Out of Body Experiences

Ok, I have to admit, before I go any further, that that title was just a hook. I guess my sense of humor is coming back. (I like to play practical jokes that don't harm anybody.) However, what I am going to write about it more "out of mind" experiences (and if you know me and my story, you'll find that statement humorous as well. But I digress.)

I've learned something recently and that is how to be out of my mind, and love every minute of it. (Ok, maybe I wasn't done with the funnies, cause I can't stop giggling. I crack myself up.) Ok, what's the point really? It's this:

A few months back, I saw a notice in the church bulletin about a class billed as "Learning Leadership." I thought to myself, "I'm a leader, and as far as I know I've never led anyone astray, despite all the wrong turns I make, so this looks interesting." I decided to take part. What I didn't know is that it is indeed a class that helps with leadership skills, but not in the manner that I had anticipated. This class was really called "Clarity in Christ" and has taught me how to listen and heed God's voice rather than my own. Now, I'm not talking some booming voice from somewhere over my head that tells me what I should do. And I'm certainly not talking about any of the voices in MY head. (HA, HA! LOL.)

No, what I'm talking about is concerted, purposeful time in prayer, worshiping, thanking, talking to and listening for that indeed "still, small voice." For too long now, I've listened to self talk, and the voice of the deceiver. I've listened to my past and my heart, when I should have been turning firmly away from both. Many of you know that my past is what many would imagine hell to be like. But that isn't where God intends for me to live. God intends for me to live with an eye to His future, and the good He has planned for me. He may have to lead me through some "valleys" but He will be with me through all of them. So without going into too much more detail, and without subjecting you to any more of my warped sense of humor, I'd like to share with you a verse that is very meaningful to me. My hope is that if ever you are hurting, if ever you are scared, if ever you are anxious, if ever you feel unworthy, that you will think of this verse as well.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJV

The emphasis being on meditating on the things that are "pure," "of good report" (in other words, true), and "if there is any virtue." At least for me, this is where the emphasis is. If I focus on what is pure, not fleshly desires, but wholly of God; if I focus on what is true- what God says is true, and if I focus only on what is virtuous; then I cannot be anything but "out of my mind." For this I thank God, for He is good. In this, and in so many other areas. Be blessed my friends.

Announcing: The Full Length Video

For those of you that are interested, the full length video for the California Missions Offering is now available for viewing. Unfortunately, I cannot post it here, as it's not posted anywhere on the web, except for on the CMO website. On the CMO website, it is available as the Music Video (which is the same as the trailer, I posted here before) and as 4 separate episodes that can be viewed individually. If you are interested and would like to see the full finished product, I invite you to check it out...Even if the only reason you check it out, is to see exactly why it is that California is such a hot place for Missions (no pun intended.) Here are the links...

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
2008 CMO Music Video (same as the trailer seen previously)

Congratulations to all the people involved in this project, and all glory to the Lord. May this year's offering be spectacular! If you happen to live in California, you may want to check to see if your church has received the full length DVD for use in promoting the offering, as well. Blessings to you all!

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So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It....

As an artistic type, it's very difficult, sometimes, to walk the fine line between giving God the glory for the talents I'm blessed with, and taking credit for using them to His glory. In spite of this, I am confident that I can share with you (and not cross that line) the trailer for the video that I was priveleged to be a part of... (Remember I told you about it about a month or so ago.) I hope you don't mind my sharing with all of you. It was just such a thrill to know that I would get to use the talents He blessed me with, when Daniel contacted me to play one of the lead characters. So, please humor me, while I show you the trailer.

The video project (from which the trailer is taken) is for the California Mission Offering, which is a means to help support Missions in California. Now before you ask if there is such a large need for this, please do watch the video. Daniel Rhoten wrote the screenplay, and directed, edited and even did much of the footage. The original music is by Paul Haugen (of Clovis Hills...the church I attend and love) and I play an overly ambitious wife, on the verge of divorce. My character's husband (also played by Alvin- a Clovis Hills member) is an alcoholic; and I need to learn to put God first and my marriage second... above my career. Please watch, and then go give these other people some mad props, for all their hard work, would you? (And just in case you were wondering: NO, Clovis Hills was not involved in the production of this video, except as I stated above. Clovis Hills as a whole has just been blessed with some really good talent... I count it pure blessing to be counted among the members...) :) So without further ado, here is the trailer...


Bright Hope for Dark Days CMO Trailer from Daniel Rhoten on Vimeo

The full version of the video should be finished and ready for release next week some time... You can also find some photo shots for the promo materials at this link, if you so desire... I won't be hurt if you don't go see... but Daniel might like to know how good a job he did... :)

Something to Think About...

I first heard of Paul Washer, over on Sicarii's old blog (sorry no link, because that "old" site has been taken down), and recently have begun listening to his sermons with my husband. I highly recommend him, to anyone that is serious about their faith in the Lord, and especially for those that are not so serious about it. Here is a CliffNotes version of one of his most powerful sermons. If you'd like to hear "part two" of sermons by Paul Washer, check out my hubby's blog tomorrow (since I stole this video from him today.) Blessings to you...



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Epiphany!!

Have you ever had one of those moments where you thought you understood something, fairly well, only to realize in that split second moment, that NOW you TRULY understood? Well, I had one of these recently.

I've been reading a book by John Piper, entitled "Don't Waste Your Life!" and while I was aware of him as a pastor, I was not aware that he was an author, or that his writing was so inspirational and even educational. It was while I was reading this book, and studying the doctrine of tithes and offerings, and how it applies to New Testament Christians, that I had my epiphany moment. You see, I always thought I pretty firm grasp of what the Bible meant when it said "the Lord will provide for your needs". I was fully cognizant of the fact that what I think I need, and what God knows I need are not necessarily the same thing. (To be completely honest, they are probably rarely the same thing. I am a mere fleshly human, after all.)

In the very first chapters of this book, it finally became truly clear to me what the Lord means by our "needs". I guess I always took it for granted that food and clothing were needs, regardless of the situation; and that therefore, I would always be provided with at least that much. I have now come to understand, however, that God will provide these to me, as needs, if I do indeed need them in order to continue to live my life in faith in Him alone. I don't know how I ever thought anything other than that. I admit to being ashamed of not seeing this, even after all the time I have spent studying the Word. But I thank the Lord that now I understand, and now I pray that I can apply it. The Lord does not promise any of us, at any time, that we will be free from poverty or want, even that of food or clothing, in some situations. Think of the severely impoverished believers in Third World countries. They have needs so much larger and more severe than I could ever dream of, in my own life! And yet, they continue in faith, because the Lord has provided that which they need to do so.

