Sunday, May 31, 2009

Even Unto Death

As we walk another day, we see many Christians in peril, and even being killed. We see this in India, Africa, and many points around this world. When Jesus spoke of the end days, He spoke of His sacrifice as well, as the sacrifice that many today will, and must make.

Churches burn, Christians suffer and the world speaks not of these things, but rather they speak of governments, leaderships, and the over all good of man. Who then is man that we should speak highly of him? Who is saying that man has the answers, has the wisdom, and the knowledge, to bring peace upon this earth? Do you realize that with each conflict, struggle and war, we approach the end of man as we have know him?

Have you not seen that when a conflict comes between the poor and the rich, many times the poor are the first to suffer. They burn down their own homes, businesses and churches, this is all madness, for the rich are not influenced by these things, but rather rejoice over the destruction that the poor have brought down upon themselves. Are these things new to the Christian or followers of God? No, many things that we suffer today are being suffered by other brothers and sisters around the world. There is nothing strange about these events, for even in the beginning it was accomplished, lets read;

"Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." (Heb 11:35-38)

"being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
(Of whom the world was not worthy:)"
We are the Children of the Most High God, we suffer, for Christ suffered, we roam in a world, and a land, that is strange to us, for we have no home as Christ had none. He was from above, and not below, He was from God, and is God, we are to be as He is, and not as we think. This world is not our home, but a place to witness and testify of the Glory of Salvation threw the Blood of Jesus Christ.

Destitute(Not having or possessing; wanting; as destitute of virtue, or of piety; destitute of food and clothing.)
Afflicted(The cause of continued pain of body or mind, as sickness, losses, calamity, adversity, persecution.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous. Psa 34.)
Tormented;(To tease; to vex; to harass; as, to be tormented with importunities, or with petty annoyances.)

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous."
We are to be harassed and tormented in these end days. Do not think that it is strange that war, murders, conflicts and persecution comes upon you, for as the word has stated that these things shall come about, it has.
These are the times of the end. A countdown was started when Jesus was born and we are almost at the midnight hour, when all this earth will be rocked as a drunkard.

"And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.
The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.
The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again." (Isa 24:18-20)

We are to endure many things, for we are, my brothers and sisters, the terminal generation that shall see great signs, and wonders, in the Heavens, and upon the earth.
"Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Act 20:23-24)

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself." This is what we are to be about. These things that are coming upon this earth shall try our faith and also our patience. For it all comes down to faith and how we handle it.
Can your faith save you in these times of trouble? Yes. Can your faith keep you from these troubles that will come? No. Your faith gives you a weapon that you can rely upon. Many afflictions shall come upon those that believe. Just as with the conflicts that are taking place today, many Christians have their churches, homes and businesses burnt to the ground, and many will be beaten, suffer nakedness and even hunger. This all according to the will of God that must try the faith of this generation. This is not new for it happened even unto our Savior.

Our lives are purposed to be, born and die. There is always a reason for everything that happens to a believer in Christ. Are you unhappy or even disappointed in the life you have? Do you believe that you shouldn't suffer because you have faith? Have you not heard of our teacher of distresses? Read again;
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (2Co 11:22-30)

"in perils by mine own countrymen." Do you not see this today? Have you not heard of Nations being divided, riots and conflicts? So then we must, as Paul taught, If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
Thank the Lord that we are counted worthy to suffer as Christ suffered. Hold to your faith and hope, look up our redemption draws nigh.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Rev 2:11) ars

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Ministries
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Religion Articles

Jesus on the Shore of Our Life

"But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus" (John 21:4).

It was after a night of failure for the disciples that Jesus appeared on the shore. "Disappointment and defeat may prepare us for a new manifestation of the grace and power of Jesus Christ" (Anonymous). We may weep in the night, but joy finally comes in the morning; as the sun rises, the Son rises and comes to our aid. Jesus is seasonable as well as reasonable; He comes when we are most in need. Another thought here: Christ was present through their night but only allowed Himself to be visible to them in the morning.

*Jesus stood on the shore, loving His disciples, watching their heartbreaking failure in their ordinary duty, and knowing that He is about to help them. He is on the shore of our life, too, aware of all that is happening to us, and knowing that He is about to give us victory, only we don't see Him. Also, perhaps we need to evaluate the difference between success, which is what we want, and victory, which is what God gives us. Success is what we achieve and victory is what God achieves for us. Success can sour; victory is sweet.

*Jesus stood on the shore, where we doubt His power can reach us. He stood on the quiet shore, as the disciples looked and probably thought He was an ordinary person waiting for the boat to come in. Little did they know what He was about to do for them. Jesus often is very near to us, ready at that moment to help us, and we don't realize or recognize Him.

*Jesus stood on the shore of nature, where the sun was rising and the air was fresh and sensation was touched with wonder at the beauties of creation. This is where we meet our God, out where He has touched it with His brilliance.

If I Hate My Brother

The Uncompromising Truth

We have seen many people in the past and also today, that wanted the masses to believe that they knew when the world would come to and end. They were wrong and anyone that says that they know, is a lier and the truth is not in them. There are also many that say, not to be involved or concerned by prophecy, for we can't stop the end anyway, so why bother learning? I am not here to say when the end will come, because I don't know, the thing I want to express is the Uncompromising Truth about the signs of the end days.

Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Matthew tells us that not only the Gospel was a thing to be desired but also the fulfillment of prophecy and the continuance of future prophecy. We cannot ignore the happenings of the past 2,000 years, it would be a terrible mistake on our part.

The whole truth is what we seek. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Israel today, is under attack by the Palestinians, Islamic Militants, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Lebanese, threats have been made by Iran, Egypt and Syria. Russia and China have expressed the concern that Israel is at fault for the trouble in the middle east and should be stopped. Every nation on this earth, with the exception of the United States, has condemned Israel for one reason or another.

Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Why are all of these things happening? 1. Land. Land is the most important thing in the minds of Israels enemies.

Israel is beginning to prosper, according to prophecy, Iran, Iraq, Russia, China and the other militant nations see an opportunity to gain wealth by the destruction of Israel, remember that the Soviet Union went broke in 1998, and China on the other hand is spending money like its going out of style, building a kingdom with no inhabitants. Here we see, in the end days, Israel will bloom again, desert to green fields, dry ground into a spring of clear water.

The Jezreel Valley (east of the 'hill of Megiddo/Armageddon'), is surrounding by Mt. Carmel and its Shephelah (Lowland) on the west, the hills of Samaria to the south, faulted mountains (including Mt. Gilboa) and valleys on the east and the ridges of Lower Galilee to the north.

See map at; www.bibback.com/Land-RSM5.html. Isa 51:3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

A political, and military agreement between all Islamic and militant nations will take place, with the goal of destroying Israel once and for all. The main goal of all militants today is the securing of Jerusalem for Islam, killing all Jews and Christians alike, removing their influence on the City of David, and forcing the world to accept Islam as the one world religion. The anti-Christ will have other ideas. Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

(Many say that this is the verse confirming the rapture.) Rev 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. The following information comes from BibArch.

The oval-shaped valley, also known as the Plain of Esdraelon, is now commonly known as the Valley of Jezreel. Revelation states that it is Satan's demons, through influencing key political and military leaders, who are responsible for inciting this concentration of forces (Revelation 16:13-16). Absent the intervention of God, in the clash between these two great protagonists, the destruction of all living things would occur, presumably, in a final nuclear holocaust and its aftermath Math.24:22. Western leaders concentrate their combined forces at Armageddon apparently planning to engage eastern forces by a land invasion. The immediate objective appears to be the taking of the rich petroleum fields to the east.

The focal point of the battle is the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2, 3:12), also called the Valley of Decision (Joe 3:1-3. For, behold, in those days, and in that time(This is the time that God has preordained for this war to happen.), when I (God has declared that Israel and Jerusalem, shall be held captive again, all except those that escape Jerusalem thru the mountains per prophecy.) shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, (Judah is the Southern Kingdom which includes the City of Jerusalem.)I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat(The Kidron Valley.), and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.) (Joel 3:14) situated between the Old City of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, now known as the Kidron Valley after the brook Kidron passing through it.

