STANDING ON THE CORNER

Standing on the Corner
image courtesy Photobucket.com

There is a happening that has been going on from the distant past till now which is "Standing on a Corner," where people will come along and hire you to work for them.

In Southern California this practice is most common, but is also a practice in many communities where there are large numbers of Latinos.

In contrast to the survival programs provided by the Federal government the time was when you had to depend upon yourself for your daily bread.

Back in the thirties many worked out of hiring halls this was the seaman’s method of being hired. However first you had to get in the union, and that was next to impossible unless you knew someone who was friends with the union officials.

This was their version of standing on the corner.

My version of doing this was I had to find a job on my own and then become a member of the union. They wouldn’t help me get a job, but after I got one they would force me to join the union.

There were two tiers of employment; one where you worked for the company full time, and the other where you would fill in when a company needed extra help.

Here you would only work one or two days and then be laid off and then it was back to the union hall and wait for another company to call in for help.

I still recall having to be at the union hall at seven o’clock in the morning, and hope someone would call in. Your name was put on a list and the men were hired in order as your came named up.

The older members had first choice of the available jobs. It was only after they refused them that the newer members would get a chance to work.

I discovered that some of the old guys had difficulty in handling the heavy lifting so I would always do that for them and when we went to the hall for a new job they would insist that I go on the new job with them. This sure helped me feed my family when employment was scarce.

There are many people standing on the corner today demanding to be given freebies. They want for free what I had to work and struggle for. They are not willing to earn their way; they prefer to receive it for free.

Hard labor to them is a prehistoric concept that they want nothing to do with.

There can be an argument made that the corporations are making excessive profits. For instance, take the profits the oil companies are making. C.E.O S make in excess of a hundred million dollars.

This must not continue, it can’t continue for the forty nine percent (the tax payers) won’t continue to support the fifty one percent who are getting a free ride. I’m not concerned with the one percent or the ninety nine percent that people are yaking about. I’m concerned about the forty nine percent who are being taken advantage of. It’s “enough is enough” time.

C’mon now let’s serious!
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFY8VeUlcQ4

A FEW LOVE QUOTES

image courtesy photobucket.com

"The very idea that you could control a man's body was intoxicating; that you could make his head turn, follow your passing steps, that you could lean just so, or speak just so, or simply glance and toss your head, and he would be caught." (Talk about power)

“Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker.”  (That’s so true)

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.” (Okay.)

“You're playing with my heart and it's getting really lame. Decide what you want. The girl or the game?”  She really says it)

“He felt that his whole life was some kind of dream, and he sometimes wondered whose it was and whether they were enjoying it.” (Describes all old men)

“It's not what I feel about him; it's what I don't feel for anybody else.” (What girls have to settle for)

“In a perfect world, there would be no mirrors. Because every girl would have a perfect guy to tell her that she looks beautiful.” (Something guys need too)

“Dear Heart, I met a boy today. Prepare to shatter!”  (Whoopee)

“Sometimes the girl has to be the one to step forward. When Prince Charming didn't come to Cinderella, she went to the palace and got him.“   (What P C means to a romantic girl)

“You're not even mine and I'm scared to lose you.” (Great imagination)

“Love doesn't hurt. If it hurts, it isn't love. If it hurts, he isn't worth it. The one person who is worth it won't let anything hurt you.” (Love without a little pain? Humm)

“I don't like missing you. But I love having you to miss.” (Sounds good)

“One day, all the memories, tears, and pain will go away - - Just like you did.” (I hope, I hope, I hope)

“Love sucks, love is great, love is like a mixed tape filled with everything you love and hate.” (The ins and out)

“You never truly love a person until the mere thought of you hurting that loved one is enough to break your own heart.” (Enough said)

(I invite you to make your own comments about the above quotes)

And this is one of the reasons I love the music of the fifties
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GLamMQ3x6o&feature=related

TWO TIMERS

image courtesy photobucket.com

Do to the fact that so many are sexually promiscuous you don’t hear the phrase “Two timing” as much as when I was a boy.

People in so called “relationships” may or may not expect the opposite member to be faithful to them. One of the most disgusting sayings said today is; “We have an open marriage or relationship.” It’s disgusting because they won’t even pretend to be moral or even amoral.

It is quite common for someone to have an emotional affair with someone other than their mate. Below is a short article from About.com

“An emotional affair generally starts innocently enough as a friendship.  Through investing emotional energy, and time with one another outside the marriage relationship, the former platonic friendship can begin to form a strong emotional bond which hurts the intimacy of the marriage relationship.