That brings me to another truth that this book brought home; and one that I had never really considered before. And that was this: Have you ever noticed that few believers, here in the West, have ever been asked by an unbeliever "what is the reason for your hope?" You know, that question that we are all supposed to be ready and willing to answer, anytime we are asked? The reason, John Piper states, is that unbelievers don't ask, because our lifestyles shout out to them that we hope for the same things they (unbelievers) hope for. We are consumed, as much, if not more, than they are, by our possessions, and our luxuries. We have become, in large part, a society beset by wealth and comfort, unimaginable by those truly in poverty. Sure, we may have difficulty paying bills, and we may not have a new car- or any car at all, we may even have some genuine needs. However, I for one, agree that we are a far cry from those believers in Acts that "sold all their possessions and shared with anyone as had need."

Many of us give the requisite 10% to our home churches, and sometimes more. Others may not tithe at all, because they believe in giving generously without regard to percentages. But here's a thought...how many of us have ever actually considered selling all our possessions, and living only on what we absolutely need, in order to continue in faith? A heart-breakingly few! I ashamedly must include myself in those that had not even considered it before now. I don't know that I could do it. Could you? Could you truly leave behind everything and follow where the Lord leads you? Has your comfort in this life become more important to you than following Him? Just an FYI, in case you're not aware: that makes your possessions and your comfort an idol. It makes my possessions and comfort an idol, as well. I am not pointing my finger at anyone, anymore than I am pointing it right back at myself. (Probably more so, back at myself.)

I have been thoroughly convicted recently of my love of my comfort and financial security. I have become increasingly aware that I live a life that few would be hard pressed not to describe as comfortable, at the very least. More likely, they would describe me and my family as wealthy. We live in a nice 4 bedroom house, in a suburb of a major California city, we have two cars, and more possessions than we ought to have. Is it enough that we give everything we have that is extra to others (whether it be our home church or people in need)? Or should we be looking at how we can enjoy less comfort and luxury, so that we have even more to give? These are the questions I ask myself. Do we truly need a nice house, in a nice neighborhood? Do we truly need a closet full of clothes? Do we truly need a garage full of items just being stored- just in case we might someday want to use them? Do we truly need a refrigerator and freezer full of food, that we don't consume immediately? Do each of our children truly need their own bedrooms? Regardless of whether these are the actual number of possessions we have or not, the fact remains that anything over and above an actual need is just that- a comfort and a luxury.

Though having things, in and of itself, is not a bad thing, it only becomes an idol when we lead others astray by giving them a false impression of who the Lord is, and what He wants for our lives. It's true, the Lord does bless us, and I would say that He enjoys blessing us for our faithfulness. However, when it comes to the point that His glory is no longer the main attraction in your life, and your possessions are, it becomes nothing short of sinful idolatry. Having your lifestyle be the main attraction to others, detracts from God's glory in many ways. The only way that it could give God glory, is if God's love was manifested by how financially blessed He made all believers., and that is just not true.

Despite what many Word-Faith teachers preach, God does not care whether or not you are financially secure. He does not care if your stock portfolio increases in value. It does not even matter to Him what you wear, so long as you keep your faith in Him, and are an effective ambassador for Him. For some, that does mean clothing- but only because it is a NEED. Sometimes, His blessings do manifest themselves as income. However, He doesn't bless because we give...He blesses so that we CAN give.

How many of you have thought about this? I mean truly thought about it deeply and prayerfully? Have you ever wondered if your life and your lifestyle portray a love of God, or just a love of money and things? It's not enough to be a good person, or even a good person that has faith in Jesus as their Savior. There are countless numbers of people in the World that could be considered good, and give even more than many Christians do. The only acceptable means of giving God all the glory is to let your love of Him, manifest itself to all, in every aspect of your life. Including what you own, and what you cherish. How many of us, today, can truly say that we die to self each day; if we will not give up our creature comforts to prove our love of Him above all?

Don't get me wrong. I am fully aware that for some unbelievers, seeing Christians that seem to live nice, comfortable lives, is an incentive to believe. How sad though, that we should have ever gotten to the point that we would give the impression that following Christ will make our lives comfortable, and that our possession would multiply for our own comfort?! That is not a true vision of Christ, nor is it what the Bible clearly teaches for those that would follow Him. Jesus was clear that those that follow Him will have difficulty. That those that follow Him would be impoverished, in many cases. He was clear that our treasure should be in Heaven, rather than here on earth. He was also more than clear that all that we have is meant to further His work, and His message here on earth. It was never meant for us, as believers, to hoard our blessings, and to keep our storehouses full, for ourselves to use.

Having shared my epiphany with you, I invite you to analyze and pray about your own life. Only God can determine the state of your faith, and only God can judge your heart. What will He find is your greater love? Him or what you own and possess? I, obviously, will be praying about how He wants me to use this knowledge, and how I am to apply it to my own life; and I encourage you to do the same. Just imagine how much we could glorify the Lord, if we were willing to give up even a portion of our wants- seeing them for what they are, and not as needs! I pray the wisdom that only God can provide, and the discernment that only prayer and His intercession can bring, over your life and mine today. May you be blessed in all aspects of your life, and may you and I, both, use those blessings to give Him glory above all things.

Fighting Cancer In The Body

The Lord is marvelous in His workings in the lives of every believer, especially when we obey and listen to the "still, small voice" that He has provided for us. In His infinite wisdom, He has also provided us with a means of learning, for ourselves, exactly what He wants, and expects us to know. His Holy Bible is His instruction manual for our lives, and He expects us to search out Scripture, and to test everything that we are taught by men, in relation to His Word. Regardless of how much schooling- or experience the teacher or pastor has, it is essential that we test everything against His Word. It is with this thought in mind that I am amazed to learn first- hand that someone in a position of "authority" within a church, is teaching doctrine that is not pure. Though I am aware that it happens, it is still shocking and sickening to see it with my own two eyes, and hear it with my own two ears. What is even worse yet, is when those in this position will not accept the correction that is offered to them in a spirit of love, and fellowship.

