PATIENCE

PATIENCE

Do you ever think how much time folks spend on "Waiting"? We wait for supper, we wait for Christmas to come, we wait for birthdays to come. We wait on the New Year to arrive or a baby to be born or for a loved one that are ill to die. While we wait, we either wait patiently or inpatiently. I guess we somtime think the time we have to wait to be a waste of time, when in actuality it could be used in such a prosperous time spent in prayer. God wants us to be patient and wait on Him and so if we are waiting on Him how can it be a waste? A good example I have read in the bible about waiting is in Romans.

Romans5 5:3 We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

When I think how patient God is with me, it humbles me. I think even in my walk with Christ, how I have failed him either through sin or not being the example He is to me. How patient and forgiving He is at those times should give me more reason the be patient with others.

2 Peter 3:9.The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance

Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

I have to admit Sometimes I find it hard to be patient with others, mostly when they hurt me, but to see how Jesus suffered just so that I can go to the cross and be forgiven myself, tells me I need to be more patient. Patience takes a lot of prayer and let's admit sometimes we just don't take time enough to pray. Unless we are in dier straights and then we seem to have all the time to pray.

When you think about it when you look at a person that is being patient and how calm they are and then look at a person that is impatient and how they appear, what a difference. I think to myself, do I actually look that way when I worry or are being impatient. I have to remember that and ask the Lord for patience at those moments.

"The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord." Joni Eareckson Tada

The New Testament says , the apostle Paul taught the Ephesian Christians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph.4:1-3)

The strongest of all warriors are these two -- Time and Patience.

We as christians need to remember that time is precious and it should be always used to bring Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. when impatince is used, it is such a waste of time away from God.

Cristina

HEAVEN

The world rings changes, it is never constant but in its disappointments. The world is but a great inn, where we are to stay a night or two, and be gone; what madness is it so to set our heart upon our inn, as to forget our home? THOMAS WATSON

Heaven, when the believer will hear those, oh so cherished words "Welcome home my child, Welcome Home!"

We as believers, can not even fathom what Heaven will be like. When I hear the words "Glory Land", I know that is what it will entail....Glory, Glory, and Glory! We will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, what more will we need to be content.

We have so much hope because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. He gave us that hope when He shed His blood for our sins and that when we trust Him, we would have eternal life with Him in Heaven...what hope! Our hope rejoices in the Glory of God. When we have hope, the more we want to please our Lord.

We want to stand before Him and hear those words," Well done my son/daughter well done!"

John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (KJV)


At the time of death, the true believers will go to Heaven where Christ reigns! We all are awaiting the time When Jesus has chosen for us to rise up with Him to Heaven. What an awesome time this will be!!

I can not wait until the Lord comes and takes us Home either by death or by taking us up into the air to heaven, our awaiting home. We are but Aliens here on earth, foreigners waiting for our Citizenship papers to be stamped, we are already sealed and ready to go and bow before our dear Lord and sing GLORY, GLORY, GLORY to Him that only deserves GLORY, amen!

(Phil 3:20-21 NRSV) But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself

The world passes away, and we are passing with it; but there is, doubtless, another world, which will endure for ever. Let us fit ourselves for it. -- Samuel Johnson

(Rev 21:4 NRSV) he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.

(2 Corinthians 5:6-8)
6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7(For we walk by faith, not by sight) 8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

A poor man was once reported to have said to his minister that the way to Heaven was short, easy, and simple. It only has three parts, "out of self, unto Christ, into glory."

Remember Eternal life does not begin with death, it begins with faith!

MARRIAGE

In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

These words have to be one of the most beautiful words any man and woman can say to one another. My dear husband reminded me of these words just this past week and it made not the greatest week, seem so much brighter. I think we should remind each other as husband and wife the vows we shared when we decided to spend the rest of our lives together.

It was in the presence of God meaning it was a vow we promised forever.

I, ________, take thee ______, to be my wife/husband,
And before God and these witnesses I promise to be
A faithful and true wife/husband."

In front our family and friends, we are telling the folks closest to us how much we mean to one another.

We solemnly swear to be faithful partners no matter what. In sickness in health, in good times and bad, in joy and in sorrow, if he picked his toenails or I snored...it meant "No Matter What!”

