WHOM DO YOU TRUST?

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There are so many stories floating around about spying, that it dulls your senses and causes you to just ignore them as “So what else is new?”

In the recent case of Russians spying in New York the story is still going on.

It’s reported that some of the spies are being swapped for American spies caught in Russia. At least some good came out of it.

What is hard to understand is how Israel, a supposed friend can send agents to try to steal American secrets when their very existence depends upon our support both in dollars and diplomacy?

This spying is not reserved for government secrets only but is also going on in research labs where new devises are being developed. There is no restraining conscience in these endeavourers anything goes from bribery to murder.

Some of the articles below are not new but their impact lives on.

Some directly affect America and some do not.

http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/motherofallscandals.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/29/russia-minority-report-law-fsb
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWpWc_suPWo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhAEjSQghj8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENwze5owq4w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwckJoP7-wg&feature=related
http://www.aish.com/jw/s/48969486.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSkWbsDqrPc&feature=related

An on going story;
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38499161/ns/us_news-security

America is under attack from without and within and no one that I know can do anything to stop it.

Since much of the war is a battle for the mind acted out in the street; most Americans don’t feel the willingness to war there, to be arrested and incarcerated for they are passive and peaceful people.

This may need to change in order to save the land from people who wish to exercise their agenda to subjugate us.

Some are looking to the future and wonder what will the face of America look like 25 years from now?

If you don’t have the time to view the foregoing hyperlinks, don’t miss the song below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JXWXhteJ30&feature=related

This Here Dog is for Sale

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This here dog is for sale. He has been trained and has his own gear.

I would like to get around $1,000 for him but would probably take $50 and a used pickup.

I live on route 90 just ask anybody where Old Coot lives, everybody knows me.

This dog has slept under the porch since he was a pup so he is in good shape.

I wouldn't get rid of him except momma needs some new teeth.

This post has been entered in “Changing the World One Word at a Time.”  Today’s word is “Pets.”

Please visit and check out the awesome posts at: 
http://peterpollock.com/2011/06/pets-blog-carnival/

WHO DO YOU TRUST?

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My first car was a 1929 Chrysler, this was in 1948. It had been used a lot but it ran good. Good, meaning it would start, go and come back home again. Once I learned how to keep this thing happy, it served me well, at least for awhile.

I had a routine that I used in starting it and when I got to where I was going I had to get out, raise the hood and turn the fan back one half turn to stop the water pump from leaking. While doing this took a little time and was cheaper than buying new packing for the pump. My economic status controlled my buying anything at this time.

When I bought this car, strangely enough, I felt proud about it. It was black and I polished it up. Then I painted the wooden wheel spokes bright yellow. I felt proud because people would notice me when I would fly down the street at full speed.

I suppose the lesson to be learn from this experience is; place value on what you have regardless of what others may think. One thing I have learned is; other people opinions are not always the best for you.

I have been influenced by others to do or buy something I didn’t want and wasn’t happy with it ever. While it is good to get other opinions at times but before you take their advice remember; their likes and dislikes may not match your own. Even among close friends this will happen.

Something that reveals this is in choosing a mate for life, what meets their needs may not do it for you. Friends and parents always think they know what you need. They don’t want to date her and then proceed to tell you what is wrong with her even though you might feel she is worth getting to know. Once they have vetoed her it is hard to overcome their veto so on you go until…..

Well they will spot something they think is right for you (actually she is what they think they would like to have) and begin to extol all the things that turn them on.

It is important to grow up as soon as possible and be able to make your own decisions because you are the one who has to live with them. Listen to advice, that’s ok; take advice, only when you are comfortable with your decisions.

While my Chrysler couldn't please everyone, I was happy with it, and made the best of the situation I was in. I refused to be discontent just because there were newer, better cars around; I made the most of what I had. Learning to enjoy what you have is better than not enjoying what you don’t have.

If I had let my friends decide whether I should receive Christ as Savior or not I would have missed the best thing that ever happen to me. Even though they thought it was a dumb thing to do at the time, many followed me later.

 

LET US PRAY

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If someone asked you does GOD answer prayer? What would your answer be?

Let’s suppose you answered yes, with great confidence. But suppose the same person asked you a second question about prayer. Does GOD answer every prayer? Now, what would your answer be? Would it be yes, or would you want to back peddle a little and say well maybe not every prayer.

Suppose he continued to question you by saying how many prayers does He answer? Does he answer half of all prayers or maybe less than half?

I heard a minister say GOD answers every prayer; sometime it’s yes and sometime it’s no and sometime it’s wait awhile, but He always answers.

If that is so, then I need to find out which are the wait prayers and I will just pray them later. Then I also need to find out which are the no prayers and not waste my time praying them. Lastly I need to know which are the yes prayers and now I am ready to do business with GOD.

The question at this moment is, how do I know which are the yes prayers? I'm not sure I know the answer to that. I can only offer some suggestions.

Prior preparation can be helpful. (Getting ready before you encounter a need for prayer is fundamental.)

A good starting place is the first chapter of James. Study it, not only read it. Study it until you feel the need to become obedient to the demands it places upon you. Comprehend that James understood people inside and out. He could spot a phony a mile away and he didn’t mince words with anyone. James wasn't in a popularity contest.