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11 NKJV(emphasis mine)

I am aware that there are disagreements, between denominations, etc., about inconsequential matters. These, we should not make an issue of. However, when it comes to teachings that exploit members, and give wholly false information, by twisting what the Word of God says, we are expected to bring those into the light. It is every believer's responsibility to maintain the integrity of The Message being taught to all. The only way to do this, is to search out Scripture, and test what is being taught. We must also test Scripture against Scripture, in context.

It does not matter whether numerous learned bible scholars teach the same thing. If it's not doctrinally pure, then it's wrong! If it's wrong, it needs to be corrected. How sad for the state of the entire Body of Christ, that there seem to be more and more learned men and women of faith that cannot fathom being challenged in their interpretation of Scripture. That because they teach the status quo, it is expected that we will just sit back and absorb all that they tell us. Why is it that if anyone else were to give us information that we are not certain about, we will investigate it ourselves, to be sure; but we will not do the same, when it comes to the most important aspect of every believer's life? That is the Word of God, and how to truly follow Him. We challenge and question doctors' diagnoses, getting second and third opinions- investigating the symptoms, etc., in great detail, but we blindly trust our pastors and evangelists with our life's purpose, and His instructions for our lives? Have we forgotten that this was Satan's original method of tempting Eve in the Garden? He twisted what the Lord said, for His own gain, and at the cost of mankind's sinless existence.

For centuries, there has been an issue of the leaders and authorities within the Church (all denominations) twisting the Word of God to suit their purposes, and to exploit the believers in their midst. One of the most prevalent, seems to be the teachings that line the pockets of those that minister to us. Church authority has been shown time and time again, to be prone to greed and abuse of power. And we make it easy for them, because we're too undisciplined to read the Bible for ourselves, and too insecure about our own ability to understand the Word of God sufficiently to challenge what they teach. This is no one's fault, but our own! When will we learn that no man is more or less able to listen and heed the Word of God? We all have the Holy Spirit within us, to guide us in His will. Seminary graduation does not make a man, or woman, infallible in Bible interpretation! The only way to KNOW the Word of God is to read it, understand it, and allow God to show it to us. That is not possible, when we rely wholly on others to feed it to us.

We, here in the West, have become a society of part-time Christians. We go to a building full of people on Sundays, and listen to someone tell us what the Word says, and then we go home and live out our lives. We talk the talk, but we don't walk the Walk. We are shallow and superficial in our growth. We have become complacent, and we're okay with that! Listen up, people, it's not OK! The Bible tells us that we are to write the Words of the Lord upon our hearts, and to talk of them throughout the day. How can we do that, if we only parrot what others tell us? The Lord has seen fit to give us ALL the chance to know His Word for ourselves. Here in the West, we have no excuse that warrants not knowing the Word of God. Bibles are in large supply, and in our own language...what more do we need? Are we going to continue to reject such a gift?

Hear the word of the LORD, You children of Israel, For the LORD [brings] a charge against the inhabitants of the land: "There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land. Hosea 4:1 NKJV

Now to be sure, reading, interpreting and understanding God's Word will cause you discomfort, beloved. It will, because it will be made plain to all who do so, that we are sinners, and need to repent of our ways. It will be unpleasant because we will begin to reject the fleshly pleasures that our humanity screams for. We will begin to allow God to truly lead us, rather than blindly following the other sheep. Please remember, sheep go astray all the time! They are truly stupid creatures. Sheep require a shepherd, and this sheep for one, requires The Shepherd's voice.

All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

It's time that we stood upon the foundation of God's Word, each and every one of us, with full knowledge of what He teaches, not just what man says He teaches. From the beginning of Creation there have been those that pervert His Word for their own gain, and they will be judged all the more harshly for that on the Day of Judgment. We, however, will also be judged for our complacency, if we refuse to let the Word of God guide us, in every thing. Will we continue to be lukewarm, to the extent that the Lord tells us on the Day of Judgment that He "never knew us"? All because we didn't take the time to know Him?

Peddling the Word of God the way that some do, for gain in this earthly life, rather than treasures in Heaven, should be blatantly obvious to all of us. Wouldn't you rather be sure that the instructions you're being given are right and true? Do we want untold numbers of unbelievers and new believers to be led down a path that does not lead to God? Can you live with the knowledge that you may have allowed another to base the state of their salvation on their financial contribution to liars and fakes, rather than on grace by faith alone?

Giving generously and joyfully as we are able, according to our means, is something we should all be doing. Whether that means 10%, 20%, 100% or even nothing at all (if we have NONE to give). But it should be given, not just to a building fund or to pay the salary of a pastor. It should be given out of love for our fellow man as well. The money we give to the Body, should go to any that have need. Whether that need is for fleshly things- such as food and clothing; or the need is to hear the message of salvation. It should also never be given with the expectation that the "blessing" will be returned to us. Our giving should be for the spread of the Gospel, first and foremost. We should support our "senders", so that they can concentrate on sharing the pure Word of God; and also to help other believers in whatever they need, in order to be able to continue in faith. If a teacher of His Word is not actively sharing the Word with the lost, then they are not fulfilling their calling. Unfortunately, in this day and age, the majority of those that are taught, on a given Sunday, are those that should not need to be taught... they should be out teaching it and sharing it as well. They should be among the "senders". We are all given the priesthood, when we accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are all given equal opportunity and responsibility to share His Good News.

Faith in God manifests itself by the fruits of the Spirit apparent in our lives. The fruit will not ripen on a tree that is not fed and watered with the Bread of Life and the Living Water. So, I say to you: if you are not yet mature enough in your ability to interpret His word for yourself, and still rely on the others to instruct you, then listen to what your pastor says, and then go home and test it! Be certain that when your pastor says: ...we are not, as so many,* peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17 NKJV that he/she is speaking the honestly. Be certain that any teacher in your midst has "renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV

The gathering of believers on Sundays is intended to be for fellowship and the breaking of bread, prayer to the Lord, and encouraging one another, as the early church practiced. (Acts 2:42-47 NKJV) Church attendance is a good thing, and a needful thing, but not as a school for mass catatonia amongst those in attendance. Going to church, will not get you into Heaven. That is a promise. Only faith in God alone will save you. And again, your faith will not grow, and will not manifest itself as fruits of the Spirit, if you are not learning and applying the Word of God yourself. The Holy Spirit was sent to each one of us, for specifically this purpose. The Holy Spirit above all, should be our teacher.

