GOOD HOPE THROUGH GRACE

Heart wish . . .

2011-08-06T20:52:00.002-04:00

Oh, for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free;
A heart that's trusting in the blood
So freely shed for me.

A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
Believing, true, and clean,
Which neither death nor life can part
From Him that dwells within. -Charles Wesley

Where?

2011-06-20T12:23:00.003-04:00

Where is the Life we have lost in living?
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? -T.S. Eliot, poet (1888-1965)

- It takes a lifetime to figure this out! : ) but satisfying to know you know some of the differences.

Why cruelty?

2011-06-20T11:54:00.003-04:00

It is the certainty that they possess the truth that makes men cruel. -Anatole France, novelist, essayist, Nobel laureate (1844-1924)

Our Sunday School has gone over the history of the church and the cruelty that man put upon his fellow human being if they don't believe the same way. I'm trying to understand the cruelty and maybe the above quote has truth in it? Better watch ourselves!

More Ayn Rand

2011-06-20T11:34:00.003-04:00

BY Xion 06.17.11 AT 7:51 PM

Rand thought she came up with a new philosophy and people often attribute her with creating something new. It wasn’t new at all. Objectivism is quite simply existentialism with a purpose. The purpose is to “be all you can be” as the Army slogan goes. If you love architecture or making steel, then build the best buildings and make the best steel and ascend to the highest heights of your potential.

It is amusing to see how wrong Rand was about Christianity and yet to see her espousing principles which aren’t far off. A Christian would say “be all God would have you to be”. Fulfill your God given purpose.

Rand’s arch-enemy was collectivism which is contrary to individualism. One’s purpose is to serve the state and not ascend to the heights of your potential, but the state’s. The state is run by moochers, lawyers and politicians who produce nothing but feed off of the productivity of others. In the name of fairness and equity they destroy prosperity.

Rand viewed Christianity as a tool of the state, as the opiate of the people, which demands self-sacrifice and service of others. This was the greatest evil in Rand’s view. She got it wrong.

Serving God is a personal, individual aspiration. Service of others is not an end in itself. Service of God is the fulfillment of one’s maximum potential and it goes far beyond concrete and steel, the stuff of this life.

Existentialists are not wrong. The problem is their view is too narrow. Solomon, the wisest man in history aside from Christ spoke of things under the sun. Vanity of vanities.

If the secular world is all there is, then existentialism is the truest philosophy around. It accurately captures the vanity of existence and proposes no hope other than to burn brightly before your light is snuffed out.

Solomon went on to explain that there is another dimension to life above the sun, i.e. a spiritual dimension which gives life meaning even beyond the grave. I pity Rand for never having embraced this wisdom. Her philosophy, i.e. plain old existentialism, is quite good for materialists. But reality is more than the rudiments of this world and its vain philosophies.

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world,and not after Christ.” (Col 2:8 KJV)

(She missed the cross, but freed my thought to reject the collective view of the church to the individual love of Christ for me. Yes,"God so loved the world...", but "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Amy Carmichael

2011-06-15T19:17:00.007-04:00

Amy Carmichael was commissioned by the Church of England Zenana Mission. Hindu temple children were young girls dedicated to the gods and forced into prostitution to earn money for the priests i.e Devadasi. Much of her work was with young ladies, some of whom were saved from forced prostitution. The organization she founded was known as the Dohnavur Fellowship. Dohnavur is situated in Tamil Nadu, thirty miles from the southern tip of India. The fellowship would become a sanctuary for over one thousand children who would otherwise have faced a bleak future.

In an effort to respect Indian culture, members of the organization wore Indian dress and the children were given Indian names. She herself dressed in Indian clothes, dyed her skin with dark coffee, and often travelled long distances on India's hot, dusty roads to save just one child from suffering.

While serving in India, Amy received a letter from a young lady who was considering life as a missionary. She asked Amy, "What is missionary life like?" Amy wrote back saying simply,

"Missionary life is simply a chance to die."

In 1931, Carmichael was badly injured in a fall, which left her bedridden much of the time until her death. She died in India in 1951 at the age of 83. She asked that no stone be put over her grave; instead, the children she had cared for put a bird bath over it with the single inscription "Amma", which means mother in the Tamil.

Her biography quotes her as saying:

"One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.

Amy Carmichael - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No Scar? is one of my favorite of Amy's poems first heard read by Elizabeth Elliot on her radio program.

NO SCAR?

Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land,
I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star,
Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?
Yet I was wounded by the archers, spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned:
Hast thou no wound?

No wound? no scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And pierced are the feet that follow Me;
But thine are whole: can he have followed far
Who has nor wound nor scar?

Lying

2011-06-09T10:18:00.002-04:00

Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others.

-Fyodor Dostoevsky, novelist (1821-1881)

The first step to trust Jesus Christ as our Redeemer is to realize that we are helpless and need to be rescued. Satan "hath blinded the minds of those which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" II Corinthians 4:4).

It is a miracle that our spirit will listen to God's Spirit that we might be saved, but God has made it possible and reasonable to those who seek. Praise God!

Differences in Christianity?

2011-06-04T10:39:00.006-04:00

Solomon writes in Proverbs: “Only by pride cometh contention.” There’s a certain amount of pride.

Pride, in religion per se, it just runs the show. This is what Jesus dealt with, with regard to the Jewish religious leaders, the Pharisees, Sadducees and so on.

(I often wonder how the differences in denominations are possible...but, could it be as simple as pride? We are certainly a self-aggrandizing bunch of humanity, aren't we? Lord, guard our heart from our own deception of ourself. Amen. - Linda)

Does the Bible Mention Denominations? | thebereancall.org

HOPE IN YOUR WORKS?

2011-05-24T21:03:00.000-04:00

If God announces the gift of righteousness apart from works, why do you keep mourning over your bad works, your failures? Do you not see that it is because you still have hopes in these works of yours that you are depressed and discouraged by their failure? If you truly saw and believed that God is reckoning righteous the ungodly who believe on Him, you would fairly hate your struggles to be "better"; for you would see that your dreams of good works have not at all commended you to God, and that your bad works do not at all hinder you from believing on Him, - that justifieth the ungodly!

Therefore, on seeing your failures, you should say, I am nothing but a failure; but God is dealing with me on another principle altogether than my works, good or bad - a principle not involving my works, but based only on the work of Christ for me ... God, in justifying me, acted wholly and only on Christ's blood-shedding on my behalf.

--William R. Newell (1868-1956), pastor, assistant superintendent of Moody Bible Institute, and writer of the beloved hymn "At Calvary."

Amen, amen! - Linda

Ann Barnhardt: The Boston Speech.. .

2011-05-17T13:15:00.001-04:00

“Sir, you are deeply confused. I killed Jesus. The Jews are merely the historical proxy for me.”

Ann Barnhardt: The Boston Speech. @ AMERICAN DIGEST

Reading with thought. . .

2011-05-16T14:40:00.003-04:00

Reading is sometimes an ingenious device for avoiding thought. -Arthur Helps, writer (1813-1875)

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go. -William Shakespeare, playwright and poet (1564-1616)

My kids were avid readers from the time they could put some words together. I should be delighted, and am, that they love the story, but reading with thought is what would be best. I know that I cannot enjoy the reading of the Bible on tape etc. as the reader does not stop for thought! You too?