What I'm saying is that preparing the heart and mind with an understanding of GOD’S Word - - His will.

This will bring you in to the knowledge that GOD only answers prayers that are in harmony with His will -- His Word.

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Musing

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The other day someone asked me, “How come you write your musing down, because there’s nothing special about them?”

Actually, I asked myself that question! I thought since I'm someone it would be okay. (I had to think about that for awhile in order to answer that.) After thinking for a second or two, I said;”It is because musing takes a lot of time and I don't want to muse on the same thing twice.”

Before I muse, I check and see if I have already mused on it previously. If I have, I won't spend the time doing it again because the older you get the more valuable your time becomes, for there is less of it.

If more people mused they wouldn't have so much time to get in trouble, or spend money on the Internet! More time musing means less time surfing for stuff to buy, and this has already saved me a lot of money, because I muse very slowly. Musing has its downside, because when I start to write I find out just how mixed up my thinking process is, and that can be discouraging.

I don’t get discouraged very easy, since I don’t like depression, and if I don't like it, I simply don't do it.

Another reason I write my musings down is, although I know I don't really have much to say; in the back of my mind there is a gnawing feeling that I might think of something worthwhile, and I would hate to miss it, so just to be safe, I muse on.

I can't speak for other musers, but I don't try to think up something to muse on. Seems like something pops up and says muse on me for awhile, since I’m not doing anything, I do it.

When you are writing your musing, people find out about you, because you tell off on yourself, maybe even things that are private. They just slip out and you’ve got to remember the old saying, “Some things you never put into writing,” course I sometimes forget that. I guess its best to control your thinking for it can also get you into trouble.

There is no action that doesn’t follow, thinking first; even a reaction requires the thought process. Have you heard, “I didn't think before I did it?” Baloney, they didn't think it through, they just went ahead and did it.

The Bible gives some good advice, as a man thinks in his inner man so is he. So if you don't like yourself, then change your thinking.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Why Do Men Never Grow Up?

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Why is it that grown men never grow up? The only sure answer to that is “I don't know.”

There are many theories about it but most answers leave you without a satisfied mind. Some gals use the simplest answer which is they are a bunch of jerks that’s why.

Another is, they are inferior and simply do not have the capacity to understand us gals or the desire to please us.

Guys see the whole scenario differently. To them it is a case of women expect too much.

They (women) want the guy that is written about in the romance novels. They view themselves as a princess and feel they deserve a prince who will sweep them off their feet and worship the ground they walk on.

A recent comic strip showed a princess kissing a frog, when someone asked what is she doing. A young girl answered, she is hoping he will turn into a prince where upon an old woman said she will soon find you can’t change a frog into a prince for he likes being froggy

It is hard if not impossible to find a woman who does not feel superior to men.

They feel it unnecessary to compete with them physically because they are superior intellectually, emotionally and efficiently. Yet they get irritated when guys are unable to accept this as fact and ignore their superior abilities and standing.

Why is it so hard to get a man to be the man a lady wants? It may have something to do with a man’s concept of what he wants in a wife.

The first thing he wants in a woman is that he wants a mother.

He wants someone that is so loving and forgiving he can do whatever he wants and she will forgive him. Someone who will keep house, cook, pickup and wash his clothes and generally do everything for him. He also wouldn't object if she also held down a job.

That is only one side of the coin which has two sides. On the other side he wants a wild sided woman who is a party gal, always hot to trot and only lives to please him, for after all he is her Romeo who is able to meet all of romantic needs. This is not an easy if not impossible task for any woman.

Why do grown men never grow up? It’s mostly because they don't feel the need to. They are getting what they want, so why spoil a good thing.

Should this situation go bad he can move on to another love starved gal who is sure she can change him into the ideal man and the futile process starts over again ending in a badly bent if not a broken heart.

Just in case you say; my guy isn't like that! I know he really loves me and that’s the truth. Then while I don't understand that, if it is true I would say you must have found the exception. So Rejoice and be Glad for you are one of the lucky ones.

START EACH DAY WITH THIS PRAYER; OH Lord, Thank you for your Love, and please BE GOOD TO ME TODAY.

THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

The very saying or writing that there is an age of accountability will bring forth a deluge of doctrinal defense by saying there is no such doctrine in the Bible.

Some would say it is just sentimentality without scriptural basis, something to tell bereaved parents upon the death of a child. This if true then Hades is going to have to be enlarged again for millions of children are going there having not accepted Christ as savior, and been baptized and joined the church and on and on depending upon the church belief system.

I don’t mean to belittle or make fun of any church doctrine but you must admit there is a distinct difference in church doctrines.

It is amazing how dogmatic people become when arguing about this subject. They quote their scripture proofs and try to make their points using the sieve technique, meaning it won’t hold water, colloquially speaking.

All these people have a point of view and strange as it may seem so do I and my opinion simply stated is I believe children who have not violated their consciousness of right and wrong according to the scripture will indeed go to heaven.

