"They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them."—Jeremiah 31:9

Until God is pleased to pour out upon us the spirit of grace and of supplications, we cannot worship him aright; for God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth; nor can we without this spirit offer up that spiritual sacrifice which is acceptable to him through Jesus Christ. When this spirit has been once given and kindled in a believer's breast, it never dies out. It is like the fire upon the brazen altar, which was first given by the Lord himself from heaven, and concerning which God gave this command: "The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out" (Lev. 6:13). This fire might sink low; it might be covered with the ashes of sacrifice, but it never was suffered to go out for want of supply of fuel.So at times it may seem to you as if there were scarcely any spirit of prayer alive in your bosom; and you may feel as destitute of a spirit of grace and of supplications as if you had never known its lively movements and actings. But you will find it drawn out from time to time by circumstances. You will be placed under peculiar trials, under which you will find no relief but at a throne of grace; or God will in tender mercy breathe again upon your soul with his own gracious Spirit, and by his quickening breath will revive, I will not say kindle, for it is not gone out, that holy fire which seemed to be buried under the ashes of corruption, that inward spirit of prayer which he gave you at regeneration, and which will never cease till it issue in everlasting praise.

I am reading a Devotional called "EARS FROM HARVESTED SHEAVES" by J. C. Philpot
And I am being so blessed by it.

"Much mental suffering is tied to our false expectations. We may so link our hopes and joys and future to a new job, to a promotion, or to certain kinds of success, to prosperity, that when they fail to materialize, we are utterly crushed. But quiet confidence in God alone breeds stability and delight amid "all the changing scenes of life. The degree of our peace of mind is tied tour prayer life because we address a prayer answering God, a personal God, a responding God and a sovereign God whom we can trust with the outcomes of life's confusions." DA Carson,


Our expectations of God are sometimes too much. We expect Him to solve all of our problems by a mere prayer. "Lord help me I am in trouble" and then a wave of some kind of force and all our problems are wiped away and we continue on.

NO! Sometimes He answers our prayer and the answer is "deal with it", "I am here but you need to deal with it. " God may be putting you through a trial and that trial maybe there so that you will realize just how much you need the Lord or that your walk is weak and God has put this trial upon you to make your dependency in Christ.

I have failed God so much and I'm realizing just how much, I am so weak and He is so strong. I am such a wretched sinner and He is perfect. I love Him so much, but I don't love Him enough.
I have disappointed Him in so many ways, and He keeps on loving me, I wonder why sometimes. The flesh can be so strong at times, living in this sin infested world can be so difficult.

God will make you face the sin in your life and he will do what ever it takes to do it! If you face up to the fire, God will guide you through it and it may takes hours, days ...or years, but God is there and if it is a lifetime of pain and you leave this world suffering from it, think about the second you leave this world and you enter eternity in Glory, it's worth it.

I believe the hard heartiest, most cross grained and most unloving Christians in all the world are those who have not had much trouble in their life. And those that are the most sympathizing, loving and Christlike are generally those who have the most affliction. The worse thing that can happen to any of us is to have a path made too smooth. One of the greatest blessings the Lord ever gave us was a cross." Charles Spurgeon

Please pray for me because I am so weak and and in the hours, day and months ahead I want to draw nearer to our Savior, I want Him proud of me.

"You may have just victoriously gone through a great crisis, but now be alert about the things that may appear to be the least likely to tempt you. Beware of thinking that the areas of your life where you have experienced victory in the past are now the least likely to cause you to stumble and fall. Stay alert, keep your memory sharp before God. Unguarded strength is actually a double weakness, because that is where the least likely temptation s will be effective in sapping strength. The bible characters stumbled over their strong points, never their weak ones." Oswald Chambers

REPENTANCE

A child of God weeps that he is sometimes overcome by the prevalence of corruption. "For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do." (Romans 7:19).

Repenting tears are precious. God puts them in his bottle (Psalm 56:8). Repenting tears are beautifying. To God—a tear in the eye, adorns more than a ring on the finger. Oil makes the face shine (Psalm 104:15). Tears make the heart shine. Repenting tears are comforting. A sinner's mirth turns to melancholy. A saint's mourning turns to music! Repentance may be compared to myrrh, which though it is bitter to the taste—is comforting to the spirits. Repentance may be bitter to the flesh, but it is most refreshing to the soul. Wax which melts is fit for the seal. A melting soul is fit to take the stamp of all heavenly blessing. Let us give Christ the water of our tears—and he will give us the wine of his blood!

Godly men weep over the evils whichare found in themselves, such as
. . . error,
ignorance,
prejudice,
pride,
self-righteousness,
worldliness,
levity,
unloving tempers and dispositions,
censoriousness,
envy,
sinful anger,
hatred,
a proneness . . .
to remember wrongs,
to indulge complaints,
to forget mercies.

There is no plague like the plague of an evil heart! There is no misery like the wretchedness of 'conscious vileness'. There are no sighs so long and so deep-drawn as those caused by indwelling sin. Though the righteous shall not weep always, yet they may weep bitterly. "What a wretched man I am!" Romans 7:24"I abhor myself!" Job 42:6"Behold, I am vile!" Job 40:4"Woe is me! For I am undone!" Isaiah 6:5"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" Luke 5:8


True repentance is a daily turning of the soul further and further from sin—and a daily turning of the soul nearer and nearer to God.True repentance includes . . . a true sense of sin, a deep sorrow for sin, a hearty loathing of sin, and a holy shame and blushing for sin.To repent is to make . . . a clean head and a clean heart; a clean lip and a clean life.To repent is for a man to loathe himself, as well as his sin. Is this easy for man, who is so great a self-lover, and so great a self-exalter, and so great a self-admirer—to become a self-loather? To repent is to cross sinful self,it is to walk contrary to sinful self, yes, it is to revenge a man's self upon himself.True repentance lies in a daily dying to sin, and in a daily living to Him who lives forever.

Grace Gems

DEATH AND LIFE

The last thing a child of God has to fear is death! Death to a christian means to be in the presence of their Savior. Oh the Glory of that moment absent from the body, present with the Lord, not even but a second of closing your eyes and then to open them and see the Holy one that you have served. The joy will be indescribable! All the pain and suffering you endured will be wiped from your mind.

"The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more!" Isaiah 65:19

The joy we will experience when we look into His face and see the love He feels for us, a love no greater.

"And they shall be Mine, says the Lord Almighty, in that day when I make up My jewels." Malachi 3:17

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

To meditate on how much He loves His own to remember how He suffered so much for us by laying down His life. ..No greater love then to lay down your life.

He is preparing it for us brethren! Home Sweet Home Awaits us!!

~Cristina~

HE IS INDESCRIBABLE

FOR THOUGH ART WITH ME

Brethern, In times of trouble remember your not alone

Psalms 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod
and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: thou anointest [2] my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord for ever

HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU

"The things we try to avoid and fight against - tribulation, suffering and persecution - are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. Huge waves that would frighten the ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. "We are more than conquerors through Him" IN all these things - not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation". Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Rom 8:37, 2 Cor 7:4)

HAPPY 25 ANNIVERSARY MY LOVE!

DECEMBER 1st a day that will be never forgotten.......

Love that’s grown over many year
Looking back with joy and tears
Silver thread now marks the day,
I am so thankful for you in every way.

Remembering back to that day
Walking down the isle with my bouquet.
You waiting there, our journey ahead
Remembering now the words we said.

to have and to hold from this day forward,
for better or for worse, for richer,
for poorer, in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish; from this day forward
until death do us part.

My love, when God choose you to be my man,
Now looking back, I knowing it was his sovereign plan.
You have brought such joy and laughter into my life
And I am so blessed to be able to be called your wife.

Jim, I love you more today then the day we were wed!

TRANSFORMED

I was listening in a chat room tonight and some were saying that if you do not believe automatically in the 5 points of Calvinism, you are not saved and then I got this e-mail in from "Grace Gems" and thought what perfect timing! It's all in God's timing!

