THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE



Wise King Soloman
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 I have read the Bible many times, and I must say that Ecclesiastes is almost mind boggling.

These are words from a man who at the time was the wisest one ever known. It’s hard to imagine him in this dispensation with all its new inventions, but wisdom doesn't time out, and continues in the same way that foolishness does from generation to generation.

If one is serious he can garner much wisdom from, "The Teacher," and if you have a sense of humor you can laugh at his turn of a phrase.

Some statements seem outrageous mostly because of the present law of our land, but in real life they have far more creditability.

His words found in chapter 7 in the ERV version (available on the Internet free) just blow me away. Ecclesiastes 7:29 "There is one other thing I have learned. God made people good, but they have found many ways to be bad."

You read that and have to say, "Ain't that the truth?" People who are basically good people do unwise things. Some life-styles undermine the real person that they are. Our brothers in Christ do things that are unworthy of their calling and do despite to the cause of Christ.

Admittedly living the Christian life to perfection is an awesome task, yet we have the tools available to do just that, but I suspect most of us do not avail ourselves of these graces God has provided.

Ecclesiastes 1:13 I decided to study and to use my wisdom to learn about everything that is done in this life. I learned that it is a very hard thing that God has given us to do.

The Teacher lived under the Mosaic Law, and I agree that it was difficult to obey all the rules therein, but we who are under grace have it far better than he did, and should rejoice in that fact.

Just consider that when he wanted to have forgiveness he had to sacrifice an animal whereas we only have to ask, and it is given to us.

There are ten thousand reasons that spiritual life is better since Christ has come than it was during the time of the Law, and yet it is easy to become lax in our relationship with GOD.

1 Peter 4:10 God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBp5ggh3w2Q&feature=relmfu


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PRAYERS THAT WILL NEVER BE ANSWERED



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As unbelievers approach their death their prayer is, "that there is only nothingness beyond this life."  This prayer will never be answered!

The atheists are trying to make a little noise here and there nowadays. I suppose that it must make them feel large to aver that as far as they are concerned there is no GOD.

GOD foreseeing such a thing sent them a message, a personal message that reads as follows; Psalms 53:1 Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!

Also in Psalms 14:1 The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does good.

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In other words these fools try to convince themselves that GOD doesn't exist by saying I can blaspheme GOD and HE won't do anything about because HE doesn't exist.

I found this line of thought interesting; one fool said, "It is my opinion that a lack of objective evidence would force one to conclude that the reasonability of a belief in a god fails the honesty test."

GOD has provided an "honesty test" that these unbelievers refuse to try what is found in Psalms 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

This is totally objective and is personal evidence of GOD'S existence but is only evident to those who come to GOD according to the science of GOD.

Just because atheists find themselves excluded from GOD'S reality is not in and unto itself proof of GOD’S non-existence but rather their inability to have access to HIM.

Access to GOD is governed by GOD, and he is the prime actor in this scenario as found in Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

While this may seem to be a paradox - - for the non-seeker cannot know GOD without faith in HIM and he must have faith in HIM before he can know HIM.

The answer to this paradoxical situation is rather simple from GOD'S point of view. That is to unshackle the seed of faith that is within them, and hook it up with the words of promise found in the Bible. Then go into GOD'S laboratory and test this proven theory for them self.

Of course you must be bold to do this for many do not have the courage to be this honest.

Today, too many have had their personal encounter with GOD and have entered into this blessedness to even consider that "There is no GOD."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvQwvDfY5dk&feature=related

This post is Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

A LITTLE WOE WILL DO ME!

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WOE; Deep distress or misery, as from grief or wretchedness!

So far in life, I haven't had very much of what you could call real "woe." but I have had something that came close.

At different times there has been (near) poverty, sickness, and many forms of worry that had a real basis and some that was just as real, that had no substance, but I worried just the same.

Some people I have met seem to enjoy misery. They are not happy unless they have something to complain about. At times I am what you might call a border liner, not the real McCoy mind you for a little misery goes a long way with me. The boost that comes from complaining also fades quickly.

Job 14:1-2 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.  He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he flees also as a shadow, and continues not.

These words were spoken by Job while he was experiencing a hell on earth. You could say he had it all heaped upon him: tested in his body, the psychological, and the spiritual. He surly could have done without his wife and friends because the hurt they laid on him was not appreciated.

Job 2:9-10 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"

In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

The book of Job is a study about a righteous man who under the most distressful times and though not understanding "why" stood true to GOD. Satan tried to remove Job's faith from him through adversity but he stood firm in his resolve.

