MY DOG LITTLE LUKE

image courtesy photobucket

We got this dog, that ain’t much of a dog.

But the thing is he don’t know that he ain’t much account.

Luke likes to sit with me on our porch.  He also enjoys following me around in the yard and back again to the porch.

He just goes about and does what the other dogs do, and acts like he was just as good as the rest of them. The other dogs put up with him cause they don’t care one way or the other whether he is good or not.

The thing is he considers himself to be the best of the lot. To him if he has any short comings, that only means he is special, and better that the rest of the pack.

If any of the other dogs said to him you don’t measure up to the rest of us, he would just ignore them, and go right on as if they didn’t exist.

While the others go about solemn, doing their job, he does his job and is happy, and has fun while doing it.

Try as they may, so far they haven’t made him live according to their standards they have set up for them-selves. For Little Lukey, as it were marches to his own woof, woof.

Sometimes I think that dumb dog is smarter than me. He doesn’t let anyone or anything stifle his creativity, and he is making the most of what he has got. He follows his own rules but hurts no other dogs in the process and is happy while doing it.

Should he do things like the other dogs he would surly be a failure but he is his own man, err dog.

When David volunteered to fight Goliath, King Saul tried to equip David with his armor, but David refused it and used his own weapons to destroy the giant.

In life it is needful to know thyself and be true to yourself, for then, and only then will you have success.

This post has been entered in “Changing the World One Word at a Time” The word is Porch.  Please visit and check out the other great posts at: http://peterpollock.com/

UNDER THE OLE TIN ROOF

What we call a tin roof is most often a galvanized sheet metal roof.

These types of roofs were common in the south on the cheaper homes and did the job.

Along with millions of people who have slept in these houses, I remember all the little things about them. Every so often they needed some maintenance, like re-nailing them where the nails backed out and the sheets began to loosen up.

You either did this or you would find your roof in a ditch somewhere all bent up after a wind storm, and the house would be soaked if rain came with the wind.

As the sun came up, the metal would begin to expand, and the squeaking and screeching would start. It was much like waking up when grandma was beginning to stir around and start breakfast, with the skillets and pans banging. What a sweet sound that was, for soon the smells would follow of coffee, biscuits baking, and bacon and eggs a frying.

After supper the reverse would happen as the metal began to cool and shrink ever so slightly. That sound was the signal to prepare for bed.

These houses were very lo-cost with no insulation to dullen the wonderful noises these roofs made especially when a storm would pass through.

Sometimes the rain would fall so hard you couldn't hear what people were saying unless they shouted and if it started hailing you just forgot it for the noise was deafening.

Along with the rain came cool damp air, when you breathed it was like taking a drink of water that refreshed like no air condition could do. It felt like you were completely enveloped with love. At nighttime the comfort of the rain pelting the metal roof seemed to say; “All is well in the world,” and you slept the sleep of the righteous, feeling safe and secure.

As a child, it seemed like me and that ole tin roof was one.  It carried with it a feeling of caring and belonging, where the animate and inanimate had become as one.

Today we have lost the ole tin roof interactions for present day roof coverings are quiet and the insulation mutes the rain noise. Added to that, we live in a noisy environment with all the appliances, television, computers and hi-fi blasting away.

Still in my memories form time to time, and I slip away back to the era when I loved to hear all of the sweet sounds that came from out of the ole tin roof and am refreshed once again. It helps me retain my roots and sanity in this day.

OH WELL, TIMES

Around our house we have all kinds of times. There are good times, bad times, so-so times and then we have oh well times. Oh well times will help preserve your sanity.

Good and bad times are relative to your expectations. What is good times for one family might be just “the run of the mill for others. The same applies for the bad times. It is hard to enjoy the fact that your bad times can’t get any worse when they are as bad as they can get.

At our house things are pretty good, so good that we mostly have to look for something bad. Although when I do, I’m pretty efficient and can come up with something, when I should just enjoy what I do have.

1 Timothy 6:8-9 As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

That is about the last thing some Christians want to hear, for they want more, but it is pretty good advice anyhow.

Now lest we become indolent we must keep in mind: Proverbs 6:6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! I have never heard of an ant being on welfare so they must know something.

There are some other times that I call, “Oh well, times.”

These are the times when I enter the state of futility. These are times when I have seemly done my best to solve my problems and have come to my wits end. Or if I haven’t really tried hard, to my half wits end.

The kids are helpful in bringing you to this state for they are experts in this field.

How is this; I told those kids not to do that and now they have destroyed the garage door, no matter where I hide the keys they find them and start the car, “Oh well.”

I forgot to pay the credit card bill and now they want 22% interest on everything I owe, “Oh well.”

The husband has just spent $35,000 and bought a new truck he didn’t need, and we don’t have enough money to pay for it, “Oh h….”

The list is quite long and a lot of this is of our own making. I find it hard to pray and ask GOD to get me out of these kinds of problems for I’m afraid I’ll just do it again.

What I need is some wisdom, James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Daniel 12:3 tells me the result of it; Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

That wasn’t an ”Oh well” statement it was an AMEN statement.

JUST BLOGGING?

Did you ever notice that some of the books in the Bible read like Blogs?

Take Ecclesiastes for instance. If Solomon had Internet and a following, then the things he wrote would be like some of the stuff on FaceBook today.

Another example can be found in part of the book of Job.

Sections of Revelation would have made for some interesting Blog material.

It makes you ask yourself wherein does the difference lie?  For the answer to that you start with;

2Peter 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to make them an example for others. These things were written down as a warning for us who are living in the closing days of history.

John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

1John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

There are many ways to express the work in people’s lives by the HOLY SPIRIT. One of the most used expressions today is, “The Anointing,” meaning the SPIRIT OF GOD is being manifested through an individual in some manner.

Those who both wrote and spoke in the biblical past were so moved upon.

I suppose that some would say they write with the anointing in their Blogs. In order to save an argument I won’t disagree with them, but in order to make sure the message isn’t partially from their own psyches, they must start in the SPIRIT, stay in the SPIRIT and finish in the SPIRIT, and not get angry when others judge.

I have found when writing a Blog it is often difficult to say what you want to say. It is like a painter, who has his canvas, paint and brushes, and knows that some where in his tools there is a great painting, but to get the paint from the tubes to the canvas is sometimes very difficult.

The same thing happens when writing. The thoughts are there but they are not always clear enough to get them on paper. Ideas bounce around in my mind like rocks that are being shaken in a tin can. You know something is happening but you are not sure what it is.

Anyhow something usually comes out of it, and my prayer is that it will bless encourage and motivate you!

NO MAS

I have just changed our phone, Internet and TV service because the company we had was not even second rate. For over two years the static on the lines was so bad I could hardly hear the caller. We complained about it and the complaint taker would say; yes I can hear it, sorry for the inconvenience. That was the last I would hear from them. They would ignore my problem, and that seemed to work for them.


For the last seven weeks we have had almost no service. For four weeks there was no dial tone and no Internet and the other three weeks it was off and on. Each time I called they would say; I’m sorry you are having a problem, I’ll put you on our list and in about a week someone will contact you.