A believer's life-mission

(J. R. Miller, "Life's Byways and Waysides")

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind!" Romans 12:2

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness." 2 Corinthians 3:18

The character of every true believer is being transformed. If Christ dwells in you, He will produce in you the same kind of life which He himself lived when He was on the earth. This change does not come in its completeness, or instantaneously the moment one believes in Christ. But it does begin then.

Life is large. Life's lessons are many and hard to learn! Paul was an old man when he said, "I have learned, in whatever state I am, therein to be content." It had taken him many years to learn this lesson of contentment.

Likewise, it takes us years to get life's lessons learned. But nothing is clearer, than that a believer's life-mission --is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. There is to be a transformation of character. Holiness must become the every-day dress of the Christian. We are called to be saints, even in this sinful world.

"So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe!" Philippians 2:15

THANKSGIVING

"Thanksgiving should characterize God's people at all times: "In everything, give thanks." What does it mean to give thanks in all things? One thing it surely does not mean is that we should be thankful for all things. The command is not "be thankful for all things," but "be thankful in all things." We are not expected to thank God for the horrors of life. There are legitimate behaviors, circumstances, and attitudes that should repulse us. Though we can't be thankful for all things, we can be thankful in the midst of all things. How can this be? Gratitude looks underneath the surface. Gratitude "is not simply a form of "positive thinking" or a technique of "happy-ology," but rather a deep and abiding recognition and acknowledgment that goodness exists under even the worst that life offers."
~Rich Vincent

FORGIVENESS

THE FAINTING SOUL REVIVED

Spurgeon- 'The fainting soul revived'

God does not resent our ingratitude--
"My child, my poor child," he says,
"though you have gone and spent your substance;
though you have been feeding swine;
though you are all black, and foul and filthy--
yet you are my dear child still,
and my heart yearns towards you."

Without a word of rebuke, or even a taunting look,
as soon as ever a poor sinner comes back to the Father's
house, the Father's arms are round around his neck,
and the kiss of pardon is pressed on his cheek.

"I remember you well," he says;
"I have blotted out your sins like a cloud,
and your iniquities like a thick cloud."

This is just like when we sin against another and ask forgiveness we are to act like God and forgive. When we don't except forgiveness we are not one with God. When someone hurts you, even when it is harsh we are still to forgive. It is sure hard at times but I look at myself and how I have sin against others at times and my God forgives me. He has blotted out out our sins, we should forgive thoses that sin against us. I am not saying forget because it is hard to forget being human still, but forgiveness gives us such freedom...and it may free thAT person that sinned against you to feel free to go on with their walk.

O LOVE THAT WILT NOT LET ME GO

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O light that foll’west all my way,
I yield my flick’ring torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
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.

Romans 8:28-39

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among any brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THE BATTLE FEILD

~ There is not a place which a believer walks in--which is free from snares. Behind every tree--is the tempter with his barbed arrow! Behind every bush--is the roaring lion, the Devil, your great enemy, prowling around, looking for some victim to devour! Under every piece of grass--hides the deadly adder!This present world is the battlefield; Heaven is a place of complete victory and glorious triumph. This present world is the land of the sword and the spear; Heaven is the land of the wreath and the crown. This present world is the land of the garment rolled in blood and the dust of the fight; Heaven is the land of the trumpet's joyful sound--the place of the white robe and of the shout of conquest.Oh, what a thrill of joy shall shoot through the hearts of all the redeemed, when their conquests shall be complete; when death itself, the last of foes, shall be slain; when Satan shall be dragged captive at the chariot wheels of Christ; when He shall have overthrown sin and trampled corruption as the mire of the streets; when the great shout of universal victory shall rise from the hearts of all the redeemed!"He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever!" Revelation 21:4

~C.H. Spurgeon~

TODAY'S CHURCH

Nicky Cruz - Today's Church is Just the World With a Christian T-Shirt on!

WHO IS SOVEREIGN?

I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose." ( Isaiah 46 9:10)

The Sovereignty of God is such a comfort to a christian. In good times and trials we know God has planned it and decreed it. What ever we go through God has purposed it and is right there with us through it. What really bothers me is that folks actually believe that we have some control over our lives, that we purpose it to happen and then God decrees it? When God said"I am God and there is none like me declaring the end from the beginning", He meant He is Sovereign over our lives. Now you are asking, "Did God declare Evil" and I ask you what about the cross, was that not the most evilest event to ever happen and was it not God that ordained that to happen? Yes!

Daniel 4:34-35 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth;and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

I think if you question it then you are saying that there is a power greater then God, you are saying He is not on the throne. When a person says that they willed their own salvation they are saying that God's power is not great enough to draw them to Christ, that He needs their permission to become His child.

John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

And a favorite verse of mine....
Ephesians 2:1-5 And you [He made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins, (2) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, (3) among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

*Believers are saved by God's mercy & grace, NOT by man's (freewill?) choice.*

When a person takes credit for their salvation they are denying the Sovereignty of God, they are taking God off the throne and sitting there themselves. Why do folks hate this doctrine so much, because it takes the power out of their hands and places it where it truly belongs. I am so comforted to know that God is in control of my life. I am so comforted to read of men and women in the bible that went through horrific events in their lives and trusted in the Sovereignty of God, Knowing, He has a purpose in the end that He would be glorified. The affliction of so many fellow Christians that suffered in the name of Christ and trusted that "The lot is cast in the lap,but every decision is from the Lord." God decreed that Job would suffer, Paul, John the Baptist and mostly Jesus Christ and each time it brought Him Glory!

Folks when you are going through a trial realize that God is using it to bring Him glory, be joyous that He is right there with you and the pain you may be experiencing will one day shine in heaven and you will hear those words "Well done good and faithful servant"? - Matthew 25:21."

God is absolutely sovereign. "Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases!" (Psalm 115:3).

God is Holy, so we know in the end what ever happens it is good!

CAST YOU BURDENS

Matthew "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Sometimes in life, pain can be so real, loneliness can so real, rejection can be so real. For some their suffering is daily. The pain of a desease, the pain of lossing someone one close, the pain of wanting to be loved and being rejected. You watch around you and see old folks walking a few steps and having to sit down because their bodies ache and there is no one around to help them, their families have left them to fend for themselves, you look into the eyes of little children and there is such emptiness because they see no hope in their future, you see children and adults being picked on becase they are different. You see folks reaching out to others and being rejected.You seen children being rejected by their parents and you wonder how they survive it knowing that your parent should be thier protecter yet their left to fend for themselves.

I wonder sometimes how I could make it through life's turmoils if I did not have Christ to cry out to. There have been times in my life that rejection is so real and without Him to go to, I don't what I would do? He is my Rock when I feel weak, he is my strength when I feel at my wits end, my friendship with Him is everlasting. I know He has me in this place for a reason, He is refining me into His image and making me realize daily how much I need Him.

"Casting all your care upon Him--for He cares for you!" 1 Peter 5:7

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart." Isaiah 40:11

BURDENS

"We must recognize the difference between burdens that are right for us to bear and burdens that are wrong. We should never bear the burdens of sin or doubt, but there are some burdens placed on us by God which he does not intend to lift off. God wants us to roll them back on Him - - to literally "cast your burden", which he has given you, "on the Lord". If we set out to serve God and do His work but get out of touch with him, the sense of responsibility we feel will be overwhelming and defeating. But if we will only roll back on God the burdens He has placed on us, He will take away that immense feeling of responsibility, replacing it with an awareness and understanding of Himself and His presence. Many servants set out to serve God with great courage and with right motives. But with no intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ are soon defeated. They do not know what to do with the burden, and it produces weariness in their lives. Don't caste it {your burden} aside, but put it over onto Him and place yourself there with it. You will see that your burden is then lightened by the sense of companionship."
~ Oswald Chambers~

FOR NEARER VIEWS OF HEAVEN

"O Lord, in the morning I will direct my prayer to You."