Be as the Bereans, search out the Scriptures for yourselves, and know that what you have been taught is pure and true. If it is not, it is every believer's responsibility, as a member of the Body of Christ, to remove those members that infect the Whole, with their poison. That is what impure doctrine does- it infects and diseases the entire body, like a cancer, when we do not identify it and treat it in whatever manner is necessary to remove it. This may be in simple, loving correction. It may also mean confrontation of pure sin. We are all called to edify each other in our faith walk. We are all one in Him. We are all representative images of our Lord. If one among us, is giving a false image of Who He is, it must be brought into the light. It's not enough to quit listening to those teachings. We must have the strength and endurance to call it out. Even Paul was called to correct Peter. Now, if that's not a clear cut case of one calling out the teachings of another who should have known better, I don't know what is. Division is not the effect of gentle loving correction of heresy, and doctrinal error. Unity under Him, is the direct effect created by purity of teachings.

The point is, that though not all of us has a seminary degree, and not all of us are Bible scholars, we are all able to correct impure doctrine, if we just take the time to do so. It takes discipline and an honest desire to further the Lord's work, in the small amount of time we have to make a difference. Are you up to the task? May God help you, if you are not. I pray that you meditate on this today, and ask God for the discernment and wisdom necessary, to correct any teachings that pervert His instruction. I also pray that we, as a whole, will recognize our laziness with regard to learning what His will for us is. The longer that we allow the cancer to remain, the more it will spread. Eventually, it will become terminal. We can do something about it, with God's help. Will you join me? Blessings to you all!

Joyful and Generous Giving

How many of you tithe to your church? I would be willing to bet (if I were a betting woman) that very few, if any of you, (and I include myself in this statement) tithe biblically. I know, I know, this is an awfully bold statement for me to make, but I'll explain. As many of you may know, tithing is an Old Testament law, that the Israelites were to keep. There are some that teach that we as Christians are to do this as well. If we were to do it in the biblical sense, I would wholeheartedly agree.

Anytime, in the Old Testament, when a tithe is mentioned, it is in reference to food. That's right, food, not money. And the person (or family) bringing the tithe was to eat it, after they had offered it. That's right!!! The tithe was to be eaten by the family that offered it, as well as giving some to the priests, and sharing their bounty with others that may not have had food of their own. It was to be a time of celebration and merriment, surrounded by a bounty of food and fellowship.

You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn of your herd or your flock, of any of your offerings which you vow, of your freewill offerings, or of the heave offering of your hand. Deuteronomy 12:17 NKJV

This verse says "you may not eat" but notice it says that you may not eat it within your own gates. The next reference to tithing states this:

And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. Deuteronomy 14:23 NKJV (emphasis mine)

The following explains that the tithe was to be done every third year, and that they were to do the following with their firstfruits of that year.

"When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year--the year of tithing--and have given [it] to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be filled, then you shall say before the LORD your God: 'I have removed the holy [tithe] from [my] house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten [them]." Deuteronomy 26:12-13 NKJV (emphasis mine)

And for those that may have been given the misconception that the tithe was food then, because that was the currency of the times, let me clear that up as well. Or better yet, let me share with you what God has said.

"But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the LORD your God has blessed you, then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. "And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household."Deuteronomy 14:24-26 NKJV

I know that there are many that teach that giving to your church is what we are still to do. I agree, that if we have been blessed with extra, that we should share it, so that ministry to others can be best facilitated. I know that one such Scripture that is used to support continued "tithing" or offerings to the church is Acts 2:44-45

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

The operative words here, are: "divided them among all, as anyone had need." I do not think it's a coincidence that Jesus never passed around an offering plate, with the expectation that money would be put into it. The only time we hear of Him asking for anything to be shared amongst all, is when He asks for food. (Think the 5 loaves and 2 fishes.) I think this is very telling. How about you?

Now, before you think that I am saying that we should not give to our churches, let me tell you, I am not saying that at all. However, I am saying that giving a tenth of your salary to further a ministry within your church is not always the best use of the finance God has blessed you with. God calls us ALL to be ministers to others. That's right, I said ALL. If you honestly feel, after prayer and thought on the subject, that giving to your church is reaching the masses with the Good News, and helping to feed and clothe the needy, then by all means continue to do so. If however, you find that the majority of your money tends to fund administrative costs for a church body that is not ministering effectively to Non-believers, or is not giving adequately to the needy, then perhaps you should re-evaluate your giving practices.

Jesus did mention giving in one of His lessons to the disciples. It is the mention of the widow that gave her last coins into the Temple treasury. He states that she gave all that she had, so it cost her more than all the others. He does NOT say, however, that she would be blessed for it, or even that she should have done so. In fact, there are some that believe (and I agree) that He probably was saddened by the fact that she gave to a system that was broken. Remember the "woes" to the Pharisees? Jesus was telling them that they were hypocrites for giving to the Temple, instead of providing for their widows, orphans, and other needy people. They had developed a procedure for giving, so that they didn't have to help others. They used their tithes and offerings as an excuse not to LOVE others, in the way that we are to LOVE everyone. The same way that God loves us. By providing for our needs, to name just one. Please do read the Scripture references for yourself, and pray about it. I'll leave you with these final verses, for you to meditate on.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. Matthew 23:14 NKJV

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier [matters] of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Matthew 23:23 NKJV

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV

May the blessings of the Lord be upon you.

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Photo courtesy of wuji9981

Knowing the Word of God

"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. Joshua 1:7 NKJV (emphasis mine)

I was listening to a sermon by Dr David Jeremiah on Turning Point last night, and was struck anew as to the importance of knowing the Word of God. Over and over again in this first chapter of Joshua, God instructs Joshua to know the Word, and all His commands, so that he keeps them all his days, and never strays from them.

Not only does God instruct Joshua to know the Word of God, so that he does not stray, but He also instructs him to always speak of it, no matter the circumstance.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Now, though the "Book of the law" that is being described here, is only the first five books of the what is now the Bible, we should be aware that it now applies to the whole of the Word.

Not only are we to never stop speaking the Words of our Lord, and His commands, but we are to teach them to all we come into contact with, especially our family members. This was part of the "Book of the law" that Joshua was to have meditated on always:

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. " Deuteronomy 6:7-9 NKJV

I feel convicted today, that I have not been doing this nearly enough. Though I do witness, to some degree, I do not meditate on His Word, ALL the time. My every conversation is not about the Lord and His commands, as it should be. Can you imagine what life would be like, if we could- and would do this, as we ought? There would be a lot less confusion, and division in the Church, today if we did, I think. Also, there would be a lot less hypocrites giving Christ a bad name, if we did. It would also be patently obvious to anyone that we are followers of Christ. There would never be any question. Talk about being Salt and Light!