Each time the service person came out he would say; “Oh I can’t fix this type of problem, you need another kind of service, I’ll make a report.” Back in line for another week and I got the same response for seven weeks. The problem still isn’t fixed but in few days I’ll have a new service. I won’t mention the name of the old company but the initials are AT&T.

The above was sent to the editor of our newspaper for the opinion page. We are limited to 250 words and so I couldn’t say all I would like to have said.  One thing was I’m embarrassed to think I put up with this terrible service for as long as I did. I guess it was because I wanted to give them every chance to change and get better. Week after week they paid no attention to my problem and when the rains came, all the neglect of maintenance showed up and since they had made no provision for this they were overwhelmed.

I was embarrassed because of my patience and I wondered if GOD ever gets embarrassed because of HIS waiting on people to straighten up and live right. If we have concluded that HIS grace and mercy is license to live unrighteous and ignore HIS instructions in righteous living then the time for HIM to make a change may come.

I paid for service that I wasn’t getting and GOD may have paid for service HE isn’t getting. If that is the case in my case then maybe I should improve in certain areas especially in the area of maintenance.

1John 1:6-10 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; fellowship with GOD requires obedience to HIS word but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. We all mess up sometime. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let repentance precede confession. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
I am just guessing but I bet there are some areas in my life where I could improve. Perhaps I should do it before GOD decides to help me get it done.

Chances are HE will say in a bold voice, “NO MAS.”

THAT’S LIFE

The statement “you’re d…. If you do, and d…. If you don’t” is a way of life no matter what your life style is.

This is probably because there are so many paranoid people walking around. We all are affected by something that is not exactly paranoia but exhibits some of the watered down traits of it.

An example is our ability to misunderstand what is being said in a conversation, because we interpret what is said to mean something that isn’t actually said.

You could call it “sensitivity imagination.” You sense something and imagine it means something else.

Suppose three girls went to the mall and you saw a classmate, not a friend, but you knew each other. Now she has seen you and you felt you should acknowledge her.

You leave you friends and greet her by saying, “How are you doing?’

She answers by saying; “What do you mean how I’m doing? Have you heard something about me? Were you and your friends talking about me? What were you saying? I’m tired of people lying about me behind my back. If I hear you said something about me, I will get even with you and your friends.”

WOW, you are now faced with the situation that no matter what you say it will just make things worse. If you try to deny her allegation, it will start a new round of accusations and threats. You could tell her “I have no idea what you are talking about,” but that would validate every thing she said.  The best thing to say might be, “see you later,” and leave for at that point the imaginary has become real.

We are a complex people and we react to our environment in different ways. We all have found ourselves in similar situations as above, maybe not as radical but certainly being misunderstood.

Even in the church world all of the negative attitudes are present. A man might shake hands with a lady and the husband might conclude he held her hand too long. Then on the way home the accusations begin to fly. You should have pulled your hand back and not let him hold on to it. Then there is the hugging in church and so on all of which is fertile ground for vain imaginations.

The truth of the matter is there is justification for some suspicions for some have perfected their guile to seem marginal.

Just a word about offended parties whether the offence is real or imaginary the effect is the same.  If they will listen you can explain that you never meant to hurt them and try to mend fences to the point where they understand that they just misunderstood the whole thing and all is well.

Except, if you imagined you were being accused of something, and you were not guilty, you went through a process something like; insult, feeling ill, loss of self esteem, and so on until you get mad about it and the hurt is deep seated where no amount of explaining can ever expunge it.

One of the things we hate the most is being misunderstood, where our intent is seen to be something other than what we meant. Our efforts to clear up an issue like this are kind of like using “white out” to fix a typing error. It covered up the mistake but left it with an impression behind.

Because these things are implanted deep within (whether real or imaginary) it is hard to forgive and forget. The best we can do is get on by it and act as if it didn’t happen, and though the memory remains refuse to let it dominate you.

The scripture says; 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ

LET’S HAVE A LITTLE HARMONY AROUND HERE!

Around the close of the nineteenth century there was a lot of twentieth century harmonizing.

People of the same ilk, like barber shop quartets, sometimes waiters and the such, would sing and hopefully harmonize songs like;  My gal Sal, and if you wore a Tulip.

There was nothing worse than someone who couldn’t stay on key or whose timing was off. This was especially bad when in close harmony and singing acappella. This could be very grating almost like a donkey braying in a women’s trio.

Harmony is needed at work. How often do people whose personalities clash upset the whole work force.

When driving someone doesn’t want to flow with the traffic and cuts in and out it causes everybody to get upset and can result in someone else doing something unwarranted.
I might as well mention the family; this is a prime scenario for discord among all members.

And the church, there is no place where harmony is needed more than the church! Except maybe the operating room, especially if I’m on the surgery table.

In politics it is expected to have strong disagreements and they want to be applauded when they do agree on something. It causes one to think that maybe the elected ones are little more that lobbyist for certain causes.

But now we come to the most important place on the personal level where harmony is a must and that is within the person themselves. Discord within the person is a life most miserable. Sometimes at a funeral someone will say the dead person is finally at peace with themselves.

There are too many ways to mention, how we can be at odds with ourselves. There are times when our bodies demand things our mind knows aren’t good for us.

When we do that which is wrong for us, there is inner conflict and the whole person suffers; spirit, soul and body. It is as if we have some sickness that is attacking us.

Then there are the Christians, those who profess to be at peace with joy in their heart; do they ever have discord within themselves?  Are there times when the inner man that is born anew is at odds with their soulical nature?

When emotions run wild and demand to be catered to and overrule the spiritual nature, the result being sin, does that happen? That sounds like what Paul called; walking after the flesh.

In the 49ers days the miners would stake a claim and then try to prove up on their claim by producing gold but sometimes their claim would only produce a little dust. Are some of us only claimers and not producers? When people get to know us and dig around, do they find a vein of gold or just a little dust.

What we profess and what we produce must be Siamese twins, what one professes the other produces. It can’t be as a set of twins who appear to be alike but yet are separate each doing their own thing.

There is nothing worse than when our lifestyle doesn’t validate our testimony. Avoid at all costs being just a claimer.  Lets have a little Harmony here!!

BAPTIZE IN THE HOLY GHOST

When the Charismatic movement began in the early 50s, many of the Pentecostal brethren had several problems with the way the charismatic brethren received the HOLY GHOST BAPTISM. They felt they should receive it (HIM) the Pentecostal way in order to be real.

This business of merely laying hands on people was simply too easy.

The Pentecostals believed in the old fashion tarrying method. Sometimes it took several years of tarrying before a seeker broke through, whereas the charismatic people merely laid hands on the person, and said “start speaking in tongues,” and the seeker did just that.

I have my own feeling about this conflict, but probably should keep my opinions to myself.

In any case the important thing was the seeker was first baptized into the body of Christ by the HOLY SPIRIT, and then was baptized by Christ into the HOLY SPIRIT.  Another way to say it is, first get saved and then be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.

I have seen both methods used in ministering to seekers, and in most cases either will work for it is GOD who does the baptizing.

Back in 1976 I attended the RHEMA SCHOOL OF MINISTRY for a year, and worked in the prayer room with people who wanted to be “saved” and others who wanted to receive the baptism in the HOLY GHOST.