"They shall behold the land that is very far off. "Isaiah 33:17
O God, in the multitude of Your mercies I am again permitted to see the light of a new day. With another rising morn scatter all the clouds of sin and unbelief from my soul. Unfold to my view bright glimpses of Yourself—sweet foretastes of those joys which "eye has not seen, nor ear heard."

Here, Lord, I have "no continuing city"—change is my portion in this the house of my pilgrimage—I would not desire to live here always. I am "willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." Wean me from this uncertain world. Bring me to live under the powers of a world to come. I rejoice to think of the happy myriads already in glory—"clothed in white robes, with palms in their hands"—safe in the presence of the Master they love, with every tear-drop wiped away. I rejoice to know that the blood and grace to which they owe their crowns are still free as ever. Oh, may I be enabled, with some good measure of triumphant assurance, to say, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day." May the thought of that endless, sinless, sorrowless immortality reconcile me to all earth's severest discipline. Let me not murmur under the heaviest cross in the prospect of such a crown. Let me not refuse to pass cheerfully through the hottest furnace which is to refine and purify me for this "exceeding weight of glory;" but bear with calm serenity whatever You see fit to lay upon me. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Lord, grant that the approach of eternity may urge me to greater diligence in Your service. May I have my loins girded and my lamp burning. May I spend each day, and this day, as if it were to be my last. When the shadows of evening gather around me, may I feel that I have spent a day for God. Nearer a dying hour—may it find me nearer heaven.
What I ask for myself I would seek in behalf of all my beloved friends. Sprinkle each heart with the blood of the covenant. May every eye be directed to Jesus, and every footstep be pointing heavenward. Though severed from one another now, may we not be found gathered in different bundles on the great reaping-day of judgment.

Lord, unite Your own people more and more. Why should we be guilty of such sad estrangements, crossing and recrossing one another on life's highway with alien and jealous looks, when professing to be sprinkled with the same blood, to bear the same name, and be heirs of the same inheritance? Let me live near to Jesus, and then I shall live near all His people, looking forward to that blessed time when we shall see eye to eye and heart to heart—no jarring or discordant note to mar the everlasting ascription of "blessing, and honor, and glory and power, to Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever." Amen.

"Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust."


~From Grace gems~

IS DOCTRINE IMPORTANT?

Is Doctrine important to you? There a lot of folks out there that concider Doctrine
not import........

Doctrine is important because Jesus thought it was important. Jesus said
John7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

What He is saying is that we who truly seek God's will understand that Jesus' teachings are from God and that it is important to understand this because that is the way of life for a child of God.Also in John 8:31,32 Jesus said

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
This is His doctrine-His teachings-His instructions to abide in.

Doctrine is very important, our faith is based upon hearing it
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We place our faith on the teachings of scripture, the gospel which is found in scripture.

John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

We come to the father through doctrine, through scripture. The studying of doctrine is so important. We need to study and make sure everything we believe lines up with scripture. We do not want to be lead astray. Doctrine is important because it will guide how you live your life

Matt.15:17
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, blasphemies

Folks,what do you believe ? Do you believe the scripture or do you believe the opinions and traditions of men. When you believe a lie it will lead you astray. But believing the truth and acting on it will bring one to eternity. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

GOD IS LISTENING

When God doesn't appear to hear our cries: God's name is a sure stronghold for all who flee to enter into it God has promised to hear us before we open our mouth The answer is - - God is responding in His own manner - - and His ways are above ours.... It is certain that before we call upon God He is willing and ready to help us because - - where comes the desire to pray? Does it not come from the Holy Spirit? For a man would never of his own mind resort to God. Even though God does not appear to hear our prayers - we must continue to call upon Him. We should never cease to pray - - in times of prosperity or in times of distress. We must wait patiently; for His promises are true; We will see in the end that He has not forgotten us, nor ceased to hear us. Consider this - if we are patient and able to continue to pray - - that, in and of itself, is a token that God has heard already and has given you this grace to continue to turn to Him.... John Calvin

THE MORE WE LOATHE OURSELVES--THE MORE WE LOVE YOU!

The more we loathe ourselves--the more we love You! I think of struggles of sin in my life and the more I look at myself the more I loathe what I see. When you stop and really examine your life, I mean REALLY examine your life, face up to the big sins and the little sins you realize how loathsome you really are. We think the little sins are not anything important, but they are and they add up. A little lie, a hateful thought towards someone, jealousy-not being content with what the Lord has provided, gossip etc. All of these sins keep us from a stronger relation with our Lord. Sometimes we can be so blinded from our fallen nature, sure we are children of the Almighty but we are still in the flesh and it is a daily battle. We don't hate sin enough otherwise we would not practice it so much. We forget sometimes Your omniscient eye see it all.We can not hide from your presences, your here right in our faces and yet we sometimes have the nerve to think we can hide our sin from you. How arrogant of us, how arrogant of me Oh Lord! Where is the meekness we can find in you? You have stamped out our sins by the blood you shed for our righteousness and yet we still don't hate sin enough, we don't hate what we see in ourselves enough otherwise we would be down on our knees crying out too you more often. God forgive me. You have blotted out every sin and covered it with your blood, that does not give us the right to going on sinning, it gives us the right to glorify you in all we do, it gives us the right and honor to be a God given child of the Almighty, chosen to be a light to a dieing world.

As you spend more days examining yourself and seeing the sins that you struggle with you can not help but hate what you see. When you spend more time away from the word of God and away from His people you are distancing yourself away from the one that loves you most.

The more we loathe ourselves--the more we love You!


Be still my my soul Lord

PEACE

Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Mark 4:36-39 And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. 38 And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 39 And being aroused, He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. (NAS)

If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble -- THOMAS WATSON

I believe only a child of God can find true peace in times of trouble. God is our strength and He promises us peace in time of trouble and for those that trust in His word find that peace. I remember the day I found out I had a brain tumor, the doctor called and told me that the headaches I had been suffering were cause by a Brain Tumor and that I would have to have it removed. The initial shock caused some tears and worry but a few minutes after that I found a calmness within. It was the Lord letting my know all is well and that He would ride the storm with me. In the months ahead I had MRIs done and they found that it was a slow growing tumor and not malignant. They did not want to remove it until it grew to bigger. Well I still have it and it has only grown a bit in the past 10 years and I praise God.

Why I am sharing this is because in all situations in our lives we can find peace in putting our faith in God. My sister is going through a trial in her life right now, she is having problems with her heart and she is only 55, she has always taken real good care of herself but she is now having health issues that are scaring her. I have tried and tried to share the gospel with her and how she can find strength that will hold her up but she still rejects it or says you have your way of believing and I have mine. My sister is a lovely girl with a kind heart but she needs Christ. I hear the worry in her words each time I talk to her and it makes me realise how blessed I am to have the Lord. I don't know how many times I face problems and as I read His word or pray I find calmness set in and am reminded, I am never alone.

As a mother comforts her child—so will I comfort you." Isaiah 66:13

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold!" (Psalm 18:2)

The world around us is in calamity and yet we as a child of God can find calmness because we have a Savior that will give us joy in tribulation, give us love when we feel no love around us, give us comfort when we are in pain, supply our needs when we are at our poorest, be a friend when we feel we are friendless.

We are NEVER, EVER alone and we can always find peace as we become still and listen to these words "My groaning is not hidden from You." You water the seed of your prayer with tears—God bottles every tear! "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book!" Psalm 56:8

Thank you Lord for your word and for prayer and mostly for peace found only in you.

The Lord is my Sheperd, I shall not want..........