Are Angels and Demons Reality or Myth?

2011-05-07T20:01:00.001-04:00

I think Satan is a self-deluded egomaniac who probably to this day thinks he’s going to win. After all what does he offer? He offers people all that their selfish ambitions would want. Self as god and instead of taking that, who is going to follow this lowly man of Nazareth who all he promises you is take up your cross and follow me? You’ll be hated by the world and so forth, and Satan promises you the world. So rationally, you would think he would have the biggest following and in fact he does. I often say to young people especially, if Satan has more to offer than God, if what Satan is offering you is better and your conscience can go with it and in the long run it’s going to prove to be better than what God offers, by all means follow Satan. God is not trying to trick anyone, but he is up front with what he’s offering. Satan is a deceiver and a liar—

Are Angels and Demons Reality or Myth? | thebereancall.org

A good read from Dave Hunt. - L

"O What A Savior" (Marvin P. Dalton)

2011-05-07T11:42:00.002-04:00

Once I was straying in sin’s dark valley
No hope within could I see
They searched through Heaven
And found a Savior
To save a poor lost soul like me.

Chorus
O what a Savior, O hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scarred
His side was riven
He gave His life-blood for even me.

Death’s chilly water I’ll soon be crossing
His hand will lead me safe o're
I’ll join the chorus in that great city
And sing up there for evermore.

YouTube - "O What A Savior" By Squire Parsons/Larry Ford

Today, not judgment but grace and peace. . .

2011-05-01T19:08:00.008-04:00

"Thy word is true from the beginning...," "Thy word is truth" (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17).

"As even the limited evidence we've presented suggests, this winter's extreme weather, animal deaths, and even earthquakes are not the beginnings of divine judgment...but rather these events appear to be the consequences of entropy, in conjunction with the wickedness of men" and Satan's power.

You mention God's chastenings in men's lives, to either bless them or call them to repentance. It is true that the Lord chastens those whom He loves (Heb 12:6). This principle applies to God's children--those who have been made joint heirs through faith in Christ(Rom 8:17). Scripture tells us that it is not God's wrath but His kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4)

With the professing church, it's important to note that in the New Testament we see God's judgment of unrepentant believers: "deliver[ing] such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh" (1 Cor 5:5). This may occur in a sudden, catastrophic manner, or perhaps in a slow but obvious deterioration of health. God simply allows Satan to do what comes naturally as the thief and destroyer and sworn enemy of God's people. This method of justice seems consistent with what we see in regard to peoples and nations today.

There is no scriptural or physical evidence to suggest that our Creator is presently doing the "thundering" or "shaking" that results in catastrophic death and devastation. Instead of a biblical view of love, grace, and mercy, this paints the Lord as a spiteful, vengeful being, who indiscriminately hurls lightning and waves upon the continents. Such a picture is largely indistinguishable from that of a mythological or pagan perspective.

Today in the age of grace, God "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Mt 5:45)--not for judgment, but for blessing.
(From The Berean Call Newsletter, May 2011.)

Did Jesus come to England?

2011-04-29T13:03:00.003-04:00

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?

And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
- William Blake

Gillian.E. Shaw wrote:
This poem was written about the Industrial Revolution that took place during the early 19th century. The first verse asks did Christ visit Britain. This may be metaphorical or literal. There is an old English legend that Christ came to Britain as a boy.

The poet questions Christianity in Britain (2nd verse) and illustrates the point by using the adjective 'satanic' when describing the industrial mills. (In the North of Britain at this time many people; men, women and children, worked in the cotton industry.) This clearly gives the impression that the poet thinks the mills are evil places.

In the final two verses he poet summons up his faith and reveals he will not rest until there is justice in society.
This is a beautifully written poem and is sometimes used as a national anthem.

(L. This song was sung at the Royal Wedding today of William and Kate. It was wonderful to see the respect for Christianity. The name of Jesus Christ was spoken often during the service. I'm afraid our country would not acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as England has done today. This is sad for us, isn't it?)

NOT YET ACCOMPLISHED

2011-04-27T19:53:00.001-04:00

Now it must be freely granted that Messianic prophecy as a whole has not yet received its full accomplishment, that only a part of it has done so. "The woman"s seed" has not yet completely crushed the serpent"s head, as is evident from his present tremendous and universal activity in our world, where the tempter is undeniably still alive and at large! He is still in our day what our Savior called him in His day, "the prince of this world, " and what Paul called him, "the god of this world," "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (John 14:30, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:2). Sin still reigns unto death. No one contends that the work of human redemption is as yet complete.

This Christian age, though fast nearing its close, has not yet run its course; and according to Scripture, another age the millennial is to succeed the one in which we live before the old serpent will be fully destroyed, before redeemed humanity will rest and rejoice in the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
-- Dr. Henry Grattan Guinness, The Divine Program of the World's History, 1889

Perfection in the cross. . .

2011-04-27T19:04:00.004-04:00

Good Friday teaches me that failure is not to be avoided at all costs, but instead embraced as a great opportunity. Good Friday teaches me that my lifelong struggle for perfection is doomed to failure, and is chasing after the wind. Good Friday teaches me that I have no idea what is best for me, that pain and suffering have a purpose which I need not, and often should not, understand. Good Friday teaches me that God can make sparkling diamonds out of filthy coal, that my worst attributes, my most painful failures, the most disastrous events which have befallen me beyond my control, are but the building blocks of a new and far better life in hands of God.

Read:
Meditation on Good Friday | The Doctor Is In

Thank you, Doctor Bob, for this wonderful essay on the cross. It reads true and encourages me. - Linda

Beneath the cross...

2011-04-23T09:12:00.001-04:00

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way
From the burning of the noon-day heat, and the burden of the day.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place,
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Galatians 6:14).

Jesus Christ is the most important person who ever walked this earth. His cross is glory to all who believe.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T12:45:00.005-04:00

"Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it." (John 11:38 cf. vs. 33).

groaning, Gr.(Strong's 1690) embrimaomai, to snort with anger. Translated "groaning", "straitly charged" (Mark 1:43).

"Jesus wept" (John 11:35).

Not a passive picture of our Lord when connected to the Greek word. Jesus snorted with anger at the death of his friend, Lazarus.

Jesus suffered our death; the last enemy is death. He did it in opposition to the power of darkness, and He did it with righteous anger against the evil one.

"And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth" (John 11:43). "And he that was dead come forth. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go" (John 11:44).

The good news of Good Friday. "It is finished."

Simple answers . . .

2011-04-21T08:57:00.003-04:00

“There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)

Yes, I think this rings true. We are in the world, but not of the world. We are the light. We are the salt. You think?

The perfection of God...

2011-04-20T19:04:00.004-04:00

"Remember the perfections of that God whom you worship, that he is a Spirit, and therefore to be worshipped in spirit and truth;

and that he is most great and terrible, and therefore to be worshipped with seriousness and reverence,

and not to be dallied with, or served with toys or lifeless lip-service;

and that he is most holy, pure, and jealous, and therefore to be purely worshipped;

and that he is still present with you, and all things are naked and open to him with whom we have to do.