We promised in front of God and family and friends to love one another unconditionally, when we fail each other or disappoint one another, the love we share is a love that will forgive.

I Corinthians 13
Love is patient; love is kind.
Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way: it is not irritable or resentful;
It does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
And now faith, hope, and love abide,
And the greatest of these is love.

We promised to support each other's goals even if we don't always agree, we stand behind one another. We promise to honor and respect one another and this is so important. If others do not see the respect we have for one another what do they see? If we do not honor one another what must others think about our marriage? We should stand by one another and never let others see disrespect.

We should be able to laugh together and cry together. To me laughter is needed in a marriage. A marriage without laughter would not last. We should be able to cry in each others presences. When you love someone, you feel their pain.

Finally you should cherish one another. No one but God should be the one you cherish the most. When you were married, you were united as one and NO ONE, I mean NO ONE should be able to break the bond!!

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6).

I have been blessed with such a dear husband who loves me for being me. He has brought me such joy and laughter into my life. We have brought up three amazing children all with different personalities, all unique in their own ways and all loving and kind individuals whom we both adore. We have two beautiful grand children that we love dearly.

When I first met my husband Jim I was not saved, he was back slidden. When we were married and were expecting our son Matt, Jim realized he needed to be walking with Christ and he recommitted himself to the Lord. I was not saved, so the first part of our marriage was a struggle. I can really understand what the bible says about being unequally yoked with someone that is not a believer because it was a difficult time for us.

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" (KJV)

But by the grace of God I was saved....only by the grace of God did our marriage survive because before I was saved I thought I married a bible thumping nut. I could not grasp what Jim was trying to tell me when he would say "Jesus is God". How could how could God and Jesus be the same, and then adding to it the Holy Spirit and saying they were three in one, I really thought he was off the edge.

It was a struggle for the first few years and then New Years Day 1987 the Lord opened my eyes to the truth. At that moment I knew who Jesus was, I knew He was God! I knew the Holy Spirit entered my heart. I knew my life had changed for ever. I knew by the grace of God, I was His child, bought by His blood, that He shed on the cross for all my sins, past, present, and future. I was His forever and ever. Thank you Lord!

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father

When I look back now and think about what I thought about my husband being a nut, I realize now He was the tool that was used to introduce me to Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord for "Nuts" like him!!

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women if you can.
I prize thy love more then whole Mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persevere,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

-Anne Bradstreet (1612-72)


I love you Jim with all my heart. You have been such a blessing in my life.

Cristina

MY MATT

TODAY IS CANADA'S BIRTHDAY

Today is also the day my only son moved out with some buddies. I am so happy for him, he is 21 and wants to experience independence, but at the same time it is a sad time for Jim and I because our dear son is not going to be here every morning when we wake up or when we go to bed I will not hear every night "Good Night, Mom I Love You."

Let me tell you as I cry here, how wonderful of a son I have. He is a young man any one can be proud of. When ever someone speaks about "My Matt" it is with high regards. Folks have said I have never met such a nice boy or what a well mannered boy you have. Some Parents and Grandparents have said how they would like to introduce their daughters and granddaughters to Matt. The place he works at or has worked before at always comment on well he is liked. When I hear this it just makes me so proud of "My Matt".

I was talking to my mom this morning and she was telling me how she was downtown in the same building Matt works and I guess he has noticed her while he was sitting down eating his lunch. Mom said "He got right up and rushed over to her before she left and gave her a big hug and asked her to sit with him while he had lunch." She was so happy he did that, it lifted her spirits up so much. She said, "You know cris, he had no problem saying when she left, "I love you" in front of his friends," she said that meant so much to her.

You may have noticed I refer Matt as "My Matt", that is because I have called him that since he a little fellow and will continue calling him "My Matt". My son I am so proud to call you "My Son", there is no mom prouder then I am of you.

Through the years you have made me laugh. My son and I use to watch Mr. Bean. There is one time Mr. Bean was singing a hymn that had "Helaluya, Helaluya, Helaluya" sung in it and it made us laugh so much the way he did it, that every time we are in church and hear this sung, we can not look at each other with out laughing. I can feel Matt looking at me every time it is sung and I will do my best not to look his way or if he was beside me I can hear him sing it in a baratone voice and a straight face as Mr. Bean did and I had such a hard time not laughing out loud . I know God has a sense of humor and knows we do not do this out of disrespect. It's good to be able to laugh with your children, it's good to be able to see them off into the world and feel you have done the best you can and know they know that you love them. It's good to know that they love you back just as much.