King David was convinced that his child that died would indeed go to heaven for he said he expected that some day he would join him. He did not mean join him in death for he said I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

To say the unborn, babies, and young children go to Hades upon death would have to be shown upon what basis this happens.

The argument that they have a sin nature and that does them in, means that they are born sinners.

Since I don't believe that, then I should have a reason for what I do believe and that is this. Our Spirits are the issue at hand, not our body, not out soul (mind, will emotions) but our Spirits.

What happens when we get saved? It is our Spirit that becomes a new creation. After I got saved I looked in the mirror and I had the same body that I had before I received salvation. My body didn't change, same nose, same ears same everything. My mind was impacted by the experience but it was still the same one. Inwardly was where the change occurred within, my Spirit was completely made new.

Based upon the fact that it was my Spirit that needed saving and if I was lost before birth then the Spirit that I got from GOD had to be defective, a sinful one.

It is GOD who gives us our Spirit not Adam to conclude that HE is the father of unjust spirits seems to be a wrong conclusion.

You can quote as many scriptures as you want but until you can convince me that this is the way GOD works I will believe that children are born free sin of any sort be it original or unoriginal.

Paul said; I once was alive apart from sin, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. What does this mean? It means when I was a child, my Spirit (was not hell bent) was alive unto GOD but when I knew what gods law said about right and wrong I violated that law, sinned and spiritual death fastened upon me and I died spiritually.

That was Paul’s age of accountability. From that point on he knew had a need of the savior.

Somewhere around five or six I arrived at that age myself. I had sinned before that, but until I became aware of the true meaning of right and wrong, I was right in GODS eyes. But afterward I needed salvation real bad. I had felt the HOLY SPIRITS convicting influence without knowing what to do until I heard the word of GOD preached and I accepted salvation at once

STAND BY YO MAN

Lyrics;

Stand by your man, Sometimes it's hard to be a woman,
Givin' all your love to just one man. You'll have bad times,
and he'll have good times. Doin' things that you don't understand!

Marriage is probably the best example of the love/hate relationship there is. Now I know that all of the good Christian wives have never experience this, but the worldly gals have. Let’s face it: men do some strange things, so strange that women can’t understand it.

They best they can do is ask as the song says;

Tell me why baby, why baby, why baby why,
You make me cry baby, cry baby, cry baby cry
I can't help but love you 'til the day that I die
So tell me, why baby, why baby, why baby why?

What makes it odder is the man is conveniently unable to explain it either. The standard answer is, “I just don’t know why, baby”.

I suppose you could blame it on the fall of mankind where man suffered a greater loss than the woman, and he hasn’t fully recovered even though redeemed. While women have been deemed the weaker sex physically, men appear to be the weaker rationally.

The power of suggestion rules over men to the extent that if one of them says lets go and do this, off they go, powerless to resist.

Now if he knows his wife wouldn’t approve of it, he isn’t deterred he only enjoys it a little less.

This is not to say that men don’t have high expectations; they expect the women to put up with whatever, and because they (the men) are so wonderful he expects them to be happy about it.

Now here is the paradox; if the woman tries to punish him by dumping the guy -- there is always another gal waiting to grab the booby prize.

Men have some redeeming qualities I just can’t think of what they are right now. I’m not sure that GOD made men the way they are, could it be they are self made?

Do you suppose that being married is the reason women have to pray more than men do?

But if you love him, then you'll forgive him
Even though he's hard to understand
And if you love him, oh, be proud of him
'Cause after all he's just a man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwBirf4BWew&feature=related

MY TRIBUTE 2 the Southern Red Necks

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My tribute to an important ethnic group, something that been long
neglected. And I intend to remedy that right now.

The southern REDNECK is in a class by himself. You might view him as pride, personified.

Pride is inherent in a Redneck; you'll never find one who is not proud.

He is proud of his truck, they are all customized, and no two are alike. The genre of his imagination is unlimited.

Next he is proud of his dog; it will be a hound if he can afford one. When GOD created the REDNECK he knew that something was missing and being GOD he soon figured out what it was, he needed a dog to complete him so GOD created the hound dog just for him.

He is proud of his wife and lets her ride in his truck on special days, but his dog gets the window seat. He ain't the kind that’s wants to keep his wife barefoot and pregnant, he wants her to be barefoot and pregnant, and also have a job because his truck needs fixing sometimes.

He is proud of his kids, all 10 or 12 of them. They had better all be tow heads or he will have a serious talk with his wife cause she will have some explaining to do.

He is proud of his pappy and mammy because he wouldn't be a Redneck if it weren't for them; he would have had been something else. Also he would never learned to talk Redneck without them.

His pappy chawed tobacco and his mammy dipped snuff and they taught him everything they knew how to do.

You don't have to be a Redneck to understand Redneck talk but it helps, see if you can repeat these lines.

"My brother from Jawjuh bard my pickup truck, and I aint herd from him in munts."

"If my brother from Jawjuh doesn't change the all in my pickup truck, that things gonna catch far."

"A broken hot is hod to fix."

"My granpaw retard at age 65."

"I cudnt unnerstand a wurd he sed ... Must be from some farn country."

"He can't breathe ... Give 'em some ear!"