What excuses do we use, to not make Christ the center of our every day lives. Is our Lord central and the MOST important part of our lives? Or is our relationship to Him, more of a distant acquaintance, than the personal, close relationship He wants with us? I shall be meditating on this today. How about you? Blessings to you!

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The Passion Week Part 2

As I stated in my earlier post regarding the Passion Week, this week is the time of year, when we in the West, celebrate Christ's death and resurrection. That is the sole purpose of this week. It is not to hunt "Easter eggs" and wait for the "Easter bunny." These things have nothing to do with the reason for the season. Christ's death and resurrection, and the salvation of us all, is the reason for this season.

So what happened next, in the week? I left you with thoughts of Thursday. Let's continue from there. Many things happened on Thursday. One was the last supper, in which Jesus foretells of His betrayal. During the last supper, some of the disciples fought amongst themselves, as to who would be the greatest among them. Jesus explained to them that in order for them to be considered great in any capacity they had to be servants. (Remember, it was during this supper that Jesus washed the feet of each of the disciples, as a servant would. This was to remind us that we are to be servants to all, and not think highly of ourselves.) It was also during this supper that Jesus foretold of Simon Peter's disavowing of Jesus three times, but that when all was said and done, that he would be the strongest of the disciples in the faith. Lastly, during this supper, Jesus prays for His disciples, and certainly for all believers that came after them, that God would "not take them out of this world, but deliver them from evil." John 17:15

Later, we learn that Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemene and prays. As He prays, an angel of the Lord comes to strengthen Him. He is so distraught, that He sweats blood, and asks God that if it be possible, that the events that would shortly take place would not, but He says "Not my will but thine be done." To have such courage and conviction! To be able to say with such meaning, "Though I don't want it, I will take it"!!! I pray for such faith each day, that my desires are in line with God's and that if they aren't, I can still remain faithful to God's will in my life!

After Jesus finishes praying, and finds the three that were to be praying and keeping watch for Him, asleep for the third time, He tells them that the hour has come. He is completely at peace about it!!! He knows what is to come, and He knows it will be painful, and humiliating, but He does it anyway, nor does He fight it at all!!! Judas betrays Him to the Jewish leaders, for 30 pieces of silver. One whom He had trusted and loved as a member of His family! Can you imagine the heartache that would have caused in one of us??!!

Jesus then endures hours of kangaroo court trials, going back and forth between the leaders of the Jewish faith, Pontius Pilate, and Herod. The Jewish people even preferred the release of a murderer, above Him!! This a man whom Pilate could find no guilt in. Jesus is severely beaten, in the Roman method, with a whip that had pieces of bone and metal spikes on it. He was not only beaten the 39 times prescribed by Jewish law, but was beaten by a paid executioner, because any other man would have died from such a beating! After the beating, He is mocked by the centurion guards, and has a crown of thorns placed on His head. The same head that had been hit and spit upon! Oh how that must have hurt!! He is then required to carry His own cross to the place of the Skull, that is Golgotha. However, He is so drained of energy, and blood that He cannot do it on His own, and repeatedly falls down in agony, and lack of energy due to the loss of blood. He is not even allowed a drink of water from those that would give it to Him!

By this time, it is Friday morning, and Jesus is nailed to the cross between to thieves. A sign is placed above His head to mock Him, that said "Jesus King of the Jews". The crowd mocks Him, the soldiers gamble for His clothing, right at the base of the cross He was nailed to. He is given vinegar on a sponge to drink. This out of swollen bleeding lips!!! At about the sixth hour (which was probably about 12:00 in the afternoon) the sky turned dark as night!! It stayed that way for 3 hours!!! In the middle of the day!! At the end of those three hours, Jesus asks that God forgive those that hurt Him and mocked Him, because they knew not what they did. He asks for forgiveness for others at His moment of deepest agony!! To live that example!!!

Before the sunset, Jesus' followers and the women too, asked for Jesus body to be buried, so that it would not hang during Passover. Jesus was buried in the tomb of a wealthy merchant named Joseph of Arimathea. (Joseph, himself was a follower of Jesus, and he was the one that actually asked Pilate for the body of Jesus to be buried.) The stone was rolled into place, and guards placed outside, so that none could take the body. At dawn on Sunday, Mary went to the tomb, to anoint the body, as was the custom of the Jews, since there had not been time before His body was placed inside. When she got there, the tomb was open and empty!!! An angel of the Lord sat upon the rock and told her that Jesus was not there, but that He had risen, just as He said!! She was so confused, that she saw a man walking in the Garden, and thought he was the gardener. She asked him where he had taken the body, so that she could go and get it. Can you imagine her surprise and delight to find that it was not a gardener, but Jesus Himself alive again??!!

Because of what Jesus did for us, not only dying, but rising again, in the body, not just the Spirit, we are all granted the same, if we will but accept Him as our Savior and Lord of our lives. There are some that do not believe this story, and I will admit, to human logic, it seems rather far fetched. But what if it's true??? I for one, believe it, because I have faith that it is true. Even if I were to find out that it wasn't, I have lost nothing by believing. I have only gained everything, even if only in this world. As I said, I DO believe everything I read in my Bible, however I didn't always. I can attest to the changes my life has gone through, here on earth, so even if it's not true, I am thankful for what I believe happened. I urge anyone that questions what I have said (and I acknowledge that I did not give every detail) please read the book of John in the bible. If even half of what is written in that book is true, then I would imagine that many would want to evaluate where they stand.

Just think: What If???? Blessings to you all, this season! I pray blessings and peace to each and every one of you. I also pray that those that do not believe would open their hearts to the possibility that they will lose nothing, and gain everything, simply by accepting what He did.

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Photo courtesy of Tantegert

Having Visions

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.
--Helen Keller

Do you like to day dream? Me too! I've always been a day dreamer. Ok, I've always been a dreamer, period. One of my favorite day dreams, until a few years ago, was what I would do if I won the lottery. Though I don't play the lottery anymore, there are times when I find myself continuing to day dream, and I have found, more often than not, that when I day dream, I am dreaming about something I don't have. Sad, huh? But I don't think that's what Helen Keller was talking about.

