Every where I look I seem to see a little baby. Mary & Don's Carla, just had a baby girl! Babies, babies babies!
Here are some Question and Answers about children:
Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.
Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.
Q: What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A: For men to be the ones who get pregnant.
Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.
Q: The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
A: 'Cause you're fatter than they are.
Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.
Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labour?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.
Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.
Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.
God loves babies! How do I know? He said, "You must be born again!"
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Wouldn't be great to fill the church auditorium up with new borns? Those for the first time seeing the brand new world of faith? Those who come with so much hope and potential in the Son?
Go have children!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
How Long is Eternity?
The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Composite Index recorded a paper loss of $1 trillion across the market for the day, a first!
Bill Bryson (in his book, Notes from a Big Country) gives a fascinating illustration of just how much this is:
If you were locked in a vault and you could keep every dollar bill you initialled, (we're assuming that you initial one bill every second and that you don't need to eat, sleep or take comfort breaks!)do you know how long it would take you to make a million dollars?
Twelve days of non-stop effort would earn you a million dollars.
120 days would give you $10 million.
1200 days - $100 million. That's over three years to get a paltry $100 million ... Still a long way to go ...
After 31.7 years, you'd be a billionaire.
But wait, there's more ... we're still only at the billionaire stage ... Keep initialling, Kiddo!
After initialling a dollar bill every second without stopping, it would take you 31,709.8 years to get to your first trillion!
"How long is eternity?"
How long will I exist either with or without the eternal rewards God wants me to have? If you’re a non-Christian, how long will you exist out of the presence of God?
If you had a bird in your backyard next to a sandbox. And you take a pail, fill it full of sand, and then let some of the grains of sand fall through your hands. One bucket of sand has thousands of grains of sand.
Let’s imagine that you could instruct that bird to pick up one of the grains of sand in its beak, fly to the moon and drop it off. Let’s say it takes one million years for the bird to get to the moon. He puts the grain of sand down and flies back to earth. It takes a million years for him to get back. He then picks up the next grain of sand and flies back to the moon. He drops off that grain and flies back to earth—a million years there, a million years back.
One by one the bird takes each grain of sand in your sandbox to the moon. When he is finished, you take him down to the Atlantic Ocean and the beach which runs along the coast. You tell him, "I want you to start clearing off the sand on this beach one grain at a time."
He starts there, then works his way up to Miami, then to Jacksonville, Hilton Head, Charleston, New York City, Boston, and up toward Maine. He takes each grain of sand to the moon one at a time, a million years there, a million years back. When he’s done with all of that, you take him out to the West Coast and from Mexico all the way up to California and Oregon, you tell him to take one grain of sand at a time and fly it to the moon.
When the bird finishes with all of that, you say, I’ve got this other little spot called the Sahara Desert. I want you to clear the sand off of that place one at a time." When he finishes that, you say, "Three-fourths of the surface of the earth is water. Let me drain the oceans dry. At the bottom of the oceans you have a lot of sand. Take all of that sand to the moon, one grain of sand at a time, a million years there, and a million years back."
When he finishes, if you could add up all of the millions of years it had taken to remove all of the sand from all of those places, eternity would just be beginning. (How Long is Eternity? By Dr. John Ankerberg)
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“ I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Bill Bryson (in his book, Notes from a Big Country) gives a fascinating illustration of just how much this is:
If you were locked in a vault and you could keep every dollar bill you initialled, (we're assuming that you initial one bill every second and that you don't need to eat, sleep or take comfort breaks!)do you know how long it would take you to make a million dollars?
Twelve days of non-stop effort would earn you a million dollars.
120 days would give you $10 million.
1200 days - $100 million. That's over three years to get a paltry $100 million ... Still a long way to go ...
After 31.7 years, you'd be a billionaire.
But wait, there's more ... we're still only at the billionaire stage ... Keep initialling, Kiddo!
After initialling a dollar bill every second without stopping, it would take you 31,709.8 years to get to your first trillion!
"How long is eternity?"
How long will I exist either with or without the eternal rewards God wants me to have? If you’re a non-Christian, how long will you exist out of the presence of God?
If you had a bird in your backyard next to a sandbox. And you take a pail, fill it full of sand, and then let some of the grains of sand fall through your hands. One bucket of sand has thousands of grains of sand.