A pastor of a Slavic congregation stood before them and said; enemies of us in the the past threw everything at us, they starved us, beat us and killed us but they could not separate us from our GOD, then he held up a dollar bill and said, “What they could not do, this (dollar bill) has been able to do.”
While during the time of woe his people stood fast but in the good times they faltered.

This message has often rung in my ears and has helped my attitude in both good times and the not so good for I have experienced both.

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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PAUL MY HERO

Paul Preaching in Athens
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Various theological bents create both GOD and JESUS in projected images fashioned out of their own thinking processes which are suspect in the least.

The complex mental process of imagination calls for imaginatory thinking which is in full usage in all our visionary perceptions of GOD. In other words we use our imagination when we envision GOD. We think in pictorials, our words project an image of the subject matter.

Therefore it is essential that our thinking is based upon spiritual Truth.

Isaiah 28:9-10 Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”

This is a good practice that leads to knowledge. Take it a little at a time, let it sink in, and let it direct your path.

Paul is my hero because he dedicated his life after conversion to making sure that the freedom we have in Christ is not annulled by the Old Testament law.

He struggled against the Judaizers at every turn, and because he was successful we are free in Christ, and not bound to obeying the law that condemns us.

Every word Paul wrote carries a message for the Christian lifestyle we should lead.

He interprets Christ words for new covenant believers.

Start in the book of Acts and continue through all his writings and he will explain our faith in terms we can visualize and apply to our daily walk.

As you feed upon Paul's writings there is a teacher within you;

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:

Note that the Spirit of Truth has come and will guide you as you feed upon God’s word as explained by Paul.

If we are to know our GOD we must know HIS Word for it is there we find out what HE has revealed about HIMSELF.

There are only a few who have had the experience that Noah, Moses, Peter and Paul have had, and any so called newbies are not relevant to my Christian walk.

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

WHY DOES IT FEEL SO GOOD?

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W.C.Fields once said; "The doctor said if I didn't stop drinking I would lose my hearing." When asked, "Are you going to stop drinking?" He answered “No The stuff I been drinking is so much better than what I been hearing."

Something most everyone has a problem with is "Gossip." Either with speaking or listening to it. This is one of my weaknesses that I try very hard to control with limited success.

Gossip is idle talk or rumor about the personal or private affairs of others. It is one of the oldest and most common means of sharing facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and variations into the information transmitted. The term can also imply that the idle chat or rumor is of personal or trivial nature, as opposed to normal conversation. Gossip can reinforce – or punish the lack of – morality and accountability; reveal passive aggression, isolating and harming others; serve as a process of social grooming, building a sense of community with shared interests, information, and values; Begin a courtship that helps one find their desired mate, by counseling others; or, provides a peer-to-peer mechanism for disseminating information in organizations.
So says; Wikipedia

This noble attempt to sanitize what GOD has condemned falls somewhat short of the desired effect.

In answer to the question why does it feel so good when we do it; It gives a sense of superiority especially when we suffer from some feeling of inferiority that others have heaped upon us, and there are always those with dirty ears wanting more dirt.

Gossip ranks very high in the “Don't do it,” category because it is designed to hurt others, and at the same time it demeans the gossiper.

Someone should write a book about the harm gossip does; in fact someone has, and it is called the Bible.

One of the best reasons for not gossiping is that it goes directly against the directions of GOD in our lives and is condemned in scripture.

I liked what is said on the site below;
http://christianteens.about.com/do/whatthebiblesaysabout/f/gossip.htm

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MEMORIES of LE SPOOKS

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When I was a young child listening to someone tell me a story, was my favorite night cap. The ones I used to love and hate at the same time was the spooky tales.

I believed and didn’t believe them at the same time, but because they scared me I enjoyed each and every one. With great apprehension I would climb into bed and sleep with my head under the covers, and feeling secure I would drift off while rehashing the whole story.

About this time the world was in transition and as I grew older there were radio programs that replaced my sitting on grandpa’s knee during story time.

I listened to “I love a mystery” and it had the same effect on me for under the covers I went. The Wolf Man, Dracula, Vampires and Frankenstein were my favorites at the movies especially the late show and it was head under the covers again.

Eventually time passed, I got over my spookiness, I grew up and became a Christian then I discovered there were extra-terrestrial beings that were real, called evil spirits and demons.

Today some deny the existence of these beings and explain them as being a psychosomatic occurrence but apparently Jesus saw them as real entities and dealt with them as such.

Luke 11:24 "When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.'