"Boy, stay away from that bob war fence."
That’s enough to test your ability with the inglish language and if you could understand that, then maybe you should check and see if you have some Redneck in you.

The Redneck is very smart; he will do odd things just so people will make fun of him and have a good laugh.

While he may look foolish he ain’t NO fool.
News flash: The EPA has just declared the True Southern Red Neck an endangered species. And will now be protected by the EPA from all defamatory remarks.

COUNT THE COST

Count The Cost !!  image by photobucket

As Christians we have been admonished to always count the cost before proceeding. It simply means; to understand fully what you are getting into as much as it is possible.

If the information that you need is not available, then it is time to step back and reevaluate what you do know.

The old adage, “Look before you leap,” is apropos at a time like this. We must follow this procedure in order to be safe as possible. If we had foreknowledge then we could go full speed ahead, but since we don’t we must use caution.

GOD has foreknowledge and as such He doesn’t have to speculate, but is able to initiate and work out his plan. To say that the plan of salvation is strange is putting it mildly.

I have tried to understand why; first of all, why we should have ever needed salvation?? Given that GOD knew what was going to happen prior to the garden event. It would seemingly have been easy for GOD to have circumvented the offending problem by banning Satan’s influence in the garden; hence the problem would have been solved.

The only thing wrong with that simplistic solution was; there had to be some other reason the scenario was played out as it was. Perhaps the earthly problem was the result of what happened in heaven itself.

What we do know is that Satan was defrocked and cast out of heaven. He now has a spiritual presence in the atmosphere, and has set up, as it were general headquarters there. This is where he now directs all the evil forces under his control.

One thing we can be sure of is; there is something about the nature and character of GOD that compelled HIM to take the responsibility upon himself, and accomplish the salvation of this creation without any help of man, (save for Jesus) for Jesus, alone could meet the requirement that was demanded.

The chosen method was harsh and was all inclusive, meeting the standard of HIS holiness. It was the most demanding thing that could be required which was a life. It was not just any life but a life without the tinge of sin. Only that would expiate the sin of the world.

It was limited in scope in as much only man was included. No other spiritual being was included. Not Satan, nor any of the fallen angels.

There is an event in Genesis 22 that foreshadowed GODS giving up his son to redeem us. It was when Abraham was ordered to sacrifice his son and when Isaac asked; “Where is the lamb for sacrifice?” Abraham replied; “GOD will provide for HIMSELF a lamb for a burnt offering.”

When John the Baptist introduced Jesus his words were, "Behold the lamb of GOD.”

All the ingredients were in place, a Virgin birth, a sinless life, and a death coupled with the resurrection equaled salvation.

Would I have done it different?  Probably, but due to the fact I know so little, it wouldn’t have worked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XrZV90MzOA&feature=related

PASSION VS VIRTUE

Passion; George Bernard Shaw 'insists that there are passions far more exciting than the physical ones..."intellectual passion, mathematical passion, passion for discovery and exploration the mightiest of all passions!

It is a feeling of unusual excitement, enthusiasm or compelling emotion, a positive affinity or love, towards a subject, idea, person, or object.

The word “Passion,” comes from the Greek verb meaning to suffer, a driving of a person to near insanity for a period of time. It can be manifested in several areas of what we call life.

There are few young men or women that haven’t experienced this to one degree or another. It can lead one to do irrational things like stalking, or phoning and hanging up. Sometimes it is exposed or open and other times it is concealed, better known as secret sin.

It can be the force that helps us succeed in life - - that helps one to persevere in difficult times.

Without some measure of passion a person may have a safe life but it will be hum drum and tasteless like food without seasoning or life without love.

Without passion there would be no salvation for mankind.

Virtue; is an inward state without which no society can survive. In observing the world we live in. It is evident that this is a missing quality in our nation. Where do we look for help in this matter? Is there anyone who is naive enough to believe our school system is the answer?

All religions attempt to give guidelines for a virtuous life; many substitute this for the basic need of redemption from man’s fallen state.

One of which I find to have some merit as a practice is the Buddhist view point; right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. These exercises when practiced will produce some control over ill behavior.

Reason; reasoning is something we put far more confidence in than it deserves the reason being; reasonableness is in the “Eye of the beholder.”

Proverbs 21:2 A person thinks everything he does is right, but the LORD weighs hearts.
 Judges 21:2 In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

The world around us seeks to find virtue in the laws that govern us, thinking if I obey the law then I am virtuous.

For the Christian they must look within and out of their reborn spirit manifest not only righteousness but also rightness.

The product of virtue is Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

When passion over rules virtue, reason will justify it (beware)
 Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J1mqpLXnCc&feature=related

Where is the God of Elijah?

After trying to put some thoughts on the net, I realized how my thinking often lacks clarity, and the ability to say what I would like to communicate.

But then anything people say or write is just opinion, and is not written in stone as the saying goes. 

Anyone who believes that spirituality counts for something in this age can’t help but be a little concerned about the condition this world is in today.

This lack of spirituality has weakened our nation to the point that we cannot discern what is right and wrong.

One would hope that the church of Jesus Christ would be immune to this anomaly but such is not the case or so it seems. The love of money is the root of all evil, even among many who preach and some have given their whole ministry over to that.