My son gave me a big hug as he was leaving and I have to tell you it was hard to let go, it is hard to let go...I now am turning My Matt over to the Lord to watch over when we are not there and praying that he will walk strongly with Jesus Christ, that he will not let the world get a hold of him. and that he will stop in when he can and that he will ALWAYS remember His mom loves him dearly and SO, SO proud of him.

Love Mom

FORGIVENESS

Of him that hopes to be forgiven it is indispensably required that he forgive. It is therefore superfluous to urge any other motive. On this great duty eternity is suspended, and to him that refuses to practice it the throne of mercy is inaccessible, and the Savior of the world has been born in vain.

-- Samuel Johnson

Corrie Ten Boom tells of a time she learned an important aspect of spiritual growth. It was 1947 and she had just finished speaking of God's forgiveness to a group in a small German church. The audience was still haunted by memories of war. Yet the message they heard that day brought a sense of hope. They could forgive those who treated them so cruelly and go on with life. As the service concluded, Corrie noticed a heavyset man coming toward her. Instantly, she remembered him. He had been a guard at the concentration camp where she had been imprisoned. "I know God has forgiven me for the things I did," he said. "But I would like to hear it from your lips. Will you forgive me?" "It was the most difficult thing I had ever had to do," she writes. "I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. [A] healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. 'I forgive you, brother!’” One of the ways we measure spiritual growth is by the way we extend our arms of forgiveness to others. In doing so, remember that Jesus extended His arms completely for you at Calvary.

It s sometime hard to forgive those that have sinned against us, but it is needed. I believe when we have not forgiven others, our walk with Christ is weakened because He tells us to forgive-not just once .....But 70x7.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, " Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants

When you look at Corrie Ten Boom, it must have taken a lot to forgive the guard that worked at the concentration camp. Can you imagine what must have been going through her mind at that moment or what must have been going through the guard's mind? Corrie had the mind of Christ and forgave this man and this man had the mind of Christ when he asked for her forgiveness. When she shook his hand they both felt the love of Jesus Christ. In Christ we can conquer anything; this is a testimony to that. We need to right the wrong to restore someone else and most importantly restore yourself and our relationship with Christ.

When Christ went to the cross he gave us the right to forgive others as He has forgiven us. What was easier, crucified on a cross or saying I forgive you? Not hard to answer is it, yet some make it difficult to forgive by holding grudges against one another. Instead of holding a grudge against a brother or sister or whoever, think what three little words can do for someone. It can take such a burden off their hearts. What can it do for us holding that grudge; it takes us out of fellowship with Christ.

(Mat 6:14-15 NNAS) "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."

Unforgiveness can have a hold on you and it can have hold on the one you are having trouble forgiving .Many times forgiveness is not happening because pride gets in the way. Boy oh Boy, pride seems to be the cause of so much doesn't it? There is so much freedom when we forgive others that have tresspassed against us. If Christ can forgive us, we should be able to forgive others just as easily.
.
Someone told me to forgive,
To set the prisoner free.
I forgave those who had hurt me,
Only to find the freed prisoner......was me.

Thank you Lord for what you did on the cross to set me free!
Cristina

MY BEST FRIEND

I just wanted to share a poem I wrote about the Lord being my best friend, and He is. He is the one true friend that sticks by you, loves you, listens to you and is a friend no matter what. If He is not your best friend, I pray someday you will Trust in what He did on the cross to bear the sinsof His children.

Oh Lord of mine
to serve thee now
to give my life
I surely vow.

You are my Savior,
My best friend
forever now,
until the end.

You changed my heart,
made it anew
I only want,
to give Glory to you.

You bled and died
for my gain
Sins washed away,
by your blood stain.

Mocked and afflicted
in every way,
to have the feeling
of such betray

Father's back, turned
from your eyes
Sun gone down,
the darkest skies.

Then reunited,
with your Fathers love
Like Noah,
the olive and the Dove.

Your Father brought
you back as planned
and now You sit at
His right hand.

The greatest love,
ever known
Is what Jesus did,
for His own.

He goes before us
in times of need,
His promise is
to clothe and feed.

