Satan's meeting: about how he keeps the Christians too busy and pulled away from the relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.
December 21, 2009 - Has Anyone Told You? You are loved!December 23, 2009 - The spiritual surge in sportsDecember 24, 2009 - Best Church Choir In America - The Atlanta West Pentacostal Church ChoirDecember 27, 2009 - "Onward Christian Athletes" - The problem with turning athletes into "heroes"December 31, 2009 - About a Christmas Miracle - This will make you smile!FAVORITE OF THE WEEK
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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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
"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.
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!
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]
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]
The Lyrics for "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" ~ By The HolliesIn "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.
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
"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"
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 EndeavorIn 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 AttributesSo 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 CreationInterestingly, 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).
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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?
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
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"
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.
ptemple2k says:More comments can be seen at the post referred to above.
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.
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