CHRIST'S LORDSHIP

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

James 2:17–18 (NIV)
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

Salvation is all of grace, nothing we can do will merit it,But if Jesus is your Lord then you will be obedient. Faith without some signs of obedient is dead.He reigns in Heaven and He also should reign in our hearts. He loves us so much He died for our sake, the least we can do is obey His word. I have not been as faithful as I should be in reading my bible. I am finally doing it daily and I must say it feels so good. I started at John and I am now reading Romans and then I will read the rest of the Epistle's. And I will then go on to what the Lord wants me to read. There are so many good books to read out there but I think we should focus more on the word of God, it has so much to say and as we continue to read it we see new things that we may not have understood and now are inlightened. God is so good as His word is also.

Once we truly grasp the message of the New Testament, it is impossible to read the Old Testament again without seeing Christ on every page, in every story, foreshadowed or anticipated in every event and narrative. The Bible must be read as a whole, beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation, letting promise and fulfillment guide our expectations for what we will find there. MICHAEL HORTON

Consider some of the serious implications of Jesus' lordship:
1. Lordship implies our entire submission from the outset. It is a strange salvation that knows nothing about daily submission to Christ the Lord.
2. Lordship implies our willing service.

The most outstanding conversion in the history of the church was that of the apostle Paul, recorded in Acts 9. It is interesting to note two questions Paul asked in verses 5 and 6: "Who are you, Lord?" and "What do you want me to do?" These are questions of a willing servant.

3. Lordship implies obedience. Jesus Said in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?"
4. Lordship implies ownership. If Jesus is my Lord, He owns me lock, stock, and barrel.
Ernest C. Reisinger

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

The Bible is literally "God-breathed", that alone should entice us to read it.It is our instruction book for our life, it is God speaking to His children. Lord please help me continue to absorb your word and may I continually apply it to my life by being obedient to you.

Lord what would you want me to do today?

OUR SON AND A FRIEND'S LITTLE GIRL FROM HIS CHURCH

Matt and Little Ali

PRIDE IS ARTIFICIAL, HUMILITY MAKES US REAL

Pride is one thing we are all struggle with sometime in our walk, sometimes daily. Pride is such a battle at times, you ask yourself "Did you do that good deed for the Lord, or for your own glory?",I know I question myself quite often.

God wants us humble in spirit, He wants us to think of others before ourselves, He wants us on our knees seeking His every purpose. Oh how I fail Him daily, I do not deserve all the Love He bestows upon me, all the forgiveness of my discretion's. Augustine said,"Other sins find their vent in the accomplishment of evil deeds, whereas pride lies in wait for good deeds, to destroy them, isn't that the truth? We do good and we take the glory for it. God deserves all the glory, not us, not us earthly creatures, we are but a worm without God, we are but a heap of dust.

When you meet a brother or sister that are full of humility, you surely see a difference in them. It is like they glow,there is a contentment in them,

When we look back on Christ Life it was a life of Humility from the time He was born in a manger till the day He hung on the cross for our desecration's, His whole life was to lead up to dying painfully on the cross for His Sheep, the Elect. This is the greatest example of Humility we will ever know about.There was no glory in what He did, the pain He suffered the last days of His life, it was the greatest example of Love shown, He laid down His life for His own.

Philippians 2:7 "He made himself nothing, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." He emptied Himself and made Himself nothing

Seeing this example doesn't He deserve for us to show humility in our walk? Lord please help those that know you as their Savior to walk in Humility.

Zep 2:3 (NRSV) Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the Lord's wrath.

Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus".

Mat 11:29 (NRSV) Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Eph 4:1-2 (NRSV) I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Col 3:12 (NRSV) As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

1 Pet 3:8 (NRSV) .... all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Mat 18:4 (NRSV) Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

THE PEARL OYSTER

I wish, brothers and sisters, that we could all imitate "the pearl oyster"—A hurtful particle intrudes itself into its shell, and this vexes and grieves it. It cannot reject the evil, but what does it do but "cover" it with a precious substance extracted out of its own life, by which it turns the intruder into a pearl! Oh, that we could do so with the provocations we receive from our fellow Christians, so that pearls of patience, gentleness, and forgiveness might be bred within us by that which otherwise would have harmed us.

—Charles Spurgeon

DRIFTING

I read this today from JONI AND FRIENDS and thought it so worth sharing. It spoke to me because there are times in my walk that I drift and it is not hard to do if you do not focus on Christ and make you every day about Him and not yourself. Please Lord help me keep focused on YOU....


Drifting

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
--Hebrews 2:1
Do you recall, as a child, riding your rubber mat on the gentle waves of the ocean? I remember the warm sun and the rocking motion almost sending me off to sleep. In fact, I once did just that. When a giant swell woke me up, I raised my head and realized with horror how far from shore I had been carried away. A strong current had caught me and carried me down the beach. I don't know how it happened... and so quickly! I didn't realize how far I had drifted away until the moment I saw that great distance between me and my family further up the beach.


Drifting can be dangerous. Always, always there are currents pulling at us. Always we are swimming upstream, against the tide. There is always the temptation to drift, and we never realize how far we are carried away until we see Christ... until we see the others from whom we have parted. It is possible for any of us to drift spiritually or morally. No one is immune. Think of the powerful currents in your life that would carry you along unless you "kept at the oars" to control the direction. There is the current of social opinion or fad. There is a current of personal desire, of doing the things you want to do. Lust is a powerful undertow. Materialism is a relentless tug.


Following God does not come easy. Today, anchor yourself with a recommitment to keep at the oars, to keep rowing against those strong undertows. Let's not be lolled to sleep and carried away.

* * * * *

Someone has said, "Sow a thought, reap an action... sow an action, reap a habit... sow a habit, reap a character." Drifting from God starts in small ways with little thoughts. To keep the current of your thoughts in line, find a King James Bible and look up 2 Corinthians 10:5. Can your thoughts be controlled? Who gives you the power to do so?


Lord, you are a lighthouse for me, a center point, a high tower. I can always tell whether or not I'm drifting by looking to see how close, or how far from you I am. Keep me anchored near you.

2 Corinthians 12:9 My power is made perfect in weakness.

When we are weak, He is strong. In times of trouble we go to Christ to go before the throne of God to plead our case either to heal us, to help us grow, to forgive us etc. When illness strikes, it humbles us and we realize we are nt in control, He is.


When your heart is being wrung out like a sponge, an orderly list of "sixteen good biblical reasons as to why this is happening" can sting like salt in a wound. You don't stop the bleeding that way. A checklist may be ok when you're looking at suffering in a rearview mirror, but not when you're looking at suffering in the present tense. When people are sorely suffering, people are like hurting children looking up into the faces of their parents, crying and asking, "Daddy why?" Those children don't want explanations, answers or reasons why, they want their daddy to pick them up, pat them on the backs, and reassure them that everything is going to be okay. God, like a father, doesn't just give advice. He gives himself;
He becomes the husband to the grieving widow (Isa 54:5)
He becomes the comforter to the barren woman (Isa 54:1)
He becomes the father of the orphaned (Psalm 10:14)
He becomes the bridegroom to the single person (Isa 62:5)
He is the healer to the sick (Ex 15:26)
He is the wonderful counselor to the confused and depressed (Isa 9:6)
This is what you do when someone you love is in anguish; you respond to the plea of their heart by giving your heart." Joni Eareckson Tada

"There is no university for a Christian, like that of sorrow and trail" CH Spurgeon

God is teaching us even in times of trouble, we just need to trust and lsiten to His words.

Cristina

"as thy day, so shall thy strength be."

1 Peter 4:11"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

When adverse winds and waves arise,
And in my heart despondence sighs,
When life her throng of care reveals,
And weakness o'er my spirit steals,
Greatful I hear the kind decree,
That "as my day my strength shall be."

When, with sad footsteps, memory roves
'Mid smitten joys, and buried loves,
When sleep my tearful pillow flies,
And dewy morning drinks my sighs,
Still to thy promise, Lord, I flee,
That "as my day my strength shall be."