Protected arm around
us every second
always there,
at our beckon.

One day we will
be face to face
And only because of
His undying Grace.

Oh Lord of mine
to serve thee now
to give my life
I surely vow.

You are my Savior,
My best friend
forever now,
until the end.

Cristina

SUFFERING

"Because of my sufferings, I will appreciate (in heaven) the scars of Christ and also the scars of other believers. (In heaven) I will see men and women that in the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, tortured and persecuted, eaten by beasts, and drowned in the seas - - all for the love they had for the Lord. What a privelege it will be to stand in their ranks! But what a shame it would be if, in conversing with them, we could only shrug our shoulders and prattle Me? Suffer?...... Perhaps we would bite our complaining tongues more often if we stopped to picture this scene in heaven. The examples of other suffering saints are meant to inspire us upward on our heavenly journey home." Joni Eareckson Tada

Where do I start? I guess many people who suffer though pain,disease, marriage break up, death of a loved one, etc must feel helpless at times. It is hard to deal with these sorts of things in our lives and we all go through some sort of suffering throughout our lives. I wonder how without Christ someone deals with, they don't have the hope a believer has? They don't have a Father that will listen to their prayers and answer it. Without Christ, how can anyone have an answer for their suffering. A christian has an answer, it is that Jesus Christ has a purpose for it. The purpose Jesus Christ has, is to bring "Glory to Him". And as we look at ...Rev. 21:4
Revelation 21:4 And he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning; or crying or pain; the first things have passed away

When it is our time to leave this foreign world, we will be in Heaven, a place of Joy...

Luke 15:7 I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

We will have Rest...

Revelations 14:13 I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," said the Spirit, "let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them."

We will have Peace....

Luke 16:25 Abraham replied, 'My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.

We will continue to have Righteousness .....

2Peter 3:13 But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth 11 in which righteousness dwells.


And Finally we have Glory....

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

There will be no more suffering and sorrow, God will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Rev 7:17)

So for the Christians that suffer today, remember what we have ahead of us when we leave here, We will be in the presence of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ....In the Glory Land.
Remember The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh 8:10). Here is a quote I try to remember when suffering crosses my path.....

"In times of trouble say, First: He brought me here ; it is by His will I am in this strait place: In that I will rest. Next: He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then: He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last: In His good time He can bring me out again - how and when He knows. Say: I am here (1) by God's appointment (2) in His keeping (3) under His training (4) for His time." Andrew Murray

Cristina

GRACE

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me it was not I that found, O Saviour true; No, I was found of Thee


As I look at the Grace of God and all the good in me, it is of the Lord. Without God I am nothing but a depraved human being, nothing I have done should bring glory to me, it is all of God and only in Him is their glory. I did not seek His face, He sought me. He took this dead heart of mine, and made it new, by the Grace of God I was saved. When you think about how Christ must have seen us before we were saved, this darkened evil heart, and yet He still loved us. He loves us with a special love, I can not explain it, all I can do is get on my knees and thank Him. I guess that is what we call "Amazing Grace"

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;'
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The LORD has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years
...bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
...then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

GRACE, GOD'S AMAZING GRACE! denotes, not simply love, but the love of a sovereign, transcendly 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

2 Cor 12:7 "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, ``My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Thankyou Lord for your undying Grace.
Cristina

DEATH OF 2 YOUNG SOLDIERS

I just heard to day that the two young soldiers caught by the insurgents were brutally murdered. They were beheaded for defending a country that was not even their own. Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston, and Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore. lost their lives for what, Freedom? I wonder if any of those countries will ever be truly free? I was behind President Bush when he went into Iraq to stop the mass destruction, to stop Saddam's reign of terror in this country, but now I wonder if he was really right going there. I sometimes wonder if the mass destruction has been turned on the soldiers defending this country. I guess all we can do is wait to see what comes from all this. I sure would not want to be the parents of these two young men, they already know what has come from this...they lost their sons. I hope not in vain..
When I heard about their deaths, they had a picture of Kristian Menchaca on CNN and he was standing beside a pole with a sign showing a sword on it and the words ""Follow Me". I hope that meant that he may have been a believer. I pray the Lord will be with those dear family and friends left behind. I pray that they know Jesus Christ as their Savior, because without Christ what hope is there for anyone?