The knowledge of God, and the remembrance of his all-seeing presence, are the most powerful means against hypocrisy."

-- Richard Baxter, English, Calvinistic, Puritan church leader. (From The Berean Call.)

Richard Baxter (1615-1691) wrote hymns and was a great leader. Two quotes might be familiar to you:

"I preach as never sure to preach again,
And as a dying man to dying men."

"In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity."

What Devil?

2011-04-20T12:00:00.001-04:00

"The smartest thing the Devil ever did was to convince the world that he doesn't exist."

This is a common paraphrase of CS Lewis from the Screwtape Letters.

Gordian knot. . .

2011-04-13T13:09:00.004-04:00

Gordian
PRONUNCIATION:(GOR-dee-uhn)

MEANING:
adjective: Highly intricate; extremely difficult to solve.

ETYMOLOGY:
In Greek mythology, King Gordius of Phrygia tied a knot that defied all who tried to untie it. An oracle prophesied that one who would undo this Gordian knot would rule Asia. Alexander the Great simply cut the knot with one stroke of his sword. Hence the saying, "to cut the Gordian knot", meaning to solve a difficult problem by a simple, bold, and effective action. Earliest documented use: 1579.
(From Word A Day site.)

The cross of Jesus Christ liberated the world from the wicked one. The secret of the cross which Satan did not know, fooled him into doing the only thing which would bring down his plan of controlling man and besting God Almighty. One wooden cross, so crude, cut the Gordian knot of his dominion. "It is finished" Jesus said. Hallelujah!

The strong delusion. . .

2011-04-09T08:46:00.002-04:00

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2Th 2:11-12)

WORLDmag.com | Community | Blog Archive | Newsweek on the Apocalypse

A wonderful day . . .

2011-04-08T09:57:00.002-04:00

Zippity doo dah, Zippity aye,
My oh my what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine coming my way,
Zippity doo dah, Zippity aye.

Mister blue bird’s on my shoulder,
it’s the truth,
it’s actual,
everything’s satisfactual!
Zippity doo dah,
zippity aye,
My oh my what a wonderful day!

I always loved this happy song from a Disney movie with Uncle Remes singing and cartoon butterflies and birds rejoicing with him for the beautiful day.

Today is a beautiful day too...it is a day of God's grace and His offer of salvation. Don't misuse the day, we might not have many more days of grace and withholding of wrath. Today is the day of salvation! Trust Christ today.

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6:2).

The pleasure of the LORD. . .

2011-04-05T10:21:00.003-04:00

"And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for His mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man" (II Samuel 24:14).

"The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy" (Psalm 147:11).

It's all about the ride!

2011-03-31T15:02:00.003-04:00

On the Harley page: "I'd rather be riding my motorcycle thinking of God than sitting in church thinking about my motorcycle" - Unknown.

Must be a guy thing!

Cause of 1st effect . . .

2011-03-17T09:28:00.002-04:00

God is the cause of 1st effect. In II Samuel 24.l it says, “He (God) moved David” to number the people. I Chronicle 21.l retells the incident and says, “Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel”. Evidently God and Satan provoked David to do the same thing, but how can that be? The Wycliffe Bible Commentary interprets these verses in light of God being the cause of 1st effect: “From the Biblical viewpoint, all things have their ultimate source in God. Even the wrath of man, and Satan, ultimately further the Divine purpose.”

I don’t know about you, but knowing nothing takes the Lord by surprise, and knowing that God is good and He is good ALL the time, no matter what man or the devil is up to in the world, brings me great comfort and security.

Though the cause of evil prosper,
Yet ‘tis truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold
And upon the throne be wrong,
Yet that scaffold sways the future,
And, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow,
Keeping watch above His own.
(-James Russell Lowell, 1819-91)

David was God’s representative on earth, and God’s “eternal purpose” was to be accomplished through David’s physical descendants to bring forth the One who would redeem the world from the dominion of Satan. The eternal Son, Jesus Christ, did become mortal flesh, and He did redeem the world and won the victory over Satan at the cross of Calvary. How Satan must have danced for glee on Good Friday when he accomplished the death of the only Man who could defeat him—but oh, the horror of his mistake when on Resurrection morning he realized the cross was exactly what God had purposed to free the world from his grasp!

Today Satan is agitated and “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5.8). He knows he is a defeated foe and his time is short and his judgment of doom is certain. He still is a ‘roaring lion’, but a greater lion, the Lord Jesus Christ, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed…” at the cross of Calvary. Alleluia! (Rev. 5.5)

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from Thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

Thank you Lord Jesus.

ROB BELL AND LOVE WINS

2011-03-16T12:26:00.001-04:00

At the very heart of this controversy, and one of the reasons the blogosphere exploded over this book, is that we really do have two different Gods. The stakes are that high. If Bell is right, then historic orthodoxy is toxic and terrible. But if the traditional view of heaven and hell are right, Bell is blaspheming. I do not use the word lightly, just like Bell probably chose “toxic” quite deliberately. Both sides cannot be right.

As much as some voices in evangelicalism will suggest that we should all get along and learn from each other and listen for the Spirit speaking in our midst, the fact is we have two irreconcilable views of God. (Online source)

ROB BELL AND LOVE WINS MEETING AT MARS HILL BIBLE CHURCH : Apprising Ministries

Heaven. . . really?

2011-02-26T10:04:00.004-05:00

“If you think about in the angelic world, they’re just as real as you are. They’re just not made of the same physical properties. Life in their realm is just as real as it is in our realm. I've tried to show you that in heaven are farms and cities and manufacturing plants. We talk about the business of heaven. Paul describes the invisible realm and he use exactly the same terminology to describe it as he does for down on earth. There’s work, there’s jobs, there’s life to be carried on." -Pastor Richard Jordan, Grace Impact from Lisa Leland blog (February 20, 2011).

A good fear. . .

2011-02-24T12:00:00.002-05:00

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy. (Psalm 147:11)

Refuge and strength . . .

2011-02-14T18:33:00.000-05:00

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea . . .” (Psalm 46:1-2).

Be still, my soul!

2011-02-08T15:44:00.004-05:00

Be still, my soul! The Lord is on thy side:
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide:
in ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! The hour is hast'ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love's purest joy restored.
Be still, my soul! When change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752
Music: Finlandia, Jean Sibelius, 1899

I love the Finlandia melody. It is used with different words for several other hymns in the Hymnal.

MEETING THEIR TRUE NEEDS

2011-01-19T16:41:00.000-05:00

I have no intention to depart in the smallest degree from the main principles on which I have acted in the past. My only hope for the permanent deliverance of mankind from misery, either in this world or the next, is the regeneration or remaking of the individual by the power of the Holy Ghost through Jesus Christ. But in providing for the relief of temporal misery I reckon that I am only making it easy where it is now difficult, and possible where it is now all but impossible, for men and women to find their way to the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

--William Booth (10 April 1829 - 20 August 1912): British Methodist preacher and founder of The Salvation Army, serving as its first General (1878-1912).

