tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85928096560776889072024-03-13T12:56:17.686-07:00Straight TalkIf this blog seems to ramble a bit, that's because it is intended to. I want to share my feelings, observations and lessons I've learned as I learn them. I don't wish to be confined to a particular model.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-58422105785385537522018-04-05T16:25:00.000-07:002018-04-05T16:25:05.311-07:00A Prophet Like Moses<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Prophet Like Moses</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>In
Deuteronomy 18:15-22 we read these words, “<span class="textdeut-18-15">The </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-15"> your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from
your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, </span><span class="textdeut-18-16">according to all you desired of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-16"> your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying,
‘Let me not hear again the voice of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-16">
my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’</span><span class="textdeut-18-17"><sup> </sup></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textdeut-18-17">“And the
</span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-17"> said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good.<span> </span></span><span class="textdeut-18-18"><sup> </sup>I
will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will
put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. </span><span class="textdeut-18-19"><sup><span> </span> </sup>And
it shall be <i>that</i> whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My
name, I will require <i>it</i> of him. </span><span class="textdeut-18-20"><sup> </sup>But
the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded
him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’
</span><span class="textdeut-18-21"><sup> </sup>And if you say in your
heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-21">
has not spoken?’— </span><span class="textdeut-18-22">When a prophet speaks in
the name of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-22">, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that <i>is</i>
the thing which the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-22"> has not spoken; the
prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textdeut-18-22">Now
while the bulk of this seems to be talking about how to know who is a true
prophet and who is a false prophet<span> </span>it
comes in the context of God promising the children of Israel a prophet like
Moses, as He says, </span>“<span class="textdeut-18-15">The </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-15"> your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from
your midst,”<span> </span>We can learn a few things
about this future prophet.<span> </span>First he
would come from among them, and be as one of their brothers.<span> </span>I’m sure the people must have thought this
would be from the lineage of Moses.<span> </span>He
will be both similar and greater than Moses, for God says, “and I will put My
words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.”<span> </span>Much like Moses, only this seems to be in a
broader sense.<span> </span>God goes on by saying,
“And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My
name, I will require it of him.”<span> </span>That
statement places this prophet far above that of Moses.<span> </span>Now we must go back to one point I have
skipped over and it must be addressed now.<span>
</span>This prophet shall come because of the people’s fear of the Lord, as God
says, </span>“<span class="textdeut-18-15">The </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textdeut-18-15">
your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your
brethren. <b>Him you shall hear</b>, </span><span class="textdeut-18-16"><u>according to all you desired of the </u></span><span class="small-caps"><u><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></u></span><span class="textdeut-18-16"><u> your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying</u>,
<b>‘Let me not hear again the voice of the </b></span><span class="small-caps"><b><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></b></span><span class="textdeut-18-16"><b> my God, nor let me see this great fire
anymore, lest I die</b>.’”<span> </span>God is
therefore going to send one with whom He will place His words in their mouth in
answer to their fear.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="textdeut-18-16">So how
was this accomplished?<span> </span>Are we still
looking for a prophet like Moses?<span> </span>I put
to you that this prophet has already come, yes and more than a prophet.<span> </span>Let’s look at the life of Moses first of
all.<span> </span>He was one of the Hebrew children descended
from Jacob that had settled in Goshen
over 400 years before due to a famine.<span>
</span>This is the story of Joseph.<span> </span>Yet
time has passed and the new Pharaoh fears these strange people and tries to
kill off the males to keep the population down.<span>
</span>Moses and his brother Aaron were spared this fate by divine
measures.<span> </span>Moses went on to be raised by
the Pharaoh’s daughter as her son.<span>
</span>Moses’ story begins with Exodus chapter 2.<span> </span>Although he was rescued by the Pharaoh’s
daughter and raised as her own (even giving him the name Moses) it was Moses’
sister Miriam who went to Pharaoh’s daughter and suggested one of the Hebrew
woman to tend for the baby for her.<span> </span>Miriam
of course brought Moses’ true mother.<span> </span>So
Moses learned of his true lineage, that he belonged to the people of the God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<span> </span>At the same
time he was being trained to be Prince of Egypt.<span> </span>When he became a man he went out and looked
upon his people and saw an Egyptian beating one of the children of Israel.<span> </span>Moses went down and killed the Egyptian.<span> </span>The following day he say two Hebrews quarreling and he tried to make peace between them. On man replied, </span>“Who
made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed
the Egyptian?”<span> </span>So Moses fled to
Midian.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now the reason I bring this up is
that often we have our own ideas about how things are supposed to work
out.<span> </span>Moses felt that he was chosen by
God to release the children of Israel
from bondage in Egypt.<span> </span>Yet he acted on his own and was wrong.<span> </span>When we say that God would give us a prophet
like Moses it includes this as well.<span> </span>The
difference is it wasn’t the prophet who got it wrong, but the people who were
awaiting for the prophet.<span> </span>They were
expecting some Zealot who would rise up and lead them in a war against the
people who held them in bondage.<span> </span>They
were wrong.<span> </span>The prophet came, but
because he wasn’t what they were looking for they missed him, and this was due
in large part of the religious leaders of the day.<span> </span>By this time they had so many preconceived
ideas they were blind to the truth and taught the people falsely.<span> </span>So this is the first point, which this
prophet would come, and would for the most part be rejected.<span> </span>It took many years before he returned to Egypt, this
time at the Lord’s command.<span> </span>Moses was
very reluctant to return.<span> </span>I suppose most
of us who have experienced failure are not in a hurry to fail again.<span> </span>Such was the case with Moses.<span> </span>But the prophet did not fail his
mission.<span> </span>His rejection was foretold and
his death was necessary.<span> </span>This prophet
did not remain dead, but rose to life and shall return one day.<span> </span>When He does He shall come on His own terms,
as King of kings and Lord of lords.<span> </span>With
the armies of Heaven following Him He shall defeat all the enemies of His
people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Moses came and worked many
miracles.<span> </span>Ten plagues were levied
against Egypt before the
Pharaoh let the children of Israel
go.<span> </span>Then after he let them go he chased
after them with the Egyptian army, both foot soldiers and chariots.<span> </span>They had the people of Israel boxed in at the Red Sea (that is the Sea of Reeds)
and Israel
complained to Moses, who complained about the people. <span> </span>God told Moses raise his rod over the waters
and the waters parted left and right, piling up on heaps and Israel crossed
on dry ground.<span> </span>As they completed this
task the Egyptians decided to pursue them through the dry space in the
sea.<span> </span>As they did God brought the waters
crashing back down on them, killing both horse and rider, wiping out the entire
army of Egypt
in one fell swoop.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So it is with those of us who
believe.<span> </span>We have seen the powerful works
of God setting us free from slavery to sin, and in that moment when we despair
of being overtaken of sin, those of us who have our eyes fixed on this prophet
like Moses, find He makes a way where there is no way.<span> </span>Not only that, but He destroys our enemies
that try to pursue us.<span> </span>Yet we still
haven’t made it, and at times this causes us to complain, to despair, to
question God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are we any different than those
children of Israel
in the wilderness?<span> </span>They complained
because the Egyptian army was coming at them and the Red
Sea cut off their escape.<span>
</span>When God made a way of escape and wiped out the Egyptian army they
sang.<span> </span>Then they complained that they
didn’t have water or food or real meat, then water again.<span> </span>Always it was something.<span> </span>Because of that when they finally got to the Jordan River they weren’t ready to enter the land God
promised them.<span> </span>Of twelve spies only two
said, “Yeah, the people are big, but with God on our side...no problem.”<span> </span>They went with a majority vote, which
displeased God.<span> </span>Of that generation only
two people, those two faithful scouts, were allowed to enter the Promised Land.<span> </span>Even Moses and Aaron were not permitted to
enter.<span> </span>So you see, the prophet to come
must be greater than Moses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So who was this prophet?<span> </span>I’m sure you have guessed by now, that it is
Jesus, or Yeshua.<span> </span>He is not only a
prophet, but the promised Messiah.<span> </span>You
see, that is really what God was promising Moses and the people of Israel.<span> </span>Yeshua is not only the Messiah, but Emmanuel,
which being translated means God with us.<span>
</span>Is Yeshua God?<span> </span>Can it be?<span> </span>Jesus stated plainly, “Before Abraham was I
AM.”<span> </span>Now that may not mean a whole lot
to some of you but let’s go back to Moses.<span>
</span>When God wanted to send Moses back to Egypt to set Israel free Moses
asked God this question, <span class="textexod-3-13">“Indeed, <i>when</i> I come
to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me
to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What <i>is</i> His name?’ what shall I say to
them?” (Exodus 3:13) to which God replies in the following verse, </span><span class="textexod-3-14">“I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the
children of Israel,
‘I AM has sent me to you.’”<span> </span>God
identified Himself to Israel
through Moses as I AM, and Jesus identified Himself to the religious Jews as I
AM.<span> </span>Make no mistake.<span> </span>God in the flesh is the Hebrew Messiah, and
the Savior of the world.<span> </span>He truly was a
prophet like Moses, and yet He was infinitely so much more.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-83129437478251420842015-06-30T20:14:00.002-07:002015-06-30T20:14:44.795-07:00Fed UpI don't know about you, but I'm fed up with the way the American society is being herded along like a bunch of sheep, blissfully headed towards their own doom. Don't get me wrong. I like sheep and I like the idea of the Good Shepherd seeking out those who are lost. What gets me is all the propaganda that is nothing but a bold face lie.<br />
<br />
A few years ago I wrote an article as a freelance writer, to the National Geographic magazine opposing their blatant belief in Evolution. Now while I agree that things evolve within a relatively small scope, never changing into something else, but merely trying to become a better self, I totally disagree with the Theory of Evolution. It has scientific errors, as well as "belief" differences. The Theory of Evolution needs something to start with, whether it's gases, dust, or a combination of the two. So if this theory is to explain the origins of the universe, how is that possible if there were no gases or dust particles to work from? Answer. It isn't possible.<br />
<br />
One scientist referred to the impossibility of evolution by referring to the three laws of energy. He said, "The possibility of evolution occurring were similar to a tornado going through a junk yard and assembling a 747." Evolutionists will look at that statement and say, "Yes, but there is still a possibility. The problem is they haven't thought through their science. So for your edification, here are the 3 laws of Thermodynamics, or Energy:<br />
1) You cannot win (that is, you cannot get something for nothing, because matter and energy are conserved.<br />
2) You cannot break even (you cannot return to the same energy state, because there is always an increase in disorder; entropy always increases)<br />
3) You cannot get out of the game (because absolute zero is unattainable)<br />
<br />
(author C.P. Snow)<br />
<br />
Let's take another look at that as it may or may not apply to Evolution;<br />
The First Law of Thermodynamics tells us that you have to start with something. Evolutionists have claimed gas clouds, space dust, etc. yet they would need to have an origin. So, simply speaking, if Evolution is correct it does not explain the origin of things, only what happened after. And many of their theories about even that are fairy tales.<br />
The Second Law of Thermodynamics tells us that everything is moving away from the point of origin in an ever increasing disorder. Remember the man who talked about a tornado assembling a 747? He started with 2 things, a junk yard and a tornado, which resulted in an airplane. Notice he emphasizes that you can't get something from nothing. Following his reason, that same energy, the tornado, will rip apart the 747. That's not evolution but destruction. Just ask anyone who lives in Tornado Alley.<br />
The Third Law of Thermodynamics says, "you cannot get out of the game." In order to stop entropy, that is the increasing disorder, you would have to bring everything down to absolute zero in temperature. So everything is destined to fall apart, not change into something new to exist. The very act of changing would cause some kinetic (heat) energy keeping you from reaching absolute zero since it is creating heat.<br />
<br />
Now let's look at things from a Biblical perspective:<br />
While energy cannot be created or destroy, when God spoke, in Genesis chapter 1, His Word, part of Him, was able to be the kind of energy that could create. The scientific definition of energy is E=M times C(squared). That's Energy equals Matter times the Speed of Light squared. Interesting thing about mathematic formulas. You can solve any part of the equation, by a little shifting, which requires some more math. So we get M=E divided by C(squared) or Matter equals Energy times The Speed of Light squared. We didn't create something out of nothing, but took the energy available, the spoken Word of God, and compromised it by slowing it down or changing its composition to create a different kind of Energy...Matter. God would have held that creation energy together forever if it hadn't been for one thing. The sin of man. So it was now out of His hands, moving irrationally or disorderly towards its own destruction. The one glimmer of hope we have is that when God became a man and died on the cross for our sin we can have the glorious future of one day being brought back into His hand, living eternally without sin. It won't happen on this earth, but we are called to let God work through us and let Him remake us into the image of His Son.<br />