Cristina

PRIDE

How does God feel about Pride? God can not stomach pride. God says in Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the forward mouth, do I hate. Why is so much pride behind the pulpits and in the churches today, when there should be humility? Proverbs 16:5 says every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. You would think believers today, would not let pride rule his or her life, but it does. We all struggle with pride that I do not doubt.

But a Pastor is to be the example, we follow. He is the example to his flock and when he acts out in pride, well his flock follows and it becomes a church of pride not humility.When a Pastor or any of us do not follow the example the bible lays out for us, the problem always leads to PRIDE. A Pastor has a big responsibility to his flock.

Titus 1 5-95 ¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 ¶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

We all as believers need to follow the path of Jesus Christ and Jesus was full of humility not pride. Nothing He did was to bring gain to Himself, He served others. He got down and washed the feet of the Apostles.He made himself nothing, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7 says "We are to imitate Christ" and Philippians 2:5, says "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus".

Christ's whole life was one of humiliation, poverty, and disgrace. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief as Isaiah 53 tells us. He did not come to earth with anything . The point in his life that was the lowest was when He died on the cross. When we think of the manner of His death it is even more amazing. It was a shameful, cursed, and painful death. Full of pain the body nailed through at sensitive parts and hanging with all its weight upon a cross. It was the death of a slave, and He exposed as a public spectacle. He was totally humiliated on the cross, and yet went willingly, knowing that is what would happen. He laid down His life for the love of His people. Now this is the example we are to follow, willing to lay down our life for our fellow believers. We are to love one another, help one another, not to be afraid to rebuke one another in love and not to be so proud to say I am wrong and repent. We are to restore a brother and sister when they have sinned and repented, why isn't this happening a lot in Christendom today, well I can answer that---PRIDE.
"The glory of the incarnation is that it presents to our adoring gaze not a humanized God or a deified man, but a true God-man---One who is all that God is and at the same time all that man is: One on whose almighty arm we can rest, and to whose human sympathy we can appeal." Benjamin B. Warfield"
Better is the sin which humbles me, than that duty which makes me proud." Thomas Watson
I would ask if you read this, that you please pray for God's leading as we and other church members venture out to find a new church and please pray, as we are, for our Pastor and the remaining church family .

Thank you
Cristina

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

I would like to explain this poem a bit so that readers can understand where I am coming from. The first verses are about my older sister Sandy. When she was a little girl in public school on the Air Force Base, where we were stationed,she had a teacher that just did not like her. Sandy was a shy girl so the teacher had the advantage over her. The teacher would ridiclule here almost every day and Sandy never complained to our parents about her.Until one day my father was working around the school area and happened to go by her classroom that day. The window was open and at that time the teacher was giving Sandy a hard time, she was in tears. Well, need I say more. After that day the teacher never bothered Sandy again.The verses that follow speak of a girl that was having a hard time in school, well that would be me. I remember that year, I worked so hard but failed that year anyway. I left that day so depressed and there was my dad waiting for me. The teacher knew I worked hard and she knew it would be so hard on me that day that she call my parents and that is why my dad was there. He took me down town and we went into this store and I seen these red-wine colored knee high suede boots. They had a bit of a heal and they tied up in the front. I thought they were so cool, and then from the corner of my eye I seen these bright yellow-orange colored pants, and knew I had to have them. My father bought them both for me. I left that store that day with such a good feeling. I thought to myself how I felt leaving class that day and there outside the school was my dear ole dad there to changed one of the worse days I had and made it into a memory I have cherished over the years. Thankyou my dear father. My dad loved to go to the baseball games my brother Dale played and then of course the last of the crew was Cheryl our baby sister who dad loved so much. My father is such a good man with such a sense of humor, I guess that is why I was so attracted to My Husband Jim because he has made me laugh through the years too. Life without laughter is not much of a life.Thank you Dad.

Love Cristina

MY DAD
Sitting in her class
fearing the teacher that day,
Hands in her lap,
not knowing what to say.

The teacher approaches
and belittles her again,
A man walks in the class
looking down at his daughter's pain

The little girl looked up and
with a frown that turned to joy,
He says dont ever do that again
or you will have to deal with this ole boy.

Another time a little girl
had failed her school year and felt so depressed,
She left the class that last day
And sees a man so well dressed.