Many things occurred there, but one thing stood out from the others. A young man was a seeker, and I was appointed to minister to him.  After a settling down time I talked to him explaining the procedure we were going to follow.

We prayed for a couple minutes and then I laid my hands on him as I had explained to him.  Before I knew what had happened he shot straight up between my hands and almost hit the ceiling and came down yelling, “I got it.”  It took me a while to grasp what had occurred.

He was a little beside himself and didn’t want to talk to me any more.  He immediately went on his way rejoicing, and I sat there somewhat amazed and wondered what had just taken place.

I thought well this is great, but that was a one time experience seeing as I had prayed for seekers and had done the same thing many times, but never had anything happened before exactly like this.

If you are basically a Born Again Christian, please understand that there is MORE for you. Jesus wants to baptize you in the Holy Ghost!

Acts 1:8 “You shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and you shall be witnesses unto me.”

GRACE

Oft times you will find the word grace and mercy together in a passage of scripture.

Both of these words are an expression of the love GOD has for his created beings.

In science fiction the big fear is that a robot will have evil intentions, and be able to reproduce them-selves.

At least part of GOD’S creations does that very thing, for all of GOD’S creations are at war. Starting with the smallest microbe up to man himself, there is this paradox of trying to build up and to destroy.

The name Grace that is given to girls carries with it the hope that the child will grow to be all the name signifies. Grace Kelly always comes to mind as the personification of grace. While her children never measured up to her standard she went from a simple girl to a movie star to become the princesses of Monaco with all the dignity her position required of her.

The dictionary has many definitions of grace, one of which is “the freely given, the unmerited favor of GOD” or the condition of being in favor with GOD. Those words carry with them more than we can comprehend. Freely, without cost to me. Given to me as my possession. Unmerited, no way deserving. Favor, being treated with partiality, with gentleness.

When grace is coupled with mercy it becomes the manifestation of the love of GOD. GOD’S mercy allows us every opportunity to fully return to HIM and be not only HIS child by creation but also HIS child by regeneration. HIS mercy stays judgment until the end time when we must all give account of our life.

Paul the apostle said;
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God, in this reference he speaks of adhering to the law for salvation, but there are other ways to frustrate GOD’S grace in your life and that is to try to live your own way ignoring the help and direction the Spirit of GOD gives you.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

This lust business is almost always a bad thing but is controllable; in fact it must be controlled. It is a real downer to realize that none of us are perfect and because of this GOD’S grace and mercy, is the only thing that saves us from destruction. Despite of grace and mercy some will be self willed and frustrate GOD’S grace in their lives to the point of losing HIS favor and heaven itself.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest-if we do not give up.

LIL BANTY

Having spent a lot of time living on the family farm I got to know the animals pretty well.

I mean I could recognize most of them. My uncle raised some guinea hens. They were an African fowl that were used for food by the tribesmen. They were too bony for the American taste but they were good watch birds. Nothing escaped they attention. They made the most awful noise which was an ear piercing sound that hurt your ears.

My Uncle also had some chickens. He had game birds, Rhode Island reds, leghorn and usually some Bantys. The little Banty roosters were only about one third the size of the large roosters, but they would throw out their chest and strut around the barnyard, and they thought they were something special. With their heads thrown back they would crow to the top of their voice.  I never saw one that didn’t act like that.

While out in the country I never met any people who felt the same way about themselves as that Banty rooster did.  Some folk would put on an act and try to pretend they were better than others, but in reality no one really felt proud.

Within the world of the Banty, he was something.  He would fight and chase the hens around the yard.  He had the right to be proud.  It was okay for him to feel like crowing, and not worry about what the other chickens thought.

What about the Christian does he have anything to feel proud about?  In his world, is it wrong to brag about JESUS and who they are “in Christ?”

Christian self esteem is not a sin.  Unless you feel good about who you are “in Christ” you cannot truly present Christ to the world.  Who wants to be like someone who shows forth low self esteem and a weak belief system?

One should never be afraid of true pride for it carries with it a humility that doesn’t demean and destroy one’s self esteem but rather leads to one being gracious and caring for others. On the other hand false pride in ones self is never helpful but leads to the hardening of the soul, the fruit of which is spoiled and fit for nothing.

When you fully grasp the essence of Christianity (not necessarily the demonstration of it which is sometimes crass) you have great reason to be proud.  It is based upon GOD’S love for man and the sacrifice HE made to bring it forth.

Pride which is an unwarranted exaltation of one’s self is what the Bible is talking about when it says” pride goes before the fall.” However the understanding of what Christ has done in you and for you lifts you above any feelings of worthlessness. Yes the born again Christian has a right to feel proud about their standing before GOD and should act accordingly.

Be a Banty today.

THE RUBBER GUN WARS

When samples of rubber first arrived in England, it was observed by Joseph Priestley, in 1770, that a piece of this material was extremely good for obliterating pencil marks on paper, hence the name rubber was coined.

In the territory now know as Malaysia one of the chief exports was latex, produced from what is now commonly called rubber trees. The automobile couldn't be produced without rubber. Think of how much of the cars were made of rubber, hoses, belts, wipers, tires and tubes and much more.

During the WW2 part of the strategy of the Japanese was to cut off the supply of rubber from the pacific, hence crippling the American war effort. Our scientists overcame this problem by developing a synthetic rubber.

While it had many qualities of real rubber, it did not have the elasticity that was needed to make bullets for our rubber guns.

We (us kids of the Avenue) were constantly fighting our own wars.

Some of us would be the bad guys and some were the good guys. It really didn't matter which side you were on, the war was the important thing.

There was some attempt to manufacture rubber guns using regular rubber bands but we required heavier caliber bullets so we made our own guns and bullets.

The gun had a barrel ¾ inch square and 16-20 inches long. The handle was attached to the barrel and was about 3 by 4 inches in size. We would attach a spring type clothes pin to hold the rubber bands and a slight pressure on the pin would release the projectile.

Our rubber bands were made from old rubber tire tubes. We would cut across the tube making bands about ¾ inches wide.

Some of the kids were very inventive; they developed rifles that would shoot more than one bullet at a time. Everybody would carry at least two guns because it took time to reload, just like the western movies, we were two gun men.

We had an unlimited supply of raw material until the Japanese cut off the rubber supply from Indonesia. The new synthetic rubber wouldn't stretch like the real thing. We soon found our supply of ammunition running out and the rubber bands wars were over.

It was a sad day when we had to give up on the rubber guns due to no ammunition. This is when we realized how serious the war was. It was never the same after this happened.

We turned to other forms of entertainment, and made other things like stilts to walk on. We found out how to limp around when we had an equipment failure.

Another invention was to take two tin cans to stand on and punch two holes to insert a piece of rope in it. The rope had to be long enough to hold on to so as to keep the cans tight against your shoes, then you walk on them, until you fell, and got to limp some more.

While we constructed many of our toys one last thing I'll mention was our roller skate coasters. We would get a wooden vegetable box (veggies were shipped in wooden boxes due to the fact they needed moisture.) We would take a two by four about 3 feet long to which we would attach a roller skate which was in two pieces one piece on each end. We rode them like a scooter.

People would get out of your way, because they made so much noise and would sound dangerous. Three or four boys terrorizing on them could be a force to be reckoned with.