This valley is a deep ravine having very steep sides. Jehoshaphat means "Judgment of YHWH". Here the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, and his supernatural force will engage both eastern and western forces engaged in battle when he returns and stands, just east of the old city, on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:1-4). A description of the battle is given in Revelation 19:11-21. The West bank is north of Jerusalem, Judah and the Gaza Strip is south west of Judah. Jesus stated that;I am, the Way, The Truth and the Life. If we believe Jesus, then we must believe His words of Prophecy. Jesus foretold of many an action against Israel and also told Israel how and when to escape, the coming destruction in chapter 24 of Matthew.

Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before. We all know that Jesus was Truth, we know that this times of great tribulation is almost certainly upon us. We are without excuse, in not knowing what is happening and about to happen. ars

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

What Happens To Nonbelieving

Religious Views Based on Hope

I was told by an advertising executive one day that all of your advertisements need to deliver some sort of hope for the people you're trying to persuade into buying your products. Funny, if you think about it, I got some and great advice about life from someone in the advertisement business.

Most people are looking for hope, in everything they do. Most of our daily activities revolve around hope and this gives our lives some sort of direction. If you believe in an almighty being and creator of the universe, often you will try to please him, ....or her, ....or it, in hopes of entering the kingdom of heaven or the promised land after you die.

Often our fears will increase our levels of hoping, the fear of doing something against your religion can often inspire you to become a more spiritual person, a good and moral person. Fear of making the wrong choices will inspire us to make better, moral choices, all for the sake of acquiring a ticket to Heaven or Nirvana. You're hoping, your good deeds on earth will earn you a place in heaven.

Most people are afraid of dying and leaving this world, for good. They don't know where they're going and that seems to scare most people. If we can offer someone a little hope, that they are going to a much better place than here, we can often ease the pain and suffering associated with death. I have to admit, most religions of the world promise another world, after we're done with this one.

If you're living a honest and moral life with the hopes of living a bountiful life in heaven, could you be wrong. What if you're seeking Hope in the wrong religion? If you're a Christian and the Hindus are right and you're wrong, do you get to enter there eternal kingdom.

Think about this question, I'm about to ask you. What if spend your whole life studying your religion and it's wrong? There is no heaven and when you die, that's the end of your existence

Have you ever wondered why you believe in your religion and someone in another country or even a couple of miles away believes in something entirely different.

Don't get mad at me or yourself, simply think about the question for a while, this question has transformed my life and put me on a wonderful spiritual path of learning.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Intention

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.

Ask And You Might Receive Or Ask

How Can I Know The True Church?

Let's set the record straight. There's only one Body of Christ. It has no name but His Name. It has no creed but the Spirit-anointed Book with 66 parts. It has no head but Christ. Its members are wildly diverse in thinking, looks, skin-color, and giftedness.

That means that my group is not the only group. That means I can't draw circles around my group that exclude you. Even doctrinal circles. Our understandings are growing. No denomination has arrived. They are all flawed. The perfect churches are the ones on fire with God's awesomeness and being persecuted by the fires of man's awfulness. Perfect does not mean only doctrinally pure.

No Pope or Chief Elder or Superintendent died for your sins. They are not worthy to lead. True men of God in the church of Jesus will submit to each other and all to Christ. Little lords are not needed. One big One is enough. Men who are lording over God's inheritance need to step down.

No label fits the child of God. No doctrinal or denominational title says it all. Throw me a label and I will throw it back. I will not be written off or written out because someone has said I do not belong. If my sins are washed away, and if the Word of God is true, and if there is one Lord and one church, I do belong, forever.

"Ah, so you are an ecumenist!" You see, here come the labels already! No, Christ excludes from his church all who are not born again, regardless of their seemingly glowing credentials. Not everyone will be saved!

"A legalist then!" No, the grace of God cuts across assemblies where most of us would not be found dead. Oh the surprised looks there will be when saints are raptured out of groups we had assigned to Hell! Oh the despair as those who attended "good" churches are lost forever!

The church has invisible borders. Only those with God-trained eyes know where the borders run. Follow the blood trail. The blood of Christ. The blood of the martyrs. There is the Church. Not your little group or mine. Not your little ideas or mine. When it is over, only God's Word and those in whom it dwells will stand.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

When Do We Get To Meet God

Save the World

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." (2 Timothy 3:1) The word perilous means dangerous or exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost. The rest of the verses express where most of the danger shall come from and also the reason for the promised peril that shall come. "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:2-5) In a society where morality is placed on the back burner anything goes. A philosophy such as do as you will or do what thou will this shall be the whole law was made famous by a known Satanist and founder of the church of satan Aleister Crowley. A world where everyone feels free to do as he or she pleases is a disastrous world where ruin is certain. In a world that does what it feels like there are no rules. What if I feel like murdering someone or raping someone under these philosophies it is perfectly ok? In fact to live by such rules is truly to declare yourself to be God because you are governed by you. Yet, the bible expressly declares that in the last day's mankind will go so far from God that they will bring peril upon themselves and this whole world. Jesus Christ speaking of the last days said "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:11-12) A world without love, a world where people are selfish and self driven.

Was it not satan that invented the it's all about me theology. "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:12-15) When satan was cast down to earth In the record of the fall of man did he not preach this same it's all about me theology to Eve "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."(Genesis 3:4-5) Not, much has changed satan is still trying to convince every man and woman that they could be there own god just as he tried to become his own god. Even so much to impose the philosophy of I can do whatever I want God knows my heart. How many times has this been quoted by people to justify their own sin. When God says "no" how can we say God understands, his ways are his ways and we should do are best to keep them (through the power of the Holy Spirit). We should not simply go out of are way to do wrong or continue in our sins simply because it feels good to us. We should seek repentance just as the first words Christ preached "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17) A life in God shows the power of God and that power is for God to transform that life. It is always not easy for us to do right but we should do our best to do what God says. For surely if God knows our heart shouldn't we know his heart and his will.

With the knowledge of this danger that is sure to come; the human heart has a unique need to be saved. After all we do all we can do to live so we eat, visit the doctors, we exercise, we drink water, we avoid poverty at all cost, we even seek pleasure to avoid boredom. There is something inside mankind that always drives us towards self preservation and man will almost always choose peace over suffering. The internal desire is another evidence of the need for the salvation of God. Hollywood has always created it's heroes that would soon come and save the world from ruin. When the truth is that this world can't be saved by man nor superheroes it actually will be destroyed according to 2 Peter 3:9-10 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." It is a promise of God that this world shall be destroyed but be of good cheer because although this world will die the people in it can be saved. "Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."(John 12:44-47)

What I fear most is that mankind doesn't take the claims of God to be serious or urgent. We should always see the urgency in what God is saying to us. There are a lot of dangerous and very disastrous events that are taking place right now and will take place in the future. We always look to the coming of Christ as being light years ahead of us, but as God said we should not be slack according to his promise that he will destroy this world. Of the last days the scriptures testify in Matthew 24:3-7 "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." Many have came to this earth and claimed to be Christ all the way back to before Jesus time on earth. Most Recently we have seen Jim Jones, Charles Manson, Jose Luis De Miranda, Sun Myung Moon, Billy Meir and others. These men have led many into destruction, just as Christ has spoken. When we speak of wars and rumours of wars how many years in your own personal life can you look back to a time where there was not war going on in the earth? How many years can you remember when there was not a talk about a war? All throughout history we discover war after war and this is the work of mankind. We see nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom everyday. Whole nations of people that hate other nations of people simply because of land disputes, color of skin, and customs. Famines in the land just in 2008 Myanmar, the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, East Africa, and Bangladesh all suffer from food crisis while the rest of the nations over eat. Pestilence the world has many infectious diseases that cause death, most recently Aids, bird flu, flesh eating virus, malaria, cancer, and sars. Earthquakes have shaken many places of this world most recently China and Central Asia. This information lets us know that all things have been checked off and the reason Jesus gave these examples is to let you know that we really don't know when he is coming. The world will be going on business as usual so we should always be ready for his return.