<br />
A lot of people have argued this with me. I really don't mean to argue. I am just tired of seeing people accept things because some magazine or TV show or movie tells us we should believe. I want you to challenge what you have been taught and see if God's Word doesn't come out on top every time. That may mean slight disagreements with your particular religion, but that's okay. God hasn't called us to be church members, but part of His family.<br />
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
The first law, also known as Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in a <a class="keyterm__mention" data-push="true" data-track="Sneak:clicked_mentioned_key_term" href="https://www.boundless.com/chemistry/definition/chemical-reaction">chemical reaction</a>.<br /><br />Source: Boundless. “The Three Laws of Thermodynamics.” <em>Boundless Chemistry</em>. Boundless, 27 Jun. 2015. Retrieved 01 Jul. 2015 from <span class="citation__url-text">https://www.boundless.com/chemistry/textbooks/boundless-chemistry-textbook/thermodynamics-17/the-laws-of-thermodynamics-123/the-three-laws-of-thermodynamics-496-3601/</span></div>
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
The first law, also known as Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in a <a class="keyterm__mention" data-push="true" data-track="Sneak:clicked_mentioned_key_term" href="https://www.boundless.com/chemistry/definition/chemical-reaction">chemical reaction</a>.<br /><br />Source: Boundless. “The Three Laws of Thermodynamics.” <em>Boundless Chemistry</em>. Boundless, 27 Jun. 2015. Retrieved 01 Jul. 2015 from <span class="citation__url-text">https://www.boundless.com/chemistry/textbooks/boundless-chemistry-textbook/thermodynamics-17/the-laws-of-thermodynamics-123/the-three-laws-of-thermodynamics-496-3601/</span></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-53541163280157424082015-06-05T20:11:00.001-07:002015-06-05T20:11:19.133-07:00I've just read about that Baptist church that is keeping Beau Biden from having a proper funeral. This is despicable. People, I urge you to study the Bible and follow what it has to say and not how others have twisted it for their own agendas. Jesus said we were to fight evil with good, not become evil ourselves. While there is plenty of Scripture that tells us that homosexuality is a sin, the very same source tells us to love these people anyway. Years ago I ran across a man on the internet whose anti-pro choice stance was so strong he advocated violence against abortion doctors. How will that help matters? Love them. Forgive them at least in your hearts and let them see the love of Jesus for them in you. If you are a Christian, then this is something you would want to do, if only to please our Lord.<br />
<br />
The problem is everything is so twisted. People don't know what the Word of God says, so they take the word of "a man of the cloth," and that's all wrong. As for those who say God only chooses certain people to go to Heaven, well, that's only because He knows the others have not chosen for Him. God's will is expressed in John 3:16, "For God so loved the WORLD, that He gave His Only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER would believe in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." We are all God's favorites, while at the same time we may be His enemies. Choosing not to love one another, to not love our neighbors as ourselves, to not love our enemies, puts us at odds with God. I am not pleased with the current administration, but I have to watch my tongue, because God has placed him there because we have all turned away from God. So I love the president, the vice president, and pray that they will have the veil lifted off of their eyes and truly receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.<br />
<br />
You who would boycott this or that because of Christian beliefs, because it opposes Scripture, have you not read how all of us, were at one time, enemies of God? Have you not read that if you break one law the same is a lawbreaker and guilty of the whole law? Have you not read that while adultery, fornication, and homosexuality are listed as sin, so also is greed, lying, gossiping, strife, anger, and the list just keeps on going? If then you who were once liars, or thieves, or gossips can find full and total forgiveness and grace in Christ, what makes you think that sexual sins would be more difficult for Him to forgive?<br />
<br />
Jesus once told a group of people, "You err because you don't know the Scriptures." I say to you, that many of you also err in other ways because we don't know the Scriptures. If you would do one thing, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, confess your sins to Him that you may be saved. If you would have a closer relationship with God, then study His Word and pray. Prayer is just us talking to God, but when we study God's Word we often find it is how God talks back to us. Indeed that is what it should be.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-46016921214885252032013-08-02T10:20:00.002-07:002013-08-02T10:20:39.867-07:00Are We Failing?<span style="font-size: large;">This is something that I've been thinking about for a while, only recently has it expressed itself to me so that I could share it with others. Here's the thing, do you know who are leading more people to Heaven than anyone else? Think about it hard. It's not a great pastor, or evangelist. It's not some great Christian on TV or the radio. It's abortion. You heard me right. I'm not making a pitch for abortion here. Don't get me wrong, and I don't want to place the blame on young women who have had to make hard choices with no one around to give them wise advice. They are hurting too. Still the facts are these, there are over 3000 abortions performed daily, and that's just in the United States. To date, worldwide, beginning at January 1st of this year over 24 million abortions have been performed. And folks, we got another 5 months left in this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Children who die without reaching the age of accountability, that is they really don't get right and wrong yet, go to Heaven, simply because they didn't get to make a choice. The same is true of aborted babies. Like I said, that doesn't mean we should rush off and endorse abortion. Abortion has two victims, minimum, the child and the mother. So rather a call to abortion this is a call for Christians to do what Jesus told them to do, "Go ye into all the world..."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When was the last time you led someone to Christ in prayer? When was the last time you told someone that Jesus loved them? When was the last time you proved what you said about Christianity through the love God poured out in your heart? Before you get irritated with me over these questions let me explain that this is directed at me as well. Where was I when so and so needed a little encouragement? Where was I when someone needed to hear about the love of God in Christ? There have been times when I have spoken out. There have been those I have prayed with and for, but it seems like so very little.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All of us who are Christian need to be more vocal, living lives pleasing to Him. We need to surround ourselves in His love so that anyone coming near us will feel that love. You see, while it's great that God takes care of those who die before their time, before they can make a knowledgeable choice, before they know right from wrong, and many times before they are even born, there is one thing that they are missing. They do not experience the love of God the way we do. You see, everyone of us has failed, has done things they don't ever want others to know about, in short, we have all sinned. It is because we have failed, because we have sinned, that we can understand, at least a little bit, how great God's love is for us</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To that end one of my favorite verses of Scripture is Romans 5:8, "For God commendeth His love towards us in this, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Did you catch that? God loves us even though we have sinned. If we turn to Him He is happy to answer our prayer of repentance and pour out on us His mercy and grace. This is the message we should be telling everyone around us. "God loves you. He loves you so much He sent His Son to die for so that you wouldn't have to die, at least not eternally. He took all your sin on Himself." The unborn don't have the chance to be forgiven, but then, maybe that's a better place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So whenever you think you are doing enough for God remember what He has done for you, and remember that over 3000 kids are going to Heaven without ever hearing about Jesus at the hands of people who may not ever see Heaven. We need to do more. We need to love more. We need to be more like Jesus so others may come to know the fullness of His love.</span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-45881817064033464822011-12-06T21:48:00.000-08:002011-12-06T21:54:38.725-08:00Santa or Jesus?<!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} table.MsoTableGrid {mso-style-name:"Table Grid"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center">Santa of Jesus? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"> </p> <table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook:480;mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext;mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td style="width:221.4pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="295"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ3FoZDE5js/Tt7-0Y6HpxI/AAAAAAAAA0o/QV5Y0zRCW4A/s1600/santa.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ3FoZDE5js/Tt7-0Y6HpxI/AAAAAAAAA0o/QV5Y0zRCW4A/s200/santa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683259955781019410" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"> </p>Jolly, fat, dresses in a red suit with fur trim. Has a wide belt and black boots. Sports a full white beard. Keeps a list of who is “naughty” and who is “nice”. He refers to this list when deciding to give gifts, which he does once a year. The naughty get coal and the nice get good toys. Rides in a sleigh pulled by magical reindeer that fly. Lives in the North Pole and has elves that make the toys that he gives out each Christmas.<br /><br />Santa gives up one night of the year so the deserving boys and girls could get toys and such that will not last.<br /></td> <td style="width:221.4pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="295"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S_QJx9BLSug/Tt7_BO4C5LI/AAAAAAAAA00/ivUg6Sf7NuI/s1600/jesus.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S_QJx9BLSug/Tt7_BO4C5LI/AAAAAAAAA00/ivUg6Sf7NuI/s200/jesus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683260176426263730" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"> </p>Looks pretty much like any other Jewish male of his time. As a man he was poor, but in reality Jesus is the King of kings. Jesus knew everything about you before the world was formed, every action, every thought, every sin, and because of that He gave up his throne to live among us so that through his death he could give us his righteousness, his holiness, his perfection, his joy, his peace, his healing, his authority. In fact, if you are on Santa’s naughty list you are the one Jesus died for so you could share in all his riches. He offers these and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and fellowship with God the father to anyone who would simply receive him and believe him. He is the gift God gave to us one Christmas and this treasure of fellowship with God can be received anytime of the year, and never wears out. It is eternal.<br /><br />Jesus gave of himself completely so that we might receive all that he is. The offer is to all of us because no one is worthy. There is no one on the “nice” list, but by his shed blood on the cross he moves us into his own home in heaven to fellowship with him always.<br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is just a quick comparison, and it only bears up if Santa were a real person. We know there was a historical Saint Nicholas, but he has been dead for close to 1700 years. In contrast we also know that Jesus was a historical person and although he died some 2000 years ago he rose again and is alive forever. So when Christmas rolls around this year, who are you going to choose?<br /></p>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-27450596017655689002011-10-17T10:02:00.000-07:002011-10-17T10:50:02.409-07:00Just a couple of things<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">(Warning: These are my pet peeves and are not meant to be statements of Biblical truth, nor are they meant to be attacks on any persons or groups that practice these things. This is just me being me)</span><br /><br />Worship. I believe church is to be a place of worship, but exactly what worship is has been redefined so many times by so many different people that I find the "worship service" to be anything but that. <br /><br />The Bible says, "Be still and know that I am God," so while I'm trying to be still before the Lord (as my form of worship) I find it difficult when I'm being told to stand up, raise my hands, clap (or offer a clap offering) not to mention the music that is blaring so loud that every parent on the street where I grew up would have complained about the noise. I can barely hear myself think, so I wonder how I'm supposed to hear the "still small voice of the Lord." Then I find distractions. The same people seem to dance (in the same place in the church to have maximum visibility), twirlers with flags or other kinds of things to twirl, musicians who are doing the rock band thing with contemporary Christian music. This distracts me. I don't want to be distracted when I come to worship. Call me crazy, but I want to focus on Jesus. And what's with these contemporary songs? I know they can be good and should be woven into the fabric of a song service, but is there any possible way of singing the same songs, I mean at least long enough so we can learn them instead of singing a new song every week? And check out those songs first. Unless really moved by the Lord I don't want to repeat the chorus 15 times. I can't help but think I'm not alone in this. Christian comedian Ron Peason talks about our worship songs this way. He says he likes to sing songs that have meaning, like, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see." I agree with him. He goes on to point to a contemporary "worship" song that goes, "Our God reigns. Our God reigns. Our God reigns. Our God reigns. Our God reigns." He says, "It sounds like it was written by some 8th grade cheerleaders. Some of us old folks would like to sit down after standing for 2o minutes babbling the same words. (Remember, this is just opinion, my pet peeves. If you can't handle it read something else, because I'm just blowing off steam.)