He took her hand and
said"It's been a tough year,
But you have to know
we love you so much dear"

He took his young daughter
downtown to buy her something new,
He knew her spirits need lifting
and He knew just what to do.

They went into the store and
she saw Red Boots and Orange Pants,
It's something she wanted
she knew at first glance.

She left the store that day
with such joy in her heart,
Her dad had came through
As he did from the start.

There was a little man
baseball is what he played,
His dad would watch him every time,
these times he would not trade.

The last of his children
was a beautiful green-eyed girl,
She was full of laughter
with these little tiny black curls.

We all grew up making memories
that we treasure today,
When I look back
There is so much to say.

I remember getting in trouble
thinking this is a hoot,
But, it sure wasn't when
he found Spaghetti in his boots.

A sense of humor would
describe this man to a tee,
He always makes you laugh
almost everyone would agree

Now our dear mother would sit
everyday, some day in pain.
listening to his jokes
thinking not this one again.

Many times we visit this man
he'd ask "Hair rub today?"
He'd say oh that feels good
we'd never ever mention the grey.

He grew up from being
a little boy with not much,
To a wonderful husband and father
with such a soft touch.

As we grew up I don't think
He knew how much we cared,
We didn't see until now
how much he had spared.

I'm here to tell you dad
you are the very best,
God's given me you
and I am truly blessed.

I am here to thankyou for
being the greatest dad there will be,
Sandy, Dale and Cheryl
and your grandchildren will agree.

So my wonderful father
thankyou for the laughter we shared with you
thankyou for the love you
have given in all you do.

Love Cristina

thankyou dad for loving me the way you do.
Cristina

DR. JAMES GRIER AND DR. ROGERS PASCOE

We have been searching for a new church and today I have to say has been such a blessing to me and my Husband. Actually, we attended two churches today. One was at Southdale Bible Chapel and the other was at Westpark Baptist Church. At Southdale we had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Roger Pascoe, President of "The Institute for Biblical Preaching".

http://www.tibp.ca/

What a message of encouragement. We had a chance to chat with him for a few minutes before we left and He said He likes to preach straight out of the bible instead of telling a bunch of little stories and isn't that the way churches seem to be going now a days? We are not being fed by the Word of God, we are being told little stories with the word of God mixed up in it all. Why can we not preach verse by verse so we all can grow in the knowledge found in the word of God? Mr. Pascoe was a blessing to me today. Some friends of ours suggested we come to their evening service tonight because, they shared, that the morning message brought them to tears and that the speaker was wonderful. So off we went the West Park Baptist church this evening and listened to Dr. James Grier.
Here is a site to tell you a bit about him…..
http://grts.cornerstone.edu/about/faculty/grier/
He preached on Revelations and I have too tell you I have never heard a preacher like him. He stood up behind the pulpit and faced the wall instead of the congregation. It was as if he faced that way so we would not be focusing on his face but on what he was preaching about. As he spoke I could picture exactly what he was saying. The way he worded everything, it was like you were right there. He talked about the marriage of the lamb and the how at the end Jesus will be "Just in all He does"even when those who did not trust in Christ would be throw in to hell. It was so vivid and yet at the same time I could picture my unsaved family and friends at the day of judgement and I felt pain. Mr. Grier painted it so vividly, you could not even hear a pin drop thoughout his whole sermon. He was such a blessing to me tonight. I thank the Lord for today, I needed this so much I needed to be fed...I was starving. Thank you Lord and I pray that you will lead us to a church that we can feel full with feeding of your word.

HOW IMPORTANT IS TRUTH TO YOU

I sometimes go into a chatroom on Paltalk called "Kickback Cafe" and when I do go in there I last no longer then 10 minutes. The reason is the heresy that flies around the room. To be quite frank, it turns my stomach sick and the reason being is there may be a few people in there searching for truth and all they are getting are lies. Folks in this chatroom and many other chatrooms calling themselves christians, and you know they are not because of the false doctrine they follow. There are so many different churches with so many false doctines. It gets to the point were they almost sound cultish and some really are.What do we do, when we as a church, do not unite in truth? I read this once and it sure gives you something to think about...

"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""The Ecumenical Movement of the Hour" is here, look around you. Churches joining other churches that are not biblically sound.Pastors speaking at a get-together with other pastors that are so unbiblically sound., What is wrong with this picture....it leads to the Ecumenical Movement. Do we not stand up for truth or do we just compromise the truth for unity.