Thus came the end to this phase of our life but I'll never forget the rubber gun wars.

UNTIL THEN

Until now; this is a backwards look at all of the past.

Where do I start? What stands out in my mind? Why was that so important?

Did it give me pain or pleasure?

I am a result of my past and it is responsible for what I am. And yet; I am the author of my past and my reactions to what I faced. What could I have changed something that would have changed who I am?

Who would I be if I hadn’t accepted Christ? Would I still be alive or dead and forgotten? Hmnnn.

Have I made a change in who other people are, or have I had no effect on them at all?

All of this is in the past, and I am who I am but my focus on the larger picture is not who I am, but who I want to be, and what plans am I making to cause that to become a reality.

Beyond the first step I do not know, but what I do know is;

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him."

The first step is to realize the time will come when there will be an end. The end will be, I know not when, but what I do know is; “Until then” I am on my way to becoming who I want to be, and no one can stop that for I am the captain of my ship.

There is a difference between what I want to be and who I want to be.

Hopefully both will have the same goal without conflict, for conflict can cause both aims to fail. If I plan not, my ship will sail without a course, and failure is assured. But with resolve and charting, on that day, the day of the end, I will arrive with satisfaction and then, there will be no more “Until then” for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyI28GmE1A&feature=related

MADE OR MADE UP?

Psalms 139:14 I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.

Suppose someone came up to you and said; there is a Guru over here and he created the whole universe including the people. This man is only 27 years old. Well you might say well I'm older than that, how could he have created all this? Then their answer would be, “he made it retroactively” that way he created everything, and could then still only be 27 years old.

Or how about this; there was a big bang and all the planets in our universe just fell into place. Then after billions and billions of years, life was formed and there were fish that turned into monkeys and after a few more million years they became men. Now admittedly I have left out a few steps which make this theory more plausible.

Then there is the other explanation of how the earth came to be and is found in the Bible. It is declared that GOD created this world and everything in it. He skipped over the evolutionary steps of the billions of years and did it in seven days, including one days rest.

Due to the fact we are controlled by time and space it is hard to understand the true nature of GOD. Everything we deal with has a beginning and an ending.

The inquiring mind wants complex answers to complex questions and has a problem with GOD’S simple explanation of how the world was formed. If man was capable of comprehending what happened during creation it would have been explained to him.

The most brilliant minds today cannot conceive of a self reliant, eternal being. It would require a revelation from GOD to illuminate their brain and would overheat the brain cells by the demand placed upon them.

GOD’S explanation is sufficient for its purpose and that is to give man a basic understanding about creation. HE simply said; I am eternal without the necessity of a beginning or ending and I did it in six days.

Psalms 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork.


Col.1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

Col.1:17He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

It takes all the sciences to explain what a marvelous creature we are and as an old song said; you're much too marvelous, too marvelous for words.

TWO TIER CHRISTIANITY

Two tier Christianity, What is it? When starting this blog I had something in mind but after some research it took off in a different direction. It seems that the Anglican Church is having trouble holding and bringing in new members. I didn’t say new Christians because I don’t think that is what the problem is all about, see the quote below.

This week the new General Synod has met for the very first time since being elected. The most important item on the agenda is the proposal of an ‘Anglican Covenant’ which is aimed at creating a new model of the church to steady its decline and schism. Here, as far as I can understand it, is what is proposed.

Should the ‘Anglican Covenant’ be accepted, here in England and across the world, then the shape of the Anglican Church could change forever. Instead of one church with many autonomous member bodies the church would take on a two tier system. Those who espouse a traditional faith would be granted a gold star and considered ‘Grade A’ Anglicans whilst those being innovative, say ordaining homosexuals, would remain a part of the communion but relegated to the second division and be considered ‘Grade B’ Christians.

I can understand the concern over the decline in the Anglican Church but it seems that concern has progressed to desperation for them to consider this.

Again; within this bizarre structure the Archbishop of Canterbury would be granted new powers and authority. This would allow him to declare which parts of the Anglican Communion is Grade A and which is Grade B.

Understandably there is much criticism of the covenant from all sides. Those who seem certain to be made ‘Grade B’ Anglicans are outraged and insulted. Those who want to proclaim the historic faith are equally confused as to how any church can contain different variety of Christians. Either one is preaching the faith or not! This is meant to be a church and not a club. One can only imagine what would be the result if Jesus had attended the meeting and heard and saw what was going on there. There are many congregations withdrawing from the denomination for they realize the as Paul said;

Galations. 5;9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough and continued fellowship would mean acceptance of this modification of the tenets of faith which is not acceptable to them.

Matthew 25:31-34 "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. "And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. The one thing about this scripture is, it is Christ who decides who is accepted and who is rejected not man.

GETTING OUTTA DODGE

Nowhere in literature is there more drama found than in the first four chapters of Genesis.

Starting with all of the creation acts and then the rules of conduct for man, we are quickly introduced to GODS original plan. With the basic rules of conduct in place GOD then brings a help-mate for Adam on the scene.

The fact that the serpent chose Eve to deceive and tempt has been a subject which has caused much conflict, debate and offence. In any case she was the one chosen to be tempted and who first yielded to sin. Not long after, Adam followed her and partook of the fruit, and they entered into a state of death both spiritually and physically.

There was another tree in the garden called “The tree of life.” Eating the fruit that this tree produced would give eternal life to them; so GOD found it necessary to drive them from the garden and lock the door so to speak, lest they enter an eternal state as sinners not unlike Satan’s condition, lost with no hope of redemption.

They had it all but lost it by an act of disobedience to GOD’S words.

Their relationship with GOD changed at this point. Words cannot describe the emotional distress they suffered the rest of their lives.

No more innocence, no more paradisiacal existence, no more walks and talks with GOD. That relationship was over. The only hope was some thousands of years later man-kind would be redeemed by the son of GOD.

Relatively speaking, they now lived a miserable existence. Woman was condemned to pain when she bore her children. One son was self centered, disobedience and chose to murder his brother. GOD sent him forth into the wilderness there to dwell until he died.

As he left he cried; “my punishment is more than I can bear.”

He not only was separated from his family but also from GOD, there is no loneliness equal to that.

Today GOD is still available to those who seek HIM, and the Holy Spirit of GOD is constantly drawing people to Christ, but there is a time coming when that will be over.

The END TIME will come, and those who refused the invitation to come to GOD will experience a like experience that Cain did. The cry will be “My punishment is more that I can bear” eternally.

God’s word is always simple “Don't eat of that tree” but his word means what is says.

Except a man be born again he will not see, nor enter the kingdom of GOD, so simple yet treated by many as Eve did in the garden, with ig-nor-ance.

Quote from; Ray Stedman. “We have already seen that this whole story of the Fall is a prototype, an original pattern, of the process of temptation, of yielding to temptation, repentance and restoration, of any individual who has ever lived since that time. In other words, we all live in this third chapter of Genesis.”

MY LAST CHANCE?

Years ago before the nation was criss crossed with super highways I traveled on two lane, sometime poorly maintained highways.

From time to time, especially when approaching a desert type of territory we would see a sign that said “Last chance for gas.” You couldn't help looking at your gas gauge and even if you had more than a half tank full, your comfort zone would require you to stop and fill up.