One trial more must yet be past;
One pang, the keenest and the last;
And when, with brow convulsed and pale,
My feeble quivering heart-strings fail,
Redeemer, grant my soul to see,
That, "as her day her strength shall be."

by Lydia H. Sigourney
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

FUNNY: LADIES, ARE WE BORN THIS WAY?

women

SEE YOU SOON STEVIE!

Have you ever known a person that touched your life immensely? Today we attended a Memorial Service for a dear man that passed away in April of this year, His name was Steven or as many called him, Fred. I had the privilege of meeting Steven at the church that I was attending when I first came to know the Lord as my Savior.

Steven attended the church with his father and mother Murray and Connie. Steven was born with Down Syndrome and his parents are two of the finest parents I've had the privilege of knowing. Steven was around 17 or 18 when I first met him but he always seemed like a child to me, even when he was in his 30s, he still seemed childlike. At the memorial service his brothers both stood up and commented on how loving and kind Steven was and how much of hole is in their lives now that he is not with them.He was such a gentle , kind soul. You would walk in their home and he would come towards you with the biggest smile you ever seen, with one tooth missing in the front,you would be looking into these beautiful smiling eyes and he would wrap his arms around you and tell you he loved you. He was never angry, always so happy to see anyone. At church he would stay in the Nursery and help out there, every church he attended the children loved him so and so did the congregation. At the memorial Service 8 children stood up front and sang Steven's Favorite song, " Jesus Loves Me This I know, for the Bible tells me so" I remember a few times that he came and spent the day with me while his dad and mom had things to do and it was easier for them to get it done on their own. I spend those times looking through His view Master at Scoobie Doo. He brought over his favorite VHS movies that we watched together. they are memories I will treasure forever.

At the service Stevens brother Dan shared a time that his dad told him about. One day there were kids playing outside their home and Stevie was out the front with them. A little girl that was with them fell down and hurt herself and all the other children just stood around and watched. Steven went over to the little girl and helped her up and asked her if she was ok. Tears came to my eyes hearing that because I could see Stevie doing just that. If you would have had the privilege of meeting this young man you would have loved him too.

We know God made Steven this way, for a purpose.You can not imagine the lives this young man has touched. Thank you Lord for bringing Stevie into my life, because I consider myself truly blessed by him. We can learn so much from folks like Stevie, they put us to shame sometimes.

Tonight as I type this out I am thinking Stevie is now whole, no more pain, no more ridicule from folks that are just plain ignorant. I am going to miss that beautiful smile on his face and in his eyes. Thank you Lord for Steven "Fred" Riordan! I Love you Steven! I will miss you but I know I will one day see you again, whole.

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.(Matthew 18:2-6 ESV)

Cristina

SOUND THEOLOGIANS

from Spurgeon’s, "Plain Words with the Careless"
No. 778 Luke 8:28.

A man may know a great deal about true
religion, and yet be a total stranger to it.

He may know that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God, and yet he may be possessed of a devil.

Mere knowledge does nothing for us but puff us up.

We may know, and know, and know, and so
increase our responsibility, without bringing
us at all into a state of salvation.

Beware of resting in head-knowledge.

Beware of relying upon orthodoxy,
for without love to Christ, with all your
correctness of doctrine, you will be a
sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.

It is well to be sound in the faith,
but the soundness must be in the
heart as well as in the head.

There is as ready a way to destruction by the road
of orthodoxy as by the paths of heterodoxy.

Hell has thousands in it who were never heretics.

Remember that the devils "believe and tremble."

There are no sounder theologians than devils,
and yet their conduct is not affected by
what they believe, and consequently they still
remain at enmity to the Most High God. A mere
head-believer is on a par therefore with fallen
angels, and he will have his portion with them
forever unless grace shall change his heart.

MERCY

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient to you." (2 Peter 3:9)
Do you look back at your life and see just how merciful Jesus has been in your life? I shake my head sometimes thinking how undeserving I am of his grace and mercy. Even now as His child I still fail Him and He still shows mercy on me. He is the one person that will love me the most, he will never let me stand alone. Folks can really hurt you at times, but you know, I never feel alone, not meaning I don't feel pain, but I know He feels my pain. I am so blessed.

Mercy is what grace offers. The grace of God comes to us in our poor sinful condition and offers us the mercy of God when we deserve His wrath. So grace comes to us giving us mercy. I admit it is somewhat semantical, and the terms are virtually interchangeable. There is a subtle difference in the two words. Mercy has meaning more synonymous with compassion.

" 'Grace' is more than mercy and love, it superadds to them. It denotes, not simply love, but the love of a sovereign, transcendently superior, one that may do what he will, that may wholly choose whether he will love or no. There may be love between equals, and an inferior may love a superior; but love in a superior, and so superior as he may do what he will, in such a one love is called grace: and therefore grace is attributed to princes; they are said to be gracious to their subjects, whereas subjects cannot be gracious to princes. Now God, who is an infinite Sovereign, who might have chosen whether ever He would love us or no, for Him to love us, this is grace." Thomas Goodwin
" Mercy is God's favour that holds back

"God hath in Himself all power to defend you, all wisdom to direct you, all mercy to pardon you, all grace to enrich you, all righteousness to clothe you, all goodness to supply you, and all happiness to crown you." Thomas Brooks

FOR DEEPER VIEWS OF SELF

From Grace Gems

A wonderful prayer.........

"O Lord, in the morning I will direct my prayer to You."

"Search me, O God, and know my heart."—Psalm 139:23

O eternal, everlasting God, who have once more enlightened my eyes, and allowed me not to sleep the sleep of death, bestow upon me this day the riches of Your grace and love. Morning after morning is dawning upon me, with new tokens of Your mercy. Oh, may these be bringing me nearer the glorious day which is to know no night—that eternal noon-tide when all shadows and darkness are forever to flee away!

Lord, I am unworthy to come into Your presence, and yet I have to mourn that I do not feel this deep unworthiness as I ought. I am unwilling to see into the unknown depths of my sin. I do not know myself. I have no depressing consciousness of the desperate wickedness of my own evil heart. I have buried many past transgressions in oblivion. I have deluded myself with the thought, that many were too trivial and unimportant to incur Your disapproval. Even any imperfect good which Your grace has enabled me to perform, I have been too prone to take the merit to myself, instead of ascribing all the praise to You. There has been pride in my humility. There have been mingled motives in my best services. My best resolutions have been fitful and transient. My purest and most unselfish actions could not stand the scrutiny of Your eye. The holiest day I ever spent, were I to be judged by it, would condemn me.

O You who "searches Jerusalem with lighted candles," "search my heart." Bring me to the publican's place of penitential sorrow, exclaiming, in self-renouncing humility, "God be merciful to me a sinner!"

I would seek to make a more entire and undivided surrender of all I am and have to You. Give me such a dreadful and affecting sense of my vileness, that I may never feel safe but when close to the atoning Fountain, drawing out of it hourly supplies. May mine be a daily heart and self and sin crucifixion—an eternal severance from those bosom traitors which have so long separated between me and my God. Make me more zealous for Your honor and glory—"Cleanse the thoughts of my heart, by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit"—"Let no iniquity obtain dominion over me." But may it be my daily ambition to become more like You, reflecting more of the image, and imbibing more of the spirit, of my Divine Redeemer, that thus the atmosphere of holiness and of heaven may be diffused all around me. May my own soul be pervaded with lofty and purified aspirations. May I be enabled to exhibit to the world the felt happiness of close walking with God.

And gracious Father, "send forth Your light and Your truth" to a darkened world. May Your own ancient people be speedily gathered in with the fullness of the Gentile nations, that all ends of the earth may see the salvation of God.

Bless all my dear friends, near or distant. May they have the heritage of those who fear Your name. Defend them now by Your mighty power, and at last number them with Your saints in glory everlasting. Amen.

"Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust."

ONE WRONG STEP--AND DOWN WE GO!

We are so blessed to have men and women that encourage us and remind us that God will never ever falter in His love for us, Charles Spurgeon is one.
What a gift from God He has been to so many many people,for me......