We can have day dreams, there's nothing wrong with it, in principal, it's what you're dreaming about that you need to evaluate. For instance, in today's Christian culture, we find many televangelists talking about visualizing good health, more wealth, and prosperity. I have issue with that. I don't think it's wrong to want better health, to have better financial means, or to want to be prosperous, so long as the reason behind wanting these things is honorable. Let's be clear here though. You cannot visualize yourself more financially rich, and have it happen. The world doesn't work in terms defined in "The Secret." God gives us a better financial life, better health, and more prosperity, when it fits His purpose here on earth, not ours. Does that mean you shouldn't ask for it? Well that depends. Are you willing to say "Not my will, but Yours be done"?

So what should we be wanting "visions" of? We should be visualizing God's Kingdom here on earth, period. Not only should we be praying that Jesus comes soon, but that until He does, we leave this world a better place than when we entered it. How do we do that? Well, loving others unconditionally, as Christ did. By seeking out others, and sharing the Good News. By teaching our children every day, throughout the day, about God, and our Savior. By sharing whatever financial wealth we have with those that don't. By caring for others in any way we can. This often means that we will have to give up something we want for ourselves. Just remember though, that we are storing up treasures in Heaven, we are not to store up excess treasure here on Earth. We can't take it with us. (This does not mean, not to provide for your family when you are gone. This just means that whatever is stored here on Earth gets given to those that need it, not just put into a storehouse to waste away.)

Now whenever I dream about having a lot of money (it's kind of hard to dream about winning the lottery, since I don't play) I dream of how I'll give most of it away. How I can help others to realize their dreams of financial security, or even just a place to live and food to eat. What's your vision? Or are you worse than blind?

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For more thoughts on this quote, visit Heather at MommyMonk

Appointed Ambassador

Ambassador: 1. dimplomatic representative; a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by one country as its long-term representative to another 2. official representative; an official representative of an organization or movement 3. unofficial representative; somebody or something regarded as an unofficial representative or a symbol of something (definition taken from the Encarta Dictionary: English)

Did you know that you are an ambassador? That all Christians are ambassadors? Now I don't mean in the diplomatic sense, though I suppose it's possible to be one in that way as well. What I mean is in the official and unofficial sense. We are representatives of Christ.

and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20 NKJV (emphasis mine)

What does that mean???? It means that not only are we to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, but that our actions and our words, in every sense, represent who and what Christ was for all human kind.

So how does one act as an ambassador; and more specifically as an ambassador for Christ? By first always being ready to provide an answer for the hope we hold in Him; and secondly by acting as Christ did, with agape love for all. That's true, unconditional love, people! Love according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

How can we do this, as fallible human beings? By learning each day who Christ was. He was not just a great man, or a visionary. He was a sacrifice for us all. The only sacrifice worthy enough to cover all our sins. How do we learn how to be like Him? Our lives a sacrifice? It is said very clearly in Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--- (emphasis mine)

And finally, I think, that we are to be proud of our appointment as ambassadors, and to always want to perform our duties to the best of our abilities, so that we might be rewarded for our desire to do our best. We will not always be the best ambassadors that we could be, however, it behooves us to learn our job responsibilities, don't you think? Blessings to you!

Photo of Prayer for Peace courtesy of moayad.com

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Jars of Clay

Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? Romans 9:21 NKJV

Did you know that we are like jars of clay? That God has made us each, one for honor and another for dishonor? It's true. There are some jars of clay used in ancient times that were used to house valuable scrolls, and others that were used for human waste. The jar was not what was of value. The contents were the thing of importance (or non-importance, as the case may be), always.

So it is with us. It is not our outward appearances that hold value; or the things that we own, or the things that we can do. It is what is inside of us. Our love and hope in the Lord. The Holy Spirit inside of us that gives us our value as Christ followers. What then should we do with this knowledge?

As we know this, we should always seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, in everything we do, so that we can always have valuable contents. It is what we do with the talents, gifts and material wealth that He has given us, that gives our "jar" it's value. Do you listen to the Holy Spirit's convictions of you daily? Do you read your Bible, so that you may know what the will of God is in your life? If not, I pray that you meditate on this thought today.

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." Romans 9:30-33 NKJV

I put this before you today, because recently, I have had the opportunity to study about Levitical law, and whether or not it applies to believers today. (I'm not talking about the "Ten Commandments"- that's Mosaic law.) And I have learned that it is not the law that is the important contents. It is faith in Him. Righteousness is by faith, just as it was for Abraham. Remember, he did not have the law to follow. What is in your jar??? Blessings to you!

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Photo courtesy of merfam

Always Be Ready...

But sanctify the Lord God* in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 2 Peter 3:15 NKJV

I was listening to a radio program the other day, and was struck anew, as to how one could always be ready to give a defense to anyone that asks for the reason for our hope in the Lord.

In this radio program, the speaker asked the person "Would you like to have love in your life?" Of course, the answer was yes. He then asked, "What about joy?" Again the answer was yes. "What about peace?" Again the answer was yes. "What about patience?" And wouldn't you know it, the answer was yes. "What about kindness, goodness and faithfulness?" Again the answer was yes. And finally, "What about gentleness and self control?" The answer was still yes.

My friends, what was just asked of this person are all the fruits of the Spirit. If we want these things in our lives, then God must be in it. As soon as we ask God into our lives, and then truly desire to listen to our Counselor, and our Provider, He will give us all these things. The only time we don't have them, is when we refuse to accept them from Him.

So the next time you're asked why you believe, and why you have hope in the Lord, Jesus Christ, you can say that you, at one time, desired all these things, and now that God is the center of your life, you have them, so long as you truly seek His will in your life. Now, that might seem too easy to some of you.

I ask those of you that think that's too easy, why should it be difficult? Jesus already paid the price for us. The acceptance is easy. Sometimes, the narrow path He has laid out for us isn't always easy to follow, but it's always there. You just might have to whack a few overgrown weeds out of the way, is all.

It's true, we will have difficulties, but that isn't what needs to come first, when we tell others why we hope in Him. So go on, tell others about your hope, and why you have it. It's easy, I tell you! It really is! Blessings to you all!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 NKJV

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Photo courtesy of creativesam

A Book Review- Sentinel City of Destiny

I was asked to read a book recently, and to write a review of it. The title of the book is "Sentinel, City of Destiny" and is written by Landel Bilbrey. You can find the book here, if you are interested in reading it, or purchasing it for someone you know. Bridgemaker Books

This story is a fantasy allegory about two young boys who take on the adventure of a lifetime, of better yet, the adventure that means their eternal life. It is about two twin boys and their journey to manhood. A manhood in the true Biblical sense. It is filled with Scripture references in the form of "Logos". I find this interesting, in that "logos" is the Greek word for "God's plan and purpose".