Those who see the calamity of serving ones self instead of standing for righteousness and rightness in the church can’t help but feel disappointed and dishearten by the conduct some allow for themselves.

The need for a Holy Spirit induced revival lead by men who can’t be bought or fall into sin is desperately needed at this time.

Those who genuinely hunger and are praying for such a happening are only getting a pacifier to suck on instead of real milk.

Perhaps it is time to declare with Elisha, “Where is the GOD of Elijah?” for it is HE who can send forth with signs, wonders, miracles and Spirit anointed preaching.

Only then can real repentance come forth and GOD be glorified. So away with the self anointed ones and let today’s Elisha come with a double portion of GOD’S Spirit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uwf5zHmXmc&feature=related

COMMUNICATION

After being in a deep sleep, as I was coming back to cognizance of the world around me, a thought came to me concerning communication.

I have at times been told something but what I perceived the person to be saying was not exactly what they said. I have then asked, “What do you mean?” for further clarification?

It seems to me that there are both thoughts and the force behind any statement that is made, for example;

Years ago I would tell my kids “Don’t do that,” without any consequence implied. Then there were times when I would say something and there would be a penalty for failure to obey. Therein was both meaning and the force behind words spoken.

From the time of creation of man, GOD has communicated with man many ways. At times it was a direct conversation and also as in Hebrews 11:1-2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

We can read what GOD said as recorded by the prophets and the words of Jesus.

As I was coming out of the fuzziness of sleep I wondered if these words mean to me as much as they mean to GOD. When GOD speaks, HIS words carry not only meaning but also are backed up by all the power inherent within GOD himself.

I then asked myself this question; “Does HIS word retain the same power when I receive them as when HE spoke them or do they lose something in my translation of them?”

When He said ‘I AM THAT I AM” it means the same to me as it does to HIM.

What about Acts1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Do those words mean the same to me as they do to GOD?

I then wondered; am I missing something here? Is the power of the gospel message being diluted by my inability to grasp the full meaning and power of GOD’S word?

Do HIS words mean the same to me as they do to HIM?

If that is so then it is no wonder that I am falling short in every area of my life, in prayer, in conduct, in the whole of my Christian experience.

While I thought on those things I began to look at GOD’S words in a different light and the power of those words are making a difference in me.

Perhaps my faith has been limited by not seeing GOD’S word as HE sees it and believing it as it was meant to be believed. Faith is totally dependent upon believing GOD’S word as HE believes it.

FAITH HUMMM?

(Stock Photo)

Every so often I realize that I talk too much, most of it is to myself and while it can be encouraging, sometimes it borders on the ridiculous.

I believe there is a distinction between thinking and talking to myself.

Thinking has the quality of problem solving, evaluation, and decision based on known and projected facts.

Talking does some of the above but includes the emotions and produces a plethora, what ifs, desire and fantasy. It isn’t always based on “sound thinking” but accommodates wistful ideas.

Because of this phenomenon, the faith of the believer often suffers.

There is a story in the Old Testament, where Jacob gave a coat of many colors to his son Joseph. Like this coat, faith has many colors or facets. It may be; faith in, faith for, faith of and faith which, all these kinds of faith are for our use and benefit.

Faith in, is the core of the Christian life and experience. It is the entrance into eternal life and relationship with ALMIGHTY GOD. Your faith will be under attack each and every day of your Christian walk. It is the umbilical chord that connects you to GOD, through which you receive all your sustenance.

At times these attacks will make you feel like you are in a vice and you are being squeezed so severe that you can’t survive it. They will come from every source and will continually test you at every level.

The main thing to do is to firmly establish, once for all and forever your faith in GOD and refuse to allow any thing to shake you from that position.

Do not let temporal education (that is always changing) riches, poverty, health, sickness, disappointments, relationships, failures or any other thing, in any way affect or weaken this faith in HIM.

Paul said it like this in Romans 8:33-39

Romans 8:35 Who can separate us from Christ's love? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or a sword? 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all day long. We are thought of as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through the one who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor anything above, nor anything below, nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Under no circumstances, ever - - let the battle be fought about your faith in GOD, keep it separate from that.

Let the battles be about defeating satanic forces and whether you win or lose a particular fight you still are firmly fixed in faith, in GOD.

Do not let self talk be a player in your faith in GOD for it changes with the wind and circumstances, but our GOD stands firm and unchangeable.

Last thought, we are created in his image. Let us be firm and unchangeable even as HE is in our faith.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdo4Eyw4DqM&feature=related
(not too crazy about techno but very nice otherwise)

JUST- A- HOPING

In the main scheme of things “Hope” can easily be overlooked, but hope is one of the main ingredients in a successful life. Without hope, life takes on a different perspective altogether.

The Bible gives us a view of how to have a successful life.

Hebrews 12:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

A needful ingredient in answered prayer is Hope. Where there is no hope there is no basis for answers to prayer.

Most Christians pray a lot and spend much of their focus on building up their faith. A lot of this is done by reading the Bible for this is where life’s questions are posed and answered.

The objectivity of faith is Hope. There is an old song which has in it the line, “The object of my affection can change my complexion from white to rosy red.”