Several times down the road I would come to another sign that would say “Last chance for gas.” This caused me to think those first guys weren't telling the truth.

Over the years there have been many new religions pop up that met the requirements to be a recognizable faith.

The requirements are, you must have a book, and it needs to be witty and convincing. It must meet the demands of self sacrifice, for man wants to earn his salvation.  The prophet, well you must have a prophet.

Some have appeared out on the desert and received a revelation (you must have a revelation.)  And the miracles, he must perform miracles even if they are selling a bowl of soup for a quarter, that may not be a real miracle but it is close enough.

The end result is you have a new religion and if the prophet can look holy he may convince some to join him.

The difference between these thought up religions and Christianity is that they lack an important ingredient and that is reality.

Their god isn't real, just a creation of their mind. They have substituted rhetoric for reality, and the best they can expect from that is something to occupy time.

The most impressive scripture in the Bible is GOD’S declaration “I AM THAT I AM” encapsulated in those words is the declaration that he is, “The ALMIGHTY” and there is no other. Genesis 1:1 in the beginning GOD Created the heaven and earth.

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Today we are all on a journey, and there are road signs every mile saying ours is the way turn aside here, “Last chance.” The only problem is they are all dead ends.

The ALMIGHTY has declared that HE is not only the last chance, but the ONLY chance for redemption.

For those who are redeemed the sign “Last chance” is just a reminder that their tank is full of redemption, but for those who are going to wait and just travel a little further, and look for another warning, time may run out for them.

2 Corinthians 6:2 behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDiul4lojS0

FEELING EPISODES

Feeling or emotional episodes are deeply implanted into our memory banks.

There are experiences that are buried deep down in my memory banks that for all practical purposes they no longer exist.

However every once in awhile something is triggered and the whole event comes to life again.

Often it is an embarrassing moment. I really dislike the part of that memory event that causes me to blush and redden. On the other hand if it was a happy event then I can relish it all over again.

To ask me to forgive “unfair treatment” is difficult enough, but when I’m asked to forget it, that is beyond my control. Save for brain damage the only possible way I can’t remember a hurt, is for it to never have happened.

The same thing applies to the person who did it, for they will always remember that they did it.

Memories fade, and as long as we don’t brood over what took place, the hurt will subside, but some of us aren’t made that way.

We discover that we need to rehearse the issue over and again. It is like the only way to keep the “mad” going is to refresh our minds regularly.

While it is difficult to get beyond hurt it is even harder to get beyond guilt. Our minds want to relive the event, and serve up punishment again and again.

There is the story about a man who had this problem; the story goes; a man recently sent $100 to the IRS and said, "If I still can't sleep, I'll send more money."

How can we deal with our guilt? We rationalize it and make an excuse, or we just deny it thinking; “I was justified in doing what I did,” or try to run away from it, deny and ignore it.

A story is told of a man in Chelsea, Massachusetts stole a watch from his neighbor. Conscience stricken by his act, he tried to give the watch away but on one would take it.  Finally, he threw it away, but he could not throw away his guilt.  For 35 years he tried to get away from it, but to no avail.  Eventually, he sent a letter and some money to his rabbi and asked him to give it to the family from whom he had stolen the watch. He ran for 35 years, but he could not run away from his guilt.

In the similar manner, after we have run as far as we can, we will still hear the haunting footsteps just behind us, as our guilt follows incessantly in our pathway.

It would be grand if someone could forgive - - and forget our sins, and our weaknesses.

Psalms 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

Heb. 8:12 "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

GOD can do something I can’t do and that is to - - NOT remember if HE so chooses. When HE forgives he also forgets because in His memory our transgressions no longer exist.

Now, just to be on the safe side, I suggest you do some repenting before you pray for forgiveness otherwise GOD may think you are just self serving and not sincere. You are not going to do it again, are you?

STRIPPING

While I was in the roofing business for 35 years, I often had to go to places I would not ordinary go in order to arrive at a conclusion as to what should be done to this building.

Then I would base my estimate on the corrections needed.

I worked on manufacturing buildings where bones and suet was processed for dog food, where the smell was so overpowering that you could hardly breathe.

Included in our estimates were many high rise apartments. We covered garages, control towers for airports, homes and beer joints.

One day, I received a call for an estimate on a bar and strip joint and while inspecting the building for leaks, up on stage was a skinny, really under endowed girl. I thought she ought to put on some clothes for she was depressive to look at. I suppose if you were drunk enough she might look a little better but those who were sober would do what I did, and that was head for the exit. I received the contract back and did the job. While working on this job, we would see some of the girls as they went inside to do their stuff. But all of them were pretty poor specimens and they were totally uninhibited.

There is a time and a place to strip away your covering but I never liked to do it even in the hospital where it was mandatory.

As Christians I think it might be good to shed some of our covering when we appear before our GOD. The list of things we need to strip off is long and tedious. This is an interesting question; when I come to GOD in prayer, do I try to clean up my act and present my self in a better light. And then after prayer when I figure I’ve taken care of that, do I put my old rags back on, those rags I had to take off before coming to the throne of grace and mercy?

As Paul would say; these things ought not to be brethren. What is good enough for the throne room is also good enough for every day life. This kind of prayer process is a sign of childishness, one who has not grown up and is trying to get away with the things a child could get away with.

A quick test to take is to ask yourself this question; does GOD still answer my prayers like HE used to? If the answer is no then some checking up is in order. Are you still hanging on to childish ways?

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

GOD requires that we grow up into a mature Christian.

Ephesians.4;22 You were taught to change the way you were living. The person you used to be will ruin you through desires that deceive you.

Romans 13:13-14 With right Behaviour as in the day; not in pleasure-making and drinking, not in bad company and unclean Behaviour, not in fighting and envy. On the contrary, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for gratifying your earthly cravings.

William Shakespeare’s; As You Like It

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages. At first the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms;

And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like snail. Unwillingly to attend school.

And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad made to his mistress' eyebrow.

Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the bard, Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth.

And then the Justice, In fair round belly with good capon lin'd, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances;  And so he plays his part.

The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side; his youthful hose, well sav'd, a world too wide for his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice. Turning again toward childish treble, pipes and whistles in his sound.

Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion; Sans (without) teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything."

Interpretation

Infancy: In this stage he is an infant. He cries like thousand times and vomits milk in the arms of the nurse. He grows stronger with the passage of time.

Childhood: It is in this stage that he begins to go to school. He plays the role of a complaining and unwilling schoolboy. He is reluctant to leave the protected environment of his home as he is still not confident enough to exercise his own discretion.

The lover: In this stage he is always remorseful due to some reason or other, especially the loss of love. He tries to express feelings through song or some other cultural activity.

The soldier: It is in this age that he thinks less of himself and begins to think more of others. He is very easily aroused and is hot headed. He is always working towards making a reputation for himself and gaining recognition, however short-lived it may be, even at the cost of his own life.

The justice: In this stage he has acquired wisdom through the many experiences he has had in life. He has reached a stage where he has gained prosperity and social status. He becomes very attentive of his looks and begins to enjoy the finer things of life.