<br /><br />The other thing that really gets me is these new Bible translations. Don't get me wrong, I think having something in contemporary English can be a real plus. But did you ever go to a church where the congregation was asked to read out loud with everyone else the passage of Scripture that the pastor or evangelist or whoever will be using from their text. A few of us are reading in the King James, several others in the New King James, a larger portion are reading from the New International Version, a couple from the New American Bible, and then there is this huge group reading from "The Message", which is basically an upgrade from "The Word". It isn't even a translation, but a paraphrase. So you have all these people "reading together" and no one can understand what the other is saying. Isn't that a bit confusing for the visitor? <br /><br />When I grew up there were basically 2 translations, the King James and the Revised Standard, although my dad also studied the Philips Amplified Version, just like I may study from my Greek/English interlinear New Testament. But for reading out loud you really need to get everyone on the same, ahem, page, so to speak. For me it was the King James Version. We were encouraged to learn and memorize Scripture, by both my parents and the various teachers at church, all in the King James Version. Now I hear them quoting one of the verses I've memorized and ask, "Where is that in the Bible?" Read and study whatever version you are comfortable with at home, but please, for the sake of us old people who have learned the King James, read from the King James, or if that doesn't suit you, flash the version up on a screen or something so everyone can read from the same script. Otherwise, in my opinion, all you have is confusion.<br /><br />Well, that's it for now. You go have a marvelous day in the Lord. As I said, I was only venting, these aren't doctrinal points you need to worry about. (Of course maybe you might want to give some of the things a little consideration, but that's up to you.) - DavidDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-57775922648910453122011-07-26T23:53:00.000-07:002011-07-27T00:56:06.778-07:00HeterophobiaWe have all been bombarded by the gay community with the term "homophobia." It's been attached to anyone who says they are against homosexual activity, whether they love the homosexuals or not. That is the basis of something very different, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heterophobia</span>." If you haven't heard of the word before, don't worry, I more or less coined it.<br /><br />Let me set some ground rules here. I am not straight nor am I gay. I am as God intended me to be, a male with a passion for my wife. I do not hate homosexuals, but I do detest the act of homosexuality, that is the intimate sexual act between people of the same sex. I bring to you the Wisdom of God's Word as well as some very interesting observations. I also want to get something straight about God's Word. When we talk of a God who is a loving God, we don't mean that He lets everyone into Heaven and allows any activity. I'll get into that later.<br /><br />In fact, let's get into that now. In 1st John 4:7,8 it says, "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and everyone who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">loveth</span> is born of God; and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">knoweth</span> God. He that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">loveth</span> not, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">knoweth</span> not God for God is love." From those last 3 words people get the idea that God, being a loving God, would never pass judgment on anyone, much less send them to a place of eternal punishment. Excuse me? How could God then be a just God, for He must be both a just God and a loving God. Say for instance a person was pulled over for speeding, although they really weren't. Another person was pulled over for a hit and run. A third person was arrested for murder. The latter two are guilty of their actions, but the first one is not. Now they happen to go before the same judge (which won't happen in our society, but for the sake of the parable stick with me), what would you think of a judge who let them all go free? He might say something like, "Mr. Jones it appears that you have been tried and rightly convicted of murder. But I'm a loving God. No penalty will be given. Have a nice day. Case dismissed." Wouldn't you feel as though justice had been denied, at least for the victim of this murderer? So you see, saying God is a loving God must, by reason of logic alone, be a just God. That means there will be those who get to Heaven, and there will be those who go to Hell. The important thing to remember here is that God is the One who paid the price for all of our sins, past, present, and future, for all of us, but it is up to us to ask for His forgiveness. Failure to do so results in US choosing to go to Hell instead of Heaven. It's not God's fault. So stop blaming Christians, the church, or God for being unreasonable, and start taking some responsibility for our own choices. Deuteronomy 30:19 says, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." God clearly not only gives us a choice, but He tells us which choice to make. <br /><br />Okay, back to this homosexual thing. How in the world is it right for you to judge me and not for me to judge your actions? This is the heart of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">heterophobia</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Heterophobia</span> is "Hate speech" directed towards people who have a different sexual orientation than homosexuals. Most Christians I know have taken a hard line against homosexual activity. My pastor, God bless him, has said he will never marry homosexuals in his church. Is this because he hates them? No, it is because he loves them. Confused? If you were sick and needed medical attention a doctor saying you were okay would be harming you, right? So would a man or woman of God. We don't hate homosexuals, but we hate the kind of sexual activity they have embarked on. We also realize that one sin is the same as another in the eyes of God, that is, none is acceptable. So we aren't putting people down, but we are letting them know they need a doctor. I remember talking with a man who admitted he was gay. I asked him if he ever wanted to get out of that kind of lifestyle. He said he did, but it was impossible to escape. That's correct, but God gives each of us His power when we come to Him to be released from our sins, whatever they might be. As I was explaining this to him another man came up and started ranting about how the homosexuals run the ad agencies, Hollywood, the fashion industry as well as most of the arts. He said this guy would be crazy to leave the gay community. This second man knew his lifestyle would bring him and all those who took part in it to death, and yet he was bound and determined to make sure others were bound to that same eternal punishment. Is that love? Is this what they mean by being tolerant? If so then count me as being intolerant, because I want to help those who wish to be helped. Plus, that little verse over in Romans about homosexuality actually talks about these people. For it says in Romans 1:32, "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." This is not love. This is lust. This is sin. This is hatred towards those they say they love, which is possibly the worst kind of hatred, because it is betrayal.<br /><br />I'm writing all of this because the New York State legislature, in their vast wisdom (or lack thereof) have made same sex marriages legal. The thing is I have yet to meet a homosexual couple that are pure homosexual. By this I mean there is a male and a female in each partnership. Oh, they might not have the body parts or the right chromosomes to be one or the other, but these couples are clearly defined nevertheless. Without getting too raunchy here if you look at a couple of gay males, one will be the dominant male, the other takes the role of the submissive female. "She" usually is the one who dresses like a woman, or at least softer than the "male" counterpart. In lesbian relationships you find the same thing. One is acting out the male part, while the other is acting out the female part. So even homosexuals agree that their relationship can only work if there is a male and a female, even if it isn't strictly biological. That should be telling us something. It should be telling us that they are aware that the laws for marriage <span style="font-weight: bold;">should</span> be between one man and one woman. But because of their lust they have decided that one can play the part of what is missing. Do you realize what harm this does to both of these people? And we aren't even talking about an eternal punishment. In Genesis 2:18 God says, "It is not good for man to be alone." In the 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nd</span> verse we see how God takes a rib from the man and fashions from it woman. Then God brings the woman to the man. Why, because it is not good for man to be alone. Most interesting is what God says in verse 24, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Listen up you who think that homosexuality is something God thinks is okay, or something that is natural, or something we should accept. Man, that is Adam, was formed first. In him, and only in him, did both the male and the female life in one body. When God took from Adam and created Eve the ONLY way for that special union to occur again would be if a man and a woman came together. It's not just to make babies, as some have said, but it is to bring man back to that perfect union with God. He needed a partner, because he was alone, but he needed that loneliness to be filled with himself in the form of a female counter part. You cannot get away from this. You cannot join two men together and get one. You only get two men. You cannot join two women together. You just get two women. However, if in love you take a man and a woman and join them, then, and only then shall there be "one flesh", one union that will stand the tests of time. One union that can be filled with the glorious Light of God.<br /><br />My dear friends in the gay community, please hear what I am saying. You are dealing dangerously with your life. I do not want that. God does not want that. For this reason He sent His Son to come down and die so that all your sins could be wiped away, and mine as well. If I stepped on your toes, perhaps it was to keep you from continuing on and falling into the abyss that stands before you. It isn't to hurt you but heal you, although only God can truly heal. Do not claim that God accepts what you are doing and condones it. Own up to your sin or you can never be free of it, for you will never repent of it. It would be the same for me if I denied that I had problems with my temper. I wouldn't ask forgiveness and therefore wouldn't receive it. Both those who are homosexuals and those who act on rage will go to the same place of punishment, but both can be restored through the love and mercy of God through Jesus Christ, whose blood can make us perfect and holy before God.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-80064163633298404892011-03-04T18:41:00.000-08:002011-03-04T19:00:24.267-08:00What the Bible Really Says About Swearing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzc1s4_caHY/TXGmxZoS1xI/AAAAAAAAAtE/lcgB29wPIOM/s1600/pen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzc1s4_caHY/TXGmxZoS1xI/AAAAAAAAAtE/lcgB29wPIOM/s400/pen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580424780912449298" border="0" /></a><br />By David Brollier<br /><br />Some of you may not like what I’m about to say. Others will try to use my words as an excuse to use foul language. So let me preface this with this statement: I am giving this teaching as a writer, one who tries to portray characters realistically, and in no way do I endorse foul language.<br />That being said there is a false teaching that <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span> is an evil thing and must be avoided. People tend to go to Exodus 20:7 to prove their point, but that verse says, <span style="font-style: italic;">Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.</span> In this instance God is not talking about <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span>, not even as we would call it <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span>. Instead He is talking about using His name in a way that is empty and does not recognize the fullness and greatness of God. In some sense then, people who will use God’s name in a sentence, or more likely a profane utterance, are guilty of breaking this commandment. Yet so are people, who claiming to be Christians, use the name of God in a more subtle, yet more evil manner. They might talk about how God has sent them to speak to you personally when, in fact, He has not. This is taking the Lord’s name in vain. Whenever we use God’s name in a manner that does not exalt who He is we can be sure we are breaking this commandment, at the very least.<br />However, <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span> is quite a different matter. To <span style="font-style: italic;">swea</span>r means to take an oath. In our culture we have revised it to mean saying anything <span style="font-style: italic;">profane</span>. Now some people will use, among others, the following Scriptures to prove that <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span> is the same as <span style="font-style: italic;">cursing</span>:<br />Leviticus 5:1 <span style="font-style: italic;">And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.</span><br />Jeremiah 23:10 <span style="font-style: italic;">For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.</span><br />Hosea 4:2 <span style="font-style: italic;">By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.</span><br />Hos 10:4 <span style="font-style: italic;">They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.</span><br />The Hebrew word for <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span> can best be interpreted <span style="font-style: italic;">adjure</span>, according to Strong’s Concordance. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines adjure with these words:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1. to command solemnly under or as if under oath or penalty of a curse<br />2. to urge or advise earnestly</span><br />So then one who swears is one who makes an oath. These bind themselves in a way that God did not intend for us to be bound. Still, we see that this word does not, necessarily, mean cursing, although it may include that. An instance in Scripture is when Peter denied Christ, then denied Him with an oath, and finally cursed and swore that he did not know Jesus. (Matthew 26:69-74) There is instructional teaching here about how we can bind ourselves with our own words, but we’ll pass on that for the moment. I just want you to see that swearing isn’t necessarily what our society has re-defined it to be.<br />The closest we really get to our social definition of <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span>, which we also call <span style="font-style: italic;">cursing</span> or using <span style="font-style: italic;">profane</span> language, is found in the usage of <span style="font-style: italic;">vain speech</span>. Here are a few Scriptures that speak to that topic:<br />Ephesians 5:6 <span style="font-style: italic;">Let no man deceive you with <span style="font-weight: bold;">vain</span> words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.</span><br />Colossians 2:8 <span style="font-style: italic;">Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and <span style="font-weight: bold;">vain</span> deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.</span><br />1Timothy 6:20 <span style="font-style: italic;">O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and <span style="font-weight: bold;">vain</span> babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.</span><br />Titus 1:10 <span style="font-style: italic;">For there are many unruly and <span style="font-weight: bold;">vain</span> talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision.</span><br />1Peter 1:18 <span style="font-style: italic;">Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your <span style="font-weight: bold;">vain</span> conversation received by tradition from your fathers.</span><br />Even here the definition of the word <span style="font-style: italic;">vain</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">empty</span> and much of the time either deceitful or lying. <span style="font-style: italic;">Profane speech</span> is also mentioned, but what is profane speech? Strong’s Concordance defines profane as being; <span style="font-style: italic;">properly to bore, that is, (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one’s word), to begin (as if by an opening-wedge); denominatively to play (the flute): - begin (X men began), defile, X break, defile, X eat (as common things), X first, X gather the grape thereof, X take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound.</span><br />Profane speech then is that kind of speech intended to inflict harm. Often it slips out of our mouths during times of frustration or anger. It is both improper and sinful, but like all sin, can be removed by taking it to the Cross and letting the blood of Jesus wash it away. <br />I’ve put all of this together because Christian writers are being bound by a social understanding of what <span style="font-style: italic;">swearing</span> is rather than a Biblical understanding. Even were these publishers and Christian markets correct they are avoiding the fact that we all have used words that were <span style="font-style: italic;">profane</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">cursed</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">swore oaths</span>, and were otherwise <span style="font-style: italic;">empty</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">vain</span>. When a Christian writer wishes to portray something in his story he or she may well have someone utter something that is inappropriate for the Christian. This is because they are either not Christians in the story, or because even as Christians we often fall short of being the holy people God has called us to be. We can actually use these words to show the difference between the people of God and the people in the world. We can also show how a Christian must deal with the awesome, and sometimes deadly, power of the tongue.<br />I am not an advocate of putting in curse words just to spice up the story, but I and many other Christian authors, recognize that this is the way people speak. In a recent work I used the word <span style="font-style: italic;">Gosh!</span>” This in itself is watering down what he really would have said. My editor advised me to change it to <span style="font-style: italic;">Horse feathers</span>. Can you see how ridiculous this is? We are talking about a hardened NYPD detective, and although he’s a Christian he’s dealing with the stress of being in uncomfortable surroundings. The word I should have used was <span style="font-style: italic;">damn</span>, but somehow I don’t think the Christian community would like that either.<br />So I am, cautiously, advocating using certain curse words in a Christian work if they are needed to make the character realistic. I do not want to see these vile words punctuating every sentence, but I do want to see publishers and markets open to the usage of these words in an artistic and sparing manner. It is not the way we should talk, and as such gives us an example of how we should not speak. It is, however, the way people do speak, and making your characters realistic is a good portion of the story. Without realistic characters you may not even get the story out.<br />So I’m asking for there to be an open-mindedness about using these words. Is the author using them to harm people or be dramatic? Or are they using them to create a more realistic atmosphere for the story? <br />As a parting thought I’d like these people who have tried to bind Christian writers to take a hard look at the Bible. If any book were to be banned on use of language it would be Scripture, but God makes no apologies for His Word. If He is the One helping us to write shouldn’t we have the same freedom as the Author and Finisher of our Faith?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-25692603864169733952011-02-08T16:42:00.000-08:002011-02-08T17:11:13.402-08:00Pay Attention to What You Are doing<span style="font-size:130%;"><b>VERY GRAPHIC</b><br /><b><i><br /> If you look at this, you'll never text or cell phone</i></b></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><br /> While driving again!!!</i></b></span> <br /> <img alt="Description: cid:1.101717646@web111101.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="300" height="250" /><b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br />THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD </span></span></b><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><u>NOT </u></i></span><span style="font-size:130%;">BE TEXTING OR USING YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING. </span><br /> <b><br /> This is the last few feet of a car that hit a semi head on!!</b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> </span><b><span style=";font-size:18pt;color:maroon;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This guy was texting a friend when he crossed the center line!!!!</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> </span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:2.101717646@web111101.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.3&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;">THIS IS WHY...</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> </span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:3.101717646@web111101.mailgq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.4&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> <span style="font-size:100%;">AND THIS ....</span></span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:4.101717646@web111101.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.5&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;">AND THIS ...</span></span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:5.101717646@web111101.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.6&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;">AND THIS ...</span></span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:6.101717646@web111101mail.gq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.7&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;">AND ESPECIALLY THIS ...</span></span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:7.101717646@web111101.mail.gq1. yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.8&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:8.101717646@web111101.mailgq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.9&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="200" height="50" /><b><span style="font-size:18pt;"><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;">WE'RE NOT DONE YET... <i><u>But</u></i> If you have a weak</span></span></b> <span style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /> Stomach you might reconsider scrolling any</b><b><br /> Further.</b></span> <span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> </span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:10.1017176 47@web111101.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.10&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> </span><br /> <img alt="Description: cid:11..101717647@web111101.mail.gq1.yahoo.com" src="http://f1616.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f731863%5fAIrTi2IAASCPTU%2bAhg1C6R9yCEo&pid=1.2.11&fid=Inbox&inline=1" width="600" height="450" /><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><b>This is not the way you want your picture to be taken.</b><b><br /> Every time you make a call or pick Up the phone while driving,</b> <b>think about how this guy's day ended.</b></span> <b><span style=";font-size:18pt;color:red;" ><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">STAY OFF THE PHONE! HANG UP AND DRIVE, OR PULL OFF THE ROAD!!!!</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br />Jesus said, "No man having put himself to the plow and turns to the left or to the right is fit for the kingdom of God." He said that He would rather that we be either hot or cold, but if we are lukewarm He will vomit us out of His mouth. How many of us, however, have allowed our walk with God to grow cold? How many of us no longer feel that intense love we once had for our Lord? How many of constantly keep turning to the left and right? We are like that man on the cellphone trying to drive. Yet there is one difference. Our eternal spirit is at stake, not just the life of our body. Focus. Fix your eyes on Christ, the Author and finisher of our salvation. Be sure that you are in Him and that His word lives in you. In Revelation the Ephesians are warned because they strayed across the center line and lost their first love. Jesus warns them to consider the height from which they have fallen.<br /><br />While we are in this sinful flesh we are going to make mistakes and be in constant struggle, for our flesh wars against the very will of God. Yet, we can be assure of these facts; if our mind is set upon the things of God then even our sins are committed, not by us, but by that sinful nature we carry around with us, that our holiness is not in ourselves, but in Christ. He has made us worthy to stand before our Heavenly Father. Only do not take this for granted. Those who take this for granted do not have their minds set upon the Spirit of God, and their end is destruction. They stray across the center line, as did the man above, but they shall not run into a truck. Instead they shall run into the full wrath of God. Turn while there is yet time, for His love for us is boundless. Nothing can separate us from the Love He gives us through His Son, Jesus Christ. So focus, but not on the things around you, but rather on Jesus. Then follow the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and love others as He has loved you. In this you will find peace and safety, not just after we die, but now.</span><br /></span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-54638852419161961042010-11-27T12:55:00.000-08:002010-11-27T12:55:29.913-08:00Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SXh7JR9oKVE?fs=1" width="480" frameborder="0" height="295"></iframe>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-53491249688380532462010-10-27T20:43:00.000-07:002010-10-27T21:40:40.551-07:00Facts vs. Truth - The Flawed Argument<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/TMjx4B-WSyI/AAAAAAAAAsM/STicYVZ1rPA/s1600/starsback1.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/TMjx4B-WSyI/AAAAAAAAAsM/STicYVZ1rPA/s200/starsback1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532938087129565986" border="0" /></a>Facts vs. Truth, The Flawed Argument<br /><br />On the one side you have people, usually atheists, arguing against things stated in the Bible. Their approach is usually that there are no facts to support these statements, or that said facts are contradictory in nature. On the other side you have Christians who, although well meaning, argue that what they have is Truth which cannot be explained by facts along, there must be faith. As a Christian I understand what they are saying and to an extent they are correct, but to pit facts against truth is totally illogical. They are different, yes, but they do have connections to one another that makes it impossible for one to exist apart from the other.<br /><br />Let us consider the cosmos, that is the entirety of the universe. What facts do we have to support the existence of this universe? Well, we have big-brained people looking through high powered telescopes, or viewing images taken from satellites. We have mathematicians calculating the distance from us to planets, stars and galaxies. We have a host of scientists telling us about many things that are either facts or believed to be facts. What we do not have, even taking all of them together, is a clear picture, understanding or grasp of our universe. We have enough to "get our heads around it", but in the end result we must have faith that the cosmos does in fact exist. Am I saying these facts are incorrect? Of course not. What I am saying is that they are only tiny pieces of a very large picture, a picture so large, in fact, that it cannot be completely seen or understood. That it does exist is truth. Truth is all the facts compiled together, and the millions of facts that have been overlooked, all summed up in the single existence of the cosmos itself. It cannot be fully seen, nor explained, but that doesn't negate the fact that it is there.<br /><br />Likewise scientists have made observations about our earth, about the life on this planet, about the different species and made certain speculations based on those facts to give us an idea of where we came from. Are all these facts false? No, of course not. When they begin to disregard certain facts because it doesn't line up with their beliefs, well then that is neither true science nor is it revealing any true facts. The Truth is that God created everything there is out of nothing. He did it by the power of His spoken Word. For many this Truth is so great, so vast that it's just plain impossible to believe. Yet if we follow the facts, as we did with the cosmos, we would see that these facts are all part of a larger picture, a Truth so big that it takes faith to contain it. And the Truth is that there is a God. He is the One who is bigger than even the sum total of all the facts. The facts themselves are not incorrect, but I guess it is like putting together a large jigsaw puzzle. The truth is the picture you see on the cover, the facts are all the pieces in the box. But if someone were to disregard some of those pieces because they didn't fit with their understanding, well then that puzzle would never be solved. God gives us plenty of facts, but we cannot possibly comprehend the enormity of the picture these facts come together to make if we even had all the facts, which we do not. So we are left with doing one of two things, disregarding the existence of God, because our understanding is so limited that we cannot possibly perceive of some Divine being that is so vast, or we can allow God to give us just enough faith so that we know that He exists. If we do the latter these facts start to come together. They start to make sense. We still don't see the full picture, but by faith we can possess the fullness of God. That is why this argument is so badly flawed. It pits one against the other when there is a decided difference between facts and Truth. Yet one thing will remain, no matter where you stand on this issue, Truth cannot be altered. Truth remains truth. To alter it means only to turn it into a lie.