So also hope can change us and enhance our ability to believe.

While Hope is an intangible it produces tangible results.

The words of the song “Prayer is the key to Heaven but faith unlocks the door” sounds good, but a faith key only functions where there is hope. At times our hope seems weak and requires that it be restored or built up just like our faith does.

Psalms 42:11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Are you going to pray? Get all excited, turn your hope in GOD loose and then have faith in GOD.

Hebrews 11:6 It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him and Hope is the essence of answered prayer.

THE PEDDLIN WAGON

My second cousin Buck Worley and his wife ran a general store where you could get most everything the country folks needed.

If you wanted to shoe your horse, they had shoes and horse shoe nails. If you needed a horse collar and pad it was there. You could also get outfitted with a new pair of overalls and a shirt to match.

I loved to watch the gas pump when someone needed some gas. It was the old type where you used a pump handle to fill a glass bowl and then the gas ran down into the tank by gravity.

image by photo bucket

 

It came around once a week and you could place an order which they would fill. Or you could just get up on the truck and shop just like in the store for they had all the things people ordinarily used right there available for sale.

I enjoyed seeing the truck coming; actually you could hear it long before it got there.

The only thing I didn’t like was when I had no money to spend and could only look at what I would like to have.

Thinking back there so many stories concerning the Peddling Truck that today seem to be a world away, but yet they are still alive in my memories with all the flavors of expectancy and at other times disappointments.

Some of the older folks couldn’t make it down to the store so they depended upon the “Peddling Truck.”

LET RIGHTEOUSNESS PREVAIL

Matthew 13:43 Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. He, who has ears, let him hear.

Mathew 13:49 So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:


This is a right and left hand proposition, and it points out the difference between the two groups. Let’s consider the right hand group first. They are they that have saw themselves weighed in the balances and been found wanting and then have sought the remedy for their condition which was to be born again.

Now, for the large left hand group better known as the lefties. The lefties have concluded that GOD, if HE exists is a non issue in their life and they will take their chances on there being no hell. They further reason that they are better than the Christians they know.

GOD has heard all this before from the father of all liars and believing the lies of the devil don’t cut it with GOD.  Neglecting your salvation is no excuse.

The right hands have certain requirements they must fulfill even though they are accepted in Christ. As they live in the world they are living before GOD.

Every act, while it concerns other people and dealings with them in the final analyses it is between you and GOD, its so easy to overlook this. We have been admonished that “this is the way walk ye in it”.

Jesus said that the HOLY SPIRIT would be in you and that is so. If you decide to sin the SPIRIT of GOD doesn’t go hide somewhere, HE observes and is grieved by your actions and then you turn around and ask HIS help in your time of need.

There is no special dispensation (prepaid forgiveness) for sin either in the pew or in the pulpit.

There is no special anointing for allowing sin acts in your life whether in the pulpit or the pew.

Just for a moment consider a modern technology that could record (for playback at any time) every thought, act and intention of your entire existence and then think of your reward in heaven which is based upon your conduct……. Well just think before you act.

You and your conduct are one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiFwnE1IuIU&feature=related

SORRY?

I have said, “I'm sorry,” many times and didn't mean it, especially when I was young and in trouble. I would try to make it sound like I was sorry, but I was actually only sorry that I got caught.

The word SORRY is a word of multiple meanings. In one case it means regret, sympathy, pity, a sharing pain with one who has suffered a loss of some kind.

In another case it means, worthless as to character or value. Again it could mean dismal or miserable or even buyers remorse.

The modifying word use with it controls the direction and force it carries. Regardless of the usage it is a powerful word.
SYMPATHY

In the case of loss, one may empathize and try to lessen the pain by saying I’m so sorry for your loss and add if there’s any thing I can do, let me know. Depending on the closeness of the party saying it, it can be comforting.

BUYERS REMORSE

Purchasing something and feeling disappointment shortly afterward places you into a sorrowful state wherein you experience being sorry for what you did.

SORRY FOR A HARMFUL ACTION

Saying I’m sorry for doing a harmful deed to someone requires further action to validate saying I’m sorry otherwise it is meaningless.

APOLOGY

If you destroy someone’s property SORRY requires genuine offer of restoration or recompense. Only then is it a legitimate use of the word. If a case of theft, being sorry requires confession and repayment with a sorrowful apology.

MOTIVATIONAL SORROW

When someone is caught and found guilty of a legal infraction of law and is ready to be sentenced, the judge looks and listens for signs of regret, true repentance, remorse and ruefulness of deed he has done before sentence is passed down. This process is a game between the defense lawyer and the judge for the judge knows the lawyer has coached the defendant on how to act SORRY. He has to decide if there is a change of heart or just a convenient pretence to try to get a lesser sentence.

CHARACTER SORRY

Sometime one can only be described as a SORRY person meaning he has no redeeming qualities and as for as society is concerned and is worthless useless and a throne in our flesh.

SINFUL SORROW

Saying you're SORRY for sinning is a start albeit a poor start, for GOD demands fruitful repentance. Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation (forgiveness). SORRY without true repentance is as a donkey baying at midnight in a tin barn. It makes a noise but won't get the required job done.