SELF LOVE

2011-01-05T16:10:00.002-05:00

"...men shall be lovers of their own selves..."

Lots of loving of self lately. Self is all I think of as I try to get to the commode or do the exercises prescribed, or wanting a hot cup of tea. Sis Lois says, "What's new!". I guess she is right, only now self can't be hidden by pleasant phrases or reciprocated by a kind gesture of my own.

I'm listening and learning.

Deer Stand

2010-12-23T10:52:00.003-05:00

Don't forget. . .

2010-12-20T20:05:00.001-05:00

We are forgetting that the All Powerful God became a helpless baby boy.

Home...

2010-12-20T19:35:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm home after a stay in the hospital for a hip repair. It is so good to be home with Max and Bailee worrying over me. Wayne is giving shots, cooking (or serving as so many are helping out with good food) laundry, and overseeing my every move. Every day goes better.

We're in different waters, but good to be home.

Wait . . .

2010-12-11T10:04:00.002-05:00

"They also serve who only stand and wait."- John Milton

In 2 Samuel King David divides the spoil with those who were too exhausted to continue on the fight and were used to hold the line and wait. The main contingent complained when it came time to divvy up the stuff. David directs the stuff to be divided equally.

I suppose a matching analogy would be Paul's picture of the One Body of Christ where the smallest member is worthy of honor.

Call no man cheap for whom Christ died.

Jesus Christ gives value to all.

The foundations are out of course. . .

2010-12-07T19:14:00.002-05:00

To the gods or judges of the earth:

"They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course" (Psalm 82:5).

A meeting in the air. . .

2010-12-04T21:34:00.002-05:00

Notice they go out to meet Him.

They heard He’s coming.

It’s a planned thing.

I Thessalonians 4 says we have a rendezvous with the Lord in clouds in the air.

I Cor. 4:5 says, ‘Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.'

(Pastor Richard Jordan, from Lisa Leland.)

A young earth?

2010-12-04T15:36:00.002-05:00

The Population Genetics Modeling Program Software Mendel's Accountant can simulate, with unprecedented biological accuracy, the result of this accumulation:

Assuming a population size of 2,000 individuals, assuming that each mother has six children, and using the rate of 60 mutations per generation in the algorithms, the simulation shows the extinction of the human race after only 350 generations. This also assumes that natural selection would have been effective at removing the least fit from the population every generation.

If this result is anywhere close to correct -- that humanity's genetic mutations would have led to extinction within 350 generations -- how could that possibly fit within evolution's long ages? But if the total age of the world is about 6,000 years,(4) as is consistent with biblical history, then mankind has been here for fewer than 300 generations(5). Thus, the latest and most accurate research into human genetics confirms a straightforward reading of the biblical account of origins and human history.

References

1. Pennisi, E. 2010. 1000 Genomes Project Gives New Map of Genetic Diversity. Science. 330 (6004): 574-575.

2. Kondrashov, A. S. 2003. Direct estimate of human per nucleotide mutation rates at 20 loci causing Mendelian diseases. Human Mutation. 21 (1): 12-27.

3. Vardiman, L. 2008. The "Fatal Flaws" of Darwinian Theory. Acts & Facts. 37 (7): 6.

4. Beechick, R. 2001. Chronology for everybody. Journal of Creation. 15 (3): 67- 73.

5. In reality, the number of generations since creation is smaller, since the average generation time among pre-Flood peoples was 117 years, not 20. Factoring this in yields about 231 generations from creation to 2010 A.D.

http://www.icr.org/article/5722

(Of interest, eh?)

Perfect in weakness...

2010-11-28T10:50:00.002-05:00

Whatever God requires of us He provides.

You think?

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh...casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3,5).

Hard when you're hurting.

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T19:46:00.002-05:00

Thoughts on Thanksgiving | The Doctor Is In

Thanksgiving tells us that we have a higher purpose, a calling which draws us toward the divine, in order that His highest purposes are fully served. It tells us we are hopelessly handicapped in our pursuit of this noble calling, waylaid in wanton selfishness and frivolous foolishness, distracted from our goal by baubles and the banal. Indeed there is little hope of restoring our vision but by grace, by the gracious hand of God to guide, empower, and correct us. It is in this extraordinary reality that true gratitude is found, that we who have hated the good have, in spite of ourselves, been called back home, in forgiveness and with vision restored, to be made useful and purposeful again, to be made new.

This grace empowers gratitude, for it opens all things, both good and bad, to the possibility of redemption. For the good we may be grateful, not merely that it blesses us, but that it enables and empowers us to serve and give to others. Our trials and liabilities, too, become tools by which we may reassess and redirect our lives, growing in empathy for the suffering of others, and in trust in the inscrutable goodness and wisdom of God, who uses evil for good. Our thanksgiving is a celebration of freedom — the freedom to transform all things, whether good or evil, to the higher purposes of God.

Let us, then, be truly grateful this Thanksgiving, for the grace of redemption, the hope of transformation, and the mercy shown to us through Him who is most gracious.

The small c . . .

2010-11-18T21:43:00.000-05:00

Keep experimenting, and don't be afraid to combine the verbal with the visual. Don’t capitalize your I’s all over the place (or, at the very least, don’t let it swell your ego when you do.) -e.e. cummings, 1894 - 1962

So, let's not give c the capitalization it usually garners from its prey. It's serious, but it's not all.

Day by Day

2010-11-18T15:44:00.003-05:00

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear. - Lina Sandell Berg, Swedish

Not sure my Father's wise bestowment is the cancer I am now taking chemo for...just getting me more ready to leave this body or hope for the redemption of my body 'cause we all live in a ruined world where sickness happens.

You think?

I read your book....

2010-11-18T10:46:00.006-05:00

[General Patton outmaneuvering Rommel whose campaign in North Africa earned Rommel the nickname "The Desert Fox.")

Patton: [referring to Rommel's book, Infantry Attack)

"Rommel... you magnificent ******d, I read your book!"

General Patton beat Rommel by understanding his methods, by reading his book.
Infantry Attacks

We too have a foe to defeat. We also have a Book on how to deal with him, and an understanding that he lost the war by the cross of Jesus Christ.

For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
He rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him. - Martin Luther, A Mighty Fortress

The little word is TRUTH. Where do you find the truth? In the Bible where Jesus says He is the Truth. Alleluia!

RESURRECTED BODIES

2010-11-16T22:28:00.001-05:00

[In] the Millennium, our resurrected, glorified bodies, like Christ's, will no longer be part of the physical universe and will thus be changeless and timeless, able to be seen, then vanish, and to pass through closed doors and walls. "Jesus himself stood in the midst of them...but they were terrified ...[thinking] they had seen a spirit....[H]andle me, and see," said Christ, "for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Lk 24:36-43).

Paul informs us, "There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body" (1 Cor 15:44). We don't know what that means except as it was demonstrated in Christ's resurrection. --Dave Hunt

The religion of man...

2010-11-15T10:34:00.008-05:00

The Bahá'ís: What is the Bahá’í Faith?