The beauty of the situation is God knows we have a basic need for salvation. We have a human desire for peace, and quality of life. We all want to live forever and not suffer forever. What we really are looking for is hope and not hope that a man can bring. Not the promise of man's change or what man can fix, but hope that God will save us from this wretched world and the disaster of mankind's errors. "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus1:2) That is a promise that I could believe in, because unlike mankind God cannot lie. He promised salvation and we should expect nothing less. He promised to give us this gift we should expect nothing less. I challenge you to put your hope in something you can't see right now but will see in the future. The promise that God who cannot lie gave to us SALVATION!!!!!

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." -1 John 2:1-2

Another Crappy Rule In The Bible

About Today's Church Music

Older believers have to be careful how they talk, I'm told. So let me first say, yes, there are some great new songs around. The music and the words both.
Now let me tell you how I really feel...

Since the "established" church seems to have trouble with the old hymnbooks, I sing out of one most every morning. In private. I love even the poetry of these songs. I was raised on them, what can I say? There was majesty and beauty and downright sense to the words.

Take this one. I have never sung it in my life, couldn't whistle the tune if I tried, but while skimming through a particular songbook (Hymns of the Christian Life, 1936! -before even my time) , I have run across this song often. I decided to do a read only. Oh my, I was touched more than I have been in a month of Sundays in the established place. And I mean no offense to my home church. I just have trouble feeling at home during song-time. Check out these words:

1. Jesus and shall it ever be, a mortal man ashamed of Thee?

Ashamed of Thee Whom angels praise, Whose glories shine through endless days?

2. Ashamed of Jesus! sooner far let evening blush to own a star;

He sheds the beams of light divine o'er this benighted soul of mine.

3. Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend on Whom my hopes of heaven depend!

No; when I blush, be this my shame, that I no more revere His Name.

4. Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may when I've no guilt to wash away,

No tears to wipe, no good to crave, no fears to quell, no soul to save.

5. Till then, nor is my boasting vain, till then I boast a Saviour slain;

And O may this my glory be, that Christ is not ashamed of me.

OH how wonderful those words of Joseph Grigg. I can only imagine that Henry Oliver's tune enhances the beauty. Because that's how the old songs were, for the most part. Great lyrics, supportive music. Not the other way around.

Here's a suggestion for Mother Church, the Body of the Lord Himself. If we so desire novelty for our youth, let's teach them some of these great old songs that they have never heard. To them, they will be new. To us they will be precious. And we'll all be happy.

Suggestion two, while I'm on a roll. The Church was not created for the world, but for the saints. Let the Church remain holy and draw all men to Christ through the preached cross. Let the saints feel comfortable in their own home. The world has its own.

Did I just change the subject...? not really. Music that appeals to the flesh is of the world. Music that effects bodily changes is fleshly. Music that makes me want to cover my ears is an offense. Music that, like alcohol and tobacco, takes some getting used to needs to be eliminated before all ears are polluted and people will not even want to go to a church that does not rock.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond .

Impact Of Christian Mentors

The Blessing Of God Of The Kingdom Will Make You Rich

Some Christians may not know for sure God wants them to be rich but the Bible leaves no question about whether or not Christians are supposed to be rich. The Bible tells us we are not only to be spiritual rich but we are to be rich financially, experience financial wealth and have abundance of prosperity with plenty of money, plenty of gold and silver and plenty of the wealth of this earth.

I could list scripture after scripture that confirm without a doubt that God wants Christians rich. Here are just a few:

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord - it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it]. AMP

Proverbs 8:18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation, and right standing with God). AMP

Psalms 112:1-3 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. KJV

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so
very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). AMP

The promises in these verses are even for those in third-world countries, those with no training and even those who can't even earn a minimum wage. It can be done by THE BLESSING of the Lord.

Notice above in the scripture, Proverbs 10:22, it doesn't tell us a good job or a good economy makes a person rich, it doesn't tell us a degree from an exclusive university can make us rich, nor does it tell us even a rsum full of worldly credentials makes a person rich. No, the Bible tells us it is THE BLESSING that makes a person rich.

What I am saying is, Christians have to realize what THE BLESSING of the Lord is and the power contained in THE BLESSING that makes rich them rich. You begin to see the power of THE BLESSING when you look at Genesis 1:28,

Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion KJV

God speaking THE BLESSING over Adam and Eve gave to mankind enough of His creative glory and power to sustain, uphold and prosper all creation forever. With THE BLESSING He released all the divine resources needed for Adam to expand the Garden of Eden until it filled up the whole earth.

God even rested on the seventh day and not because he was tired but because He was finished. After He released THE BLESSING He didn't have to come back to the Garden every day and bless Adam and Eve's every endeavor. With THE BLESSING given to them He could just rest and enjoy their fellowship, watch them exercise their dominion and THE BLESSING would do what He designed it to do for them.

Of course all of us know Adam sinned and messed up THE BLESSING plan of God. When Adam sinned he bowed his knee to the devil and instead of THE BLESSING working for him he had to start working under the curse of toiling for his living. But Adam's sin didn't stop God from starting over again with his plan to get THE BLESSING back on all mankind where it always was supposed to be and where God so desired it to be.

I want this article to cause you to realize from now on that God's will from the very beginning of His creation was that His children would be BLESSED and He hasn't changed His mind nor His will since then.

After the Flood, recorded in Genesis 6:17-22; 9:1, God started over once again with His plan to bless mankind through Noah's family. God releasing THE BLESSING on Noah's family said the same thing He said to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden,

Genesis 9:1 AND GOD pronounced a blessing upon Noah and his sons and said to them, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. AMP

Since Noah's sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth represented all races, all peoples, and all nations that would live on this earth, that would include us since we came from these sons; all mankind was once again BLESSED.

But the two sons Ham and Japheth departed from God's ways just like Adam. Instead of obeying Him and trusting in THE BLESSING to prosper them; they started their own system of commerce which we see in the world's system today of working and toiling for a living and looking out for old number one. It has to be that way because in that kind of system of working and toiling a person has to try whatever they can do to meet their own needs without God. In that system people try to satisfy their spiritual needs with material things which is materialism, but they call it prosperity. The person working out of the world's system believes that in order for them to be blessed they must be rich and so they have to spend their time struggling under a failing system to make money. Here is a scripture revealing this very truth,

Psalms 73:12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. KJV

Notice in this verse, "they increase in riches". This means it is all up to them if they are going to prosper and increase in riches. So in this Ham and Japheth's system of world economics; instead of trusting God they have to devise ways to increase themselves. That means if they have to come up with ways to increase that scam others; they have to do what they have to do. In other words, it is a dog eats dog system.

Shem, Noah's other son, stayed with THE BLESSING which is in the Kingdom of God's economy and with THE BLESSING we can operate in it as well.

According to Jewish history Shem became the king of Jerusalem; the man the Bible refers to as Melchizedek. He served as a priest of the Most High God. In Genesis 14:18-19 we read where he served Abraham covenant elements and transferred THE BLESSING Adam and Eve and Noah's family had received to Abraham..

Genesis 14:18-19 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: KJV

Melchizedek giving this blessing to Abraham, God was simply working to get THE BLESSING back on all mankind. THE BLESSING Abraham received included you and me so we too could live under the same BLESSING as you will see clearly in the following scriptures.

Genesis 12:3 .....and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. KJV

Galatians 3:13,14,29 gives us even more proof THE BLESSING of Abraham has come to Christians today in order to make us rich so we like Abraham could live in financial wealth in any place, at any time on this earth where God desires and needs us. Get this clear in your thinking, God gives each one of us an assignment and THE BLESSING goes with the assignment to provide for us no where we live and no matter the economy. So look at this scripture in Galatians as a guarantee that with your faith in THE BLESSING your prosperity has changed to rich, abundance, overflow, opulence or extreme best.

Galatians 3:13,14,29 Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); 14 To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit. 29 And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise. AMP

Galatians 3:14 plainly tells Christians in every nation today they now have the same BLESSING that was on Adam, Noah, Melchizedek and Abraham! THE BLESSING, as a result of what Jesus did on the cross, has come on us all no matter our economic situation, level of education or employment opportunities. It is THE BLESSING that makes each and every Christian rich and THE BLESSING adds no sorrow with the riches! Notice it is the grace of God through what Jesus did on His cross that delivered THE BLESSING into your life and delivered you out of the cursed based, toiling, failing world system where you are on your own to make a living. You are released today, if you will place your faith in THE BLESSING, by the grace of God into THE BLESSING Adam, Noah, Melchizedek and Abraham and their families lived in and became very rich.