While there are those who believe that an emotional affair is harmless, most marriage experts view an emotional affair as cheating without having a sexual relationship.

Emotional affairs are often gateway affairs leading to full blown sexual infidelity. About half of such emotional involvements do eventually turn into full-blown affairs, sex and all."

For some individuals, the most hurtful and painful consequences of an emotional affair is the sense of being deceived, betrayed, and lied to.”

An emotional affair is when a person not only invests more of their emotional energy outside their marriage, but also receives emotional support and companionship from the new relationship.

In an emotional affair, a person feels closer to the other party and may experience increasing sexual tension.

If you believe that a person's emotional energy is limited, then if your spouse is sharing intimate thoughts and feelings with someone else, an emotional affair has developed.

Although cheaters are often guilt-free in an emotional affair because there is no sex involved, their spouses often view an emotional affair as damaging as a sexual affair.

Much of the pain and hurt from an emotional affair is due to the deception, lies, and feelings of being betrayed.”

In this age of communicating with people around the world via the Internet this emotional affair issue is growing and many marriages are suffering from it.

Within the spiritual world two timing is not allowed. The relationship between GOD and man must not be compromised lest the relationship suffer in a similar way to a marriage. Many preachers (as well as believers) have found this to be true.

Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

While us weak ones wish there were several other options there isn't in GOD’S view. It’s either HIM or the devil. Now I must say that is being narrow minded but that the way it is. GOD only sees things one way, HIS way.

Exodus 20:3 You must not have any other god but me.

Or in other words “you can't two time GOD.”

Matthew 6:22, 23: 'The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light; but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!'

This scripture pretty well defines one who is in an emotional affair.

It’s a case of double vision that leads one down the wrong path. The one thing “Two timers” have in common and that is “they know what they are doing and they know it is wrong.”

You can't “slip around on GOD” and sooner or later you will suffer from slipping around on your mate. It may not be a full blown discovery but the psychological damage will have taken place.

Hey it’s time to loosen up and check out Tex Ritter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK9yq124njk

EVERY THING IS FOOD

My wife Hazel at: http://hazel-moon-blog.blogspot.com/  sent me over to Ann's site Food on Fridays.
I hope you enjoy my musings!   Today I muse on FOOD.

image courtesy photobucket.com

Food is symbolic of all the creature comforts both physically and psychologically.

Part of the lyrics to the “Food” song is found in the movie Popeye, the lyrics read as follows;

Everything is food, food, food Everything is food to go

Everything is food for thought Everything you knead is dough

It is food Everything is food

It is food, food, food And it's full of flavor

Food, food, food It's so good to savor

In the Bible this appetite is a quality revealing the natural man’s nature. He is a person who goes about seeking those things that cater to one who is void of the things of the spirit.

2Corinthians 2:14 defines his plight thusly; The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

One of the sons of Isaac is a prime example;

Genesis 25:30-34 And Esau said to Jacob; Give me a full meal of that Red soup, for I am overcome with need for food: for this reason he was named Edom.
And Jacob said, First of all give me your birthright.
And Esau said, Truly, I am at the point of death: what profit is the Birthright to me?
And Jacob said, First of all give me your oath; and he gave him his oath, handing over his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave him bread and soup; and he took food and drink
And went away, caring little for his birthright.

The birthright gave him the right to be the head of the family, to be the spiritual leader and the representative before GOD for the family.

But for Esau every thing was food, food, food.

The natural man is devoid of the Spirit and goes about his entire life filling it with toys of the flesh which last until the novelty wears off and then he must seek some other fix.

The quest for spiritual life requires a hungry heart that can only be conciliated by the infusion of the new birth.

Then the new search begins for food, food, food, but it is now a search for that which feeds the reborn spirit.

This food is the fellowship with The Spirit Of GOD and his Word.  This alone will quell the appetite of the new Born spirit.

You might enjoy the food song at: 
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz884EUAqi4

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some nutritious recipes using FOOD.

THE SECOND TIME AROUND



Second time Around
image courtesy photobucket.com

 Frank Sinatra romanticized failed love affairs and marriages in the song, “Second time around.”

This is not the ideal emotional experience but is a reality that many people have to deal with.

Marriage is always in a fluid state and is subject to change over time. People will say we just grew apart or our interests changed and we were no longer compatible with one another.