Posted by: Van Grungy Nov 15, 06:31 AM:
Esperanto speaking* 'new world order' believing. Do your own homework...you will see why you should worry about the Baha'i influence on world events...especially the UN connection.

*Esperanto - An easy-to-learn and politically neutral language that would serve as a universal second language to foster peace and international understanding.

(Well, we do know from the Bible that a return to Babel(Genesis 11) is coming on the earth under the influence of the "evil one". It is the coming of the one-man, the anti-christ, who will control the whole world. Amazing how the events of the world are pointing to this time, isn't it?)

Babylon rebuilt?

2010-11-15T08:47:00.003-05:00

Quote from Christopher Hitchens: "...the discovery of oil around Baghdad has transformed the material basis for political control. "There's a petro-chemical reason for federalism now. If the oil laws were enforced properly by province, it could be as rich as Kuwait. The Saudis and the Iranians don't want a revived Iraqi oil industry because it will undercut them. You could have a modern Middle Eastern country or a parties-of-God failed state."

The Bible prophecies seem to clearly indicate that a literal city of Babylon will be the center of the Middle East world. Yes, Babylon, the spiritual head of a false religious system, but also a literal city.

Maybe the catalyst will be oil. We all need it, and it seems that Iraq (Babylon) has it. You think?

Depths. . .

2010-11-13T09:32:00.005-05:00

"Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O LORD" (Psalm 130:l).

Depths = Strong's, Hebrew 4615, ma'amaq, a deep.

A pastor likened the word depths to the sound a mama camel emits when seeking its young in the wilds of the desert. That low, lowing gut bellow. Growing up on a farm perhaps it is a bit like the lowing given out when the cows come into the barn for the warmth of the hay and community of each other.

A cry of "help"...shelter me.

The cattle are lowing the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;

The world was sitting in the depths of darkness, when He was born...out of the depths of despair, He came.

Titles of Jesus in John chapter 1. . .

2010-11-11T10:16:00.005-05:00

Word (v. 1);
God (v. 1);
Creator (v. 3);
Light (v. 7);
only begotten Son (v. 18);
Lamb of God (v. 29, 36);
Son of God (v. 39, 49);
Messiah (v. 41);
King of Israel (v. 49);
and Son of Man (v. 51).

Wow!

The will of God in Jesus's day . . .

2010-11-09T09:01:00.002-05:00

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24).

"And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40).

Praise to the Lord, the God of everlasting life!

I am He. . .

2010-11-08T20:07:00.003-05:00

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

The woman saith unto Him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called

Christ: when He is come, He will tell us all things.

Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am He" (John 4:24-26).

The Farm

2010-11-02T18:22:00.004-04:00

Ma would have loved this.

(Ensign, Michigan - August 2010)

Marion Visser

2010-11-01T22:21:00.003-04:00

VISSER - Mrs. Marion L. Visser, aged 90, is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior and was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband Andy in Heaven on Saturday, October 30, 2010. Marion had a sweet, gentle spirit and was a loving, generous and selfless woman. - GR Press obituary

Pastor Andy loved Marion and always called her his "sweetheart". She was a warm and wonderful woman.

I'm blessed!

2010-10-31T20:31:00.004-04:00

"Blessed is (s)he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the (wo)man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity" (Psalms 32:1,2).

Growl & Giggles

2010-10-27T18:46:00.003-04:00

What growls and giggles?

My 9 month granddaughter, Amelia.

Grrrrrrrr & a giggle from the depth of her little soul. She is also a hugger.

Blessed, that's me.

In memory of Andy Visser

2010-10-24T19:09:00.003-04:00

It's Real

O how well do I remember
How I doubted day by day,
For I did not know for certain
That my sins were washed away.
When the Spirit tried to tell me,
I would not the truth receive;
I endeavored to be happy
And to make myself believe.

Refrain

But it’s real, it’s real!
O I know it’s real
Praise God, the doubts are settled,
For I know, I know it’s real!

When the truth came close and searching,
All my joys would disappear,
For I did not have the witness
Of the Spirit bright and clear.
If at times the coming judgment
Would appear before my mind,
O it made me so uneasy,
For God’s smile I could not find.

Refrain

When the Lord sent faithful servants
Who would dare to preach the truth,
How my heart did so condemn me
As the Spirit gave reproof!
Satan said at once, “Twill ruin
You now to confess your state;
Keep on working and professing,
And you’ll enter Heaven’s gate.”

Refrain

But at last I tired of living
Such a life of fear and doubt,
For I wanted God to give me
Something I would know about,
So the truth would make me happy
And the light would clearly shine,
And the Spirit gave assurance
That I’m His and He is mine.

Refrain

So I prayed to God in earnest,
And not caring what folks said.
I was hungry for the blessing;
My pour soul—it must be fed.
Then at last by faith I touched Him
And, like sparks from smitten steel,
Just so quick salvation reached me.
O bless God, I know it’s real!

Words & Music: Homer L. Cox, 1907 (MI?DI, score).

Yoga, power of the serpent?

2010-10-23T08:14:00.006-04:00

From far north of India—way up in the jungles where outsiders very seldom get—and they came to an ancient temple and in the temple on one of the walls was sort of a fresco, worn out, but you could distinguish—a woman, a serpent, and a tree. They are together—a woman, a serpent, and a tree.

And in this particular temple they worshiped the serpent, and he asked, “Why do you worship the serpent?” “Well,” they said, “he’s our savior. He’s the one who came to rescue us, to deliver us.”

You know in yoga, for example, yoga is depicted as a raft of serpents, cobras, that takes you across the ocean into the Promised Land, into … the power within yoga, kundalini, serpent. - from The Berean Call, Dave Hunt
Kundalini -

(Yoga is being pushed by all the medical therapies...seems there must be another way to exercise the body than the religion of the serpent. - Linda)

It's not supposed to be that way. . .

2010-10-22T14:39:00.001-04:00

I don’t know if he’ll make it. A friend—a recovering drunk—once told me that sometimes you only get saved by dying. It’s not supposed to be that way. You’re supposed to help them and then they come to Jesus and then they’re better.

WORLDmag.com | Community | Blog Archive | Ceaseless

Why say ye not...

2010-10-20T18:55:00.005-04:00

Why say ye not a word of bringing back the king?
Why speak ye not of Jesus and His reign?
Why tell ye of His kingdom and of its glories sing?
But nothing of His coming back again?

"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven" (The Acts 1:11).

"Ye men of Israel...He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts. 3:20-21).

"...the patriarch David...therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne...therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:30,36).

More love to Thee, O Christ . . .

2010-10-20T18:46:00.003-04:00

Let sorrow do its work,
Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers,
Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

(Elizabeth Prentiss)

They say pain draws you closer to the Lord. I do know that after the pain it has sharpened the awareness of Christ. Not sure it is the same.

3rd world economy. . .

2010-10-20T11:55:00.004-04:00

A couple years ago, Chuck Colson’s Breakpoint quoted a Christian Chinese worker in a factory that made Christmas lights. The question was, should American Christians be buying product made in such a sweatshop condition.