Isn't that the best news you have heard in a long time? I am ready to hear some good economic news, how about you? We are only going to hear this good economic news out of the Kingdom of God that operates with THE BLESSING. This Kingdom operates in any nation of the world today for any person who will receive Jesus as their Savior and make Him the Lord of their lives.

If you haven't done so, just pray this simple prayer,

Jesus I confess I am a sinner but I believe that You died on the cross in order to pay the penalty for my sins and that You arose from the dead so that I could live a brand new life in You. Come into my life, Lord Jesus Christ. I give you complete control of my life.

If you prayed that simple prayer please let me know. I would like to send you some materials to help you further in your new life in Christ Jesus.

What I just shared with you from Galatians 3:13,14 is the good news every Christian needs to hear today so they are not struggling financially along with the rest of the world. Because THE BLESSING is now in operation in our lives we are released from that failing system of commerce the son's of Noah, Ham and Japheth originated. We don't have to come up with ways to get financial increase. We have, by Jesus Christ, been born again to live in a new Kingdom that has a prosperous, unfailing economy. Every Christian in any nation facing any bad economy, having received the promise of the Holy Spirit and possessing the very nature of God and God's abilities by THE BLESSING is freed from working and sweating for a living like those still under the cursed world's system. Christians living in the Kingdom of God have THE BLESSING making them rich. And instead of working for a living they can now spend their time daily doing their God given assignments.

I want to repeat over and over, THE BLESSING will operate for any Christian in any economy, anytime and anywhere they are. Christians cooperating with THE BLESSING, walking in faith and love will experience the New Testament prosperity no matter the circumstances around them. Here is the guarantee,

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. AMP

Do you still have doubts about all of this? Then you need to know what the BLESSING did for Abraham. God sent Abraham to a foreign land with no family, no established business connections and with nothing to depend on but THE BLESSING; and here is what happened to him,

Genesis 13:2 Now Abram was extremely rich in livestock and in silver and in gold. AMP

THE BLESSING worked the same way for Abraham's son, Isaac. God having released THE BLESSING on Isaac; he sowed in a land experiencing famine and received a hundredfold return on the crop he sowed for and then it didn't stop there,

Genesis 26:12-13 Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings. 13 And the man became great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished; AMP

This scripture ought to be an encouraging word for those of you who live in an impoverished nation. Famine may be in your land but if you do what God tells you to do THE BLESSING will kick in. And no matter what is going on around you with God and with THE BLESSING working in your behalf what happened for Isaac in the next scripture can happen for you. You have the same BLESSING working for you!

He got so wealthy the king asked him to leave his country,

Genesis 26:16 And Abimelech asked Isaac to leave the country. "Go somewhere else," he said, "for you have become too rich and powerful for us." NLT

Did you notice in this scripture that this man, Abimelech, living out of the world's system of finances had to ask a covenant man with THE BLESSING to leave his town because this covenant man was too rich and too powerful to stay there?

With this same BLESSING on us, people around us should take notice of the wealth and the power of THE BLESSING in our lives. That's when we can do some real evangelism. For that's the purpose of THE BLESSING in our lives that people ask us, "Who is your God?" Then we don't have to try and get them to receive a track or try and get them to go to church with us. They will volunteer to go to church with us or anywhere else, simply to be around us and see THE BLESSING making us rich. Every person on the face of the earth is looking for this kind of BLESSING in their lives because God created every person to want to prosper and be reliant on Him so He could bless them.

Isaac's son Jacob experienced the same kind of prosperity under THE BLESSING. Having left home at a young age with just the clothes on his back (Sounds like what people experience today a lot of times.), he worked for 14 years for his father-in-law who always was cheating him financially. But in spite of this man's thievery, with THE BLESSING operating in his life he continued to increase until he experienced financially just what his father and grandfather had experienced with the same BLESSING and became exceedingly prosperous.

Genesis 30:43 Thus the man increased and became exceedingly rich, and had many sheep and goats, and maidservants, menservants, camels, and donkeys. AMP

If what I have already shared with you doesn't convince you that THE BLESSING makes any person rich just look at Jacob's son, Joseph. He's next in line for THE BLESSING to work for him and hopefully if you will believe in THE BLESSING for you, you will be next in line.

Joseph was the only son of Jacob who truly believed in THE BLESSING, received THE BLESSING and operated in THE BLESSING. THE BLESSING got Joseph out of many situations including a time his brothers tried to kill him. Instead of killing him his brothers sold him as a slave and he ended up in the house of an Egyptian, Potiphar.

This man recognized THE BLESSING of the Lord on Joseph's life and saw that whatever Joseph did prospered so he put him in charge of his estate. He hadn't been trained to do this job but THE BLESSING taught him how to do it so well Potiphar didn't even supervise his work.

Potiphar's wife accused Joseph of wrong doing and so Joseph ended up in prison. But even in prison THE BLESSING worked for Joseph and the Holy Spirit trained him how to operate the prison and before long the keeper of the prison turned the whole prison over to Joseph.

You may be in jail today and reading this article, but with God and THE BLESSING in operation for you; if you are willing like Joseph, it will deliver you into your assignment for God and the prosperity of God. Just have some hope today in THE BLESSING and in your God given assignment to promote you.

The same thing is true for anyone no matter where God places you on your assignment. THE BLESSING will teach you how to do a job better than anyone else can do in the business and cause promotions you wouldn't normally get and so readily.

Let's read about THE BLESSING showing up in prison,

Genesis 39:21-23 But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. 22 And the warden of the prison committed to Joseph's care all the prisoners who were in the prison; and whatsoever was done there, he was in charge of it. 23 The prison warden paid no attention to anything that was in [Joseph's] charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper. AMP

Are you getting a good picture of what THE BLESSING can do in your life as well? Get excited about THE BLESSING working in your life too!

We're not even finished with what THE BLESSING did in Joseph's life.

Years later when Pharaoh had a dream, THE BLESSING reminded Pharaoh's cupbearer, who was a former prison mate of Joseph; that Joseph could interpret dreams. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream.

The interpretation of the dream revealed to Pharaoh there was a great famine coming to his nation and the interpretation also gave Pharaoh a plan for provision for his nation that would take them through the famine.

So THE BLESSING brought promotion to Joseph again. He became the next most powerful man in the nation. With THE BLESSING Joseph wound up with the world's greatest storehouse of wealth under his command.

I want to remind you again that all of the wealth that came to these men Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph came because of THE BLESSING operating in their lives.

Galatians 3:14 tells every Christian that the same BLESSING has now come on them! THE BLESSING has come on everyone who has received Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives!

Galatians 3:14 To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles,....AMP

Can you now see why, if you never believed it before, every single Christian no matter where they are in the world is supposed to be rich; because every single Christian no matter where they are in the world is BLESSED with THE BLESSING and it's THE BLESSING that is making them rich!

This is so different from the world's way of thinking that they are blessed because they are rich and then they have to work so hard to make it happen.

God is telling Christians in this earth today, "No matter where you find yourself, you are rich because you are BLESSED with THE BLESSING! And as a result of THE BLESSING making you rich, you are not to seek after riches like the world does but instead you are to act like God did on the seventh day of Creation and simply entered into "the rest" of faith and let THE BLESSING go to work for you! Find your assignment and don't work there for a living but work for a giving and let THE BLESSING go to work for you there and increase you and increase the ministry, the business, etc."

Christians need to hear good news like this every day but they won't hear it outside of God's Word.

We are not to labor for a living for this is the only labor we are to do in this earth, for we which have believed do enter into rest....

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest.... KJV

God never intended for Christians to spend their time and efforts gathering up riches for themselves but rather He intended for them to labor in the Word, developing their faith to the point that they enter into His rest and just let THE BLESSING increase them.

By saying that I don't mean Christians don't have to work. Instead of Christians working "for a living", we will be working on assignments from God and doing what He tells us to do. And if He sends us to a job that pays minimum wage we must not complain. We must realize God has sent us there to bring THE BLESSING and the Kingdom operation through us to that place of business.