This brings us to the question of what will hold my marriage together as time passes. The first thing thought of usually will be “Love.”

The Captain and Tennille sing the song, “Love will keep us together.” (see link at the end of this post) I love the lyrics but love alone isn’t enough, it will take more than that!

There is another ingredient necessary that some fail to include and that is commitment, commitment to one another for life.

The unwillingness to commit for life is the reason some settle for a temporary arrangement, living together as man and wife while keeping one eye on the exit.

There are cases where only one of the parties are willing to both love and commit and the result often is a divorce in the offing.

Because of this a vast number have had to look again hoping to find both love and commitment in a new mate.

Elizabeth Taylor, well known actress who was one of Hollywood’s most beautiful woman ever, found that the second time around didn’t suffice in her case for she was married eight times.

There are some other helpful components to a long lasting marriage not the least of which is respect. This is why it is important to conduct oneself in a way to be respected for it cannot be unless there is a basis for it.

The old sunset remedy is a sure way to keep things on an even keel which is; "In your anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry;” work it out if you can. There is little to gain by letting things drag out and much to lose.

Whether it’s the first time around or second or some other number, make it work, for this is the will of GOD concerning you.

(Check the song below)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFtbgpKAmTM&feature=fvwrel

SWEATING IT

Sweating It
image courtesy photobucket.com

My list is too long to be written out but I have had many “Sweating It,” moments during my days.

They have been interjected into every phase of my life. Those of being guilty, and then being caught stand out in my memory. It goes way back to my earliest times.

As a kid I got nailed often. It seemed like I couldn’t get away with anything.

This malady occurs in everyone’s life, husbands and wives are afraid they will get caught for doing something they shouldn't have. It can happen to everyone at any age.

There was a time when Jesus was “Sweating It” "And being more in agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" -- Luke 22:24

As he approached the time of his death he prayed; "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done."

And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. This was the final acceptance of his fate, to die for the sins of the world.

The why of this moment and the dread of it was known only to Christ. But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.  He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross 1 Peter 2:24.

Jesus was to pay the penalty for ALL the sins everyone had ever committed. The magnitude of this is unimaginable for when you try to think of all the rapes, murders, abuse, every form of vile wickedness and sin was to be paid for by Christ - - it is overwhelming, and so it was in the garden where he was praying.

His sacrifice brought forth redemption for everyone - - and yet most reject it.

Unfortunately in the end time when Everyman is to be judged there will be many who will be “Sweating It” for their penalty is drawing nigh.


This post is linked with Joan at Grace Café, please visit there for many good words: http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/  

GOOD?

The Montgomery Wards catalog used to be my good friend when I couldn’t get to town.

When I could get the money I would place my order and wait for the day when it would arrive. Only a couple of days after I sent it, I would start looking for my order, but it would take about three weeks before it would actually arrive.

This was a three part action, first I would read all the pages (even the women’s and kid’s ones) and then when I would get to the area that pertained to me and then I really got serious about shopping.

So the first step was to get information.

Then I made my decision based upon what I wanted and what I could afford. After placing the order I waited until someone else decided it was time for my delivery.

At last the day would arrive and I was rewarded for my patience - - that which was promised was mine.

Actually the Christian life is somewhat like the old Wards routine for it is in three parts.

First I had to get some information. That I received when I heard the gospel preached.

Second I decided that was what I wanted so I accepted Jesus and was saved.

Thirdly I began waiting for the day when I receive my reward.

I must admit that the first and second part was the easiest of the equation for the waiting is most difficult part of the three.

I couldn’t do anything to speed up my order from Wards and there isn’t anything I can do to speed up the return of Christ.

The Father has set the day and hour for his return. I must confess the waiting isn’t getting any easier.

So what shall I do “until Then” The words Occupy Till I Come stand out in scripture for he had placed in their hands resources with which to be profitable unto Him.   Luke 19:13.

So much can be said about this scripture and I feel it would be better said by you for you know what you need to hear. As I fight off the temptation to challenge you with many scriptures, I only say get ready, and stay ready. Always keep you ear toward listening for the trumpet that will surely sound for it will be on time.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LscdVVeTQc&feature=related

This post has been linked to Pause on the Path.  Please visit there to view many good words posted there.  http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/10/desire-granted.html

NEW TAXES UNDER THE RADAR

Happy to Tax under the Radar
Image courtesy photobucket

President Obama announced recently that he would impose a 35 percent tariff on automobile and light-truck tires imported from China.