<br /><br />Now people who disbelieve the existence of God really do overlook a lot of facts. The overlook the fact that everything is slightly different, even if it looks the same. They overlook the tremendous complexity of even some of the minutest of life forms. Take grass, for instance. A simple blade of grass is actually part of a unit, a community of sorts. It has roots that shoot down into the earth and the blade reaches up to the sky. If we let it grow long enough the community will also send up a shoot that will carry seeds that will plant new grass. Let's go back to the blade of grass. This blade will always angle itself to get the most exposure to the sun. Because it is mostly water in nature, as are all living things, it needs to draw moisture up from the ground in order to stay alive. As it does so the chlorophyll that gives grass its green color reacts with the sun and the water, taking in the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and converting it to oxygen. This is just grass, but if it weren't for grass, green algae in the waters around the world, and other plant life, we would soon run out of air to breathe. It is interesting that while humans and animals exhale carbon dioxide that these little green plants live off of this gas. Furthermore, while they exhale oxygen we live off of that. This fragile balance could not possibly have happened by accident. I mean even if some great alien being were trying to create life on this planet they would have to go through many, many trials and errors to get the balance stable enough to work out so both plant and human and animal life could exist. Each time they got the balance wrong the whole experiment would shut down and they'd have to start from scratch again. The real kicker is that they would have to get this balance correct at precisely the same time or neither could exist. <br /><br />In the Genesis account of creation you have God moving on the waters, which is made up of hydrogen and oxygen as I'm sure you all know. He separates the waters so that there is dry ground. This makes perfect sense because many of the plants are going to need ground to live in, and algae may be a long way in coming about. Also the animals and people are going to need ground to walk and live on. After God makes this separation he does something else. He creates lights in the sky, the sun, the moon, and the stars. This effectively gives us a way to calculate the passage of time, something that did not exist either before the world was created. You need to think outside the box here to think of timelessness, so I apologize for the reference. Yet there is something else that the creation of these lights does. It gives a balanced exposure of light and warmth to the earth that made it conducive for both plant and human and animal life. Follow this God created the plants. There was enough carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the waters as evaporation took place under the sun. Then God created the animals, giving the plants a good firm foothold so they wouldn't die. Finally, when the balance was nearly complete, God made man in His image, which does not refer to the physical features at all, but the fact that, like God, we are triune, having within our bodies both a center for intelligence and an eternal part of us which can most closely be described as our character or personality. This is our spiritual nature. Yet for it to survive on this planet the body must survive, and as I've just shown, God prepared the way for this shell we call the flesh or the body, to live so that the real us might have a place to live.<br /><br />There is much more, but these are just some of the facts that go overlooked by people who refuse to allow God into their observations. People like this started some of the most bizarre religions on this planet, and others took their fears and limitations to twist the Truth and turn the relationship we were supposed to have with God into a religion. Having only part of the picture can be dangerous, especially if you insist on convincing yourself that you have all the pieces.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-16530168156626801542010-09-26T18:27:00.000-07:002010-09-26T19:19:22.726-07:00Just Singing in Church - by David Brollier<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/TJ_-1121ICI/AAAAAAAAArk/NGZS4XGuprY/s1600/castle.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/TJ_-1121ICI/AAAAAAAAArk/NGZS4XGuprY/s400/castle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521411869123092514" border="0" /></a><br />I'm 58, so it may not come as a shock that I like the old hymns of the church. Let me give you some biographical background and some comments about worship services as I've seen them change over the years, and how it has affected those in the church and those in society.<br /><br />Growing up we had hymnals, for you young people these are books with the songs written in them. We didn't have Power Point Presentations. We didn't have lighting affects. Depending on the congregation we had people in an orchestra who helped with the music. We didn't have professionally sounding music groups to lead the worship. Then again we didn't care, because we came to worship God.<br /><br />The songs we sang were frequently over 100 years old, some much more so. We remembered to focus our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our Faith as we sang The Old Rugged Cross. We were comforted in times or hardship or loneliness as we sang What a Friend We Have in Jesus. We wept before the Lord as He wrapped His arms around us as we sang It Is Well (with my soul). Yes, the songs were old, but they were still coming from our hearts. My dad used to sing His Eye Is on the Sparrow as one of his favorite soloist numbers. One of mine has always been In the Garden. There's a line in that particular song that I love so much I would try to get the pianist to stop playing so the impact would be greater. It goes like this, "He speaks, and the sound of His voice, is so sweet the birds stopped their singing."<br /><br />I'm not saying there aren't any good new songs. There are. I've come to know a few. When I was going to college there was a change in our music as a revival spread across the United States. People, some of you may classify me with them, would put down the new sound as being demonic or at least bad. Really, I'm not saying that, although if you have to leave the place where the music is being played because the music is so loud it literally is making you nauseous I think there needs to be some serious checking up. But see, I went to college in the early 70s and I bet most kids today can't recall a single song any of those bands sang back then. This isn't saying those songs were bad, but they were for a time, not for eternity. Somehow the Holy Spirit inspired many (not all mind you) of the hymns so they would span centuries and touch the hearts of people as if they were written this morning. They always seem fresh and new, even if they do include some "thees and thous".<br /><br />I have a great friend in Barry McGuire. He sings from his heart. The first time I heard him he sang "It's a Happy Day" on a day that it was raining, but he meant every word of that song. Yet few people remember him for anything other than his hit Eve of Destruction. How tragic. Groups like Danny Taylor and the Children of Truth, Solid Rock, Maranatha Band, Love Song, Petra, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Micky and Becky, and many, many more are unknown to today's youth and they were the "contemporary Christian music giants" of their day.<br /><br />So, here is what I have witnessed. There is, and has always been, a need for songs that are a bit lively, that speak to the current generation, but they will soon be forgotten as other groups are formed and other generations grow up. At the same time there has always been the need for the old hymns. You can't get much more basic than "On Christ the solid Rock I stand" when speaking about living a victorious Christian life. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God reminds me of Psalm 91. In other words there needs to be a balance. We, as a body of believers, need to stop playing games and focus on the Lord.<br /><br />What exactly does that mean? Well, focus on the Lord and find out. If a false balance is an abomination to the Lord then how can you sing contemporary worship songs over and over (to the point they must make God sick)? How can you justify ONLY singing contemporary songs and not singing hymns. God, who never changes, nor does His Word, has said a false balance is an abomination to Him. This also means that those who only sing hymns and don't let the newer songs to be sung as well are as guilty as those who sing only contemporary songs and never hymns.<br /><br />How do we maintain this balance? How do we worship God in our churches in a way that pleases Him? Jesus said, "He that worships the Father must worship in spirit and in truth." So I guess it's a matter of what your attitude is. The new songs have a way of giving us a new insight into some old truths, and this is good. Yet the old songs have a way of giving us in insight into the unchangeable faithfulness of God and His love. Both are needed.<br /><br />In a recent conversation with my cousin he related something rather interesting. Working with the 2nd Chapter of Acts he spoke with them and learned that during a recording session of their hymns album Annie Herring broke down and cried during the first song. I forget what the name of the song was, but it was an old hymn of the church. Through her tears she looked up and said something like, "This is so beautiful. Who wrote this?" She didn't realize it had been written a hundred years ago. As she was broken by the Lord the Holy Spirit filled that studio and worked out a miracle. Known for their fast-paced, but heart-felt music, the 2nd Chapter of Acts, by the power of the Holy Spirit, turned out a specially anointed album of the old hymns. I wonder how many other Christian artists have also been moved by these old hymns, even if it means writing something more contemporary (in their mind) that comes from their heart.<br /><br />We, as a Body of Christ, should embrace all music that glorifies the Lord. Let's forget about how many instruments are playing or whether we are using overheads, flatscreen TVs or hymnals and focus on the Lord of Glory. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. We aren't. Our music isn't. So let us stop slapping a bunch of garbage on top of the music we have, old or new, and worship our Heavenly Father in spirit and in truth, and as we do, don't be surprised if something in that song reaches down and touches your heart, bringing you to teaches, drawing you closer to Him. For He said that if we would draw closer to Him He would draw closer to us. Now that's something to sing about. (Do I hear Nearer My God to Thee being sung?)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-42556111925436570552010-04-24T19:53:00.000-07:002010-04-24T20:02:32.343-07:00When God Isn't First in our Lives<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">What happens when we keep God out of our dealings, when unrighteousness becomes so prevalent? This nation was once founded on God. We received the blessings of God in so many wonderful ways. God raised us up so that we were the greatest nation on earth. Somewhere along the way we decided we were responsible for our own greatness and pushed God away. We cut Him out of our schools, our sciences, harrass those who believe in God, and then...then we find things going wrong in all areas of our life. Do you think our financial mess is just some bad investments? No. We are reaping our own reward. Below is an email I received that shows how even ungodly nations can act more righteously that we are. When are we going to realize that we need to turn back to God, to repent of our sins and allow Him to heal our Land? I hope and pray we will do so and soon.</span><br /><br /><br />- IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.<br />- IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.<br />- IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.<br />- IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.<br />- IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.<br />- IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.<br />- IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.<br />- IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET................................<br /> 1 - A JOB,<br /> 2 - A DRIVERS LICENSE,<br /> 3 - SOCIAL SECURITY CARD,<br /> 4 - WELFARE,<br /> 5 - FOOD STAMPS,<br /> 6 - CREDIT CARDS,<br /> 7 - SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,<br /> 8 - FREE EDUCATION,<br /> 9 - FREE HEALTH CARE,<br /> 10 - A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON,<br /> 11 - BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE, <br /> 12 - AND THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON'T GET ENOUGH RESPECT. (AND THIS IS JUST THE SHORT LIST!!)<br /><br /><br />Remember, this is just one issue that has been affected. We have terrorist coming in illegally and being given rights that you and I work to get, only they get them freely, including the right to ridicule us. Isn't this backwards? Think about it. Then pray and ask God to give our nation's leaders wisdom to get us back on His track.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-51456542354698267352010-04-08T14:11:00.000-07:002010-04-08T14:15:16.262-07:00Walking the Long Road, by David Brollier<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/S75HP82cmcI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Zq669A4KxY0/s1600/road01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/S75HP82cmcI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Zq669A4KxY0/s320/road01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457878137777723842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Right around New Years Eve 2002, I wrote a song called "<span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1270760916_0">One Step at a Time</span>". The chorus goes like this:<br /><br /><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1270760916_1"></span></div><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1270760916_1">One step at a time</span>, I keep on walking.<br />One step at a time, the road is long,<br />but I keep on walking,<br />One step at a time,<br />and it won't be long, til I find my way home.<br /></div><br />While God is interested in how faithful we are each day, He is more interested in the attitude of our heart. He knows we are going to stumble and fall along the way, but the important thing is that we get back up and keep going. The important thing is to surrender to the victory that is already ours in Jesus Christ. The important thing is to endure until the end, not the foul ups we make along the way. I am not opposing being faithful or obedient, they are what pleases God, but when we are disobedient, He wants to see how we handle this when it is brought to our attention. Are we going to repent and get back in the race, or are we going to sit on our backsides and moan and groan over our failure? The road is long for a reason. God needs that time to make us complete in the <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1270760916_2">image of Jesus Christ</span>. How we respond to this long road determines how effect we will be for Him and sometimes even how long the road is. He loves us so much that <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1270760916_3">disobedient children</span> may have a very long road so that we might, at last, shine with the brightness of His Son.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-10382200031047455492010-04-02T18:44:00.000-07:002010-04-02T18:49:54.152-07:00The 3rd Covenant, by David Brollier, now only $5.99<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/S7adbiVb5VI/AAAAAAAAAig/sDN_uF1kRGA/s1600/3rd+cov.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 228px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/S7adbiVb5VI/AAAAAAAAAig/sDN_uF1kRGA/s320/3rd+cov.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455721095004677458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Isn't life funny? When my book was published in 2006 the suggested retail price was set at $24.95. At their site, however, the price was $19,95. Then a couple of weeks ago they lowered all books to $7.99. Now I don't know if this is signalling the end for Publish America, but if you want to purchase THE 3RD COVENANT, now is the best time, because they've dropped it down even lower to $5.99. Read below and use the link to go to the site and purchase the book.<br /><br />Dear Author:</span></div> <div> </div> <div>Email your readers, tell your fans, call your friends! This weekend <strong>only</strong>. </div> <div> </div> <div align="center"><strong>All</strong> books at PublishAmerica are priced down to </div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="center">$<strong>5.99</strong>.</div> <div> </div> <div>No coupons, no minimum purchase volumes. Just $5.99 for any book, in any quantity.</div> <div><em>Want some copies of your own book on hand?</em> This is your day!