This book is written in the form of knights and medieval type worlds, with fantasy and reality intertwined. Much like the Chronicles of Narnia, and even some close resemblances to "Lord of the Rings." Without giving away the storyline too much, I would highly recommend this book to any family that has young ones, especially boys, in the age range of eight to twelve. It is an easy read, but has important life values to learn. This book teaches the dangers of gambling, lust, pride and even the dangers of too much of a good thing like imagination and intellect and talent. This book even includes a study guide at the end for helping young ones to apply the lessons they've learned in the book. The most important, certainly, is the knowledge that prayer and daily Scripture reading are absolutely necessary for full growth in the Lord.

Excellent read! Having read many books, and having a high level of literacy, it was not so easy to read that I was bored at any time, nor was it difficult to read for those that may have difficulty staying focused for long periods of time. One could easily read a chapter a night, and not get lost in sequence of events. Check it out. I will be recommending this book to others, as well. Again, if you are interested in this book, you may click here Bridgemaker Books to purchase this book. For the record, I do not have any financial interest in this book, whatsoever, and only write this review in good faith of the authors' intentions to help parents teach their children good values that translate into good adults, and for children to learn those same good values. Blessings to you!

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Odie, Pease! Mom

Translation: Hold me, please, Mom. What is it that a child does when they want to be held? They hold their arms up high! It is the universal baby language of "Hold Me."
In the same way, when we are downtrodden and weary, we hold out our arms to the One True Father of us all, to "Hold Us." I highly recommend that you try this, even when you are not downtrodden and weary. And try thinking of it in the same terms: "Hold me, Father." In your daily time with the Lord (which I pray each of you has) lift up your arms in worship of Him, and just know the love of His arms lifting you up, and holding you.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

It was this same thought that brought me back to the Lord in 2004. I remembered a dream I had when I was sad as a child, and I dreamed that I curled up in Jesus' lap, and He held me and soothed me. What a wonderful thought, isn't it?

Blessings to you all!

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It's a New Year, Beloved

I have been enjoying my family time, for the last week or so, but I have also been in prayer to my Heavenly Father. I seem to have forgotten that my name is Beloved. That by claiming that name, I have a responsibility and an honor to uphold it. So in this New Year, I have been listening to one of my favorite artists. His name is Jon Shabaglian. He is a local artist, so unless you go to this site, and buy his CD, you're not likely to find it in any stores. Two of my favorites are "Have You Encountered" and "Wake Up" off his "Stay Near" CD. The first few verses of "Have You Encountered" are as follows:

Hey bro, can I have your ear
I've got somethin' here
That's heavy up inside of me
I see you wanderin' around
Without much purpose
so I'm wondering if you've ever
Had the priveledge
To meet a special friend of mine
As for me: since we first met
Things have been different.

Now I don't know where you stand
But as for Him He's offering His hand
So I gotta ask...

Have you encountered my God, my God?
Have you encountered my God, my God?

After listening to this song, I have to ask myself, am I being a faithful witness to the true God? Am I being a fake Christian? Am I being a shady reflection of His people? If so then they have NOT encountered my God!

The song "Wake Up" talks about the uphill climb that following the One True God is. I am reminded that we must take up our crosses and follow Him, if we are to be true reflections of Him. We cannot hold on to that which is comfortable, or the status quo! Being a Christ follower is NOT comfortable. It goes against everything we naturally are. Though we were created in God's image, we have strayed so far from that original creation, and we must ask ourselves each day, are we straying from the narrow path?

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence [is] fullness of joy; At Your right hand [are] pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 NKJV

Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Psalm 119:35 NKJV

The way of the just [is] uprightness; O Most Upright, You weigh the path of the just. Isaiah 26:7 NKJV

All this to say that I will be making a resolution today and everyday of every New Year to be in closer communion with the Lord, because without Him, my path will not be straght. I will stray from this very narrow path, and will never be able to find my way through that narrow Gate. I pray you will also meditate on these Truths today.

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Good News and Bad News

Hello My Dear Readers. As you know, I have been sick for a couple days. I am feeling much better now. That is one piece of good news. The second piece of good news is that my husband has grudgingly allowed me to begin home schooling our children. Now for the bad news. Because I will be dedicating most of my home time to teaching my children, for the time being at least, I will not be posting on this blog. This was a concession I made with my husband in order that I could assure my husband that the day would be dedicated to instruction. This is not a completely happy choice for me, but I know that my first responsibility is to minister to my family. I have really enjoyed ministering to others, but my family and my children must take precedence.

I will miss you all, and hope that at some point I will find the time to be able to continue to write for this ministry. I do ask for your prayers in this new and a little bit frightening adventure. I also ask that if there are any of you out there that are experienced with homeschooling (and especially doing so in California) that you share your experiences and suggestions with me. I can use all the help you can give. I love you all, and I will be praying for you all. Blessings to you all!

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photo courtesy of Niallsco

The Son (Author Unknown)

I received this in an email today. I don't know who the original author is, but I was so moved I had to share it with you all. If you've read it before, I beg your forgiveness. Blessings to you all!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 NKJV

The SON

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"

There was silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."

But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"

Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the
real bids!"

But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

"We have $10, who will bid $20?"

"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"

A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."

"What about the paintings?"

"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!"

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?"

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

The Reason for the Season???

Now there are a few different views on the reason for this season. Some are seen as Holy Days, and others are seen as a means of remembering culture and virtues. The Jews celebrate Hanukkah, as a remembrance of the re-dedication of the Temple to the Lord, after the Maccabean revolt in 165 BC. Christians view this time of year as a time to remember the birth of our Lord.

Now, before I write anything further, let me say that my family and I do celebrate Christmas, and we do celebrate as a reason to remember Christ's birth. However, my husband said something the other night that really stuck with me. He said, "I wonder why so many Christians insist on celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25th" And he has a point. For one, nowhere in the Bible does it state that Jesus was born in December. For two, nowhere does the Bible instruct us to even commemorate His birth in any way.