Let’s imagine that you could instruct that bird to pick up one of the grains of sand in its beak, fly to the moon and drop it off. Let’s say it takes one million years for the bird to get to the moon. He puts the grain of sand down and flies back to earth. It takes a million years for him to get back. He then picks up the next grain of sand and flies back to the moon. He drops off that grain and flies back to earth—a million years there, a million years back.
One by one the bird takes each grain of sand in your sandbox to the moon. When he is finished, you take him down to the Atlantic Ocean and the beach which runs along the coast. You tell him, "I want you to start clearing off the sand on this beach one grain at a time."
He starts there, then works his way up to Miami, then to Jacksonville, Hilton Head, Charleston, New York City, Boston, and up toward Maine. He takes each grain of sand to the moon one at a time, a million years there, a million years back. When he’s done with all of that, you take him out to the West Coast and from Mexico all the way up to California and Oregon, you tell him to take one grain of sand at a time and fly it to the moon.
When the bird finishes with all of that, you say, I’ve got this other little spot called the Sahara Desert. I want you to clear the sand off of that place one at a time." When he finishes that, you say, "Three-fourths of the surface of the earth is water. Let me drain the oceans dry. At the bottom of the oceans you have a lot of sand. Take all of that sand to the moon, one grain of sand at a time, a million years there, and a million years back."
When he finishes, if you could add up all of the millions of years it had taken to remove all of the sand from all of those places, eternity would just be beginning. (How Long is Eternity? By Dr. John Ankerberg)
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“ I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, the First of the Week
Ahhhh, what another great Sunday. During Bible study we had discussion on the actions of Joesph testing his brothers' love and care for each other. Those who attended were deep and right on track.
Service came and the worship team was ready to bring us to worship. Their spirits were full and they sang from an abundance. God was in the room inhabiting the praises of his people.
Many guests were there this morning. New faces seeking the Lord. I could see them worship. The joy on their faces revealed their hunger for God.
Paul, our missionary friend, sang a special music on the spur of the moment. Bill & Frankie were present, the bringing back of old friends. Elaine, had her birthday, which made her a little older (not in spirit).
Home Group met later in the evening. A new girl attended. She wants to get baptized. Excellent worship and study. People were real.
Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Service came and the worship team was ready to bring us to worship. Their spirits were full and they sang from an abundance. God was in the room inhabiting the praises of his people.
Many guests were there this morning. New faces seeking the Lord. I could see them worship. The joy on their faces revealed their hunger for God.
Paul, our missionary friend, sang a special music on the spur of the moment. Bill & Frankie were present, the bringing back of old friends. Elaine, had her birthday, which made her a little older (not in spirit).
Home Group met later in the evening. A new girl attended. She wants to get baptized. Excellent worship and study. People were real.
Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sitting in Dallas, Texas
Here I am sitting in a hotel conference centre in Dalls, Texas. The conference is hosted by Russell Brunson, an Internet savvy, young man who knows how to make real dollars on the web. There is no hype here, this is the real deal.
I am so impressed with the young minds now started to figure things out. I'm 49 and can see that the next generation has alot to offer. They think outside of the box because they don't see a box. Their ideas are crisp, clear and very thought out. They appear undisciplined but are just the opposite in real life.
I have learned much. Some of this stuff needs to be brought to our young and up and coming young men and women in the spiritual field. A young person could "easily" have a workable online business that could care for their needs as they do their mission work in small, un-finaniced places.
This reminds me of David and his men,..." who were designated by name to come and make David king; 32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;" 1 Chronicles 12:32
When we are aware of what is happening in the world around us we learn how to connect with what is really happening not what we think is happening. The church must be looking at similar questions so we stay as a true value to the world at large. Jesus is ALWAYS the true value of EVERY generation and EVERY nationality of people.
JESUS IS THE ANSWER!
I am so impressed with the young minds now started to figure things out. I'm 49 and can see that the next generation has alot to offer. They think outside of the box because they don't see a box. Their ideas are crisp, clear and very thought out. They appear undisciplined but are just the opposite in real life.