2Corinithians 7:10 For Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation: but the sorrow of the world works death.

John 3:8 Therefore bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.

This means rejection of the sinful action and a commitment not to repeat it again.

YOU YOU YOU

Photo courtesy of PhotoBucket

There is an old saying which says” birds of a feather flock together.

This is apparent just before a storm when the power lines are loaded with birds. They gain a sense of protection from being part of a group.

We by nature desire to be a groupie, to be a part of a group for the same reasons birds get together. There are other similarities to birds in the church world. The birds are separated into groups due to their differences.

Just as there are wrens, sparrows and crows there are Methodist, Baptists, Presbyterians and Pentecostals. Then there are other groups who claim to serve the same GOD but have added additional beliefs.

Ask anyone of these sects, who speaks for GOD and the obvious answer, will be a resounding “WE DO.”

But who does actually speak for GOD? A close examination of the people who are bold enough to aver to be GOD’S voice will often reveal feet of clay and lips of double speak.

The best you can find are those who take the word of GOD and interpret it, add opinion and philosophy with the result being what they want it to mean for their purposes.

While the bird’s flock provides some needful comfort, when it comes down to it each one has to build their own nest so also in order to function we must go to the word of GOD for our final word from GOD.

There can be much compromise as to worship and methods of ministry to the world but there is only one authority as to the truth and that is GOD himself.
He has spoken, I must listen and respond accordingly “Or else.” I’m not sure just what the or else consists of, but in any case it is “Or else.”

I’m ill at ease when I think about my appearance before the Almighty One to explain my actions upon earth, when He says, “All right explain this!”

I know I can’t fake it, and as the truth is coming out I fear I shall bow with shame, even though I am forgiven.

I have no excuses for my lack of hearing and obeying, there is none. For in doing so I make void my purpose for living which is to fellowship with my creator.

There is no other reason for living other than to walk with and fellowship with Him for all else is vanity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLJ7Hkx6YwM

STARRY STARRY NIGHT

Photo of Van Gogh Painting - Courtesy of PhotoBucket

There was a darkness on Van Gogh’s soul that was expressed through his paintings. Van Gogh began to alternate between fits of madness and lucidity and was sent to the asylum in Saint-Remy for treatment. In May of 1890, he seemed much better, and went to live in Auvers-sur-Oise under the watchful eye of Dr. Gachet. Two months later he was dead, having shot himself, "for the good of all."

Don Mclean wrote this song while viewing the art work of Vincent Van Gogh. The last refrain is as follows.

Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will...

As I read these words my thoughts went back to the days of Jesus sojourn here on earth and it caused me to ponder those words; “Now I think I know what you tried to say to me.”

One who is saved has difficulty in remembering the darkness that pervaded their soul. This darkness affects the mind, will and the emotions and those who are so afflicted can say with Solomon; “Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."

This explains why Jesus expressed, I am the light of the world, when He came.

Oswald Smith wrote the song “When Jesus Comes” the chorus is;

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken;
When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away,
He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory,
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

The scripture declares; He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.

The reality is when he comes to you there is no darkness in you either.

Jesus said; He that the son sets free is free indeed, but there are those who like the song said; they would not listen, they're not listening still. Perhaps they never will...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dipFMJckZOM

The Way

Photo courtesy of PhotoBucket

In our English form of speech there are words and combinations of words that you like to hear, and some you don't want to hear.

For instance, you're hired or you're fired.

Some times the words, “Yes or No” can take you to new heights or take you to the lowest level.

It may be a scenario that is first set up with words such as “Will you marry me?” The power of either a two letter or three letter words can be life changing.

Just think of what power these short words have. If it is yes, there is great elation and plans to be made. If it is no, there will be depression and injured emotions to be healed. If the word is “No”, then follows such emptiness, questioning of what now, and rejection. These emotions may become your soul mate for a time.

Words are actions that are verbalized, the precursor to plans to be realized. This is important to be aware of when we read the words of Jesus for they are the words of life, truth and most importantly His words that said, “I am THE WAY.”

In John 14:6 Jesus revealed that access to the Father was through Him. Anytime we wish to address the Father it is through His Son Jesus Christ.

John 6:37 if any man COMES to me I will not turn him away.

Jesus cannot turn the person who comes to Him away, because He is THE WAY.

Not only is He the WAY, He is the only WAY.  

Photo courtesy of Photo Bucket

Be glad you know the WAY; be joyful that you're on the WAY

2 Corinthians 5:17 “And you're on the way and do not need to seek any other way.”

MY FIRST FUNERAL

Photo courtesy of Photo Bucket

I remember the first funeral service I performed.  As it happened I was serving as the Christian Education Director of our church, and occasionally I would speak at a service. The pastor did all the marrying and burying but he and his family were off on vacation.

A member of the congregation died and I was called on to officiate at the service whereupon I called the pastor and informed him what had happened. I hated to interrupt his vacation but thought he would want to return and handle the service.

Much to my surprise he said for me to go ahead and handle it and to get another young man who was just starting out to preach to help me. After talking to this young minister I found he was less prepared than I was for he had never conducted a service either.