All we need to do is obey God and do our assignment and THE BLESSING will see to our prosperity. We could even end up owning the business. So we should start thanking God instead of complaining that He has sent us there. This is not a theory. It really works.

You may be so financially challenged today, but if you will recognize THE BLESSING of Abraham has come on you through Christ; just like Abraham and his descendents it will make you rich. The financial lack will only be temporary with THE BLESSING of Abraham working for you.

Realize that living by faith in THE BLESSING will do the same for you it did for Abraham when he put his faith in it.

Let's allow God through THE BLESSING to give us a testimony just like Abraham and his descendents of THE BLESSING making us rich.

So now is the time for us to put our faith in THE BLESSING so that it can go to work for us and make us rich immediately!

Let's make this confession: I am blessed coming in and I am blessed going out. THE BLESSING of the Lord makes me rich! I am not blessed because I am rich but I am rich because I am blessed.

Here are some confessions to help with your faith in THE BLESSING and see it operate in your life:

The Bible leaves no question in my mind God wants me as a Christian to be rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:8 AMP Galatians 3:13,14,29)

The scriptures leave me no doubt that I can and will prosper no matter if I am in a third-world country, have no training or can't even earn a minimum wage for it will be done by THE BLESSING of the Lord. (Proverbs 10:22 AMP; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:8 AMP)

Proverbs 10:22 tells me having a good job in a good economy, having a degree from an exclusive university nor even having a rsum full of worldly credentials can make me rich but it is THE BLESSING that makes a person rich.

I realize what THE BLESSING of the Lord is and the powerful contained in THE BLESSING. (Genesis 1:28)

I was included when God spoke THE BLESSING over Adam and Eve in the Garden; giving them enough of His creative glory and power to sustain, uphold and prosper all creation. (Genesis 1:28)

With THE BLESSING God has released to me all the divine resources I need to expand the Kingdom in the earth. (Genesis 1:28; 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP)

God's will is that I be BLESSED and He will never change His mind about it. (Galatians 3:13,14,29)

Instead of working and toiling to get ahead financially, I mediate the Word, developing my faith in THE BLESSING and into God's rest, allow THE BLESSING go to work and increase me. (Hebrews 4:3-11; 2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:8AMP)

I operate in the Kingdom of God with THE BLESSING making me rich instead of working out of that toil based system to meet my needs. (Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP, Philippians 4:19)

I no longer think like those operating in the world's system, that I am blessed because I am rich and then have to struggle under that failing system to make money; but it is THE BLESSING that is making me rich and there is no sorrow added to it. (Psalms 73:12; Proverbs 10:22 AMP)

I know for sure I have THE BLESSING of Abraham operating in my life wherever I live in the world because Galatians 3:13,14, 29 tells me THE BLESSING of Abraham came on me when Jesus on His cross purchased my freedom from the curse of working for a living. (Galatians 3:13,14,29)

No matter the economic situation, no matter my level of education and no matter my employment opportunities; the BLESSING is making me rich right now! (Genesis 26:12-13; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:8 AMP)

THE BLESSING has released me from the failing system of commerce the son's of Noah, Ham and Japeth originated and continues on today. (Psalms 73:12; Psalms 112:1-3; Galatians 3:13,14,29)

I have a God guarantee, being in my God given assignment and walking in love and faith in THE BLESSING, THE BLESSING is working for me. (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP; Galatians 5:6)

I have the same guarantee of wealth that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph possessed because the same BLESSING is working for me that worked for them. (Genesis 13:2; 26:12-13,16; 30:43; 39:2-4,21-23; 41:1-43; Galatians 3:13,14,29)

Financial lack is only temporary with THE BLESSING of Abraham working for me. (2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:8 AMP)

I am expecting a greater testimony than Abraham and his descendents with the same BLESSING working for me. (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 13:2; Genesis 26:12-13; Genesis 26:16; Galatians 3:13,14,29)

I am blessed not because I am rich but I am rich because I am blessed! (Proverbs 10:22)

Janie Baer has produced a CD called God's Spoken Word and her website http://www.godswordalive.com offers products to help Christians use Bible scriptures in every day living finding the secret power of god's word and to help find the unconditional love of Father God. Janie also has a blog, http://www.godswordalive.com/blog Also on her site is Kingdom of God Prosperity Bookstore which offers bibles, audio bibles, music cds, music dvds, Children books & dvds, Christian books, Christian games and other products to help incorporate the Word into your life. She has also recently added Bible scriptures and confessions for healing and health, prosperity, Father God's Unconditional love and continues to add more all the time. She has applied these healing scriptures with her family for over 30 years and as a result they have not had a doctor, hospital or medical bill in all those years. They have just taken the healing Bible scriptures as their medicine as was written in Proverbs 4:22.

Ask And You Might Receive Or Ask

Your Covenant with Death

As we walk in the beautiful raze of the sun, we dont take much time considering our death nor or eternal home. The Bible tells us that we have an appointment and a covenant, with death and an agreement with Hell.

Isa 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Do men actually believe these doctrines will save them in the time of Christs reappearance? Do they believe, Wood, Hay and Stubble, will keep them from the fire of eternal damnation?

Isa 28:15, are the thoughts and words of those that have, and will reject God and His son Jesus. From the Mosaic Law to the Law of Grace and Mercy.

As was in the Days of the Mosaic Law, today there are multitudes that reject the word of God. The Bible is one of the most read books in the history of the world. Many read it to find salvation and guidance and others read it to find fault.

Many scholars of the past and the present, have tried to avoid this subject, many saying that hell is just an imaginary place created by the church and death is just the end of life, no reward nor punishment. Isa 28:15, Covenant; A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; stipulation. Agreement; Union of minds in regard to a transfer of interest; bargain; compact; contract; stipulation.

The covenant with death came with the fall of Adam. We are all born into the curse that Adam and Eve placed us with. We are all of the Family of Man, from the beginning to the end. Now being born so, we also hold the same responsibility of abiding to the covenant that Adam brought upon all. So we are appointed to die.

Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
The agreement that many sign with hell, is the spiritual and not the physical body, that enters into a contract with hell to abide by no rules nor limitations on our actions as a physical being. Satisfying the flesh while letting Satan have the soul.

Deu 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. The word,Hell is mentioned 55 times in the KJV.

All with the idea that it is a place of utter torment and a result of Gods anger with mankind. Psa 21:8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. Many say, they dont need God, we are beautiful, we are intelligent, we are in control of our own destiny, we are gods of ourselves. We have attained the summit of intellect, wisdom, knowledge and understanding of our world, and the universe is ours to plunder and shape.

Psa 21:9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

In Mat 23:13, we see an example of the things going on in the time of Jesus, but we also see things that are going on in our world today. There are many teachers, teaching for doctrines of man, things that are contrary to the Scriptures, false religions, false doctrines, books written by man, for man, by the will of man and not of God.
Bibles that are written by man that alter Gods word, false prophets are made to be something when they are not, for example, the Books of, Nostradamus, Scientology, Joseph Smith, the Church of Satan bible, Marshal Applewhite, Jim Jones, the new world religion, and many many others.

Man has created himself gods of stone, wood, gold and paper. Its not just these men but also those that believe in them. Mankind has, sense the time of Adam, sought to make gods many that would supply the lust of the flesh and make salvation easier to obtain, these times were the days of darkness.

Mat 23:13; But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Just as with the followers of Nostradamus, his writings are so vague that anyone could intreprete any of his words, to mean anything they wanted. Its not the words but mans use of those words, that create a real and present danger. These writings are the writings of confusion and deception. If they would take the book as a fantasy, things would be different. But the use of these words create a stumbling block to them who teach, and a wall of ignorance to all who listen and believe. Just as Jesus stated; ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. Ignorance and Indifference make men susceptible to all manner of false doctrine, accepting these things, results in a pact with death and an appointment with hell.
False preacher,Prophets and Ministers of Lies; Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Ars
Isa 28:9 - shall he teach: Isa_30:10-12; Psa_50:17; Pro_1:29; Jer_5:31, Jer_6:10; Joh_3:19, Joh_12:38, Joh_12:47, Joh_12:48 doctrine: Heb. The hearing, Isa_53:1 *marg.