</div> <div> </div> <div>Check it out at<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <a href="http://www.publishamerica.net/" target="_blank">www.publishamerica.net</a>. Hardcovers and fullcolor books excluded.</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Happy Easter!</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">PublishAmerica Author Support Team</span></span></div></span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-62730757879144390042010-01-25T21:14:00.000-08:002010-10-21T14:42:48.519-07:00Politics and GodI'm not going to get real heavy into this, and I'm not going to pick a particular political party to stand behind. I want to get some things straight, things that have been heavy on my mind.<br /><br />Politics is a way of taking control away from the people, much the same way religion turns something Godly into something rather deadly. The Constitution of the United States begins with these 3 words, "We the People". That doesn't mean those people in Washington, it means you and me. It means WE, all of us. Now let us consider the following:<br /><br />Our political system exists because God allows it to, not because He necessarily endorses it.<br /><br />We should never replace God with government, because terrible things happen, as we can all attest to these days.<br /><br />There is only one party that is right and that is the party that is doing what God's Will declares, and I haven't seen a campaign button for that party yet.<br /><br />Stop putting down the president and start praying for him and for all government officials. Don't you realize that God has placed ALL authorities over you? If some authority is doing wrong and your life is not at peace that can only mean one thing, you haven't been praying for them. So when you point your finger at President Obama, just remember, you're singling yourself out as the one who is really to blame.<br /><br />Government is supposed to be "of the people, by the people, and for the people" (Lincoln's Gettysburg Address). They are to represent us, the "we the people" and as such are OUR servants in governing. A cursory look at the Bill of Rights (the first 10 Amendments to our constitution) prove this to be true. Over time we have gone from a nation that reveres God and works to get the things we need to a nation that feels like the government owes us, and we have no more room for God. So God in His infinite wisdom has sent us into a kind of exile. He has given us leaders who will drive us back to Him or we will cease to be a nation.<br /><br />Various political parties are needed. No single party has all the answers nor should be allowed to run the show. No single party has the right to attack another party. One of the biggest reasons we are going backwards faster than a squirrel that got knocked into the Niagara and gone over the falls is that our party system is so busy fighting itself it has no time to address the needs of this nation. There needs to be diversity, yes, but within that diversity there must be unity.<br /><br />Lastly, our King is God, not the president or anyone else. If we deny Him His place in our social structure He will deny us the blessings He wishes to give us. More than that we can expect to come under His wrath.<br /><br />So the question is, dear pilgrim, where are you going to go from here? Are you going to accept God as your King, move to unite this nation, pray for it's leaders, and for yourself, or are you going to follow the other critters as they run off the cliff into the abyss? The choice is yours.<br /><br />"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land." (2nd Chronicles 7:14)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-77319874370215518502010-01-25T20:31:00.000-08:002010-01-25T21:11:53.331-08:00Unity in the Vine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/S155e_xMOyI/AAAAAAAAAhI/fXZLWD99SFU/s1600-h/i+am+the+vine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/S155e_xMOyI/AAAAAAAAAhI/fXZLWD99SFU/s200/i+am+the+vine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430911774076189474" border="0" /></a><br />In John 15 Jesus tells us that He is the Vine and we are the branches. Most of us glance over this text as one of those nice little stories Jesus told when He was on earth. There is so much in this portion of Scripture it's incredible, but let's go back to how God got ahold of me and pointed me in this direction.<br /><br />One night when I couldn't sleep God showed me a tree. All the branches had been cut off and lay at the base of the tree. Although the tree itself was strong, the branches were going to whither and die. Then I heard the Lord say, "This is My church. Unless they be grafted back into My Son they will be cast out." Not only was this a strong message to my spirit, but I noticed that there was not a single branch on the tree. This concerned me, because although I may not be properly grafted into Jesus I was sure that someone was. So I asked God why all the branches were cut off. God spoke clearly to me, "This is so that NO ONE can say this message is not for THEM."<br /><br />Get the picture? No? Okay, now look at John 15:1-8. If we replace Vine for Tree in my vision we come up with THE SAME EXACT PICTURE. The same thing Jesus was telling His disciples He is telling us today. The really terrible thing is that we are so convinced that this has to do with someone else that we gloss over it and don't get the message at all. In Philippians 2:12 we read, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. " Don't be worrying about the other guy or gal. Start worrying about your own salvation. Get serious with God. Secure yourself in Jesus, or you WILL be cast out. I didn't say that, Jesus did. I'm not making things up here, but just repeating what our Lord has already taught us.<br /><br />So what does all this have to do with Unity in Christ? In John 15:2,4,5 and 7 Jesus makes it clear that He is the one who gives life to the branch and fruit for the harvest. We are just branches. As branches I want you to think, have you ever seen 2 or more branches that were identical? Then why are we so bent on getting people to conform to our idea of what being a Christian means? Why are we telling people what they can and cannot wear, what the can and cannot do? Sure there are some things that are wrong, Biblically wrong, but do we have the right to enforce a certain set of rules or laws on others? Remember, we are just branches, Jesus is the Vine, and the Father is the Husbandman of the vineyard. When we go to church we say we are going to God's house. If it is HIS HOUSE, then how come we demand that people follow OUR RULES. I don't know what kind of home you had growing up, but in my home my parents made the house rules. If my dad said something it was law in the home. My brother could say anything he wanted and I could accept or reject it as I saw fit, but I could not do so with what my father laid out for us. I could not reject his rules. Neither can we reject our Father's "house rules", nor can we impose on one another our own rules.<br /><br />I had a friend who had some grape vines. I can tell you this, every branch was different. Some bore fruit, and never the same amount, never all arranged the same, never even in the same way. Some branches seemed to have just leaves and tendrils that lashed the vine to the lattice. These also were different, not just from the fruit bearing branches, but from one another. And yet the whole vine worked together. Tendrils held the vine close to the lattice and helped the branches with leaves to be in a better position to receive light. The branches with leaves provided shade for the grapes on the fruit bearing branches and would follow the sun throughout the day. Above they soaked up the light of the sun, below they protected the grapes from the intense heat. What we are, in Christ, are branches in Him, the True Vine. Not one of us is exactly like any other, and yet we are all to function so that the Vine produces fruit. Reading beyond verse 8 we find Jesus talking about a law of love. If His love is not pouring through you then you better check your connection with Him. If you are finding fault with others then perhaps you better look into the Word of God and let Him show you what YOU look like, and how YOU should change.<br /><br />If we want to be One in Christ, as Jesus prayed (John 17) then we must learn to love as He loves. He put you and me before Himself and went to the cross. You and I have the tendency to get upset when someone cuts us off in traffic. That is NOT Christ-like, is it? God has called you to be a branch in His Vine, but He never calls anyone to be like anyone else. So accept one another as God has made us as we are. Then let the love of God pour through His Vine and up into us. For only in doing so can we produce fruit. If we are not producing fruit for God then we are not letting His love flow through us. We are cut off from the Vine. If that is the case we have more to fear than the long-haired kid with tattoos that tried to get in the church door. (The nerve of him). Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost. So if you get to thinking that someone isn't quite up to par for your little group of Christians then chances are your little group of Christians don't even know who God is. "Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for GOD IS LOVE." (1st John 4:7,8)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-10661810763834848462009-11-10T13:08:00.000-08:002009-11-10T20:19:20.471-08:00CHRISTIAN VAMPIRE NOVELS?<span style="font-family:verdana;">There's a lot of chatter about whether or not there should be Christian vampire novels on the market. I hope to clarify some terms, opinions and ideas and hopefully break the yoke of religion in the process, for Christianity is NOT a religion, it is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.<br /><br />First, a Christian vampire novel need not have the Christian BE a vampire. Rather it would be better to show how a vampire becomes a Christian. We get glimpses of this in Sue Dent's novels, Never Ceese and Forever Richard. Her approach, however is not the way I would do it because she resurrects traditional vampires, puts them on basically the same playing field as Stephenie Meyer, and runs with the story.<br /><br />So what then is the proper way of treating vampires in a Christian novel? You know, I'm glad you asked. The Bible says that when Adam sinned he died, and after him every person born came under that same curse of death. (Rom. 5:12) In a very real sense, humans are the living dead, to borrow a phrase. They are vampires, feasting on their desires that come from a fallen nature, which bring them closer and closer to judgment. If all of us were born as vampires it's pretty evident that we don't have fangs and drink people's blood (at least most of us don't). There are vampire cults that have grown out of the occult and the fantasy understanding of what vampires are, but these vampire cults are made up of people who are sinful people, same as you and me. They have no special powers or abilities, though they might claim to. Their only reality is that they are dead to God, and therefore dead to themselves.<br /><br />Vampires and Light. In most vampire movies you see the vampires coming out at night because they fear light, specifically daylight. It kills them, which when you think of it is a ridiculous statement for even a vampire to make. I mean, if you were someone who was one of the living dead, if in order to survive, to continue in this state of immortality, even though you were cursed both by God and by your own conscience, wouldn't you rather put an end to it rather than live on for centuries hating yourself, hating humanity, hating and fearing light? Why not just step into the light and be done with it? The Gospel calls to each of us to do this very thing. We are not only the living dead, but creatures of the night. We do things in secret because we don't want anyone to know about them. Coming into the light would mean telling God all about this, which He already knows, and confessing these things as wrong, as hurtful, as desires that preyed, many times, on other people (for that is the way of the vampire). So many people fail to come into the light. They think that by avoiding it they will somehow avoid judgment, but this is not true. One day they will, against their will, be brought to stand before the One who is the essence of all light and truth, the Creator, Savior and Judge of all. What can we do? What can a vampire do? Step into His Light. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." (John 12:24) In other words, if we want to live we first have to die.<br /><br />What? I can hear the collective gasp. "We have to die if we are to live?" That's correct. Jesus said, "You must be born again." (John 3:3) Why did He say that? Because we are dead. If physically we die while we are spiritually dead, then we will be dead forever, and not in a wandering around the world kind of sense, but in a Hell is home kind of sense. Jesus also said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mat. 16:24) We look at these words and say, "Yes, Jesus I will follow you," and take little thought at what Jesus was saying. He wasn't simply talking about taking up a burden and doing good. Jesus was comparing things. He took up the cross, carried it to Golgotha, and there died that we might live. This is what Jesus was talking about. We are, in the same way, to take our cross and follow Him into death, that we might find life. Jesus died that we might live. We die so that He might live through us. So yes, we must die, that is if we really want to live.<br /><br />Vampires and the cross. Another thing about vampires, traditionally that is, is that they are afraid of the cross. I'm sure you've all seen the movies where some priest holds a silver cross in front of him to ward off a vampire. Well that, as they say, is Hollywood. Vampires, however do fear the cross, because there is power there that they cannot compete with. When Jesus died upon the cross He descended into Hell, acquired the keys of Death, Hell, and the Grave. For three days He preached to those held captive by death, and rose on the third day. The death of Jesus marks payment for the curse that made us vampires in the first place, but our evil nature desires the things of the flesh. So we frequently turn away from the cross. It annoys us, because it reminds us of our faults, of who we truly are, but at the same time we are attracted to it, first out of morbid curiosity sometimes. On some level we all seem to love blood, and even violence to a degree, although I'm sure many of you will disagree on this point. However, there is something else about the cross that draws us. It symbolizes a power that is God's alone, to triumph over death by dying and rising again. This is not merely the power of an immortal, such as some vampires are portrayed, but the power of the Almighty. It frightens us and draws us. When we surrender, come into the light, then the power of the cross becomes ours, not just for the forgiveness of sin, but for healing, for victory over temptation, for victory against the attacks of Satan and his demons, even for prosperity in our spirit, in our soul and even in our body. Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19)<br /><br />Vampires and mirrors. We probably all spend too much time in front of a mirror, making sure the hair is just so, that make up is applied properly, that tears have been dried before facing people. Whatever the reason mirrors reflect what we look like, or do they? If we are dead, the living dead that is, then we only get a reflection of that corpse we walk around in. We do not see ourselves. Mirrors are useless to vampires, for they do not reflect their image. However, vampires and others find their reflections in the actions of others. Bullies and other people who point fingers and talk badly about others are really just talking about the bad that is in them. It is one of our major flaws to find the bad in others, and the reason is because we are well acquainted with this, for it is who we are. The Bible talks about another mirror, a couple actually. Jesus is the mirror that we look at to remind ourselves who we are in Christ in God. Vampires, that is those who have not come into the light, died and come into true life, cannot do that. They do not have access to Jesus. So all they ever see is the bad. The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians saying, "But now we see through a glass (mirror) darkly, but then face to face." (1st Cor. 13:12) We are promised that in the end we will no longer look at Jesus as simply a mirror, but as our elder brother sitting next to us on the Father's throne.