I have learned much. Some of this stuff needs to be brought to our young and up and coming young men and women in the spiritual field. A young person could "easily" have a workable online business that could care for their needs as they do their mission work in small, un-finaniced places.
This reminds me of David and his men,..." who were designated by name to come and make David king; 32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;" 1 Chronicles 12:32
When we are aware of what is happening in the world around us we learn how to connect with what is really happening not what we think is happening. The church must be looking at similar questions so we stay as a true value to the world at large. Jesus is ALWAYS the true value of EVERY generation and EVERY nationality of people.
JESUS IS THE ANSWER!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
700 Billion Dollar Bail Out
The United States is facing some difficult times. The Congress is meeting to discuss a 700 Billion dollar aid package for some of the major companies that are facing financial ruin. As I watch the news I can see the stress on people's faces as they try to figure this all out.
I also read the the Lehman Brother's Bank CEO made $22.1 million dollars as a salary with stock options in 2007! I don't know about you but don't you think that is a little high for a wage package? I wonder why the company was in trouble!
The price of things are in turmoil. What could a person buy with 700 billion? People don't know what they should do about this problem. What will they do with all this money?
Judas Iscariot discovered what he could get for a few dollars, thirty pieces of silver to be exact. He could sell Jesus to his enemies!
Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
The world has always had a fascination with money. The LORD before the beginning of time decided that the price of His Son would be set at thirty pieces of silver. Such a small amount for what it purchased!
These thirty pieces of silver moved Judas to do the worst deed in all of history. Even today not many would call their child, Judas, because of what he did. This small purchase price was worth more than the 700 billion dollar bail out. This small purchase saved the human race.
To God be the Glory great things He has done!
Remember to pray for America. That God would give them wisdom on how to best handle this overwhelming challenge. America needs of understanding and compassion during these difficult hours, not our complaints and criticism. Pray for the still great nation to our south!
I also read the the Lehman Brother's Bank CEO made $22.1 million dollars as a salary with stock options in 2007! I don't know about you but don't you think that is a little high for a wage package? I wonder why the company was in trouble!
The price of things are in turmoil. What could a person buy with 700 billion? People don't know what they should do about this problem. What will they do with all this money?
Judas Iscariot discovered what he could get for a few dollars, thirty pieces of silver to be exact. He could sell Jesus to his enemies!
Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
The world has always had a fascination with money. The LORD before the beginning of time decided that the price of His Son would be set at thirty pieces of silver. Such a small amount for what it purchased!
These thirty pieces of silver moved Judas to do the worst deed in all of history. Even today not many would call their child, Judas, because of what he did. This small purchase price was worth more than the 700 billion dollar bail out. This small purchase saved the human race.
To God be the Glory great things He has done!
Remember to pray for America. That God would give them wisdom on how to best handle this overwhelming challenge. America needs of understanding and compassion during these difficult hours, not our complaints and criticism. Pray for the still great nation to our south!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Leaving on a Jet Plane
All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin'
It's early morn
The taxis waitin'
He's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome
I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
Evr'y song I sing, I'll sing for you
When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
'cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time
Let me kiss you
Then close your eyes
I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say
I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
---John Denver
I'm heading off to Dallas, Texas tomorrow and gettin' my bags packed. The conference is about the internet and stuff like that. It should be interesting.
When a person gets ready to leave on a jet plane there are some things he has to go through.
~He must have a ticket.
~He must have his flight all paid for.
~He must think what he wants to bring with him because he can't bring it all.
~He must bring what is important for when he gets to his destination.
~He looks with anticiption of those he will be meeting on the other side.
A person could take this little trip and compare it to our life here on earth, as we prepare to go to heaven.
~We must have a ticket, that's Jesus' gift of Life for us.
~The ticket must be paid for, that's Jesus' giving His blood for us.
~We are not bringing much with us, only the things that are important, that's other humans, those who we declared the gospel to and they recieved the Son.
~We look with anticipation of those we will meet on the other side. Who are you anxious to meet and see again in heaven? I want to see my father, my friend, Terry, my brother-in-law, Rick and a few other friends I know!
God is a good God BUT if you want to see Him when you pass away, YOU BETTER HAVE A TICKET!
