture is considered to be blasphemous. At the same time, there are those that DO believe in a Rapture, but NOT in their lifetime, Heaven forbid!

The complexity gets even deeper when you consider the variances in Rapture theories. There are, as mentioned above, those that believe there is no Rapture. But for those that do believe in a Rapture, you have Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, and Post-Tribulation Rapture ideologies. And among those that believe in any of the various Rapture scenarios, some believe it will be soon, and some doubt it will be in their lifetime.

I'm thinking, though, that God had a purpose for me today. Of all of the emails I received, and could have chosen to check out, I read this one sent to me by Rev. Gerri. It happened to be on a topic that I've been praying about, because I want to be ready when it happens, and I also want others to be ready. In that email, you'll see that Dawn does a very good job in the way she has describes the way that the vision in the window was approaching, coming closer and closer ("He's coming!"). It finally arrives with the ultimately great climax of Him being here for us!

To me, what I read from Dawn was a sign. I do believe that the time is getting short - very, very short - and I've been compelled to shout it from my rooftop (not literally, of course, because it is cold, windy, and raining). Really, this blog post today will probably do. And believe me, what it will do may not be pretty for those of us that understand Dawn's dream.

With that being said, let me ask: Are you ready?