<br /><br />There are other things about the vampire stories that I haven't touched upon, but these are some of the main ones. I would dearly like to see a romance novel about a person who realizes that they are a vampire, struggle in their decision to come into the light and die that they might live. One where they finally see Jesus as they read His Word, but more importantly, one in which others see Jesus in as they go about their daily tasks. This is a vampire novel worth writing, worth reading and worth telling others about. If you know of such a novel please tell me about it. I will be most gracious to find one. This is the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some will argue, and I've seen it already, that doing this is unChristian, an insult to Jesus, blasphemy. Yet, in reality, those people are bound by a religious spirit. They do not know how to worship God if Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24) I am not saying we should tell a horror story about someone with fantastic strength, who lives a long life by drinking the blood of others. I am merely suggesting that since they are referred to as "the living dead" we ought to recognize that we also were once dead in our sins, but thanks be to God, through Jesus we have been made alive and placed within Him, just as surely as He is within us. It is not the story of vampires, but the story of the saving grace of Jesus Christ that is offered unto anyone who would only receive it.<br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-22239040061533666022009-09-05T19:18:00.000-07:002009-09-05T19:23:46.796-07:00Urgent Prayer Request<span id="role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > <div><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">from Aileen Norris </span></strong><br /><br /><div><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;" >Received this message from my sister this morning. Please help us pray for this family.</span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;" >Aileen</span></div> <div> <div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"> <div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:blue;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:blue;" >All, </span></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:blue;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:blue;" >Just received this from a f</span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:blue;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:blue;" >riend - please see below and send some prayers out<br />for Sam Bish...thanks! Pass it on!</span></span></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"></span></span><br /><br /><img style="width: 435px; height: 386px;" id="MA1.1251952949" src="http://webmail.frontier.com/home/%7E/?id=54481&part=1.2&auth=co" /></div> <table style="width: 100%;" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 100%;" valign="top" width="100%"> <div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:24;"></span></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="font-size:180%;">PLEASE READ</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">TO</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">THE</span> <span style="font-size:180%;">END.....</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:24;"><br /></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:24;"><span style="font-size:130%;">VERY IMPORTANT IN NEED OF PRAYER </span></span><br />Hi to all my friends and family, I felt compelled to spread this story about son's best friend, Sam who is 8 (on the left in the photo above). He is in MAJOR need of Prayer. The following story is what his mother Cindy wrote today.<br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"><br />Background Story<br />Our son Sam is a wonderful young man who is 8 years old. He will be 9 in January. He is going into the 3rd grade in Reynoldsburg , Ohio . Sam had been having some pain in his right knee most of this summer (2009). As the pain increased we realized that something might be wrong and we made an appointment for him to see an Orthopedist on 8/10/09. At this doctors appointment an X-ray was done of Sam's leg/knee and it showed that there was a mass that the doctor believed to be cancerous. Samuel went into the hospital just a few days later for a series of tests. He received a cat scan, MRI, and also a full body scan. Our family met with the pediatric oncologist the following day and Samuel was diagnosed with a type of cancer called Osteosarcoma (stage 4). The cancer is in his right knee and it has also spread to both of his lungs. This is an agressive type of cancer and it will be treated with agressive forms of chemo. We are asking everyone to please lift up our litle boy Samuel Gordon Bish in prayer. We pray for healing!! We serve a mighty God and we know that HE can heal Sam if that is his will for Sam's life. Please be prayer warriors along with our family as Sam starts this very difficult journey in his young life.</span></span><br /><br />Today's date is August 16th, 2009 and all this has happened in 6 days. His first appointment was on Monday the 10th and by Friday the 14th he was in the hospital getting his Chemo-port put in his chest and a biopsy done. I figured if an animated woman walking around the world for cancer can get passed to millions, then so can this story.<br /><br />PLEASE KEEP THIS GOING TO YOUR CONTACTS IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK! SAM CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH PRAYERS. WE PRAY FOR HEALING AND PEACE FOR HIS FAMILY. . .There are also 2 younger sisters. </div></td></tr></tbody></table> <div> <div style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><br /><br /></span></span></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div></span><div class="aol_ad_footer" id="16fc09ab932a0a73618509a5f7fa45"><br /><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:arial,san-serif;font-size:10;color:black;" > <hr style="margin-top: 10px;"></span></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-30959195050217802132009-07-19T20:19:00.000-07:002009-07-19T20:20:36.921-07:00GOD IS NOT IMPRESSED<div style="text-align: center;">God Is Not Impressed<br /></div><br />(The following stems from a prophetic dream I had coupled with a heart-retching "worship" service in a church I visited. It is not meant to single anyone out, but is meant to point to all of us, that we might check our own relationship with God and make sure it is what He wants, not something we've been led to believe is what He wants. – David Brollier)<br /><br />"God is not impressed with your pageantry.” A lying spirit has snuck into many churches today. It says, “You need to compete with the world if you want people to come in.” This thought infects our song services, our preaching, virtually every area of our worship, so that we no longer worship God, our Heavenly Father, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture says, “I am God, you will have no other gods before Me.” Jesus told us that in the last days there would be a great falling away. The apostle Paul explains that in the last days people will heap to themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. This lying spirit is slowly moving us off of Jesus, our sure foundation. The Truth is always presented in a package, that itself may not be Truth. In fact it is often these false prejudices the hide the Truth from our minds and hearts. The package, however, is like the shell of a seed. Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies it can in no wise bear fruit.” Was Jesus saying Truth must die? No, for He also said, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18) What Jesus was saying was that our prejudices our preconceived notions about what Truth is must die, the shell that surrounds the Truth, so the Truth may come alive in our hearts and bear fruit. Yet this lying spirit has let us to cover the Truth with layer upon layer of “stuff” to the point where we have begun to worship the shell that must die that surrounds the Truth and not Truth. <br /><br />As Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) God calls to you and me today to take that seed of Truth, cast it into the prepared soil of our hearts so the shell around the Truth will die, and even fertilize the Truth within.<br /><br />The time for playing games is over. The time for putting on a skit and calling it worship is through. God is not impressed with you, or my, pageantry. He comes to us today. He is among us to forgive and to heal and to bless, yet if we do not put out this lying spirit from our churches the Almighty will write over our doors, “The Glory of the Lord has departed.” In that day great shall be the falling away. We must not trust to new music, new fads, flags, streamers, tears, shouts, all of which may have their proper place, but we must trust in the Lord alone. He will not share His glory with another. Return now and repent while He calls to you, while there is yet time.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-65878316304975011852009-07-18T19:57:00.001-07:002009-07-18T19:57:58.189-07:00The 3rd Covenant at super low prices<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/SmKG9w2QIaI/AAAAAAAAAaw/5xDyqQTICAc/s1600-h/3rd+cover1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9kJr8LtrxKY/SmKG9w2QIaI/AAAAAAAAAaw/5xDyqQTICAc/s200/3rd+cover1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359994902166905250" border="0" /></a>For those of you who have wanted to get my book but didn't want to shell out $25 (and I don't blame you) there is good news. Read on:<br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Dear Author,</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">We have <strong><span style="font-size:100%;">lowered the sales price</span></strong> <span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>of your book</strong></span> in our <u>online bookstore</u> to <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>only <span style="font-size:180%;">$6.99</span></strong></span>*. No minimum purchase necessary.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Offer valid for online purchases only. Go to <a href="http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping" target="_blank">www.publishamerica.com/shopping</a>, type in your book title, and see for yourself.</span></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Want it even cheaper? 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Selected titles sell for $8.99, phone special $7.99.</em></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></span></span></div> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Thank you,<br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">PublishAmerica Author Support Team<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Please notice that the expiration of this incredible sale is JULY 24th. So if you want a book many have hailed as a great mystery novel, now is the time to purchase it.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Just go to <a href="http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/index.htm">PublishAmerica</a> and order your copy today.</span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-91043599194693313472009-07-10T17:44:00.000-07:002009-07-10T17:48:56.143-07:00Modern Day Saints in Prison<table style="width: 676px; height: 593px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="299"><table style="width: 678px; height: 595px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:navy;"><b>Update on Marzieh & Maryam</b></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:navy;">Maryam and Marzieh are doing well despite being imprisoned for four months. The <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247248118_0" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247272626_0">Voice of the Martyrs</span></span> contacts report they remain courageous and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247248118_1" style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247272626_1">trusting in God</span></span>. In June when a judge told them he would make sure they were both executed as "apostates", they responded with courage, telling the judge to "expedite his sentence." Following the recent political turmoil in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247248118_2"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247272626_2">Iran</span></span>, 600 women have joined Maryam and Marzieh in Evin prison.<br /><br />We encourage you to continue praying and writing to Maryam and Marzieh to make sure they are not forgotten. They have been strengthened by the prayers and help of believers like you. Write to the government requesting they be released.</span></div> <div> </div></td></tr> <tr> <td> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="10"><br /></td> <td valign="top"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td bgcolor="#9da7ba" height="1"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="1" /></td></tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="132" height="7" /></td></tr> <tr> <td class="font14" align="middle"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:78%;"><strong>Marzieh & Maryam</strong></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td width="10"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/vompw_email_tabmid.gif" width="10" height="55" /></td> <td valign="top" width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td bgcolor="#eff0f1"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="25" /></td></tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#9da7ba" height="1"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="1" /></td></tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="29" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td width="10"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/vompw_email_tabr.gif" width="10" height="55" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="1" bgcolor="#9da7ba"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="1" /></td> <td width="10"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="10" height="1" /></td> <td> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table align="left" bgcolor="#d48f30" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table width="100%" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table width="100%" bgcolor="#e9ac59" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/uploads/prisoner_193_image.