While some people are just nuts - - at other times there may be some spiritual oppression and when this is the case it is difficult to know how to deal with it. If this oppression happens to you it is well to counsel with someone mature in Christ not some whacko that sees demons behind every bush.

Just one personal example, while in business there was a time when everything went wrong. Brand new equipment was breaking down, and though I thoroughly understood my business no matter what I did - - I experienced profit killing problems. It took awhile but I finally realized it was something unnatural causing these problems. My wife and I decided to stand against this enemy with a declaration.  Each morning as we agreed together that these problems would be broken. It was only a short time, and soon the problems ceased. This was after many months of troubles.  I learned much going through that problematic time.

It is a must that you understand what to do when there is a spiritual attack against your family and how to overcome it.

Sometimes things just happen and not everything is a spiritual battle you must fight. The worst thing you can do is freak out and see every problem as demonic activity.

2Timothy 2:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Use them well!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZlmeC4w2pg&feature=related

This post is shared at: Peter Pollocks One Word Carnival  The word is Memory,

Also shared at: “Tell Me a True Story”
 at http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
and With Tracy at My Daily walk
 http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/2012/03/winsome-wednesday-do-not-fear-babylon.html



 

WHAT ABOUT TODAY

Many of us have a "To-do" list for each day, week, and month.

As you get older the need to write things down looms larger even as the list gets shorter. Since being retired I have more time to work on my list which isn’t very long now, and there are not as many categories as before.

I have broken it down into a possibly three types of lists. One which is “Must do,” next is “Should do,” and the “I’ll do it or not and if I get around to it.”

There are other ways to view my world which is to list the things I have to do to “Keep breathing,” “Things I can afford,” and “Things I would like to do and enjoy,” and the “It ain’t gonna happen” stuff.

I have almost moved beyond being controlled by what other people want me to do, what they think of me, and what I have to do to please them. There are some cases when I will accommodate their wishes but they are getting fewer as days go by.

When I’m curious about my future, I visit the assistant living home and see people twenty or thirty years older than me and see the plateau they have arrived at where they couldn’t care less about almost everything.

But getting back to today for that is really all I have to deal with ever.

Although tomorrow must be prepared for but as the scripture says; Matthew 6:34 therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I don’t know if your life requires you to have a full blown prayer meeting before starting your day - - but at least, at a minimum one should acknowledge the presence of GOD in their life by grunting in HIS direction.

You might need a little peace injected into some of the problems ahead so take advantage of GOD’S provision of; Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

It is possible that instead of this being an ongoing process you might try to use this just in the case of emergency, and find not much help will be forth coming.

Our life of service for GOD requires our full attention not to be treated like a light switch that you only turn on when darkness comes upon us or a parachute when it looks like the plane is going down.

So, the morning has arrived! I must be thankful to GOD for the rest I got (though I didn’t sleep well) and invite HIM to direct and be involved in all my days’ pursuits.

I do this because with this in mind I am more likely to behave myself in a Christian manner than if I just ignore HIS presence with me.

The sun is coming up and my dogs are hungry, and are looking to me for some food. This is a habit with them.

In the same manner I need to look up and say as in Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

“Today” take a moment to enjoy this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvQwvDfY5dk&feature=related

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And with Laura at: Play Dates With God at the Wellspring

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW

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This old poem has been around for many years but it still is a challenge to all fathers

Walk a little slower Daddy said a little child so small,

I'm following your footsteps, and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast sometimes they are hard to see,

So walk a little slower Daddy, For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up; you are what I want to be,

Then I will have a little child who will want to follow me.
I would want to lead just right and know that I was true,

So walk a little slower Daddy, For I must follow you!

As a boy when it would snow, I would try to walk in someone's footprints because it was easier to follow a path provided by someone else. At times it wasn't easy for their stride was longer than mine, and I would then have to make my own way leaving my small footprints.

The foolish man who built his house upon the sand is speaking of a lifestyle whereby one walks without considering potential consequences not only to themselves but also to others.

Every footprint carries with it a history and although the snow melts, the history remains.

Every action has a consequence and is the molders of the inner man.

Nothing is ever extinguished though it may be forgiven it continues to have its "Pound of flesh."

Is it any wonder that the writer in Ephesians 5:15-16 says; See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

STDs may be cured but the footprint remains, unfaithfulness may be forgiven, as much as possible but the footprint remains. You are the writer of your history. See to it that it reads as you wish it to.

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Check out the song “Watching you!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp7Q_rAf7rg

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BEING TIRED

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If there is one thing that stands out in my life it is being tired.