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin'
It's early morn
The taxis waitin'
He's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome
I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
Evr'y song I sing, I'll sing for you
When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
'cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time
Let me kiss you
Then close your eyes
I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say
I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
---John Denver
I'm heading off to Dallas, Texas tomorrow and gettin' my bags packed. The conference is about the internet and stuff like that. It should be interesting.
When a person gets ready to leave on a jet plane there are some things he has to go through.
~He must have a ticket.
~He must have his flight all paid for.
~He must think what he wants to bring with him because he can't bring it all.
~He must bring what is important for when he gets to his destination.
~He looks with anticiption of those he will be meeting on the other side.
A person could take this little trip and compare it to our life here on earth, as we prepare to go to heaven.
~We must have a ticket, that's Jesus' gift of Life for us.
~The ticket must be paid for, that's Jesus' giving His blood for us.
~We are not bringing much with us, only the things that are important, that's other humans, those who we declared the gospel to and they recieved the Son.
~We look with anticipation of those we will meet on the other side. Who are you anxious to meet and see again in heaven? I want to see my father, my friend, Terry, my brother-in-law, Rick and a few other friends I know!
God is a good God BUT if you want to see Him when you pass away, YOU BETTER HAVE A TICKET!
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
Monday, September 22, 2008
How Do You Come Back When You Are Down?
1 Kings 19
1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel[a] touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 And the angel[b] of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.
9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”
All of us go through times of discouragement. How do we come back from it?
According to this passage of Scripture, there are three causes of discouragement.
1. Physical strength is overtaxed.
2. Focused on self- "I only, am left."
3. Focused on circumstances and not God.
We all seem to have a certainway of handling these times of discouragement.
1. To run from the problem.
2. To hide ourselves.
3. To go into self pity.
There are three key truths we should believe:
1. God's love is consistent - unconditional!
-sing this out as you drive, in the shower.
-personalize music
2. God's love is revealed in special ways because of sin.
3. God's love anticipates coming need.
How does God deal with us in our down times?
1. He gives us rest
2. He speak to us
3. He reveals Himself to us
4. He reminds us of past victories
5. He links us into someone else
1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel[a] touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 And the angel[b] of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.
9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”
All of us go through times of discouragement. How do we come back from it?
According to this passage of Scripture, there are three causes of discouragement.
1. Physical strength is overtaxed.
2. Focused on self- "I only, am left."
3. Focused on circumstances and not God.
We all seem to have a certainway of handling these times of discouragement.
1. To run from the problem.
2. To hide ourselves.
3. To go into self pity.
There are three key truths we should believe:
1. God's love is consistent - unconditional!
-sing this out as you drive, in the shower.
-personalize music
2. God's love is revealed in special ways because of sin.
3. God's love anticipates coming need.
How does God deal with us in our down times?
1. He gives us rest
2. He speak to us
3. He reveals Himself to us
4. He reminds us of past victories
5. He links us into someone else
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Sheila's Birthday Today
Sheila Fedoruk's birthday is today! She is now ___________ years old! Another year has come and gone. Life is passing us by.
Not!
Sheila is a believer. She is ageless. It is like Mary being told by Jesus that there is no age for believers. Their earth suits get old but the true essence of the person never dies or ages.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Sheila, you are never aging! Isn't this GREAT! You have never aged a day after you accepted Jesus as Lord. You entered eternal life!
Birthdays come and go and we keep a record of how many times our earth suits have been travelling around the sun but the spirit of man is ageless. Never to die, never to age, to be everlasting.
Let the world keep their fasination on keeping the earth suit looking young as long as it can. We are on a different level, our inner man is being renewed every day!
Happy birthday Sheila, I will be saying this to you for the next zillion years!
Not!
Sheila is a believer. She is ageless. It is like Mary being told by Jesus that there is no age for believers. Their earth suits get old but the true essence of the person never dies or ages.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Sheila, you are never aging! Isn't this GREAT! You have never aged a day after you accepted Jesus as Lord. You entered eternal life!
Birthdays come and go and we keep a record of how many times our earth suits have been travelling around the sun but the spirit of man is ageless. Never to die, never to age, to be everlasting.
Let the world keep their fasination on keeping the earth suit looking young as long as it can. We are on a different level, our inner man is being renewed every day!