“The decision is a major victory for the United Steelworkers, the union that represents American tire workers;” states the New York Times.


The wizards in Washington are fast at work doing their job which is raising taxes. Any tariff on imported goods goes into the treasury and is an addition tax on the consumers.

So if Obama in fact starts this trade war with China (one which we will lose) then the American people will have to pay for the tariffs. This is a slick way to tax “we the people” and not call it a tax.


image courtesy photobucket

Simply stated a tax is a tax if it takes money out of your pocket, and puts it in the government treasury whether it is a direct tax or indirect tax.

As stated it the Times article this action is being done to save union jobs and make the American people pay for them.

image courtesy photobucket.com

 It is a given that the Democrats are pulling out all stops to put higher taxes on us and some of the Republicans also support that plan.

Herman Cain is touting his 999 plan which is a great tax increase on those who can least afford it.

It seems Herman Cain may be a Democrat in disguise. 

A tax by any other name is still a tax !!

OLE HARRY

image courtesy photobucket.com

Many years ago, when I first became a roofer, I was impressed with all the different characters that were in the trade.  I first began roofing at the age of 15 but only worked about a year and returned to Tennessee to be with the home folks.

A couple years later I returned to California and stayed with my uncle on a 1000 acre ranch due to there not being any jobs available.

After a few months I was planning on going to work in a cannery, but just before I started, a roofing contractor I had previously worked for offered me a job roofing - - so once again I took up the roofing trade.

It was required that all newcomers join the union and enter the apprentice program, so I worked during the day and attended school two nights a week which I didn’t care for. The union made sure that the journeyman roofers got the first jobs and then the apprentices would get the left over jobs.

It wasn’t long before my skills reached the journeyman level and most of the time I managed to keep busy, even though it meant taking work that the journeyman workers wouldn’t do.

The union hall acted as a hiring place and I worked for many various contractors getting to know most all of the roofers and making friends with them.

One character I worked with was a guy named Harry Hershman and he seemed a little strange to me. At the end of each day he would talk about quitting, but the next day he was always back again.  He was the only one who took his hand tools home with him every night while everyone else left theirs at the shop.

After awhile he started talking about this medium he was going to and getting messages through her. This went on day by day with him getting more into it all the time. He would share his experiences with me since I was somewhat a captive audience.

Finally one day he started talking about acting as a medium himself and his focus was on getting a séance trumpet. He felt that if he could get that trumpet he would be in business.

I never knew if he became a medium or not because the business we worked for was shut down by the board of equalization for non payment of FICA and other taxes.

Today you hear a lot about channeling. It has come to mean a myriad of things. The mainstream are witches and warlocks, people who have sold their souls to Satan for a little of his power.

This channeling is just the same old boring story of Satan imitating the power of GOD. If you notice the so called chandlers often will try to associate their power with GOD. What they don’t say is that it is the god of this world, Satan.

GOD has provided the church with real power; the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are three we should be better acquainted with and that is the gift of “word of wisdom, word of knowledge and discerning of spirits.”

image courtesy photobucket

A study of the Spiritual gifts will better prepare one in understanding how GOD will use them in people’s lives.  They are truly supernatural and one will have difficulty in understanding them without knowing the Word of GOD.

Though I have limited experience with them, the one thing I know, is that you would stake your life on their manifestation.

In the Old Testament, GOD’S people were commanded not to go to a witch but nevertheless they would disobey and seek out one for directions. Deuteronomy 18:10-13

Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:31

I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community. Leviticus 20:6

Someone may say to you, "Let's ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do." But shouldn't people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Isaiah 8:19

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (lady gaga) sang for Bill Clinton’s birthday party, she later revealed on her Twitter account that she had been 'channeling Marilyn Monroe.'

While most of this channeling is a farce there are some people who have committed their soul to Satan and are channeling him. They have been taken captive by one or more demonic spirits, many are not unlike themselves and are simpatico with the spirits and willing to cooperate with them.

Just do not be deceived like my friend Ole Harry ! There is the false and there is the genuine.