The closest details we have about the timing of His Glorious birth is in Luke 2:8, in which it is stated:

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

The only time that shepherds needed to keep watch over their flocks throughout the night was during the spring, during lambing season. Though the shepherds were likely out in the fields with their sheep from March throughout September, just because of their importance to the Passover Festival, and worries about theft or damage to the flock; that still supports the notion that Jesus was not born in December. During the winter, the sheep would have been kept in a corral, not out in the fields.

So when was Jesus born? Here we have the next closest timing for Jesus' birth. We know from biblical accounts that Jesus was born six months after his cousin, John the Baptist. (See Luke 1:26) We know from Luke that Zachariah was responsible for the eighth of the 24 Priestly Courses of the Jewish Faith. Each of the 24 courses lasted a week and were repeated twice during the year. The Jews used a luni-solar calendar of 51 weeks - the other three weeks of the year were for the three major Jewish religious celebrations - Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Because the calendar only had 51 weeks, the Jews had to add 30 days at prescribed intervals so that the calendar kept pace with the solar year.

In the case of Zachariah, he was officiating in the 8th course, or 8th week of the Jewish year, when the angel paid him a visit. The priestly courses probably started their serving in the springtime month of Nisan - the first month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year. This is a chronological clue - it tells us the general time of year that Zachariah was serving. We also know that he was not serving at a festival period because the priests suspended their normal weekly duties and all served together during the major Jewish high holy seasons.

Assuming that the springtime month of Nisan began that year (it varied with the state of the crops - in 4 BC it began after midnight on March 28 - March 29) on what corresponds to the end of March of our current calendar, then Zacharias was visited by the angel, and his wife became pregnant, in the month of June. Remember also that Passover, one of the High Holy weeks of the Jews, occurred during the time interval from late March to June - putting off Zacharias’ priestly course for one week. Assuming a full-term pregnancy of 9 months, Elizabeth gave birth to John sometime in March. This means Jesus’ birth would have taken place the following September. And what if Zacharias was serving his priestly course during his second time of the year, in December? This would mean that Elizabeth gave birth to John in September, and Jesus was born the following March. As you can see, neither of these dates is in December.

There are a few different reasons or theories given for why we celebrate Christ's birth in December. One is that the date was chosen not by the Christians, but by Romans, the traditional antagonists of the Early Church. Each year as the days became noticeably shorter in November and December, the Roman citizens feared that the earth may be "dying". With the "return of the sun" at the end of December resulting in longer days, the Romans celebrated the "Feast of the Sol Invictus" (Unconquerable Sun") on December 25. Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered in 354 that all Christians celebrate the birth of the Christ child on that day. Scholars believe that the bishop chose this date so that Christians, still members of an "outlaw religion" in the eyes of the Romans, could celebrate the birth of their Savior without danger of revealing their religious conviction, while their Roman neighbors celebrated another event. Another is that it was chosen to incorporate pagan Winter Solstice practices into the Christian faith. I tend to go with the former reason.

Another tradition of Christmas is to give gifts, and the original reasoning behind this, I believe goes back to the Magi. I find it interesting to note here, that the Magi were not necessarily, and probably were not, Jews at all. They were most likely Persian astronomers. This belief is based on the fact that they followed "a star"; and did so based on prophecy that they knew of, going back to the time when Daniel served under Nebuchadnezzar, as one of their own.

Another thing that is interesting to note, is that Jesus was no longer a newborn at the time of their arrival. He was a toddler, and not even in a stable anymore.

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 NKJV

So while my family and I will continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus in December, along with many of our Christian counterparts, I beg to differ with those that say His Glorious birth occurred in December. It is certainly a reason to celebrate, but let's be clear here. Jesus was not born in December.

Having said all that, I will reiterate: We will continue to celebrate the birth of our Lord, on December 25th. It is a wonderful tradition, if nothing else. I do enjoy remembering my Lord's birth, regardless of when it actually occurred. Let's all try to remember that though His birth may be the reason for the season, we should be remembering that He came to save us, each and every day of the year. Blessings to you, and Merry Christmas.

Christians On Trial

About a week ago, my husband repeated a question to me that a minister had asked of his congregation. The question was this: "If you were arrested today, and the charges against you were that you were a Christian, would the prosecutor have enough evidence against you to convict you?" I must say, this question had me thinking. Obviously, in this country is not actually a crime to be a Christian, but if it were.....

Now I am by no means a legal expert, but I do know that here in the US, for a murder charge, there must be "proof beyond a reasonable doubt". Assuming that the same is true for all "crimes" would there be enough to convict you?

Is there evidence of your "crime"?
Do you have a bible in your home, and do you read it often? Do you fellowship with other believers? Or do you only maybe have a bible sitting on a shelf somewhere, and call yourself a Christian? Do you spend time in prayer each day?

Have you confessed to the "crime"?
Have you confessed to God your sin and your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you confessed and repented of your previous sinful life? Have you confessed to anyone else that you have done this? Do you call yourself a Christian?

Are there any witnesses to your "crime"?
Do others see you acting as a Christ follower in your day to day life? Do you minister to others? Do you share what you know about the Lord with anyone? Would someone else "testify" that they know you to be a Christian? Do you have a "rap sheet" showing your propensity to be Christ-like? Has anyone seen you pray?

Are there any co-conspirators to your "crime?"
Is there anyone that has come alongside you in your faith walk? Have they helped you to be a Christian? Have you helped them? Do they know that you are a Christian?

Do you have an alibi?
Have you really ever been to the "scene" of your "crime"? Would the defense have anything that could be used as proof that you are not a Christian, or that you are not fully a Christian? Perhaps a lifestyle choice you have made that is contrary to what God has called us to be?

Do you have an "insanity" plea?
Now this one may seem a trick question, because I know for myself anyway, that I AM crazy for the Lord, but that's not what I mean. Is there some way that your defense could prove that you "don't mean it" or "didn't realize the 'consequences' of your decision"?

Now, I realize, I've used all negative terms to describe what being a Christian would mean, if we were put on trial for it. I also realize that this is not an exhaustive list of what might constitute proof of Christianity in a court of law. In fact, there is only one item in this list that proves that you are a Christian, and that is your confession to God and acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and repentance of your sinful life. However, we must realize that though for now, there are no bad consequences (at least not here in the US) for being a Christian, there will come a time when we WILL all be judged for either rewards or eternal damnation. So ask yourself..."If you were put on trial, would you be convicted?"

There is no "MORE" to this post.