Happy birthday Sheila, I will be saying this to you for the next zillion years!
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Errors of the Jehovah's Witnesses Cult
"A Cult is a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.", so says the dictionary.
Another thing about a cult is that they claim to be Christian while not following the accepted doctrines of the church. We don't call Buddhism a cult because they do not claim to be Christians. Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult because they deny that Jesus is God the Son while trying to claim they are Christian.
The main heresies taught by Jehovah's Witnesses are as follow:
1. Annihilation
2. Denial of the Deity of Christ
3. Denial of the Deity of the Holy Spirit
4. Denial of Eternal Security
5. Denial of a Literal Burning Hell
6. Denial of Literal Second Coming of Christ
7. Denial of the Physical Resurrection of Christ
8. Denial of the Trinity
9. Salvation Through Works
10. True Church Theory
We are told to watch out for false teaching that comes. Check all teaching against the Scriptures. Jehovah's Witnesses went so far in their sin that they ended up writing their own Bible so they could change many key passages of Scripture.
We would do well to heed the warning Peter gave to those in his time...
"2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does[a] not slumber."
Another thing about a cult is that they claim to be Christian while not following the accepted doctrines of the church. We don't call Buddhism a cult because they do not claim to be Christians. Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult because they deny that Jesus is God the Son while trying to claim they are Christian.
The main heresies taught by Jehovah's Witnesses are as follow:
1. Annihilation
2. Denial of the Deity of Christ
3. Denial of the Deity of the Holy Spirit
4. Denial of Eternal Security
5. Denial of a Literal Burning Hell
6. Denial of Literal Second Coming of Christ
7. Denial of the Physical Resurrection of Christ
8. Denial of the Trinity
9. Salvation Through Works
10. True Church Theory
We are told to watch out for false teaching that comes. Check all teaching against the Scriptures. Jehovah's Witnesses went so far in their sin that they ended up writing their own Bible so they could change many key passages of Scripture.
We would do well to heed the warning Peter gave to those in his time...
"2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does[a] not slumber."
Thursday, September 18, 2008
What is Prayer?
What is prayer?
Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord.
The Bible speaks much of prayer. But, sometimes, too often, we ignore prayer and seek to accomplish in the strength of our own wills those things that we desire to have or happen. For those of us who are too often guilty of this, we need to bow our knees, confess our sin, receive God's forgiveness, and beg that the will of the Lord be done above our own. God is sovereign and loving and He knows what is best for us and others, even if it doesn't always seem to make the most sense.
We so often come to the Lord with legitimate requests for healing, conversions, and needs and yet the answers we hope for often do not come. We wonder and sometimes doubt. Yet, we persevere and praise God. We pray because we know that God hears us and because we desire to see results. We should pray by faith, trusting God. We should pray consistently, trusting God. We should pray for healing, trusting God. We should pray for others, trusting God. We should pray and when our prayers are answered or are not answered remember this: If we knew what the Lord knew, we wouldn't change a thing.
Prayer changes the one praying because in prayer, you are in the presence of God as you lay before Him your complete self in confession and dependence. There is nothing to hide when in quiet supplication we are reaching into the deepest part of ourselves and admitting our needs and failures. In so doing, our hearts are quieted and pride is stripped and we enjoy the presence of God. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
I am reminded of another benefit of prayer: peace. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Phil. 4:6-7).
I suppose that we can test our prayer life and dependence upon God by the peace or lack of peace in our hearts. In all things we are to seek the Lord and in His continued presence peace will surely be our gain.
Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS & RESEARCH MINISTRY www.carm.org
Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord.
The Bible speaks much of prayer. But, sometimes, too often, we ignore prayer and seek to accomplish in the strength of our own wills those things that we desire to have or happen. For those of us who are too often guilty of this, we need to bow our knees, confess our sin, receive God's forgiveness, and beg that the will of the Lord be done above our own. God is sovereign and loving and He knows what is best for us and others, even if it doesn't always seem to make the most sense.