I decided that it was up to me to do most of the planning and visiting the family and the other things necessary for the service.

I had visited the man shortly before he died and found him to be gruff and coarse toward his wife but I thought it was because he wasn’t feeling well.

A few days later he was gone and I went over to try to give some comfort to the wife and family and found everyone was in high spirits and making plans for the future. Then some of the ladies began to tell me what a mean so and so he was and they were glad he was finally gone. Afterward I was told how he dominated his wife and demeaned her in every way. I found it hard to find anyone who had anything good to say about him.

Given that backdrop this other preacher and I prepared for the service. The time had came and I felt like here’s goes nothing.

The other minister started out with the particulars of where he was born, how old, and a few other pertinent things like songs and prayer. Then it came my time. There was tenseness in the air that you could feel. It was like get this thing over with as soon as possible.

I searched for some kind words for he wasn’t going to get any from anyone else.

The best I can say is that I did a respectable job within a reasonable length of time and then it was over. No grave side service, just over.

The ladies of the church prepared a nice meal for everyone and the wife and her friends were celebrating and making more plans.

As I watched the goings on, I thought of a song I heard as a kid, some of the words are;

“I'll be glad when you’re dead, you rascal, you!
I'll be glad when you’re dead, you rascal, you!
When you’re dead in your grave,
Maybe then you will behave.
I'll be glad when you’re dead, you rascal, you!”

I stood there with some strange emotions for the wife and her friends were really glad this man was gone.

It was as if the wife were shouting, “Free at last, free at last, thank GOD ALMIGHTY, I’m free at last.

ZZZZZZZZ

I haven’t been sleeping very well lately but the other night I was so tired I could scarcely crawl into bed. Since it was a cool night I snuggled down into the covers and finally got into my favorite position and soon fell into a deep sleep.

It was a tired kind of sleep where everything was shut out including noises that usually bothered me.

I am into my dogs quite a bit and while sleeping I began to dream about my Blue tick hound Smokey. As dreams go this one was off the wall but it seemed so real. I dreamed that Smokey could talk and carry on a conversation.

Now since this was just a dream the fact we were conversing didn’t seem odd or unusual at all. I asked Smokey how his day was and exchanged some niceties and then he wanted to ask me something a little more serious.

He said you know that I am getting older and have been wondering about something. I responded by saying well tell me what it is and if I can help you I will. A moment later he shocked me by asking “will I go to heaven when I die?”

After hem and hawing I recovered and said let me think about it for a while. Then I asked him why did this come to your mind?

He said I always hear you talking about you going to heaven and I would like to go with you. I answered why do you think you could go with me? He replied well I have always been good and led a nearly perfect dog’s life.

I felt I should tell him that many people have been good but they still had to take another step and that was to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Then the unthinkable happen; I woke up! Slowly reality set in and I realized that I had just been dreaming, still the dream seem to be real I wanted it to continue but alas I was now awake.

After many days I haven’t been able to come up with a conclusive answer for Smokey’s question “Will I go to heaven when I die?” I talked to him about the subject and tried to assure him that we both will go there but it was easier to talk to him while dreaming.

The one thing that leaned toward a yes answer was; perhaps animals are in the same class as babies and do not need to be redeemed like sinful man.

And in the millennium there will be animals there. I must admit I must defer to others for the definitive answer to this query of Smokey’s yet I believe they will go to heaven.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven,
Then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers, 1897-1935

I found this web page interesting don’t miss it if you’ve ever had a dog;
http://www-hsc.usc.edu/~cypert/dick/inheaven.html

FINISHING THE RACE

Galatians 5:7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.


Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

On Memorial Day 2011 there were several auto races ran. The Indy 500 was all but won by a young man who did something he knew better than to do and it cost him the victory.

By getting too close to the wall on the last turn, he lost control and crashed a million dollar car.

Another race the Coca-cola 600 was lost on the backstretch by running out of gas on the final turn.

The scriptures admonish us to finish our race that is set before us. In order to do this it requires one to learn what to do and then to do it. There are no secrets to living a Christian life; it is all spelled out in the Bible.

There is nothing that the Christian can’t overcome albeit some have more difficulties than others due to their environment.

We sometime think it strange that there are difficulties to deal with in life. John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

While it true we have an adversary that is going about “seeking somebody to devour” he still requires our submission for him to prevail.

In the Christian race the only thing we have to fear is ourselves. Like the driver in the Indy race who did something he knew he shouldn’t do, so also it is incumbent upon the Christian to do as the disciples did when Jesus said ”Come follow me.”

There were some who followed Jesus for a while but then turned away causing him to say to the disciples ”Will you leave also?” their answer was simple “To whom can we go for thou hast the words of life.”

It is necessary to reaffirm our resolve occasionally to stay the course and finish our race but there is a renewed strength that comes from doing this.

Our race requires a steady pace. Some have erred but putting on a burst of speed only to find themselves exhausted, worn out, and unable to keep up the pace.

The song “I will follow thee” has the verse,
”Though I meet with tribulation,
Sorely tempted though I be,
I remember Thou wast tempted,
And rejoice to follow Thee."