"How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life!" Matthew 7:14
In some sense, the path to heaven is very safe--but in other respects, there is no road so dangerous! It is beset with difficulties. One wrong step--and down we go! And how easy it is to take that treacherous step--if grace is absent!
What a slippery path is that--which some of us have to tread! How many times have we to exclaim with the Psalmist, "But as for me, my feet were slipping--and I was almost gone!"
If we were strong, sure-footed mountaineers, this would not matter so much; but in ourselves, how weak we are!
Even in the best roads--we soon falter!
In the smoothest paths--we quickly stumble!
These feeble knees of ours--can scarcely support our tottering weight!
A straw may trip us up--and a pebble can wound us!
We are mere infants, tremblingly taking our first steps in the walk of faith. Our heavenly Father holds us by the arms--or we would soon tumble down!
Oh, if we are kept from falling, how must we bless the patience, power and wisdom of God--who watches over us moment by moment--and day by day! Think--
how prone we are to sin,
how apt to choose dangerous paths,
how strong our tendency to cast ourselves down
--and these reflections will make us sing more sweetly than we have ever done, "Glory to Him, who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy!" Jude 24
We have many foes--who try to push us down, and destroy us!
The road is rough--and we are weak!
But in addition to this, enemies lurk in ambush, who rush out when we least expect them, and labor to trip us up, or hurl us down the nearest deadly precipice!
Only an Almighty arm can preserve us from these unseen foes, who are seeking to destroy us at every step! Such an arm is engaged for our defense. He is faithful, who has promised, and He is able to keep us from falling, so that with a deep sense of our utter weakness, we may cherish a firm belief in our perfect safety!

EVERYONE HAS SOME SORT OF TALENT

This is kind of neat....

EVANJELLYFISH AND MIGHTY WARRIORS BY Mike Ratliff

This is a wonderful article by Mike and it shows what I mean by my previous blog. Either we are on fire for God and truth or we are not.......

“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. (Isaiah 46:8-11 ESV)

There is a dread disease present in the visible Church in our day. The disease is the result of conformity to the current culture in which it is a crime to tell the truth to those who may resent it. It is a crime because a minority has determined that the worst thing that can happen to a person in our day is that they be offended by standards or truths that those conveying them portend, directly or indirectly, they are absolute. While temporal society can hold all sorts of beliefs and standards contrary those found in the Word of God, the tragedy is when the Church itself conforms to them. This causes it to become weak, ineffectual, confused, and spiritually dead. This causes those professing Christians to water down their doctrines, misinterpret scripture according to the world’s values, and reject the message from God while persecuting His messengers. This is exactly why the Jews all through Biblical History killed God’s Prophets. His message was always contrary to the closely held beliefs of the people that came from them being conformed to the ways of the world just as has the majority of the visible Church in our time.

Much of the part of the visible Church in our day that claims it is “Evangelical” has become conformed to this disease over the last 250 years. Its theology has deteriorated to the point that it is no longer the world changing powerful message whose followers were separate from the world and its ways as light is from darkness. However, now it is the theology of “evanjellyfish.” The following is taken from the introduction to a book by C. Matthew McMahon titled How Faith Works - Rescuing the Gospel from Contemporary Evangelicalism.

I am sure that those who really do hold to the true biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ and identify themselves as Evangelicals are also going to be a bit mad because I am going to bash “evangelicalism” today as the theology of “evanjellyfish.” It is spineless. In my satire on Evangelicalism at A Puritan’s Mind, I wrote, “The oceanic bodies that cover the earth are home to the unique and prosperous Liberalius Ignoramious Christianius, or better known as the Evanjellyfish. As a result of their morphed evolution over the past 250 years, these once fierce predators have lost their thick skin, large brains, razor sharp teeth, as well as their ability to see clearly in the loss of their eyesight, and their eyes altogether. Instead, these spineless invertebrates swim carelessly and carefree around the seaweed reefs which tickle their transparent membranes as the cool currents shift by them and propel them toward sunny waters throughout each day. They mainly swim around minerally deficient waters, and like to congregate in large numbers - it seems they feel safe that way. They filter microscopic units of plankton found throughout the seawater for food. They are unable to eat the meat they once hunted since their loss of ability to spot food from miles away. Now they float helplessly around reefs that contain little if anything to eat that is of substance. Strangely, they have multiplied, and continue to multiply into millions in any one locale, but they often remain small and of no consequence individually to the great barrier reefs from which they emerged. Even in great numbers, they no longer make a ripple in the currents they once occupied. Instead, when a predator such as a humpback whale swims by, they are gobbled up for food without any form of retaliation. Hopefully, theological evolution will deal them a better hand in the future. It has been reported of late that some of the large scale theoligica bookis wormis or Giant Theological Sea Worms have been seen floating around masses of Evanjellyfish. However, it seems the Evanjellyfish have been rejecting their interaction out rightly. More to come later…

This is satire my brethren, but is does strike a chord with us doesn’t it? The dumbed down version of the Church we have all around us got that way because its leaders have deliberately not fed their people solid meat to eat. They present a gospel that has been neutered. It has all those essential parts that could potentially offend removed. What is left is a non-gospel that makes their part of the visible Church a mirror of the world. The world and its ways have been brought into the church and it has become compromised. Seeker-sensitivity is the rule of the day. It is a fallacy. The only ones truly seeking the righteousness of God are those drawn to the Son by the Father as they have heard the real Gospel, which is very offensive to the spiritual palate of those who are compromised by the world and its ways. Below is an excerpt from a news story from Milwaukee, Wisconsin about a school being sued by a group that is attempting to stop it from holding any graduation ceremonies at the local church. Carefully read their reasoning for the lawsuit.

“These students and family members are being forced to graduate in the sanctuary of a church underneath a huge cross that dominates the sanctuary. They’re sitting in pews with bibles and hymnal books right in front of them.”

“They are being forced to graduate in a religious environment, and that is an egregious Constitutional violation.”

Even if the school district doesn’t have religion as its reasoning for choosing the location, Luchenitser contends the mere presence of a graduation there forces an endorsement of what Elmbrook Church believes.

“There’s a symbolic message of endorsement sent,” said Luchenitser.

“Right next to this huge cross in this auditorium, you have huge jumbotrons that show the speakers, the school district officials when they speak on the podium, all their speakers.

“You have a public, official school district ceremony taking place in a religious environment. That sends a clear message of endorsement of religion and favoritism of the Christian religion to the children and the family members.”

Luchenitser explained that its not just the physical environment there, but what he claims the teachings presented there force upon those who will walk in for the graduation ceremony.

“We brought the lawsuit on behalf of nine parents and students in the school district who do not subscribe to the religion of Elmbrook Church, who are extremely uncomfortable attending a graduation in this facility,” said Luchenitser, whose group’s lawsuit says that many top officials in this district are members of Elmbrook Church.

“This is a church that teaches that people who do not subscribe to the belief of this church are going to suffer torment in hell for all eternity. This church teaches that women should be subservient to men. It teaches that people who engage in sexual conduct that is not approved by the church will also suffer in hell.

“A very large proportion of the students and family members who would be attending this graduation, in the views of this church, are second-class people, second-class citizens.”

The evanjellyfish Christians in this church may indeed teach these truths about hell and morality, but they are considering veiling their cross and removing their Bibles and Hymnals from the pews so they can continue to receive the rent from the school for these sorts of things. This is compromise. Are they going to stand firm and grow spiritually through it or are they going to be spineless and give in to those who prove that the world is not interested in what we have come to know as Evangelical Christianity? Think of the response to these people that someone like A.W. Tozer, A.W. Pink, John Gresham Machen, C.H. Spurgeon, John Owen, Martin Luther, or Jonathan Edwards would have in the face of this. There would be no compromise. Oh, their evanjellyfish “Christians” in the pews may fire or do away with them for standing firm, but these men would not budge. They may lose their positions or be denigrated by others in unbearable ways at levels no one can easily take, but they would not compromise.