We so often come to the Lord with legitimate requests for healing, conversions, and needs and yet the answers we hope for often do not come. We wonder and sometimes doubt. Yet, we persevere and praise God. We pray because we know that God hears us and because we desire to see results. We should pray by faith, trusting God. We should pray consistently, trusting God. We should pray for healing, trusting God. We should pray for others, trusting God. We should pray and when our prayers are answered or are not answered remember this: If we knew what the Lord knew, we wouldn't change a thing.
Prayer changes the one praying because in prayer, you are in the presence of God as you lay before Him your complete self in confession and dependence. There is nothing to hide when in quiet supplication we are reaching into the deepest part of ourselves and admitting our needs and failures. In so doing, our hearts are quieted and pride is stripped and we enjoy the presence of God. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
I am reminded of another benefit of prayer: peace. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Phil. 4:6-7).
I suppose that we can test our prayer life and dependence upon God by the peace or lack of peace in our hearts. In all things we are to seek the Lord and in His continued presence peace will surely be our gain.
Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS & RESEARCH MINISTRY www.carm.org
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Lunch With Friends
Today I got back from a pastor and wife retreat just across the USA border. Wanda and I pulled the car into our yard and there was our friend, Paul Johnson. There was an instant smile across our faces.
"Hey, good to see you!"
"Same"
"I have to go out right now but Tim and I will meet you for lunch, eh?"
"Great!"
I drop Wanda off at the house and head to the office. I'm greeted by Mary was a big smile, "Glad to have you back!"
I walk into my office and do a little work. I hear voices in the back room, out I go to investigate. Mary Lou is sitting with Shelia and Art in the converance room having lunch. Laughter.
I walk in, "Hey, there he is. Good to have you back!" More laughter, teasing and the picking on each other begins. "Well, I have to run off to go for lunch. See ya."
I met Tim and Paul for a 1PM lunch over at a resturant. Then Dave Bjork comes in and joins us. Instantly we are bugging each other and laughing.
We order. We continue to talk and laugh about the various situations we were in this past week. Each person was a different way of looking at life and yet each person caring deeply for the other.
We finished eating and Dave immediately picked up the tab (we all convientately were too slow to get the bill before he did). He pays for the meals. Tim says, "I'll leave the tip". More laughter, bugging and acting like men.
We all promise to connect again soon and we're off. Driving back, I think to myself what a great bunch of friends I have. I feel priviledged to call myself their buddy. They always bug me lots, make fun of my directions and my wierd ways but that's why I love 'em. I can be me.
Friendship is a precious thing. I pray each person in the congregation at Royal Heights would be able to say, "I have a friend that goes there."
Today, I thank the Lord for my friends.
"Hey, good to see you!"
"Same"
"I have to go out right now but Tim and I will meet you for lunch, eh?"
"Great!"
I drop Wanda off at the house and head to the office. I'm greeted by Mary was a big smile, "Glad to have you back!"
I walk into my office and do a little work. I hear voices in the back room, out I go to investigate. Mary Lou is sitting with Shelia and Art in the converance room having lunch. Laughter.
I walk in, "Hey, there he is. Good to have you back!" More laughter, teasing and the picking on each other begins. "Well, I have to run off to go for lunch. See ya."
I met Tim and Paul for a 1PM lunch over at a resturant. Then Dave Bjork comes in and joins us. Instantly we are bugging each other and laughing.
We order. We continue to talk and laugh about the various situations we were in this past week. Each person was a different way of looking at life and yet each person caring deeply for the other.
We finished eating and Dave immediately picked up the tab (we all convientately were too slow to get the bill before he did). He pays for the meals. Tim says, "I'll leave the tip". More laughter, bugging and acting like men.
We all promise to connect again soon and we're off. Driving back, I think to myself what a great bunch of friends I have. I feel priviledged to call myself their buddy. They always bug me lots, make fun of my directions and my wierd ways but that's why I love 'em. I can be me.
Friendship is a precious thing. I pray each person in the congregation at Royal Heights would be able to say, "I have a friend that goes there."
Today, I thank the Lord for my friends.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Trouble at Wall Street
The Dow industrials dropped 504.48 points, or 4.4%, to 10917.51. AIG shares declined 61% amid a steep fall for financial stocks. Oil settled below $100 for the first time since.
Yikes! The money markets are all at great risk. These are the best of times and the worst of times...! Fear and risk were words used lots on TV this morning when it came to taking about wall street. The "safe" investment companies were no longer.