Yes I'm tired in any way and in every way that it is possible that you can be tired.

I go to bed tired, and wake up tired. I go through the day being tired and I wait for time to pass so I can go to bed.

I'm tired of wars we can't win, and the tragedy that accompanies them. The finest men of our country are slaughtered and maimed to the point of their lives and families are destroyed.

I'm tired of politicians whose only interest is self promotion, and tired of being ruled by idiocy.

I'm tired of legislation that is designed to promote an illogical philosophy thought up by some ne'er-do-well, and is designed to exercise control over people.

I'm tired of some people taking advantage of others where some are made rich, and others struggle to survive. In short I'm tired of these and many other things.

Even though I'm tired - - it is no excuse to be slothful and become useless especially as it refers to the kingdom of GOD.

The Gospel has been promoted by Saints that were tired; those who have counted their ministry more important than their creature comforts.

John 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

This scripture kinda grabbed me as I read and thought about it. Never had I thought about Jesus being tired. He had every reason to complain about his journey, but yet he saw his mission to the end.

As he sat at the well he saw an opportunity to do some good and proceeded to take advantage of the moment.

John 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

What occurred next was a dialogue where questions were asked and answered and promises made by Jesus. As the saying goes the rest is history.

This message was good for me. Even though I'm tired as Galations 6:9 admonishes  "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."

There is a song whose lyrics are in part;

"Nothing's impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up, Dust myself off,
Start All over again."

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

And with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

WUZZY FUZZY





Back when I was a kid there was a saying you heard every once in a while from a poem called Fuzzy Wuzzy. “

The term "Fuzzy Wuzzy" originated in the 1800s. British Soldiers gave the nickname, "Fuzzy Wuzzy" to the Hadendoa warriors that were a nomadic tribe along the Red Sea in Sudan. The Hadendoa warriors wore their hair matted which gave a "fuzzy" appearance. Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem in 1890, Fuzzy Wuzzy that praised the Hadendoa warriors for their fighting skills.” From the Poet Patriot.

"Confused Thinking" courtesy
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Some of our political figures today suffer from Fuzzy Thinking especially those who are participating in the Republican ongoing debates.

I suspect some of the Christians today are also suffering from the same malady of fuzzy thinking when it comes to prayer.

We expect GOD to compensate for any errors in thinking on our part. Part of this fuzziness is due to so many scriptures dealing with prayer saying the same thing, differently.

Jesus said you can ask me anything and I will do it and then in Matthew 6:9 he said, this is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,"  telling us to direct our prayers to the Father.

Further the Holy Spirit would seemingly be ignored in the process for we are not admonished to direct prayers to Him.

Since the Divine Trinity is involved in answering prayer and many prayers border on the outrageous I can imagine the question arising “Wuzzy (he) fuzzy when he prayed this.”

Some use images to help them focus in prayer to whatever entity they worship even though Exodus 20:4 says "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

We have to have something in mind when we pray or else we just pray out into space.

We are told that GOD is a Spirit; this means that the Father is a spirit, the Holy Spirit is a spirit and the Son is a spirit that dwells in a resurrection body. So, what am I to envision when go to pray?

Jesus said to pray to the Father and added; John 16:23 At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.”

The third member of the Trinity which is the Holy Spirit is also involved in answered prayer. Whatever is produced or created is done by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 104: 30 Thou dost send forth Thy Spirit, they are created; And Thou dost renew the face of the ground.

The sequence is; you want something, pray to the Father, in the name of the Son and the Holy Spirit will produce it. If this is true (you judge) you understand the prayer process and as you pray you honor and respect each member of the Trinity. Our GOD is one GOD yet is manifested in three identifiable persons each with portfolio.

1Thessolonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEJ_T_3CFkk

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

THE SURE THINg

THE SURE THINg

What everybody wants in life is "The sure thing," but it is one of the most difficult to acquire.

When I go for a check up and the doctor prescribes me a medicine, I wonder if this is going to help me or harm me. I want to be sure that it is a, "Sure thing." In fact I want to have the, "Sure thing" experience in most of what I do.

People want to know which horse will win the race or if a fix is in the making. The same thing is in boxing if a fighter will win or throw the fight and lose. If they can get some inside information they can't lose for they will then have a, "Sure thing."

When Jesus came, he told his listeners about a, "Sure thing." It revolved around believing unto salvation, by believing in HIM and “His Words.”

There only a few things that are a, "Sure thing;" salvation by faith in Christ is the main one. This is an absolute truth, something you can totally rely on.