The answer? Please do. This is the only way we have of making money to support ourselves.

(Read article and comments to decide if you should shop at Wal-Mart.)

WORLDmag.com | Community | Blog Archive | Following in our footsteps

They are without excuse...

2010-10-14T09:11:00.005-04:00

Ask Hitchens, author of God Is Not Great, if having cancer has changed his view of religion or God. "If anything, my contempt for the false consolation of religion has increased since I became aware that I probably don't have very long to live" he replies.

Hitchens Brothers Agree To Disagree Over God : NPR

"For the invisible things of Him (God) from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).

The Bible puts it pretty straight. Mr. Hitchens is without excuse in whatever is blocking the simple message of God's love to the world found in Jesus Christ. Could it be pride?

"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom" (Proverbs 13:10).

Not by might. . .

2010-10-12T21:06:00.002-04:00

"This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of Hosts" (Zechariah 4:6b).

Sin leaves only a seared conscience. . .

2010-10-11T09:35:00.004-04:00

We talk about God’s love as if it can be separated from His hatred of sin.

We forget that God despises sin because He loves us. That sin is the off-mark path, the self-begetting delusion, the alluring mirage across burning sand that leaves us where there is no water, no respite, only a seared conscience.

WORLDmag.com | Community | Blog Archive | Away from love

Chopin: Winter's comin'. . .

2010-10-10T18:30:00.001-04:00

Winter Wind

Chopin - Maggie's Farm#trackbacks

Run with horses?

2010-10-04T22:19:00.005-04:00

“If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5)

And like Jesus said, if we cannot be trusted with small things, who will trust us with the real riches (Luke 16:11)? And if we do not stand firm in our faith in a day of relative ease, how will we stand at all when the fiery testing comes (Isaiah 7:9)?

The signs all around us are worrisome. I wonder what kind of world my grandson will grow up in. I hope he will be ready to run with horses. - Andrea Seu

WORLDmag.com If you have raced with men

God of hope. . .

2010-10-02T10:45:00.000-04:00

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13 King James Version

A bit of Herman ----- Melville, that is . . .

2010-10-01T09:33:00.003-04:00

"The truest of all men was the Man of Sorrows"

Something Wonderful: A Rose Among Thorns @ AMERICAN DIGEST

Past, present, future . . .

2010-09-25T21:29:00.005-04:00

Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future is contained in time past.
If all time is eternally present
All time is redeemable. --Eliot

This is what Jesus Christ does in a life. He works back through our past and forgives and heals. He is in our present by the Holy Spirit as our Helper and effectively works in our daily lives conforming us to His very image. He is in our future with eternal glory.

Oh What A Savior!

Once I was straying in sin's dark valley,
No hope within could I see,
I searched thru heaven and found a Savior,
To save a poor lost soul like me.

Chorus:

Oh what a Savior! Oh Hallelujah!
His heart was broken on Calvary,
His hands were nail scared: His side was driven,
He gave his life blood for you and me.

He left the Father, with all His riches,
With calmness sweet and serene,
Came down from heaven and gave His life blood
To make the vilest sinner clean.

Copyright 1948 By Marvin P. Dalton

The Creator's Moon

2010-09-23T21:51:00.004-04:00

Tonight's rare Super Harvest Moon courtesy of our never edited-out Creator.

(from Lucianne.com)

If God is God then worship Him...

2010-09-21T10:09:00.002-04:00

ValiantForTruth Wrote:
If God is God then worship Him, but if baal is god then worship him. The baal of our culture is radical naturalism that has finally arrived at a doctrine of creation without a Creator. This is no less idolatry than bowing down to wooden idols.

But I must add that like the baal worship of old, this is no joke. Generations of young people are being sacrificed to appease this false god with its empty promises. The culture is disintegrating into lawlessness and relativism because the god of autonomous reason and neo-science says that the self-revealed God of the Bible is nothing but myth. But Christ says that He is the truth, and the empty tomb testifies to the truthfulness of His words.

When men suppress the truth, they are without excuse. They bring upon themselves the same wrath that has destroyed the cultures that have gone before us who rejected their heritage in Biblical Theology.

Townhall - Atheism: What a Joke

Winning is not everything?

2010-09-20T11:45:00.007-04:00

"I'm supposed to be a different person now that I've won a slam. Everyone says so. But I don't feel that Wimbledon has changed me. I feel, in fact, as if I've been let in on a dirty little secret: winning changes nothing.

Now that I've won a slam, I know something that very few people on earth are permitted to know. A win doesn't feel as good as a loss feels bad, and the good feeling doesn't last as long as the bad. Not even close. -Andre Agassi,

L. The things of this world do not bring lasting happiness. I have felt exactly what Mr. Agassi says about winning. A loss holds a much greater sway upon the soul than a win. Perhaps it is the same thing as taking for granted a beautiful day with people you love with good food...versus a day of pain and trouble which makes you cry out to God ---

How long wilt Thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me? (Psalm 13:1)

Absentee . . .

2010-09-18T22:26:00.004-04:00

Momma's first birthday in heaven.

I am longing to be sitting with you enjoying conversation with a really "good" cup of coffee.

Happy 93rd Birthday, Mother.

The Deadly War against DDT

2010-09-16T13:46:00.003-04:00

The Deadly War against DDT - Article - National Review Online

Millions of lives lost and so many more suffering. Surely accountability to those who have allowed this to happen must be revealed. I do know that justice will one day be realized with the coming of the Just Judge, Jesus Christ.

"(God) hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead: (Acts 17:31).

In the interim, we weep.

CALVARY'S LOVE

2010-09-14T21:31:00.004-04:00

"If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love." - Amy Carmichael, Missionary to India

AND YET

Have I been so long time with thee
And yet hast thou not known Me?

Blessed Master, I have know Thee
On the roads of Galilee.

Have I been so long time with thee
On the roads of Galilee:
Yet, my child, hast thou not known Me
When I walked upon the sea?

Blessed Master, I have known Thee
On the roads and on the sea.

Therefore then hast thou not known Me
Broken in Gethsemane?

I would have thee follow, know Me
Thorn-crowned, nailed upon the Tree.
Canst thou follow, wilt thou know Me
All the way to Calvary?

(Amy Carmichael)

Do something!

2010-09-13T09:10:00.000-04:00

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." -Edmund Burke, statesman and writer (1729-1797)

What's wrong with the world? I am.

2010-09-02T20:04:00.003-04:00

WORLDmag.com | Community | Blog Archive | Sultans of snoot

The reason Glenn Beck resonates with many evangelicals is that he’s using Alcoholics Anonymous language, which derives from Christian language. We should recognize the tribute he is paying to biblical anthropology but we should not be taken in by Beck’s theology. For example, Christians know that we become righteous by imputation (Christ’s obedience in God’s sight replacing our failure), but Mormons trust in infusion (we become godlike).

For a quick look at some Mormon concepts, see 2002 article from WORLD.

Beckites need to be careful not to think of themselves as virtuous and their opponents as vicious. The Christian understanding is different: All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God.