The Christian’s charge from Christ is to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”

RESOLUTION to: KILL THAT SPIDER

image courtesy photobucket

From time to time sermons or illustrations that I have heard in the past come floating up from somewhere deep within. Things I haven’t thought of for many years. Some of the illustrations are so old they are new to the present generation.

image courtesy photobucket

One such story is about a seeming earnest seeker at the altar who came at the end of the services and prayed the same prayer each time out loud. The pastor would sit and listen to the pray-ers and he would learn much about his congregation. This particular member always prayed “Lord clean out all of the cobwebs in my life,” and after several weeks the pastor yelled out loud - - “Lord kill that spider.”

It was over fifty years ago when I heard that story and I wondered if it was still being told. So I went to the Internet and found several versions of it. The scripture used for the cleaning process was found in Hebrews 12: 1-2 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is easy to put on pretence of trying to become more like Christ in our walk when we are just trying to get some relief from an inner conviction of wrong living. We do this by trying to put to responsibility for this needed change on Christ.

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul cut to the reality of the problem in the Hebrew verses. It in no uncertain words it put the blame where it belongs, on the believer.

The words “let us throw off and let us run” explains that it is up to each of us to clean up our act.

There are words in 1John 1:6 that are enough to make us shudder for allowing sin to dominate us.

"If we say we are joined to him, and are walking still in the dark, our words are false and our acts are untrue:"

The difference between our relationship with God and people is while we can hide things from people everything is revealed to God.

Knowing this should cause us to start killing all the spiders that have taken up residence in our life.

This post has been linked to:  “Changing the World One Word at a Time”  Please visit and check out the other great stories at:  http://peterpollock.com/

Also linked to "On your Heart Tuesday" at: http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/
Shanda just returned from a mission trip to Thailand - you will enjoy her report.

DAYS OF OBAMA

image courtesy photobucket.com

President Obama should have been a professional actor for he has some talent in that direction. Even as an amateur he has a certain presence with his daily show on TV.

I must say his script writers are having trouble coming up with new twists in order to keep his show interesting for they are rehashing the same old blah, blah, blah.

It is one thing to be an actor but when you become President you must have some real leadership and not convoluted ideas about how the world should be.

These shills he has surrounded himself with are a dis-service to our country, and their talents might go over well in a carnival side show but not as advisors to a president. His show is a daily spewing of “How can I keep this con going?”

Not all actors are capable of governing a nation and as one prominent actor said “I can play the part of being president but there is no way I could be president.”
I think we have proof of this in the present actor in Washington today.

I have grown weary of the Days of Obama soap opera and think it is time to cancel it.



image courtesy photobucket

LIKE YESTERDAY

image courtesy photobucket.com

On occasion something will pop up in my mind that I haven’t thought of for years.

I suppose I’m not alone in this happening. It always amazes me when this happens for it seems to come out of nowhere. The older you get you have more things stored away so age facilitates this occurring.

Unfortunately not all memories are pleasant ones and I would rather forget them but since I don’t have a delete button on my mind I’m stuck with them.

I just hate it when some embarrassing event surfaces and I live the whole thing over experiencing the rise in blood pressure and the redness in my face. Fortunately this is happening less as I get older and the good times are mostly the rule.

As people are trying to confuse lifestyles and marriage today it makes me wonder how they could have missed the original plan laid out before sin entered the world.

At an early age I discovered the difference in gender. This was before I was subjected to the unisex philosophy by confused minds that tried unsuccessfully to confuse my thinking on the subject.

This confusion has stolen from many the joy of marriage between a man and a woman.

I do feel sorrow for those who have been a victim of this confusion who have had to placate themselves by defending their lifestyle choices in order to have some semblance of peace within.

Unless one has experienced a true marriage it is impossible for them to know or understand what it is.

Within a true marriage there are many factors such as work, intimacy, responsibility and one other ingredient and that is the peace of GOD that accompanies it. Anything else has to be considered a substitute for the real thing. I believed this from the time when I wed my wife and some sixty plus years later I haven’t changed my mind.


image courtesy photobucket.com


My marriage has been what I dreamed it to be and if I ever grow too old to dream I will still have her kiss to remember.

I believe you will enjoy this song on YouTube
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80fa0X4eF_o&feature=related

Linking this post to Brag on God Fridays, Please visit there.
http://www.beholdingglory.com/1/post/2011/10/brag-on-god-friday13.html

FEET OF CLAY

image courtesy photobucket.com

How disturbing it for Christians to hear of ministers who are false professors of the Gospel.

Some of these preach and at the same time pretend to be what they are not. It reminds one of the saying “Do as I say and not as I do.”