Another thing that is a, "Sure thing" is if you reject Christ you will be lost and doomed forever. This points out that not everything that is a sure thing is not necessarily desirable. Today many people are neglecting their salvation.

Some are trying not to believe there is a GOD while all the time there is something gnawing away inside them saying. “Seek the Lord while he may be found. Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death".

Our feelings are not a safe guide. Beware your sure thing doesn't lead you astray. Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.

You are safe and secure and have a "Sure thing" when you lean on "the everlasting arms of Jesus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO8uyHtOAHo&feature=related


This post is Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday
And with Jennifer at:  God-Bumps and God-Incidences

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WHERE HAS MY LITTLE DOG GONE?

Blue Tick Hounds Treeing

As a hunter with hounds, one of my worries was about them going hunting without me and getting lost. I had a female blue-tick that always looked harmless but she was hard to keep corralled.

In the south there were a lot of coon hunters, and at times they would go to another State just to go hunting and if they found a stray hound they would load him up and take him home with them. In most cases you would never see your dog again.

One night two of my dogs dug out and ran all night. The next day I couldn’t locate them, and they didn't come home so after a couple of days I placed an ad in the newspaper and offered $100.00 reward for their return.

Early the next day I received a phone call and the first words from the caller was "You got a $100.00?” and I replied “Yes.” He said come and get them and bring the money. I drove about 20 miles over across the river and retrieved them, and was glad to have the back for I raised them from puppies.

The man that had them had picked them up at a restaurant/store where they were tired, smelled the food cooking and laid down. They were only about a mile from home, and would have returned if they had not been picked up.

He took advantage of the fact that he knew there would be a reward, or he could sell them out of state for about a $1,000.00 but he settled for an easy hundred bucks.

Losing an animal can be heart felt experience.

Jesus used an illustration about a lost sheep and how the shepherd felt when he retrieved his animal; "Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost."

Jesus went on to say; I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Jesus gave the church the mission to go into all the world, and to find lost sheep. This includes those who have never known Christ and the ones who have went off on their own.

Just like I paid a ransom to get my dogs back, Jesus paid the ransom for all sinners.  1Timothy. 2:6 He gave himself as a ransom for everyone.

As a young boy I used to love hear and sing this song below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWne5zfgmhU&feature=related


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This true story is also linked with: Tell me a True Story at:
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

HEAVENLY DAYS

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I don't usually or haven't lately given much serious thought about heaven.

I get lost in thinking about the time of “waiting” between my passing on - - or the rapture whichever comes first, and the time when Christ returns with his church.

Then we have the New Jerusalem which will be the architectural feat of all time building wise.

This new home of the saints sounds like a giant condo.

I am a little offended by those idiots who refer to our final home as "Pie in the sky," which is little more than a crude, demeaning remark designed to classify Christians as a moronic group of dreamers.

As to what I will be doing for eternity (that sounds like a long time,) I suspect I will first do some sight seeing, and find out what my boundaries are.

I suspect there will be some kind of hierarchy or pecking order.

I respect the English language and think everyone who lives in America should understand and speak it, but I'm not sure if English will do in Heaven for it might be some new language of the Spirit.

It just wears me out trying to figure out these, and hundreds more questions about Heaven so for now, I am just making sure I will be included, and then later I will figure out the rest when I get there.

Turn it up and listen to "I got shoes" Remember this great song?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAyR9h8iZmA&feature=related

This post has been linked with
Laura at: Play Dates With God   on Monday

OLD SCHOOL

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I recently watched a TV program where they built custom motorcycles, and some of the crew wanted to push the envelope to the limit, but the older generation would say I like the old school method best.

It was all about changing design and radicalizing the cycles to the point of almost being unsafe at high speeds. "The Look" won out over functionality in some cases.

The term "Old School" has several meanings depending upon subject matter but in general it means back to the original. Some of the preaching one hears today is certainly not “Old school,” for some have departed from what the scriptures originally taught.

A couple of examples of departure from "Old School" teaching is found in Matthew 19:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Of course we have bona fide excuses for not following that admonition. The main reason is "We don't have faith to function at that level." Or “What if nothing happens when we pray?”

Today Christianity is in a struggle for its very existence world wide.

Conversions are not keeping up with population increases, and many are giving up their lives for their testimony for Jesus Christ.

The church is being weakened from within by putting social issues before the plain need of man's salvation. Some denominations are accommodating both sin and sinners in the pew and the pulpit.

The more honest ones are living sinful lives outside of the church, but there are those who are dishonest and are living sinful lives within the sanctuary.