The mission of this ministry has always been to encourage Christians to move away from me-ism Christianity into the spirit-filled, abiding in Christ, living sacrifice, humble, poor-in-spirit, meek walk that brings God glory and matures the believer. It is only as we walk this way that we are given His joy and then we can do good in His eyes because we are doing God’s will by His grace. This walk is not about building big churches or becoming a celebrity or anything other than a humble slave of our Lord Jesus all for the glory of God. Those who walk this way are not evanjellyfish. No, these believers are mighty warriors for the truth who stand firm defending it, but at the same time, they, like their example Christ, do not defend self. They may take the abuse of those who hate the truth, but, being meek, they will hack to pieces the enemies of God, but will not raise their sword to defend self. God may have them take severe abuse that they may be found worthy to suffer shame for the name, but they will never compromise.

Which are you?

Soli Deo Gloria!
eve

RICK WARREN the Compromiser

One falls to the ground in trying to sit on two stools.-- Francois Rabelais

I amazed at how so many professing Christians follow a man like Rick Warren. Mr. Warren took the word "Purpose" and has made a dynasty out of it. As Christians we know that God has a purpose for ever thing that happens in this world and that is to bring Glory to Him in the end. So of course when Rick Warren brought out his book "The Purpose Driven Life" many churches got on his band wagon and used this book as a study guide and that is how Warren became popular.
He has fooled many in his church and outside of his church! He is a compromiser,he is a world pleaser...the world loves him, should be a flashing light to believers. Why do so many Christians defend this man? I'll tell you why it is because they do not study the word of God enough, they are weak and being weak, can then lead to believing anything or anyone. Rick Warren is not the only one there are many, many false prophet out there. Satan loves men like Rick Warren, because he just sits back and watches them do his work for Him.

"To seek unity with false prophets without challenging their errors leaves one's own beliefs open to questions. Those who defend heretics, even if they do not believe in their teachings, are guilty of lending credibility to their heresies, and will be held accountable to God for the souls that are destroyed as a result. It's up to those that know the truth to defend the Church against false teachers whatever the cost to unity or to personal benefit.

"When the Scriptures tell us to judge the prophets by their fruit, it means their holy living and conformity to God's Word for themselves and those they teach. It does not mean the number of spectacular events that transpire in their lives. Nor does it rest on how many people are blessed by them; many are blessed by New Age practitioners. [Nor does it rest on the number of moral causes they are involved in.] ... Yet today's prophets tell us not to judge the ungodly lives [nor the bad doctrine] of the prophets, but to believe them because of the 'fruit' of their ministries." "It is not to signs and wonders that we should look [nor to the number or nature of the moral causes they are involved in], but to the overall integrity of the man who performs them. Integrity not only includes freedom from greed, lust, and avarice, but adherence to sound doctrine"
Everything we do is visible to God and we should always remember that, we can not hide from Him, He knows our hearts and we are naked before Him.

Hebrews 4:13, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

When we speak of unity it should be unity in truth"... unity is not found in uniformity of thought, but in the fellowship of the Spirit, based on sound doctrine which, in turn, is predicated on the clear teaching of Scripture. This is why Paul exhorts us to "mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Rom 16:17). The false prophets call for unity based not on Scriptural doctrine, but on their [the false prophets] claim for authority. Those who insist on fellowship based on sound doctrine are labeled legalists, while the false prophets are the ones imposing unscriptural demands upon those who follow them"
J.N. Darby
"Separation from evil is the necessary first principle of communion with Him ... Separation from evil is His principle of unity"

John Whitcomb Jr.

"Diversity and division is infinitely more precious than a satanic unity. The problem God's people are facing today: Satan wants unity in what? -- in error. God would infinitely prefer division because of truth. Do you know what Jesus said in Matthew 10? He said, 'I have come not to bring peace, not to bring unity, but to bring division, to set a son against his father, a daughter against her mother, so that people within their own households will be enemies of each other.' That is what Jesus said he came to do ... God's smashing of satanic ecumenical unity was an incredible blessing [Genesis 11: the Tower of Babel] ... The potential for satanic depravity is infinite, as long as what continues? -- a unity in error -- organized blasphemy. Measure this friends. Grasp it. Satan will, in his brief hour, at the end of this world, be given his opportunity to demonstrate what total unity is like in the human race, when every person will have a mark on the forehead or right hand, and will walk lockstep under incredible blasphemy ... "You say, 'We want unity.' Oh, really? What kind of unity? 'We want all the churches to get together.' Oh, really? You mean in error, in confusion, in heresy? That is, dear friends, the ecumenical movement of our hour, in which all the great denominations and all the great church leaders are becoming more and more unified. In what? -- in compromise and theological error; and this is the ultimate horror"


So be weary who you follow, it is Christ whom we should be following not man because man will ALWAYS fail you ALWAYS!

Quotes from Biblical Discernment Ministries

DO WE TAKE THE TIME?

There is a lady named Susan Doyle that performed for the first time on a TV program called "Britian has Talent". I listened to her once and then again and again and each time I listened the more joy I felt for her. When she was first introduced the auidance snicker, rolled their eyes, even the judges looked embaresss for her....and then she opened her mouth to sing and everyone was astounded by what came out. They stood up and cheered, the judges were flabergasted, the world was too. It' is sad that we look at a person and don't think much of them until we really see what they are all about or what kind of talent lives within them.

Do you ever really get to know someone, or do you just make up you mind about that person and live with it. Maybe you would be shocked if you just took the time to get to know them. maybe they feel how you feel about them and they put walls up to protect themselves from hurt....maybe it is time to break the walls down, and really get to know the real person, maybe they are crying out...

Cristina
John 13:34-35 (NCV) I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.

Col 3:12 (NRSV) As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
if you would like to listen to Susan Boyle sing, here is the address to go to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

OUR ORCHRESTRATOR

Everything in a Christian's life is planned out by God. Our salvation is of the Lord!Everything we do is orchestrated by God for His purpose. The Cross was orchestrated by God, the suffering Jesus suffered was because God planned it that way. Trials WE go through are orchestrated by God. When you look at what Job went through, the suffering he endured was from God, everything Jonah went through was from God, John the Baptist's head was cut off..was from God. All that the Saints suffer all the Joy the Saints have, is orchestrated by God and we should be thankful for it all because in the end we will be in glory, rejoicing with Him singing GLORY GLORY GLORY IS OUR GOD ALMIGHTY.

R.K. McGregor Wright quoted.....
God saves. God does not merely do enough to make salvation possible, leaving it to us to work our way up, to 'merit the merits of Christ,' to do our part to make the merely possible become the actual. Every link in the chain of redemption is forged on God's anvil from start to finish. Even God cannot achieve an end without a means. In order to secure the predestined end, he foreordains each step and casual link, sovereignly acting to see that each cause and effect occurs

I have already shown that he had to move the entire Roman military bureaucracy several years earlier to make certain that at the end of the empire wide census, one particular pregnant girl was in the right town at the right moment just so the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and not up north in Nazareth! The entire Roman bureaucracy was predestined to keep in step with the body chemistry of one unknown Jewish girl in the far outer reaches of the first-century Roman Empire."

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

LET THY WILL BE DONE

“Jesus, ’tis my aim divine,
Hence to have no will but Thine;
Let me covenant with Thee,
Thine for evermore to be:
This my prayer, and this alone,
Saviour, let Thy will be done!

“Thee to love, to live to Thee,
This my daily portion be;
Nothing to my Lord I give,
But from Him I first receive:
Lord, for me Thy blood was spilt
Lead me, guide me, as Thou wilt.

“All that is opposed to Thee,
Howsoever dear it be,
From my heart the idol tear,
Thou shalt have no rival there;
Only Thou shalt fill the throne:
Saviour, let Thy will be done.