We sometimes hold these people up on a pedestal and believe they can do no wrong, but are discouraged when we discover that they have “feet of clay.”

They are those who are talented and able to muster a following, but are fatally flawed. What moves them is a lust for power, money, sex and other things that will eventually reveal what they are.

Ephesians 4:18-20 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart. Since they have lost all sense of shame, they have abandoned themselves to sensuality and practice every kind of sexual perversion without restraint. However, that is not the way you came to know Christ.

While this occurs in all walks of life it is most damaging in the Christian world for it is here that people’s eternal existence is settled. There is no way to tell how many souls have been lost due to failure of those they have followed.

When Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream he revealed that the feet of the idol were a combination of both clay and iron indicating there was both strength and weakness in the feet.

So also it is that all people are afflicted with the same malady, weakness and strength.

Knowing this we need to recognize our weaknesses and guard against them lest we become part of those who have failed. When a ministry is destroyed there is no going back and starting over even though some will try.

Someone has complied a list of some who were found out and were unfaithful to their calling and can be found on the internet. This list concerns the more prominent church leaders but there is a less important list of some who are just as guilty of missing the mark. I pray that neither you nor I will ever be on either list.

image courtesy photobucket.com

2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Please enjoy this lovely song "Just a Closer Walk" by clicking on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrM1aWtYpys

Smile sang by Nat King Cole



Smile while crying
image courtesy photobucket.com


I though you might enjoy this old song!  I did!!


Nat King Cole - Smile
Words written by Charles Chaplin

image courtesy photobucket.com

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Listen to Nat sing this song as you remember that everybody goes through something.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I85ApzR43jU&feature=related

Linked to: The Well Spring: Play dates with God:  http://www.lauraboggess.com/2011/10/playdates-with-god-gods-surprises.html  Do visit and enjoy good words you will find there.

GOT DOUBT?

Doubt - courtesy photobucket.com

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

Bodily form, immortality, intellectual capacity all incorporated in this one made in GOD’S image. While man has the inherent capacity for faith he also had another force within that was activated when Satan queried; hath GOD said? At that point doubt came alive from its dormant stage.

It pleased GOD to give man this power for it enabled him to have the power of choice as to his belief in GOD.

An interesting example of this force is in the case of John the Baptist. He had the revelation that Christ was the messiah and yet while in prison he questioned.

Matthew 11:2-3 Now when John had news in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples; To say to him, Are you he who is to come, or are we waiting for another?

He had previously said; John 1:34 This I saw myself and my witness is that he is the Son of God.

Doubt has many faces and takes many forms. It can be helpful or destructive and is a powerful force in ones life. Doubt is a constant issue being manifested always. It is as a coin with two sides, doubt and belief that we carry at all times.

Doubt isn’t all negative for at times it can keep us from making big mistakes. The opposite can be said about belief for believing something is true when it isn’t can also be harmful.

In the Bible GOD has given us instructions as to what we should believe and how we must act.  Just like Adam and Eve we are often pressured into acting contrary to what we know what is right. We develop a belief system that we trust to keep a stable relationship with our Maker, but when put into practice we find that doubt attacks us at one point or another.

This is most notable in ones prayer life. As we believe God’s promises and try to apply them to a situation, doubt enters and we may feel defeated. What to do when this happens? The answer to that is extremely important for that is where the rubber meets the road as the saying goes.

There is a third element that enters in at this point and it is FAITH in the person of Jesus Christ; In believing in His words, and that they are true.

You can't believe for things in prayer without a full confidence in the one who can answer your plea.

The misuse of scripture as a basis for answered prayer is all too prevalent and mass confusion is the result which leads to a loss of faith and confidence.
What we are dealing with is the fact we are all human and have to deal with human weakness. Doubt, unbelief, and a lack of faith are ever present and few have gotten beyond this problem.

There is a position that one can take in the midst of all of the spiritual struggles that is, “though He slay me yet will I trust Him” in the mist of the worst that life throws at us we can stand unmoved if we have this trust relationship with Christ Jesus.

When we trust, fully, there is nothing that can shake us even though the circumstances we find ourselves in are beyond our strength for we are more than conquerors through trust in Him.

Linking today at “A Pause on the Path” at http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2011/10/satans-tactics.html  There are many good words at Shanda’s site, but do not miss her own post on “Satan’s Tactics”

POWER OF REMINDING

As a youngster I was plagued by forgetfulness.