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Like Israel of old, this nation and our world need to turn back to GOD with both repentance, and conversion, and a good place to start would be within the church itself.

Today the church has the look of the church but the soul of it is sorely missing.

The hymn "Let Jesus come into your heart" has these words;

Just now, your doubting’s given o'er; Just now, reject Him no more;
Just now, throw open the door; Let Jesus come into your heart.

I remember times when company came over and we shut some of the doors so as to hide the clutter and disarray within the rooms. We didn't want anyone to see our mess. There may be areas of our life where we shut the door so no one will see our failings, notwithstanding the Lord Jesus both sees all and knows all.


This post is linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday   
Also linked with Joan Davis SharSharing His Beauty on Monday 

A LITTLE DAB WILL DO YA

Ever since Brylcreem tried to convince men to use a product that is a pomade made from emulsion of water and mineral oil stabilized with beeswax; this Brylcreem jingle still pops up once in awhile.

Back in the days when it was a popular hair dressing the airwaves were filled with the jingle whose words were;

Bryl-creem, a little dab'll do ya, Use more, only if you dare, But watch out, The gals will all pursue ya,--They'll love to put their fingers through your hair.

Well take my word for it - - I never saw that happen because girls tried to avoid the greasy mess, and didn't want to get it on their hands or dress.

Much of life is based on that concept where someone or something has decided that "A little dab will do you" in many areas of our existence.

Without naming all the things this can be applied to - - from finances to health each of us have had to settle for what we could get.

Then in turn we react in the same way when dealing with people.

Husbands give their wives the little dab treatment, and in turn the wives relish giving their husbands the little dab is all you get.

Many of us have experienced something that changed us and that was the more abundant life we received in Christ. John 10:10 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.


There is no "Little dab" in Christ so we can act on the scripture Matthew 10:8b Freely you have received, freely give.

God isn't interested in the "Little dab" treatment in our service, our worship, our faithfulness or any other aspect of our relationship with HIM.

The "Little dab" signifies short changing whoever or whatever in our dealings with those around us. GOD especially doesn't want less than the full treatment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOYTQKoJ1N8

This post has been linked with
Stacy’s Heartprints Hallelujah Fridays

HOW TO PRAY



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If you want to find out how to pray you are looking at the wrong place.

I'm as confused as you are. Are you still there? If you are think about this!

Luke 11:9  So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Ask and it shall be given unto you.

John 15:7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

 Every prayer that is uttered is contingent upon obedience to that scripture.

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you,” is ever present with you when you pray and is a controlling force in your ability to believe GOD for answers to prayer.

Jeremiah.17:9 The human mind is the most deceitful of all things. It is incurable. No one can understand how deceitful it is.

Incurable yes, controllable also yes through what Paul describes in Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

In prayer many (not all) times we are devious in praying. Now I know you will not believe this no matter how hard you try, but there was a woman who has prayed for an another woman's husband! She wanted GOD to break up a happy marriage, and let her have the husband for herself. I told you wouldn't believe it.

Well would you believe a man prayed for another man's job?

Now I know it is okay to be avaricious in everyday life and it seems to be alright, that is until you come to pray, then it isn't acceptable because Christ words are not abiding in you and you are not abiding in him.

Some say they get every prayer answered, but of course they are big liars.

Paul taught there are two ways to pray 1 Corinthians 14:15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit (praying in the spirit is another subject in itself), but I will also pray with my mind;

If I pray with my reborn spirit which is energized by the Holy Spirit then I will get it right but if I pray with my mind it must divest itself of all greed, covetousness, guile and that isn't easy to do for even if we have some serious business to do with GOD.

Maybe someone should say that uttering words isn't necessarily prayer even if they say in Jesus' name at the end, it is little more than an exercise in futility.

James 4:2-3 You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

But then we all know about Hebrews 4: 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Well surely that includes me, for mercy and grace is what keeps me going.

The hill of the Lord and the throne of grace signify the same thing and Psalm 24:4 poses this question; Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?

And then gives the answer in; Psalm 24:5 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully.

Which brings us back to John 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Most prayers will not be answered and people will blame GOD for not responding to them for they ignore the rules laid down by Jesus.

Let me answer one last question: what about so and so - - they aren't walking upright and GOD answered their prayers? Well maybe HE did and maybe HE didn't, in any case as the song says "Mercy drops around us are falling"

Mercy is much like the law was a school master to bring us to Christ so also any grace extended to us is designed to draw us nearer to Christ though it is often misconstrued to mean our evil conduct is acceptable to GOD.