When The Times of London newspaper nearly a century ago invited G.K. Chesterton and several other eminent writers to contribute essays on the theme, “What’s Wrong With the World,” Chesterton’s response was brief, profound, and biblically correct: “Dear Sirs, I am.”

Good intentions. . . Good enuf?

2010-09-02T11:48:00.004-04:00

Townhall - When Good People Do Bad Things

Good intentions cause most of the world's great evils.

If you really want good to prevail, the key is wisdom, not the heart.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).

The quote below from Eliot seems to have truth in it too, but it is a lot more sinister about the human intention or rather no intention, just grandiosity of self.

"Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm but the harm does not interest them" - T.S. Eliot, poet (1888-1965)

Which do you think is more true of the human condition?

Froth on, Fool. . .

2010-09-02T08:56:00.004-04:00

Again,especially for Stephen Hawking:

"Froth On, Fool!"

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:1).

In The Grand Design, Professor Stephen Hawking argues that the Big Bang, rather than occurring following the intervention of a divine being, was inevitable due to the law of gravity. (I want to know where gravity came from? -Linda)

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise; just to know, "Thus saith the LORD."

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking, life and rest, and joy and peace.
(- Louisa Stead)

My heart goes out to Mr. Hawking, for not knowing the lovely Lord Jesus. What a Friend, what a Savior He is to me. . .and could be to him. Mr. Hawking has been in a wheelchair for many years and cannot speak except for mechanical intervention. Let's pray for him, that he would come to a knowledge of the truth found in the Lord Jesus Christ, before it is eternally to late.

A firm foundation . . .

2010-08-29T19:33:00.002-04:00

Faith in rescuing » GetReligion

They sang the hymn, How Firm a Foundation:

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand

Truth does exist. . .then where?

2010-08-26T14:43:00.005-04:00

"Only scientists and engineers today embrace what the philosophers and literists of yore did: that truth exists independent of humanity and that it is cognizable by reason, discoverable by rationalist inquiry and individuals and society alike are better for discerning it."

(Quote from reader's response to a university professor of humanities moonbat*. *Moonbat = the term references the moon much in the same way that "lunatic" refers to the insanity-causing powers of the full moon (luna = moon). )

Objective truth can be found in a KJV Bible. If not, we'd all be better off going fishing, than spend any time with it, or as our Apostle to the Gentiles said about the truth of Christ's resurrection,

"...if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. But now IS Christ risen from the dead...since by man came death (Adam) by man (Jesus Christ) came also the resurrection of the dead" (I Corinthians 15:17,20,21).

And that is some objective truth to think about.

Envy

2010-08-24T19:54:00.002-04:00

Envy – one of the seven deadly for a reason.

"Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him" (Matthew 27:17-18).

Six feet under . . .

2010-08-24T08:43:00.001-04:00

"Oh, how small a portion of earth will hold us when we are dead, who ambitiously seek after the whole world while we are living!"

- Philip of Macedon, king, father of Alexander the Great (382-336 BCE)

Ground Zero Musk

2010-08-23T13:47:00.006-04:00

FORGOTTEN PROPHETS: August 2010

"Since this is our country, and we make the rules, and abide by them faithfully, it is for us, not some other, to interpret our meaning. So, yes, we have and allow, and demand and tolerate, freedom of religion. But we limit it for the general welfare."

"... it is a moribund* society indeed that does not strive to preserve itself."

*moribund = "about to die," from Fr. moribund (16c.), from L. moribundus "dying," from mori "to die"

Faith

2010-08-23T09:57:00.004-04:00

Faith = Greek, pistia, credence, conviction, truth, truthfulness of God, reliance upon Christ for salvation; assurance, belief, believe, faith.

Good faith is defined as "an act of the will informed by the intellect," and any kind of faith requires submission to something higher than yourself.

In the Bible the one word, faith, is the same word used in three different ways. The context of the verse determinds the defination.

Faith - pistia:

1. the act of believing
2. that which is to believed, i.e. the doctrine as a whole
3. the faithfulness or faith of Jesus Christ.

Unto all longsuffering with joyfulness...

2010-08-22T20:48:00.006-04:00

Bear Claw: You've come far pilgrim.

Jeremiah Johnson: Feels like far.

Bear Claw: Were it worth the trouble?

Jeremiah Johnson: What trouble?

(Jeremiah Johnson quote posted by Vanderleun, August 22,2010.)

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:10 - 14).

Bind my wandering heart. . .

2010-08-21T17:10:00.006-04:00

When you are engulfed in sin, you are blind. No, not blind, but with tunneled vision. You see only the object of your desire, whether it is a drink or a vengeance or a lover or perhaps something so banal as your own exaltation.

Worse, with tunnel vision comes a queer kind of clarity, a crisp focus. You believe that you now see more clearly than you ever have before. This is a deception; when all you see is a glass of whiskey, you are more apt to notice the glistening drops of water on the rim, the swirl of a cloud within the drink, the way the light strikes its surface. You imagine you see the world with some special sight, but in truth you only see that miserable drink in that dingy bar; you don’t see the sunlight or hear the crying out of the world or notice that you are only a tunnel-blind wretch in a pit, a wretch who imagines he has discovered an exception to the law of creation, which is that sin brings curses.
WORLDmag.com Community Blog Archive Bind my wandering heart

Depth of mercy! can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear--
Me, the chief of sinners spare?

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

There for me my Saviour stands,
Holding forth His wounded hands;
God is love! I know, I feel,
Jesus weeps and loves me still.

(Charles Wesley, Tune: Aletta, William B. Bradbury)

Moon and Mars

2010-08-20T11:38:00.008-04:00

Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky Friday, August 27th. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.

L. - Evidently this is not true as it's been circulating on the email circuit for many years. I didn't Snope the article as I'm a sucker for planets and stuff and who would lie about that? I guess on Friday, if you can look up about 12:30 p.m., take a look and see for yourself.

But these verses from Scripture are definitely true:

"And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good" (Genesis 16-18).

Some "common sense" . . .

2010-08-19T15:18:00.004-04:00

Works and Days » With a Wimper or a Bang — or Not at All?

"The United States is so naturally endowed, its Constitution so aptly crafted, and a majority of its population so wedded to a meritocratic, free enterprise system, that recovery, both material and psychological is within our grasp" (Victor Davis Hanson).

Just common sense...worth your while to read.

Native Americans and the Bible

2010-08-19T08:35:00.009-04:00

The short answer is that Native Americans originally came to North and South America as a result of the dispersion at the Tower of Babel.
Native Americans and the Bible - Answers in Genesis

Are Native Americans a lost tribe of Israel?
Evidently the Mormons try and connect native Americans with the Hebrews by language and religious practice. Not a word of this is in God's Book, the Bible. Hold on to your skepticism.

(The above article on Native Americans (A lost tribe of Israel?) does not believe the Biblical view of time and peoples generating out from the Tower of Babel (Young Earth), but put the Indian people in North America around 22,000 years ago. I personally follow the Bible on origins, so am in agreement with the timeline from Babel. But, let's read and use the "little grey cells" as Poirot would say! - Linda)

Sennacherib

2010-08-17T09:34:00.005-04:00

Isaiah 17:1 "Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."