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td rowspan="2" width="16"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="16" height="1" /></td></tr> <tr> <td width="16"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="16" /><br /><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.prisoneralert.com/qry/vp_writeletter.taf?pfilid=193"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/vompw_bt_email_writeLetter.gif" width="135" border="0" height="18" /></a> </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="15" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td width="10"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="10" height="1" /></td> <td width="1" bgcolor="#9da7ba"><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="1" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/vompw_email_boxbot.gif" width="299" height="11" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.prisoneralert.com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="1" height="10" /></td></tr> <tr> <td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td valign="top" width="10"><img style="" class="" src="http://www.prisoneralert..com/graphics/spacer.gif" width="10" height="1" /></td> <td valign="top" width="299"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-17906658695424113992009-05-21T20:54:00.000-07:002009-05-21T21:32:15.035-07:00Intolerance or ToleranceIntolerance or Tolerance<br /><br />This is what Christians are getting smacked up side the head with these days. The upshot of this is that if you don't agree with a particular view then you are considered intolerant. Well, that IS the definition of the word. The problem arises when people in one group refuse to be tolerant of another that it is accusing of being intolerant. Let me give you an example.<br /><br />Right now the government is basically ready to issue a gag order on all Christians, especially pastors, priests, ministers and such, against saying anything against homosexuality. This bill is proposed, sponsored and funded by the "gay" community. Now all you gays out there I want you to listen up real good. It is wrong to put any person down for any reason, but it is equally wrong to ignore morals that have been in place for millenniums. It is more harmful to you, my gay neighbor, co-worker, friend, etc. to limit my speaking out against homosexual ACTIVITY. I would be unloving if I didn't tell people where I stood. I would also be unloving if I identified that person as a low life because of their activity. You see, because of the love that Jesus has placed in my heart, I have the obligation to let you know that, one, I love you, and two, your activity is harmful.<br /><br />How is homosexuality harmful? It nullifies God's design for marriage. When we say "It takes two" we mean just that, but not two of anything, it takes a male and a female. When that is not present the union can face challenges it should never have to face. Also it is necessary to follow this design to procreate. Even with test-tube babies you need to join a male sperm with a female egg. This isn't wrath, anger, bitterness or anything of the sort. It's Biology 101. Most of all people are made to be eternal beings, and that is the part most people miss. If they thought about it, then perhaps they might think things through a bit more. Now I am NOT saying only homosexuals go to Hell. Every one of us is born with Hell as our destination. The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23) It doesn't say what sins because any and all sin is included in that statement. So a person who cheats a little on their income tax or tells an occasional little white lie is on the same fast track to Hell as the homosexual. However, the solution to all is also the same, "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Notice how one is payment for the work they do and the other is a free gift? The radical homosexual movement today is trying to force Christians from getting that message out. So the logical question would be, "Do they really want to go to Hell?" I don't think so. I believe the thinking here has been so filtered down as to exclude any kind of acceptance of God's mercy, and that's the sad part. These aren't the only negatives. How about sexually transmitted diseases? No, I'm not one of those people who think this is a specific plague upon homosexuals, as some have stated. You have to admit that, first of all, those engaging in unprotected sex, be it heterosexual or homosexual, are asking for trouble. There is also, especially among males, the certain grinding aspect that, if pushed too far, simply begins to become less capable of fighting of any diseases. <br /><br />Jesus taught using parables, and one He used was that of the sower and the seed. You've probably heard people say, "You reap what you sow." Well, they get that expression, although not the direct quote, from the Bible. It is true. If you plant orange seeds in good soil (and a warm climate) you will get orange trees. If you plant Kentucky Blue Grass seed on your lawn you'll get Kentucky Blue Grass. If you plant bitterness in your heart you will reap a harvest of bitterness. If you plant hatred you will reap hatred. If you plant love you will reap love. I know of several people who are homosexuals. They know my opinions on the topic, but I don't beat them over the head with it. I let my life shine on them by loving them just as Jesus loves me with all of my defects (and believe me there are plenty). These people are gentle, kind people, for the most part. So you see, I do not equate the action with the person. They are planting kindness and gentleness, and because of that will reap the same things. At the same time they are planting seeds of a twisted sexual lifestyle that, when it grows, will not only be their harvest, but will become a snare to them.<br /><br />Getting back to the main topic, if you really want Christians to be tolerant, then look at what they are really saying, and don't become intolerant yourself. Even if you think someone is being intolerant, why would you want to become like them in their intolerance? The best course of action here would be to be tolerant. Who knows, we may learn from each other. You may be able to help me with my short comings, and I may be able to help you with yours. Admitting we have short comings is a step towards God. If God doesn't let any sin come before Him, but provides mercy through Jesus Christ, then we need to realize that we are sinful before we can receive that mercy. What most Christians are doing is simply bringing you to a place where you can see your need for Jesus. The wise among us let you and God work it out between you, while at the same time remain available for prayer, encouragement and friendship.<br /><br />David BrollierDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-43981838150350306992008-06-02T17:12:00.001-07:002009-01-25T15:38:10.486-08:00Mercy in the Middle<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span>Now what it the world do I mean by "Mercy in the Middle"? Well, like the story of salvation itself, we find God coming down in the middle of a situation that would otherwise be unbearable. God leaves the throne in Heaven for one specific purpose, to die for our sins. Now thta is love. In the book of Lamentations, written by the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 3, verses 21-23 we read these words, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulnes." It is these verses I'd like to focus on.<br /><br />You see, the rest of Lamentations chapter 3 talks about how bad things are for the prophet. People are trying to kill him. The people God sent him to aren't listening to God's warnings. To top it all off Jeremiah feels like God isn't even answering His prayers. Anyone out there feel the same way? I know I have. Look at the word I used thouh, "feel". We are so used to going on emotions that we forget that we are to live by faith and trust in the Lord. For that reason we find the prophet coming to his senses in the middle of this chapter. I know this because the very first statement he makes is "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Suddenly it dawned on him that all these feelings were just that, feelings. Oh it's true people were out to kill him, and eventually did, and it's true that the people he warned did not listen. Yet look at this glorious hope he speaks of, "</span><span style="font-size:130%;">It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not." <br /><br />We deserve to die, every last one of us. Ever since Adam there has been no one that has lived according to the will of God wholehearedly, or perfectly. Every one of us was born into sin, or as I put it, we were still born. To the world we look alive, but we were dead. Why did God let this happen? Why does God not intervene? Why does He not show compassion? Why will He not hear my prayers? These are all questions of people who do not have a close relationship with God, or that relationship has faltered, just as Jeremiah's did. The answer is quite simple. God allows things to happen because we have chosen to let them happen. Maybe not us personally, but we as a species of life, have chosen rebellion over loyalty to God. We all deserve a traitor's death. So what does God do, He lets things play out, gives us time to repent. Why? Because the Lord's mercies are "new every morning". What a thought. What a joy. We are, deserving of death and God gives us His mercy day after day. What is that mercy? It is a chance, a clean slate, a time to repent and turn back to Him. So when some drunk runs off the road and kills a young mother, that's life, that's sin bearing its deadly fruit in this world. The drunk lives, not because he is innocient, but because he is guilty and God would rather see him receive His forgiveness and love that He might work in that man's life. <br /><br />But what about revenge? What about the woman who died? The woman who died did so because of sin bearing fruit in this world. Revenge, if it is taken, must be taken upon all of us, for "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." So if God can get into that situation and extend His mercy He will do so.<br /><br />Still, this isn't really about that hypothetical situation. This is about you and me and were we are in our lives. We deserve to be "consumed" but because of God's mercy we are not. His mercy to us are new every morning. Therefore we can stand up and try again. We don't have to carry around the past with us. We can say with the prophet, "Great is Thy faithfulness." - David Brollier<br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592809656077688907.post-77107268767436958272008-05-08T22:15:00.000-07:002008-05-08T23:06:55.538-07:00New LookOkay, it could be better. If someone knows a way to normalize the image of Jesus instead of stretching him out like that I'd like to hear from you.<br /><br />Why the new look? Because I wanted something different, something eye catching, and because I happen to like that particular image of Jesus. Don't you get tired of seeing Jesus as an effeminate, weak, Caucasian with European features? The man was a carpenter's son for crying out loud. To some of you that means something. To many of you a carpenter is someone who runs down to Home Depot to grab his supplies and lumber, stacks everything in his pickup and brings it to the jobsite. Today's version of a carpenter is someone who not only can handle a saw and a hammer, but can handle a host of power tools. (Think Tim Allen on "Home Improvement"). There were no Home Depots, no lumberyards, no power tools. Jesus and his brothers followed Joseph into the Galilean hills to get trees that they had to cut down into planks for lumber, or use other parts, such as branches, to carve down to make legs for chairs and tables. The may have a donkey, but they had no power tools, not even the refined hand tools that we have available today. They didn't have pickup trucks or vans to cart this stuff around in. <br /><br />Okay Dave, so why are you bringing all this up? Glad you asked. It's because we get this wimpy image of Jesus in our mind, when in fact He was probably a pretty strong man, forget for the moment that He is God. I mean, Jesus single-handedly cleared the Temple in Jerusalem on at least two occasions of those selling sacrifices and exchanging money in the Temple's outer courts by Himself. His disciples were so shocked it theydidn't even ask Him why He did it, but after Jesus rose from the dead they understood. <br /><br />I guess that's what it all gets down to...power. I mean Jesus was a threat to the religious leaders who held power over the people. He spoke with such power that even the winds and waves obeyed Him. Demons trembled whenever Jesus came near, because they knew that if He told them to leave they had to leave. No one on the planet has exhibeted more power than Jesus. Of all the kings and generals and warriors, of all the warrior gods of myth and legend, of all the many different people who think they command some sort of power over others, none has come even close to Jesus.<br /><br />Consider this. Satan was once a mighty angel, the highest archangel if I remember correctly. Yet pride got the better of him. It wasn't good enough to be the highest angel. He had to be the highest being, but that meant exalting himself above God. Enlisting a third of the angels in heaven he provoked a rebelion against God. What was the outcome? Satan and those angels following him were cast out of Heaven. It only took a Word and it was done. That's all, look it up.<br /><br />Now look at the reverse. God who was, well, God, the Almighty, had nothing to prove to anyone. He created a species of life that would be able to understand Him and fellowship with Him. He did this for our benefit, not His. Adam, the first of these creations, was given only one command, "Don't eat from <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> Tree!" That's the David version. Of course we all know the story. People like to blame the woman for sin, but read your Bible. Adam was right there. What kind of protection was he providin his wife? Did he even once challenge the words of Satan? Nope. So when Eve was deceived and ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil she suddenly DID know the difference between good and evil. Many people miss this point. Well, she wasn't about to go down alone, now was she? Being the only female, and probably the only perfect female up until that point, she knew just what to do. "Here you go honey. It tastes good just like he said." "But, God said..." "Now Adam, do you want to sleep with me tonight, or outside with some goat or alligtor or such? Eat, or I swear you'll not sleep with me again." Ouch! The oldest profession.<br /><br />So now God, being the very embodiment of love, had to do something about this or all humanity was doomed. For He told Adam, "In the day that you eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you shall surely die." And that day Adam and Eve and all humanity with them died spiritually. Death was the punishment for sin, and that must be paid, but man couldn't pay it, for there wasn't a single perfect person around to die for the rest of us. In fact, since we have learned that at least in the past angels can also sin, we know that the only one who is perfect is God and He doesn't die. So what does He do? Instead of exalting Himself, lifting Himself higher, maybe killing us all off and starting over again, God, the Almighty, the Most High God decided to HUMBLE Himself. God, Creator of all things became man, in the form of Jesus (actually Yeshua) and He didn't just come down here to teach us or perform a few miracles. No, He came to die, that we might live. He came to reestablish a relationship that man once had with Him before the Fall. The choice is now up to us. We can accept His love and mercy for dying for us and find our relationship wth God restored, or we can say this is all garbage and continue to be an enemy of God. It's up to us. He's never forced our hand.<br /><br />But I ask you this, who displayed the greatest power, Satan who exalted himself and was thrown out of Heaven, or God who humbled Himself and left Heaven to die for us that we might live? Who is more powerful? For Jesus rose from the dead having paid for our sin, but not until after grinding Satan's head under his heel as was prophecied in Genesis 3:15. I say there's no contest. I don't even have to think about it. It's like asking what weighs more, a hand full of goose down (feathers for you city folk) or a handful of gold? But like I said, God never forces anyone. The choice is yours. If you want to side with the real wimp, that lion that roars, but has no power, that serpent that has no fangs, go right ahead. As for me and my house, in the words of Joshua, we will serve the Lord.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949239112166623708noreply@blogger.com0