This post has been Linked - - - Do visit these lovely Blog Hops for some wonderful posts.

With Laura at:  Faith Filled Friday
With Charlotte at:  Spiritual Sundays

WHEN GOD GETS ATTITUDE

Angry God with Attitude
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GOD has had as many identities thrust upon HIM as there are people.

We each have our own idea as to Who HE is, how HE feels about certain things, what makes HIM tick, and what HE likes and doesn't like. Our composite concept of GOD controls how we relate to HIM.

We would profit by allowing the word of GOD to define HIM in total and not see HIM from only one view point. Since this is a life long effort it would be good to start at a young age. This is important for HE deals with us differently as we grow up.

While Jesus said bring the little children to me - - He dealt differently with the grown ups.

One thing we could agree on is that at times "GOD GETS ATTITUDE."

Case in point is the Garden of Eden. Everything was copasetic until they crossed GOD, and then the party was over.

Disobedience really ticks GOD off. As we construct the mental picture of GOD one thing that stands out is that there is only one, and that is GOD'S way and big lessons should be learned from that.

Another event where GOD got attitude was in the days of Noah. This is described in Genesis 6:5 The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.

This prompted HIM to say; “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever,” meaning that enough will be enough.

So it was men, women and children were all drowned, except Noah and his family. Any time we decide to disobey GOD we run the risk of mimicking Adam and open up ourselves to severe correction.

It is astounding the different concepts of GOD you find in different Denominations. The same Bible but different interpretations leads us to different conclusions. Paul tried to find some common ground for faith within the early church.

Romans 14:5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

The only problem to this is our conviction must conform to what the scriptures actually says, and not what we wish they said or what we think they should have said, or what someone else had convinced us it says.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

How does your concept of GOD come across? What does it allow you to do without offending HIM? Are you sure you have it right? You are probably doing pretty good but don't forget the "Fear and trembling" part for our GOD is an Awesome GOD.

Enjoy this lovely song: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9zQG7Ik80k&feature=related

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday
Also linked to Faith Barista Jam Thursdays  

AM I UNHAPPY?

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Strange as it seems you can go through life and never be sure if you are really happy for there is no measuring stick for happiness.

We can limit our happiness by measuring it by degrees. For one thing there are too many elements for being happy. Everything that has or will touch you in some way becomes part of the equation. There are too many things to mention but to name a few, your education, your thoughts that condemn you such as: I could have done better, should have got more but it wasn't that important at the time, and now I am suffering for it.

We can see failure everywhere if we just look for it and are ruled by our past. Your looks, even if you are pretty, you are not sure if everyone thinks you are, so you spend your time and money trying to correct your perceived flaws. I knew a minister who jokingly said; I think an apprentice angel must have worked on my nose because it isn't exactly what I wanted.

Cosmetic surgery has been the rage for the last sixty years. Bigger this and less of that will surly make me feel good about myself. Sometimes husbands want their wives to undergo the knife so he can be proud of her.

As a boy I receive great deal of education from the national geographic magazine. We were too poor to subscribe for them but they were at the library. I was astounded at some of the things I saw. There were articles where people native to Africa did hideous things to be accepted within their tribes. They would actually stick bones in their body. Cut their flesh to make scars and make permanent markings in their skin.

Of course one shouldn't blame them for they were illiterate, primitive people seeking for self esteem !!

This has been a heathen practice from the beginning and will be till the end.

It is interesting that there are tattooers for Jesus suckering Christians into paying them money to disfigure them

Leviticus 19:28 You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.

The tattoo people try to defend their practice by saying well GOD didn't like it under the law but He changed HIS mind after Christ came, and some simple minded fools will unwisely buy that explanation.

If you are not happy without a piercing or tattoo you are not going to be happy after getting them.



Beaten with many Stripes

 If you want marks on your body do it the old fashion way like Paul did and suffer many beatings for preaching the gospel.

Galatians 6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcjK9yyER1Q

This post is Linked with

Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

and with Jennifer at: God-Bumps and God-Incidences.
 http://gettingdownwithjesus.com/

WAR AND PEACE

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War and peace, a novel written by Tolstoy of which he said; “His aim was to blur the line between fiction and history in order to get closer to the truth.”

In today's world much of what we are being fed is a fiction represented as truth and we are expected to fall for it.

An illusion is propagated through out the world in the form of philosophy that is intended to separate the Christian from his GOD. While this has being going on since the time of Christ it has been refined and is more subtle than ever before.

Not only is the modus operandi to separate us from GOD but it is also to separate us from one another. To turn us against one another thereby fragmenting the body of Christ and rendering it impotent in the world we live in.