Weaned: Psa_131:2; Mat_11:25, Mat_21:15, Mat_21:16; Mar_10:15; 1Pe_2:2, Deu 32:22 - For a fire: Deu_29:20; Num_16:35; Psa_21:9, Psa_83:14, Psa_97:3; Isa_66:15, Isa_66:16; Jer_4:4, Jer_15:14; Jer_17:4; Lam_2:3, Lam_4:11; Eze_36:5; Nah_1:6; Mal_4:1, Mal_4:2; Mar_9:43-48; 2Th_1:8; Heb_12:29

shall burn: or, hath burned lowest: Psa_86:13; Isa_30:33; Zep_3:8; Mat_10:28, Mat_18:9, Mat_23:33 shall consume: or, hath consumed, Isa_24:6, Isa_24:19, Isa_24:20 foundations: Job_9:5, Job_9:6; Psa_46:2, Psa_144:5; Isa_54:10; Mic_1:4; Nah_1:5; Hab_3:10

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Questions To Ask Your Pastor

Islam - Basic Beliefs and Concepts

Islam is the most growing religion on earth, there are more than 2 Billion humans all over the world called Muslims. Islam is based on the Submission of human will to One God who is called in Arabic "Allah" The only One, The Superior and The Only Creator Of This Universe with no partners and all the existence under his own Control.

Islam was the religion given to Adam The first Man on Earth who was created by God, not as fallen being. All The Prophets & Messengers of God "Allah" to humankind on Earth were Muslims including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Jacob, Jesus and Mohammad. They have the same basic Message to Mankind: "La Ilaha Illa Allah" which means no God worth of worshiping Except Allah and anything else is his servant and creation.

Although those prophets came with different books, practices and methods of worshiping, Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him and all other prophets) was the last Messenger of Allah On earth Before the Day of Judgment.

The Basic Message of Islam is the absolute Unity of Allah 'God' and he is not independent on anything or anyone else or even alike, he is not three on one nor father and son, Muslims beliefs on Jesus as Allah's Prophet and Messenger and his servant just like all other prophets Including Mohammad and Moses.

Islam believes that God and his creations are completely different entities. Allah is not his creation nor he is a part of it. Islam believes that his essence and his great knowledge are everywhere on his creation.

Islam calls the human away from the worshiping of the creation of Allah and invites him to the worshiping of the creator -- Allah himself, because the greatest sin of humanity is the worshiping of the creation.

Among the basics of Islamic Religion, the most important part is the belief in one God 'Allah' and He is the only Creator, Ruler, Lord, Administrator and Master of all that exists, And this Universe exists and functions because the will of Allah alone.

Allah responds to man's prayer and He is the only one who has the power to accept or reject it. He is the Master of man's destiny, no one ever else can interfere with the fate of others or even with his own fate!

All the humans hopes and fears should be only directed to Allah. He is the object of fear & source of favor.

That's the bedrock and most fundamental aspect of Islam religion, May Allah guide all of us to the truth and thank you for your time.

For more information about Islam, Please visit our website Islam Voice at the following link: Islam Voice - The Road to Allah
Islam Voice is a website Dedicated To the Message of Islam Religion, Islam Pillars, Islam Miracles and it's Basic Beliefs and Concepts for Non Muslims.
This article is Free for Reprint & Distribution without the permission of the author as long as this text box is left intact, The author name and all links must remain Clickable and the article is Un-Edited.

What Happens To Nonbelieving

He Walks and He Talks With Us

"...Jesus himself came up and walked along with them" (Luke 24:15).

Jesus consecrates for us our heartbreaking walks and our aching journeys. How significant and wonderful that Jesus came to Cleopas and his friend. What tenderness of heart that Jesus comes to us! Cleopas and his unnamed companion were talking about their sorrow. No one but God knows who these two men were. One wasn't even accorded the distinction of a name. But Jesus quietly entered into their discouraged lives and conversation and comforted them. None can dare say or think that Jesus doesn't care about the pedestrian person! Love, with pierced feet, walks ahead to give all hope. "He seeks the society of struggling spirits, He gives His presence to sorrowing souls" (A. Raleigh). Another thought, a pastor once noted that only one of the two was named, and he suggested that the reader take his or her own place there beside Jesus and Cleopas. How beautiful!

"They asked each other, `Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?'" (Luke 24:32). Our human puzzles are not solved by reason or by what seem to be rational human theories, but by what God tells us. Life can be enormously unreasonable. Every person who has any sensibilities at all has cried out a "Why?" to some unwarranted (or so it seems) work or word. When it happens, our beloved Jesus walks on our Emmaus road with us and reasons with us. He gives us a holy explanation which is wholly safe and sound. So we ask Him, "`Stay with us'...so He [comes] in to stay with [us]" (Luke 24:29). What comfort He gives. Jesus not only grants our request but becomes our Intimate, too.

Certain of God's saints had moments of discouragement:
Moses (Numbers 11:15), Joshua (Joshua 7:7), Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Job (Job 10:1), David (Psalms 42:6, 69:2, 73:16, 137:1), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:10), and these two disciples who thought there was no hope left. But! "He lifted me out...of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40:2).

Christian Articles

Saint Joseph Statue

The history of St. Joseph is not as well known as the history of Jesus or the history of Mary but St. Joseph was also a very important figure. St. Joseph came from the line of King David, one of the most well known Biblical kings. Joseph was a carpenter from Bethlehem who was engaged to Mary when Mary became pregnant with Jesus. If Joseph had decided not to go through with the marriage because of the pregnancy in that culture and at that time in history Mary would have been publicly shamed and possibly even stoned. To protect her Joseph married her anyway and agree to raise Jesus as his own child.

Throughout the Bible there are mentions of the history of St. Joseph and of his kind and loving nature. Even though he is not mentioned very often in the story of Jesus, not as much as Mary or some of the Apostles, it is clear that his influence and teachings had a profound effect on Jesus and helped him become a very compassionate, kind and caring person. St. Joseph has been revered as a father for centuries and today is the patron saint of family and the home.

The history of St. Joseph as a saint is an interesting one. For a long time he was not officially recognized as a saint because he had always been venerated as a saint since the very beginning of the church and was not canonized in the way that saints who were declared saints after the organization were canonized in order to achieve sainthood. In 1870 Pope Pious IX declared Saint Joseph the patron saint of the Universal Church, so St. Joseph really is considered to be the father of the Church and not just the foster father of Jesus.

The history of St. Joseph helping people sell their homes is said to have started way back in the mid 1500's when St. Teresa of Avila was looking for a place to build a second convent for the order of nuns that she founded, the Discalced Carmelite order. Even though she searched for quite awhile she couldn't find an appropriate piece of land to build the convent on. So she prayed to Saint Joseph for help, since he is the patron saint of land and home. She also had her nuns pray to St. Joseph and bury medals of St. Joseph around the property where the original convent was.

Soon she found the perfect piece of land to build the second convent and found the second chapter of the Discalced Carmelite nuns and she credited St. Joseph with helping her find the land she needed. Because of that it became a tradition for anyone that was searching for a home to bury medals and later statues of Saint Joseph in the ground and to pray to St. Joseph for help finding a new home.

Over the years the tradition was adapted a little bit and it became customary for people that wanted to sell their homes to pray to St. Joseph and bury a statue of St. Joseph in the yard of the home in order to attract buyers for the property. Some people say that this tradition came about because German builders would put small St. Joseph statues or medals in the walls and the foundations of homes that they were building to bless the home and protect the family that moved in.

In the end no one really knows where the history of St. Joseph statues being used to sell home really began but that doesn't change the fact that it works. So if you're trying to sell your home you should pray to St. Joseph for help and bury a St. Joseph statue in your yard. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll get an offer on the property.

Eric Thompson is an known author on this subject and the owner of http://www.st-josephstatue.com

This site is a E-commerce site, but it also contains valuable information, facts and articles about Saint Joseph. Here you can find out more about the tradition, and the various items associated with the ledgend

Questions To Ask Your Pastor

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Holiday Epiphany

Most people are too distracted thinking about Christmas sales and promos, they tend to forget the celebration of Epiphany. The Epiphany is the time after Christmas when the 3 Magi visited the Child Jesus. Back then, the Epiphany celebration had the twelve days Christ's birth when the church celebrates Christ being shown as the Light of the world and remembers the journey of the three wise men.