A BIG NO!!!!!

This is what satan wants, truth mixed with heresy because when you mix truth with lies you have destroyed truth--it is currupt. As the years go on, we are going to find less and less people that want to stand up for the truth because those that will hold up to truth will be persecuted--you can feel it now when you fight for the truth and yes I mean FIGHT because most around you do not want hear Truth and it makes them angry. Many of our brothers and sisters have been persecuted in years past, many Christian Martyrs have died in the name of Christ, years past and today. How far will you go in the name of Christ? Would you be a Martyr for Christ, will you stand up for truth against a family member or friend, will you stand up for truth even if it means lossing a friendship? How important is truth to you, How important is truth to me?

THANK YOU LORD FOR GODLY MEN

It's Sunday Morning and it's another day with the Lord. I was reading Steve Camps Blog "Audience One" and thinking how the Lord has given us such wise men to learn from. I also enjoy what John Macarthur, Al Mohler have to say. I have heard a lot about John White but I have not really read a lot if him and I do plan to. I love to read a lot of what the old time Warriors have to say. A lot are called Puritans but I like the word "Warrior" because they fought the good fight way back when, defending the word and they were such true Warriors. There was Spurgeon. What a man of God. This man did not pull any punches, he said it as it was, no matter how offended someone got. One of his quotes I love is

"As sure as God puts His children in the furnace he will be in the furnace with them”

Isn't that so true, He will never forsake us, even when we are in trouble He is there, when we are ill, He is there when we are sinning...He is there.

He watches over us and is there when we walk with Him and when we are out of fellowship with him, through sin. He is there. I think sometimes we forget He is there and sees all we do. When you really think back at those times when we were sinning and really think on the fact He seen what we did, it humbles you.

John 10:27-28 27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. And....one of my favorite verses...

Romans 8:38-39 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 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.

There is NOTHING, NOTHING that will separate us from the Lord. What comfort that is, but that does not give us the right to continually sin as some think. It just showed His love to be eternal ....for ever and ever. Other great men of God from the past are Arthur Pink, Thomas Watson, Jonathon Edwards, Andrew Murray and so many more. We should thank the Lord for men and women past and present that have helped us, taught us and guided us throughout our walk. We should thank our pastors and fellow believers for what they have done in our lives. I have met a few Pastors online that I really enjoy fellowship with. I have the opportunity to hear them preach and there words have blessed me.
Throughout the world our brothers and sisters are reaching out to the lost.The world needs to see the love we have for one another. We are to esteem one another, even in good times and bad. Thank you Lord for all the people you have brought into my life, past and present and future, but most of all I am truly blessed by YOU into my life. Thank you for choosing me as one of the flock. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and dying on the cross and bearing each and every one of them. I pray I can walk in your foot steps each day. I love you Lord.

THANK THE LORD FOR MOTHERS

I just wanted share a poem I wrote for my Mom. My mother has blessed me through out my life. she has always been there for all her children. She always showed the example of putting others first. She has been married to my dad for over 50 years and they had 4 children and lost 2 children. My mom has been the best parent and wife anyone could ask for. She has been through so much in her life but has always been "The Rock" of the family. My mom has been through breast cancer and lost one of her Breasts to a infection in her insides that almost killed her. My mom showed such strength through out both those times.

My Mom's mom has a lot to do with the strength my mom has now. My Mother is my Grandmother all over again and I hope someday my children will say the same of me. You are so much like your mom!

Today is Mother's Day and I would like to share a poem that I wrote about my dear mom.....
MY MOM

What can I say about
a lady that's full of love
I guess I can only say
she was sent from above.

A lady full of grace and
full of love beyond others,
She to me is the best
among any mothers.

She has taught me to love
she has taught me to live my life
how to be a good mother
and to be a good wife.

She has shown all her children
a love that will never fail,
It is undying no matter what
It's promises is to prevail.

She is a mother that is
so precious, to her own,
just because of all the love
she has shown.

Her love has been made of
great devotion, sacrifice and pain,
it has been endless and unselfishand
enduring minus any selfish gain.

I thanked God for the caring
you've shown me through the years,
for the closeness we've enjoyed
in time of laughter and of tears.