Old age: He begins to lose his charm — both physical and mental. He begins to become the brunt of others' jokes. He loses his firmness and assertiveness, and shrinks in stature and personality.

Mental dementia and death: He loses his status and he becomes a non-entity. He becomes dependent on others like a child (sometimes called "second childhood") and is in need of constant support before finally dying.

The words of Shakespeare’s “As you like it,” well defines mankind’s life cycle both naturally and to a great extent, “Spiritually.”

We start with the new birth and proceed with the sincere milk of the word and grow through the stages of life. In a word we do just that, we grow through life’s stages. The growth is slow on a daily basis but certain events become landmarks that we can point to. Our lists of firsts are helpful in defining ourselves.

The new birth, the baptism in the Holy Spirit if your faith allowed it, the first time you taught a bible lesson and so on. The shocking thing is when you realized you have left one scene and entered another, especially as you get older.

The one constant is GOD. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. Only our response to this “constant” - - may change with time. For to whom much has been given, much is required. As we grow older and have received much, it is incumbent on us to keep this in proper balance.

Having done this there is only one commandment to concern ourselves with and that is; Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  For the young depend heavily upon the old.

A short clip from as you like it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-e7fHpQxik&feature=related

Unusually done by a woman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWVCBj5v9cE&feature=related

CHRISTIAN I.D.

Like so many I usually pay for my purchases with a credit card and often I am asked for some kind of I.D.  I realize that this is an extra step for both of us (me and the clerk) but it is for my protection.  Most of the time I use my drivers license because it has everything that matters listed on it.

As I thought about the Christian ID, there was something that came to mind that I heard many years ago and that was; “If you were accused of being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

For some reason whenever this thought or one similar to it crosses my mind it irritates me. Of course I’m guilty. There is plenty of evidence against me. I must suffer the consequences for my belief.

I want to prove it in court and put this to rest once and for all. A trial is set and as the trial progresses it is my time to give evidence. But then what evidence should I talk about? Well first off I said; I went down to an altar and prayed for salvation. And then I went to church often. And I gave money into the offering when the bag was passed. I told others they should be saved. All this should convict me of being a Christian!

Now the court appointed attorney steps up and begins to present what he considers to be a disclaimer to all I said.

First the attorney began; all we have is his word that he was genuinely saved. Anyone could say that and just be lying. As far as him going to church it probably simply fulfilled his social needs. He makes a big deal about giving money to the church. Everyone gives to charity, and this was his way to feel good about himself. And about him telling others they should be saved. People are always telling others how they should live when they themselves don’t live that way.

This really set me back for he turned everything I said around and made it of non effect. If this keeps up I am going to be found innocent and declared to be a Non-Christian in this hall of justice.

I was almost convinced that maybe I am not a Christian and then I recalled who I used to be, one who followed what the Bible calls the flesh.

Galatians 5:18-21 “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

I was never guilty of all those things, some of them yes but not ALL. Those things have no part with me any more.

What is manifest in me now is; The fruit of the Spirit “which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

I showed this contrast between the old and the new and testified that this is the truth. The judge listened to the entire pro and con and then came back with his verdict. It seems to me that you are falling short on some issues but are close enough to be guilty as charged. Court dismissed. I must say I felt better now but I also realize there is still part of my act that needs to be cleaned up so there will be no question about my Christian-hood.

“And they that are of Christ have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts. I have pretty much done all that and intend to work on the rest.”

HOMOPHOBIA

Civil rights leader Coretta Scott King stated that "Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood."

Having said that she set herself up as the almighty one whose declarations are the only truth that is acceptable. Going on beyond the fact she made “much money” for her analyses; she didn’t have a clue why many people object to homosexuality.

Some churches have written Ichabod on the lintels of their doorways and now welcome homosexuals as members and spiritual leaders.

The church’s mission on earth is not to accept people as they are, but to present the gospel as a way to escape the judgment that is to come. The church and the gospel is the only thing that stands between sinners and eternal punishment. When the church refuses to fulfill their commission then there is no hope for sinners of any ilk.

On the surface it would seem that people who object to the homosexual lifestyle are the enemies, but in reality their resistance to homosexuality is the only hope that they have. Acceptance of the person is one thing but supporting that which leads them to perdition is another.

I remember a minister who often said “It’s nice to be nice,” and this is a good philosophy, but it’s not nice to promote (by accepting a life style) that which leads to the eternal destruction of anyone.

For this reason we who are called homophobic wear the title proudly for we care about people who are lost.

From the beginning GOD established the family, and he has not changed the man and woman program. Like all of GOD’S ways SATAN has placed his ugly mark on them. In this case he has taken one of the most precious relationships mankind has which is friendship, men with men and women with women and perverted it into that which damns their souls.

The most revealing thing concerning this is found in; Galatians 6:7 Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God.  Whatever you plant is what you'll harvest.

When trying to save an animal from certain death, they will try to defend themselves and many are lost because of their resistance to the only hope they have.

So it is with those who will not receive the gospel and instead they choose to be lost

YOU BETTER NOT

Today famous names have value, and what is known as endorsements are worth a lot of money to people who are popular.

Sports figures are in the forefront of these money makers. The loss of stature of these people can cost them multi-million dollar contracts because of morals clauses. Being accused of rape or being with prostitutes like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods are examples of this.

When Pete Rose places his name on a baseball cap it increases the cap’s value many times. Signing a contract as a coach or a player makes the proposal a legal document. Anyone using a name without permission is a violation of law, and has repercussions and a basis for punishment.

In Exodus 20:7 GOD made a statement concerning HIS name;

Bible in Basic English
You are not to make use of the name of the Lord your God for an evil purpose; whoever takes the Lord's name on his lips for an evil purpose will be judged a sinner by the Lord.

And World English Bible
"You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. GOD’S name is sacred and as such must not be used for any other purpose “or else.”

GOD will not endorse the cursing of anything or anybody, and when they invoke his name while cursing they become guilty and must pay.  GOD is the judge that passes down judgment concerning the what, and when of it. In any case the guilty must  pay the penalty.

One of the most irritating things a parent has to endure is back talk or sass from their children. The thought sometimes occurs “I wish you had never been born.”  But then we move on, and don’t remove them, for love kicks in until the next time.  Even so there are some things that are absolutely forbidden and will not be tolerated.

I believe that GOD takes the same attitude concerning HIS name. 

HE will not tolerate the defaming HIS name in cursing.

There is a proper use of HIS name in prayer, petition, worship and praise but never is it to be used in vain for that is an attempt to defile it.

How does GOD feel when one of HIS children misuses His name? Think about it! HE has spoken. Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5-6gwssX0Y
The above site is an awesome rendition of the Names of God !!

THE GARMENT

A tailor who used an apple as a trade mark was asked why he used that particular symbol. He replied, "If it hadn't been for the apple, where would the clothing business be?"

He had a good point. The clothing business did start in the Garden of Eden because of sin, and the need to cover the bodies of those who had started sin by eating of the forbidden fruit.

Clothing is not a part of the origin of sin, but rather, a necessity to overcome the emotions set loose by sin. (Glen Pease)

The garments we wear tell much about us. They can reveal whether we are poor or well off, sloppy or fastidious, in some cases where we work and what we do. Garments can change people’s perception of us and they can misrepresent who we really are.