Families in countries different from the US start the Epiphany celebration by remembering others on St. Stephens Day. St. Stephen's Day is on December 26 and commemorates Stephen, Christianity's first martyr. You might read Stephen's life story in Acts 6, 7, & 8.

His convictions about the revelation of Christ in the world brought about his death. In the book of Acts, he was considered the first martyr among Christians. For hundreds of years, people of the Christian faith have remembered his faithfulness on December 26, the day after Christ's birth is celebrated. This day is for selfless care for people in need, the unwanted, who have no people to love them.

Along with your family, it's nice to also find a needy family or support group to render services the day after Christmas. When most people are out shopping, you can be different by showing that you care by bringing food or gifts to an impoverished family.

In countries like Britain and Canada, December 26th is known as Boxing Day and considered an official holiday there. When my kids first heard of it, they were thinking of celebrating boxing as a sport. They never thought that Boxing day was about the service of love.

During this day, boxes of food are given to people in. Back then food and necessities were given to servants from their masters. The Wenceslaus' spirit is shown when people celebrate with great happiness the manifestation of the Good News of Jesus' coming to the world.

Most of the time churches plan for this day by specifically rendering humanitarian services to the needy and thus show that God's Word requires good deeds to people near them. On this day, you can visibly see true love as people give to their fellow man.

Kris King offers free advent calendars with daily Christmas activities to prepare your family for Christmas. Your family will learn more about holiday traditions with some of the daily activities

Effects Of False Prophets

Lifestyle Evangelism

There are certainly many references in the Bible to evangelism such as John 4:35-38 and First Corinthians 3:5-9 or the most popular Biblical example towards the end of Matthew 28 where Jesus told his followers "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

However, the means in which to tell other nations about The Lord and teach of the Bible was not specified. One of the more recent popular terms and practices is 'Lifestyle Evangelism' which simply means other ways of spreading the word of the Bible and Jesus (i.e., those of us who are not Ministers or who otherwise are looking for ways of spreading Christianity without necessarily preaching). So it could be interpreted as non-verbal means of spreading God's word by having others seeking to follow your ways (i.e., your lifestyle). Rather than pro-active means, Lifestyle Evangelism can mean reactive means of starting a conversation about Jesus, like wearing a Christian tee shirt certainly can be a conversation starter and lead to a discussion.

There are some who debate whether anything short of preaching or verbal evangelizing is really following God's word, but I think Matthew 28 is the best example in that it doesn't specify the MEANS in which to spread the word to other nations - it just says go out and spread the word.

Not everyone is the Type A personality that can start a conversation with anyone. Others need an ice-breaker and this has been for many the hardest part of fulfilling your need as a Christian to practice evangelism. So for many Christians, Lifestyle Evangelism can fulfill that desire to fulfill Jesus' statement in Matthew 28 by doing rather than by preaching. If others see that you're living a great life, doing good unto others, committing to family, friends, neighbors, people in need, then others will want to ask how you got there, and that's your ice-breaker to start a conversation. No you don't have to start that first discussion with reciting any Biblical text, but as you get to know the person, your beliefs and lifestyle will surely come out. Not by preaching, but in the things you do.

If you would like more about Lifestyle evangelism, we have an entire Blog on our website devoted to this topic and it's fun to see what ideas others have on this topic.

Bryan K. Johnson is the President and Owner of BlueHeavenTees.com

Blue Heaven Tees offers innovative and unique Christian Tee Shirts, Christian Hoodies and Sweatshirts and other great Christian gift ideas. Check out our new fall line now in stock!

http://www.BlueHeavenTees.com

When Do We Get To Meet God

Feeling the Philous Love

When you receive the Seal your love becomes the greatest of all loves known to people--the philous love. And that is when you become the friend of God and eventually His Bride too. When you are sealed you will love God and love other people with the greatest of loves, the philous love. The reason your love is the greatest is because of your self-sacrifice.

When you are sealed you are put under the feet of Jesus. That is when you let yourself die. And that is only the beginning. Then you will die daily, letting your old self perish and be replaced by the new living person God makes you.

It is the Commandment of Jesus that you love one another as Jesus loves you. When you are sealed you will fulfill this Commandment because you will love with the greatest of all loves. Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses but He also gave you the Commandment to love. And Jesus loves you with the love of friend and even the love of a husband for his wife.

"Greater love than this no one has," Jesus said, "that one should lay his life for his friends." You lay down your life at the feet of Jesus when you become sealed and then you lay down your life daily to receive new Life.

So you will have the greatest of all loves people can love with. You may not have the most passionate feeling of "love." But that is usually not love. That passionate feeling is usually something else, like lust or covetousness. You will have the greatest love spiritually. You will have the greatest love in God's eyes. And His Opinion is the one that matters. If you are concerned about what people think, then you will soon experience Judgment Day.

Judgment Day is only a number of short years away. And that is the Day when God will consider how well you followed what Jesus told you to do. And you know how you can follow His Commandment to the greatest possible extent.

"You are my friends," He said, "if you do as much as I command you." You will become the friend of Jesus by becoming sealed, for that is when you will die and have the greatest love, thereby doing what He commanded you. And to become the friend of Jesus you must love one another as well as love God. You must carry the message of the Seal to other people. But you are not limited to being a servant of God this way.

"No longer do I call you servants," Jesus said, "for the servant knows not what His Lord does. But I have called you friends, for all things which I heard of my Father I have made known to you."

So you become the friend of Jesus and not just His servant by doing His Commandments. And when you are sealed Jesus chooses you, for that is when He writes His Name upon you.

"You did not choose me," Jesus said, "but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and your fruit should abide; that whatever you should ask the Father in my Name He should give to you."

When you are sealed you will bear fruit as the chosen of God. And you may ask God for something in prayer and He will grant it to you because you bear fruit for His Purpose when you receive the Seal.

Jason Witt is a sinner healed and sealed. He has been transformed by Jesus, who came and made His Home in Jason's heart and in his mind. Come and see what Jesus foretold that is starting to happen today. Jason Witt dot org

Crisis In Christianity

My Love - A Poem About One's First Love

There are three main reasons why someone comes to Christ and receives Him as Lord and Savior of their lives and drives men and women to their knees before Him.

One reason is through a realization of the holiness of God and the unholiness, wretchedness of man and the complete realization that God is everything and you are nothing. Second reason is brought about with a very real and overwhelming fear of God's wrath and the final expression of His wrath being hell. Plus, the reality of what we really deserve from God is to spend the rest of eternity separated from Him in hell. Third reason comes about by falling head over heels in love with the loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

To fully realize how much Jesus Christ loves you and how much you mean to Him. My reason for first accepting Jesus Christ into my heart and life was reason number three. No one introduced me to Him, He just revealed Himself to me in a personnel, intimate way that I will never forget. At the start of my freshmen year in high school, all of my childhood friends moved away and I was left alone. In addition, I did not feel a lot of love at home from my parents and my one younger brother. I entered high school alone, feeling unwanted, unloved and consequently became depressed.

Looking back at my freshmen year, I would say the hardest part of being and feeling alone was not actually being alone or feeling disconnected from people but instead feeling that I wasn't valuable enough, for anyone to want to get to know me.

I always knew about God but I did not know Him; there is a tremendous difference between the two. Growing up, my parents would often take my brother and me to church. And during elementary school I would go to Bible class which was held once a week in a trailer and lasted about an hour. Church and Bible class is where I learned about God and some of the stories in the Bible. However, as far as I can remember, no one really taught me how to know God personally and intimately. Having no one to talk to during my freshmen year, I decided to take on the endeavor of getting knowing God by talking to Him.

My getting to know God started in conversations with Him, actually, I'm the one that did all of the talking so I guess it wasn't much of a two way conversation. Many times these conversations took place in an oak tree. However, whenever I talked to God I would request one desire, which was for God to take my life literally. Looking back, I realize that I wasn't getting to know God and certainly had no real clue to who He was. For God is the God of life and not death. And when one realizes God's love for them and embraces that love then one cannot help but to live life to the fullest. Jesus said, "..I have come that they may have life and life to the full." (John 10:10).