Your love determined how
We Ioved ourself and others too
it affects everything in life
and in everything we do.

You helped me through many times
when I felt helpless and alone,
you always showned when I was wrong
and those were time I had grown.

You are the greatest Nana
there ever can be,
Your grandchildren will
confess thisjust ask and you'll see.

You are my mom and I will
shout this with pride every day,
I thank the Lord for you
when ever I pray.

Thank you mom for loving
me as you do,
Because I will tell you right now
I will forever love you.

My MOM, yes MY MOM
A lady full of Grace.
My mentor, my example
She will always be in first place!

Love Cristina

,

I'M A PLAIN BAPTIST GIRL

Sunday, May 07, 2006I AM A PLAIN OLE BAPTIST GIRL"...... I have no attachments to the name "Baptist". I am not a Reform Baptist, I am not a Charismatic Baptist, and I am not Armenian Baptist nor a Calvinist Baptist. I’m just Plain Ole Baptist, that believes in the doctrines of grace. I do hold to the doctrine found in the what folks call the "TULIP". I do believe this Because of the fall, man is unable of himself to savingly believe the gospel. The sinner is dead, blind, and deaf to the things of God; his heart is deceitful and desperately corrupt. His will is not free, it is in bondage to his evil nature; therefore, he will not--indeed he cannot--choose good over evil in the spiritual realm. Consequently, it takes much more than the Spirit's assistance to bring a sinner to Christ--it takes regeneration by which the Spirit makes the sinner alive and gives him a new nature. Faith is not something man contributes to salvation but is itself a part of God's gift of salvation--it is God's gift to the sinner, not the sinner's gift to God. **TOTAL DEPRAVITY** I do believe we do not come to the Lord without Him first drawing us. I do **UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION** **I do believe Christ's redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and actually secured salvation them. His death was a substitutionary endurance of the penalty of sin in the place of certain specified sinners. In addition to putting away the sins of His people, Christ's redemption secured everything necessary for their salvation, including faith which united them to Him. The gift of faith is infallibly applied by the Spirit to all for whom Christ died, thereby guaranteeing their salvation.**LIMITED ATONEMENT** I do believe In addition to the outward general call to salvation which is made to everyone who hears the gospel, the Holy Spirit extends to the elect a special inward call that inevitably brings them to salvation. The external call (which is made to all without distinction) can be, and often is, rejected; whereas the internal call (which is made only to the elect) cannot be rejected- it always results in conversion. By means of this special call the Spirit irresistibly draws sinners to Christ. He is not limited in His work of applying salvation by man's will, nor is He dependent upon man's cooperation for success. The Spirit graciously causes the elect sinner to cooperate, to believe, to repent, and to come freely and willingly to Christ. God's grace, therefore, is invincible; it never fails to result in the salvation of those to whom it is extended.**IRRESISTIBLE GRACE ** and I do believe All who were chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end. **PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS **The bible is quite clear on all these subjects.

http://scripturetruths5.tripod.com/docgrace.html

WATERED DOWN CHRISTIANITY

I wonder sometimes where the church is going today. I see such division amongst the brethren and it is disturbing. A lot fo the times things are candy coated.Today's churches seem to be so watered down. I see to much seeker friendly churches popping up all over the place and it is frightening to be quite honest. Churches that are catering to the world instead of being used for worshiping and the feeding the flock. Churches that have restaurants and movie theatres in them. What is wrong with picture? These churches are trying to draw people to church by having this on their properties? What happen to the Lord drawing people to church, does He need help from Ronald McDonald now? The problem is we don't use church for the purpose God meant it to be? The purpose of the church is: (1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying. The church is meant for the believer. ” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and love one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another in truth(Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage each another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).It is there to grow together and learn together so that we can go out into the world and share the gospel with the Lost of the world. The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).Today's churches seem to have more music time then feeding time. Worship is important but so is the word. How can a baby christen grow without the word being preached, he or she needs milk found in the word, eh/she needs to be nourished. To be quit frank, a lot the worship used to day are not biblically sound. It is seeker friendly words; the songs sometimes are not the words of truth and conviction. Finally, I read this once and it is so true. So, with all that said, what is the purpose of the church? I like the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The church is God’s “body” – we are His hands, mouth, and feet in this world. We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian” – “Christ-like” and Christ-following.