GOD was the first clothes designer; in the Garden of Eden he prepared clothes made of skins for Adam and Eve. Garments have played a large part in the Bible especially in the temple service. In the New Testament we are admonished to clothe ourselves with Christ; the meaning of which is to take on his philosophy and follow his teaching by doing what he taught.

In Romans 13:13-14 there is stated things we should do and not do “Let us behave properly as in the day (of his coming), not in carousing and Drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh In regard to its lusts.

2Tim. 2:19 I want women to show their beauty by dressing in appropriate clothes that are modest and respectable. Their beauty will be shown by what they do, not by their hair styles or the gold jewelry, pearls, or expensive clothes they wear.

Paul would have a hard time selling this to many of the women in church today, for they realize it is hard to keep a man when you are looking too much like a plain homebody, especially if their man isn’t totally committed to Christ.

When we were baptized into Christ (put on Christ) we have right standing before GOD, and now it is incumbent on the believer to keep his garment (free from sin) clean.

Parents will sometimes bathe and dress their kids and tell them; “Don’t get dirty; we’re going to leave in a few minutes.” Soon they find the kids need to be touched up, and so it is with Christians every so often we get dirty and GOD has to touch us up a wee bit.

1John 1;9 God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong.

The last thing Christians need to do is to walk around wearing a filthy garment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRoLu4HGcJs&feature=related
I trust you will enjoy the above site on You Tube.

THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD

I can remember back to a time before free speech had been politicized, and if someone didn’t like what you said they would take issue, and the fight was on.

Today using certain words can get you fired and castigated especially on radio and television. You may remember Don Imus and his "Nappy headed hos" statement. I didn’t think his remark was appropriate but whatever happened to; "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"?

As a kid when praising a salesman you would hear “He could sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo.”

This was back in the days when Americans thought that all Eskimos live in Igloos.

When it comes to the greatest salesman of all time it is none other than Satan himself.

He was so great he sold himself of the idea that he was greater than GOD.

He then sold his idea to many angels, started a war in heaven and he lost his position as a great angel himself. Then his whole bunch got kicked out of heaven.

Often we are asked why is there so much evil in the world and the answer is Satan still thinks he can still defeat GOD if he can get enough followers to fight on his side.

He doesn’t believe all is lost even though the end is written in the Bible, but then he doesn’t believe the Bible.

After selling the angels on a bad idea he then sold Eve on the idea that GOD didn’t mean what he said about eating the good and evil fruit. He convinced Cain it was okay to kill his brother. From that time until the flood he sold people on every form of sin until GOD couldn’t stand it anymore and wiped them from the face of the earth, save Noah and his family.

What a disappointment, Satan lost all his followers in a few days. Oh well, not to worry he started over again, selling his plan of rebellion so well he soon had a crowd believing his lies. As they got restless he told them; “What you need to do is build a tower all the way to heaven.” His gang thought this was a wonderful idea and started to build until GOD confused their languages to the point of frustration and they quit that building project.

Satan, unable to create any thing, has been trying to improve on what GOD has made and claim it as his own.

Because man has been sold on Satan’s ideas they now have a place where only by the sweat of his brow he survives instead of a Garden of Eden.

Man now suffers physical death instead of enduring life; a life of stress and pain instead of joy and happiness.

All Satan has ever had is ideas that he has sold to the gullible and it continues today.

Shortly GOD will start over with a people who haven’t bought into the lie of Satan and will finally destroy the power of his lies and those who were convinced that Satan’s way was the best way.

God is well on the way to completing his new undeceived people.

But given all this I still admit; “Satan is the greatest salesman in the world “.

THE NATURE OF FORGIVENESS

I personally consider the new covenant to have been ratified with the death, burial, resurrection and seating in heaven of Jesus Christ.

Prior to this event the law was still in effect and people were judged by it. Much of what Jesus taught was conditioned by this fact, for he himself was subject to the ordinances contained in the law.

The words of Jesus must not be taken lightly, but must be understood as to application within the prevailing covenant. Some of what Jesus said was spoken of as already accomplished, but it still was a future occurrence.

Literal obedience to some of the statements Christ made will leave you somewhat Masochistic, Matt.5:38-42 being a case in point.

I have been reading a Christian magazine with several articles on forgiveness relating to various scenarios. One was a case of infidelity on the part of a minister’s wife. Another was a case of murder, and other events that demanded forgiveness on the part of the offended one.

It is expected by some writers that when a person becomes a Christian he automatically, and mystically becomes someone who is expected to receive abuse, and say thank you for it. When confronted with this they will do their tap dance around what they believe and deny it. They quote the condemning scriptures such as Matt.6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Then they will try to make an application to show in order to be saved we must forgive any and everything others can do to us. If we accept this it will make our salvation based upon what we do instead of what Christ did on the cross.

What is the nature of forgiveness on this side of the cross? It is situation and circumstantially controlled. There is no “one size fits all” forgiveness.

Forgiveness can never restore that which is hurt and destroyed but is always a part of the equation and needs to be address for your own sake. No rebuilding (if desired) can proceed until forgiveness (the real deal) is in place. We must see hurt for what it is; an emotional issue. As long as the hurt is there, forgiveness can only be partial.

What I get from the teachings of Christ is that our human responses to evil treatment must be tempered by understanding our own inadequacies and when offended know there will be no peace for me until I can forgive the offender. My peace will be in relationship to my forgiveness.” Gandhi was right: if we all lived by 'an eye for an eye' the whole world will be blind. The only way out is forgiveness." Check out these quotes they are the best;

Http://www.iloveulove.com/wisdom/50quotes.htm

Fakes 2

In the prior musing on “Fakes one” I covered an article on fakes where the writer warned about fake merchandise offered as the genuine article.

I researched a web site called Tiffany Fakes. They have numerous pages of warning about fake Tiffany products, and have them listed with pictures.

Further there are fake items listed on EBay, and while EBay tries to control bogus offering it is still “buyer beware.”

Within the church of Jesus Christ there are many “Fakes-a-faking it”. Their main purpose is to gain power over THE MEMBERSHIP and enrich themselves financially. Their mission statement should read; “Put words in GOD’S mouth and money in my pocket,” for this is their methodology.

This is a process whereby they give a false interpretation to a scripture (Putting words in GOD’S mouth) in order to take control of the membership, body and soul. Their greatest weapon is something inherent in all men and that is the, “Greed Factor.” This factor is the Achilles heel of the church; this weakness allows slick talking thieves to exploit those want-a-be faithful Christians. They call getting something for nothing “GOD’S blessing.”

When anyone speaks out against this practice they are hit with a barrage of denials and then they attack their objectors.

There are web sites that are springing up speaking out against these multi-millionaire con men in the pulpits two of which are below.
http://www.i-newswire.com/bishop-eddie-long-sex-scandal-preacher/63784

Http://www.pimppreacher.com/

These exploiters promise great wealth to those who “Cast their bread upon the waters” and expect a miraculous return. The problem is before it returns it is hijacked by these preaching pirates.

These con men have learned from experts on how to use Christian’s dedication to GOD against themselves, and then their money is stolen that they need for themselves and family.

There is always a half truth involved in their teachings and the other half is made up out of deception.