“Wilt Thou, Lord, in me fulfil
All the pleasure of Thy will;
Thine in life, and Thine in death,
Thine in every fleeting breath,
Thou my hope and joy alone:
Saviour, let Thy will be done.”

-Octavius Winslow

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

In the bitter cold of winter the trees stand bare and seem to be dead. But in the spring, they burst forth into leaf and flower, and the first fruits begin to appear. So it was with the Master's death and resurrection, and so it is with all who faithfully bear the burden of suffering and death. Though they may seem crushed and dead, they will yet bear beautiful flowers and glorious fruits of eternal life.
-Anonymous

WE DONT SAVE OURSELVES

The Sinner, Neither Able Nor Willing

A message from John MacArthur on man's total inability and the necessity of God-given faith.

http://www.reformedvoices.com/2009/01/sinner-neither-able-nor-willing.html

A message that should be heard.

Cristina

(Arthur Pink, "Love Reproving" 1943) from Grace Gems

Few words have been used more inaccurately and loosely in recent years, than has "love." With a great many people--it is but a synonym for moral laxity, weakness of character, a taking the line of least resistance, a quiet tolerating of what is felt to be wrong.


read the rest here.......... http://www.gracegems.org/Pink2/love_reproving.htm

It's excellent!

Cristina

LAMB OF GOD

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

I am a lamb of God and so many times in my life, as His child, I have felt His gentleness surround me. In times of doubt and sorrow, He comforts me so. Every groan I cry out, he hears it and He comforts me.

Psalm 38:9, "My groaning is not hidden from You."

Every tear I shed He has bottled up and lately I have been shedding many tears, "EVERY" tear we shed, can you imagine that someone loves us that much?

Paslms 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

He knows my name, me His child even though I fail Him at times, Yet, I can go before Him and He looks at me, and say You are my child, my lamb and gently puts His arm around me and guides me.

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

We need to keep remembering and reminding each other the strenght we can draw from each other but mostly the strength we can draw from the Rock of our Salvation. When things are troubling us we have a place to go. I was feeling down tonight and the Lord brought me to a place where I felt love and comfort and it was the Lord that drew me there because of that reason .

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold!" (Psalm 18:2)

Cristina


.

As I shared previously that things have not been the greatest lately, well it rain really, really heavy last night and part of our basement was flooded. There was no way we could have removed the water ourselves so we had a Carpet cleaner bring a machine in to remove it, they left behind 2 blowers to help dry the rest. In our basement we have fruit celler, I used it mainly for storage. The water came from a drain in the room, so some boxes in the room were ruined.

I kept saying to myself, "What next?" So this morning I started to clear out the fruit celler and as I cleared it out I found 2 boxes of cards and letters from as far back as 1980. I also found this letter that just made me laugh and made me cry at the same time. It's funny how the Lord will bring you out of feeling sorry for yourself or a trial just by a simple letter. This letter was given to me by my daughter Danielle when she as around 7 or 8 years old. Thank you, Lord and thank you my Dani-girl.

Here is exactly how she wrote it.......

I love you!!!
mom, you are a
babe. you are
a yummy pie. you are
hungka-hungka bern-in-love
and you are my
sweety pie. you
make me happy
when skys are
blue. You are
a baby sunny pie.
love Dani

Thank you Lord for my dear daughter Dani and all my children.

Cristina

Please Pray

I have not blogged much lately as I have been under a lot of stress, as I am sure many other folks are. Problems come into our lives and sometime they are just so hard to solve. I have aways been the type of person that things just don't get to me, but as of late, I feel a bit over-welmed by life. I don't know if it is getting older or just the fact that there is so much one person can handle. I am trying to keep my focus on the fact the Christ is with me, He will strengthen me but I feel in a weak state of mind. May I ask that you please pray for me.

Cristina

A dear sister shared a song she would like played at her funeral. This is a song I would like to be shared at mine...

ALL OF THIS FROM A HOLY PLACE

The sunsets in the early morn,
The choir of birds chant to their unborn.
The warm breeze whips across my face
All of this, from a Holy Place.

The sky is blue with snowy clouds,
The city streets laden, with crowds.
A sinner is drawn, now full of grace
All of this, from a Holy Place.

The dying man, the sickly child,
A church full of Saints, all compiled.
Man and woman from a different Race
All of this, from a Holy Place.

The sea, so blue, breathtaking to the eye,
The quiet bayou, where Cranes fly.
The Desert sand, unending space,
All of this, from a Holy place.

A sinner lost, a cross bore Christ,
His blood was shed, that was the price.
we all deserve hell, but some are given grace.
All of this, from a Holy Place

ARE YOU TRULY HAPPY?

I found this quote at "Grace Gems". The title of this site suits it so much, everything I find there is a "Gem". Everything I have read there has touched me and spoke to me about myself and my walk and it is such an encouraging site. It is such a blessing to me.

http://www.gracegems.org/

The Happy Man

The happy man was born in the city of Regeneration
in the parish of Repentance unto Life. He has a large
estate in the county of Christian Contentment.

He was educated at the School of Obedience
—and often does jobs of Self-denial.

He wears the garment of Humility, and has
another suit to put on when he goes to Court,
called the Robe of Christ's Righteousness.

He is necessitated to travel through the world on
his way to heaven—but he walks through it as fast
as he can. All his business along the way—is to
make himself and others happy. He often walks
in the valley of Self-Abasement, and sometimes
climbs the mountains of Heavenly-mindedness.

He breakfasts every morning on Spiritual Prayer,
and sups every evening on the same. He has food
to eat, which the world knows nothing of—and his
drink is the sincere milk of the Word of God.

Thus happy he lives—and happy he dies.

Happy is he who has . . .
Gospel submission in his will,
the love of God in his affections,
true peace in his conscience,
sincere Divinity in his breast,
the Redeemer's yoke on his neck,
the vain world under his feet, and
a crown of glory over his head!

Happy is the life of that man who . . .
believes firmly,
prays fervently,
walks patiently,
labors abundantly,
lives holily,
dies daily,
watches his heart,
guards his senses,
redeems his time,
loves Christ, and
longs for glory!

"Happy is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of
sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his
delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his
law he meditates day and night. He is like a
tree planted by streams of water, which yields
its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:1-3

-Lachlan MacKenzie

TRUE REPENTANCE

Sin is a plague, yea, the greatest and most infectious plague in the world; and yet, ah! how few are there that tremble at it, that keep at a distance from it!

—Thomas Brooks

How often do we weep for the sin in our lives? Does it bother us as much for the small sins or the more visable and big sins? Sin is sin no matter how big or small it is. We sometimes take granted what the Lord did on the cross, we tell a little white lie and that's seems to be ok for some, yet Jesus died for that little white lie. We say we have christian liberties, but to be truthful do we really need to have them, I am speaking to myself too. Do we weep for our sins, do we go before the throne and cry out to our Lord for forgiveness and do we repent. Some say we do not need to repent when we get saved. I say hogwash! When the Lord opens your heart you see your heart and how filthy and dirty and depraved it is and the first thing you do is repent, how can you not? You say What a wretched man am I! Lord forgive me. There should be tears of joy and tears of sorrow because you see the wretchedness in you and at the same time you see the joy of your salvation.

Sin is a turning the back upon God--and the face
towards hell. Repentance is a turning the back
upon sin--and a setting the face towards God!
True repentance includes . . .
a true sense of sin,
a deep sorrow for sin,
a hearty loathing of sin, and
a holy shame and blushing for sin.

To repent is to make . . .
a clean head and a clean heart;
a clean lip and a clean life.

To repent is for a man to loathe himself, as well as his sin.
Is this easy for man, who is so great a self-lover, and so
great a self-exalter, and so great a self-admirer—to
become a self-loather? To repent is to cross sinful self,
it is to walk contrary to sinful self, yes, it is to revenge
a man's self upon himself.

True repentance lies in a daily dying to sin, and in a
daily living to Him who lives forever.


Thomas Brooks