Being caught up with all of my important things like playing marbles, roller skating, and all of the other important stuff I sometime would forget to do what my parents instructed me to do.

When I was found out, my standard answer would be, “I forgot.” There were times when “I forgot” didn’t satisfy - - and I was in for it.

As I grew older I found that this malady continued to follow me even though I struggled against it.  I could forget almost anything. 

I would write down reminders and forget to look at them. The one thing that was consistent I always repented for my oversight.

When it comes to the things of GOD even though I have the HOLY SPIRIT quickening me, I sometimes forget what the Bible says and act contrary to it.

I say, “I forgot,” for if I remembered the scriptural admonition and acted contrary to it then I am in big trouble.

I am not the only who has experienced this problem for it happened early on in history.

Genesis 4:6-7 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Just like papa Adam, Cain let GOD’S words slip from his memory and it resulted in sin.

In order to avoid this “crouching sin syndrome” it is required to always keep GOD’S word fresh in our memory, and to be obedient to it. The only way to accomplish this, and not be forgettable is to daily feed on it.

Daily Bible reading is a required discipline in order to not let these truths to be forgotten.

Hebrews 4:12-13  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

GOD just like my parents doesn’t accept. “I forgot,” as justification for failure to obey HIS words due to forgetfulness.

Forgetfulness leads to a life of repenting because of being pounced upon by the “sin that that lies at your door.”

THE ABSTRACT CHRIST

PICASSO, Pablo The Guitar Player

The picture above shows the artist’s conception of a scene portraying a man playing a guitar within a setting.

As some view CHRIST, their viewpoint is oft skewed in a similar manner. They try to paint Him with words, though eloquent; yet they are confused as to the substance and nature of the Savior.

Abstract Christ image courtesy photobucket

Abstracted reality is merely conceptual unreality, and though it has a thread of truth the tapestry its-self is delusionary. 

Some Denominations today are exposing their abstracted view of CHRIST as they change their doctrines to accommodate the unrepentant sinners of today.

Realizing this, one can readily see the importance of rightly dividing the word of GOD which must be validated by the intimate relationship brought about through the new birth wherein one is made one with CHRIST.

This work by the SPIRIT OF GOD brings the true CHRIST in plain view without any abstraction. This reality is not hypothetical, imagined or fictional but rather is the highest form of truth personified in the person of CHRIST.

Their abstracted unreality is better illustrated by Aesop’s fable of “The Ass in the Lions skin;”

An Ass once found a Lion's skin which the hunters had left out in the sun to dry. He put it on and went towards his native village. All fled at his approach, both men and animals, and he was a proud Ass that day. In his delight he lifted up his voice and brayed, but then every one knew him, and his owner came up and gave him a sound cudgeling for the fright he had caused. Shortly afterwards a Fox came up to him and said; "Ah, I knew you by your voice.  Fine clothes may disguise, but silly words will disclose a fool.”

And so it is, those who preach another CHRIST, the abstract CHRIST that they do not know, are recognized by the deceptive words they speak.

2Timothy 3:5-7Having a form of religion, but turning their backs on the power of it: go not with these. For these are they who go secretly into houses, making prisoners of foolish (men and) women, weighted down with sin, turned from the way by their evil desires, ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of what is true.

And so it is!

This post was shared at Grace Cafe Blog Hop:  Please hop over there to view the posts entered at: .http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/10/generosity/

ENJOYING IT LESS

image courtesy photobucket.com

There are many questions posed within this framework; they usually start of with something like this.

Drinking more and enjoying it less? Eating more and enjoying it less?

Working more and enjoying it less?  And so on - - -

It has been suggested that a life of minimal-ization is the answer to a fuller life.

First of all I join the chorus of millions and declare, “This is not the American way.”

The economy is now suffering because we Americans are not indulging ourselves to the extent we are accustomed to.

Admittedly there are some who have not been affected by loss of income and the inflationary trend, who still are buying everything new on the market, but many have been forced to do without things they don’t really need.

Should I do an inventory of all I own, I fear I would find I could do without at least half of it very nicely. Having lived through the “Great Depression” I know first hand how much you really need to get by on.

This brings us to the fact we Americans are living far beyond our necessary needs. We have been brainwashed to believe we must have things that are unnecessary to a full and comfortable life.

This in turn has caused us to work more, produce more and demand higher wages and has made us unable to compete in the world markets.

Oh Me Oh My, What Next? 

image courtesy Photobucket.com