An example of this division can be seen by looking at the civil war where Christian men on both sides of the war fought and killed each other by the thousands. Brothers in Christ killing, and being killed over power, money and philosophy. It wasn't about freeing the slaves for this would have occurred without bloodshed, and would have run its course.


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 Within denominations people are being set against one another over whether to allow the unconverted to fill the pulpits and preach the gospel of feigned tolerance.

Jesse Penn Lewis's book "The war on the saints" says; "To-day there is a special onslaught of deceiving spirits upon the Church of Christ, the fulfillment of the prophecy which the Holy Spirit expressly made known to the Church through the Apostle Paul, (1 Timothy 4:1) that a great deceptive onslaught would take place in the "later times."

This Book by Jesse Penn Lewis was written a hundred years ago, and some modern day saints may not have the appetite for her style but the truth is in this publication. This book is available to view online at; http://www.acts1711.com/Contents.html  give it a look!

There is no single voice for our beliefs and the reason seems to be there is no one who can be trusted to that extent. If those who claim to be a Christian spoke in unison they could change this nation but what we have today is the modern day version of the Tower of Babel.

Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Where the King doesn't rule there is chaos.

This post is Linked to Shanda’s  On your Heart Tuesday

SO MANY VOICES

It always amazes me the difference between the sounds of voices even in the animal kingdom (especially dogs) there are certain distinctions in tonal qualities. I used to hunt at night, and as our dogs were off in the distance and barking we could not only tell which dog it was, but also just how hot on the trail they were.

1Corinthians 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

Many singers we loved have passed on, but today when their records are played they are recognized by their voice. Who could mistake Jimmy Durante's, “Inka-dink-adoo” song as only he could sing it. Bing Crosby, Elvis and Kate Smith singing, “God bless America.” In the movies Orsen Wells, Red Skelton, Roy Rogers and Bob Hope all were recognized when they spoke.

There is another way a person's voice is still recognized, and that is by the words they spoke. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.  And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

The woman who had an issue of blood is known by the words, “If I may only touch the hem of His garment”

And we echo Joshua's bold words, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord".

We know Jesus by the words He spoke and then by the Holy Spirit, further revealing Him to us.

One might ask, “How important are my words?”

I know if I speak long enough I will reveal much about my character for sooner or later my true self will come out. At times what I don't say will tell who I am. Two scriptures inform us about words of muddiness.

Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

The Apostle Paul's message to Titus was; Titus 2:1,8 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

After hearing the speech of the masses I wonder whose voice are they listening to? Judging from what they are saying it isn't always the voice of GOD.

As we listen to what we ourselves are saying it may reveal whose voice we are listening to. May it be the voice of the heavenly dove. Matthew 3:16b he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

May your words speak grace to the hearer.

Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday
Also linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

FACING REALITY

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Having to face reality of everyday life is something we all have to stand in front of.

In most cases the things are small and we can just sluff it off and go on. Many of these annoyances are just the cost of living, but nevertheless they are the source of stress in our lives.

Like the little foxes that spoil the vines these small irritants take their toll.

The more serious effect of these small annoyances is they set you up for just "Losing it" when they build up and then a seemingly small thing comes up. They can take you to the edge where very little can set you off.

After such an episode you may not be able to explain just how such a nothing event set you off. Like the proverbial “Straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Then there are the major misfortunes that within a few moments devastate you and turn your entire world upside down. Among some of the more prevalent things are a financial reversal, an unfaithful mate, the sudden death of a loved one and being disappointed in yourself for not living up to your expectations.

There is little defense against any of these things for they seem to come out of nowhere. The feeling of depression is what follows the events as described above and hope seems lost. The effects of lost self esteem results in depressed attitudes if you have a strong value system. People with a low value system are not affected by distress because they do not care about anything or anybody and have very little concern about themselves.

Where we place our values has a lot to do with how or if we are able to recover from such episodes. The emphasis we place upon our Christian experience and relationship with our Savior can either strengthen or weaken our restoration to what we desire to be our normality.

The most popular recovery method today is drugs and therapy but when it comes right down to it I believe one of the best treatments is found in the Bible.

You need to go no farther than the 23rd Psalm. The emphasis on the words; "He restoreth my soul" is the greatest move toward recovery, the key being to let Him restore your soul. Nothing can change the past and so often problems will continue to persist but a daily reading of this Psalm can mitigate the on going effects.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Every Christian should view the site below don't miss it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVBHU-p4gr8&feature=related

Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

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