People reacted by moving their money to Treasury bills so they could stop trying to figure it out and let the banks and govt handle the mess. Sure they get less percentage return but also less headache.
People lost billions of dollars today! And yet all this wealth does not equal even one human soul. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Jesus warned us to invest not where Warren Buffet or Bill Gates were putting their resources but where He was investing,...in the human soul. The soul of a man is beyond the wealth of this planet and is completely safe from the up and downs of the market.
Luke 12:29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
Jesus, instructed us where to put our main investments, in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. How are your investments doing? How many human souls are in the Kingdom because of your personal investment into them?
Invest wisely. Invest in the Kingdom of God!
Yikes! The money markets are all at great risk. These are the best of times and the worst of times...! Fear and risk were words used lots on TV this morning when it came to taking about wall street. The "safe" investment companies were no longer.
People reacted by moving their money to Treasury bills so they could stop trying to figure it out and let the banks and govt handle the mess. Sure they get less percentage return but also less headache.
People lost billions of dollars today! And yet all this wealth does not equal even one human soul. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Jesus warned us to invest not where Warren Buffet or Bill Gates were putting their resources but where He was investing,...in the human soul. The soul of a man is beyond the wealth of this planet and is completely safe from the up and downs of the market.
Luke 12:29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
Jesus, instructed us where to put our main investments, in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. How are your investments doing? How many human souls are in the Kingdom because of your personal investment into them?
Invest wisely. Invest in the Kingdom of God!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Stranger Angels
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
This verse gives me the eerie feeling of the X-Files. Are we really entertaining heavenly angels that come down as humans and walk amongst us? This verse says,"yes".
What if we had the attitude that every person we meet might be an angel who reports back to the Lord how we're doing loving our fellow man. It would sober us up for sure, wouldn't?
Back in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah this was definitely the case. Angels came down and witnessed first hand how the earth was doing in caring for their fellow man.It was not good. The cities ended up being destroyed because of their bad behaviour.
How many angels have you entertained? Did they smile and report back to the Lord that there is a person on earth who loves all people. There is a person who is not prejudice before all that he meets.
This verse gives me the eerie feeling of the X-Files. Are we really entertaining heavenly angels that come down as humans and walk amongst us? This verse says,"yes".
What if we had the attitude that every person we meet might be an angel who reports back to the Lord how we're doing loving our fellow man. It would sober us up for sure, wouldn't?
Back in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah this was definitely the case. Angels came down and witnessed first hand how the earth was doing in caring for their fellow man.It was not good. The cities ended up being destroyed because of their bad behaviour.
How many angels have you entertained? Did they smile and report back to the Lord that there is a person on earth who loves all people. There is a person who is not prejudice before all that he meets.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Facing Your Giants
1 Samuel 17:4 And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
The story of Goliath is told all around the world. It is a story that connects to each of us. We all have giants that we have to face.
How to you face a giant?
Giants are large and frightening. They are not easily conquered. They have real strength and are intimitating because of their size.
David, is like us in the story. He is small in size and is overshawdowed by the size of Goliath. Our problem as big and so was David's. But...
44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
The key to conquer the goliath in your life is your view and understanding of your God. Is your God really real? Is He the One who is sending you into the battle of life or are you out there alone?
We must get like David, "...our God will deliver us." Believe!
The story of Goliath is told all around the world. It is a story that connects to each of us. We all have giants that we have to face.
How to you face a giant?
Giants are large and frightening. They are not easily conquered. They have real strength and are intimitating because of their size.
David, is like us in the story. He is small in size and is overshawdowed by the size of Goliath. Our problem as big and so was David's. But...
44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
The key to conquer the goliath in your life is your view and understanding of your God. Is your God really real? Is He the One who is sending you into the battle of life or are you out there alone?
We must get like David, "...our God will deliver us." Believe!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Question about the Bible
We are sitting at Chapters as a family and Wanda is reading us a series of questions from a book of Bible questions. It is good to see the kids know many of the answers. Many stories quickly come to mind with each question.
See how many you can answer:
1) How many books are there in the standard Bible?
2) At the time of the census which was conducted by Moses in the first chapter of Numbers, which of the twelve tribes of Israel was the largest?