A near fulfilment in Isaiah's day (B.C. 726) in Sennacherib's approaching invasion, but the chapter looks forward to the final invasion and battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:14-16).

Sennacherib - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Destruction of Sennacherib is a poem by Lord Byron first published in 1815 in his Hebrew Melodies. It is based on an event described in the Bible (2 Kings 18-19) during the campaign by Assyrian king Sennacherib to capture Jerusalem. The rhythm of the poem has a feel of the beat of a galloping horse's hooves as the Assyrian rides into battle.

THE DESTRUCTION OF SENNACHERIB

The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,
When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.

Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen:
Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,
That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.

For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed;
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!

And there lay the steed with his nostril all wide,
But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride;
And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,
And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.

And there lay the rider distorted and pale,
With the dew on his brow, and the rust on his mail:
And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,
The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.

And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,
And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;
And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!

Soul and spirit. . .

2010-08-16T10:34:00.005-04:00

Question: Could you please explain to me whether the soul and spirit are the same in the Bible?

Response: First Thessalonians 5:23 clearly states, "I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless."

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the "dividing asunder of soul and spirit."

There is a distinction between soul and spirit and it takes an extremely sharp (i.e., supernatural) instrument to discern it. Consequently, any attempt at human definition must fall short.

The soul is said to include the mind, the will, and the emotions. Jesus, in His humanity, said that His soul was "exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death..." (Mt 26:38. See also Job 10:1, Ps 119:28, Zec 11:8, etc.).

Some might point out that Jesus was also troubled in His spirit:

"When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me" (Jn 13:21 KJV).

It is clear that the spirit addresses issues beyond the mind, the will, and the emotions.

When He was dying on the Cross, Jesus committed his "spirit" into His Father's hands (Lk 23:46).

As for the human spirit, we know that at death it returns to the Lord who gave it (Eccl 12:7, 2 Cor 5:8, Phil 1:23).

Prior to the resurrection, it is "souls" that stand before God:

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God" (Rv 20:4).

Although Scripture gives us no exact definitions of soul and spirit, from the verses quoted and many others, we are assured that they are different parts of the makeup of humans.

(From Berean Call ministry newsletter.)

Legacy. . .

2010-08-15T19:39:00.004-04:00

Hot Air » How does one become a “worst American?”

2. Rachel Carson and William Ruckelshaus – The banning of DDT has led to 60 million dead worldwide.

1. The Rosenbergs – No Americans have done more to help create the Evil Empire and its sister states (including China) then the Rosenbergs. More have suffered and died as a result of this then I can comprehend.

A good name is better than precious ointment (Ecclesiastes 7:1).

Quisling

2010-08-12T20:32:00.007-04:00

Quisling (ˈkwɪzlɪŋ) — n
a traitor who aids an occupying enemy force; collaborator.

After Major Vidkun Quisling (1887--1945), Norwegian fascist politician who headed the puppet government during the German occupation of Norway in World War II; shot for treason after German defeat. First used in London Times of April 15, 1940.
Vidkun Quisling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Synonyms:
collaborator, betrayer, defector, Judas,** snake in the grass, sympathizer, turncoat.

** "And while He yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed Him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took Him" (Matthew 26:47-50).

Friend = Gr. Hetaire, comrade. How touching that the Lord welcomes Judas as friend.

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Words: J. Wilbur Chapman, 1910. Music: Hyfrydol, Rowland H. Prichard, 1830.

Elul: The Lord Is In Our Fields

2010-08-11T18:22:00.005-04:00

Tuesday night was the first night of the Hebrew month of Elul. In this month - the King is in the field. Anyone can approach him. Grace, and absolution are easy for those who draw near - who return.

The month is special in preparation for the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets, September 9) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, September 18). See Leviticus 23.

When Moses ascended Mount Sinai for forty days to receive the Ten Commandments, G-d’s Law, the Hebrews were fearful he would not return and created a Golden Calf to worship. When Moses descended, in anger he smashed the tablets. G-d instructed Moses to again climb Mount Sinai to receive a replacement. Forty days later, during which time Moses asked G-d to forgive the Hebrews’ sin he was instructed that the Israelites repent of their weakness and faithfully observe certain holy days.

The first day of Elul is the second time Moses went up on Mount Sinai, and 40-days later, when Moses returns, Yom Kippur, is when our fate is sealed based upon our acts. We search ourselves for our failings, commit to cease them, sincerely apologize to those we’ve harmed, and create new ways of behavior. The process is called Teshuvah, or return. Elul: The Lord Is In Our Fields - Maggie's Farm

The above post is from Maggie's Farm and from a Jewish religious man. It is interesting to me to see the modern use of these feasts.

A Christian would interpret these verses and these feasts as involving Israel in the future. In taking the contract of the Law, we would say that Israel gave up grace for law. What, under law, was conditional, is under grace, freely given to every believer. Some verses to read: Romans 3:19-26; Galatians 4:1-3; 3:6-25.

Moon touch the earth?

2010-08-11T09:03:00.005-04:00

Just amazed to see how things "work out" with relationships gone sour. Like my Mom said, "I wouldn't be surprised to see the moon come down and touch the earth." What a Great God we have! - Lois Greenlund

Lois is my sister...this is from a post on FaceBook after a bad day was replaced with a good day. God shows up and He is effectively working in those who believe (I Thessalonians 2:13), through His Word.

Mother's walk with this God produced great faith...God could do the impossible. It wouldn't surprise her. How about you?

Adios, Gray Lady

2010-08-10T08:27:00.006-04:00

"Perhaps one picks up all newspapers in anticipation and puts them down in disappointment. But the New York Times, at no extra charge, also leaves one feeling one lives in immitigably dreary times, and it does so daily. I don’t need it. Cancel my subscription, please. Joseph Epstein" Adios, Gray Lady

I feel this about the newsgathers also...where is the important news?

I am so thankful for our young Pastor, who studies God's Word, and gives us some "real" stuff that is very GOOD NEWS to this sad, dreary world and its inhabitants. (You can hear Pastor Bryan on Grace Life Bible Church web site on right side of this page.)

P.S. Joe Epstein is always worth reading, and if he is off the NYT...well, not good news for them.

Doctors - A "dead parrot" profession?

2010-08-09T20:32:00.005-04:00

The Doctor Will See You Now – Or Else! | The Doctor Is In

In Monty Python terms your profession is (was) much like the parrot:

‘E’s not pinin’! ‘E’s passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! ‘E’s expired and gone to meet ‘is maker! ‘E’s a stiff! Bereft of life, ‘e rests in peace! If you hadn’t nailed ‘im to the perch ‘e’d be pushing up the daisies! ‘Is metabolic processes are now ‘istory! ‘E’s off the twig! ‘E’s kicked the bucket, ‘e’s shuffled off ‘is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin’ choir invisibile!! THIS IS AN EX-PARROT! : )

Let's hope not...my aches and pains are only increasing with increasing age! And all those medical insurance premiums that we paid for through the years are finally going to be needed...hopefully the Doctor will be in.