God is a rewarder of those who seek Him, no matter how one starts the seeking process. A couple of months into my freshmen year of high school, God sent me a friend and someone that He can talk through. His name was Ken Caster and he was a junior at my school. I met Ken while I was sitting alone at the lunch table in the cafeteria. As I was eating Ken approached me and sat down. He then did something that no one else had ever done, he asked me my name.

Ken did not immediately start preaching to me about Jesus. Really he didn't talk at me, spilling out theological and evangelical useful information. Instead, he simply started asking questions about me, he started to get to know me. I did not know it the time but it was at that moment I was talking face to face with God; for by just seeking to get to know me, Ken was displaying the character and heart of Jesus. For in every believer God lives and when we walk in obedience in accordance with God's holiness and His love then Jesus, who is also God (John 1:1-3,14), is manifested through the life of the Christian.

After several weeks from the first meeting with Ken I started going to Campus Life, there I met more of Ken's friends who quickly became my friends. Campus Life was a ministry which met once every other week. During the meetings there would be an icebreaker, then an open discussion about contemporary issues and how they relate to the Christian life. At the end of every discussion, a leader or someone would wrap up the discussion and the meeting would close with a social time. Someone working with Campus Crusade for Christ were in charge of these meetings. I am sure that during these meetings, Ken or someone told me about Jesus but I don't remeber anyone telling me the Gospel or salvation.

Towards the end of March of my freshmen year, Ken invited me to see a Christian comedian named, Ken Davis in concert. It sounded fun so I agreed. In April Ken and some of his friends picked me up and took me to the concert. During the show I could not remember the last time, if any, I laughed and not only laughed but laughed so hard, that at times it was hard for me to breath. Towards the end, when the laughing stopped, Ken Davis proceeded to tell us about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the first time when I heard about the Man, the God and the Savior that I would fall in love with.

At the end of his message Ken Davis asked everyone to bow their heads and not to think about anything. He asked, while heads bowed, to let the Holy Spirit move and allow God to talk to our hearts.

This night was the first night when God spoke and I listened. While my head was bowed God did speak to me, not with words but with His love and I began to feel and sense Jesus Christ's presence, His loving presence, all around me and inside of me, and for the first time in my life I did not feel alone. Then Ken Davis asked if anyone wanted to accept Jesus into their heart and if so to come up front.

Without thinking, I slowly stood up with my head still bowed and I slowly made my way up to the stage. As I was making my way up I began to lift my head and shame started sliding off me like butter and acceptance started to clothe me.

While I was walking down the aisle and up towards the stage, I did not look to the right or to the left but looked straight ahead then up towards the heavens, it was like I was looking straight into the loving eyes of the Savior.

For it was that night I saw the face of my love but it wasn't my fleshly eyes that beheld Him but my spiritual eyes that beheld Jesus Christ, my love. It was that night I knew I would never again be alone. After much rejoicing with Ken Caster and his friends I went home and headed up stairs to my bedroom.

In my bedroom alone but yet not alone I made a vow I said, "Jesus, I want to live for you no matter what. If it is cool or uncool, if it is the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do, I will live for you. Since then I started conversing with God and now I try to do the majority of the listening. When God speaks to me, many time I hear his words and feel His arms around me and His love warming my heart and spirit on cold, dark nights.

It was on one of those nights that I wrote my first poem called "My Love." Other poems would follow mainly about Jesus, which comes from my new heart that I received the night when I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart and life, at a Christian comedian concert in April of my freshmen year of high school.

My Love

I remember when I first fell in love,
your gentles like a dove,
your voice calling me
to be your love.

I remember when I first held your hand,
as I promised to cherish you
in this foreign land.

When times come when I feel lost and scared,
I hear your voice saying,
"You have nothing to fear,
remember you are mine,
All of this because I care."

For I know, I am the apple of your eye,
before you I was nothing but now I am something,
by the result of your love that will never die.

There was a time, long ago
when you proved your love for me,
and showed me once and for all,
You will never let me go.

For my sins you died upon a tree,
with powerful action,
on the cross,
you displayed your love for me.

When I heard you had died, I started to cry,
but tears of sadness turned to tears of joy,
when you arose and appeared by my side.

Soon you told me you had to leave,
to prepare a place for me,
where we will be together for eternity.

My love, there are still times when I feel discouraged,
when I grow suddenly afraid and loose all courage,
tough still I am quick to rejoice,
for you have promised me,
you will come back for me,
and with your sweet voice,
call me by name to join you in eternity.

Jeff Dalton
317-902-2266
http://www.gracereminders.com
Reminding people of God's grace with one word at a time.

Searching For A Soul Mate

Jesus on the Shore of Our Life

"But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus" (John 21:4).

It was after a night of failure for the disciples that Jesus appeared on the shore. "Disappointment and defeat may prepare us for a new manifestation of the grace and power of Jesus Christ" (Anonymous). We may weep in the night, but joy finally comes in the morning; as the sun rises, the Son rises and comes to our aid. Jesus is seasonable as well as reasonable; He comes when we are most in need. Another thought here: Christ was present through their night but only allowed Himself to be visible to them in the morning.

*Jesus stood on the shore, loving His disciples, watching their heartbreaking failure in their ordinary duty, and knowing that He is about to help them. He is on the shore of our life, too, aware of all that is happening to us, and knowing that He is about to give us victory, only we don't see Him. Also, perhaps we need to evaluate the difference between success, which is what we want, and victory, which is what God gives us. Success is what we achieve and victory is what God achieves for us. Success can sour; victory is sweet.

*Jesus stood on the shore, where we doubt His power can reach us. He stood on the quiet shore, as the disciples looked and probably thought He was an ordinary person waiting for the boat to come in. Little did they know what He was about to do for them. Jesus often is very near to us, ready at that moment to help us, and we don't realize or recognize Him.

*Jesus stood on the shore of nature, where the sun was rising and the air was fresh and sensation was touched with wonder at the beauties of creation. This is where we meet our God, out where He has touched it with His brilliance.

Magic Of Believing Book

Cherubic Hymn Movie Video

I love the chants from the Byzantine Chant and other Religions

Peaceful Warrior God

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a christian Ideas library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Planting The Seeds Of Suggestion
Programming Yourself For Success

History Written for Children

When is history fun? When it is told or written in story form. Children are more responsive to stories of true events than they are to reading a conventional history book.
Shirley Nelson author of What Happened Here? saw the need for a local history book and wrote it so that children and adults would enjoy learning from it.

Shirley Nelson, author of What Happened Here, took time out from her very busy schedule to give us at Far West Books and Gifts an interview.

What made Shirley want to write a book about the history of this area (Coos and Curry counties, Oregon)? Shirley taught school in Medford, Oregon for several years. The last couple of years she taught fourth grade. At that time, fourth grade children learned Oregon History. Shirley thought they would enjoy stories more and they could learn history that way. She read to them stories about true events written in a way that children could understand. Shirley found that the children responded better to the stories written about history better than reading history.

When Shirley retired and moved here to Port Orford, Oregon, she started to learn about all the rich history of this area. Her idea was to write a book about the stories of the local history, a book which children would like and was in a simple vocabulary that children could understand but adults would read also. Many adults buy the book not only for themselves but for their children also. It was the idea that these stories are interesting, they tell us about who we are and where we come from. Shirley wanted to do it in a form that people would enjoy. There are many excellent history books written on this area, but they are big and long and technical. Many people will not pick them off the shelves and read them. (Shirley included a bibliography of Oregon History books in What Happened Here?)

What Happened Here? is in its second printing and available at several local stores. Far West Books and Gifts now has it available at our on-line store at booksatfarwest.com.
What Happened Here? has received very good reviews from Librarians, Historians and other authors.

When you are ready to learn more about the local history of Coos and Curry counties of Southern Oregon, this book should be on your list. It has fourteen short stories about local stories and legends based on the history of Coos and Curry counties, five maps, 22 pictures and a historical time line from 1848 to 1945. It is also very informative to new residents or visitors of the area.

Catherine Dahrens is the owner of Far West Books and Gifts, an on-line book store located at http://www.booksatfarwest.com

Going To Heaven Or Not