3) Which of the following animals were the Israelites forbidden to eat by the Old Testament?
4) When were Israelites required to free their servants?
5) Who climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus as he entered Jericho?
6) How many hours did Jesus remain on the cross?
7) Who was chosen to replace Judas as the twelfth apostle?
8) Who did Peter raise from the dead in Joppa?
9) What two men in the Bible never died?
10) What is the longest book in the Bible?
See how many you can answer:
1) How many books are there in the standard Bible?
2) At the time of the census which was conducted by Moses in the first chapter of Numbers, which of the twelve tribes of Israel was the largest?
3) Which of the following animals were the Israelites forbidden to eat by the Old Testament?
4) When were Israelites required to free their servants?
5) Who climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus as he entered Jericho?
6) How many hours did Jesus remain on the cross?
7) Who was chosen to replace Judas as the twelfth apostle?
8) Who did Peter raise from the dead in Joppa?
9) What two men in the Bible never died?
10) What is the longest book in the Bible?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
911
The pain of the 911 twin towers is remembered today. People will be crying, reflecting. praying, forgiving, hurting and trying to understand it all. This is a real subject of hurt for America, with no simple answers.
Today, Let's seek not to "understand the why" but to answer with "what now, Lord?" What would You like for me to do in light of what has happened? How can I glorify You in and through this situation?
Let's begin by lifting these families that have expereinced real, heart-wrenching lost before the Lord.
"Father, we come to You today because You are our God. You are a God of comfort and compassion. We ask for Your hand of love on the lives of those who will remember 911 as a time of great personal loss. Move each soul to the act of forgiveness. Move them to the act of love. Move them to the act of community and friendship.
Lord, You created the world and called it "good". We, in our lust for independence from You, decided we knew best. We ask forgiveness for our arrangance. We are sorry Lord.
Continue to call us back to Your ways. Call us back to loving our fellow man and for caring for our neighbour. Call the nations to repentance and grace. Stop the evil man and reward the righteous in all their ways. Bless the nations, Lord.
Lord, may the mighty power of forgiveness and love begin with me. Thank You, Lord."
Today, Let's seek not to "understand the why" but to answer with "what now, Lord?" What would You like for me to do in light of what has happened? How can I glorify You in and through this situation?
Let's begin by lifting these families that have expereinced real, heart-wrenching lost before the Lord.
"Father, we come to You today because You are our God. You are a God of comfort and compassion. We ask for Your hand of love on the lives of those who will remember 911 as a time of great personal loss. Move each soul to the act of forgiveness. Move them to the act of love. Move them to the act of community and friendship.
Lord, You created the world and called it "good". We, in our lust for independence from You, decided we knew best. We ask forgiveness for our arrangance. We are sorry Lord.
Continue to call us back to Your ways. Call us back to loving our fellow man and for caring for our neighbour. Call the nations to repentance and grace. Stop the evil man and reward the righteous in all their ways. Bless the nations, Lord.
Lord, may the mighty power of forgiveness and love begin with me. Thank You, Lord."
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
God's Business Plan
Luke 2:48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Jesus was a young lad and yet He knew He MUST be about His Father's business. What is this business? What was Jesus doing? What was He surprised they would not know He would be doing?
In the verses before these verses we get to see what Jesus was doing. What He understood as the Father's business.
Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
He was instructing people in the ways of the Father. Church, this is the Father's business. We are to continuously introduce people to a clear understanding of the ways of the Father. Jesus was so clear on the ways of the Father that He called Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Father's business. If we miss Jesus we miss the Father's business on this planet.
Let's get about the Father's business by telling others about His Way.
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Jesus was a young lad and yet He knew He MUST be about His Father's business. What is this business? What was Jesus doing? What was He surprised they would not know He would be doing?
In the verses before these verses we get to see what Jesus was doing. What He understood as the Father's business.
Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
He was instructing people in the ways of the Father. Church, this is the Father's business. We are to continuously introduce people to a clear understanding of the ways of the Father. Jesus was so clear on the ways of the Father that He called Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Father's business. If we miss Jesus we miss the Father's business on this planet.
Let's get about the Father's business by telling others about His Way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)