In 1Corinthians 12 there are 9 gifts of the Spirit listed, but the fakes preach that there are 11 gifts. The two other gifts is the gift of adultery and fornication with which they are endowed with, and these gifts are often in manifestation. These preachers rush to defend one another whenever one of them is caught in the act of sin. They must do this for there is too much money at stake. As one said when being accused of fraud; I have the best defense that tithes can buy.

When Satan is in the pulpit the message will always be a half truth as it was in the Garden of Eden. People are being taken in and deceived in the same manner today. FAKES IN THE CHURCH and on TV ….? BEWARE!

GOD’S prosperity is fully outlined in Genesis the third chapter. He first dealt with the serpent, and then the woman, and then His attention was turned to the man. Gen.3:17-19 he laid out the future for all men till he came to verse 19 where he says: By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. In other words by your labor you will find success not by lying and ripping other Christians off through fraudulent methods that many practice today.

The old “You got to give to get” lie is picking the pockets of thousands of faithful Christians today with no end in sight. They will use scriptures like “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the (mosaic) law,” and now we are not under the curse. The only problem with that is, this commandment was not part of the law, and the sacrifice of Christ did not do away with this method of prosperity any more than our dying, for we still die physically.

These robber preachers set themselves as far greater than the apostle Paul for he just didn’t understand that he was suppose to become a millionaire from preaching the gospel like they have.

Here is a free book. You can download it PDF or just listen to it. See what you think about it. http://www.freewonderfulbook.com/

FAKES Part 1

In my local paper there was an article written by a collector of many old different things, barb wire being one of them.

He visited all the antique shops in town and said he found them to be honest. This was in contrast to most of the sellers of old items. He called them crooks either on purpose or through ignorance. He warned about buying on eBay due to the fact that people around the world are creating imitation products that on the surface look like the real thing.

His father left him an old clock which he took to an appraiser who told him it was worth around $30,000.00 dollars, but when he tried to get him to buy it, it was no sale. He then had an Eastern appraiser value it, and he said it was not the genuine article but what we would call today a knock off.  He further told him who it was who copied the genuine clock and wherein lay the difference.  Had it been real, the value would have been around $100,000.00 dollars but due to the fact it was a fake the value was about $15,000.00.

The fact is there are those who are crooks in every field of endeavor, and the religious community is not excluded.

Paul says in Galatians 1: 6-9; “I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by (the) grace (of Christ) for a different gospel (Not that there is another), but there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ.”

Paul continued: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach (to you) a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed!  As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone preaches to you a gospel other than the one that you received, let that one be accursed!"

There are new “Gospels” created every day, and many flock to them. The sad part is that one day Jesus will have to say “Depart from me I never knew you” for theirs is another gospel, not the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Along with the “another gospel” comes another god and another book with another set of rules.

Some of these gospels may walk like a duck and quack like a duck but it isn't a duck. It is only a decoy that is designed to fool other duck followers.

These false cults provide for some the needs of the people like fellowship and causes to support, but are unable to supple the real need, and that is reconciliation with GOD, this is only found in the gospel of Christ.

In the second part of this rant I will focus on some things that are not part of “The’ Gospel.

JUST TAPPING

Dancing is just a natural expression of joy inside.

Even if you never did any of the different types of dance, almost everyone has tapped their foot when the music is playing.

As a boy I went to square dances that were held in homes, and while some didn't know the steps they would just made up some as they went along.

In 2 Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. The occasion was the return of the ark of GOD from where it had been captured. David was ecstatic but his wife saw him and despised him for there were problems in the home.

Paul said; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

And in the same way the Christian should sing and dance in the spirit and dance with the understanding, for the dance expresses joy like no other.

It is a happy day when children dance for joy uninhibited by sensual motives.
I also went to the movies as a boy and it was great fun watching some of the dance routines they performed.

Tap dancing was the rage at that time, for solos especially.

Fred Astaire once called this performance "the greatest dance number ever filmed."
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBb9hTyLjfM&feature=related

And another one I liked was Shirley Temple and Bo Jangles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJp6VqDGKe4&feature=related
It is really enjoyable to watch these performers do their “stuff”.

GOING GOOD

The day was going very good until the master was taken away.

All of us fellows were left just standing there. Some of us had tried to resist, but the master told us to stand down.

He had done nothing wrong but the law was; what they said it was and it was ever changing.

The master would not answer any of the questions they asked him until one posed the question; “Are you the king of the Jews?  He replied “Thou saith.”

For no reason they beat him with many stripes and piercd his brow with a crown of thorns.

Being extremely weak he stood trembling and bleeding.

That day there were three men nailed to three crosses, and the death watch began.

There was a religious group that demanded that all three must die before the sun went down and the soldiers saw to it.

One man died with a prayer on his lips, another with a snarl, the remaining one spoke as he released His spirit, and said “It is finished.”

What had started long ago in a garden was no longer because now,

"IT WAS FINISHED."

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Having several disappointments in the last 75 years (I had some before that but was too young to know what they were) I have sought to find a place where there are no disappointments.

A bad place to look for no disappointments is in the work place.

Maybe if there was a list of the things given to you that you were going to be disappointed about when you went to work you could be prepared for it in advance. Would that help or just make you worry that much more?

One thing you shouldn’t do, is look in the mirror and ask yourself am I a disappointment to someone, or a disappointment that is ready to happen?

Five chances out of ten you won’t like the answer you get.

How about in church? Are there some disappointments in church life?

Do any of the brothers or sisters who disappoint you or fall below your expectations for them?

I’m beginning to think that the land of no disappointments is on the other side of this vale of tears. Perhaps only in heaven will we experience that, so until then;

Mahalia Jackson sings so sweetly - - -

My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a trail that's winding always upward,
This troubled world is not my final home.
But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I'll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyI28GmE1A
Happy New Year to you all, and return here often for more Musings by Robert

THE CONTRAST

Through our existence we see and deal with various contrasts.

One of the most obvious is black and white.

Then there is rich and poor, this contrast is a serious difference that is rued by the poor.

Also, the good and the evil stands out in everyday life, that which devastates and that which blesses.

The “almost” carries with it a measure of contrasts; when we almost get the job, means we are unemployed.

If I bet my fortune on a horse named, “Can’t lose,” and he loses by a nose, it means I am busted. Instead of being a winner and I am in abject poverty. You have to say that is quite a contrast.

Being in prison for life and being free to live life outside those restraining walls is quite a difference.

And the biggie is; whether you are in heaven or in Geheena (hell) for eternity.

The blessing of GOD here on earth is but an infinitesimal sample of the glories of heaven, while in contrast hell on earth is only a tiny .0001 % of what Hell’s torment will be like.

One of the worst things about being lost in Hell is the knowledge that it could have been avoided very easily by accepting GOD’S forgiveness and becoming a believer.

Each New Year brings with it new hope. May we determine to not consent to “negative almosts” to rule and ruin this year for us.

I have prayed for this year, for my family, my friends and those who I may come into contact with, that their year will be a prosperous one, in spirit, soul and body. Oh yes, you were included in that prayer.

If you have DSL check the URL below;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8iKBMfLQtA
And just in case you have a little more time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMVZ9jfDv50&feature=related